WHAT IS A WOUND
VAC DEVICE?
A wound VAC device
may be used to treat
the following wounds:
diabetic ulcers
venous stasis ulcers
pressure ulcers
lower extremity skin flaps
dehisced wounds
skin graft sites
traumatic wounds
partial-thickness burns
mediastinitis
A wound VAC, or vacuum
assisted closure device uses
continuous or intermittent
negative pressure at the
wound site to help promote
healing by removing exudate
and drainage.Wound edges are
drawn together as the device
provides gentle suction to the
wound bed, continuously
removing infectious drainage to
promote healing.
References:
Yetman, Daniel. “Wound VAC Process, Benefits,
Side Effects, Complications, and Cost.”
Healthline, Healthline Media, 23 Mar. 2020,
https://www.healthline.com/health/woundvac#when-to-stop-therapy.
BENEFITS OF WOUND
VACUUM THERAPY:
decreased swelling and
inflammation
decreased risk of bacterial
infection
increased blood flow to the
wound
decreased overall discomfort
less changing of wound
dressings compared with
other treatments
gentle pulling together of the
wound’s edges
WHEN TO DISCONTINUE
WOUND VAC USE?
WOUND
VAC Therapy
NEGATIVE
PRESSURE
DEVICE
Fever higher than 102 F
(39C)
bleeding around your
wound
rash around your wound
dizziness
nasuea or vomiting
confusion
sore throat
headache
diarrhea
If you have any of the
following symptoms call
your doctor immediately
Illustrated by: April Munguia
SCC Nursing program