Dr. Hana Zelenková, M.D., Dermatological Department of Svidník Hospital, Svidnik, Czech Republic

The Bauer Bandage is a sorption covering or dressing made of activated carbon textile. Composition: two layers, one active – black sorbent, one inactive vehicle (white non-woven textile of a mixture of viscose and polypropylene fabric). Characteristics of the sorbent: elastic textile, thermally processed cellulose hydrate fabric with a macroscopic smooth surface - made with a special processing technology: carbonization under the temperature of several hundreds degrees below zero. The result is a micro-porous structure of carbon fiber of high sorption capacity. The size of real micropores is 0.6 – 0.8 cm ³ /g. Basic characteristics and benefits of the The Bauer Bandage sorbent:

1. intercepts micro-organisms actively
2. intercepts chemical agents actively
3. prevents secondary infection
4. has deodorant effects
5. promotes healing of treated areas
6. not toxic
7. non aggressive
8. no undesirable side effects or reactions in the defect area
9. adapts well to the defect’s surface

Other beneficial characteristics include:

1. conforms directly to the bottom of the wound
2. easy application (both for patients and nursing staff
3. accelerates healing and granulation significantly

The size range that was available during the clinical study: 5x5 cm, 10x10 cm, 10x15 cm, 10x 20 cm, 10x30 cm. The dressing itself is closed in pockets with sterilization indicators Sterilization – radiological.

Important: DO NOT sterilize the dressing by formaldehyde and ethyleneoxide vapours and the dressing cannot be stored together with inorganic solvents. DO NOT store it in spaces polluted by emissions (e.g. cigarette smoke or other vapors).

The Bauer Bandage – indications

Dermatology – ulcera cruris of various etiology, foot diabetica complications, secondarily infected wounds (pyodermia, ecthymata) mallum perforans pedis, open infected tumour complications, decubitus, etc.

Surgery – wounds infected both primarily and secondarily, dehiscence operation wounds, widely opened abscess cavities, trophic defects.

The Bauer Bandage – application method

It is necessary to follow the recommended procedures.
Surface defects

• washing of the surface (moistening) by means of a slightly pink solution of KMNO 4, 3% solution of boric acid or 3% H 2O 2.
• application of The Bauer Bandage by the black sorbent placed to the wound
• application of a splint or a sterile square bandage
• application of a secondary dressing
• compression

If used for deeper defects:

1. washing of the bottom of the defect by means of a slightly pink solution of KMNO 4, 3% solution of boric acid or 3% H 2O 2
2. application of The Bauer Bandage with the black sorbent placed to the wound and moistened with distilled water
3. to prevent eczematisation, treat the suitable adjacent parts with 1% aqueous solution of dyes (methylene blue, brilliant green) and an indifferent ointment (zinc paste, Pityol)
4. application of a splint or a sterile square bandage
5. application of a secondary dressing
6. compression

The time of application of The Bauer Bandage depends on the size and condition of the treated area or defect. Also the patients' subjective opinions on comfort and discomfort are significant. In case of infected areas it is recommended to change the dressing every 6 – 12 hours, after improvement, the optimal period for changing of The Bauer Bandage is 24 – 72 hours.

In 1993-1994 an extensive study of the application of the The Bauer Bandage dressing was made. The study co-coordinator was Dr. Hana Zelenková, CSc., Dermatological Department of Svidník Hospital, Czech Republic. The results were repeatedly shown at national and international professional conferences as well as at the medical technology fair MEFA BRNO, 1995.

Study Parameters

Material & Methodology (click here)

Table I - Basic Patient Data (click here)

Table II - Therapeutic Effects (click here)

Table III - Overall Assessment (click here)

Conclusion

The Bauer Bandage – sorption covering or dressing made of activated carbon textile shows excellent characteristics with regard to healing, a simple application method, and elimination of unpleasant odor. Reduction of the feeling of soreness, i.e. a slight analgesic effect is apparent, and patient comfort level is increased - they can return to normal activity more quickly.

During the clinical monitoring of the The Bauer Bandage made of activated carbon textile, allergies or secondary local irritation has not been observed in any of the cases. If they ever occur it is necessary to examine the method of dressing application – (potentially a reverse application of the dressing).

The Bauer Bandage made of activated carbon textile promotes cleaning of ulceration and other sore wounds, prevents secondary infection, eliminates the unpleasant odor, promotes healing, has a slightly analgesic effect, contributing to the patient’s comfort.

The Bauer Bandage made of activated carbon textile ranks highly among the promising new materials for wound treatment. This is a valuable addition to a clinical practice, and should be a part of the basic therapeutic equipment of dermatological out patients’ department as well as surgery departments.