Modification of negative pressure wound therapy in the economically constrained region: A preliminary report

Abstract

Introduction: Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) also known as Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC) is a novel method of wound closure that utilizes negative pressure to enhance the microenvironment of a wound thereby aiding healing. It has been demonstrated to be useful in a wide range of conditions. Patented brands of NPWT machine are expensive and are out of the reach of most hospitals in the region. The study presents a novel modification of NPWT apparatus that has been demonstrated to be useful in our economically restrained setting.
Method: A modification of NPWT device was developed at our centre with easily sourced materials. All patients with wounds in which VAC therapy was indicated were recruited. Early wound closure was an expected outcome.
Result: The modification of NPWT apparatus was effective based on marked reduction in the duration of hospital stay, personnel cost, blood loss and pain. Early wound closure by skin grafting was achieved in most cases.
Conclusion: The cheaper modification of VAC technology is a very useful asset in an environment which has a heavy burden of wounds. We encourage the use of this innovation. 

Keywords: Negative pressure, wound closure, innovation