PRODUCTS FOR PRACTICE 3M™ COBAN™


Introduction The 3MTM


CobanTM 2 Compression 2 Compression System is


designed to address some of the problems that may be associated with multi-component compression systems, eg two- or four-layer bandaging, or compression hosiery. This system has two layers, is quick and easy to apply1


and


produces effective, consistent pressure that effectively manages oedema2-4


. The 3MTM


2 Compression System also demonstrates reduced slippage5 of patients6


n CobanTM and is suitable for a wide range . This article describes why, when and how to effectively and safely use this system.


Authors: Vowden K, Vowden P, Partsch H, Treadwell T. Full author details are on page 6.


Challenges associated with compression therapy When compression therapy is indicated, clinicians need to ensure that it is applied in a way that will safely deliver sufficient pressure to reduce oedema without causing pressure damage7


. Clinicians


need to be knowledgeable of the features of the different bandage systems and their appropriate use. In addition, they require training and should have demonstrated competency in the bandage application technique for the system in use8


.


Non-compliance Non-compliance with compression therapy in patients with venous leg ulceration is a recurring problem9


. In a study of 150 patients


with venous insufficiency, less than half of patients reported full compliance with compression therapy10


. A recent review found that


poor concordance with compression therapy reduces venous leg ulcer healing rate, doubling the time to complete healing11


. For example, patients . A wide


variety of physical and psychosocial factors have been identified as contributing to non-compliance12,13


may choose to remove the bandages if they are associated with pain, make the patient feel too hot, slip down, or are too bulky to wear with the patient’s usual shoes or clothes12


. Removal of the


bandages may result in an interruption to therapy, and has the potential to delay wound healing.


What are the properties of the ideal compression system? The ideal compression system enables clinicians to deliver effective compression with a low complication rate (Box 1).


Clinical evidence for the 3M™ Coban™ 2 Compression System Compression therapy is considered the gold standard of care for treating venous hypertension and venous ulceration16


.


A Cochrane review of compression therapy for venous leg ulcers concluded that venous ulcers heal more rapidly when compression is used than when it is not17


. Box 2 (see page 2)


details the mechanisms of action of compression therapy in reducing oedema and aiding healing of venous leg ulceration.


The studies demonstrating the effectiveness and patient acceptability of the 3M™ Coban™ 2 Compression System are summarised in Table 1 (see page 5). These studies have


S.1 Volume 2 | Issue 1 | February 2011 www.woundsinternational.com


made easy


Box 1 Properties of the ideal compression system (adapted from7,14 n Proven clinical effectiveness


n


n Enhances calf muscle pump function n


n n )


Delivers tolerable sustained compression during rest and high pressure peaks during walking


Easy application encourages safe, accurate and consistent application Non-slip and likely to stay in place until next bandage application n Conformable and can be adapted to cope with limb distortion


Comfortable and allows the patient to mobilise and to wear appropriate footwear and clothing Non-allergenic


n Durable


What is the 3M™ The 3M™


Coban™ Coban™ 2 Compression System? 2 Compression System is a two-layer


compression bandage system that is easier to apply and less bulky than traditional four-layer bandage systems. There are two forms of the system: 3M™ Coban™ 2 and 3M™ Coban™ 2 Lite.


The inner latex-free foam sheet of both products is identical. It has a cohesive backing, is applied foam side to the skin and is highly conformable, ie will mould to the shape of the leg easily. The cohesive backing has adhesive properties that enable it to attach to the outer layer of the compression system across its whole surface to form a stable, effective compression system. The outer layer is a short stretch cohesive bandage that is applied over the inner layer to provide compression. It interlocks with the inner layer creating an inelastic bandage system that is less likely to slip down the leg during wear. The outer layer of 3M™ Coban™ 2 Lite is different in appearance to that of 3M™ Coban™ 2, and allows lower resting pressures, but similar working pressures to 3M™ Coban™ 2.


Part of the inspiration for designing the 3MTM CobanTM 2


Compression System to be inelastic came from examining the properties of giraffe skin. It is known that the fibrous, inelastic skin of giraffes helps to explain why they do not experience skin changes as a result of venous hypertension15


.


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