Caring for Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) at home

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT)

Sometimes called “Vacuum Assisted wound Closure” or “wound VAC” therapy, is a treatment that uses a special device to help wounds heal, by applying a gentle suction (negative pressure) to the wound.

NPWT is commonly used for wounds that are large, deep, or slow to heal, such as surgical wounds, pressure ulcers, or diabetic foot ulcers.

Benefits of NPWT

• Improves the healing process.
• Improves blood circulation.
• Reduces the risk of infection.
• Reduces swelling.
• Promotes healthy tissue growth

Components of NPWT

Your VAC system will include:

• Vacuum Pump
• Tubing
• Drainage canister
• Dressing

(Diagram labels: NPWT, Negative Pressure Wound Therapy, Vacuum pump, Tubing, Film seal, Dressing foam, display showing 120 mmHg. Reference: Wound VAC Process, Benefits, Side Effects, Complications, and Cost)

Caring for the dressing

• The dressing will be applied by your health care provider.
• Keep the dressing clean, dry and intact.
• If allowed by your healthcare provider, you can have a quick shower. You will be provided with extra water proof drape to secure the dressing. keep the therapy unit dry and away from direct water spray.
• Do not rub or scrub over the wound or dressing, pat it dry as soon as you are done showering.
• Avoid soaking the dressing in water including swimming and use of bathtub.
• With some VAC systems (such as ActiV.A.C), your healthcare provider may instruct you to turn off the machine before showering. You will need to clamp the tube and disconnect it from the device. The dressing will expand under the clear bandage, this is normal. Once you are done showering, reconnect the tubing to the NPWT machine, unclamp it, and turn the machine back on. The dressing should then flatten back into the wound.
• Do not keep the therapy disconnected for more than 2 hours daily.
• Do not allow the tubing to pull or kink. If the tube is blocked, milk the tube using your thumb and forefinger. Gently pinch the tube and slide your fingers starting from the section of the tube closest to your body down the tubing towards the drainage bag. This helps move any clots or debris through the tube. If resistance is felt or the blockage doesn’t clear, stop and contact your healthcare provider.
• Monitor dressing for leaks; apply the provided leak tapes if needed. If leak persists contact your healthcare provider.
• Monitor your wound for signs of infection, report immediately if increased pain, redness, swelling, fever, or foul-smelling drainage.
• Your physician or wound care specialist will inform you of the needed frequency for dressing change.
• It is important that you attend the follow up appointment in wound care clinic, for the dressing change. It will be arranged prior to your discharge home.

Tips to support your recovery

• Avoid touching your wound. If needed, make sure you wash your hands before and after touching the wound or dressing to prevent infections.
• Stay mobile as tolerated and follow your healthcare team’s recommendations. Walking promotes healing, and NPWT devices are designed to ease walking.
• Avoid activities that may strain the wound until cleared by your doctor. Your health care provider will inform you about which activities to avoid.
• Rest adequately, but avoid sleeping over the wound to prevent tube kinks. Ensure the therapy unit is safely placed to prevent it from falling, or you tripping over it.
• Each patient heals differently and has unique dietary needs. A well-balanced diet that includes protein, vitamins A and C, and zinc can promote healing and strengthen the immune system. Always follow the diet recommendations provided by your healthcare team.
• Maintain controlled blood sugar level to support circulation and wound healing.
• Stay hydrated to maintain skin health and elasticity.
• Avoid smoking, as it weakens the immune system and slows healing. Use this opportunity to quit smoking if you are smoker.

Simple steps to care for your device

• Ensure the pump stays ON. Do not turn it OFF unless your healthcare provider instructs you to do so, you have an allergic reaction, or you experience bleeding. If the pump stops working or alarms, contact your healthcare provider.
• Secure the machine by the belt clip or in the carrying case, if available, particularly when ambulating.
• Ensure the machine has enough battery life before going to sleep or going out.
• Report to your care provider if the suction container is ¾ full or more.
• Your device will sound an alarm if any of the following occurs:

The wound care specialist will show you how to handle each type of alarm. You can also find detailed explanations in the patient user manual.

Important signs and symptoms to report

Contact your healthcare provider right away or seek emergency care if you experience any of the following:

• Allergic reactions: Itching, irritation, or discomfort at the dressing site. The dressing may contain silver, please inform your healthcare provider, if you are sensitive or allergic to silver. Always share any known allergies or sensitivities with your healthcare team.
• Signs of infection: Fever (≥38°C), chills, redness, swelling, increased warmth, pain, or tenderness around the wound.
• Skin changes: Discoloration, irritation, blisters, or breakdown.
• Increased pain or discomfort: New or worsening pain not previously present.
• Dressing issues: If the dressing becomes loose, detached, or displaced.
• Active bleeding: Seek immediate emergency care if there is active bleeding from the wound or the dressing site.
• Changes in wound drainage: An increase in the amount of drainage, cloudy appearance, foul odor, or a change in color (such as red, green, or brown).
• General feeling of illness: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, light-headedness, or general weakness.
• Sudden worsening of symptoms: difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting, confusion, or severe weakness.
• Device malfunction: If your NPWT pump stops working and cannot be restarted.

Frequently asked questions

• Are there different types of NPWT? There are few types of NPWT. Your healthcare provider will show you the specific type you have and explain how to use it safely.
• Is the wound VAC therapy painful? Most patients do not find NPWT painful. A slight pressure or pulling may be felt, but severe discomfort should be reported.
• Can I travel with the device? Yes, if authorized by your physician. Most NPWT devices are portable. Be sure to bring extra supplies, and to follow wound care specialist recommendations for wound care and dressing change.
• Can I do an MRI if I have the NPWT? you can, but your doctor or nurse must remove the therapy unit. The dressing can stay in place.
• What happens after I am discharged home? You will have appointments arranged for following up, with your wound care specialist and /or with your physicians. Follow their recommendations, report any concerns, and attend to your appointments.
• How can I get in touch if needed? You can message your surgeon by using your health portal application or call the contact center on 80082223 for assistance. If you feel unwell, visit CCAD – Emergency Department for further evaluation. In case of emergency, please call 999.

Remember

Proper wound care and following your healthcare provider’s instructions are key to promoting your wound healing. If you have questions or concerns about NPWT, do not hesitate to ask your healthcare team.