Smith and Nephew’s Pico NPWT system earns positive testimony

Smith and Nephew's Pico negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) system has been shown in studies to help prevent surgical site infections in Caesarean-section patients.

Two independent clinical evaluations have demonstrated the benefits of the product, the first of which followed a group of 50 UK patients deemed at high risk of contracting an infection post-C-section due to being clinically obese.

After their closed surgical incisions were treated with a protocol including Pico, it was shown that there were no infections and zero readmissions among the patients involved.

Meanwhile, the second US-based study showed that the product was associated with an 83 percent reduction in surgical site infections, thus helping to reduce expenditure for healthcare providers.

Andy Boyes, president of Smith and Nephew's European advanced wound management division, said: "We are pleased that the outcome of these studies reinforces the benefits of Pico in minimising the risk of post-operative complications in this group of patients."

Last month, the company announced the completion of the acquisition of Healthpoint Biotherapeutics, thus giving it a stronger position in the growing bioactives market.