Aquacel Ag((R)) (ConvaTec, Princeton, NJ, USA) is a new hydrofiber
wound dressing consisting of soft non-woven
sodium carboxymethylcellulose fibers integrated with ionic
silver. It is a moisture-retention dressing, which forms a gel on contact with
wound fluid and has antimicrobial properties of ionic
silver. We present a current literature review on
Aquacel Ag((R)), of both in vitro and in vivo efficacy and clinical applications. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the wide antimicrobial properties of
Aquacel Ag((R)), and additionally demonstrated the cytotoxicity of ionic
silver to keratinocytes and fibroblasts that cause delay in
wound re-epithelialization. Clinical studies confirmed that
Aquacel Ag((R)) is an effective and safe dressing for a variety of
wound types, both acute and chronic. Incorporation of ionic
silver into the hydrofibers does not cause undue alteration in the performance properties of the base dressing, which continues to provide favorable
wound moisture and exudate management. The addition of ionic
silver reduces local
pain and dressing changes, and provides significant broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, with no delay in wound healing.