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

Why do I need it?

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

NPWT is a practiced selection for some patients, but not all. Your dr. will decide if you are a good candidate for this therapy based on your type of wound and your medical situation.

How does it piece of work?

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

  • Your healthcare providers volition fit layers of foam dressing to the shape of the wound. The dressing volition then exist sealed with a film.
  • The film 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 ready and so that it 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 too helps the wound heal by promoting the growth of new tissue.
  • When needed, antibiotics and saline can exist pushed into the wound.
    NPWT

Using the NPWT device

  • How long volition it take to heal my wound? How long it takes your wound to heal depends on a number of factors. These can include your full general wellness, the size and location of the wound, and your nutritional condition. Inquire your doctor what yous should expect.
  • Can I shower while the device is on? Aye. You lot tin disconnect the device to take a shower. The device should not be off for more than 2 hours per day, however.
  • Can I take a bath? No. Bath water can infect a wound. Also, the dressing on the wound can become loose if it's held under h2o.
  • What are the noises the device makes? Because the device has moving parts, it makes a small amount of noise. The dissonance may get louder or an warning may sound if there is a leak or a poor seal.

How is the dressing changed?

Having your dressing changed regularly is very important to your healing.

  • How often? In well-nigh cases, the dressing should exist inverse ii to 3 times a week. If the wound is infected, the dressing may need to be changed more often.
  • Who changes information technology? In most cases, the dressing will be changed by a nurse from your medico's function or a home health service. This person volition exist specially trained to alter this type of dressing. In some cases, a caregiver, family member, or friend may be trained to alter the dressing.
  • What intendance needs to exist taken? The person changing your dressing needs to practise these things:
    • Launder hands before and after each dressing modify.
    • Always habiliment protective gloves.
    • If they have an open cut or peel status, wait until it has healed earlier changing your dressing. In this case, some other person should modify your dressing.
  • Does it hurt? Irresolute this type of dressing is similar to irresolute any other type of dressing. Information technology may injure a little, depending on the blazon of wound. Ask your healthcare providers for assist with pain relief.

How tin can I prevent issues?

Your doctor will just recommend this therapy if he or she believes it is safe for you. Complications tin can happen, however. These are things you lot tin can do to help prevent complications:

  • Forestall infection. Be sure that anyone changing your dressing cleans their easily and is wearing safe gloves.
  • Forestall bleeding. Inquire your healthcare provider whether you need to stop taking aspirin or other medications that touch bleeding or blood clotting. Ask near the result of stopping these medications.
  • Get more assistance if yous demand it. If you don't feel like yous can or want to manage your NPWT device at abode, 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 alarm if there's a leak in the seal of your dressing. Hither'southward what to exercise:

  • If you have a home health nurse, phone call the nurse to come and repair or replace the dressing.
  • If you take 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 come across a healthcare provider right away, effort to locate the leak and seal it with another layer of the clear motion-picture show.
  • Do not keep the NPWT dressing on without suction for more than than 2 hours, as this can cause infection. If you cannot get your dressing repaired or replaced within 2 hours, remove the entire dressing and place a gauze dressing over the wound.

When should I telephone call for assist?

Call your healthcare provider right away if y'all take:

  • Fever of 102°F or higher
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Confusion
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, or feeling faint when you stand up up
  • Warmth or redness that spreads around 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 non a substitute for professional medical advice, and information technology should non exist used to diagnose or care for a health problem or disease. Please consult your healthcare provider if yous accept any questions or concerns.