The 2018 Excellence in Surgical Products Awards will be presented in the November/December issue of Surgical Products. Leading up to the publication of that issue, nominees will be featured on the Surgical Products website.
Category: Infection Control
Product description and innovation synopsis:
PrevahexCHX™ is the first and only CHX dressing cleared by the FDA with complete antimicrobial protection throughout the transparent areas of the dressing. PrevahexCHX antimicrobial dressings incorporate groundbreaking technology utilizing pure chlorhexidine (CHX), providing rapid onset of action, efficacy against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and yeasts, and protection for up to 7 days. In addition, PrevahexCHX provides rapid bacterial elimination both underneath and several millimeters beyond the perimeter of the dressing while also allowing clinicians to be able to fully see and assess the site by offering transparent antimicrobial coverage in the dressing.
(Image credit: entrotech)
What sets this product apart from others available in the industry?
PrevahexCHX™ offers a proprietary, thermal-free process for integrating pure chlorhexidine (CHX) into the adhesive for full protection throughout the transparent areas of the dressing. PrevahexCHX eliminates all salts, acids, binders and byproducts from its adhesive manufacturing process. These are common skin irritants and possible carcinogens. The benefits of eliminating all these additives and acids allow for enhanced stability, better safety and faster onset of action and longer duration of effects. This technology does not need any activation by blood, sweat, alcohol, or water and allows for consistent release of chlorhexidine for up to 7 days.
How does this product benefit the surgical team and aid in better outcomes?
Research shows that skin bacteria is the primary cause of infections in surgical sites. Even if skin is prepped prior to a procedure, regrowth of bacteria can occur within one day. Because of this, PrevahexCHX™ provides clinicians assured protection by providing pure chlorhexidine throughout the transparent areas of the dressing which allows the clinician to have full site visualization. This product has been used in several post-surgical applications to protect the site and allows for wound healing without any report of skin irritation.
