Negative pressure wound therapy

Negative pressure wound therapy

Negative pressure wound therapy

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NPWT Basics - The Wound Sucker-Upper

  • Aka Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC); applies controlled sub-atmospheric pressure to a sealed wound, creating a moist healing environment.
  • Mechanism: Removes exudate, reduces edema, promotes perfusion, and induces mechanical stress (micro- & macro-deformation) to stimulate granulation tissue.
  • Components: Porous foam/gauze, adhesive drape, tubing, collection canister, vacuum pump.
  • Pressure: Typically -125 mmHg; range -50 to -200 mmHg.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) Diagram

⭐ Contraindicated with exposed vessels/organs, malignancy in wound, or untreated osteomyelitis.

Mechanism of Action - Pressure-Powered Healing

  • Macro-deformation: Suction contracts the wound, drawing edges together.
  • Micro-deformation: Mechanical stretch on cells stimulates cellular proliferation & angiogenesis.
  • Fluid Removal: Reduces interstitial edema & removes inflammatory cytokines/bacteria.
  • Environment Control: Creates a closed, moist, protected healing environment.

⭐ NPWT induces mechanical stress that upregulates perfusion and formation of granulation tissue, often visible within 48-72 hours.

Indications - Green Lights for the Vac

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) Mechanism

  • Acute Wounds

    • Traumatic wounds (e.g., degloving)
    • Dehisced surgical incisions
    • Fasciotomy wounds (e.g., post-compartment syndrome)
    • Partial-thickness burns
  • Chronic Wounds

    • Diabetic foot ulcers
    • Venous stasis ulcers
    • Pressure ulcers (Stage III & IV)
  • Grafts & Flaps

    • To bolster and secure split-thickness skin grafts

⭐ NPWT is a cornerstone in managing the "open abdomen" (laparostomy), preventing fascial retraction and protecting viscera.

Contraindications - Red Flags & No-Go Zones

  • Malignancy in the wound bed.
  • Untreated osteomyelitis; must be addressed before NPWT.
  • Necrotic tissue with eschar present (requires debridement first).
  • Non-enteric and unexplored fistulas to organs or body cavities.
  • Exposed vital structures: blood vessels, nerves, or organs. ⚠️ High risk of hemorrhage or fistula!

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High-Yield: Applying NPWT directly over exposed vasculature is a critical error and can lead to fatal hemorrhage. Ensure vessels are protected by a layer of fascia or soft tissue graft.

Application & Complications - The Setup & Screw-ups

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Device Setup

  • Application:

    • Debride wound to a clean base; cut foam to fit contours.
    • Apply adhesive film, creating an airtight seal.
    • Set pump to continuous/intermittent pressure, typically -125 mmHg.
  • Complications:

    • Pain during dressing changes.
    • Bleeding (⚠️ caution with anticoagulants).
    • Retained foam fragments requiring removal.
    • Periwound skin maceration from moisture.
    • Enteroatmospheric fistula formation.

Contraindication Alert: Never apply NPWT directly over exposed blood vessels, anastomotic sites, or organs due to the high risk of erosion and fatal hemorrhage.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) applies sub-atmospheric pressure to a sealed wound dressing.
  • It removes excess exudate and infectious material, reduces edema, and promotes perfusion.
  • Key mechanisms include stimulating granulation tissue formation and encouraging wound edge approximation.
  • Commonly used for diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, sternal wounds, and traumatic wounds.
  • Contraindications include malignancy in the wound, untreated osteomyelitis, and exposed vessels or organs.

Practice Questions: Negative pressure wound therapy

Test your understanding with these related questions

Two hours after admission to the intensive care unit, a 56-year-old man with necrotizing pancreatitis develops profound hypotension. His blood pressure is 80/50 mm Hg and he is started on vasopressors. A central venous access line is placed. Which of the following is most likely to decrease the risk of complications from this procedure?

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Flashcards: Negative pressure wound therapy

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EF < _____% and MI within _____ months are absolute contraindications to non-cardiac surgery

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

EF < _____% and MI within _____ months are absolute contraindications to non-cardiac surgery

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