A Novel Mechanism Using Highly Charged Fibers (HCF) for Debriding Wounds Intolerant to Sharps Debridement: Establishing Equity of Successful Wound Debridement for Rural Patients

Introduction: Patients have wounds that are too painful to have sharps debridement, or may have wound types that are not indicated for sharp de- bridement, such as pyoderma gangrenosum wounds. Many patients cannot afford the expense of drugs that debride wounds non surgically, and rural patients in particular cannot always access a provider for a sharp wound debridement. Accessible, effective, and pain free debridement methods are highly desirable, and we tested a new entrant in the debridement support- ive space. This dressing uses Highly Charged Fibers (HCF) to electrostati- cally eliminate slough from the wound bed in a gentle fashion. Methods: We identified patients who needed debridement but were intolerant to sharp debridement. They were treated with a HCF dressing every 48 hours. The dressing was applied in clinic 1 x week, ordered from DME and used at home every 48 – 72 hours based on drainage amount. For patients in rural locations without the ability to drive to clinic/get home care, but with insurance, dressings were ordered from DME and patient or caregiver performed dressing changes. Results: Three types of wounds that are not suited/not accessible for sharp debridement were cleansed of wound slough/debris with the Highly Charged Fiber (HCF) dressing. Pyoderma, squamous cell carcinoma, and burn wounds were successfully treated and debrided. Discussion: Easy access, Medicare support, and gentle patient experi- ence are associated with the new Highly Charger Fiber (HCF) dressings, and it appears to provide a viable, new choice in the difficult area of wound debridement for highly vulnerable and locationally difficult to reach by clinicians.