Case study demonstrating the effectiveness of the Eclypse Boot and Eclypse dressings

Wendy Mathieson - Charge Nurse, Little Cairnie Hospital, NHS Tayside

Introduction / background

Mr H was admitted to hospital via his G.P for management of bilateral leg oedema which was leaking excessively. His past medical history included hypertension, diabetes, obesity, myocardial infarction and chronic back pain issues.

The community nursing team were finding Mr H’s case increasingly challenging due to having to visit frequently throughout the day in order to try and manage the excessive amounts of exudate from his legs. There was also a degree of non-compliance from this gentleman as he would not/could not elevate his legs due to his above average stature. His bed was unsuitable as was his chair and he was unwilling to look at alternatives. It was therefore decided that the option was for admission to hospital.

Fig. 1

Presentation

On arrival to the ward Mr H’s legs were wrapped in incontinence pads which were very wet. This was a last resort to manage his legs in the community. On inspection there were areas of macerated skin and layers of hard callouses (Fig. 1).

Management

Both legs were washed with emollient and moisturised before applying the Eclypse Boot to both legs and securing them with tape. Along with bed rest and limb elevation this highly absorbent dressing contained all exudate for 24 hours. This was a great achievement for the patient as he was exasperated by the situation and was suffering from low mood.

The following 48 hours Mr H’s legs improved significantly enough to switch to the Eclypse dressing.

By day 5 the patients’ legs were dry and no longer required any dressings (Fig. 2).

When discharge planning, I made the community nursing team aware and also provided a few Eclypse dressings for the patient in case should the need arise again.

Conclusion

Had the community nursing team had the knowledge or access to Eclypse dressing and the patient was willing to follow advice then this admission could have been avoided and managed at home.

Fig. 2

In my opinion, this product was not only effective in managing the patients’ legs but also reduced the anxieties that many younger patients face being admitted to a community hospital.