(PI-007) The Use of a Novel HOCL Gel and Negatively Charged Dressing Fibers to Support Debridement

Krista Bauer, , F NP, WCC, OMS; Jody Wolfe, BSN, MBA, RN, CWOCN – Chief Operating Officer

Introduction:

A new technology device has emerged that allows debridement supported with negatively charged dressing fibers (polyacrylic acid) that work to attract and bind slough and necrotic tissue proteins, a physical, device like phenomenon. Another technology has also been developed using HOCL as a gel.    Evidence shows that pure Hypochlorous Acid (pHA) based cleanser*, is able to remove bacteria, associated slime like materials, and necrotic tissue that are all usually associated with problem wounds.  The sustained activity of a gel may provide longer lasting cleansing and ongoing support of debridement on the wound surface. The combination may allow for ongoing, supportive debridement and assist in control of bacterial burden.

Drugs and devices can work synergistically in our experience in this context. Support of debridement with negatively charged dressing fibers applied daily binds positively charged slough and necrotic tissue proteins that may have been well mechanically broken down with HOCL gel.   This synergy is remarkable.  We studied the combination of these 2 products in patients with wounds with necrotic debris.  The results support this combination of therapy for debridement that may serve as an alternative to surgical debridement and more expensive options


Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted with five patients that were treated with HOCL Gel and negatively charged dressing fibers. Spider bite n=1, Infected dog scratch: n=1 Venous Leg Ulcers (VLU) n: 2 Non healing surgical wound, back: n=1

 

Patients were treated in the outpatient and inpatient setting. Necrotic debris was identified and, in most cases, limited sharp excisional debridement was performed followed immediately by a layer of HOCL gel and a contact layer of Negatively charged dressing fibers.

Results:

All wounds improved with a notable reduction in necrotic debris and progression toward healing. The remaining patients underwent advanced wound therapy with progression toward healing. No surgical intervention was required, and no infections were identified.

Discussion:

Combination of HOCL gel and negatively charged dressing fibers may provide an additional wound bed preparation with reduction of necrotic debris. The combination may provide a safe and effective technique of non-excisional debridement by cleansing the wound bed and promoting a more positive charge on necrotic debris and attracting slough and debris away from the underlying wound bed toward the densely charged negative fibers.