Fistula Management – Fistula Solution

WOCNext 2024 Fistula Challenge Winners!

Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses and other visionary pioneers in wound care, welcome to a momentous occasion from the WOCNext 2024 conference—the winners of the Fistula Solution Wound Drawing Contest! In this forum, where knowledge and camaraderie intertwine, we celebrate the fusion of skill, precision, and the art of healing. Each entry embodied a narrative of hope and resilience, capturing the intricate artistry and profound impact of wound management. From the masses, five pieces of art stood out from the rest.

Starting Strong with our Honorable Mention:

The honorable mention of the competition goes to a delightfully whimsical and unexpectedly poignant piece by Sonny Tropiano, the son of one of the convention center staff. This cartoony depiction of a stomach in great pain, complete with arms, legs, and a crutch, is a masterstroke of creativity. With its head wrapped in a bandage and an expression of comical distress, the stomach becomes an endearing character that resonates with viewers on multiple levels. Tropiano has brilliantly infused this drawing with a sense of light-heartedness, turning a typically somber subject into a playful yet empathetic narrative. It's a refreshing reminder that even in the midst of suffering, there is room for laughter and levity, making this work a charming and memorable contribution to the competition.

Fourth Place:

Emily Greenstein's entry is a delightful blend of complexity and humor that captivates from the first glance. This multifaceted wound, complete with an ostomy pouch and multiple stomas, is meticulously detailed, showcasing Greenstein's technical prowess. Yet, it’s the whimsical touch that truly sets this piece apart: a tattoo across the top of the abdomen playfully declares, "Don't pet the fluffy cows," accompanied by an adorable cow and some grass. This unexpected and humorous addition adds a lighthearted twist to an otherwise intricate medical illustration, making it both endearing and memorable. It really makes us ask: “Why shouldn’t we pet the fluffy cows?” And to that we say: “they’re experts at moos-behaving!”

Third Place:

Nicole Harris's drawing of an enteric fistula, where effluent flows with effortless grace into a wound bed, is a testament to her mastery of both anatomical detail and artistic expression. Echoing the haunting precision of Jenny Saville and the emotive depth of Lucian Freud, Harris captures the visceral reality of medical conditions with a poignant clarity. The triangular pattern of effluent lends a geometric elegance to the composition, drawing viewers into a contemplative exploration of resilience. Harris's ability to infuse the depiction with subtle layers of meaning, beyond mere representation, elevates this piece to a profound reflection on the human experience. And though we can't help but wonder if Harris might have known our fondness for the Minnesota Vikings, her inclusion of such imagery adds a whimsical touch that makes the artwork all the more memorable and engaging.

Second Place:

Olga Aguilera's drawing of an open wound, featuring a stoma, fistula, infected mesh, and drainage in vivid shades of red, yellow, pink, and orange, is a compelling fusion of medical detail and artistic brilliance. Echoing the visceral impact of Francis Bacon and the chromatic intensity of Georgia O'Keeffe, Aguilera transforms a challenging scene into a vibrant tableau of resilience and healing. Her use of color breathes life into the wound, inviting viewers to explore the complex interplay of suffering and recovery. This work not only showcases Aguilera's technical skill but also her ability to evoke profound emotional responses, securing her place as a distinctive voice in contemporary art.

And Last but not Least: Our First Place Winner!

Dr. Mary Arnold Long's drawing of a man with a sorrowful face, an ostomy pouch, and a large, effluent-spewing abdominal wound stands as a modern masterpiece, echoing the evocative power of great artists like Frida Kahlo and Egon Schiele. Dr. Long’s deft use of line and shadow captures the intense emotion and stark reality of her subject's experience, compelling viewers to confront the raw human condition. The juxtaposition of the wound with the deeply expressive face creates a powerful narrative of vulnerability and resilience, marking this work as a poignant and unforgettable contribution to contemporary art.

As we wrap up this exhilarating art exhibition, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the incredibly talented artists who participated. Your exceptional skills and profound insights have brilliantly illuminated the complexities of wound care with unparalleled artistry. Each piece displayed here today is a testament to your dedication and creativity, enriching our understanding and appreciation of the human experience in profound ways. Thank you for sharing your remarkable talents and making this exhibition an absolutely thrilling success!

