The 'wound boot': A preliminary assessment of a novel device for the management of leg ulcers

Objective: A preliminary assessment of a novel device, the 'wound boot', in the management of leg ulcers. Procedures: Eight subjects with ulcers wore the boot for 5-14 days. Ulcers were cleaned with saline only. No other dressings were applied. Questionnai res examined comfort and ease of use and asked for suggestions for modifica tions. Additionally, nurses examined 'time taken to clean and dress ulcers' in comparison with standard dressings. Although not a primary end-point, u lcer healing was noted. Results: For all, the boot was comfortable, easy to use and preferable to s tandard dressings. Ulcer-associated odour was eliminated entirely. A signif icant reduction was seen in the nursing time taken to clean and dress ulcer s. Occasionally, excess exudate was problematic, with the boot's absorptive materials insufficient. In two cases, where the 'boot' was applied for 14 days, significant wound healing was seen. Conclusions: The prototype 'boot' helped significantly in leg ulcer managem ent. Modifications based upon this assessment will allow a second prototype to be evaluated fully.