Use of Disposable, Mechanical Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Three Patients with Lower Extremity Wounds

Introduction: Disposable mechanical negative pressure wound therapy (dNPWT*) can be used in the outpatient setting for the management of small to medium sized lower extremity wounds. The small, disposable unit for administering dNPWT can be worn underneath clothing and allows the patient to be fully ambulatory. The use of the disposable dNPWT is described in 3 patients with lower extremity wounds.

Methods: Antibiotics were given as necessary. Wounds were debrided followed by the application of silver dressing or povidone-iodine use for 7-10 days. mNPWT was then initiated with dressing changes every 2-3 days. dNPWT was discontinued once the wound size decreased to less than 4 cm (approximately16-34 days). Oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC)/collagen/silver-ORC dressings† were utilized until wound closure was observed with dressing reapplication every 3 days.

Results: Three patients presented for care (age range: 57-59). Patient comorbidities included diabetes, former tobacco use, obesity, peripheral vascular disease, cancer, and steroid use. Previous medical histories included gangrene of the left foot, and chronic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Wounds managed using dNPWT included wound dehiscence and Wagner Stage I DFU. Use of the dNPWT system was associated with wound size reduction and the development of healthy granulation tissue. All 3 wounds were closed within 47-82 days.

Conclusions: The use of a disposable dNPWT system in these 3 patients with small to medium sized lower extremity wounds contributed to complete wound healing.