Is negative pressure wound therapy effective?

Yes. Everyday experience in wound care tells us that NPWT is useful as wounds improve and heal using this treatment. Studies in this area are difficult to carry out; however, a Cochrane review did show that NPWT decreases risk of infection in postsurgical wounds. (Source 4).

What type of wound is not suitable for NPWT?

Wounds with remaining necrotic tissue or eschar, untreated osteomyelitis, the Presence of a fistula that connects to a body cavity or organ, and with Malignancy in the wound (Source 11).

How do I know my NPWT device is working?

Monitor the device for loss of suction. If the unit power light is on and the sponge is compressed (often described as looking like a raisin), the unit is functioning. Your physician will be following your healing progress.

How do I know if my NPWT device is NOT working?

Check for loss of suction once the wound vac is applied. If the transparent adhesive tape is not lying flat and the machine starts to beep when it is turned on, there is likely a loss of suction. When properly functioning, the sponge should be flat and crinkled, looking somewhat like a raisin.

When do you use NPWT?

NPWT can be used for pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers, postsurgical wounds, vascular ulcers, burns, traumatic wounds, and others. (Source 1, 5, 7, 9).

Is NPWT prophylaxis for surgical site infection?

(Source 4) It decreases the risk. A large review of 44 studies found that NPWT decreases the risk of infection in postsurgical wounds.

What are the disadvantages of NPWT?

It is important to watch for pain, bleeding, dehydration, infection, foam retention, loss of suction, skin sensitivity, skin damage, and damage to blood vessels, soft tissue, or nerves (Source 11, 14, 15).

NPWT is used by many healthcare providers to treat wounds within various specialties. Nurses, PTs, NPs, PAs, and physicians apply these devices in the fields of wound care, surgery, dermatology, emergency medicine, podiatry, vascular, family practice, and many others. (Source 11).

Articles by Melissa Bray, Wound Physician

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy – A Detailed Guide

June 27

Articles by Melissa Bray, Wound Physician

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy – A Detailed Guide

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