We visited the international trade fair MEDICA.

We visited the international trade fair MEDICA.

This year we have been in our stand at the MEDICA fair held in Düsseldorf (Germany). MEDICA is the leading trade fair for the medical sector worldwide. Its high level of international influence and its reputation as a reference source of information in the field of medicine make this event the meeting point for the international medical industry.

The world’s largest event for the medical sector has been firmly established in the calendar of all experts for more than 40 years. MEDICA takes place simultaneously with COMPAMED, the high-tech trade fair for medical solutions.

The MEDICA fair brings together the global market for medical technology and medical products at the Düsseldorf fairgrounds. MEDICA continues on its international course and every year presents a wide range of exclusive innovations.

 

This year the fair has returned to normal after the previous pandemic years.

 

It has been a great opportunity to meet great professionals of the sector and to make ourselves known to the rest of the world.

 

The week of November 14 to November 17 we were able to exhibit our products in our stand and meet with many professionals in the sector.

 

Thank you all for your visits, we hope to see you next year.

 

Calvo Izquierdo participate ANDE 2022

Calvo Izquierdo participate ANDE 2022

We are pleased to inform you that last June 1st until Friday June 3rd we were present at the 32nd NATIONAL NURSING MANAGEMENT NURSES CONFERENCES this year were held in Toledo (Spain), better known as The Imperial City.

We shared experiences with the national health sector, sharing experiences, generating new learning, giving visibility to our products and, of course, we tried among all health sectors a stronger, more compact and at the same time closer health.

 

MEDICA 2021

In our stand we were showing our medical-sanitary products, since they are of great help to the nursing sector at national level.

They were three intensive days of learning and sharing knowledge that help us to grow every day.

 

Thanks to all the health professionals who shared their time with us.

Types of bandages according to their function.

Types of bandages according to their function.

In the last post, we discussed one of the ways to classify bandages, which is based on the materials used in the bandages and their composition. In today’s post we will discuss a different classification based on the function of the bandage. But first, let’s summarize the different functions for which bandages are used:

Uses of bandages

Nowadays, bandages are commonly used by healthcare professionals in the hospital, physiotherapy and veterinary sectors. This is why there are so many different types of bandages and such a variety of purposes for which they are used.

Some of the most common uses of bandages are:

  • Supporting a wound: after an operation it is often necessary to use a support bandage to prevent stitches or recently closed wounds from reopening.
  • Securing dressings or splints: both dressings and splints are usually accompanied by a bandage to keep them in place.
  • Protection against mechanical injuries or bacteria: in parallel with the first function, some bandages are applied as a protective layer to protect the wound from blows, friction or external infections.
  • Stop hemorrhages: in the case of these wounds, a compressive bandage is often necessary to stop or reduce bleeding.
  • Improve venous return, as in the case of venous ulcers that appear on the lower limbs of the body. In this way, the bandage supports the body’s blood circulation to allow the blood to circulate correctly.
  • Immobilization of joints, either partially or totally: in the case of bone cracks, fractures or muscle tears, one of the treatments involves the use of immobilization bandages that allow the affected area to recover.

 

Classification according to the function of the bandage

After observing the uses indicated in the previous section, bandages can be grouped into four basic functions, fixation and support bandages, compression bandages, padding bandages and immobilization bandages.

 

  1. Fixation and support bandages

These types of bandages are mainly used to support wounds, to secure dressings and/or splints and to protect areas of the body from mechanical injury or infection. Some of the bandages used for these purposes include gauze bandages, crepe bandages, elastic bandages, cohesive bandages or tubular support bandages.

Gauze bandages

Elastic bandages

Crepe bandages

Cohesive bandages

Tubular support bandages

 

2.Compression bandages

These are used to stop bleeding and to improve venous return, as in the case of venous ulcers. They are also used for semi-rigid immobilization of a limb.

 

The most commonly used compression bandages include compression bandages themselves, tubular compression bandages and some types of crepe bandages.

Elastic bandages 

Crepe bandages

Tubular compression

In terms of bandages intended to perform a compression function, especially in the case of compression bandages for the treatment of venous ulcers, it should be mentioned that there are kits that combine everything necessary to perform this compressive treatment according to the patient’s needs. These are called compression kits and will be discussed in more detail in future blog posts.

 

3.Padding bandages

When we talk about a padding bandage, we are referring to bandages that are used prior to a more aggressive bandage and which aim to protect the skin or joint from the main bandage. Among the main padding bandages we find pre-tapes, crepe paper bandages and padding bandages, the last being the most common in most cases.

Venda de espuma (Pre-tape)

Foam bandages (pretape)

Venda tubular de compresión

Padding bandages

Venda de crepe

Crepe paper bandages

4.Immobilization bandages

The aim of immobilization bandages is to limit the mobility of a joint, either partially or completely. In this way, a damaged area can be restored or painful movements can be avoided.

