DynaCleft® to pre-surgically approximate cleft lips

Summary

DynaCleft® is the only product on the market today that pre-surgically approximates cleft lips. DynaCleft® gently guides soft tissues and bone into a better position for a cleft lip repair under less tension. Unlike conventional tape, DynaCleft® provides a constant approximation force with an elastic center that allows it to conform to the baby's mouth even when the baby is feeding or crying. The skin-friendly adhesive fabric distributes tension over a large area of skin resulting in less irritation and less frequent change-outs. Developed in collaboration with cleft palate teams, DynaCleft significantly advances pre-surgical taping techniques, resulting in reduced tension both during and after surgery.     [infant and parent benefits] Easier and faster than conventional taping. Does not interfere with feeding. Less frequent change-outs than conventional taping. Maximises comfort - elastic center expands and contracts while mouth moves. Gentler and less irritating than rigid tapes. Shaped to prevent blistering.  Pulls open wounds closed.   [clinical benefits] Facilitates a low-tension repair.  Controlled force re-positions prolabium and premaxilla for best possible surgical results. Can be used alone, or in conjunction with N.A.M., Latham, or nasal stents.  May eliminate need for early lip adhesion surgery. Relieves tension on sutures when used post-operatively. Different shapes for unilateral and bilateral clefts.    [key components] Developed in collaboration with cleft palate teams, DynaCleft® significantly advances pre-surgical taping techniques, resulting in reduced tension both during and after surgery.   [how it works]

DynaCleft® to pre-surgically approximate cleft lips

How to Use

DynaCleft® to pre-surgically approximate cleft lips

Sizes and Codes

DynaCleft® to pre-surgically approximate cleft lips

Links

[brochure]

DynaCleft® Instructions for Use

Clinical Data for DynaCleft®

[frequently asked questions]

DynaCleft® FAQ

Q: How long does one strip of DynaCleft® last, and can it be used overnight?
A:Each DynaCleft strip lasts approximately 1-2 days, although on dry skin it may stay on longer. It is intended to be used continuously (day and night) until surgical cleft lip repair. Some parents find that a strip lasts longer if they apply after feeding.

Q: The adhesive on the DynaCleft® is very strong and is difficult to remove from my child's cheeks. What can I do to help this?
A:Skin types vary widely and DynaCleft® can be difficult to remove from dry skin. The adhesive will lose some tack if you stick it to your fingers a few times before you apply it on your child's cheeks. When removing, make sure to peel the outside edges and roll towards the elastic. You can also try using a protective skin dressing or an adhesive remover (e.g. Detachol®).

Q: The adhesive on the DynaCleft® is too weak and is not sticking to my child's cheeks. How can I get DynaCleft to stick better?
A:Skin types vary widely and DynaCleft® can sometimes not stick as well to oilier skin. DynaCleft® adheres best to skin that is damp and then dries. Adhesion can be increased by gently, but firmly, pressing the tape to the skin or by dampening the skin with water, patting dry, then applying DynaCleft®. Most people will notice increased adhesion within 5 minutes.

The adhesive used in DynaCleft is “pressure sensitive”, meaning that it adheres best when gentle, but firm, finger or hand pressure is applied to the tape, rubbing it into place. The surface of skin has natural “hills” and “valleys”. Simply laying tape on skin results in contact with only the top of these “hills”. Gentle but firm strokes along the tape guides adhesive into contact with more of the “valleys” as well, improving initial adhesion and decreasing the risk of “rolling” or losing the tape to friction.

If necessary, a medical-grade liquid skin adhesive (e.g. Mastisol®) can be used when applying DynaCleft®.

