Topical Negative Pressure Therapy Research Articles

Effects of Different Pressure Levels in Topical Negative Pressure Application-Analysis of Perfusion Parameters in a Clinical Skin Model Using Multimodal Imaging Techniques.

The effects of topical negative pressure therapy (TNP) have been a subject of research for many years. In this study, we investigated new imaging devices to detect clinical changes that TNP causes on healthy tissue and identified differences in microcirculation created by different pressure levels. We used near-infrared spectroscopy (NIS), thermography, and a vein illuminator to measure the differences in oxygen saturation, tissue temperature, and vein pattern. A control group (−125 mmHg) and three comparison groups with only TNP dressing (Group 1), −25 mmHg (Group 2), and −175 mmHg (Group 3) were established. Thirty minutes of TNP on intact skin was followed by 30 min of resting. A total of 24 participants were measured by all imaging devices at predetermined time points. Oxygen saturation and skin temperature increased by 8.07% and 1.67 °C for the control group, 4.00% and 1.65 °C for Group 2, and 8.45% and 1.68 °C for Group 3. Group 1 showed a slight increase in oxygen saturation and a 2.7 °C increase in skin temperature. Over the 30 min following removal of TNP, oxygen saturation and temperature decreased gradually for all groups. The vein illuminator did not show significant differences in the venous pattern or flow. Our study showed that higher negative pressure values resulted in higher oxygen saturation and higher tissue temperature.

Surgical wound infection prevention using topical negative pressure therapy on closed abdominal incisions – the ‘SWIPE IT’ randomized clinical trial

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the most common cause of healthcare-associated infections in surgical patients. It is unclear whether incisional negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) can reduce the risk of SSIs in patients after open abdominal surgery. A prospective, non-blinded multi-centre randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed to evaluate the incidence of SSI post-laparotomy using incisional NPWT compared with a standard dressing. The primary outcome was the rate of superficial SSI. A total of 124 patients (61 patients in the NPWT arm and 63 patients in the control arm) were included. One hundred and nine (87.9%) patients underwent colorectal surgery; 61 patients (49.2%) had emergency surgery. There were more superficial SSIs in the control group than in the NPWT group, although not statistically significant (20.6% vs 9.8%, P=0.1). Upon multiple logistic regression analysis, control dressings were associated with increased risk of superficial SSI although again, not statistically significant (odds ratio (OR) 2.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81-7.17, P=0.11). There was no superficial non-SSI related wound dehiscence in the NPWT group compared with 9.5% in the control group (P=0.03). There was no difference in postoperative complications (P=0.15), nor in other wound complications (P=0.79). NPWT was not associated with decreased superficial SSI in this RCT. However, there was a statistically significant reduction in superficial wound dehiscence with NWPT dressings. The results of this study should be included in meta-analyses for better evaluation of NPWT on closed abdominal incisions.

A Critical Update of the Assessment and Acute Management of Patients with Severe Burns.

Significance: Burns are debilitating, life threatening, and difficult to assess and manage. Recent advances in assessment and management have occurred since a comprehensive review of the care of patients with severe burns was last published, which may influence research and clinical practice. Recent Advances: Recent advances have occurred in the understanding of burn pathophysiology, which has led to the identification of potential biomarkers of burn severity, such as protein C. There is new evidence about the potential superiority of natural colloids over crystalloids during fluid resuscitation, and new evidence about components of initial and perioperative management, including an improved understanding of pain following burns. Critical Issues: The limitations of the clinical examination highlight the need for imaging and biomarkers to assist in estimations of burn severity. Fluid resuscitation reduces mortality, although there is conjecture over the ideal method. The subsequent perioperative period is associated with significant morbidity and the evidence for preventing and treating pain, infection, and fluid overload while maximizing wound healing potential is described. Future Directions: Promising developments are ongoing in imaging technology, histopathology, biomarkers, and wound healing adjuncts such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, topical negative pressure therapy, stem cell treatments, and skin substitutes. The greatest benefit from further research on management of patients with burns would most likely be derived from the elucidation of optimal fluid resuscitation protocols, pain management protocols, and surgical techniques from randomized controlled trials.

Effects of topical negative pressure therapy on perfusion and microcirculation of human skin.

