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.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
TAPELESS AND THE SKIN TEAR DILEMMA
Much is written about the prevention and treatment of skin tears: the separation of the two layers of the skin, the dermis and epidermis, yet the problem persists. Skin tears not only result in pain, but also wasted nursing time and additional medical expenses. The estimated incidence of skin tears, 1.5 million of institutionalized individuals (an incidence of between 14% and 24% of institutionalized elderly adults) each year indicates that the problem is far from being “under control”; but why?
The answer can be found in the fact that as one ages, skin becomes thinner and as such, is susceptible to slight amounts of trauma. But, even with a careful, knowledgeable understanding of the causes of skin tears, 50% arise from unknown origins. To further complicate the limitation of skin tears, the treatment can of itself, cause additional complications to arise.
Certain wound dressings can result in serious complications to the already compromised skin and blood supply. Tape is definitely to be avoided, no matter how “minimally aggressive”. Tight wraps such as Coban or elastic bandages can restrict valuable blood flow. Gauze wraps like Kerlix may be applied too tight, resulting in painful swelling and again, a poor blood supply. Even elastic netting may cause harm if it slips, resulting in a constrictive band. Tape cannot be applied to prevent this.
Tapeless Medical has a solution that combines a unique material with the only wound dressing that is anatomically designed. The material is non-allergenic, non-adhesive, non-constrictive and being anatomic, will not slip. The Tapeless holder remains in place by means of a patented system utilizing velcro® that will adhere to the material where ever it is contact. It can be adjusted easily and in an unlimited number of times/positions. As skin tears can occur anywhere, 80% occur on the arms and hands. Since Tapeless has specifically designed dressing holders for the arm, hand, forearm and other anatomic areas, there is no need to depend on shapeless rolls to fit all areas. In addition, Tapeless has a lightweight, breathable arm sleeve that when applied, not only treats a tear, but prevents new areas from developing.
In summary, Tapeless is clinically proven, the patient choice, latex and adhesive free, washable and reusable when desired, breathable, quick/easy to apply or remove, non-bulky and safe for diabetics and individuals with poor blood supply. Being Medicare Part B reimbursable, these products should be a first consideration when facing the skin tear dilemma.
The answer can be found in the fact that as one ages, skin becomes thinner and as such, is susceptible to slight amounts of trauma. But, even with a careful, knowledgeable understanding of the causes of skin tears, 50% arise from unknown origins. To further complicate the limitation of skin tears, the treatment can of itself, cause additional complications to arise.
Certain wound dressings can result in serious complications to the already compromised skin and blood supply. Tape is definitely to be avoided, no matter how “minimally aggressive”. Tight wraps such as Coban or elastic bandages can restrict valuable blood flow. Gauze wraps like Kerlix may be applied too tight, resulting in painful swelling and again, a poor blood supply. Even elastic netting may cause harm if it slips, resulting in a constrictive band. Tape cannot be applied to prevent this.
Tapeless Medical has a solution that combines a unique material with the only wound dressing that is anatomically designed. The material is non-allergenic, non-adhesive, non-constrictive and being anatomic, will not slip. The Tapeless holder remains in place by means of a patented system utilizing velcro® that will adhere to the material where ever it is contact. It can be adjusted easily and in an unlimited number of times/positions. As skin tears can occur anywhere, 80% occur on the arms and hands. Since Tapeless has specifically designed dressing holders for the arm, hand, forearm and other anatomic areas, there is no need to depend on shapeless rolls to fit all areas. In addition, Tapeless has a lightweight, breathable arm sleeve that when applied, not only treats a tear, but prevents new areas from developing.
In summary, Tapeless is clinically proven, the patient choice, latex and adhesive free, washable and reusable when desired, breathable, quick/easy to apply or remove, non-bulky and safe for diabetics and individuals with poor blood supply. Being Medicare Part B reimbursable, these products should be a first consideration when facing the skin tear dilemma.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
TAPELESS --------UNIQUE
Secondary wound dressings by their very nature are not sexy or “techie”. This however understates their importance in wound healing. If the secondary wound dressing does not allow the primary wound dressing to function as it is intended to, then it matters little what was placed on the wound. Furthermore, if the secondary dressing is not user friendly, cost effective and simple, then patient compliance suffers.
To state that “Tapeless is the most significant improvement in secondary wound dressings since World War II”, is not false bravado or an empty marketing tool. The key to Tapeless’ clinical efficacy, cost effectiveness and patient preference lies in a blend of a patented material and patented designs. Traditional secondary wound dressings are generally rolls of unstructured material that one needs to wrap around or slip over a particular body part, thus being susceptible to gravity and slipping. This dressing process often requires a second person to assist in application or removal, some tape for support, and concern about constriction from too aggressive an application. Tapeless is truly unique in that each dressing has its own shape and size corresponding to the target area, none of which require wrapping or slipping over the body part. Combined with a material that permits dozens of washes/reuses, no latex, 100% material memory and no fear of constriction, Tapeless is patient/healthcare provider preferred. Tapeless IS unique in the secondary wound dressing market.
