Allevyn Ag Adhesive Absorbent Silver Wound Barrier Dressings - 3, 5, 6-3/4, 9 Inch

Allevyn Ag Adhesive Silver Dressings, by Smith and Nephew, are designed to help heal full-thickness wounds, or wounds that are severe enough to expose tissue under the skin layers. These wound dressings integrate the antimicrobial properties of silver to allow a quicker heal time while the dressing is in place. They also have a multi-layered foam center with tight sealing adhesive borders to keep germs from entering the wound. The Allevyn AG Adhesive Silver Wound Dressings are made in various sizes to fit the Wound Care needs of the patient. The Allevyn AG dressings are made for extended use and will keep a moist healing environment that is ideal for such severe skin openings and trauma. Typically the dressings are kept on for 5-7 days. They are waterproof, easy to apply, and the adhesive is gentle on sensitive skin types and will not stick to any portion of the wound. The top film of the dressing is designed to become breathable in the presence of fluid to work better in environments where clinicians need it most.

Indications

• Shallow wounds
• Granulating wounds
• Chronic wounds
• Acute wounds
• Wounds with exudate
• Ulcers - pressure, diabetic foot, leg
• Wounds with fungus or that are infected
• Malignant wounds
• Incision and donor sites
• Burns - 1st or 2nd degree

Application

1. Gently disinfect the lesion
2. Choose the closest matching size of dressing
3. Measure the area for best fit
4. Trim dressing cleanly
5. Remove surrounding hair as necessary
6. Bathe the Periwound
7. Peel the backing off one side
8. Press the exposed adhesive onto the skin
9. Remove the Remainder of the Backing
10. Push the dressing down onto the wound, starting at the attached side
11. Work across the dressing to remove puckering without stretching

How Silver Kills Microbes

AG Silver contains silver nanoparticles - particles smaller than your hair. These nanoparticles interact with surrounding elements in the environment. During the interaction, the silver loses an electron and forms an ion.

When silver ions come into contact with microbes, they punch holes through the outer layers and enter the microbial cells. Once inside, the ions attach to vital structures, such as DNA and RNA, and the microbe dies. The dead cells then leak silver ions, infecting nearby micro-organisms.

Changing Frequency

• Follow clinic regulations regarding checking of dressings and wounds
• If Covering an infected wound, Check and treat according to local clinical procedures
• Allevyn has a maximum of 7 days metween changes (5 for sacral usage)
• Change product based on wound condition, or when exudate is within 1/2 cm of the pad

Removal Procedures

1. Peel up one corner
2. Gently pull dressing away
3. For sacral dressings, start at the top edge to reduce potential contamination

Contraindications

• Adverse skin reactions to siver sulfadiazine or sulfonamides
• Pregnant women after 2nd trimester
• New babies

Precautions

• Do not use internally
• Avoid contact with corrosive substances
• Not for use with antimicrobials
• Not intended to treat clinical infections
• May cause maceration
• Can strip skin
• Keep product away from electrodes and conductive gels
• Warming may occur during MRI
• Not suitable for use with petroleum-based products
• Do not use as a primary dressing with cavity wounds
• Exercise care for the following: hepatic or renal impairment, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
• Certain drugs may be affected
• Do not reuse

Product Features and Benefits

• The dressings utilize silver as an antimicrobial agent.
• The foam in the dressing is multi-layered and locks away any fluid (exudate).
• The dressing provides a barrier to keep outside bacteria from entering.
• It is comfortable to wear and conforms to body shape.
• It maintains a moist healing environment.
• It is waterproof and meant to stay on for several days.
• It comes in various sizes.
• It is easy to apply and remove.

Product Specifications

• Manufacturer Numbers: 66020970, 66020973, 66020983, 66020984
• Manufacturer: Smith and Nephew
• Brand: Allevyn
• Sizes by Inches: 3 x 3, 5 x 5, 6 3/4 x 6 3/4, 9 x 9
• Active Antimicrobial: Ag (Silver)
• Breathable Top Film
• 5-7 Day Application Time
• HCPCS Code: A6212

Medical Studies

•    Emily Conover (2015). Silver turns bacteria into deadly zombies. American Association for the Advancement of Science, ScienceMag.org (May 1, 2015).
•    Mark Lowey. (2018). Scientists seek a deeper understanding of how silver kills bacteria. Phys.org, (October 3, 2018).
•    Mike Williams(1999). Ions, not particles, make silver toxic to bacteria. Rice University News and Media Relations, (July 11, 2012).