Smith & Nephew Study Shows PICO sNPWT Delivers Superior Performance in Surgical Settings
By Azmed Devices Editorial Team
A comparative study of over 22,000 patients indicates that the PICO single-use negative pressure wound therapy system reduces wound dehiscence risk and hospital costs in cardiovascular and orthopedic surgeries.
Smith & Nephew has announced findings from a comparative study evaluating single-use negative pressure wound therapy (sNPWT) devices in orthopedic and cardiovascular surgery. According to the company, the research analyzed real-world data from more than 22,000 patients sourced from the Premier PINC AI Healthcare Database. The study aimed to assess the efficacy of prophylactic PICO sNPWT at -80 mmHg in comparison to the Prevena -125 mmHg device for improving surgical outcomes and reducing resource utilization.
The analysis highlighted significant clinical and economic benefits for patients undergoing cardiovascular procedures. Smith & Nephew reported that patients treated with the PICO system experienced a 57.8 percent relative reduction in wound dehiscence risk. Additionally, the study noted a 9.1 percent reduction in hospital length of stay and a 10.34 percent reduction in admission-related costs compared to the alternative device, with further expenditure reductions observed within three months post-surgery.
Regarding orthopedic surgeries, the company reported substantial improvements in outcomes for the 17,000 patients analyzed. Use of the PICO system resulted in a 63.9 percent relative reduction in wound dehiscence incidence and a 29.7 percent reduction in length of stay. Smith & Nephew stated that these patients also benefited from a 21.95 percent relative reduction in mean index admission costs, alongside a 21 percent reduction in expenditures at both 30 and 90 days following the surgery.
Dr. Adam Wright, an orthopedic surgeon and co-author of the study, attributed these outcomes to the specific dressing design and mechanism of action of the PICO system. According to the company, the study supports the prophylactic use of incisional negative pressure wound therapy for at-risk patients, particularly those with comorbidities such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, which are often associated with higher mortality risks and increased readmission rates following surgical site complications.
These findings align with existing international clinical recommendations regarding the use of incisional negative pressure wound therapy to minimize surgical site infections. Smith & Nephew emphasized that the study results complement global guidelines from organizations including NICE, the WHO, and the American College of Surgeons, which consistently advise using this technology to enhance health economic outcomes and alleviate strain on healthcare resources during the post-operative period.
Source
This article summarizes an official Smith & Nephew announcement. Read the original press release at https://www.smith-nephew.com/en/news/2025/10/27/20251027-comparative-study-shows-pico-snpwt-delivers-superior-performance. Product availability in Azerbaijan is subject to local registration; contact Azmed Devices for current status.