To state that “Tapeless is the most significant improvement in secondary wound dressings since World War II”, is not false bravado or an empty marketing tool. The key to Tapeless’ clinical efficacy, cost effectiveness and patient preference lies in a blend of a patented material and patented designs. Traditional secondary wound dressings are generally rolls of unstructured material that one needs to wrap around or slip over a particular body part, thus being susceptible to gravity and slipping. This dressing process often requires a second person to assist in application or removal, some tape for support, and concern about constriction from too aggressive an application. Tapeless is truly unique in that each dressing has its own shape and size corresponding to the target area, none of which require wrapping or slipping over the body part. Combined with a material that permits dozens of washes/reuses, no latex, 100% material memory and no fear of constriction, Tapeless is patient/healthcare provider preferred. Tapeless IS unique in the secondary wound dressing market.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
NEW IV/PICC LINE HOLDER
As a result of a very successful Symposium on Advanced Wound Care exhibit this past week and the very positive reception to the new IV/PICC line holder by the attendees, Tapeless Medical will start manufacturing the product for use immediately and should have it available for purchase within a few weeks. The unique aspects of this washable and reusable holder, are that it helps to secure the IV or PICC line while allowing for visualization of the insertion site and also the securement of the tubing. The coiled, secured tubing and IV/PICC line is then covered with a pull down flap that covers and protects the whole unit. Healthcare providers immediately commented on how that would aid in keeping patients from "picking and pulling" on the tubing and would also minimize the possibility that the tubing would get accidentally caught on something, causing the PICC line to be pulled out.
Watch for the pictures and descriptions of this NEW product on the website, www.tapelessmedical.com within the week.
Watch for the pictures and descriptions of this NEW product on the website, www.tapelessmedical.com within the week.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
WHY TAPELESS---COST EFFECTIVENESS
“The Tapeless non-adhesive wound dressing and IV holders have proven to be clinically superior to conventional methods of securing dressings and IV lines. These unique products are extremely cost effective, as they are washable and reusable.” Mr. G.W., Hospital Administrator …. No longer is it sufficient to be only clinically effective. With the ever- shrinking healthcare dollar, people are asking if the product is cost effective. Cost is different than cost effectiveness. The initial cost may be reasonable, but if the product does not last very long, requires frequent changes or provides little value for the dollar, then it is not cost effective. Tapeless wound dressing holders have been evaluated as being both clinically effective and cost effective.
Tapeless provides cost effectiveness on several fronts, thereby having high value for many medical situations and facilities. First, Tapeless’ products impart cost effectiveness by virtue of the ability to be washed and reused. By following an easy regimen of washing and air-drying, the products not only resist shrinkage or change in shape, but may be used for several weeks without the need for replacement. Patients’ report the ability to have once daily or multiple dressing changes for up to, and beyond, a month without loss of clinical effectiveness. Second, the application of these dressing holders, which does not require wrapping or slipping over another body part, has been shown to save significant nursing time. This is one of the major factors in the cost of wound care. A study done by a major British hospital, demonstrated that by using the universal foot dressing holder (P/N 110) versus a common wrap, kerlex, with simply one dressing change per day for 2 weeks, saved 120 minutes of nursing time. A third mechanism for savings is the reduction in the production of biohazardous wound waste materials. This is a costly and constant problem when one deals with chronic wound situations. The ability of a patient to safely reuse his own secondary wound dressing reduces the need for rolls of gauze, tape, netting and their inherent problems. An additional cost factor, separate, yet related to the third cost savings, is the reduction in primary wound dressing materials required for each dressing change. A nurse evaluation reported that with each dressing change, “using the universal foot dressing holder (P/N 110), I could eliminate 1 Kerlex roll, 1 5” x 9” ABD pad and tape”. It doesn’t take long for these materials to add up to significant dollars. Finally, since the products increase patient compliance and allow the patient to either change their own dressing completely or in part, the number of visits to a patient’s home can be dramatically reduced, thereby allowing a better allocation of the healthcare’s limited time and resources.
For more information visit
Tapeless provides cost effectiveness on several fronts, thereby having high value for many medical situations and facilities. First, Tapeless’ products impart cost effectiveness by virtue of the ability to be washed and reused. By following an easy regimen of washing and air-drying, the products not only resist shrinkage or change in shape, but may be used for several weeks without the need for replacement. Patients’ report the ability to have once daily or multiple dressing changes for up to, and beyond, a month without loss of clinical effectiveness. Second, the application of these dressing holders, which does not require wrapping or slipping over another body part, has been shown to save significant nursing time. This is one of the major factors in the cost of wound care. A study done by a major British hospital, demonstrated that by using the universal foot dressing holder (P/N 110) versus a common wrap, kerlex, with simply one dressing change per day for 2 weeks, saved 120 minutes of nursing time. A third mechanism for savings is the reduction in the production of biohazardous wound waste materials. This is a costly and constant problem when one deals with chronic wound situations. The ability of a patient to safely reuse his own secondary wound dressing reduces the need for rolls of gauze, tape, netting and their inherent problems. An additional cost factor, separate, yet related to the third cost savings, is the reduction in primary wound dressing materials required for each dressing change. A nurse evaluation reported that with each dressing change, “using the universal foot dressing holder (P/N 110), I could eliminate 1 Kerlex roll, 1 5” x 9” ABD pad and tape”. It doesn’t take long for these materials to add up to significant dollars. Finally, since the products increase patient compliance and allow the patient to either change their own dressing completely or in part, the number of visits to a patient’s home can be dramatically reduced, thereby allowing a better allocation of the healthcare’s limited time and resources.
For more information visit
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