NEGATIVE PRESSURE TREATMENT OF OPEN WOUNDS

摘要

Negative pressure treatment of open wounds also known as Vacuum-assisted wound closure (VAC) is a non-invasive, active, wound management therapy exposing the wound bed to local sub-atmospheric negative pressure through a closed system in order to facilitate wound healing. Initially introduced in human medicine for the treatment of chronic wounds, negative pressure removes fluid from the extra vascular space, improving circulation and enhancing the proliferation of granulation tissue. A VAC system consists of several elements. Sterile polyurethane open-cell foam is cut to conform to the surface of the wound. The foam is placed within the wound making sure the foam is in contact with the entire wound surface. An egress tube runs from within the foam to another tube, which is connected to a reservoir and a vacuum pump. A plastic sheet with adhesive on one side is placed over the sponge and around the tubing creating an airtight seal with the skin around the wound margin. Sub-atmospheric pressure thenapplies a controlled suction force uniformly to all tissues on the surface of the wound.