The consistent delivery of negative pressure to wounds using reticulated, open cell foam and regulated pressure feedback.

Abstract

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is used to manage wounds and promote wound healing. The most common form of NPWT utilizes reticulated, open cell foam (ROCF). Pressure is transferred to the wound by ROCF using T.R.A.C.™ Technology (regulated pressure feedback [RPF]) creating an environment that promotes healing. This study examines the effectiveness of ROCF versus gauze in inducing macrostrain and investigates the ability of NPWT/ROCF/RPF to consistently deliver negative pressure to the wound, compensating for constantly changing wound fluid characteristics. In an in-vitro model, ROCF induced significantly greater macrostrain than gauze demonstrating a 57% decrease in dressing surface area following negative pressure application. The decrease measured with gauze under suction (GUS) was insignificant. The NPWT/ROCF/RPF system consistently delivered negative pressure to the wound when compared to GUS or ROCF without RPF. Further, with the negative pressure source elevated 36 in (90 cm) above surrogate wounds, GUS demonstrated a 7- to 10-fold pressure drop when compared to NPWT/ROCF/RPF. Systems without RPF are limited because they cannot sense or measure pressure delivered at the wound. In situations where pressure drop occurs, neither the clinician nor patient would necessarily know that suboptimal pressure was being delivered to the wound. Therefore, a system with ROCF and RPF capability that effectively monitors and maintains the NPWT environment plays a crucial role in the optimal induction of macrostrain and microstrain. The ability of the NPWT/ROCF/RPF system to monitor and maintain controlled, consistent delivery of negative pressure would seem important to achieve desired clinical outcomes.