To maximise adhesion:

• Start with clean, dry skin
• Avoid touching the sticky surface of the tape
• Apply sufficient pressure to the tape to ensure contact in all of the nooks and crannies of the skin
• Ensure good contact with the skin so that moisture cannot seep in and loosen the adhesion
• Remove any traces of emollients or oils, such as most moisturizers and adhesive tape removers
• If the skin is very oily, use a mild soap and water to remove the excess oil and pat dry. An alcohol wipe may also be used to remove excess oil, but use sparingly to avoid drying out sensitive skin. 
• A barrier film can be used under the tape to protect sensitive skin

Note: If the small sections beside the elastic are not sticking (after feeding or drooling, for example), leave DynaCleft® in place as long as the elastic is still stretched and most of the tape is still attached to the skin.

Q: My child's skin is getting red and/or bumpy where the adhesive sits. What can I do to help this?
A:Over-stretching the elastic can put too much tension on the skin, causing red or bumpy irritation. Also, repeated application and removal of any adhesive product can irritate sensitive skin. A skin dressing such as DuoDERM®,Tegaderm™, or OpSite™ can be used as a protective barrier under DynaCleft®. Using an adhesive remover (such as Detachol®) can help make removing DynaCleft more gentle. You can also take a break from using DynaCleft® for two days, or until the skin heals, then continue use. If irritation occurs you should consult your physician/orthodontist.

Q: The elastic breaks while my child is wearing DynaCleft®. Why?
A:The elastic can be damaged by exceeding the recommended tension as described in the Instructions for Use. Do not stretch the elastic more than double the original unstretched length, or 2.5cm. There should be enough stretch left in the elastic that the baby can smile comfortably and move their mouth. It can also be damaged by adhesive-removing compounds. If these compounds are used, ensure that all traces of them are washed from the skin before applying DynaCleft®.

Q: My child is able to pull off the DynaCleft® from his/her face, limiting its effectiveness. What can I do to help this?
A: Consult your nurse or physician about ways to keep your child's fingers away from the DynaCleft tapes (i.e. mittens or socks on the hands, arm stabilizing sleeves, swaddling, etc).

Q: The elastic seems to lose its strength over time. Why?
A: There are two possible explanations. Either the elastic is relaxing as the skin stretches into place, in which case it is time to replace the DynaCleft®, or there is damage to the elastic because of over-tensioning. Do not stretch the elastic more than double the original unstretched length, or 2.5cm.

Q: Your instructions say DynaCleft® is compatible with the Nasal Alveolar Mold (NAM). How do we achieve this? Do we cut bits or can we attach the bands somehow?
A: Although DynaCleft® is compatible with NAM, it is intended to be used independently from the NAM appliance to address the lip segment approximation only. DynaCleft is not intended to be used to hold the NAM in place.

Q: What if I used a moisturizer (cream) or an adhesive remover and need to tape over the same area?
A: Assess the skin. If you recently used a skin product and it still feels slick, you may need to cleanse the area. Some specially-designed moisturisers (creams) allow you to tape over it immediately and may actually increase adhesion of some tapes. If this is the case, it is important to use good technique for subsequent tape removal. You may wish to protect areas that will be exposed to repeated taping with a barrier film such as DuoDERM®, Tegaderm™ or OpSite™.

Q: What is the best way to remove tape?
A: Proper tape removal is critical to reduce the possibility of harm to skin. First, loosen the upper edges of the tape. Stabilize the skin with one finger. Peel back the tape "low and slow" in the direction of hair growth from the top outside then down toward the middle.

Keep the tape close to the skin surface and pull back over itself. Removing tape at an angle may cause pain and harm to skin. As the tape is removed, continue to use one finger to support the skin.

For tape that is strongly adhered to skin or hair, you may want to consider using a medical-grade adhesive remover (e.g. Detachol®) or moisturiser to soften the adhesive. Rubbing alcohol will not soften the adhesive. Peel a small edge of the tape back. Supporting the skin next to the tape, glide a small amount of moisturiser/adhesive remover under the peeled edge. This is often enough to soften the adhesive and release it from hair. Continue to peel back the tape “low and slow”, back over itself while applying the moisturiser.