HydroClean Cavity Wound Dressing

Description

HydroClean Cavity (HARTMANN) — also marketed as HydroClean Advance Cavity within the HydroClean range — is a sterile, single-use, hydroactive and hydro-responsive wound pad for packing and managing deep cavity wounds. It is non-medicated and designed for moist wound therapy during cleansing and early granulation. The cavity variant has no occlusive film backing or silicone adhesive and must be covered with a suitable secondary dressing. It can be used under compression bandages or stockings.

Composition and design

• Superabsorbent polyacrylate (SAP) embedded in cellulose fibers
• Knitted polypropylene wound-contact layer
• Premoistened with Ringer’s solution
• No occlusive film backing; no adhesive strips
• Sterile, single-use; do not cut or mechanically damage

Mechanism of action (Rinsing–Absorption Mechanism, RAM)

• Donates Ringer’s solution to the wound for up to 3 days
• SAP core absorbs exudate while binding/inactivating excess MMPs
• Sequesters bacteria and debris to support autolytic debridement
• Helps progress the wound from cleansing toward granulation

Indications and uses

• Moist treatment of dry, lightly, and moderately exuding wounds
• Especially suitable for chronic or poorly healing wounds in cleansing and granulation phases
• May be used on infected wounds; consider medical supervision
• Useful where elevated MMP activity contributes to stalled healing
• For use by healthcare professionals or laypersons trained by them
• Compatible with compression therapy

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity or intolerance to any component

Important limitations and precautions

• Not for heavily exuding wounds
• Not recommended for dry necrotic foot wounds due to arterial occlusive disease
• Third-degree burns require surgical treatment before use
• Do not use with topical medications, ointments, or disinfectants
• Do not cut, squeeze, or mechanically damage the pad
• If placed on the sole, the patient must not stand or walk on it (risk of bursting)
• Infected or highly contaminated wounds should be managed under medical supervision, particularly if a film dressing is used for fixation
• Protect sensitive or compromised periwound skin
• Use caution when removing in patients at risk of bleeding (e.g., on anticoagulants)
• Safety and effectiveness not established in pregnant women or children

Application and wear time

• Verify package integrity; apply using aseptic technique; do not squeeze before use
• Place/pack to ensure full contact with the wound bed
• Cover with a HydroClean (Advance) wound pad overlapping wound edges or a sufficiently large film dressing; secure with suitable retention
• Wear up to 3 days according to clinical judgment; change earlier if capacity is exhausted or if the pad dries prematurely
• If adherence occurs, irrigate with sterile saline or Ringer’s solution to ease removal

Observed effects/side effects

• Early increase in wound size due to removal of nonviable tissue
• Reddening of wound edges during moist treatment may indicate reactivated circulation
• Possible swelling/whitish coating of a soaked plantar horny layer
• Rare, nonspecific activation of gluteal/leg muscles in paraplegic patients with sacral wounds; resolves after removal

Sterility and handling

• Sterile; single-use only; do not re-use or resterilize
• Keep dry; do not use if packaging is damaged

Assortment and packaging

• Individually sealed; 1 box of 10 pieces per size
• Sizes (Cavity variant): Ø 4 cm; Ø 5.5 cm; 4 × 8 cm (oval); 7.5 × 7.5 cm; 10 × 10 cm