Study Demonstrates Decreased Incidence of Groin Surgical Site Infection with Prevenaâ„¢ Incision System 

(MENAFN Press) SAN ANTONIO - Wednesday, January 23rd 2013 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Kinetic Concepts, Inc. confirmed today that, in a study published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery1, the Prevena„ Incision Management System significantly decreased the incidence of groin surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients after vascular surgery.

Groin wound infection is a significant cause of post-operative complications in vascular surgery patients. Studies have reported that SSIs of the groin can increase hospital stay by more than 9 days, costing facilities more than 20,000 per infection to treat and can have an adverse impact on patient quality of life1. Prevena„Therapy has demonstrated the potential to significantly reduce these costs.

"Vascular surgeries are going up, not down," said Tim Matatov, MD, an author of the Louisiana State University study. "This study showed that by using Prevena„Therapy we were able to reduce associated infections in patients at risk for post-operative complications such as infection."

In this retrospective study, 90 patients undergoing vascular procedures were divided into a "Prevena group" (41 patients, 52 incisions) and a "non-Prevena group" (49 patients, 63 incision). Incisions in the non-Prevena group were managed using either an absorbent dressing or skin adhesive. Results demonstrated a statistically significant (p-value=0.0011) lower incidence of overall infection for patients treated with Prevena„ Therapy. In the non-Prevena treated group, 19/63 (30%) of incisions developed groin wound infections, whereas 3/52 (6%) patients in the Prevena group developed groin wound infections.

"These results underscore a significant clinical and economic benefit of the Prevena„ System for patients considered at risk for developing a groin SSI," said Ron Silverman, MD, chief medical officer, KCI. "This is good news for physicians looking for an effective treatment option for their patients and for hospitals wanting to reduce SSI-related costs."

This is yet another recent addition to the growing body of evidence supporting the role of Prevena„ System in the management of closed incisions. Prevena„ Therapy represents continuing efforts by KCI to change the practice of medicine with evidence-based solutions that help speed healing, reduce complications and improve the lives of patients.

The Prevena„ Incision Management System is indicated to manage closed incisions that continue to drain following sutured or stapled closure. For more information about KCI, please visit www.KCI1.com.