The first powered negative pressure product for management of surgically closed incisions has been launched in Europe.

The new Prevena Incision Management System from Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (KCI) aims to prevent post-operative infections.

The system features a single dressing that conforms to patient contours and is worn for the duration of therapy.

The Prevena System is indicated in the EU to protect clean, closed incisions. It is designed to remove exudate, hold the edges of the incision together, stimulate perfusion and reduce oedema.

KCI estimates that over 3m procedures are performed each year worldwide that could benefit from treatment with the Prevena System, representing a potential global market of over $1 billion.

Mike Genau, KCI global president, Active Healing Solutions, said: "Prevena represents a revolutionary solution for surgical incisions at risk for post-operative complications. We are excited to offer a product that may play a role in preventing and minimizing surgical complications."

Dr. Nanne Kort, an orthopaedic surgeon at Orbis Medical Park in the Netherlands, recently used the product and commented: "The incision was clean and closed, exactly what I was hoping for in this co-morbid patient. At-risk patients ambulating in a non-clinical setting are also key patients for Prevena Therapy, as multiple dressing changes could lead to increased secondary infection.

"And finally, Prevena Therapy may potentially enable patients to be discharged earlier in comparison to standard of care, which may decrease their overall cost of treatment."

Based in Texas, USA, Kinetic Concepts, Inc. is a global company specialising in products for wound care, tissue regeneration and therapeutic support.