Aquacel Ag Advantage Advanced Antimicrobial Dressing Technologies
Aquacel Advantage dressings feature 2 technologies that work synergistically to manage the key local barriers to wound healing – exudate, infection and bioburden.
Barriers to Wound Healing
- Exudate – Small amounts of exudate are required for healing. But too much exudate creates problems like those mentioned below, which may result in more frequent dressing changes and delayed wound healing.
- Maceration of the surrounding skin
- Damage to the wound bed
- Development of persistent bioburden
- Infection – Infection delays healing.
- Extends hospital stay
- Increase costs
- >70% of the bacteria that cause hospital-acquired infections have antibiotic resistance
- Bioburden – Persistent forms of bioburden are difficult to completely remove, even with debridement, and can regrow quickly.
- A major contributor to bioburden and delayed wound healing is Biofilm
- Biofilm is formed when communities of bacteria secrete a slime layer to protect themselves
Hydrofiber Technology
- Helps wound healing
- Absorbs wound fluid and creates a soft gel, maintaining a moist wound environment and helping reduce pain associated with dressing changes
- Locks in exudate and bacteria to help minimize the harmful effects of maceration and cross infection
- Micro-contours to the wound bed, eliminating dead space where bacteria can grow
New Advantage Technology
- More than just silver – a unique formulation that enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of ionic silver within the dressing
- Faster reduction of bacteria within the dressing compared to Aquacel Ag Extra, and Acticoat
- Kills a broad spectrum of bacteria within the dressing, including antibiotic-resistant microorganisms
- Sustained antimicrobial activity in dressing for up to 7 days and prevents microbial reformation
How Does the Aquacel Advantage Technology Work?
- Ethylenediaminetetraacetic (EDTA) – It is a metal-chelating agent. EDTA helps transfer the ionic silver from the dressing to bacteria more efficiently. It helps break up bacterial aggregates and prevents their formation and reformation.
- Benzethonium chloride (BEC) is a surfactant that reduces the viscosity or surface tension of anything to which it comes in contact, including exudate and microorganisms. Reduced surface tension allows for increased mobility of EDTA and ionic silver within the dressing, enhancing the ionic silver’s ability to contact and kill microorganisms.
Indications
Aquacel Ag Dressing is indicated for use in a variety of wounds, including:
- Arterial ulcers
- Venous ulcers
- Pressure ulcers
- Burns
- Surgical wounds
- Diabetic foot ulcers
How to use Aquacel Ag Advantage Dressing?
Frequently Bought Together
- Medline Skintegrity Wound Cleanser
- Derma Surgilast Tubular Elastic Bandage Retainer
- 3M Micropore Surgical Tape
- Graham-Field Stocked First Aid Kit for 10 Persons
Frequently Asked Questions
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How often should one change Aquacel AG Advantage dressing?
Changing the dressing every 5 to 7 days is recommended unless exudate strikethrough occurs earlier.
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Can these Aquacel wound dressings be reused?
No. They are meant for single use.
