Negative Pressure Wound Therapy
A sealed wound dressing connected to a suction pump that removes fluid and supports healing in selected wounds.
Overview
It may be used for complex or slow-healing wounds, selected surgical incisions, ulcers or traumatic wounds. A clinician checks for reasons it may be unsuitable, such as exposed unprotected vessels or dead tissue.
Negative pressure wound therapy uses controlled suction through a specialised dressing. It removes excess fluid, helps reduce swelling and supports an environment for healing.
What to expect
The wound is assessed, cleaned and, when necessary, unhealthy tissue is removed. The team selects the dressing and pressure settings.
A foam or other dressing is sealed over the wound and connected by tubing to a pump and collection canister. The equipment may be portable.
Attend planned dressing changes and follow the care instructions. Contact the team for bleeding, fever, loss of the dressing seal, blocked tubing or a pump alarm or failure. Healing time depends on the wound.
Risks
Risks include pain, bleeding, infection, skin or wound damage, material reactions and retained or adherent dressing material. Equipment faults can interrupt treatment.
Frequently asked questions
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