Dressings

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Some modifications of the normal burn unit protocol may be required. The following techniques have been utilized:

• Place an elastic net dressing over the INTEGRA^® Template site
  
• Build dressings in layers
  
• Check under dressings more frequently
  
• The elastic net dressing can be attached by staples or other suitable methods. It will be left in
  place until the silicone is removed

      - Helps prevent dislodgement

      - Keeps INTEGRA^® Template in contact with excised wound bed

      - Easy to see through for observing Neodermis

• When applied correctly, the expanded interstices will be open about 1-2 cm and the silicone
  will have slight indentations from the elastic net dressing
  
• Apply non-adherent absorbent dressings as the inner dressing layer
  
• Use topical antimicrobials such as silver impregnated dressings to help maintain a bacterial
  barrier over INTEGRA^® Template

Outer Dressings

• Apply outer absorbent dressings
  
• Use anti-shear dressings
  
• Use bolsters where appropriate

     - Keep INTEGRA^® Template in intimate contact with the graft bed

     - Protect INTEGRA^® Template from shearing and detachment

• Use bandages to apply slight pressure over outer dressings
  
• Immobilize joints and limbs (e.g., by splinting) to prevent dislodgement

Note:

Do not let Dakins Solution, petroleum-based products, e.g., Xeroform, or enzymatic debridement agents, (e.g., Collagenase), come in contact with the INTEGRA^® Template grafted sites.

Use splints or bolsters, per unit protocols, during first 5-7 days. Splints should be applied in the OR and should stay on at all times (except when performing wound care).

The VAC (Vacuum Assisted Closure)* may be used over unmeshed or meshed INTEGRA^® Template sites, in particular, as a bolster dressing for difficult anatomical sites or wound beds, such as the axilla.

*VAC is a registered trademark of Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (KCI)

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