VAC ( VACUUM ASSISTED CLOSURE ) OR NEGATIVE WOUND PRESSURE THERAPY (NPWT)
Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) or VAC is a method of removing fluid and infection from a wound to help it heal. A special dressing (bandage) is sealed over the wound and a gentle vacuum pump is attached. This therapy can help your wound heal faster and with fewer infections. Not wounds are suitable for this technique and your surgeon needs to decide the correct time and site for application.
How does it work?
This therapy involves a special dressing (bandage), tubing, a negative pressure
device, and canister to collect fluids.
- Your healthcare providers will fit layers of foam dressing to the shape of the wound. The dressing will then be sealed with a film.
- The film has an opening where a tube is attached. The tube leads to a vacuum pump and canister where fluids are collected. The vacuum pump can be set so that it is ongoing, or so it starts and stops intermittently.
- The vacuum pump pulls fluid and infection from the wound. This helps pull the edges of the wound together. It also helps the wound heal by promoting the growth of new tissue.
- When needed, antibiotics and saline can be pushed into the wound.
This is a fully sealed system and one can use the washroom and have a bath with concern of water entering it.
How is the dressing changed?
Having your dressing changed regularly is very important to your healing.
- How often? In most cases, the dressing should be changed once in 3 to 5 days. If the wound is infected, the dressing may need to be changed more often.
- Who changes it? In most cases, the dressing will be changed by a specialist nurse at the hospital or a home service technician. This person will be specially trained to change this type of dressing.
