New independent data from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pa., demonstrates the use of negative pressure therapy using PREVENA Incision Management System may reduce the rate of major wound complications and associated costs following vascular groin surgery in high-risk patients.
 
“There is a risk of complication following any procedure that involves an incision, but the risks are even higher with groin incisions. Morbidity related to groin wounds leads to significant increases in length of stay, need for re-operation, re-admission, and even limb loss,” said Paul DiMuzio, M.D., FACS, lead investigator, Thomas Jefferson University. “The study results indicate that negative pressure therapy over the closed incision significantly decreases the rates of these complications in patients at high risk, and further reduces associated health care costs well beyond the cost of the therapy.”
 
DiMuzio and a team of independent researchers conducted a randomized controlled, prospective, single-institution study at Thomas Jefferson University, evaluating 140 closed femoral incisions treated with the PREVENA Incision Management System versus standard gauze dressings, following elective vascular surgery. In the high-risk incision cohort, study results found that the PREVENA Incision Management System significantly reduced:
 

• Major wound complications (8.5 percent PREVENA Therapy group vs. 21.7 percent control group; p<0.001)
• Reoperation (8.5 percent PREVENA Therapy group vs. 18.3 percent control group; p<0.05) and
• Readmission (6.8 percent PREVENA Therapy group vs.16.7 percent control group; p<0.04)

Complications from surgical site infections (SSIs) may lead to reoperation and re-admittance significantly impacting health care costs. SSIs remain a significant burden for patients and the healthcare system, as they are associated with productivity loss, extended hospital stays, increased health care provider visits and greater financial costs.^i,ii
 
“This groundbreaking work adds to the growing body of clinical evidence that clearly demonstrates the use of negative pressure to reduce global health care costs,” said R. Andrew Eckert, president and CEO of Acelity. “The Acelity negative pressure portfolio is the most trusted name in advanced wound therapy having treated more than 10 million wounds around the world. We are thrilled to see our innovative PREVENA Therapy provide indisputable benefits to patients, clinicians and health systems.”
 
Most recently, Acelity launched the PREVENA DUO Incision Management System, the first single use negative pressure therapy system designed specifically for the simultaneous management of two closed surgical incisions.
 
The PREVENA System, launched in 2010, is the first disposable negative pressure system designed specifically for the management of closed surgical incisions. The system covers and protects the incision from external contamination, while negative pressure removes fluid and infectious material from the surgical incision.
 
Acelity L.P. Inc. and its subsidiaries are a global advanced wound care company that leverages the strengths of Kinetic Concepts Inc. and Systagenix Wound Management Limited. Available in more than 90 countries, the ACELITY product portfolio delivers value through solutions that speed healing and lead the industry in quality, safety and customer experience. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Acelity employs nearly 5,000 people around the world.

References
i Zimlichman E, Henderson D, Tamir O, et al. Health care-associated infections: a meta-analysis of costs and financial impact on the US health care system. JAMA Intern Med. 2013;173(22):2039-46.
ii Matatov T, Reddy KN, Doucet LD, Zhao CX, Zhang WW. Experience with a new negative pressure incision management system in prevention of groin wound infection in vascular surgery patients. J Vasc Surg. 2013;57(3):791-5.