Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Utilizing a Unique Non-Woven Polyester Dressing with a Non-adherent Contact Surface

Introduction

In this presentation, the use of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) for patients in a Long Term Acute Care (LTAC) facility will be described.

Purpose

To evaluate effectiveness of this negative pressure therapy system to stimulate granulation tissue, reduce wound size, and minimize patient discomfort with dressing changes.

Method

NPWT was used for three patients with chronic wounds including an abdominal wound, a Stage IV heel pressure ulcer and a fasciotomy site.  Non-Woven Polyester dressings with a non-adherent contact surface were changed every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the treatment period by the same clinician.  Negative pressure was adjusted between 55 mmHg and 75 mmHg negative pressure based upon wound size, location and the patient’s perception of pain. Three dressing application techniques (“mushroom”, bridging, and off-loading) were utilized.

Outcome

NPWT was successful in all three cases with an average decrease in total wound area of 48 per cent in less than four weeks   All cases demonstrated increased granulation by the first dressing change which continued in abundant fashion throughout the treatment course.  The use of the non-woven polyester dressings with a non-adherent contact surface dramatically reduced the patients’ pain experiences as evidenced by the need for less pain medication throughout the course of treatment.

Conclusion

A NPWT system utilizing a non-woven polyester dressing with a non-adherent contact surface is a valuable tool in healing chronic wounds.