IV/PICC LINES AND TAPELESS

IV/PICC LINES AND TAPELESS

IVs and PICC (peripheral inserted central catheters) lines are utilized for lengthy large vein administration of otherwise irritating medications, nutritional fluids, long-term antibiotics and chemotherapy agents.  With the growth in home healthcare and the ability to manage PICC lines at home, improvements in their care and use deserve more attention.

As an important tool in modern medicine, the care and reliability of this device is foremost.  Discussions about the use and care focus on infection, blockage, and leakage of medications.  These are essential, but so is attention to accidental dislodgement of the catheter; inadequately conveyed on an Internet site as “avoid sharp objects and do not allow pets or young children to play with the PICC line”.   The Tapeless IV/PICC line holder not only provides for additional securement and visualization of the catheter insertion site but also is designed specifically for this problem.

The components of this unique product provide a number of functions.  These include (1.) securement around the arm to increase PICC line stability, (2.) a large “window” to permit visualization of the insertion site and surrounding tissues, thereby assisting in inspection for infection and fluid infiltration into local issues, (3.) a strap to secure the disconnected tubing and small monitors when not in use and  (4.) a flap that folds down to cover and protect the PICC line and tubing from entangling situations.  Medications can even be administered with the flap in place.

This novel device is being used by cancer centers, hospices and in home care settings across the country.  They are Medicare Part B reimbursable, increasing their cost effectiveness and practability.

http://www.tapelessmedical.com/iv_picc.htm

BREAST PROBLEMS AND TAPELESS

BREAST PROBLEMS AND TAPELESS

There are a myriad of surgical and non-surgical situations where wound dressing management affects comfort, recovery time, patient activity, cost, wound healing , complications and ultimate cosmetic results.   The choice of the wound dressing holder is important.   Variables such as the number of wounds, their location and the specific treatment prescribed dictate what is required of the breast dressing device.  Notice that traditional devices are mostly designed with a single intended purpose: support the breast or dress the wound.  Rarely does a single dressing device adequately deal with both needs.  It is also possible, by understanding the complexity of care and the number of variables, to encounter treatment changes during the course of care, so that a variety of wound dressings may be required before final resolution of the problem. It would be advantageous if a single dressing system were able to accommodate any or all of the variables and primary wound dressings and not only provide breast support, but also provide simple, comfortable, quick, cost effective, reimbursable and effective wound management.

Tapeless breast dressing holders, through a combination of design and material, address these specific needs and variables: location of wounds, number of wounds, different primary wound dressings, shape of the breast, size of the breast and even the presence of drains or tubes.  Tapeless is sized for comfort with material that is washable/reusable and non-allergenic.  Each breast is able to be independently managed.  As with all Tapeless products, the breast dressing holders are Medicare Part B reimbursable.

http://www.tapelessmedical.com/breast.htm

THE FOOT ULCER AND TAPELESS

THE FOOT ULCER AND TAPELESS

Ulcers of the toe, ankle, sole of the foot and heel are treated by internists, podiatrists, vascular surgeons, general surgeon and plastic surgeons.  Why would such a variety of specialists treat the same problem?  The answer is the variety of causes, the complexity of the underlying medical problems that require management and the slow to respond, chronic nature of these wounds.  Whether they are due to diabetes or other medical diseases or blood flow abnormalities, there is a need for prevention and specialized treatment.  Cure is a difficult goal.

This is a recipe for great expense and the need for diligent and constant attention.  The importance of the primary wound dressing is obvious, but the importance of the secondary wound dressing should not be overlooked.  If the secondary wound dressing minimizes costs, enhances patient compliance and takes into account the limitations in application due to age or restrictive medical problems like arthritis, then the final outcome may be easier.  Compliance can be the difference between an amputation and a healed wound. Furthermore, the secondary wound dressing should not predispose the patient to other problems that occur as a result of the choice of that dressing.   Examples would be a stiff ankle that occurs from a secondary dressing that is too bulky to allow a normal range of motion, or a secondary dressing that is too tight, further restricting blood flow or a secondary dressing that contains latex or an adhesive that subjects the skin to loss of its natural protective layers.

The combination of a clinically proven anatomic design, such as with the Tapeless Universal Foot dressing holder, extending from the ankle to the base of the toes, and a unique material, (washable, reusable, breathable, non-constrictive, non-adhesive, non-allergenic and latex free), is an example of how Tapeless dressing holders address these vital issues.

