Portable Topical Negative Pressure. Evaluation in Venous Ulcers and Skin Grafts

Objectives: To study the new Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) portable device in terms of utility on lesions where traditional NPWT cannot be justified and the classic advanced dressings are inadequate; compliance in terms of the patient’s comfort and tolerance of pain; capability of the dressing to retain the liquid absorbed. Methodology: Through the use of patient data sheets, 7 patients were evaluated, noting both the speed of graft take and the appearance of granulation tissue in venous ulcers. Results: The NPWT device studied in this case series has proven to be effective, comfortable in its usage and minimally invasive, also showing a particular acceptance by the patient. This is an important result, a prodromal of a broader evaluation, which may allow updated techniques and offer new therapeutic strategies, planning changing times, indications and expected results, with particular interest for the allogeneic engineered skin grafts. The working pressure of -80 mmHg is optimal for the use in the immediate following of surgical operations. This pressure level also allows good compliance of the patient, resulting in early mobilization. Conclusions: The system under compression and on skin grafts offers comfort and efficacy. A vacuum of 80mmHg is stated as “optimal” for these procedures, patient compliance and early patient mobilization.