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.

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.

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.