Smith & Nephew PICO 7 Instructions⁚ An Overview
The PICO 7 system is a single-use negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) system. It includes a small pump, dressings, and batteries for up to 7 days of therapy, according to manufacturer’s instructions.
What is PICO 7?
PICO 7 is a single-use, portable negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) system manufactured by Smith & Nephew. It’s designed to promote wound healing through the application of continuous negative pressure. The system comprises a small, lightweight pump connected to an absorbent dressing. This dressing is applied directly to the wound. The pump gently draws fluid away from the wound bed. This process helps reduce edema, remove exudate, and improve blood flow to the area. Ultimately, this facilitates tissue granulation and faster wound closure. PICO 7 is intended for use on a variety of wound types, including surgical wounds, chronic wounds such as pressure ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers, and traumatic wounds. The system is pre-set to deliver a specific level of negative pressure, simplifying application and operation. It’s powered by lithium batteries. It is designed for single-patient use, reducing the risk of cross-contamination. The PICO 7 system offers a convenient and effective solution for wound management in both hospital and home settings. The device can treat wounds with a depth between two and seven centimeters. The portable design allows patients to maintain mobility during treatment. This makes the system a valuable tool for healthcare professionals and patients seeking improved wound healing outcomes. The PICO system comes in various sizes.
PICO 7 System Components
The PICO 7 system includes two main components⁚ the pump unit and the PICO dressings. These components work together to deliver negative pressure wound therapy effectively for up to 7 days.
Pump Unit
The pump unit is the core of the PICO 7 system. This small, lightweight device generates negative pressure, which is essential for promoting wound healing. It’s powered by two lithium batteries that allow the system to operate continuously for up to 7 days. The pump unit is designed for single-use and should be disposed of properly after the therapy duration. It connects directly to the PICO dressing, creating a closed system that helps remove exudate and reduce edema in the wound bed. The pump maintains a consistent negative pressure level to facilitate tissue granulation and faster wound closure. The device is also designed to be portable, allowing patients to move freely during the therapy period. It is important to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using the pump unit to ensure proper operation and patient safety. The PICO 7 pump unit is an integral part of the NPWT system, contributing significantly to its overall effectiveness in wound management. The pump unit is engineered for ease of use, featuring simple controls and indicators for monitoring system performance. This ensures healthcare professionals and patients can easily manage the therapy, leading to better outcomes and improved patient satisfaction. The compact design of the pump also minimizes the burden on the patient, making it a convenient option for at-home wound care.
PICO Dressings
PICO dressings are a crucial component of the PICO 7 system, designed to effectively manage wound exudate and promote healing. These dressings are thin, absorbent, and adhesive, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit over the wound area. They are specifically engineered to work in conjunction with the PICO 7 pump unit, creating a closed system that delivers consistent negative pressure therapy. The dressings are available in various sizes and shapes to accommodate different wound types and locations, ensuring optimal coverage and effectiveness. Each dressing consists of multiple layers, including a wound contact layer, an absorbent layer, and an outer film layer that provides a barrier against external contaminants. The absorbent layer is capable of managing moderate to high levels of exudate, which helps to maintain a moist wound environment conducive to healing. The adhesive border ensures a secure seal around the wound, preventing leakage and maintaining the negative pressure. PICO dressings are designed for single-use and should be replaced according to the recommended dressing change schedule. Proper application of the dressing is essential to ensure optimal performance of the PICO 7 system. The dressing should be applied smoothly and without wrinkles to ensure uniform negative pressure distribution across the wound bed. The PICO dressings are an integral part of the PICO 7 NPWT system, significantly contributing to its effectiveness in promoting faster wound closure and reducing the risk of complications. Their design and functionality are tailored to provide optimal wound management and patient comfort, making them a valuable tool in modern wound care. The flexibility and adaptability of PICO dressings make them suitable for a wide range of wound types and patient needs, ensuring effective and efficient healing outcomes.
Indications for PICO 7 Use
PICO 7 is indicated for various wound types, including chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and leg ulcers. It’s also suitable for acute wounds, surgical wounds, and burns of small areas.
Wound Types Suitable for PICO 7
The PICO 7 system is designed for a wide range of wound types, making it a versatile option for wound care management. Its application extends to both chronic and acute wounds, addressing diverse patient needs and clinical scenarios. Specifically, PICO 7 is indicated for use on⁚
- Chronic Wounds⁚ These include wounds that have not healed within an expected timeframe, typically several weeks or months. Examples are⁚
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers⁚ Wounds on the feet of individuals with diabetes, often slow to heal due to impaired circulation and nerve damage.
- Pressure Ulcers (Bedsores)⁚ Wounds caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, commonly occurring in immobile patients.
