Simplified negative pressure wound therapy with instillation: advances and recommendations.

Abstract

Positive results have been demonstrated with the adjunctive use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and instillation (NPWTi) for stalled and/or complex wounds. With these combined therapies, instillation assists in wound bed preparation and cleansing by loosening soluble material in the wound bed, which can be subsequently removed during the NPWT phase. Previously reported instilled solutions have included saline, topical cleansers, and antiseptics. Recently, a new NPWTi system (V.A.C. VeraFlo™ Therapy, KCI USA, Inc., San Antonio, TX) has been introduced that includes automated, volumetrically controlled delivery of solutions and new foam dressings specifically designed for use with NPWTi. We present the latest NPWTi technologies, provide nursing recommendations for patient management, and conclude with a case study.