AQUACEL Extra Hydrofiber Dressing

AQUACEL Extra is a sterile, highly absorbent Hydrofiber wound dressing designed for moderate to highly exuding wounds.

The dressing is made from sodium carboxymethylcellulose fibres reinforced with regenerated cellulose strengthening fibres. On contact with wound fluid, AQUACEL Extra absorbs the exudate and transforms into a soft, cohesive gel that closely conforms to the wound bed.

This gelling action helps manage exudate, maintain an appropriately moist wound-healing environment and support autolytic debridement while helping protect the surrounding skin from excess moisture.

Key features:

• Advanced Hydrofiber wound dressing
• Suitable for moderately to highly exuding wounds
• Made from sodium carboxymethylcellulose
• Reinforced with regenerated cellulose strengthening fibres
• Forms a soft, cohesive gel on contact with wound fluid
• Absorbs and retains high levels of exudate
• Helps lock wound fluid within the dressing
• Helps reduce lateral spread of exudate
• Helps protect the periwound skin from maceration
• Closely conforms to the wound surface
• Helps minimise dead space between the wound and dressing
• Supports autolytic debridement
• Helps retain bacteria contained within wound exudate
• Strong when wet
• Designed for straightforward one-piece removal
• Soft and conformable
• Can be cut to size
• Suitable for use under compression therapy where clinically indicated
• Requires an appropriate secondary dressing
• Can remain in place for up to 7 days, depending on wound condition and exudate
• Latex-free
• Sterile
• Single use
• Medical device

Hydrofiber Technology:

AQUACEL Extra incorporates ConvaTec's Hydrofiber Technology.

When the sodium carboxymethylcellulose fibres come into contact with wound exudate:

1. Fluid is rapidly absorbed into the dressing.
2. The fibres swell and form a soft cohesive gel.
3. The gel conforms closely to the contours of the wound bed.
4. Exudate is retained within the dressing.
5. Bacteria and potentially harmful components contained within the wound fluid are trapped within the gel.
6. The moist wound environment supports the body's natural healing processes and autolytic debridement.

The dressing's predominantly vertical fluid movement helps reduce lateral spread of exudate towards the wound edges.

Strengthening fibres:

AQUACEL Extra contains regenerated cellulose strengthening fibres within the dressing.

These provide additional wet strength so that the dressing maintains its integrity after absorbing wound fluid.

This helps:

• Reduce fragmentation during removal
• Facilitate removal in one piece
• Make dressing changes easier
• Reduce the risk of dressing material remaining within the wound

Suitable wound types include:

AQUACEL Extra is indicated for wounds including:

• Leg ulcers
• Diabetic ulcers
• Pressure ulcers / pressure injuries – Stages 2 to 4
• Surgical wounds
• Post-operative wounds
• Donor sites
• Dermatological wounds
• Surgical incisions
• Traumatic wounds
• Partial-thickness second-degree burns
• Wounds prone to minor bleeding
• Mechanically or surgically debrided wounds
• Painful wounds

The underlying cause of chronic wounds should also be appropriately assessed and treated.

For example:

• Venous leg ulcers may require compression therapy
• Diabetic foot ulcers may require pressure off-loading
• Pressure injuries require pressure redistribution
• Arterial wounds require appropriate vascular assessment

How to use:

AQUACEL Extra should be used according to the manufacturer's Instructions for Use and the patient's wound-management plan.

1. Assess and cleanse the wound according to appropriate clinical practice.
2. Dry the surrounding skin.
3. Select a dressing large enough to cover the wound adequately.
4. If necessary, cut AQUACEL Extra to the appropriate size or shape using clean or sterile scissors according to clinical practice.
5. Apply the dressing directly to the wound bed.
6. Ensure appropriate contact with the wound surface.
7. Cover with a suitable secondary dressing.
8. Secure according to the wound location and level of exudate.
9. Compression therapy may be applied where clinically prescribed.

AQUACEL Extra can be cut in any direction without compromising the integrity of the dressing.

Secondary dressing:

AQUACEL Extra is a primary wound dressing and normally requires an appropriate secondary dressing.

The secondary dressing should be selected according to:

• Wound location
• Exudate volume
• Condition of the surrounding skin
• Required fixation
• Overall treatment plan

Suitable secondary dressings may include appropriate:

• Foam dressings
• Superabsorbent dressings
• Retention dressings
• Bandaging systems

depending on clinical requirements.

