Category
Wound Care
Typical Use
Promote wound healing by negative pressure and drainage.
Description
A sealed dressing system connected to a portable pump that applies controlled negative pressure to a wound bed to remove exudate, reduce edema, promote perfusion, and stimulate granulation tissue formation in complex or chronic wounds. Wound VAC therapy is used for diabetic ulcers, pressure injuries, surgical dehiscence, and traumatic wounds and requires careful dressing application, monitoring of seal integrity, and periodic dressing changes by trained clinicians. Contraindications include untreated osteomyelitis and malignancy in the wound bed; therapy success depends on appropriate patient selection, infection control, and integration with debridement and offloading strategies. Education on device alarms, mobility with the pump, and follow up care supports adherence and optimal healing outcomes.