Abstract: Using a new technique of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), Variable Pressure Therapy (VPT), for the management of chronic, non-healing wounds (WOCN Society 41st Annual Conference (June 6- June 10, 2009))

3258 Using a new technique of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), Variable Pressure Therapy (VPT), for the management of chronic, non-healing wounds

Thomas Eberlein, MD , DGfW, Dermatologist, Nuremberg, Germany
Helmut Fendler, RN , GesundheitsManager Health and Wound Management, Specialist in Wound Care (Certified Wound Manager), Nuremberg, Germany
Cindy Ahearn, MS, RN, ET, CWCN, FNP-C , Prospera, Director of Clinical Services, Fort Worth, TX
Purpose statement:
Using new techniques in wound management by negative pressure wound therapy is common, but useful clinical data are required.
We report results of a first study using a new NPWT device with variable pressure therapy.
Learning objectives:
(i.e., what will the attendee learn after viewing your abstract? Use words that begin with “describe,” identify,” “define,” “list,” “recall,” etc.)
1. describe a new system of NPWT device with variable pressure therapy mode
2. show results of a first open clinical study
Problem:
Negative pressure wound therapy has become an acceptable adjunctive therapy in the management of acute and chronic wounds. Application with variable negative pressures (Variable Pressure Therapy; VPT) is a special way of action.
We report results of an open, monocentric, prospective, clinical study of 26 patients with chronic, non-healing wounds using a new NPWT device* with VPT.
Materials and Methods:
From December 2006 to June 2008 an open, monocentric, prospective, clinical study was performed. Documentation was based on both digital documentation system and digital picture documentation with automated measurement for wound size. Data were collected for 26 patients with chronic, non-healing wounds of different etiologies. Specific endpoints for this study included:
-           easiness of use (pump and dressing)
-           microbial and exudation control
-           readiness for wound healing (granulation)
-           edema reduction
-           patient’s quality of life (e.g. pain profile)
Results:
(n=26)

Variable pressure application
Treatment period
Totally
Mean
1,137 days (3-142)
43.4 days
Improved or cured
23 (88,5 %)
Unchanged
1 (3,8 %)
Worsened
0
Dropouts
2 (7.7 %)
Reduction of edema
26 (100 %)
Control of inflammation
25 (96.2 %)
Frequence of dressing changes
3 to 7 days
Pain profile in using and in times of change
No to low  pain

Conclusion:
The use of this new variable pressure application technique (VPT) has shown superior clinical results, advantages in handling and in patient’s therapeutic comfort (quality of life) and clinical outcome. Special application technique and dressing change periods permit cost effectiveness.
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