Wound VAC

A wound VAC system and its complexity with all of the different pieces can prove to be very intimidating to you and your loved ones.  It is important that you gain as much knowledge as possible related to this system before it is introduced into your home.  The more knowledge you gain about the system the less difficult the process will be for you despite any other inconveniences it may pose in your life.

First of all, VAC refers to vaccum-assisted closure.  You may also hear it referred to as vacuum therapy or negative pressure therapy.  The wound vac system has been used increasingly over the past ten years or more for both acute and chronic wounds.  Its use has even been extended to other types of wounds, such as wounds from abdominal and heart surgeries.  In the present medical technological advances of today, vacuum-assisted closure can be used on all types of wounds including acute, subacute or chronic.  The patients that assume the most benefits are those with deep, chronic wounds.  So you may be asking, “What are the parts of a wound vac system and how will it be applied?”

Overall, the application of a wound vac is a simple procedure if completed by a professional who is competent in this area.  You and your loved ones may be educated in the procedure in order to be prepared if the situation would warrant that you would have to change or reinforce the system yourself.  The wound vac system includes a piece of foam with an open-cell structure that is inserted into the wound bed area, then a wound drain with lateral perforations is laid atop it.  The foam has a few functions that are important to the system including:

·      Foam ensures that the entire surface area of the wound is exposed in its entirety to the negative pressure effect.

·      Foam prevents occlusion of the perforations in the drain by contact with the base or edges of the wound.

·      Foam eliminates the possibility of localized areas of high pressure that could result in tissue necrosis (death), which could hasten or prolong the treatment.

After the foam along with the wound drain atop it is placed into the wound bed, the entire area is then covered with a transparent adhesive film that is firmly secured to the healthy skin around the wound.  This film membrane will prevent air from entering so that a partial vacuum is formed within the wound to facilitate the removal of fluid.  Finally, the exposed end of the drain tube is connected to a vacuum source in which fluid will be drawn from the wound through the foam/drain and will travel through the drainage tube, into a reservoir for disposal.  “Well now that it is applied, what makes it work?”

The application of negative pressure in vacuum-assisted closure removes any fluid via suction from the wound that may have accumulated from edema.  Removal of the excess fluid, allows for an increased blood flow to the wound by causing the blood vessels to dilate.  Removal of fluid also results in a rapid increase in the number of cells in circulation which will enhance perfusion to the compromised tissue making it heal quicker.  Another important benefit of fluid removal is to decrease bacterial colonization within the wound, which ultimately decreases the risk of wound infections.  Through these effects of this treatment, the goal of the vacuum-assisted closure system is to enhance the formation of granulation (healthy) tissue, which is a vital factor in the resolving of a wound and its closure.

When you think of chronic wounds, it often brings to mind prolonged hospital stays for treatment.  The use of the wound vac system can greatly reduce the length of a hospital stay by enhancing wound closure at a faster rate.  Or, with your enrollment in Total Home Health, we will bring the wound vac professionals to you so that you may return home early to your familiar environment.  Faster wound healing will also result in less discomfort and pain for you or your loved one, leading to a greater sense of well-being and increased motivation.

Our professionals at Total Home Health will assist you with care according to your specific provider orders, as some wounds require more extensive treatment and special skills or technique to further minimize the risk of infection.  Most generally, the wound vac system is a closed system that requires a dressing change only every 48 hours.  Another goal of this system is to only expose the wound when absolutely needed to limit chance of infection and to reduce the use of materials, which can be costly.

Ultimately, the length of your treatment with the wound vac system will depend on your specific wound.  The process may seem like it takes forever, but our professional staff will discuss all progress made with you or your loved one at each visit.  Total Home Health will be with you every step of the way, providing you with information and education regarding any concerns that may arise with your wound vac system so that you may have the best experience possible.