Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a method of drawing out fluid and infection from a wound to aid it heal. A special dressing (bandage) is sealed over the wound and a gentle vacuum pump is attached.

Why do I need it?

Your medico may recommend NPWT if you have a burn down, pressure ulcer, diabetic ulcer, chronic (long-lasting) wound, or injury. This therapy tin help your wound heal faster and with fewer infections.

NPWT is a good selection for some patients, only non all. Your dr. will make up one's mind if you are a skilful candidate for this therapy based on your type of wound and your medical situation.

How does information technology piece of work?

This therapy involves a special dressing (bandage), tubing, a negative pressure device, and canister to collect fluids.

  • Your healthcare providers will fit layers of foam dressing to the shape of the wound. The dressing volition then be sealed with a film.
  • The moving-picture show has an opening where a tube is attached. The tube leads to a vacuum pump and canister where fluids are collected. The vacuum pump can exist set so that information technology is ongoing, or so it starts and stops intermittently.
  • The vacuum pump pulls fluid and infection from the wound. This helps pull the edges of the wound together. It also helps the wound heal by promoting the growth of new tissue.
  • When needed, antibiotics and saline can be pushed into the wound.
    NPWT

Using the NPWT device

  • How long will it accept to heal my wound? How long it takes your wound to heal depends on a number of factors. These tin include your general health, the size and location of the wound, and your nutritional status. Ask your md what you should expect.
  • Can I shower while the device is on? Yes. You tin disconnect the device to take a shower. The device should non be off for more than than 2 hours per day, however.
  • Tin I take a bathroom? No. Bath water tin infect a wound. Likewise, the dressing on the wound tin become loose if it's held under water.
  • What are the noises the device makes? Because the device has moving parts, information technology makes a pocket-sized amount of dissonance. The noise may get louder or an alert may sound if there is a leak or a poor seal.

How is the dressing changed?

Having your dressing inverse regularly is very of import to your healing.

  • How often? In most cases, the dressing should be inverse 2 to 3 times a week. If the wound is infected, the dressing may demand to exist changed more than ofttimes.
  • Who changes it? In almost cases, the dressing will be changed by a nurse from your doctor's office or a abode wellness service. This person volition be particularly trained to alter this type of dressing. In some cases, a caregiver, family member, or friend may exist trained to change the dressing.
  • What intendance needs to be taken? The person changing your dressing needs to do these things:
    • Launder hands before and later on each dressing alter.
    • Always wearable protective gloves.
    • If they have an open cutting or skin status, wait until it has healed earlier irresolute your dressing. In this case, another person should change your dressing.
  • Does information technology hurt? Changing this type of dressing is similar to changing any other type of dressing. It may hurt a fiddling, depending on the type of wound. Ask your healthcare providers for help with pain relief.

How can I foreclose problems?

Your md volition only recommend this therapy if he or she believes it is safe for yous. Complications can happen, even so. These are things yous can do to assist prevent complications:

  • Prevent infection. Be sure that anyone changing your dressing cleans their hands and is wearing rubber gloves.
  • Prevent bleeding. Ask your healthcare provider whether you demand to stop taking aspirin or other medications that impact bleeding or blood clotting. Ask nigh the effect of stopping these medications.
  • Get more assist if you need it. If y'all don't feel similar you can or want to manage your NPWT device at home, let your healthcare providers know. They may be able to recommend a caregiver to help.

What if the alarm goes off?

The pump may sound an alert if there's a leak in the seal of your dressing. Hither's what to do:

  • If y'all have a home health nurse, phone call the nurse to come and repair or replace the dressing.
  • If y'all have your dressings changed in the dispensary, call the dispensary and tell them you need to go in and have your dressing repaired or replaced.
  • If you cannot see a healthcare provider right away, try to locate the leak and seal it with another layer of the clear picture show.
  • Do not go along the NPWT dressing on without suction for more than 2 hours, every bit this can crusade infection. If you cannot get your dressing repaired or replaced within two hours, remove the entire dressing and place a gauze dressing over the wound.

When should I call for aid?

Call your healthcare provider right away if you take:

  • Fever of 102°F or higher
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Confusion
  • Nausea or airsickness
  • Dizziness, or feeling faint when you stand up
  • Warmth or redness that spreads effectually the wound
  • Ongoing itchiness or rash
  • Bleeding effectually the wound

© 2018 Intermountain Healthcare. All rights reserved. The content presented here is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and it should non be used to diagnose or care for a health problem or disease. Please consult your healthcare provider if y'all take any questions or concerns.