TheraGauze named in 2009 "Top Innovations in Podiatric Care"

PODIATRY TODAY: Top Innovations In Podiatric Care

Volume 22, August 01 2009

Brian McCurdy, Senior Editor

Our annual roundup of innovations offers a closer look at an emerging ex-fix device, a laser that might be helpful in treating onychomycosis, and a variety of modalities that may facilitate optimal outcomes in wound care. For these bright ideas and more, this author talks to a variety of podiatrists about their experience with these products and their potential impact.

As technology advances, podiatrists have even more options in their armamentarium to help facilitate optimal outcomes. This year’s list of emerging innovations include a novel option for hammertoe surgery, two new negative pressure wound therapy devices and a new onychomycosis treatment. With that said, here is what the experts had to say....

Can An Emerging Gauze Product Sense The Moisture Needs Of Wounds?

5. TheraGauze (Soluble Systems). Dry wounds may become necrotic and wet wounds may develop infection. Having an appropriate level of moisture is key in healing wounds. One emerging gauze product may be able to provide moisture or dryness according to the needs of the wound.

TheraGauze employs precise moisture regulation via Skin Moisture Rebalancing Technology (SMRT), which permits the gauze to differentially release or absorb moisture according to the wound’s underlying condition. The company notes that the product’s inert, breathable polymer chains form a vertical matrix surrounded by microscopic channels, allowing TheraGauze to control moisture at a cellular level.

Lawrence DiDomenico, DPM, says the SMRT polymer can sense and respond to different moisture needs in the same wound. He says it donates moisture to dry areas while simultaneously pulling away moisture from wet areas.

Soluble Systems says TheraGauze will not macerate or adhere to the wound or surrounding tissue. The company adds that the product causes no pain upon removal and leaves no residue. Soluble Systems notes that the gauze can remain active and moist for up to a week.

Dr. DiDomenico has been using the product since 2008. He notes that DPMs can use it to treat a variety of wounds including diabetic foot ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, pressure ulcers, burns and skin tears. One can also employ TheraGauze in combination with split thickness skin grafts and complex skin flaps, according to Dr. DiDomenico, the Director of the Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgical Fellowship within the Ankle and Foot Care Centers and the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine.

The fact that TheraGauze can release or absorb moisture based on the underlying molecular condition of the wound makes the product the best choice in terms of dressings to treat complex wounds, according to Dr. DiDomenico, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

He notes that ordinary wound dressings address a single moisture condition. One may use absorbent materials or gauze on a wet, exudating wound whereas wet dressings such as hydrogels are effective on a dry wound. However, Dr. DiDomenico notes that complex wounds often contain areas of both excess moisture and dry tissue, and TheraGauze controls moisture at the wound interface.

“From a patient’s perspective, there is no alternative to TheraGauze,” maintains Dr. DiDomenico.

To read the full story, visit http://www.podiatrytoday.com/top-innovations-in-podiatric-care