Development of a clinical guideline for the implementation of a Single Use Negative Pressure

Objectives:  To evaluate the (SUNPWT) system under a 4-layered compression dressing.

Methodology:  A female patient presented to the tissue viability service with a history of long-standing bilateral leg ulceration. While healing had been achieved on an episodic basis, re-ulceration had always occurred. The patient had previously been managed via the GP practice and had been treated with compression bandaging and hosiery. The current episode of ulceration had proved recalcitrant to treatment and prompted referral of the patient to the Tissue Viability Centre for assessment and management.

 

Key results:  During this 21-day period of treatment the wound made significant progress toward healing. The condition of the wound bed improved considerably with islands of epithelial tissue emerging within the wound. The (SUNPWT)  system proved effective in managing the wound exudate with the periwound skin remaining healthy throughout and the wound margins had begun to contract.

Conclusion: Venous leg ulcers comprise a significant problem for both the patient and those caring for them. In some cases ulceration may fail to progress to healing even when compression therapy has been appropriately employed. In cases of non-healing, the risk of complications such as infection or lymphatic involvement can increase and consequently the costs associated with ulcer management may increase considerably. Innovative approaches to venous ulcer management, such as the introduction of negative pressure, may have a role to play in kick starting the healing process in patients with ulcers which are recalcitrant to conventional therapy, or patients who may have a high risk of protracted healing. It is hoped that this guideline may help clinicians to identify the patients who may benefit most from this important therapeutic intervention.