Hyaluronate-iodine complex: a new adjunct for the management of complex sternal wounds after a cardiac operation

Arch Surg. 2011 Nov;146(11):1323-5. doi: 10.1001/archsurg.2011.272.

Abstract

A wound-healing agent developed in the European Union is based on the combination of organic hyaluronan with inorganic iodine. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the efficacy and safety of hyaluronate-iodine in the treatment of sternal wounds. Eight patients with sternal wound dehiscence were entered into the study. After debridement, wounds were dressed with gauze soaked in hyaluronate-iodine. In one patient with an epipleural abscess, hyaluronate-iodine was instilled directly into the abscess cavity daily. Complete healing was achieved in 7 patients, and 1 patient underwent a reconstructive operation for wound closure. The mean (SD) length of treatment was 136 (114.2) days. No adverse effects or complications were apparent in this group. Hyaluronate-iodine is safe and effective in healing sternal wound dehiscence. Randomized controlled trials are needed for further validation.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / administration & dosage
  • Bandages
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / adverse effects
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Czech Republic / epidemiology
  • Drug Combinations
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • Incidence
  • Iodine
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sternotomy / adverse effects*
  • Surgical Wound Dehiscence / drug therapy*
  • Surgical Wound Dehiscence / epidemiology
  • Surgical Wound Dehiscence / etiology
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wound Healing / drug effects

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • Drug Combinations
  • hyaluronan-iodine complex
  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • Iodine