Negative Pressure Wound Therapy: When Is This Used?
If you aren’t familiar with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to explain how it works, who might need it, all about what post-therapy looks like and more. Keep reading to find out if this is something you could benefit from.
NPWT: The Basics
Long story short, negative pressure wound therapy is a form of therapy that helps wounds heal quickly and free from infection. Wounds can range from burns, chronic wounds, ulcers and other forms of injury.
Who Might Need It?
If you’re not sure if NPWT is a good choice for you, talk to your doctor and they’ll decide. It’s a great choice for many patients, but it depends on your type of wound and your unique medical situation.
How Does NPWT Work?
This form of therapy is performed using a negative pressure machine along with special bandages, tubing and a fluid-collecting canister.
The medical professional assisting you will shape layers of bandages to the shape of your wound.
The dressing will be sealed with a film.
A tube is attached to an opening in the film which leads to a vacuum pump.
Once the machine starts, fluid and infection are pulled from the wound through the vacuum pump. The purpose of this is to promote the growth of new tissue, pull the edges of the wound together and ultimately help the wound heal quicker.
Saline and antibiotics can also be pushed into the wound when needed.
What Does Post-Therapy Care Look Like?
There are a few things to keep in mind post-therapy when it comes to caring for your wound.
The dressing should be changed 2-3 times per week, usually by a nurse or other healthcare professional. If trained correctly, a caregiver, family member or friend can change the dressing as well.
Be sure the person changing your dressing washes their hands beforehand and afterwards and wears gloves.
If the wound is infected, you may need to change the dressing more often than normal.
Are There Ways to Prevent Complications?
Complications happen, but there are steps you can take to hopefully prevent those issues from happening.
Prevent infection by keeping the wound clean and changing your dressing in a sanitized way.
Ask for help if the person changing your dressing is unsure about something or you decide not to manage your NPWT device from home. If you need assistance, your healthcare provider is there to give it to you!
Stick to the medications and schedule that your healthcare provider gave you. If you experience side effects from medication such as excessive bleeding or changes in blood clotting, reach out to a professional.
When it comes to negative pressure wound therapy, the process and post-therapy care can seem complicated. Don’t feel overwhelmed – feel free to contact us or a medical professional if you have any follow-up questions about NPWT.