A two-year study with the aim of preventing sternal wound infections highlights SurgiClear as a key component of the infection prevention bundle used to significantly reduce infection rates
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 21, 2022 /CNW/ - Covalon Technologies Ltd. (the "Company" or "Covalon") (TSXV: COV) (OTCQX: CVALF), an advanced medical technologies company, today announced that its SurgiClear® dressing played a key part in an infection prevention bundle that significantly reduced surgical wound infections in a two-year quality improvement study recently published by Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital, a not-for-profit children's hospital associated with the University of Utah and part of the Intermountain Healthcare system.1 Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital is recognized as one of the top children's hospitals in the United States.
Describing the impact of the bundled intervention, published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, the authors from Intermountain Healthcare report that the annual rate of total surgical wound infections decreased from 2.83% in 2019 to 1.15% in 2021. The bundled approach used to improve perioperative infection prevention practices included implementation of SurgiClear as a main practice change.
Jeremy Harman, PA-C, an author on the study, commented, "The trifecta of breathable barrier protection, antimicrobials, and the ability to monitor the site is what makes this a great dressing. It's easier for us to assess the wound and is more comfortable for patients."
The aim of the project was to reduce the rate of surgical wound infections to less than 1.5% in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery patients. Surgical wound infections are a common complication of cardiac surgery, associated with increased length of hospital stay, readmissions, higher cost of care and increased mortality. Pediatric cardiology centers across the U.S. focusing on process improvement are investing in preventative strategies and quality improvement protocols to decrease the risk of surgical site infections. Advanced technology, such as Covalon's SurgiClear, can help to standardize post-operative wound care.
"It is great to see another institution sharing their experience with our SurgiClear dressing through publication," said Brian Pedlar, CEO. "At Covalon we're committed to providing better experiences for patients and clinicians, and this work completed by Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital shows how the best practices and products come together to do just that, helping the most vulnerable heal."
SurgiClear is a dual-antimicrobial clear silicone surgical dressing that provides full site visibility, allowing for inspection of surgical wound sites, while minimizing contact and repetitive dressing removal. Its dual-antimicrobial silicone technology allows for broad spectrum protection from both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria that is gentle on even the most sensitive skin.
In addition to SurigClear, Covalon's other infection prevention solutions include:
- VALGuard® - an FDA listed, transparent, environmental barrier designed to protect catheter hubs and line connections from external contaminants and gross contamination, including body fluids and other secretions. It incorporates a quick-release pull strip for fast access to infusion hubs and for easy removal.
- IV Clear® - an antimicrobial vascular access dressing that offers complete transparency at and around the insertion site for easy daily assessment. It uses a soft silicone adhesive to preserve the skin's barrier function and minimize skin injuries and incorporates safe amounts of antimicrobials, without sacrificing efficacy, to protect against chemical irritation.
Healthcare providers interested in learning more about Covalon's solutions may visit www.covalon.com or follow Covalon on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
Reference
- Glenn, E. T., Harman, J. R., Marietta, J., Lake, J., Bailly, D. K., Ou, Z., Griffiths, E. R., & Ware, A. L. (2022). Impact of a Surgical Wound Infection Prevention Bundle in Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery. The Annals of Thoracic Surgery. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.athoracsur.2022.08.045
About Covalon
Covalon Technologies Ltd. is a researcher, developer, manufacturer, and marketer of patent-protected medical products that improve patient outcomes and save lives in the areas of advanced wound care, infection management and surgical procedures. Covalon leverages its patented medical technology platforms and expertise in two ways: (i) by developing products that are sold under Covalon's name; and (ii) by developing and commercializing medical products for other medical companies under development and license contracts. The Company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, having the symbol COV and trades on the OTQX Market under the symbol CVALF. To learn more about Covalon, visit our website at www.covalon.com
Website: https://covalon.com/
Twitter: @covalon
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This news release may contain forward-looking statements which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan, "estimate", "expect", "intend" or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts, but instead represent management's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the factors described in greater detail in the "Risks and Uncertainties" section of our management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2022, which is available on the Company's profile at www.sedar.com, any of which could cause results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Investors should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, further events or otherwise, except as required by law.
SOURCE Covalon Technologies Ltd.
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To learn more about Covalon, please contact: Brian Pedlar, CEO, Covalon Technologies Ltd., Email: [email protected], Phone: 905.568.8400 x 233, Toll-Free: 1.877.711.6055
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