Cavity, sinus and undermined wounds:

For narrow cavities, sinus tracts and undermined wounds, ConvaTec supplies a separate:

AQUACEL Ribbon Dressing with Strengthening Fibre

AQUACEL Ribbon is specifically designed for these applications and is available in narrow ribbon formats.

It should therefore be treated as a separate product from AQUACEL Extra.

Dressing changes:

AQUACEL Extra may remain in place for up to:

7 days

depending on:

• Wound condition
• Exudate level
• Dressing saturation
• Condition of the surrounding skin
• Clinical judgement

Change sooner if:

• The dressing becomes saturated
• Exudate reaches the edge of the dressing
• Leakage occurs
• The secondary dressing becomes saturated
• The dressing becomes displaced
• The wound requires reassessment
• Infection or deterioration is suspected

Removal:

AQUACEL Extra normally gels when exposed to exudate and can generally be removed gently from the wound.

If removal is difficult:

1. Moisten the dressing with sterile saline or clean water.
2. Allow the dressing to soften.
3. Remove gently.

Do not forcibly remove dried dressing material from delicate healing tissue.

Wounds prone to bleeding:

AQUACEL Extra may be used on wounds prone to minor bleeding, including:

• Donor sites
• Mechanically debrided wounds
• Surgically debrided wounds

However, it is not intended as a substitute for appropriate haemostatic management of significant or uncontrolled bleeding.

Infection:

Standard AQUACEL Extra is not a silver antimicrobial dressing.

If a wound is infected or at increased risk of infection, it should be appropriately assessed and managed.

Signs requiring clinical assessment may include:

• Increasing redness
• Swelling
• Increasing pain
• Purulent discharge
• Offensive odour
• Fever
• Increasing exudate
• Rapid wound deterioration

Where an antimicrobial AQUACEL dressing is clinically required, AQUACEL Ag+ Extra is a separate silver-containing product.

Contraindications:

Do not use AQUACEL Extra in anyone who:

• Is sensitive to the dressing
• Has had an allergic reaction to any component of the dressing

Important information:

Do not:

• Reuse
• Re-sterilise
• Use if the individual sterile package is damaged or previously opened
• Use after the stated expiry date

Each dressing is intended for single use only.

Storage:

• Store at room temperature
• Keep dry
• Keep in the original packaging until required
• Do not use if the sterile package is damaged

Product type: Hydrofiber / Gelling Fibre Wound Dressing

Material: Sodium carboxymethylcellulose with regenerated cellulose strengthening fibres

Technology: Hydrofiber Technology

Exudate level: Moderate to high

Forms gel with exudate: Yes

Supports autolytic debridement: Yes

Can be cut: Yes

Secondary dressing required: Yes

Suitable under compression: Yes, where clinically indicated

Maximum wear time: Up to 7 days

Contains silver: No

Latex-free: Yes

Sterile: Yes

Single use: Yes

Current UK sizes and codes

AQUACEL Extra – 5cm × 5cm

• Pack size: 10 dressings
• ConvaTec code: 420671
• PIP code: 367-3282
• NHS code: ELY377

AQUACEL Extra – 10cm × 10cm

• Pack size: 10 dressings
• ConvaTec code: 420672
• PIP code: 367-3290
• NHS code: ELY378

AQUACEL Extra – 15cm × 15cm

• Pack size: 5 dressings
• ConvaTec code: 420673
• PIP code: 367-3308
• NHS code: ELY379

AQUACEL Extra – 4cm × 10cm

• Pack size: 10 dressings
• ConvaTec code: 420820
• PIP code: 382-4760
• NHS code: ELY489

AQUACEL Extra – 4cm × 20cm

• Pack size: 10 dressings
• ConvaTec code: 420821
• PIP code: 382-4778
• NHS code: ELY490

AQUACEL Extra – 4cm × 30cm

• Pack size: 10 dressings
• ConvaTec code: 420822
• PIP code: 382-4786
• NHS code: ELY491

AQUACEL Extra – 20cm × 24cm

• Pack size: 5 dressings
• ConvaTec code: 423409
• PIP code: 419-2258

Manufacturer: ConvaTec Ltd

AQUACEL Extra should be selected according to the wound type, wound depth and level of exudate. Chronic, diabetic, vascular, infected or otherwise complex wounds should be assessed and monitored by an appropriately trained healthcare professional.

Product Information Leaflet