Negative pressure wound therapy at patients with diabetic foot. (Vacuum Assisted Closure)

Overview

The application of controlled levels of negative pressure (NP) has been shown to accelerate debridement and promote healing in many different types of wounds. Previous studies indicate that NP as delivered through the V.A.C. (Vacuum Assisted Closure) Therapy System seems to be a safe and effective treatment for complex diabetic foot wounds. This therapy is the delivery of intermittent or continuous subatmospheric pressure through a specialised pump, which is connected to a resilient, open-celled, foam-surface dressing covered with an adhesive drape to maintain a closed environment. It is known that the negative pressure assists with removal of interstitial fluid, decreasing localised oedema and increasing blood flow. This in turn decreases tissue bacterial levels. Our results show that treatment with NPWT stimulated a robust granulation tissue response and accelerated wound healing in patients with diabetic foot.

Key words:
Diabetes mellitus, diabetic foot, negative pressure wound therapy – V.A.C.