Use of Silver Collagen Dressings with Outpatient Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

Introduction: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been well documented in the management of a variety of wound types. Traditionally, negative pressure is delivered via foam dressings directly to the wound bed. However, we have recently begun using oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC)/collagen/silver-ORC dressing as a fenestrated contact layer under NPWT dressings. This allows the benefits of both NPWT and silver collagen dressings to be delivered simultaneously. The aim of this study is to describe the outcomes of this combined therapy in six patients with lower extremity wounds.Methods:Deidentified data was collected after obtaining informed patient consent and stored in accordance with federal regulations. Patients had foot, ankle or lower leg wounds and received NPWT* at -125 mmHg in conjunction with silver collagen dressings†, as determined by medical necessity. NPWT dressings were changed every 2-3 days.Results:There were 4 male and 6 female patients, aged 23 to 79 years old. Wound etiologies included traumatic injury, pressure injury, surgical wound healing delay, and diabetic foot ulcerations. NPWT with silver-impregnated collagen dressings was applied for 7 to 21 days. After NPWT was discontinued, patients were continued on the silver collagen dressing regimen or transitioned to other advanced wound dressing protocols if indicated.Discussion: In these patients, NPWT with ORC/collagen/silver-ORC dressings effectively managed the wound, resulting in positive healing outcomes. No patients experienced significant wound complications, including infection, while receiving this combined therapy. In the author’s observations, healing time while utilizing this combined therapy was decreased, compared to our prior experience using NPWT with foam dressings alone.References: