Negative Pressure Wound Therapy – Flashcards
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Indications for NPWT
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-Chronic pressur ulcers stage III/IV -Sub-acute/acute wounds such as burns, dehisced incisions, skin grafts/muscle flaps
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Objectives of NPWT
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-Remove chronic edema -Increase localized blood flow, capillary filling -Enhance formation of granulation tissue -May help approximate wound edges and facilitate contraction and closure
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List some of the theories behind the use of NPWT
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-Mechanical stress increases rate of cellular angiogenesis/granulation -Increases tension among adjacent cells to help with contraction -Stimulate cell growth/division -Semi-occlusive dressing keeps the wound moist -Removal of interstitial fluid and restoration of blood flow
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Contraindications to NPWT
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-Necrotic tissue -Untreated osteomyelitis -Malignancy in the wound -Unexplored fistulas to organs or body cavities -Malnourished individuals (albumin <3.0mg/dL) -Gross infections/sepsis
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Precautions to NPWT
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-Active bleeding -Angicoagulant
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Timeline for chronic wound healing with vac
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May require 16-20 weeks for complete closure
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Advantages to NPWT
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-May cost less over time -Can use in any setting -Provides moist wound environment -Simple, user friendly -Minimal training for staff and pt
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Disadvantages of NPWT
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-No standard for use -Pain -Noisy -May hinder pt mobility -Difficulty obtaining air tight seal -May cause skin damage -Costly