SAWC Spring 2024 Fistula Challenge Winners!

Fistula Solution once again drew crowds with the Wound and Fistula Coloring Contest at SAWC Spring 2024. Our judges faced a veritable Sistine Chapel ceiling of complexity in choosing the top entries, but after much spirited debate three masterpieces emerged, dripping with talent, vibrant hues, and sheer intensity.

Second Runner Up

In the grand tradition of Leonardo da Vinci's anatomical sketches, Joan Black from HCA Northwest Hospital presented us with a modern twist on the Renaissance master's detailed studies of hands. Her work featured the subtle play of color to depict a potential triple fistula. Imagine a Jackson Pollock-esque effusion, where the high-volume effluent splatters with wild abandon, illustrating the patient's rather, shall we say, hands-on approach to their own care. The psychological intricacies of such scenarios certainly require a touch of Freud, making a mental health expert an essential part of the fistula care team.

First Runner Up

Tabassum Merchant from Orlando Health delivered a visual feast reminiscent of Hiroshi Sugimoto's tranquil yet evocative seascapes. Her piece features a fistula triplet serenely coexisting with an ostomy stoma within a challenging wound bed. The subtle, soothing use of color belies the chaotic reality of managing a sloughy wound with uncontrolled effluent. Ensuring patients’ nutritional needs are met to support healing calls for a nutritionist skilled in the delicate art of short bowel syndrome management – think of them as the culinary Picasso of the medical world.

First Place

And the pièce de résistance, the crowning jewel, goes to Jeanne Ozinga of OU Medical Center. Channeling the vibrant spirit of fellow Sooner artist Eugene Bavinger, her masterpiece is a symphony of color and complexity. It vividly captures the Herculean challenges of managing a complex open abdomen case, featuring an open wound, exposed bowel, enteric fistulas, urostomy and ostomy stomas, eschar, slough, and – wait for it – pieces of ham. This tableau of medical drama demands a multidisciplinary team worthy of a Michelangelo fresco, including a WOC nurses, surgeons, physician assistants, nutritionists, psychologists, and families, and also Fistula Solution!

A standing ovation to all our artists and their awe-inspiring entries! We eagerly anticipate another round of creative brilliance at WOCNext 2024!

SAWC Fall 2023 Fistula Challenge Winners!

Fistula Solution is proud to unveil the champions of the 2023 SAWC Fall Fistula Coloring Contest! The judges faced a daunting task selecting the top drawings from a talented pool of entries, but after much deliberation decided that three of the entries clearly rose to the top in terms of the inherent meaning and intent of the works and skill and technique of the artists.

Second Runner Up

In a stroke of artistic genius, Tracey Yap, Katie Brooks, and Jenny Alderden from Duke University School of Nursing unleashed their interpretation of an open abdomen with a dash of Monet and a pinch of vino-inspired impressionism. Their canvas is a soothing oasis of smooth lines and colors that whisper, "Relax, it's just an open abdomen with exposed bowel and a possible fistula." In such moments, the prescription is conservative management, using large wound managers and moist wound healing while waiting for the patient to become healthy and suspected fistulas to define themselves.

First Runner Up

Kurt Holifield from Vitality Advanced Wound Care took us on a mesmerizing journey into the problematic world of hernia mesh-induced enteric fistulas. His artwork, a captivating blend of Picasso's Blue Period and Dr. Michael Desvign's inspiration, masterfully underscores the importance of the SNAP methodology in fistula management: Skin and Sepsis, Nutrition, definition of fistula Anatomy, and a definitive Procedure to repair the fistula. The anatomical callouts in his drawing emphasize the paramount importance of comprehending the fistula's anatomy beneath the skin. Knowledge of the fistula's distal bowel continuity (or lack thereof) is the key to SNAP management success.

First Place

The spotlight shines brightest on Donna Garrett from Mercy Wound Clinic, whose vivid use of color screams the raw frustration that enteric fistulas can unleash on patients, providers, administrators, and distraught family members. Her artwork nods to Edvard Munch, encapsulating the rollercoaster of emotions from despair to hope that patients ride during their long fistula journeys. But that's not all! Donna's masterpiece also pays tribute to the unsung heroes in the epic tale of care plans—a multidisciplinary team that includes WOC nurses, surgeons, physician assistants, nutritionists, psychologists, and families, and also Fistula Solution!

