Wound vac therapy is an advanced type of wound therapy designed to speed healing and prevent infections in people with slow-to-heal wounds or chronic wounds. Here’s how wound vac treatment works and why it’s so effective.
Slow-to-heal wounds are a common problem for people with circulation problems, including people with diabetes. Unfortunately, even a small delay in healing can dramatically increase your risk of infections, which can lead to amputations or life-threatening infections.
At Vayu Advanced Wound Clinic and Hyperbarics, board-certified physician Dr. Badam, MD, CWSP, UHM, uses advanced wound care techniques like wound vac to treat hard-to-heal wounds, including dangerous diabetic foot ulcers. Here, she explains wound vac therapy and how it might help you.
Quick facts about wound vac therapy
Also called negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) or vacuum-assisted closure (VAC), wound vac therapy works by applying gentle, continual negative pressure around the wound, creating a vacuum or suction effect.
The vacuum pressure works in a couple of ways to create a more optimal healing environment that gives the area a chance to recover.
First, gentle suction helps pull excess fluid, dangerous bacteria, and other pathogens and debris away from the wound site. These are all elements that can interfere with natural healing and make it harder for other therapies, like antibiotics, to take effect.
Second, vacuum pressure around the wound increases circulation to the area. Healthy blood flow is essential for healing, delivering oxygen and nutrients necessary to fight off infections and support new tissue growth to close open sores.
In addition to treating deep sores and diabetic ulcers, vacuum-assisted closure is often used in people with skin grafts, traumatic injuries, and very large wounds that pose more of an infection risk.
How does vacuum-assisted closure work?
Negative pressure wound therapy uses a special foam dressing that we place over the wound. A layer of plastic adhesive film placed over the foam creates a seal.
The dressing is connected to a small vacuum pump via a drainage tube. The pump and tube create a gentle suction that helps remove fluids and bacteria while promoting healing. Suction also helps bring together the edges of the wound, so it heals properly.
Depending on your therapy plan, the vacuum pump may work continuously or in cycles. During therapy, you need to carry the device with you, and your dressing needs to be changed every 24-72 hours.
Benefits of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy through Wound Vac
In addition to improving healing, negative pressure wound therapy can:
- Reduce swelling
- Reduce inflammation
- Reduce pain
By arresting the infection, NPWT can also help prevent an infection from spreading.
Vacuum-assisted closure is also more cost-effective than some other types of advanced wound care, and while you do need to carry the pump device with you, its small size makes it easy to get around.
NPWT is one of several wound care therapies we offer. To learn about this and other therapies that can help you avoid serious wound-related complications, call us today at 210-651-1112 or book an appointment online with our San Antonio, Texas, clinic.
FAQs About Wound VAC:
1. What is a Wound Vac?
A wound vac, or Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC), is a medical device used to promote wound healing. It involves applying negative pressure to a wound using a special dressing and a pump. This helps remove fluid, reduce swelling, and encourage tissue growth.
2. How Does a Wound Vac Work?
A wound vac creates negative pressure around the wound. This suction helps to draw out excess fluid, reduce swelling, and stimulate blood flow. The negative pressure also helps to close the wound by bringing the edges together.
3. What Does a Wound Vac Do?
A wound vac:
- Removes excess fluid from the wound
- Reduces swelling
- Encourages blood flow to the wound
- Promotes the formation of new tissue (granulation tissue)
- Decreases the risk of infection
4. What are the Benefits of Wound Vacs?
Wound vacs offer several benefits, including:
- Faster wound healing
- Reduced risk of infection
- Improved wound appearance
- Increased blood flow to the wound
- Reduced pain in some cases
5. When Should a Wound Vac Be Discontinued?
The decision to discontinue a wound vac is made by your healthcare provider. It’s typically removed once the wound has significantly reduced in size, shows signs of healthy granulation tissue, and is ready to close.
6. Can You Go to Work with a Wound Vac?
Whether you can go to work with a wound vac depends on your job and the advice of your healthcare provider. If you do go to work, ensure the wound vac is protected from damage.
7. How Long Does Wound Healing Take with a Wound Vac?
The healing time with a wound vac varies depending on the wound’s size, depth, and overall health. Factors like diabetes and poor circulation can influence healing time. Regular assessment by your healthcare provider will determine when the wound vac can be removed.
8. Is it Safe to Sleep with a Wound Vac?
Yes, it’s generally safe to sleep with a wound vac. However, ensure the tubing is not kinked or compressed. Sleeping on your back or side opposite the wound might be more comfortable.
9. What are the Different Types of Wound Vacs?
There are several types of wound vacs, including:
- Continuous negative pressure (CNP)
- Intermittent negative pressure (INP)
- Instillation therapy
- Portable wound vacs
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