Use of Reticulated Open-cell Foam Dressings With Through Holes During Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with Instillation: A Large Case Study

Introduction. Negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d) has been utilized in both acute and chronic wounds with positive clinical benefits. A reticulated open cell foam dressing with through holes (ROCF-CC) has been developed to assist with wound cleansing by removing thick wound exudate and infectious materials. This ROCF-CC dressing can provide wound cleansing when debridement is not possible or appropriate in patients. Recently, the use of NPWTi-d with ROCF-CC dressings has been reported with positive outcomes in complex patients.

Objective. The authors report their experience using NPWTi-d with ROCF-CC dressings in 19 patients with complex wounds. 

Methods. Eight of the 19 patients underwent sharp debridement. Oral and/or intravenous antibiotic treatment was initiated in patients as needed. All patients received NPWTi-d with ROCF-CC with instillation of quarter-strength Dakin’s solution, hypochlorous solution, or saline with a dwell time of 5 to 10 minutes followed by 2 to 3.5 hours of continuous negative pressure at -125 mm Hg. Dressing changes occurred every 2 to 3 days.

Results. Ten men and 9 women (average age, 58.2 ± 15.1 years) were treated. Common patient comorbidities included hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and paraplegia. Wound types included pressure injuries, traumatic wounds, and surgical wounds. The average length of NPWTi-d use was 9.5 ± 4.1 days. In all patients, wound beds showed the development of healthy granulation tissue following NPWTi-d. All patients were discharged from care to another hospital facility, skilled nursing facility, long-term acute care facility, or home.

Conclusions. In the authors’ clinical practice, NPWTi-d with ROCF-CC provided effective and rapid removal of the thick exudate and infectious materials and promoted excellent development of underlying granulation tissue.

Citation: Fernandez L, Matthews M. Use of reticulated open-cell foam dressings with through holes during negative pressure wound therapy with instillation: a large case study. Poster presented at: Symposium on Advanced Wound Care Spring; May 7-11, 2019; San Antonio, TX.

Products: V.A.C.  VERAFLO™ Therapy and V.A.C. VERAFLO CLEANSE CHOICE™ Dressing; KCI, an Acelity Company, San Antonio, TX

Sponsors: N/A

This abstract was not subject to the WOUNDS^® peer-review process.

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