The Use of a Novel Microbicidal Liquid Polymer for the Reduction of Pin Track Infection

Infection, Post-operative Care

The purpose of the study is to investigate additional clinical uses for the polymer, which is a FDA approved, 510k, medical device, but has not been approved for use on patients with pin track sites as a way to lower the infection rate and is investigational for this purpose. The approved uses include wound care and post-operative care. About 13 subjects will take part in this study.

Study Objectives Research participants eligible for the study will be those undergoing Deformity Correction and Traumatic Provisional Fixation. These research participants have a number of pins placed to ensure this required rigid fixation. The number of external fixation pins averages approximately ten per research participant. It is a 510K FDA cleared medical device indicated for providing a covering over minor wounds and scrapes that are clean and dry. The microbicidal liquid solution consists of organic polymer dissolved in methylene chloride organic solvent. The unique formulation eradicates any organisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses) it comes in contact with. This is a result of the methylene chloride's activity against an infinite number of organisms. The methylene chloride evaporates leaving a clear, elastomeric, non-odorous film for covering minor wounds. The film protects the wound against entry of water, dirt, and germs. The film is elastomeric and protects in difficult regions where flexing, bending and creasing skin occurs. The clear film forms in less than a minute. Application is commonly accomplished using a cotton tip applicator. The liquid is applied on and around the wound extending at least an inch and a quarter beyond the edges of the wound. Momentary stinging may occur upon initial application. The film commonly remains intact for one to three days or longer depending on exposure to rubbing, flexing, or soap and water. This film is resistant to degradation by water alone, but can be easily removed with the combination of soap and water or it can be gently peeled off starting at the outer edges. It is for external use only. It is not intended for use on deep or infected wounds or puncture wounds, or for use near the eyes, mouth, or nose. Intentional inhaling of the contents may be harmful or fatal. The bottle should be tightly capped after each use to prevent evaporation of the solvent.7 This Principle Investigator has previously utilized and topically applied the product as an additional step in the treatment protocol for pin site care for several reconstructive surgery patients (approximately 25) with over 200 pin sites with only 2 pin site infections. This represents a significant reduction from the average incidence of pin site infections reported in the literature (\<1% vs 27% on a per research participant basis). A recently published retrospective case series evaluating this microbicidal polymer dressing reported 6 patients and 66 pins had no infections when Duraderm® was used as part of their pin site care regimen.8 This study was undertaken to formally evaluate whether this microbial liquid po used on pin sites leads to a reduction in pin track infections when compared to a control group as well as the reported average incidence in the literature.

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