DESCRIPTION Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC) is a wound management system that applies pressure to promote wound healing. It is a machine that can apply intermittent or continuous vacuum therapy to a wound MODE OF ACTION The suction stimulates the blood supply to the wound bed by creating a hypoxic environment forcing the microcirculation to regenerate rapidly and produce a large amount of capillaries. The suction also removes any slough or loose necrotic tissue. By effectively removing wound exudate, interstitial fluid, decreasing localised oedema and increasing blood flow, it is possible that the VAC can reduce the incidence of infection or bacterial colonisation as tissue bacterial levels are reduced. Among other reported benefits is the mechanical effect on wound closure whereby a centripetal force is created which draws the wound edges together. Therefore, negative pressure promotes faster granulation and moist wound healing INDICATIONS FOR USE Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC) negative pressure technique may be considered as a wound management system to promote wound healing by secondary intent: When conventional wound management techniques have been unsuccessful For chronic or compromised wounds It is deemed in the patient’s best interest e.g. where rapid wound closure is desirable or needed CONTRAINDICATIONS Maligancy in wound Fistula of unknown origin Exposed artery or vein Necrotic tissue with escar Untreated osteomylitis Active bleeding METHOD OF APPLICATION Only nurses who are knowledgeable and skilled in its use should assess and apply VAC therapy to patients (see VAC guidelines). Training is accessible via the learning and development bureau Linked information Refer identified patients to the Skin Care Service to arrange funding VAC guideline Vacuum Assisted Closure
DESCRIPTION Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC) is a wound management system that applies pressure to promote wound healing. It is a machine that can apply intermittent or continuous vacuum therapy to a wound MODE OF ACTION The suction stimulates the blood supply to the wound bed by creating a hypoxic environment forcing the microcirculation to regenerate rapidly and produce a large amount of capillaries. The suction also removes any slough or loose necrotic tissue. By effectively removing wound exudate, interstitial fluid, decreasing localised oedema and increasing blood flow, it is possible that the VAC can reduce the incidence of infection or bacterial colonisation as tissue bacterial levels are reduced. Among other reported benefits is the mechanical effect on wound closure whereby a centripetal force is created which draws the wound edges together. Therefore, negative pressure promotes faster granulation and moist wound healing INDICATIONS FOR USE Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC) negative pressure technique may be considered as a wound management system to promote wound healing by secondary intent: When conventional wound management techniques have been unsuccessful For chronic or compromised wounds It is deemed in the patient’s best interest e.g. where rapid wound closure is desirable or needed CONTRAINDICATIONS Maligancy in wound Fistula of unknown origin Exposed artery or vein Necrotic tissue with escar Untreated osteomylitis Active bleeding METHOD OF APPLICATION Only nurses who are knowledgeable and skilled in its use should assess and apply VAC therapy to patients (see VAC guidelines). Training is accessible via the learning and development bureau Linked information Refer identified patients to the Skin Care Service to arrange funding VAC guideline Vacuum Assisted Closure