Venda de yeso

Plaster of Paris

Venda tubular de compresión

Fiberglass bandages

As we can see, there are a multitude of bandages and their uses are quite varied. It should also be noted that the classification of bandages is quite subjective so it is not surprising that there are different classifications. However, in today’s entry we have tried to bring together the most widely used criteria.

 

Produced by the Technical Department of Calvo Izquierdo S.L.

with the collaboration of Carmen Alba Moratilla.

 

Bibliography:

  • Fundamentals of Nursing. Kozier & Erb
  • Vendajes e inmovilizaciones. Manual de bolsillo para enfermería Cristina Gomez Enriquez M1 Jose Rodriguez (https://www.picuida.es/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Manual-Venajes-Jerez.pdf)
  • El vendaje funcional. Toni Bové (http://udocente.sespa.princast.es/documentos/El%20vendaje%20funcional.pdf)

 

Types of bandages according to their composition.

Types of bandages according to their composition.

There are many ways to classify bandages. In this and the following post we are going to deal with the two most widespread ones. First, in this blog post we will classify bandages according to the material and composition, and then, in BLOG 8, we will categorize bandages according to their purpose or function when applied. Although these classifications are common in many points, in others they differ.

Gauze bandage

This type of bandage is widely used as a support bandage. It is sometimes applied directly to wounds as it can be impregnated with Vaseline or medication. At the same time, it allows air to circulate through it, enabling very good breathability for the wound. Gauze bandages have little or no elasticity. In the past, gauze bandages were quite common, although in recent years they have fallen into disuse.

Elastic bandages

Venda elástica

These are bandages that adapt very well to any area of the body thanks to their elasticity. Their main use is to hold and support, allowing the wounds to be protected from the environment and preventing them from becoming infected. Elastic bandages are usually made of synthetic and natural yarns such as: cotton, viscose, polyamide and/or PBT.

As we can imagine, elasticity is one of the key factors of this bandage, normally being around 100% and about 140% for crepe elastic bandages.

Crepe elastic bandage

Venda de crepe

This is a particular type of elastic bandage, so called because of the shape of the fabric that forms it. It is arguably the most widespread type of elastic bandage. It usually has two longitudinal lines on the sides of the bandage in red or blue. It is a full-bodied bandage but at the same time it is very porous and breathable.

The main characteristic of this bandage is the grammage. Some of the most common standards are 70 gr/m2, 90 gr/m2 or 100 gr/m2.

Cohesive elastic bandages

Venda de crepe

This type of bandage is an elastic bandage that has been impregnated with a cohesive material, which gives the bandage its properties. Cohesive elastic bandages are widespread in Europe and the Americas. Its main advantage, as we have already mentioned, is that because the bandage adheres to itself, it remains in place for much longer. In addition, unlike adhesive bandages, these bandages do not stick to the skin or clothing, thus facilitating their removal.

Padding bandages

Venda de crepe

This type of bandage is an elastic bandage that has been impregnated with a cohesive material, which gives the bandage its properties. Cohesive elastic bandages are widespread in Europe and the Americas. Its main advantage, as we have already mentioned, is that because the bandage adheres to itself, it remains in place for much longer. In addition, unlike adhesive bandages, these bandages do not stick to the skin or clothing, thus facilitating their removal.

Foam bandages

Venda de espuma (Pre-tape)

They have a similar purpose to the padding bandages but are made of polyurethane of greater or lesser thickness. Sometimes this material is impregnated with a substance to eliminate odors, relieve itching or reduce inflammation. They are also often referred to as pre-tape bandages.

Elastic adhesive bandages

Venda de espuma (Pre-tape)

Estas vendas están diseñadas para reducir el movimiento parcial de alguna articulación o alguna parte del cuerpo. Contienen un adhesivo que permite que se fijen a diferentes superficies y contiene un alto poder adhesivo. Es una venda muy utilizada en la aplicación de vendajes funcionales.

Plaster of Paris Bandages

Venda de yeso

These bandages are designed to reduce partial movement of a joint or body part. They contain an adhesive that allows them to be attached to different surfaces and have a high adhesive power. They are widely used in the application of functional bandages.

Polyester fiber bandages

Venda de yeso

They have the same purpose and use as plaster bandages but are made from synthetic materials. While they are more expensive than plaster, they have the advantage that, once correctly applied, the patient can get wet without damaging the bandage. Polyester fiber bandages are also much lighter than plaster bandages.

Tubular bandages

Venda tubular de compresión

Tubular bandages are tube-shaped and there are three main types. First, there is the tubular compression bandage, which generates a slight compression on the applied area. Second, the support bandage is an elastic bandage that serves as protection before another type of bandage is applied. Finally, the mesh bandage is a very elastic bandage used as a support for dressings and other bandages. This type of bandage is easy to apply. The materials from which it is composed are very diverse

Plasters and tapes

Venda tubular de compresión

Plasters are bandages that are impregnated with adhesive, but unlike elastic adhesive bandages, these bandages have little or no elasticity. They are made of different materials: paper plasters, plastic plasters, fabric plasters and TNT plasters. Finally, there are the ones known as tapes, which are like plasters but different. Although they are all made of a fabric impregnated with adhesive, their functions are very diverse and their use is very versatile, from fixing bandages or other objects, to their use in functional or compression bandages.

