Negative pressure wound therapy

Overview

Negative pressure wound therapy is sometimes referred to as vacuum-assisted therapy, helps the wound healing by using suction to remove excess fluid and bacteria. This method also shields the wound from airborne contaminants, creating an optimal environment for healing. Commonly used for soft tissue wounds on various parts of the body.

Minimizing fluid reduces swelling (edema). Negative pressure wound therapy compresses the wound, making it smaller and creating an optimal environment for new healthy tissue to grow.

Negative pressure wound therapy may be applied in the operating room after the wound has been cleaned and closed. Following the procedure, a healthcare provider will visit your hospital room to change dressings and ensure a secure seal around the wound. If you continue this therapy at home, you can visit a clinic for dressing changes.

This treatment is widely used and has been in practice since its development in the 1990s, with millions of people worldwide benefiting from its application.

Reasons for undergoing the procedure

Negative pressure wound therapy may be indicated in the following conditions:

• Complex or non-healing wounds
• Acute wounds that cannot be closed due to infection risk
• Reopened wounds
• Chronic wounds
• Wounds requiring reduced fluid buildup for better healing

The following examples include:

• Burns
• Closed surgical incisions
• Foot ulcers
• Traumatic injuries

This therapy should not be used if you have:

• Cancer.
• Certain abnormal body connections.
• Unprotected, exposed organs or blood vessels.
• Necrotic tissue.

Risks

Possible risks of negative pressure wound therapy include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Pain
• Allergic reactions to materials
• Foam that is sticking to the wound
• Damage to the wound
• Device malfunction due to low battery, blocked tubing, or incorrect setup

Procedure

Negative pressure wound therapy devices use a small pump, powered either by electricity or batteries, to create suction. Healthcare providers can program these devices to achieve the desired pressure and are alerted by an alarm if the battery is low or suction fails. Some devices are reusable, while others are single-use and discarded after one patient. New tubing and bandaging materials are used for each patient regardless of the device type.

During application, your healthcare provider will:

• Clean and dry your wound, removing any dead or infected tissue if in an operating room.
• Apply a specialized foam pad and cover it with a fluid-permeable film.
• Secure it with transparent tape to create an airtight seal.
• Attach a suction tube and connect it to a canister for fluid collection.
• Use a pump to create the negative pressure.

In some cases, saline or antibiotics may be introduced into the wound during therapy.

Outcome

The pace of your recovery with negative pressure wound therapy varies depending on the type and size of the wound. You might be surprised by how quickly the therapy promotes healing by creating an optimal environment for recovery.

Benefits of negative pressure wound therapy include:

• Enhanced healing rates.
• Reduced swelling or edema.
• Decreased inflammation.
• Improved blood flow, which increases oxygen delivery to the wound.
• Fewer dressing changes, typically every 48 to 72 hours.
• Portability of the device.
• Potential for a shorter hospital stay.

Contact to your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms while utilizing a negative pressure wound therapy device at home:

• Bleeding from your wound.
• Symptoms of infection, such as fever.
• A loose seal around your wound.
• Unusual noises from the device.
• A low battery warning.
• Blockages in the tube.
• The device stops working unexpectedly.

Make sure to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and ensure there are no signs of infection.