Innovation Theater Breakfast (non-CME): Overcoming the Impact of Biofilm to Defeat Hard-to-Heal Wounds: Views from the Lab and Clinical Practice

Sponsored by Convatec.

The presence of inflammation and infection profoundly impacts wound healing outcomes. Although other underlying host factors may also present obstacles to healing, it is increasingly acknowledged that most hard-to-heal wounds contain biofilm, and that it presents a key barrier to healing.1,2 The inflammation associated with chronic infections in wounds is thought to be triggered by persistent biofilm.3 This session will provide a view from the lab about emergence of biofilm and an advanced dressing technology designed to overcome the challenges it poses. This will be followed by a case-based approach from clinical practice demonstrating the use of advanced wound dressings as part of wound hygiene to overcome biofilm and wound infection and progress wounds to healing.

Learning Objectives • Explain the microbiology of biofilm and its impact on wound healing • Explore an advanced antimicrobial technology developed to manage biofilm within the dressing • Discuss clinical cases illustrating the use of wound hygiene principles and advanced wound dressing technologies to overcome wound infection and progress wounds to healing

References 1. Schultz G, Bjarnsholt T, James GA, et al. Consensus guidelines for the identification and treatment of biofilms in chronic nonhealing wounds. Wound Repair Regen. 2017; 25(5): 744–57. 2. Malone M, Bjarnsholt T, McBain AJ, et al. The prevalence of biofilms in chronic wounds: a systematic review and meta-analysis of published data. J Wound Care 2017; 26(1): 20–25. 3. Hurlow J, Bowler PG. Acute and chronic wound infections: microbiological, immunological, clinical and therapeutic distinctions. J Wound Care. 2022; 31(5): 436-45.

This non-CME presentation is held in conjunction with the SAWC Spring 2024 Meeting. The opinions and recommendations expressed do not necessarily reflect the view of HMP Education or SAWC. This program is not intended or eligible for continuing education (CME/CE) credits and does not meet guidelines governing CME/CE.