In the case of tapes, they are inelastic adhesive bandages which, when properly applied, form undulations on the skin to increase the subdermal space and facilitate lymphatic and blood flow.

Kinesiology tape

Venda tubular de compresión

These are a very specific type of tape that due to the undulations of the fabric and always being applied by professionals in the sector, allows muscle recovery in a faster and more effective way. They are widely used in fields such as physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation.

This is an adhesive bandage, with elasticity only in the longitudinal direction.

Como podemos comprobar existen multitud de vendas y su uso es muy variado, es muy importante conocer todo

As we can see, there are a multitude of bandages and their use is quite varied. It is very important to be familiar with all these types, as well as their compositions, because their functions and the way they are applied depend greatly on this knowledge. 

Produced by the Technical Department of Calvo Izquierdo S.L.

with the collaboration of Carmen Alba Moratilla.

Bibliography:

  • Fundamentals of Nursing. Kozier and Erb
  • Vendajes e inmovilizaciones. Manual de bolsillo para enfermería Cristina Gomez Enriquez M1 Jose Rodriguez Rodriguez
  • El vendaje funcional. Toni Bové
    Long-stretch and short-stretch bandages

    Long-stretch and short-stretch bandages

    When bandages are described as long- and short-stretch, this refers to the bandage’s ability to stretch. Thus long-stretch bandages will have high elasticity and short-stretch bandages low elasticity. This is not to be confused with high compression and low compression; as we have seen in the two previous posts, elasticity and compression are not the same thing, therefore one does not imply the other.

    As we mentioned, bandages can be classified according to their elasticity, either elastic or inelastic, and within the elastic category there are short-stretch and long-stretch bandages.

    Classification into short-stretch and long-stretch

    Although there are different opinions as to when a bandage is short-stretch and when it becomes long-traction, as a rule of thumb short stretch bandages are all those with an elasticity of between 10% and 90%-100%.

    A. Inelastic bandages: No extensibility or no stretch at all (<10% extensibility)

    B. Short-stretch elastic bandages (<100% extensibility)

    C. Long-stretch elastic bandages (>100% extensibility)

    InelásticoElástico
    No stretch (Rigid)Short stretch

    Long stretch

    Stretch (%)>10%Between 10% and 100%<100%

    Figura 6.1 Categorías de material de compresión (Normativa Vendajes DIN 61632)

     

    Some examples of these bandages would be:

    Short-stretch bandages:

    Comprilan (BSN)

    Comprilan (BSN)

    Rosidal (L&R)

    Rosidal (L&R)

    Vendari TRACTOR (Calvo Izquierdo)

    Vendari TRACOR (Calvo Izquierdo S.L.)

    LoPress (Hartmann)

    LoPress (Hartmann)

    Normally these bandages are made primarily of cotton. They can also be cohesive, thus eliminating the need for a clip at the end of the bandage or some kind of fastening to maintain its position.

    • Long-stretch or high-elasticity bandages:

    On the other hand, long-stretch bandages are those that have an elasticity greater than 100%. Usually we find elasticities between 140% and 180%, although they can even reach 300% in some cases.

    Some examples of these bandages are:

    Elodur Forte (BSN)

    Elodur Forte (BSN)

    Kpress (URGO)

    Kpress (URGO)

    Dauerbinde K (L&R)

    Dauerbinde K (L&R)

    Rosidal (L&R)

    Vendari PRESIOFIX (Calvo Izquierdo S.L.)

    These bandages are normally made up of several types of yarns, at least one of which is extremely elastic, so that they allow elasticities of around 140%. If these yarns are natural, the elastic will likely be natural rubber; if they are synthetic, the elastic material will be elastane, polyamide or PBT.

    Relationship between short/long stretch and compression in bandages

    Finally, although the compression and the elasticity or stretch of the bandage have nothing to do with each other, it is true that they do have a certain relationship. Accordingly, a short-stretch bandage will exert one compressive effect on the patient, while a long-stretch bandage will have a different type of compressive effect.

    Without going into too much depth, as we will delve more deeply into this in future blog posts, short-stretch bandages, as they have less elasticity, work more when the patient is moving, and do not compress as much when the patient is at rest. On the other hand, long-stretch bandages, being more elastic and tending to recover their original size, exert some compression when the patient is at rest, i.e., they are more effective when the patient is immobile than when he or she is walking around.

     

    Produced by the Technical Department of Calvo Izquierdo S.L.

    with the collaboration of Carmen Alba Moratilla

     

    Bibliography: