Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the AbClo device in our comprehensive FAQs section.
FAQ
What is AbClo used for in open abdomen management?
AbClo is a non-invasive abdominal fascia closure device used in patients with an intentionally left-open abdomen following trauma or acute abdominal surgery. It provides pressure-regulated fascial traction to stabilize the abdominal wall and support early primary fascial closure.
What clinical outcomes are associated with AbClo?
Published evidence reports high primary fascial closure rates, reduced time to closure, fewer OR takebacks, and lower complication rates when AbClo is used with NPWT and compared to other traction methods.
Where can clinicians access training?
Clinicians can enroll in the free AbClo Education Course accessible through our website. This is a self-paced program designed to support consistent adoption across healthcare teams. For additional information, reach out to our Vice President of Clinical Education, Taranvir Dayal: taranvirdayal@inventorrmd.ca
Is AbClo invasive or non-invasive?
AbClo is non-invasive and does not require sutures or fixation to the fascia or abdominal wall. This helps preserve tissue integrity and avoid complications associated with invasive traction systems.
How does AbClo attach to the skin?
AbClo's innovative fascial traction requires no attachment to the skin, constituting a fully non-invasive approach. Using a unique concave silicone base and compression while applying, AbClo sits on top of the skin yet still moves the underlying fascial layers. It is suggested that silicone bandages are adhered to the skin under the splints for pressure injury prevention.
What is AbClo's mechanism of action to move the fascia without attachment to the skin or fascial edge?
AbClo relies on compressive and tangential forces to reapproximate the fascial edge. During application, the Rectus Muscle Splints compress the abdominal wall, forming more rigid tissue. This compressive rigidity transfers the tangential linear movement during placement from the skin to the fascial edge, without any invasive attachment.
Can AbClo be applied and adjusted at the bedside?
Yes. AbClo is a non-sterile, clean device designed for ICU bedside application and adjustment, reducing reliance on the operating room for traction-related management.
Can AbClo be used in high-BMI patients?
Yes. AbClo has been successfully used in high-BMI patients, with imaging demonstrating parallel movement of skin, fascia, and muscle during traction.
Can AbClo be applied following closure to help prevent fascial dehiscence?
Although this is an under-studied topic, AbClo has been shown to reduce tension on the abdominal wall prior to closure via a smaller fascial gap at the time of closure. It has also been shown that rates of fascial dehiscence with AbClo use are very low, likely by the same mechanisms. Therefore, fascial dehiscence is unlikely to arise when AbClo is used throughout care, although placement following closure would still provide midline appositional traction forces.
How does AbClo differ from negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) alone?
NPWT manages fluid and protects the viscera but does not prevent lateral fascial retraction. AbClo complements NPWT by applying regulated, dynamic traction that maintains midline alignment and supports progressive fascial reapproximation.
Does AbClo align with open abdomen guidelines?
Yes. AbClo aligns with the 2022 EAST guidelines, which support the use of fascial traction systems with NPWT to improve primary fascial closure rates and reduce complications. AbClo provides a non-invasive and NPWT-compatible method to apply continuous traction, consistent with these recommendations.
Is AbClo reusable?
AbClo is not reusable across patients. It may be reused on the same patient throughout treatment per AbClo instructions for use and institutional policy.
Does AbClo require removal for re-exploration?
AbClo can be easily removed and re-applied as needed to allow surgical access during planned re-exploration or takeback procedures.
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