SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (NYSE: KCI) announced today that it has commercially launched its new V.A.C.® GranuFoam™ Bridge XG Dressing. The V.A.C.® GranuFoam™ Bridge XG Dressing enables more complete coverage of large wounds requiring bridging, including difficult to access pressure ulcers.
Intended for use with KCI Vacuum Assisted Closure (V.A.C.)® Therapy Units, the V.A.C.® GranuFoam™ Bridge XG Dressing offers the traditional healing benefits of the V.A.C.® GranuFoam™ Dressing, while allowing for bridging of the SensaT.R.A.C.™ Pad away from the wound site and simplified dressing application. Retrospective studies have shown V.A.C.® Therapy can have a positive impact on the treatment of pressure ulcers.1,2 Also, V.A.C.® Therapy Systems with SensaT.R.A.C.™ technology are the only NPWT devices that monitor and adjust negative pressure delivery at the wound site.
An estimated 2.5 million patients are treated annually for pressure ulcers in U.S. acute care facilities alone. The treatment of this condition has become a costly challenge for clinicians and healthcare providers, with the cost to care for an advanced (stage III and IV) pressure ulcer estimated as high as $70,000 per case. The total annual healthcare costs for the treatment of pressure ulcers are estimated to be more than $11 billion per year.3
“Pressure ulcers can be debilitating and painful, and we designed the V.A.C.® GranuFoam™ Bridge XG Dressing with patient treatment and comfort in mind,” said Mike Genau, global president of KCI’s Active Healing Solutions™ business. “Combined with the clinically proven effectiveness of V.A.C.® Therapy, our new dressing may help provide improved quality of life for Stage III and IV pressure ulcer patients during the wound treatment and healing process.”
The V.A.C.® GranuFoam™ Bridge XG Dressing combines the extended reach of the V.A.C.® GranuFoam™ Bridge Dressing with the ease of use from the spiral-shaped GranuFoam™ Dressing for wound placement introduced with the V.A.C.® Simplace™ Dressings.
“The V.A.C.® GranuFoam™ Bridge XG has helped increase my case efficiency significantly by allowing for easier patient treatment, a reduction in dressing application time and, consequently, a positive impact on total treatment costs,” said Dr. Adam Ravin, MD, Plastic Surgeon at NorthEast Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Concord, N.C. “I believe V.A.C. ® Therapy’s clinical approach, with the addition of the V.A.C.® GranuFoam™ Bridge XG to the treatment of large wounds requiring bridging, provides effective results for patient care.”
The V.A.C. ® GranuFoam™ Bridge XG Dressing is now commercially available in the United States.
About KCI
Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (NYSE:KCI) is a leading global medical technology company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of innovative, high-technology therapies and products for the wound care, tissue regeneration and therapeutic support system markets. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, KCI's success spans more than three decades and can be traced to a history deeply rooted in innovation and a passion for significantly improving the healing and the lives of patients around the world.
The company employs 6,800 people and markets its products in more than 20 countries. For more information about KCI, and how its products are changing the practice of medicine, visit www.KCI1.com.
All trademarks designated herein are proprietary to KCI Licensing, Inc. its affiliates and/or licensors.
1 Schwien T, Gilbert J, Lang C. Pressure ulcer prevalence and the role of negative pressure wound therapy in home health quality outcomes. Ostomy/Wound Management. 2005 Sep;51(9):47-60.
2 Baharestani MM, Houliston-Otto DB, Barnes S. Early versus late initiation of negative pressure wound therapy: examining the impact on home care length of stay. Ostomy Wound Management. 2008 Nov;54(11):48-53.
3 Baharestani M, de Leon J, Mendez-Eastman S, et al. Consensus Statement: A Practical Guide for Managing Pressure Ulcers with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Utilizing Vacuum-Assisted Closure.- Understanding the Treatment Algorithm. Advances in Skin and Wound Care. 2008 Jan;21(Suppl1):1-20.