The management of deep sternal wound infections using vacuum assisted closure (V.A.C.) therapy.
A group of international experts met in May 2006 to develop clinical guidelines on the practical application of vacuum assisted closure (V.A.C.)+ therapy in deep sternal wound infections. Group discussion and an anonymous interactive voting system were used to develop content. The recommendations are based on current evidence or, where this was not available, the majority consensus of the international group. The principles of treatment for deep sternal wound infections include early recognition and treatment of infection. V.A.C. therapy should be instigated early, following thorough wound irrigation and surgical debridement. V.A.C. therapy in deep sternal wound infections requires specialist surgical supervision and should only be undertaken by clinicians with adequate experience and training in the use of the technique.
Fleck
Tatjana
T
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Gustafsson
Ronny
R
Harding
Keith
K
Ingemansson
Richard
R
Lirtzman
Mitchell D
MD
Meites
Herbert L
HL
Moidl
Reinhard
R
Price
Patricia
P
Ritchie
Andrew
A
Salazar
Jorge
J
Sjögren
Johan
J
Song
David H
DH
Sumpio
Bauer E
BE
Toursarkissian
Boulos
B
Waldenberger
Ferdinand
F
Wetzel-Roth
Walter
W
D006801:Humans; D011182:Postoperative Care; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014618:Vacuum; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology