Also known as vacuum-assisted closure (VAC),negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT)is used for difficult to manage wounds that do not respond to traditional wound care methods.What wounds are appropriate for this therapy?

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In VAC,negative pressure is applied to the wound,which leads to removal of third-space fluid,improvement of blood flow,stimulation of angiogenesis,stimulation of granulation tissue development,and reduction in bacterial load.The VAC device is composed of a polyurethane sponge,a plastic sealant drape,and a negative-pressure suction device.The sponge should be placed within the confines of the wound bed,with care taken to ensure that it contacts all area of the wound,thereby leaving no dead space,while at the same time avoiding skin contact.VAC therapy may be used for acute and traumatic wounds,subacute wounds,pressure ulcers,chronic open wounds,meshed skin grafts,and skin flaps.Contraindications to NPWT therapy for chronic wounds include,but may not be limited to; exposed vital organs,necrotic tissue with eschar present,untreated osteomyelitis,nonenteric and unexplored fistulas,necrotic tissue with eschar; malignancy in the wound (NPWT may lead to cellular proliferation),exposed nerves,exposed vasculature,exposed anastomotic site,and an allergy to any component required for the procedure.

Also Known as Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC),negative-Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT)is Used