title: Retention of polyurethane foam fragments during VAC therapy: a complication to be considered.
abstract: Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy is a closed-loop, non-invasive active system, characterised by a controlled and localised negative pressure applied on porous polyurethane absorbent foams. It promotes healing of acute and chronic wounds. Therapeutic effects of VAC therapy have been proved and demonstrated; however, this method can have some disadvantages. Even if it is a quite versatile device, only qualified medical/paramedical personnel should use it in order to avoid possible complications that can occur after an improper application. In this report, 11 cases of foam-fragment retention within the wound are presented. This rare complication did not promote healing, but further hindered it. On the basis of our experience, it is mandatory to define the indications, benefits and limitations of VAC therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Luca A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Dessy
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Serratore
authors.forename: Federico
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Corrias
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Parisi
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mazzocchi
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Carlesimo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003646:Debridement; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D054843:Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011140:Polyurethanes; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014945:Wound Healing; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D011140:Polyurethanes; C028279:polyurethane foam
keywords: Foam-fragments retention; Healing; Negative pressure therapy