Kimberly-Clark Health Care Launches InteguSeal* Microbial Sealant in the United States

ROSWELL, Ga. -- Kimberly-Clark Health Care announces the launch of Kimberly-Clark* InteguSeal* Microbial Sealant (InteguSeal* Microbial Sealant), a first-in-class microbial barrier designed to reduce the risk of skin flora contamination throughout a surgical procedure. InteguSeal* Microbial Sealant was unveiled during the annual meeting of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Jan. 28-30 in San Diego.

InteguSeal* Microbial Sealant uses a proprietary formulation to seal and immobilize pathogens to help protect against migration into an incision. InteguSeal* Microbial Sealant has been used in more than 15,000 applications during surgical procedures internationally. In late 2006, InteguSeal* Microbial Sealant received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval as a class II medical device and is now available for sale in the United States.

It is generally accepted that wound contamination by the patients endogenous skin flora is a key factor in the development of surgical site infection (SSI), and absolute skin sterilization prior to surgery is not possible.(1) InteguSeal* Microbial Sealant has a unique mechanism of action that does not promote bacterial resistance and does not need to be removed for suture or closure. Easy to apply and fast-drying, InteguSeal* Microbial Sealant can be used with a variety of patient skin preparation treatments and surgical products such as electrocautery, sutures, staples and wound adhesives. The versatile film bonds to skin surfaces with different curvature, hair-content or amount or types of flora present.

Having a solution like InteguSeal* Microbial Sealant that helps to prevent a patients own skin flora from contaminating the surgical site will bring hospitals one step closer to reducing the risk of surgical site infection, stated John Amat, vice president of marketing and sales for Kimberly-Clark Health Care.

Currently, 2 percent to 5 percent of patients undergoing surgery are at risk for SSIs, a major source of morbidity following operative procedures.(2) Compared with uninfected patients, those with SSIs remain in hospitals seven days longer, have a 60 percent increased probability of admittance to Intensive Care Units, are five times more likely to return for continued care within 30 days of discharge and have double the mortality rate.(3)

Kimberly-Clark Health Care president Joanne Bauer says, The appropriate use of medical products during surgical procedures can help to prevent healthcare associated infections and ultimately lower costs incurred by facilities. This is why we are building on our strong portfolio of OR products and introducing new and innovative clinical solutions that help to support our customers healing mission.

References:

1. Hagen KS and Treston-Aurand J. A comparison of two skin preps used in cardiac surgical procedures. AORN J 1995. 62(3):393-402

2. Surgical Site Infections; Case For Improvement. IHI.org (Institute of Healthcare Improvement)

3. Barnard B. (2003) Prevention of Surgical Site Infections. Infection Control Today. http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/articles/341bpract.html

Source: Kimberly Clark Health Care