Is Vacuum Assisted Closure a valid technique for debriding chronic leg ulcers?

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Between May 2001 and October 2002 a prospective controlled open non-comparative study was performed to assess the effectiveness of topical negative pressure in the fibrinous debridement of chronic leg ulcers. METHOD: Fifteen leg ulcers that had not responded to several other treatment modalities were treated with the Vacuum Assisted Closure system (KCI) for six days. RESULTS: The median percentage reduction in fibrinous tissue was 28% on day three and 40% on day six. Between days one and three the percentage change was > or = 50% in four patients and > or = 25% in six patients. Between days three and six percentages of fibrin in the wound were lower in all patients, except for two who had higher percentages and two who had the same percentage. CONCLUSION: VAC therapy was rapidly efficacious, promoting angiogenesis and the formation of healthy tissue.