The equipment needed for the VAC dressing is a sterile, black foam, vacuum machine that delivers a maximum from 25 – 200 mmHg of negative pressure, a receptacle for the exudate, and a polyurethane dressing. The black foam is placed over the wound to prevent large particle from occluding the tubing connected to the vacuum machine. The foam is then covered with the polyurethane film dressing which makes it occlusive, machine is set per the prescribing physicians specifications and therapy is commenced. (Thomas, 2001, p. 1). What type of dressing is VAC replacing? Conventional wet to dry dressing are used for debridement of a wound bed. Once the saline soaked gauze dries, it is pulled and the dead along with healthy tissue is removed, causing pain to the patient when the site is mechanically
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(Thomas, 2001). Intermittent or continuous use of NPWT gave rise to an increasing circulation equivalent to four times the baseline. (Thomas, p. 3). So now that we have discussed the use and benefits of NPWT, let address some complications to its use.
Complications
Complications associated with VAC treatment are bleeding, infection and retained dressing. Novak, Khan & Palmer (2017) conveyed that retention of dressing is a complication related to the adherence of the foam or gauze to the wound. When removing the dressing, the midlevel practitioner or physician must inspect that the sponge or gauze is intact when removed. Early detection is paramount to avoid further complications and need for surgical intervention. The three most life-threatening complications are bleeding, infection and retained dressing. Some bleeding is to be expected, but if more than a little, the bleeding must be addressed. Discontinue the therapy and apply pressure over the VAC dressing. If bleeding is not deterred, surgical investigation is deemed necessary. (Novak, et al. 2014, p.
(Thomas, 2001). Intermittent or continuous use of NPWT gave rise to an increasing circulation equivalent to four times the baseline. (Thomas, p. 3). So now that we have discussed the use and benefits of NPWT, let address some complications to its use.
Complications
Complications associated with VAC treatment are bleeding, infection and retained dressing. Novak, Khan & Palmer (2017) conveyed that retention of dressing is a complication related to the adherence of the foam or gauze to the wound. When removing the dressing, the midlevel practitioner or physician must inspect that the sponge or gauze is intact when removed. Early detection is paramount to avoid further complications and need for surgical intervention. The three most life-threatening complications are bleeding, infection and retained dressing. Some bleeding is to be expected, but if more than a little, the bleeding must be addressed. Discontinue the therapy and apply pressure over the VAC dressing. If bleeding is not deterred, surgical investigation is deemed necessary. (Novak, et al. 2014, p.