INDUSTRY NEWS

DIABETIC FOOT The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) has published new clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic foot disorders. The evidence-based guidelines are designed to improve understanding of the causes of diabetic foot problems and provide information about new treatments for foot ulcers and other diabetic foot conditions. The guidelines reflect strong support within ACFAS for multidisciplinary approaches to managing foot disorders in people with diabetes. They encourage every practitioner to pay attention to the warning signs of foot disorders and to take appropriate action before further complications occur. The publication Diabetic Foot Disorders: A Clinical Practice Guideline consists of the 56-page guideline, a pocket reference guide booklet, and 3 laminated treatment algorithms and can be purchased from ACFAS for $38 per set. ▴ Information: 1-800-421-2237. URINARY INCONTINENCE The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) has approved coverage of biofeedback and electrical stimulation for the treatment of urinary incontinence for Medicare beneficiaries with this condition. Biofeedback was previously covered on a state-by-state basis at the discretion of local Medicare carriers. HCFA's ruling establishes a national policy mandating coverage for biofeedback in urinary incontinence when certain criteria are met. Pelvic floor electrical stimulation has not received Medicare coverage since 1994, but with this HCFA action, it will now be covered as an adjunctive intervention in the treatment of stress and/or urge urinary incontinence. PRODUCTS Westaim Biomedical Corporation, Exeter, NH, has received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Canada's Health Protection Branch for its Acticoat 7 dressing for the treatment of acute and chronic wounds. Acticoat 7 delivers a sustained 7-day release of antimicrobial silver nanocrystals, providing treatment for a longer period of time than any other silver-coated dressing. Case studies reported by wound care professionals in the United States and Canada examined the use of Acticoat dressings for the treatment of a variety of chronic wounds, including a venous insufficiency ulcer, an infected surgical wound, and epidermolysis bullosa, a disease which causes blistering of most of the body's skin. The Acticoat dressing was effective in reducing infection in these wounds with a concurrent reduction in the amount and type of wound fluid. Medline Industries, Inc, Mundelein, IL, has received a patent for its Soft-Span 150 knitted sheets with hyperelastic spandex yarns. The addition of spandex yarns allows the sheets to prevent "bunching," which can cause pressure points and skin shear. The sheets promote better air circulation, which also works to reduce the possibility of pressure ulcers. Soft-Span 150 is available in 2 versions: Soft-Span 21, a lightweight version at 21 ounces, and a super heavyweight version at 23.5 ounces. COMPANIES Carrington Laboratories, Inc, Irving, TX, and Medline Industries, Inc, Mundelein, IL, have formed a licensing agreement under which Carrington has granted Medline the exclusive rights to sell and market Carrington's wound and skin care products. As part of the 5-year agreement, Medline will absorb Carrington's existing 30-plus sales representatives into its own sales force. Carrington will continue to manufacture its portfolio of products. Human Genome Sciences Inc, (HGS), Rockville, MD, and SmithKline Beecham Corporation, Philadelphia, PA, have agreed to jointly develop and commercialize repifermin, a novel growth factor being developed by HGS. Repifermin, also known as keratinocyte growth factor-2, or KGF-2, is a new protein with potential therapeutic applications in wound care, including treatment of venous, diabetic, and pressure ulcers. This agreement comes after HGS recently announced the positive results of its first Phase Ila trial of repifermin in the treatment of venous ulcers. Avitar, Inc, Canton, MA, and The Kendall Company, Mansfield, MA, have amended their distribution agreement for Kendall's Hydrasorb polyurethane foam wound dressing product line to include worldwide distribution. Provisions have been made to supply Avitar's wound dressing products to The Kendall Company's international distribution network of acute care hospitals as well as subacute, long-term-care, and other health care facilities. PEOPLE Mark Connors: Promoted to president and chief operating officer of Spenco Medical Corporation, Waco, TX. Connors most recently served as vice president of sales and marketing, where he had been instrumental in making Spenco a market leader in wound care with the expansion of the 2nd Skin product line. Connors replaces Steve Smith as president. Smith remains chief executive officer and chairman of the board.

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