Topical negative pressure wound therapy (TNPWT) is one of the most frequently used techniques in wound treatment. But some of the underlying mechanisms still remain unclear. One possible explanation is an improved microcirculation by TNPWT. This study investigated the influence of TNPWT on microcirculation on intact skin in real-time. In healthy individuals, we performed a combined tissue - laser/photo - spectrometry technique to monitor changes of 4 different microcirculation parameters in real-time: The local blood flow, the capillary-venous oxygen saturation, the blood flow velocity and the relative amount of hemoglobin. We compared these parameters using two different protocols: a continuously (VAC ON 60/OFF 60) and discontinuously (VAC ON 30/OFF 60/ON 5) application. Our results demonstrate a significant increase of all four measured parameters during the active TNPWT and the pressure free period. The comparison of two different protocols shows an advantage of the examined parameters using a discontinuous TNPWT application. Our study demonstrated the changes of the microvascular tissue perfusion in intact human skin under the conditions of negative pressure and may thereby offer a broader understanding of mechanisms underlying the TNPWT.

Advance in Wound Care: Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

Quality of care is the slogan of all health care institutions. In order to meet the standards advanced techniques are adopted. In wound dressing also there are various advanced wound care procedures, among them Negative Pressure Wound Therapy is widely practised. Negative pressure wound therapy also called vacuum therapy, Vacuum assisted closure, vacuum sealing or topical negative pressure therapy is a sophisticated development of a standard surgical procedure, the use of vacuum assisted drainage to remove blood or serous fluid from a wound or operation site.

Effects of topical negative pressure therapy on tissue oxygenation and wound healing in vascular foot wounds

ObjectiveTopical negative pressure (TNP) therapy is widely used in the treatment of acute wounds in vascular patients on the basis of proposed multifactorial benefits. However, numerous recent systematic reviews have concluded that there is inadequate evidence to support its benefits at a scientific level. This study evaluated the changes in wound volume, surface area, depth, collagen deposition, and tissue oxygenation when using TNP therapy compared with traditional dressings in patients with acute high-risk foot wounds. MethodsThis study was performed with hospitalized vascular patients. Forty-eight patients were selected with an acute lower extremity wound after surgical débridement or minor amputation that had an adequate blood supply without requiring further surgical revascularization and were deemed suitable for TNP therapy. The 22 patients who completed the study were randomly allocated to a treatment group receiving TNP or to a control group receiving regular topical dressings. Wound volume and wound oxygenation were analyzed using a modern stereophotographic wound measurement system and a hyperspectral transcutaneous oxygenation measurement system, respectively. Laboratory analysis was conducted on wound biopsy samples to determine hydroxyproline levels, a surrogate marker to collagen. ResultsDifferences in clinical or demographic characteristics or in the location of the foot wounds were not significant between the two groups. All patients, with the exception of two, had diabetes. The two patients who did not have diabetes had end-stage renal failure. There was no significance in the primary outcome of wound volume reduction between TNP and control patients on day 14 (44.2% and 20.9%, respectively; P = .15). Analyses of secondary outcomes showed a significant result of better healing rates in the TNP group by demonstrating a reduction in maximum wound depth at day 14 (36.0% TNP vs 17.6% control; P = .03). No significant findings were found for the other outcomes of changes in hydroxyproline levels (58.0% TNP vs 94.5% control; P = .32) or tissue perfusion by tissue oxyhemoglobin saturation (19.4% TNP vs 12.0% control; P = .07) at day 14. At 1 year of follow-up, there were no significant outcomes in the analysis of wound failure, major amputation, and overall survival rates between the two groups. ConclusionsIn this pilot study, applying TNP to acute high-risk foot wounds in patients with diabetes or end-stage renal failure improved the wound healing rate in reference to wound depth. This suggests that TNP may play a role in enhancing wound healing. This study sets the foundation for larger studies to evaluate the superiority of TNP over traditional dressings in high-risk foot wounds.

Topical Negative Pressure Therapy and Interactive Dressings in Prevention of Wound Infections in High-Risk Orthopaedic Patients

The likelihood of periprosthetic infection in high-risk patients (obesity and diabetes mellitus) after revisional arthroplasty is extremely high. The authors conducted a pilot prospective comparative study of clinical and economical efficacy of interactive absorbing dressings based on carboxymethyl cellulose impregnated with silver ions and single-use vacuum assisted dressings in prevention of surface surgical site infections in high-risk patients.

