Name of the Procedure:

Common Name(s): Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) Technical Term: Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Electrical Pump, Stationary or Portable (E2402)

Summary

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) using an electrical pump involves applying a controlled suction to a wound. This therapy helps in faster healing by removing fluids and infection, reducing swelling, and promoting blood flow to the wounded area.

Purpose

Medical Conditions Addressed:

• Chronic non-healing wounds
• Traumatic and surgical wounds
• Ulcers (pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers, venous stasis ulcers)
• Burns

Goals:

• Accelerate wound healing
• Reduce wound size and depth
• Minimize the risk of infection
• Enhance tissue formation

Indications

Symptoms and Conditions:

• Large or deep wounds
• Wounds with excessive drainage
• Slow-healing ulcers or wounds
• Post-operative wounds at risk of infection or complications

Patient Criteria:

• Individuals with wounds that are failing to heal with conventional methods
• Patients who can tolerate minor discomfort and the portable device

Preparation

Pre-procedure Instructions:

• No specific fasting or medication adjustment required
• Regular wound care practices as advised by healthcare provider

Diagnostic Tests:

• Basic wound assessment
• Possibly blood tests and wound culture to evaluate for infection

Procedure Description

1. The wound is cleaned and debrided if necessary.
2. A foam or gauze dressing is placed over the wound.
3. An adhesive film covers the dressing to create an airtight seal.
4. Tubing is connected from the dressing to the NPWT electrical pump.
5. The pump applies suction, creating negative pressure over the wound area.
6. The pump settings are adjusted based on the wound type and the patient’s needs.

Tools/Equipment:

• NPWT electrical pump (stationary or portable)
• Foam or gauze dressing
• Adhesive film
• Connecting tubing

Anesthesia/Sedation:

• Typically none required, but a local anesthetic may be used during cleaning and debridement if necessary.

Duration

The initial procedure takes about 30-60 minutes. Therapy duration ranges from days to weeks, depending on wound severity and response.

Setting

• Hospital
• Outpatient clinic
• Home settings (for portable devices)

Personnel

• Wound care specialists
• Nurses or certified caregivers
• Physicians overseeing wound management

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Minor discomfort or pain
• Skin irritation around the adhesive

Rare Risks:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Tissue damage from excessive suction

Complication Management:

• Regular monitoring and dressing changes
• Prompt addressing of any signs of infection or adverse reactions

Benefits

Expected Benefits:

• Faster wound healing
• Reduction in wound size and depth
• Decreased infection risk
• Improved patient comfort

Timeline:

• Initial improvements may be seen within a week. Full healing varies based on the wound and overall health of the patient.

Recovery

Post-Procedure Care:

• Routine dressing changes, usually every 48-72 hours
• Follow-up visits with healthcare provider
• Close monitoring for signs of infection or complications

Recovery Time:

• Varies based on wound type; anywhere from a few weeks to several months

Restrictions/Follow-Up:

• Limited mobility around the wound area
• Adherence to all wound care instructions

Alternatives

Treatment Options:

• Conventional wound dressings
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• Topical growth factors
• Surgical intervention

Comparison:

• Conventional dressings: Less expensive, slower healing
• Hyperbaric oxygen: Effective for certain types of wounds, more time-consuming
• Surgical intervention: Invasive, faster healing but higher risks

Patient Experience

During the Procedure:

• Mild discomfort during dressing application
• Sensation of suction from the pump

After the Procedure:

• Possible mild pain or tenderness at the wound site
• Portable pumps allow mobility but may feel cumbersome

Pain Management:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers as needed
• Regular monitoring by healthcare provider to ensure comfort