Development And Evaluation Of A Porous Surgical Dressing

Abstract

A new microporous film wound dressing is described. The results of various experiments in the laboratory, on normal skin, and on minor injuries are given for films of varying porosities. A microporous film with a porosity of 1,400-1,800 g. per square metre per 24 hours, carrying a cotton interlock pad impregnated with 0.1 % domiphen bromide and having an overall pattern spread adhesive, results in a dressing which largely fulfils the criteria stated earlier and is an improvement on other first-aid dressings, with respect to both wound healing and ability to reduce bacterial flora. The problem of adhesion of the pad to the wound has yet to be overcome. This adhesion depends on a variety of factors which are being investigated. While this report deals with the clinical and bacteriological aspects of a first-aid skin dressing, other applications of the film as a pre-operative skin covering, as a pressure bandage in the treatment of varicose ulcers, and as a dressing for burns merit investigation. © 1956, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.