Topical Negative Pressure Therapy and Interactive Dressings in Prevention of Wound Infections in High-Risk Orthopaedic Patients

Topical Negative Pressure Therapy and Interactive Dressings in Prevention of Wound Infections in High-Risk Orthopaedic Patients

Concomitant septic arthritis and tophaceous gout of the knee managed with intermittent closed joint irrigation combined with negative pressure therapy: a case study and literature review.

Tophaceous gout complicated by septic arthritis presents a management dilemma which can often require multiple surgical debridements. There is little published in the literature regarding treatment of these concomitant conditions. We postulate that biofilm may play a role increasing the difficulty of sterilising a tophaceous joint. The use of topical negative pressure therapy that targets biofilm has been well established for a range of wounds. A new device that incorporates both intermittent negative pressure therapy and wound irrigation was introduced in 2012. This case report describes the use of this topical negative device with the instillation option in the management of severe septic arthritis with concomitant gout and suggests directions for further research.

Topical negative pressure therapy Recent experience of the department of plastic surgery at Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat, Morocco

Introduction : The topical negative pressure therapy (TNP) is a non-invasive method to treat chronic and acute wounds locally, using a continuous or intermittent negative pressure. The objective of this study is to present the first experience of this type of treatment used in clinical cases in our department. By presenting these cases, we highlight indication and efficiency of this new technique applied in relatively complicated situations, at the same time it also allows a significant improvement in treating injuries and chronic wounds. Materials and methods : In this study, we present the recent experience of the Department of Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery of the University Hospital Center of Avicenne in Rabat. This therapy was used for the first time this year (in 2014), in three young patients who presented with chronic wounds associated with local and general factors that are unfavorable for the healing process. Results : In all three of our cases we obtained highly satisfactory clinical results. TNP allows wounds to bud in a shorter time, as well as a fast healing by second intention due to controlled wound healing or split-skin graft without using flaps. This enables to decrease the margin of error, the time and the number of dressing replacements, and to reduce the length of hospital stay. Conclusion : This is an expensive and specific equipment. However, the cost-benefit ratio analysis shows that it is an essential method that should be part of our therapeutic strategies.

Using portable negative pressure wound therapy devices in the home care setting

Using portable negative pressure wound therapy devices in the home care setting Joshua R Burke, Rachael Morley, Mustafa Khanbhai Academic Surgery Unit, Education and Research Centre, University Hospital of South Manchester, Manchester, UK Abstract: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is the continuous or intermittent application of subatmospheric pressure to the surface of a wound that improves the wound environment, accelerates healing, and reduces wound closure time. Since its first documented use, this technology has lent itself to a number of adaptations, most notably, the development of portable devices facilitating treatment in the home care setting. With advancing surgical standards, wound healing is an important rate-limiting factor in early patient discharge and often a major cost of inpatient treatment. The efficacy of NPWT in the home care setting has been investigated through rate of wound closure, time in care, and patient experience. Rate of wound closure is the most appropriate primary end point. Much can be gleaned from patient experience, but the future success of portable NPWT will be measured on time in care and therefore cost effectiveness. However, there is a lack of level 1a evidence demonstrating increased efficacy of portable over inpatient NPWT. The development of portable NPWT is an encouraging innovation in wound care technology, and extending the benefits to the home care setting is both possible and potentially more beneficial. Keywords: portable, negative pressure wound therapy, vacuum-assisted closure, topical negative pressure therapy

Penile reconstruction with dermal template and vacuum therapy in severe skin and soft tissue defects caused by Fournier's gangrene and hidradenitis suppurativa

The aim of this article is to improve the treatment of patients with complete skin loss of the penile shaft after Fournier's gangrene or hidradenitis suppurativa using modern biomatrices and topical negative pressure therapy. From January 2010 to December 2011, three patients with Fournier's gangrene or hidradenitis suppurativa were treated. After initial radical debridements, topical negative pressure therapy was applied for wound stabilisation. After that dermal templates (acellular dermal matrix) were used to achieve early healing and topical negative pressure-dressing in a special setting or a special foam compression bandage was used together with a urinary catheter. After integration of the dermal template, a split-thickness skin graft is used for coverage and again secured with a circular total negative pressure-dressing. In all cases, the split-thickness skin grafts healed very well applying this therapy concept. The patients were very satisfied with the functional as well as with the aesthetic outcome. We suggest a new method of staged reconstruction to successfully preserve the functionality of the penis after complete loss of the skin and soft tissue of the penile shaft using modern biomatrices and topical negative pressure therapy.

