Are you worried about your incision after surgery?

What is a surgical site infection (SSI)?

Hip and knee replacements consistently and significantly improve quality-of-life by relieving pain and restoring function in well-chosen candidates.1 One complication that can occur after surgery is a surgical site infection (SSI). A surgical site infection is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an infection that occurs after surgery in a part of the body where the surgery took place.2

How common are SSIs?

In the United States, hip and knee replacements are being performed with increasing frequency.3 Unfortunately, surgical site infections (SSIs) are the number one reason for patient readmissions to the hospital after total joint surgery.4 These infections can be devastating and often require treatment with additional surgery and long-term antibiotics.1

Can an infection be prevented?

Up to 60% of surgical site infections are considered preventable.2 Ask your surgeon what they could do to help prevent surgical site infections after surgery.

What is the PICO◊ Single Use Negative Pressure Wound Therapy System (sNPWT) and how can it help reduce my odds of SSI?

  • The PICO System is a small medical device that may help reduce your risk of getting a surgical site infection, by creating a controlled environment that may promote wound healing5
  • The PICO System is a portable system allowing patients the freedom to continue daily activities*6
  • The dressing provides protection to the incision from external contaminates7
  • The pump applies compression to the area, increasing blood flow, and providing the surgical site with a good environment that may help promote wound healing8-9
  • The gentle adhesive makes application and removal easy6,10
  • The splashproof dressing allows patients the ability to shower*6
  • PICO sNPWT is quiet and discreet allowing for greater patient satisfaction11

Can the PICO System help improve the outcome of my incision?

Results vary, but in many cases improvement can be seen after the first dressing is changed. Discuss with your doctor what results you may expect.8

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Important Safety Notes

Not all patients are candidates for the Smith+Nephew products, and individual results with use of the PICO◊ sNPWT System will vary. Discuss your condition and options with your surgeon. The information provided herein is for informational purposes and is not meant as medical advice. Postoperative care is individualized and is determined by the physician. For more information, please talk to your surgeon.

The decision to use Smith+Nephew products should be made by a healthcare professional, in line with applicable local protocols. Smith+Nephew products should always be used for the indications set out in the applicable Instructions For Use.

The PICO pumps contain a MAGNET. Keep the PICO pumps at least 4 inches (10 cm) away from other medical devices at all times. As with all electrical medical equipment, failure to maintain appropriate distance may disrupt the operation of nearby medical devices. For full product and safety information, please see the Instructions for Use.

References

*Consult with your doctor about appropriate activity levels and for information regarding showering and bathing. You may also reference the PICO System user manual.

  1. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. (2020, August 20). Surgical Site Infections. Retrieved from AAOS: https://www.aaos.org/globalassets/quality-and-practice-resources/surgical-site-infections/ssi-patient-handout--final.pdf
  2. Frequently Asked Questions About Surgical Site Infections. (2019, May 9). Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/hai/ssi/faq_ssi.html
  3. Impact of Change® v16.0; HCUP National Inpatient Sample (NIS). Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP). 2012. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD; IMS LifeLink® PharMetrics Health Plan Claims Database, 2011, 2013; The following 2013 CMS Limited Data Sets (LDS): Carrier, Denominator, Home Health Agency, Hospice, Outpatient, Skilled Nursing Facility; The Nielsen Company, LLC, 2015; Sg2 Analysis, 2016.
  4. Zmistowski, B., et al. Unplanned Readmission After Total Joint Arthroplasty: Rates, Reasons, and Risk Factors. 2013 2. Karlakki, SL, Hamad AK, Whittall C et al. Incisional negative pressure wound therapy dressings (iNPWTd) in routine primary hip and knee arthroplasties: a randomized controlled trial. 2016; 5(8): 328-337.
  5. Scalise A, Calamita R, Tartaglione C, et al. Improving wound healing and preventing surgical site complications of closed surgical incisions: a possible role of Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy. A systematic review of the literature. Int Wound J. 2016;13(6):1260-1281
  6. Data on File DS/18/015/R. Summary Wound Model Report for Opal PICO 7. January 2018.
  7. Smith & Nephew February 2011.Bacterial Barrier Testing (wet-wet) of PICO dressing with a 7 day test duration against S. marcescens. Internal Report. 1102010.
  8. Malmsjo M. et al. Biological effects of a disposable, canisterless Negative Pressure Wound Therapy system. Eplasty 2014; 14:e15.
  9. Scalise A, Calamita R, Tartaglione C, et al. Improving wound healing and preventing surgical site complications of closed surgical incisions: a possible role of Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy. A systematic review of the literature. Int Wound J. 2016;13(6):1260-1281.
  10. Smith & Nephew May 2015.A prospective, open, non-comparative, multi-centre study to evaluate the functionality and dressing performance of a new negative pressure enhanced dressing (NPED)in acute wounds (CT09/02). Internal Report. ST865 CT09/02.
  11. Kirsner R, Dove C, Reyzelman A, Vayser D, Jaimes H. A prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of a single-use negative pressure wound therapy system, compared to traditional negative pressure wound therapy in the treatment of chronic ulcers of the lower extremities. Wound Repair Regen. 2019 Sept;27(5):519-529.

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

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