Exciting Opportunities Await at SAWC Fall 2023!

Excitement is building as we gear up for SAWC Fall 2023, set to take place from November 2nd to 5th in the vibrant city of Las Vegas, Nevada. This event promises to be a hub of knowledge, innovation, and networking in the wound care industry.

1. Explore Booth #742

When you attend SAWC Fall 2023, make sure to add our booth, #742, to your must-visit list. Here, you'll find a treasure trove of information and the latest updates. But that's not all! Explore the convenience of purchasing our cutting-edge devices directly from Fistula Solution. You won't want to miss this chance to see a demonstration of our fistula devices up close and learn about our recent shift to direct distribution.

2. Complex Wounds or Fistulas? We've Got You Covered

For those grappling with challenging complex wounds or fistula cases, we have a special treat in store for you. At Booth 742, you can meet Mary Anne Obst from Complex Wounds and Fistulas. Mary Anne brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, and she's ready to collaborate with you to explore innovative solutions.

3. Dive Deeper

To learn more about our offerings and how we can help you tackle complex wound care challenges, be sure to visit our website at Fistula Solution. Here, you'll find additional information, resources, and a glimpse of what you can expect when you engage with us at SAWC Fall 2023.

In conclusion, SAWC Fall 2023 is an opportunity you won't want to miss. Whether you're looking for the latest wound care solutions, insights on complex wound cases, or simply eager to network with industry experts, we've got you covered. Be prepared for a productive and enlightening experience at this year's SAWC Fall.

For all the event details and updates, don't forget to visit the official SAWC Fall 2023 website at www.sawcfall.com. We can't wait to see you there!

Fistula Solution to Showcase Innovations at The MedTech Conference 2023

We are excited to announce that Fistula Solution Corporation has been chosen to present at The MedTech Conference, a significant event in the medical device industry. The conference is scheduled to take place in Anaheim, CA, from October 9th to October 11th. This in-person gathering is an important platform for the MedTech sector, bringing together more than 3,500 industry executives to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration.

Fistula Solution Corporation has been selected by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to participate in the Innovation Pavilion. This section is dedicated to showcasing innovations from 36 early-stage companies, offering valuable exposure and networking opportunities for NIH grant recipients.

During the conference, Fistula Solution aims to engage with:

Potential strategic partners interested in development and distribution
Investors looking for opportunities in commercialization
Individuals passionate about addressing challenges related to enteric fistula, ostomy, and complex wound patients

Click here to learn more.

Fistula Solution Releases Improved Fistula Funnel!

Fistula Solution is delighted to announce enhancements to our Fistula Funnel! Building on its success, the Fistula Funnel will maintain its exceptional features, including its tapered, flexible design and a 2-centimeter inside center diameter. However, based on valuable feedback from clinicians, we have implemented several performance enhancements, ensuring an even more effective and user-friendly experience. These enhancements include:

Expanded Sizing Options: We have widened the end openings of the Fistula Funnel, providing healthcare providers with a greater range of sizing choices. This improvement enables clinicians to tailor the funnel precisely to individual patient needs.
Streamlined Design: Our team has optimized the Fistula Funnel to fit in narrow situations. This streamlined design improves usability in crevices and near side walls.
Intuitive Tailoring: In response to user feedback, we have introduced a new exterior scribe line to the Fistula Funnel. This innovative addition simplifies the tailoring process, making it more intuitive for clinicians.

The Fistula Funnel represents our smallest diameter barrier ring option, designed to compress the skin surrounding an enteric fistula, stoma, or drain. Its primary purpose is to create a secure seal that effectively protects the skin from effluent. This remarkable device is particularly suitable for:

Small-sized fistulas and stomas
Sidewall fistulas
Challenging crevice areas
Isolating fecal management system leakage

At Fistula Solution, we are dedicated to continuously improving our products to meet the evolving needs of clinicians and patients. With these enhancements to the Fistula Funnel we remain committed to providing the highest quality solutions for managing enteric fistulas and stomas.

