Paths to Practice Perfection
Practical Application of 3M™ Snap™ Therapy System
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The clinical management and treatment of patients with high-risk conditions related to the lower extremity has always been a complex decision in choosing the right advanced wound therapy. The disposable 3M™ Snap™ Therapy System combines the simplicity of advanced wound dressings with the proven benefits1 of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in a discreet, lightweight, portable, and quiet design. The Snap Therapy System is indicated for patients who would benefit from wound management using the application of negative pressure, via a device that may promote wound healing through the removal of excess exudate, infectious material, and tissue debris. The Snap Therapy System is designed for moderate to low exudating wounds of various etiologies.

Quality of life issues are important, and the Snap Therapy System helps patients by being small, silent, and can be easily hidden under clothing or an off-loading boot. It enables minimal interference with overall activity, sleep, and social interaction. The Snap Therapy System may promote wound healing by drawing the wound edges together, removing infectious material, and removing exudate.1,2

In a multicenter randomized controlled trial on lower extremity diabetic and venous wounds, patients treated with the Snap Therapy System had similar wound healing outcomes as those treated with 3M™ V.A.C.® Therapy.1-3

Disposable NPWT: Snap Therapy System

(Other components available such as the 3M™ Snap™ SecurRing™ Hydrocolloid Skin Barrier, wearable cartridge straps and dressings for bridging.)

CASE STUDY
A 72-year-old male with Type II diabetes presented to the wound clinic with a non-healing open necrotic 4th ray on the left foot for 3 months. The patient had originally suffered an embolic event with complete necrosis of the fourth digit. The area became infected with subsequent osteomyelitis to the head of the fourth metatarsal. A partial fourth ray resection was completed and was packed with iodoform gauze.

The patient continued to have his wound treated in this manner for 3 months. When the patient was presented to our clinic, via referral, the wound was debrided, measures were taken to address the infection and a disposable Snap Therapy System was applied. The patient was able to be ambulatory with an off-loading boot.

  • S/P 4th ray amputation
  • Charcot Foot Neuropathy
  • Pedal pulses 2/4
  • Wound has been unable to close for 3 months
  • Application of the Snap Therapy System with 3M™ Snap™ SecurRing™ Hydrocolloid Skin Barrier

Co-morbidities

  • Type II Diabetic

Wound Progression

Initial presentation with a necrotic 4th Ray on the left foot prior to surgical resection.

 

S/P 4th ray amputation and dNPWT was applied after wound debridement and irrigation.

Use of the Snap™ SecurRing™ Hydrocolloid Skin Barrierallows for fast and easy sealing on uneven skin surfaces and challenging body contours, such as the foot. This increased the adhesion of the 3M™ Snap™ Advanced Dressing, simplified dressing applications, and aided in getting a secure seal. It was the primary tool for acquiring a seal in this challenging area of the foot.

 

Week 1 Post Presentation: dNPWT was reapplied with good seal with the flexibility and tight bending radius for this difficult area without the need to bridge this wound.

Week 2 Post Presentation: dNPWT reapplied. The wound was debrided, and the wound edge freshened. Any fibrotic material that could be removed easily was resected.

 

Week 4 Post Presentation: dNPWT reapplied. The wound edges were debrided, and the wound bed is now fully granular.

Week 8 Post Presentation: dNPWT reapplied. Minimal debridement needed with significant wound contracture noted.

 

Week 10 Post Presentation: Wound Epithelialized and dNPWT discontinued. Successful wound closure.

Conclusion

The wound was completely closed after 10 weeks post presentation, after having been unable to advance closure for 3 months, and the patient was able to be completely ambulatory with an off-loading boot. The application of the Snap Therapy System with the Snap™ SecurRing™ Hydrocolloid Skin Barrier was an essential and effective treatment for this difficult to heal wound. The patient appreciated and maintained a good quality of life that the Snap Therapy System helped provide for him. He reported no issues with mobility or sleep interruption while using the Snap Therapy System.

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Note: Dr. Garoufalis is a paid consultant for 3M products. Patient data and photos courtesy of Matthew G. Garoufalis DPM, FASPS, FACPM, CWS, FFPM RCPS (Glasg).

As with any case study, the results and outcomes should not be interpreted as a guarantee or warranty of similar results. Individual results may vary depending on the patient’s circumstances and condition.

NOTE: Specific indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and safety information exist for these products and therapies. Please consult a clinician and product instructions for use prior to application. Rx only.

References

  1. Armstrong DG, Marston WA, Reyzelman AM, Kirsner RS. Comparative effectiveness of mechanically and electrically powered negative pressure wound therapy devices: a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Wound Repair Regen. May-Jun 2012;20(3):332-341.
     
  2. Marston WA, Armstrong DG, Reyzelman AM, Kirsner RS. A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Treatment of Venous Leg Ulcers Using Mechanically Versus Electrically Powered Negative Pressure Wound Therapy. Adv Wound Care. 2015 Feb 1;4(2):75-82. doi:10.1089/wound.2014.0575.
     
  3. Hutton DW, Sheehan P. Comparative effectiveness of the SnapTM Wound Care System. Int Wound J. 2011 Apr;8(2):196-205.
     

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