- Venous Leg Ulcers⁚ Wounds on the legs resulting from poor venous circulation.
- Acute Wounds⁚ These are wounds that have occurred recently and are expected to heal in a timely manner. Examples are⁚
- Surgical Wounds⁚ Incisions made during surgical procedures. PICO 7 can help manage these wounds and promote healing.
- Traumatic Wounds⁚ Wounds resulting from injuries such as cuts, lacerations, or abrasions.
- Partial Thickness Burns⁚ PICO 7 can be used on superficial burns.
- Closed Surgical Incisions⁚ PICO 7 can be applied on closed surgical incisions to manage exudate and provide incisional support.
The system’s ability to provide negative pressure helps to remove exudate, reduce edema, and promote tissue perfusion, all of which contribute to faster and more effective wound healing across these various wound types. However, it’s crucial to assess each wound individually and consider patient-specific factors when determining the suitability of PICO 7 therapy.
Contraindications for PICO 7 Use
While the PICO 7 system offers significant benefits for various wound types, it’s crucial to recognize situations where its use is contraindicated. These contraindications ensure patient safety and prevent potential complications. PICO 7 should not be used in the following circumstances⁚
- Malignancy in the Wound Bed⁚ Do not use PICO 7 on wounds that contain cancerous tissue. The negative pressure may stimulate tumor growth or spread.
- Untreated Osteomyelitis⁚ If the wound involves bone infection (osteomyelitis) that has not been adequately treated, PICO 7 is contraindicated. The infection needs to be addressed with appropriate antibiotics and surgical debridement before considering negative pressure therapy.
- Exposed Arteries or Veins⁚ PICO 7 should not be directly applied over exposed blood vessels (arteries or veins). The negative pressure could cause bleeding or damage to the vascular structures.
- Exposed Nerves⁚ Similarly, avoid applying PICO 7 directly over exposed nerves. The negative pressure can potentially damage nerve tissue, leading to pain or neurological complications.
- Non-enteric and Untreated Fistulae⁚ Do not use PICO 7 on fistulae that are not connected to the intestines or have not received appropriate surgical treatment. Negative pressure could interfere with fistula management.
- Necrotic Tissue with Eschar⁚ Wounds covered with dry, hard necrotic tissue (eschar) should be debrided before applying PICO 7. The eschar prevents effective negative pressure distribution and can harbor infection.
- Patients with Poor Hemostasis⁚ Individuals with bleeding disorders or impaired blood clotting should not use PICO 7, as the negative pressure could exacerbate bleeding.
- Active Bleeding⁚ PICO 7 is contraindicated in wounds with active bleeding. The negative pressure may worsen the bleeding and delay clot formation.
It is essential to carefully assess the wound and the patient’s overall condition before initiating PICO 7 therapy. Consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial to determine the appropriateness of PICO 7 and to identify any potential risks or contraindications.
PICO 7 Application Instructions
Proper application is key for effective wound healing. This involves preparing the wound bed and carefully applying the PICO 7 dressing to ensure a secure and airtight seal for optimal negative pressure therapy.
Preparing the Wound Bed
Before applying the PICO 7 dressing, thorough preparation of the wound bed is crucial for optimal therapy and healing. This process involves several key steps designed to create an environment conducive to tissue regeneration and effective negative pressure distribution. The first step is to cleanse the wound thoroughly using sterile saline or another appropriate wound cleansing solution. This removes any debris, exudate, or contaminants that may be present on the wound surface. Gentle irrigation can help dislodge stubborn particles, but avoid harsh scrubbing that could damage delicate tissues. Next, debridement may be necessary to remove any non-viable tissue, such as slough or eschar. Debridement can be performed using various methods, including sharp debridement, enzymatic debridement, or autolytic debridement, depending on the nature and extent of the non-viable tissue. Ensure hemostasis is achieved before proceeding. Any bleeding should be controlled to prevent hematoma formation under the dressing. Once the wound bed is clean and debrided, it’s important to assess the surrounding skin. Ensure the skin is clean, dry, and intact to provide a secure surface for the PICO 7 dressing to adhere to. If necessary, hair around the wound may be clipped to improve dressing adhesion and prevent interference with the negative pressure seal. Protect any fragile or sensitive periwound skin with a skin protectant wipe or barrier film. This helps prevent skin maceration or irritation from the adhesive dressing. Finally, ensure the wound bed is not excessively moist or dry. Excess moisture can compromise dressing adhesion, while a dry wound bed may hinder tissue regeneration. If the wound is too dry, a thin layer of hydrogel may be applied to maintain a moist wound environment. By following these steps, you can create an optimal wound bed for PICO 7 therapy, promoting effective wound healing and reducing the risk of complications.