Stay tuned for further updates and information on how the enhanced Fistula Funnel can revolutionize your clinical practice.

Click here to learn more.

Fistula Fiesta at WOW! Exploring Innovative Management Techniques for a Complex Challenge

Are you a dedicated healthcare professional seeking to expand your knowledge and skills in advanced wound care? Look no further! The Wild on Wounds (WOW) conference in Hollywood, Florida, is back with its impactful, hands-on wound care education. This year, the spotlight is on the "Fistula Fiesta" session - a unique opportunity to explore effective management techniques for the complex challenge of fistulas.

An Insightful Journey into Fistula Management

On September 16, 2023, the WOW conference will offer a comprehensive look into the management of fistulas. These challenging wounds can have a profound impact on both patients and their caregivers, making it crucial for healthcare professionals to stay informed about the latest advancements in treatment and care.

Unraveling the "Fistula Fiesta" Session

Designed specifically to address the complexities of fistulas, the "Fistula Fiesta" session will focus on the unique difficulties faced by patients and caregivers alike. Whether you're a nurse, a physical therapist, or an occupational therapist, this session will equip you with valuable insights and skills to effectively manage this intricate wound condition.

The Significance of Fistula Management

Fistulas pose significant challenges, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach to achieve the best outcomes for patients. Moreover, the psychological impact on patients and their families should not be underestimated. This session aims to illuminate the best practices in fistula management, empowering attendees to provide better care and support to their patients.

What You'll Learn

By attending the Fistula Fiesta session, you'll have the opportunity to achieve several key learning objectives, including:

Identifying three common types of fistulas that develop in patients.
Comparing different types of fistula management devices available on the market, allowing you to make informed choices tailored to your patients' unique needs.

Your Expert Guide - Emily Greenstein

Leading the Fistula Fiesta session is the experienced Emily Greenstein, APRN, CNP, CWON-AP, FACCWS, from Sanford Health in Fargo, ND. Emily's wealth of knowledge and expertise makes her the perfect guide to navigate the complexities of fistula management. With her board certifications in Wound and Ostomy Care and 14 years of experience, she is dedicated to advancing wound care practices and providing optimal patient outcomes.

Join the Fiesta, Enhance Your Expertise!

The Fistula Fiesta session at WOW promises to be an illuminating experience, providing you with valuable insights and skills to tackle the challenges of fistula management with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned healthcare professional or just starting your wound care journey, this session offers something for everyone.

Don't miss out on this enriching opportunity! Click here to learn more about the event and the Fistula Fiesta session.

Fistula Solution Distribution Changes

3M’s distribution agreement for Fistula Solution® devices will end August 22, 2023. As we approach the end date there will be a point where these products will no longer be available for purchase through 3M.

For our esteemed customers in the United States, we want to assure you that Fistula Solution devices will continue to be available directly from Fistula Solution. To ensure a seamless transition and uninterrupted supply, we kindly request that US customers visit our Order page before July 30, 2023, to update their Fistula Solution account information and establish their ordering process.

To our customers outside of the United States, we regret to inform you that Fistula Solution devices will be temporarily unavailable until we reestablish distribution channels. We understand the inconvenience this will cause for our providers and patients, and we sincerely apologize for this unfortunate situation.

Our primary objective is to minimize the impact of these changes while simultaneously improving our products and services. As part of this transition, our US customers will have access to new options such as express/overnight shipping, a new mixed device pack, and P-card ordering. These enhancements are aimed at benefiting both patients and providers, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to serve you in this capacity.

We deeply value your continued support, and we remain committed to our priorities of healing the patient and assuring health care providers are successful in the delivery of care.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation throughout this transition period.

Sincerely,

Your Fistula Solution Team.

Fistula Solution Receives FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for Innovative Limpet Device, Advancing Enterocutaneous Fistula Care

Breakthrough Device Designations are given by the U.S. FDA to expedite the review of technologies that can improve the lives of people with life-threatening or debilitating conditions.
Each year, tens of thousands of Americans suffer from enterocutaneous fistulas (ECF).
With Breakthrough Device Designation the Limpet™ Device could become available as a new treatment option sooner for these patients.

