Frequently Asked Questions Avance Solo NPWT System
On this page, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about the Avance® Solo Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) System. Many of the questions are addressed in greater detail in the Avance Solo Instructions for Use.
What is Avance Solo?
Avance Solo is our innovative solution for delivering NPWT.1 Featuring Controlled Fluid Management Technology™, the system can effectively manage fluids while delivering continuous negative pressure.2–4 Fluid management is shared between the multi-layered dressing and a canister. The dressing features Safetac® technology, allowing it to gently conform to the skin without sticking to the closed incision.5 This makes removal easy, with minimal pain and trauma to the wound and surrounding skin.6–8
What is Controlled Fluid Management Technology?
Controlled Fluid Management (CFM) Technology is a unique feature of the Avance Solo NPWT System that’s based on a combination of:2–4
- Controlled airflow
- An absorptive dressing
- A distal canister
Working together, these elements enable Avance Solo to deliver continuous, regulated negative pressure.2–4
What are the indications of Avance Solo?
Avance Solo is indicated for patients who would benefit from wound management via the application of negative pressure, particularly as the device may promote wound healing through the removal of exudate and infectious materials.1 The system is indicated for removal of low to moderate amounts of exudate from:1
- Chronic, acute, traumatic, subacute and dehisced wounds
- Ulcers, such as diabetic, venous, or pressure ulcers
- Surgically closed incisions, flaps, and grafts
What are the contraindications of Avance Solo?
Avance Solo is contraindicated for patients with the following conditions:1
- Malignancy in the wound or margins of the wound
- Untreated and previously confirmed osteomyelitis
- Non-enteric and unexplored fistulas
- Necrotic tissue with present eschar
- Exposed nerves, arteries, veins, or organs
- Exposed anastomotic site
What level of negative pressure does Avance Solo deliver?
Avance Solo effectively and continuously manages fluids while delivering a continuous negative pressure of –125 mmHg.1
Can therapy be paused?
Yes, if necessary, you can pause therapy by simply pressing and holding the green ‘Start’ button for two seconds.
To restart therapy, just repeat the same action. When the pump restarts, the green button will flash.
When paused, if the pump is not restarted manually, it will restart automatically after 60 minutes.
What is the capacity of the canister?
The Avance Solo canister can hold up to 50 mL of exudate before needing to be replaced with a new canister.1
How do I change the canister?
To safely remove a full canister and attach a new one, please follow the instructions in this video.
For how long can Avance Solo deliver NPWT?
Avance Solo can deliver NPWT for up to 14 days.1
For how many days can each dressing be worn?
Each dressing can be worn for up to 7 days, unless there is a clinical need to change the dressing earlier, such as saturation.1
Can patients shower while wearing Avance Solo?
Yes, patients using Avance Solo are free to have light showers provided the pump with canister is disconnected and the dressing is not subjected to jets of water. Watch the video for a demonstration.
What should be done if a patient gets the pump wet?
If the pump gets wet, patients should pause therapy, disconnect the pump, and contact their healthcare provider for a replacement pump.
How do I know when therapy is complete?
When therapy has come to an end:
- The ‘Leakage’, ‘Low battery’, and ‘Blockage’ indication lights will flash simultaneously once every second.
- The pump will repeatedly emit an audible alarm in different tones.
Watch the video for a demonstration.
What type of battery does the pump require?
The Avance Solo pump requires two AA 1,5V Energizer L91 batteries. Four batteries are included with each pump.
How do I know when the batteries need to be changed?
When up to 24 hours of battery time remain, the ‘Low battery’ indication light will flash once every five seconds.
When less than 4 hours of battery time remain:
- The ‘Low battery’ indication light will stay active, flashing once every second.
- The pump will repeatedly emit an audible alarm.
How do I know if there’s an air leak?
If negative pressure is not being established due to an air leak:
- The ‘Leakage’ indication light will flash once every second.
- The pump will repeatedly emit an audible alarm.
- The pump will pause therapy.
How do I know if there’s a blockage?
If the system detects a blockage:
- The ‘Blockage’ indication light will flash once every second.
- The pump will repeatedly emit an audible alarm.
- The pump will pause therapy.
How do I fix a blockage?
To correct a blockage, try one or more of the following actions:
- Ensure the tubing is not clamped.
- Ensure the tubing is not kinked.
- If the canister is full, change the canister. Instructions for changing the canister are provided above. See ‘How do I change the canister?’
How do I clean Avance Solo?
If necessary, you can clean the pump by wiping it with a damp cloth or a cloth containing a small amount of non-abrasive detergent. Please avoid putting the pump under running water.
How do I dispose of the system after use?
The Avance Solo pump is for single-patient use and is battery-powered. After use, detach the batteries from the pump and dispose of the pump and batteries according to local regulations, relevant laws, and in accordance with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE). Consider wiping the pump with non-abrasive detergent if decontamination is required.
The Avance Solo border dressing, canister, and foam are single-use components. After use, dispose of them as clinical waste in accordance with local regulations.
How do I know if the system has failed?
System failures are very rare. In the unlikely event that one occurs:
The ‘Leakage’, ‘Low battery’, and ‘Blockage’ indication lights will flash simultaneously once every second.
The pump will repeatedly emit an audible alarm in the same tone.
What do I do in the event of a system failure?
In the unlikely event that the pump fails to start due to an internal fault, please contact us for a replacement.
What’s included in the Avance Solo pack?
A variety of packs are available to meet different customer requirements. Whether you need all, individual, or a selection of components, the packs should cater for your needs.
What dressing sizes are available?
Eight border dressing sizes are available based on dimensions (cm):
- 10 x 20
- 10 x 30
- 10 x 35
- 15 x 15
- 15 x 20
- 15 x 30
- 20 x 20
- 25 x 25
For all product specifications, please download our product specification sheet.
May I request a sample of Avance Solo?
Yes. To request a sample, please contact us.
How do I implement Avance Solo at my clinic?
If you’d like to use Avance solo at your clinic, or if you’d like to learn how we can help you to optimise incision care in general, please contact a sales representative.
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Avance Solo HCP information
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Avance Solo patient information
On this page, you’ll find information about how to use and care for your device, as well as instructions on how to respond to different alarms.
How to use Avance Solo - for patients
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- Mölnlycke Health Care AB. Avance Solo NPWT System – Healthcare Professional Instructions for Use. 2020. https://www.molnlycke.co.uk/contentassets/bab0b9b641344d7b9698e313194fcca6/avance-solo-hcp-user-manual.pdf
- Mölnlycke Health Care AB. Data on File (ref. 11).
- Mölnlycke Health Care AB. Data on File (ref. 18).
- Mölnlycke Health Care AB. Data on File (ref. 23).
- White R. Wounds UK. 2005;1(3):104–9.
- Zillmer R et al. J Wound Care. 2006;15(5):187–91.
- Waring M et al. J Wound Care. 2011;20(9):412–22.
- White R. Wounds UK. 2008;4(1).