Use of a single use negative pressure wound therapy (SUNPWT) system for split thickness skin grafts

Objectives:  To evaluate the SUNPWT system for the treatment of STSG.

Methodology:

Case Study 1

17 year-old female, who was injured when she was 8 years old in a tent fire. She suffered from 50% TBSA burns and had skin grafting to all areas. Bilateral contractures around her axillae and anterior chest were preventing her from carrying on with daily life. She underwent release of this contracted tissue and reconstruction using ‘neo-dermis and skin grafting.  An acellular dermal substitute (ADS) will guide autologous cells for the construction of a “neo-dermis”. The matrix was covered with a thin STSG, then skin graft was dressed using a SUNPWT dressing and left in situ for 48 hours.

Case Study 2

31 year-old male, injured at the age of 1 year from a hot kettle scald. He had functional difficulties in his right axilla and anterior chest which was restricting movement and affecting daily activities. He underwent release of this contracted tissue and reconstruction using an ADS and skin grafting.   The skin graft was dressed with the SUNPWT system and inspected for first dressing at 48 hours.

 

Key results:  Case 1: The patient had no issues with pain or bleeding and at first dressing inspection there was good take of skin graft and ADS. Case 2: There was good take of skin graft and ADS and he was discharged home with the SUNPWT system in situ for and reviewed in clinic 5 days later.

Conclusion: The use of the SUNPWT system with promotes graft “take” and means that the patients do not need to go back to theatre for further grafting and can be discharged at first graft check or before if they are able to manage the system.