The Utilization of an Advanced Negative Pressure Wound Therapy System to Manage Pain and Increase Granulation Formation in Recalcitrant Leg and Foot Ulcers

Introduction:  Patients with chronic leg and foot ulcers present a challenge for clinical management and those with diabetes increase the difficulty. Multiple studies have addressed the efficacy of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) with these wound types, but none address the use of a low pressure NPWT* with a novel wound contact layer to improve pain management and increase granulation formation.  

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of an advanced NPWT system to address patient comfort and accelerate granulation formation in diabetic patients with chronic leg and foot ulcers.

Methods:  Three diabetic patients with chronic leg and foot ulcers were treated with NPWT using a novel polyester dressing. NPWT was applied and dressings changed every 48-72 hours. At each dressing change wound measurements were taken and patients were queried regarding their pain level using a 0-10 Visual Analog Scale.

Results: Following treatment with NPWT, all patients had reductions in wound volume, with 2 of 3 patients’ wounds’ ready for bioengineered skin substitute and the 3^rd patient’s wound transitioned to management with moist wound healing products. Two of 3 patients reported reductions in pain at dressing changes and 1 patient reported no pain at dressing changes.

CONCLUSION:  The use of an advanced NPWT system using a dressing with a novel contact layer can be used to achieve accelerated healing and optimal pain management.

* Engenex ® Advanced Negative Pressure Wound Therapy, ConvaTec, Skillman, NJ

 Engenex is a registered trademark of Boehringer Technologies, LP.