Fistula Solution, a leading medical device company in complex wound care, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Device Designation to the Limpet™ device for severe abdominal openings unlikely to spontaneously close. This device is designed to reduce current complications associated with enterocutaneous fistulas, which has the potential to reduce healthcare costs and improve patient confidence and quality of life.

Enterocutaneous and other enteric, or intestinal, fistulas are challenging to manage, and the current standard of care is costly. In terms of charges billed to patients, the median total charges per hospital stay are $50,451, with a range of $24,439 to $109,434³. The annual costs of enteric fistulas on the healthcare system are estimated to be close to $500,000,000. Additionally, the charges incurred by enteric fistula patients amount to approximately $1.5 billion. These figures indicate the significant financial burden that enteric fistula patients impose on the healthcare system, highlighting the importance of effective management and prevention strategies for this condition.

The Limpet combines key aspects of fistula management — effluent containment and negative pressure wound therapy for effluent management and promotion of healing of intact and injured skin. The protection of the negative pressure dressing also simplifies nursing care, eliminates the need for frequent dressing changes, and protects the surrounding skin or wound, which all promote the patient’s global health.

“The Breakthrough Device Designation is a significant milestone for our company and validates our belief that the Limpet™ device has advantages over the current standard of care,” said Andy Obst, President of Fistula Solution. “Early clinical results are promising and suggest our device reduces the complications typically associated with fistulas and ostomies and better supports a patient’s ability to get back to life. We look forward to working with the FDA to make the technology accessible as quickly as possible.”

Early clinical data comparing the Limpet with the current standard of care demonstrated that the Limpet achieves a 99.4% average reduction in skin damage area or near total control of intestinal effluent for patients with enteric fistula complications. The Limpet was worn for an average of 3 days versus the 0.26 days for conventional dressings and showed zero leak failures in 14 device placements over 65 days of therapy, reducing patient or caregiver maintenance. Additionally, patients with new skin grafts around their fistula experienced 95% graft take, which is remarkable because grafting around stomas is generally not feasible with conventional dressings.

The FDA Breakthrough Device program is designed to help accelerate the development and approval of medical devices and products that have the potential to provide more effective treatment or diagnosis of life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating diseases or conditions. Receiving the Breakthrough Device Designation also facilitates the Medicare coverage for the device, which will help the Limpet device become more widely accessible for patients who require an ostomy procedure or develop enteric fistulas, benefitting both the healthcare system and the patient.

About Fistula Solution

Fistula Solution has a portfolio of devices designed to treat enteric fistulas and high output ostomy stomas. The company is committed to developing innovative new devices for post-surgical ostomy complications, rectovaginal fistulas, surgical drain wounds, and necrotizing soft tissue infections.

For further information visit www.fistulasolution.com.

Moisture-Associated Skin Damage (MASD) | WoundSource
Taneja, Charu, et al. "Clinical and economic burden of peristomal skin complications in patients with recent ostomies." Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing 44.4 (2017): 350.
Brooks NE, Idrees JJ, Steinhagen E, Giglia M, Stein SL. The impact of enteric fistulas on US hospital systems. Am J Surg. 2021;221(1):26-29. doi:10.1016/j.amjsurg.2020.06.017

Fistula Fun at Chicago WOCN Conference

The upcoming Professional Education Day of the Northern Illinois Affiliate of the Wound Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (NIAWOCN) includes a pair of exciting enteric fistula presentations. Dr. Erik Borncamp, Medical Director for The Wound Center at Silver Cross Hospital, will present "Ostomy, Fistula and Open Abdomen". He will discuss the pathophysiology of fistulas and the challenges in closing them.

Mary Anne Obst, Complex Abdomen Specialist for Regions Hospital, will close the conference with her "Fun with Fistulas" presentation. She will cover assessment and classification of the enteric fistula patient, medical management and wound care principles.

The NIAWOCN's 23rd annual professional education day is October 13, 2021 from 7:00am-4:00pm CST at Bobak's Signature Events and Conference Center in Woodridge, Illinois.