We took on the challenge of exudate management for Venous Leg Ulcers

A common thread runs through the array of literature on patients with venous leg ulcers (VLUs): Patient quality of life is significantly impacted by the effects of chronic exudate.^1,2,3 When dressings don’t properly manage exudate, fluid can leak onto and soil patient garments, compression devices, wraps, furniture and healthy skin. It can be unsightly¹, odorous⁴ and delay healing⁴. Many patients socially isolate themselves¹ due to embarrassment.

Meanwhile, clinicians caring for these ulcers want to build trust with their patients. They are looking for solutions that help patients have a more positive experience managing their ulcer.⁵

Mepilex Up helps promote efficient care

Given its unique spreading properties, Mepilex Up can successfully manage high volumes of fluid for a long period, which may contribute to a long wear time and fewer dressing changes,¹⁰ potentially saving valuable time and money. Additionally, leaving the dressing in place for several days supports undisturbed wound healing efforts and their subsequent benefits.

Foam dressings that can’t adequately manage fluid from exudating ulcers are often wasteful due to the increased need for washing patient clothing, compression devices and bed linen. For clinicians, it potentially wastes not only medical supplies but also precious time rewrapping wounds. However, Mepilex Up may be left in place for several days depending on the condition of the wound and surrounding skin, or as indicated by accepted clinical practice.¹⁰ 

^{Clinician Testimonial}

Show your patients that leakage doesn't have to dominate their every day

Things are looking up with Mepilex Up. Try it and see the difference.

Request Mepilex Up Demo

Explore Further Resources 

Mölnlycke article in Wounds International:
The impact of venous leg ulcers on a patient’s quality of life: considerations for dressing selection”

Authors: Dorothy Weir, RN CWON CWS, PA, Saratoga Springs, New York, Philip Davies, BSc(Hons), Senior Global Medical Affairs Manager, Medical and Economic Affairs, Mölnlycke Health Care, Gothenburg, Sweden

[Read more...] 

References

1. Green J, Jester R, McKinley R, Pooler A. Patient perspectives of their leg ulcer journey. J Wound Care. 2013 Feb;22(2):58, 60-2, 64-6. doi: 10.12968/jowc.2013.22.2.58. PMID: 23665659

2. Phillips, P, Lumley, E, Duncan, R, et al. A systematic review of qualitative research into people's experiences of living with venous leg ulcers. J Adv Nurs. 2018; 74: 550–563. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.13465

3. Kelechi, T.J., Muise-Helmericks, R.C., Theeke, L.A. et al. An observational study protocol to explore loneliness and systemic inflammation in an older adult population with chronic venous leg ulcers. BMC Geriatr 21, 118 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-021-02060-w

4. Wound Essentials, Managing High Exudate Wounds How-To Guide, June 2012

5. Annica Lagerin, Ingrid Hylander & Lena Törnkvist (2017) District nurses’ experiences of caring for leg ulcers in accordance with clinical guidelines: a grounded theory study, International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being, 12:1, 1355213, DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2017.1355213

6. Mölnlycke Health Care Data on File 2022

7. Mölnlycke Health Care Data on File 2022

8. Mölnlycke Health Care Data on File 2022

9. Overschelde P. et al. A randomised controlled trial comparing two wound dressings used after elective hip and knee arthroplasty. Poster presentation at the 5th WUWHS conference, Florence, Italy, 2016 2. Bredow J. et al. Evaluation of Absorbent Versus Conventional Wound Dressing. A Randomized Controlled Study in Orthopedic Surgery. Deutsche Arzteblatt International, 2018

10. Mölnlycke Health Care. Data on file. 2022

11. Weaver G, Crawford K. The use of Mepilex on dehisced amputation wounds. Wounds UK. 2007;3(1)

12. Mölnlycke Health Care Data on File 2022