Vessel transformation in chronic wounds under topical negative pressure therapy: an immunohistochemical analysis

The underlying physiological mechanism of topical negative pressure (TNP) therapy is not yet completely understood. This prospective clinical study aims to clarify a potential influence of TNP therapy on vessel proliferation and hypoxia in chronic wounds. TNP was applied on chronic wounds of 16 patients (-125 mmHg) to prepare them for a plastic-surgical reconstruction using free or pedicled flaps. Tissue biopsies were taken from the wound edge and wound bed at different time points. All samples were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, hypoxia-induced factor-1α and endothelial cell markers (CD31 and CD34) for the immunohistological analysis of inflammation, hypoxia and vessel proliferation. Between day 5 and day 8 of treatment, a considerable increase in blood vessel density could be observed, reaching a maximum of approximately 200% in contrast to the vessel density prior to treatment. In addition, the number of hypoxic and inflammatory cells was found to be increased at particular time points. This study demonstrates a stimulating effect on vessel proliferation under TNP treatment. TNP appears to support (neo-) angiogenesis and transformation of chronic non-healing wounds in a physiological wound healing process when combined with surgical debridement. This effect underlines the positive influence of TNP in the treatment of chronic wounds as shown by various clinical reports.

Topical negative-pressure therapy for small bowel leakage in a frozen abdomen

Topical negative-pressure therapy for small bowel leakage in a frozen abdomen

Study of continuous irrigation negative-pressure treatment using an original ulceration model

A continuous irrigation with intermittent aspiration (CIIA) method has previously been developed in the treatment of infected expander sites. For the purpose of treatment of infected wounds, a new intermittent negative pressure irrigation treatment (INPIT) has been developed that is a combination of CIIA with topical negative-pressure therapy. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of INPIT. The efficacy of irrigation was investigated by changing the conditions including the location and the number of irrigation tubes, flow volume, and the timetable of negative-pressure application using original ulcer models. Although the presence of side holes and increase in the number of tubes or flow volume improved the irrigation efficacy, non-washed-out areas remained. On the other hand, INPIT allowed more uniform and wide area washing even at low flow volume. The results suggest that INPIT is superior to general conventional continuous irrigation treatment in irrigation efficiency.

Current Trends in the Development of Wound dressings, Biomaterials and Devices

Wound management covers all aspects of patient care from initial injury, treatment of infection, fluid loss, tissue regeneration, wound closure to final scar formation and remodeling. There are many wound-care products available including simple protective layers, hydrogels, metal ion-impregnated dressings and artificial skin substitutes, which facilitate surface closure. This review examines recent developments in wound dressings, biomaterials and devices. Particular attention is focused on the design and manufacture of hydrogel-based dressings, their polymeric constituents and chemical modification. Finally, topical negative pressure and hyperbaric oxygen therapy are considered. Current wound-management strategies can be expensive, time consuming and labor intensive. Progress in the multidisciplinary arena of wound care will address these issues and be of immense benefit to patients, by improving both clinical outcomes and their quality of life.

Successful treatment of skin fistulas in systemic sclerosis patients with the combination of topical negative pressure therapy and split-thickness skin grafting.

Successful treatment of skin fistulas in systemic sclerosis patients with the combination of topical negative pressure therapy and split-thickness skin grafting.

Further success in the use of topical negative pressure therapy in difficult breast wounds

Further success in the use of topical negative pressure therapy in difficult breast wounds

Negative pressure wound therapy

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is also referred to as vacuum or topical negative pressure therapy. Vacuum-assisted wound closure therapy was first described in 1997 in the US. A wide variety of devices has since been developed. NPWT is recognised as an important adjunct in supporting and promoting wound healing although the precise mechanisms of action are not completely understood (Morykwas et al 2006). It is thought that the mechanical action of negative pressure suction helps create an optimum, wet wound base, removing excess wound exudate and interstitial fluid, stimulating tissue granulation by increasing blood flow, reducing oedema and bacterial loading. It is suggested that NPWT may be more clinically effective than modern dressings and compression bandaging (Braakenburg et al 2006), but the evidence base in terms of cost efficiency, clinical efficacy, patient satisfaction and safety, remains limited.

Topical negative pressure therapy for skin graft fixation in hand and feet defects: A method for quick and easy dressing application – The “sterile glove technique”

Topical negative pressure therapy for skin graft fixation in hand and feet defects: A method for quick and easy dressing application – The “sterile glove technique”