Clinical Evaluation of a Novel NPWT System: A Case Series

Background: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has become one of the most successful treatment modalities for chronic and complex wounds1. However, some patients can be noncompliant with these treatment devices for several reasons, including pain1 with changing of the dressing, inability to sleep because of noise generation, and complication of the device. A new NPWT model has been developed to combat these reasons for noncompliance, while still providing effective therapeutic pressures for a wide range of wound types.

This case series aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel NPWT device that claims to be quieter, safer, and be user-friendly while still providing effective NPWT with up to -200 mmHg pressures.

Methods: Three patients with chronic, non-healing Diabetic Foot Ulcerations (DFUs) were selected to receive therapy with the novel NPWT device. All patients had a past medical history of diabetes mellitus with neuropathy with an average wound age of 2 years. Prior to the application of the device all patients were treated with standard of care and offloading. Dressings were changed every 2-3 days. Wound healing, pain with dressing change, and patient overall satisfaction were recorded at each visit. The wound area and wound volume before and after the application of the novel NPWT device were compared.

Results: On average, a 4.23cm2 decrease in the wound area and an 8.67cm3 decrease in wound volume were observed. Patients reported satisfaction with the device. They found the novel NPWT device to be lightweight, quiet, and easy to use. Staff reported fewer device-related phone calls, loss of pressure noted, and fewer complications compared to previously used NPWT devices.

Conclusions: This case series found that the novel NPWT device substantially decreased the area and volume of chronic diabetic ulcerations compared to the traditional standard of care. The device allowed for increased comfort through noise control and less weight and decreased pain with dressing changes. The authors conclude that in these three patients, the use of the novel NPWT resulted in improved patient satisfaction and compliance.