Smith and Nephew receives CE Mark for NPWT system

Smith and Nephew has been granted CE Mark approval for an innovative new negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) system.

The Pico device has now gone on sale in Europe after being unveiled at the European Wound Management Association conference last month and is the first pocket-sized, canister-free NPWT system of its kind.

It consists of a disposable single-button pump that uses an advanced dressing to treat acute and chronic wounds, high-risk surgical incisions and skin grafts, simplifying processes by eliminating the need for a bulky canister.

The device has been shown in studies to be effective and simple to use, while its pocket-sized nature also provides a greater level of discretion for patients.

Roger Teasdale, president of Smith and Nephew's advanced wound management division, said: "We believe it's our responsibility to achieve both superior patient outcomes as well as conserve resources for healthcare systems."

According to the company's latest financial report from May 2011, Smith and Nephew has experienced a strong start to the year, with revenue growing by four percent year on year in the first quarter.