The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US has cleared the pocket-sized PICO™ negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) system for use in a wide range of healthcare settings.

The PICO™ system, by Smith and Nephew, helps to manage wound exudate, and is easier to apply and quieter than traditional NPWT dressings.  Depending on the amount of exudate a wound produces, the PICO system can stay on for up to a week and can be disposed of after use.

'PICO™ is novel and beneficial in several regards,' said Dr Raymond Dunn, Chairman of Plastic Surgery, University of Massachusetts. 'The seven-day duration should allow us to more rapidly transition care for patients with post-operative wounds and skin grafts to the outpatient setting. With the simple pump, on-off design and absence of any canister or reservoir for fluid, patients can manage their NPWT at home much more easily, without additional nursing visits. This saves the healthcare system money and improves patients' quality of life.'

To read more and see how PICO™ works, click here.

Image: PICO™ four-layer technology dressing. Credit: Smith and Nephew.