WOUND VAC THERAPY
Nonsurgical Wound Care Therapy In Hampton Roads
Wound vac therapy, also called negative pressure wound therapy or vacuum-assisted wound therapy, is a type of treatment used to treat severe wounds. This type of treatment closes the wound through vacuum suction, and it can be used to treat wounds on all areas of the body. This nonsurgical therapy helps treat and prevent infection in even the deepest wounds.
WHAT IS WOUND VAC THERAPY?
Made up of several parts, the wound vac therapy system may seem daunting at first. Your HRSOM team will help you every step of the way.
The wound vac therapy system contains the following parts:
HOW DOES WOUND VAC THERAPY WORK?
Wound vac therapy works to heal a wound by reducing the air pressure in the affected area. When the pump is turned on, fluid flows from the wound out through the drainage tube. During therapy, negative pressure will be applied in sessions or continuously. Since the pump is portable, patients can complete or continue therapy outside of our care facility when necessary.
Your HROSM provider will determine the type of treatment you will receive based on the specific conditions of the wound. Your dressing will need to be changed periodically at the direction of your provider. However, a benefit of this type of therapy is that dressings will need to be changed less often than during other wound care treatments.
BENEFITS OF WOUND VAC THERAPY
Wound vac therapy helps heal severe wounds more quickly than traditional practices by removing air pressure from the affected area. Reducing pressure around the wound can promote healing in the following ways:
- Removes excess fluid from the wound
- Increases blood flow
- Reduces swelling
- Cleans the wound by removing bacteria
- Pulls the wound together
- Helps the wound to close by stimulating growth
PREPARING FOR TREATMENT
Before beginning any kind of wound care treatment, your HROSM provider will discuss the therapy in detail, including the risks involved. Risks associated with wound care include heavy bleeding and infection.
If you experience excess redness, swelling and inflammation during any stage of treatment, call your provider immediately. At HROSM in Hampton Roads, VA, we will also remove damaged skin and ensure that you do not have an infection before starting the therapy.
CANDIDATES FOR WOUND VAC THERAPY
Unfortunately, wound vac therapy is not for everyone, and your provider will help you determine if this treatment is right for you. Those who smoke, are allergic to adhesive or have other serious health concerns may not be a good candidate for the therapy. Your wound type may also disqualify you from this kind of therapy—wounds caused by cancer, are near exposed organs, are infected or are not easily accessible by blood flow do not respond well to the option.
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