Applying the PICO 7 Dressing
Proper application of the PICO 7 dressing is essential for ensuring effective negative pressure wound therapy. Begin by selecting the appropriate dressing size and shape to adequately cover the wound bed, ensuring that the absorbent pad extends at least 1-2 cm beyond the wound margins onto intact skin. Remove the dressing from its sterile packaging, taking care not to touch the adhesive surface. Peel off the protective liner from the dressing, starting from one corner. Gently apply the dressing to the prepared wound bed, centering the absorbent pad over the wound. Avoid stretching the dressing during application, as this can cause skin trauma or compromise the seal. Smooth the dressing onto the skin, ensuring that the adhesive edges are in full contact with the surrounding skin. Pay particular attention to bony prominences or irregular surfaces, molding the dressing to conform to the contours of the area. If necessary, use additional adhesive strips or tape to reinforce the dressing edges and ensure a secure seal. Once the dressing is in place, connect the PICO 7 pump unit to the dressing via the connector port. Ensure the connection is secure and that there are no kinks or obstructions in the tubing. Activate the PICO 7 pump according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Verify that the pump is functioning correctly and that negative pressure is being applied to the wound. Check for any air leaks around the dressing edges and reinforce the seal as needed. Educate the patient on how to monitor the dressing and pump unit, including signs of potential complications such as excessive bleeding, pain, or infection. Instruct the patient to seek medical attention if any concerns arise. Document the date and time of dressing application, as well as any relevant observations about the wound and surrounding skin. Proper dressing application technique is critical for maximizing the benefits of PICO 7 therapy and promoting optimal wound healing outcomes.
PICO 7 Operation and Monitoring
The PICO 7 system is designed for ease of use, but proper operation and monitoring are crucial for ensuring effective wound therapy and patient safety. Once the PICO 7 dressing is applied and the pump is connected, activate the pump according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The pump will automatically initiate negative pressure therapy to the wound bed. Throughout the duration of therapy, regularly monitor the PICO 7 system and the patient’s condition. Check the pump unit to ensure it is functioning correctly and that there are no error messages or alarms. Verify that the dressing remains securely in place and that there are no air leaks around the edges. Inspect the wound bed and surrounding skin for any signs of complications, such as excessive bleeding, increased pain, redness, swelling, or purulent drainage. Assess the patient’s comfort level and inquire about any new or worsening symptoms. Pay attention to the dressing’s absorbent capacity and replace it as needed, following the recommended dressing change schedule. If the dressing becomes saturated or compromised, it may lose its ability to maintain negative pressure. Educate the patient and their caregivers on how to monitor the PICO 7 system and recognize potential problems. Provide clear instructions on when to contact a healthcare professional. Emphasize the importance of adhering to the prescribed therapy duration and dressing change schedule. Document all observations and interventions related to the PICO 7 system, including pump settings, dressing changes, and any adverse events. Regular monitoring and timely intervention are essential for optimizing the benefits of PICO 7 therapy and preventing complications. By closely observing the system and the patient’s response, healthcare providers can ensure that the therapy is delivered safely and effectively, promoting optimal wound healing outcomes.
Duration of Therapy and Dressing Changes
The duration of therapy with the PICO 7 system and the frequency of dressing changes are determined by several factors, including the type and severity of the wound, the patient’s overall health, and the clinical judgment of the healthcare provider. Generally, the PICO 7 system is designed to provide continuous negative pressure wound therapy for up to 7 days. However, the actual duration of therapy may vary depending on the individual patient’s needs. Dressing changes are typically performed every 2 to 3 days, or more frequently if the dressing becomes saturated, compromised, or if there are signs of infection. During dressing changes, the wound bed should be assessed for signs of healing, such as granulation tissue formation, reduced wound size, and decreased exudate. The surrounding skin should also be inspected for any signs of irritation or maceration. Before applying a new PICO 7 dressing, the wound bed should be cleansed and debrided as needed to remove any debris or non-viable tissue. The new dressing should be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring that it is properly sealed and that the negative pressure is maintained. It is important to document the date and time of each dressing change, as well as any observations about the wound bed and surrounding skin. The patient and their caregivers should be educated on the proper technique for dressing changes and the importance of adhering to the prescribed schedule. They should also be instructed on how to recognize signs of infection or other complications and when to contact a healthcare provider. The duration of therapy and the frequency of dressing changes should be regularly re-evaluated based on the patient’s progress and the clinical assessment of the wound. In some cases, the therapy may be continued for longer than 7 days, while in other cases, it may be discontinued sooner. The decision to continue or discontinue therapy should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.
