VAC Therapy

What is Vacuum-Assisted Wound Closure?

Vacuum-assisted wound closure (VAC) therapy is a modern method for healing various urgent and chronic wounds. It uses a special dressing and a pump to apply negative pressure to the wound.
In VAC therapy, a foam bandage is placed on the wound, and a vacuum pump creates negative pressure around it. This lower pressure helps pull the edges of the wound together, Help faster healing.

A Quick Summary VAC Therapy:

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Who Requires Vacuum-Assisted Wound Closure/VAC Therapy?

  1. Surgical Patients: VAC therapy can help heal patients after surgery, especially with large or complicated wounds. It is useful for surgeries like tummy operations, orthopedic surgeries, plastic surgeries, and heart surgeries.
  2. Trauma Patients: VAC therapy is helpful for treating severe injuries like deep cuts, crush injuries.. It supports tissue healing, reduces the risk of infection, and speeds up recovery.
  3. Patients with Diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risk for chronic wounds, especially foot ulcers, which are hard to heal. VAC therapy helps speed up healing and reduces complications.
  4. Patients with Pressure Ulcers: VAC therapy is often needed for patients with bedsores (pressure ulcers) caused by long periods of immobility. It helps heal these wounds by tissue regeneration and removing excess fluid, which is Important for recovery.
  5. Patients with Venous Leg Ulcers: Venous leg ulcers are long-lasting wounds caused by poor blood flow and circulation problems. VAC therapy helps by speeding up healing and preventing infection, making it effective for treating these ulcers.

Wounds Not Suitable for VAC Therapy:

  • Infected Wounds: VAC therapy is not suitable for wounds with existing infections or those at risk of infection. If the VAC device causes negative pressure issues, it might spread the infection or push germs deeper. It’s important to treat infections with antibiotics and clean the wound before using a VAC device.
  • Wounds with Exposed Blood Vessels or Organs: Wounds with exposed blood vessels, organs, or important structures are not suitable for VAC therapy because it could cause more damage.
  • Dry or Low Exudate Wounds: VAC therapy works well for wounds with a lot of fluid. It’s not as effective for dry wounds or those with little drainage. For dry wounds, different dressings may be more suitable and can be customized to meet the patient’s needs.
  • Necrotic Wounds: VAC therapy cannot be used for wounds with a lot of dead tissue or hard, blackened areas. Dead tissue stops the wound from healing properly and makes VAC therapy less effective. Before using VAC therapy, dead tissue may need to be removed to help the wound heal.

How VAC Therapy works?

  • Preparing for a Wound: The wound needs to be cleaned and any dead or infected tissue is removed. Then, VAC therapy is started in a sterile environment to help the wound heal properly.
  • Application of VAC Dressing: The dressing, made of foam or gauze, exactly fits the injury. The wound is fixed during the application of negative pressure as well as it is being sealed under the dressing.
  • Negative Pressure Application: The vacuum pump creates a controlled suction on the dressing over the wound. This helps drain excess fluid, lowers the risk of infection, and creates a better environment for healing. It also boosts blood flow to the area, providing essential nutrients and oxygen for tissue repair.
  • Constant Monitoring and Adjustment: Doctors adjust the negative pressure settings during VAC treatment to ensure the wound heals well and the patient stays comfortable.

Benefits of VAC Therapy:

  • Healing Accelerated: VAC therapy helps wounds heal faster than traditional treatments. It quickly promotes the growth of new, healthy tissue and speeds up the healing process.
  • Decreased Risk of Infection: VAC therapy removes extra fluid from the wound to lower infection risk. By clearing out fluids s, it creates a clean environment that helps the wound heal faster.
  • Minimized Scarring: VAC therapy usually results in less scarring and better healing. It helps the skin grow new tissue and stay in better shape.
  • Increased Patient Comfort: Patients generally find VAC therapy comfortable. Unlike regular dressings that need frequent changes, VAC therapy continuously manages the wound with less hassle, so patients can easily return to their normal activities.
  • Customized Treatment: VAC therapy can be adjusted to fit each patient’s specific needs and the type of their wound.

Final Thoughts:

At Patient Care Chandigarh, VAC therapy helps wounds heal faster and is customized for each patient. Our team provides personalized care to ensure the best results. Contact us for expert help with your wound care.

FAQ’s on Vacuum-Assisted Wound Closure (VAC):