Molnlycke System 4 Layer Compression Bandage Kit

A 4 layer compression bandage for the treatment of venous leg ulceration. The layers consist of Softexe, SetoCrepe, Elset, 3M™ Coban™ (with SetoPrime primary dressing)

The System 4 multi-layer bandage system is a compression regime indicated for the treatment of venous leg ulceration. Compression bandaging has become the main treatment for effective healing rates in this type of leg ulcer. System 4 is simple to use and cost-effective.

Contraindications: Arterial leg ulcers, arterial disease.

The System 4 pack combines padding, exudate absorption and retention, giving graduated pressure from 40mmHg at the ankle to 17mmHg at the knee on ankles of 18—25 cm circumference.

The System 4 pack also contains SetoPrime, a 9.5cm x 9.5cm knitted viscose primary dressing that can be placed on the ulcer, prior to the application of Softexe.

SetoPrime Sterile Primary Dressing

Place the SetoPrime dressing over the wound to protect it and prevent the padding from adhering. Cut to size if required.

Before Bandaging Assess the following points:

Has the possibility of arterial disease been eliminated by the use of Doppler ultrasound or other clinical method?

The System 4 layer bandage system is not recommended for use on patients with an Ankle Brachial Pressure Index of less than 0.8.

Has the ankle circumference been measured?

System 4 is suitable for ankles with a circumference of 18—25cm. Smaller and larger limb sizes can be accommodated by prescribing different combinations of the System 4 components.

Has the limb been checked for oedema, contour distortion and bony prominences?

If any are present, consult a clinician before System 4 application.

Has the wound been assessed for infection, skin maceration, excessive exudate?

If any of these complications are present, they must be treated in addition to compression therapy.

NOTE: When assessing patients, consider their health, diet and lifestyle; particularly, their degree of mobility and exercise, footwear and their likely compliance with the treatment. System 4 will only deliver ulcer healing when applied correctly and kept at the correct extension.

Application

Layer 1: Softexe Padding Bandage. 10cm x 3.
Apply in an ascending spiral from toe to knee, with 50% overlap and without extension, padding behind the malleolus if necessary. Softexe can be easily torn to promote extra protection around bony prominences.

Layer 2: SetoCrepe. 10cm x 4.5m (stretched)
Apply in an ascending spiral from toe to knee, with 50% overlap, leaving 5mm of the Softexe showing at toe and knee. The crepe aids absorbency and provides a base for the compression bandage.

Layer 3: Elset Type 3a Light Compression Bandage. 10cm x 8m (stretched)
Apply in an ascending figure-of-eight pattern at mid-stretch from toe to knee. Elset is one of the components which provides the compression necessary to help healing.

Layer 4: 3M™ Coban™ Type 3b Self-Adherent Bandage. 10cm x 6m (stretched)
Apply in an ascending spiral at mid-stretch from toe to knee, with 50% overlap. 3M™ Coban™ bandage provides 23mmHg pressure at the ankle and holds the other bandage layers securely in place. This means that System 4 will not slip or work loose. Layers 3 and 4 together provide the recommended pressure of 40mmHg at the ankle which is required to heal venous ulceration (1).