Vacuum Wound Therapy (VAC Therapy)

Some wounds heal slowly due to impaired blood supply, infection, significant tissue damage, or concomitant diseases. In such cases, conventional dressings may be insufficient. One of the modern methods that helps accelerate wound cleansing and stimulate its healing is vacuum wound therapy.

At the Oxford Medical medical center, VAC therapy is performed using a special system that creates controlled negative pressure in the wound area. The method is used as part of comprehensive treatment after surgical interventions, injuries, as well as for trophic ulcers and other wounds that do not heal for a long time.

Vacuum therapy — is a modern method of treating wounds with negative pressure. It involves the use of a VAC system, which consists of a soft sponge, an airtight dressing, a drainage tube, and a vacuum device.

A special sponge is placed in the wound or directly on its surface, after which it is hermetically sealed with a dressing and connected to the vacuum device. It creates controlled negative pressure, due to which excess fluid (wound exudate) is continuously removed from the wound.

This helps reduce swelling, improve local blood circulation, stimulate the formation of new granulation tissue, and create favorable conditions for wound healing. As a result, the wound is cleansed more quickly and gradually heals.

VAC therapy is especially appropriate in cases of pronounced swelling and the formation of a significant amount of discharge in the wound. Negative pressure ensures its continuous removal, helps cleanse the tissues, and creates favorable conditions for gradual healing.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» explain that VAC therapy is one of the methods of comprehensive wound treatment. If the cause of impaired healing is, for example, diabetes mellitus, impaired blood circulation, or infection, these conditions must also be treated at the same time. This helps achieve a better result and reduce the risk of repeated deterioration of the tissue condition. 

In particular, if the cause of prolonged healing is impaired blood circulation, a consultation with a vascular surgeon may be required. To assess blood flow and the condition of the vessels, the doctor may also recommend ultrasound of the lower extremities or arms. This is especially important for ulcers of vascular origin, since local treatment without correction of the underlying cause may be insufficient.

VAC therapy is not suitable for all patients. Before starting treatment, the doctor assesses the condition of the wound, determines the cause of its formation, and makes sure that the use of vacuum therapy will be safe and effective.

VAC therapy is usually not performed in the following cases:

• uncontrolled bleeding from the wound;

• a malignant tumor in the wound area;

• the presence of dead tissue that requires prior removal.

In some cases, contraindications are temporary. For example, after cleansing the wound of dead tissue or stopping the bleeding, VAC therapy can be started later.

Before starting VAC therapy, the doctor examines the wound and, if necessary, performs its surgical treatment. After that, the treatment proceeds in several stages:

• a special sponge is placed on the wound, hermetically sealed with a dressing, and connected to the vacuum device;

• the doctor sets the required level of negative pressure;

• the system operates continuously, removing excess fluid;

• the dressing is usually changed once every 2–4 days, during which the doctor assesses the condition of the wound, cleans it if necessary, and applies a new one.

The duration of the course is determined individually. It depends on the size and depth of tissue damage, the rate of healing, and the patient's general condition. In most cases, treatment lasts from several days to several weeks.

The cost of VAC therapy is determined individually for each patient. It depends on the characteristics of the wound, the duration of treatment, and the number of necessary dressing changes.

You can find out the cost of a surgeon's consultation here. During the appointment, the doctor will conduct an examination and determine the appropriateness of using VAC therapy, after which they will advise you on the duration of treatment and calculate its approximate cost.

To make an appointment for a surgeon's consultation, use the online appointment form on the website or contact the contact center by phone. At the «Oxford Medical» medical center, you can receive a full range of medical services — from consultation and diagnostics to treatment and further monitoring.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

Sources:

• US National Library of Medicine

• Cochrane Library

• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence