KCI's Vacuum Assisted Closure Therapy Earns APMA Seal of Approval

SAN ANTONIO -- Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (KCI), a global corporation that develops and markets a broad range of innovative healthcare products, has received the American Podiatric Medical Association's (APMA) seal of approval for its Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC) Therapy. VAC Therapy, launched by KCI in the United States in 1995, is a clinical and cost effective use of negative pressure wound therapy to treat chronic and traumatic wounds in hospitals, extended care facilities and in the home.

The selection process for the APMA Seal of Approval is rigorous. Before receiving seal recognition, companies must provide research documentation, information on intended use, patents, composition, and evidence of quality control procedures for each product. The information is reviewed by the Committee of Podiatric Seals, which is comprised of doctors of podiatric medicine. After the review process, the Committee of Podiatric Seals makes its recommendations to the APMA board of trustees for final action. The Seal of Approval is awarded when evidence of the safety and effectiveness of the product has been established.

Clinical studies have shown that VAC Therapy encourages high-quality, efficient patient care by helping to promote wound healing and helping to diminish the threat of increased morbidity associated with unhealed wounds. The VAC assists granulation tissue and helps uniformly draw wounds closed by applying controlled, localized negative pressure. In addition, it helps remove infectious materials and provides a closed, moist wound healing environment. Numerous hospitals continue to use it in promoting healing in many types of wounds such as pressure ulcers and diabetic ulcers, as well as flaps and grafts.

"We've always had confidence in VAC Therapy," said Dr. Wayne Schroeder, KCI medical director. "We have several clinical and case studies that demonstrate astounding results with its use, and we are pleased that the APMA Seal affirms for podiatric physicians and patients what a truly unique and effective product the V.A.C.(R) system is for the treatment of foot wounds."

The Seal of Approval is valuable because it provides information to podiatric physicians and their patients to ensure that they can make the best possible decisions regarding foot health. It helps to inform the consumers as well.

"APMA recognizes its responsibility to assist the public in making informed decisions about foot health," said Glenn B. Gastwirth, DPM, executive director of APMA. "Consumers can be assured that any product holding the APMA Seal will provide safe, reliable foot care."

Source: Kinetic Concepts, Inc.