Publications by authors named "Heather Hettrick"

Unlabelled: "OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to comparatively evaluate the in vivo interphase pressure (IP) and statis stiffness index (SSI), upon initial application, of 7, 2-layer cohesive bandage kits when applied on healthy volunteers.

Method: Bandages were applied in random order, on non-consecutive days by a single experienced clinician. The IP at the time of application was measured on the right lower limb of 10 healthy volunteers at 2 different points (B1, C).

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The resurgence of space travel in the recent years, both through formally trained astronauts on the International Space Station and the civilian space race to send astrocivilians to Low Earth Orbit and beyond, beckons the need to understand the role of the lymphatic system and role of endothelial glycocalyx when subjected to gravitational alterations. A comprehensive narrative review of the literature explores a call to action for research and countermeasure development to support the health and well-being of humans subjected to space flight, with particular attention to the role of the lymphatic system and endothelial glycocalyx. Emerging evidence suggests a link between the dysfunction experienced with various physiological processes in microgravity, highlighting the need for more research exploring the role of the lymphatic system in the extremes of gravity and countermeasure development to reduce dysregulation.

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Background: Lymphedema is a significant and disabling disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. Compression therapy is an important component of lifelong treatment but the specifics of appropriate compression garment selection and prescribing is not always well understood by practitioners and payers.

Method: An expert panel of the American Vein and Lymphatic Society was convened to write a Position Statement with explanations and recommendations for the appropriate compression therapy to be used in the treatment of lymphedema patients.

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Background: Chronic edema affects millions of people in the United States and worldwide. Edema can result from a variety of diseases, trauma, medications, and other contributing factors; however, all edema is related to lymphatic fluid dysregulation. Additionally, lymphatic impairment and integumentary dysfunction are interrelated, leading to complex clinical presentations that require an integrated medical model of care to maximize outcomes.

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Objective: This study aimed to determine if an alternate light source (ALS) can be used to detect tissue trauma before visible manifestations of tissue injury are evident with the naked eye.

Materials And Methods: Ten participants were recruited and gave consent, and 7 completed the study. Researchers examined and photographed participants' heels in ambient light to establish baseline.

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Chronic wounds commonly have high levels of bioburden and antibiotic-resistant pathogens. This review article focuses on findings from current literature related to four biophysical technologies (ultrasound, electrical stimulation, phototherapy, and negative pressure wound therapy) believed to be beneficial for managing wound bioburden and support healing. Recent advances for each modality are provided as a basic synopsis of the technology followed by brief overviews of the most recent literature addressing its effectiveness for managing wound bioburden, and critical issues for each modality are provided as conclusions.

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Currently, there is a lack of consensus regarding the accepted terminology pertaining to the pressure ulcer healing progression and recidivism. This lack of uniformity can negatively impact initiation of treatment pathways, completion of appropriate interventions, clinical documentation, medical coding, patient education, discharge planning and healthcare revenue through out the healthcare system. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a standard nomenclature as it pertains to pressure ulcer healing progression and any recidivism that may occur.

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Assessing the level of tissue destruction in wounds can be a confusing challenge. This important task is frequently accompanied by questions and the need for clarification to accurately classify the level of damage seen in wounds. The purpose of this article was to present several known classification systems to help clarify this issue for the clinician.

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The presence of a chronic ulcer presents a challenge to clinicians in long-term care while being both a physical and psychological burden to the residents and their families. Dressings play an important adjunctive role in concert with overall efforts to manage the underlying causes of chronic, non-healing wounds. With more than 2000 dressings and a variety of treatment protocols available, chronic wound management is as much an art as it is science.

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One of the goals of compression therapy is to enhance healing of a venous leg ulcer. This goal is accomplished by improving venous return and reducing lower extremity edema.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study investigated the link between burn injuries and the development of lymphedema through a 5-year retrospective chart review and a prospective analysis in a burn clinic.
  • The research found a low prevalence of lymphedema (1.0%) in patients after a burn injury, with eight diagnosed cases, two of which were pre-existing conditions.
  • Diagnosis methods included physical assessments like the Stemmer Sign and examination of burn characteristics to identify patients at risk for lymphedema; results were reinforced by a 6-month follow-up confirming initial diagnoses.
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