What does NPWT mean in wound care?

Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a sealed wound-care system and is particularly indicated for large chronic persistent wounds and acute complicated wounds (1, 2). The system consists of an electronically controlled pump and a foam dressing that drains the wound.

How often should NPWT dressings be changed?

In most cases, the dressing should be changed 2 to 3 times a week. If the wound is infected, the dressing may need to be changed more often.

When should I stop NPWT?

Negative-pressure wound therapy may need to be stopped if the patient experiences:

  1. Intolerance or non-adherence to the treatment.
  2. Lack of healing.
  3. Frank pus in the dressing or canister.
  4. Uncontrolled bleeding or blood clot under the dressing.

What are the contraindications for NPWT?

CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Contact – NPWT foam dressing should not be in direct contact with exposed blood vessels, nerves, organs or anastomotic sites.
  • Infection – Infections (including osteomyelitis) should be treated or debrided fully before the application of NPWT.

How do I use NPWT?

What are the steps in applying NPWT?

  1. Pre-medicate the patient for pain as needed and as prescribed.
  2. Prepare the wound by:
  3. Cut foam dressing to size and place into the wound.
  4. Trim clear occlusive dressing to size, peel back one side of Layer 1 and place adhesive side down over wound. (

How does NPWT accelerate wound healing?

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been demonstrated to accelerate wound healing by promoting angiogenesis. However, whether blood flow perfusion is regulated by microvessel maturation and pericytes following NPWT remains unclear, as well as the exact association between pericytes and collagen type IV.

Why is NPWT contraindicated in osteomyelitis?

Uncontrolled infection, especially with multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, may inhibit wound healing. Although negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) may be useful in preventing infection by reducing bacterial bioburden [1,2], it is contraindicated in patients with untreated infections, including osteomyelitis [3-5].