Performance, Safety and Efficacy of PICO Device.

Although evidence exists which supports the positive effects of NPWT on take of skin grafts and flaps, there is limited evidence in relation to single-use systems such as PICO. Most previous studies have used traditional NPWT systems as part of their design. Though the technical applications of the traditional and newer single-use systems are comparable it is possible that some of the features of the latter may influence clinical outcomes. In addition to the limitations highlighted above, the cited studies have seldom assessed the ease of management and acceptability of NPWT systems. Although clinical outcomes may be considered paramount, these usability factors could also play a key role in ensuring compliance with negative pressure protocols.

Although evidence exists which supports the positive effects of NPWT on take of skin grafts and flaps, there is limited evidence in relation to single-use systems such as PICO. Most previous studies have used traditional NPWT systems as part of their design. Though the technical applications of the traditional and newer single-use systems are comparable it is possible that some of the features of the latter may influence clinical outcomes. In addition to the limitations highlighted above, the cited studies have seldom assessed the ease of management and acceptability of NPWT systems. Although clinical outcomes may be considered paramount, these usability factors could also play a key role in ensuring compliance with negative pressure protocols.

The study is being conducted to evaluate the safe and effective use of the PICO 7 system in surgically closed incision sites and wounds requiring closure by skin graft or flap as part of the PMCF plan for this product, for the purpose of continuing CE (Conformité Européene) Mark approval in accordance with MEDDEV 2.12-2.

The PICO system has recently been updated with minor modifications that make the system silent during wear. S & N also wish to collect PMCF data in the indications of knee and abdominal incisions in order to make retrospective comparisons with data previously collected for these indications.

The aim of this study is therefore to assess whether the PICO 7 system is a safe and effective therapy for surgically closed incisions, skin grafts and flaps. Effectiveness will be defined by the ability of the system to deliver negative pressure and handle exudate and by percentage of successful skin graft or flap survival at Day 14.

A summary of known and potential risks and benefits to humans of each test article can be found in the Instructions for Use of PICO 7.

Inclusion criteria

• The subject must provide written informed consent
• Subjects eighteen (18) years of age or older.
• Willing and able to make all required study visits.
• Able to follow instructions.
• Subject is suitable to participate in the study in the opinion of the Investigator
• Subject has a suitable, closed abdominal or knee surgery incision skin flap or skin graft (STSG, meshed or non-meshed) (if there is more than one incision then the clinician should choose the one which in their opinion is most suited to PICO therapy), that fits under the absorbent dressing area of the appropriate PICO 7 dressing supplied.

Exclusion criteria

• Contraindications (per the PICO 7 IFU) or hypersensitivity to the use of the investigational product or their components (e.g. silicone adhesives and polyurethane films [direct contact with incision], acrylic adhesives [direct contact with skin], polyethylene fabrics and super-absorbent powders [polyacrylates]) within the dressing).
• Subjects with extremely fragile skin who require the use of SECURA non-sting barrier skin wipes and have hypersensitivity to the ingredients in the wipes
• Participation in the treatment period of another clinical trial within thirty (30) days of operative visit or during the study.
• Subjects with skin features (e.g. tattoos, skin colour, pre-existing scarring) which in the opinion of the Investigator, will interfere with the study assessments.
• Patients undergoing a procedure as part of palliative care (to be confirmed during surgery).
• Subjects with incisions or skin grafts that are actively bleeding unless haemostasis has been achieved (to be confirmed during surgery).
• Subjects with infected skin grafts or incisions at the time of surgery (except for those with perforated bowel or peritonitis).
• Subjects who have participated previously in this clinical trial
• Subjects with a history of poor compliance with medical treatment.
• Subjects with skin grafts to correct pressure ulcers where compression therapy is needed for healing (based on clinicians expertise).
• Subjects with a medical or physical condition that, in the opinion of the Investigator, would preclude safe subject participation in the study.