Wound VAC - Procedures, Benefits and Complications

What Is a Wound VAC?

Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) of a wound is a method that assists in wound healing. It is also called negative pressure wound therapy. A wound VAC can help a wound heal in various ways. It gently pulls fluid from the wound over time, reducing swelling, cleaning the wound, and removing bacteria. It also pulls the wound's edges together to stimulate new tissue growth. The duration of the wound VAC therapy depends on the size and location of the wound.

How Does a Wound VAC Work?

A wound VAC includes a special dressing connected to a pump that draws fluid and infection from the wound.

A healthcare provider performs the following steps:

1. First, clean the wound area thoroughly and dry the skin around it‌.

2. Next, place foam or bandage directly on the wound with a thin film layer.

3. Finally, insert a rubber tube into an opening in the film to connect to a vacuum pump.

4. Once connected, the vacuum pressure creates a very gentle suction that removes excess fluids and infections from the wound and helps pull the wound's edges closer.

5. A person undergoing VAC therapy should wear the device for close to 24 hours per day while the wound is healing.

6. When the VAC therapy starts, there may be a feeling of stretching and pulling around the wound.

7. Some people may experience discomfort when VAC bandages are changed. A medical professional may administer pain medication 30 minutes to 60 minutes before changing the bandages in those cases.

What Are the Benefits of a Wound VAC?

Wound VAC therapy is ideal for following hard-to-heal wounds, including:

• Diabetic ulcers.

• Severe burns.

• Traumatic or surgical wounds.

• Bedsores.

• Wound dehiscence.

• Cesarean section.

Wound VACs are not suitable for the following conditions:

• Cancerous wounds.

• Wounds near joints that reopen with limb movement.

• Fragile skin.

• Exposed organs or blood vessels.

• Areas with poor blood flow.

• Wounds that are actively bleeding.

How Does Wound VAC Therapy Promote Wound Healing?

Wound VAC treatment stimulates wound in several ways, including:

1. Removal of Excess Fluid: The excess fluid formed after surgery, called edema, can cause swelling, increase the risk of infection, and delay healing. In addition, excess fluid can put pressure on the wound and on the stitches that are holding it closed. Wound VAC slowly draws this excess fluid off the wound, relieves pressure, and reduces swelling.

2. Reduced Number of Bacteria: Infection does not allow the wound to heal. Thus, it is vital to clear the bacteria away from the wound. Wound VAC therapy helps remove some bacteria, lowers the risk of wound infection, and allows healing to move forward.

3. Improved Blood Flow: Good blood flow is needed to bring repair cells to the wound. Removing extra fluid helps in good perfusion, and the negative pressure created in the wound VAC therapy accelerates the speed at which fluids move through the blood vessels in the area.‌

4. Stimulates New Tissue Growth: The body creates a new tissue that binds the wound's edges together and fills any gaps to heal the wound. Wound VAC encourages the growth of this repair tissue.

5. Draws Wound Edges Together: Wound VAC treatment shrinks the size of the wound and pulls the edges of the wound together, making it easier for the body to repair the gap.

6. Stabilizes the Wound: It stabilizes the wound and prevents re-injury to the area.

What Are the Potential Complications of a Wound Vac?

VAC therapy is generally safe, but certain complications can occur, such as:

• Severe bleeding.

• Sepsis.

• Bacterial infection.

• Lack of wound healing.

• Fistula (an abnormal connection between the intestinal tract and the skin).

• Macerated skin (softening and breaking of skin around the wound due to moisture).

How to Take Care of a Wound VAC?

Living with a wound VAC can cause various challenges to daily life, but proper knowledge of dos and don'ts while undergoing treatment can make treatment easier.

• People with wound VAC dressing cannot bathe or swim because if the dressing is underwater for a long time, it may loosen, or the wound may get infected.

• Also, if an alarm sounds on the pump, there may be a leak in the dressing. See a doctor and get the dressing replaced.

• VAC bandages are usually changed two to three times a week. However, if the wound gets infected, the bandages may need to be changed frequently.

• Do not keep the VAC system disconnected for more than two hours, as this can cause infection. If a person cannot repair or replace the dressing within two hours, remove the entire dressing and place a gauze dressing over the wound.

• Many people may experience discomfort when VAC bandages are changed. Therefore, a medical professional may administer pain medications 30 to 60 before changing the bandages in those cases.

When to See a Doctor?

Consult a doctor in case of the following conditions during wound VAC treatment:

• Fever of 102°F or higher.

• Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.

• Dizziness.

• Confusion.

• Bleeding, warmth, or redness that spreads around the wound.

• Itchiness or a rash around the dressing.

• Headache.

• Bleeding around the wound.

• Sore throat.

Conclusion:

Wound VAC therapy is an advanced wound healing therapy that uses pressure to help close wounds and fastens healing. It is used for various difficult-to-heal wounds, but it is contraindicated for some type of wounds. Wound VAC is generally safe, but some complications may develop due to health conditions. Adequate knowledge about the procedure help prevent complications.