title: Simplified negative pressure wound therapy with instillation: advances and recommendations.
abstract: Positive results have been demonstrated with the adjunctive use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and instillation (NPWTi) for stalled and/or complex wounds. With these combined therapies, instillation assists in wound bed preparation and cleansing by loosening soluble material in the wound bed, which can be subsequently removed during the NPWT phase. Previously reported instilled solutions have included saline, topical cleansers, and antiseptics. Recently, a new NPWTi system (V.A.C. VeraFlo™ Therapy, KCI USA, Inc., San Antonio, TX) has been introduced that includes automated, volumetrically controlled delivery of solutions and new foam dressings specifically designed for use with NPWTi. We present the latest NPWTi technologies, provide nursing recommendations for patient management, and conclude with a case study.
authors.affiliation: Allen Gabriel, MD, is the Chief of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery at PeaceHealth Medical Group in Vancouver, WA. He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He also holds an Assistant Professorship at Loma Linda University Medical Center. Brigitta Rauen, RN, is a Registered Nurse for the Orthopedic/Plastic Unit at PeaceHealth Medical Group in Vancouver, WA. She also works as a preceptor to newly hired RNs and Senior Practicum nursing students.
authors.forename: Allen
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gabriel
authors.forename: Brigitta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Rauen
mesh_terms: D001458:Bandages; D006801:Humans; D007322:Instillation, Drug; D054843:Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D014945:Wound Healing; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000628:therapy*