HOME HEATLH CARE AND TAPELESS

HOME HEALTH CARE AND TAPELESS

Previously, hospitals worked to fill beds completely.  As payment structures changed, the goal moved to get the patient out of the hospital as quickly as safely possible and continue care at home.  For this reason, home care became the largest, fastest growing aspect of medical care.   The pressure of economic responsibility shifted to home health care agencies as they were compensated based on diagnosis and not necessarily on care given.   It became cost effective for these visiting nurses to provide fewer and shorter visits with a patient.

Tapeless secondary wound dressings are the perfect products for this cost sensitive industry.

1.      Tapeless, being anatomically designed, easily is applied to the desired location.  Not only does this allow the patient to apply and change his own dressings, thereby reducing the number of nursing visits, but with a low risk of too tight an application or improper positioning.  Family members can assist without concern of difficulty or complexity of dressing changes.

2.      Tapeless is washable and reusable thus reducing cost for supplies.  Tapeless is Medicare Part B reimbursable that many other secondary dressings are not.

3.      Tapeless permits the nurse to not only require fewer visits, but studies have documented a significant time-savings, which is also a cost benefit.

4.      Tapeless, by allowing for safe, effective wound care without the need of a nurse, can be done more frequently thus possibly improving healing time.

5.      Tapeless, by virtue of the material used and the anatomic design, is applied by securing around the body part, not needing to be slipped over or wrapped around the body part.  This permits individuals that have difficulty with these motions to still effectively use Tapeless.

Diabetes, Blood Flow and TAPEless

One-third of diabetics greater than age 50 suffer from peripheral artery disease (PAD), a disorder obstructing blood flow.  If not treated, consequences can be significant.  Diabetes is the most common cause of non-traumatic leg amputation, over 56,000 per year, while of these 50% are preventable with proper care.

How does a disease seemingly of just high blood sugars, result in devastating events and even yet, how does the use of TAPEless enter into this question?  Chronically elevated levels of blood sugar cause cells that line blood vessels to thicken.  This narrowing, through a reduction in blood flow, may then cause skin ulcers with infection and, in serious cases, lead to tissue loss and gangrene.  These ulcers, often chronic in nature, need careful management: management that may determine the healing or worsening of the wound.  Adhesives are forbidden with diabetics since they cause breaks in the skin's protective mechanisms and thus, may lead to additional wounds.  Furthermore, in the presence of a reduced blood flow, dressing methods that constrict blood flow, (elastic rolls and elastic wraps), are to be avoided.  Moreover, they are dangerous to apply if unable to discern if it is too tight as in the presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (abnormal or decreased sensation).

Thus securing of the wound dressing in place plays a significant role in wound healing.  TAPEless dressing holders lack adhesives, are non-constrictive and additionally, are latex free, hypo-allergenic, washable, reusable and breathable.

When faced with the need to care for diabetic ulcers, since care may affect the outcome, remember TAPEless dressing holders as a unique solution.

LEG, ANKLE AND FOOT ULCERS AND TAPELSS

Lower extremity ulcers are a common consequence of arterial insufficiency, venous problems and diabetes.  Although the causes may be different, the end result may be a chronically infected, slow healing ulcer that is time consuming, expensive and may lead to surgery and amputation.  The final common pathway is an impairment of the blood supply to that area.

Treatment is critical to prevent serious complication.  The ease, the expense, the discomfort and the complexity of care all enter into the result and compliance of the patient.

If the dressing securement cannot adequately maintain the wound dressing as intended without additional damage, significant expense or difficulty in use, then there might as well be no wound dressing holder.

Tapeless significantly minimizes concerns because:

1.  Anatomical design keeps dressing exactly where placed.
2.  Contains no adhesive or latex.
3.  Simplifies dressing changes by fitting around the extremity like a "clam shell" rather than
     needing to slip over toes or foot which may be difficult or painful.  Does not require 
     wrapping or unwrapping motions.
4.  Breaths (prevents damage to underlying tissues).
5.  Do not impair circulation when applied properly.  If compression is required, apply over
     the Tapeless holder, thereby not disturbing the wound dressing.
6.  Reusability and ability to wash the product makes it extremely cost effective, permitting
     dressing changes as often as required without increasing cost.
7.  Anatomic design and material minimize bulk, permitting use of shoes, socks, etc.,
     without restricting normal motion.
8.  Medicare Part B reimbursement is available for every Tapeless product.  Most secondary
     wound dressing holders do not provide for reimbursement.

Tapeless offers a new concept and alternative method to traditional wound dressings.