Portable negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is an effective therapy for hard-to-heal-wounds in the community: a case series

Abstract

Aims Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was introduced to assist closure in hard-to-heal wounds. The benefits of NPWT include enhanced exudate management, increased blood flow to the skin, reduced interstitial oedema, stimulation of granulation tissue formation, and reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines. NPWT has been successfully used on wounds of various aetiologies, largely in hospital settings. The aim of this case series is to explore the use of a NPWT system with a unique Hydrofiber® wound contact layer in community settings. Methods We present three case studies where the Avelle™ NPWT System has been used to treat hard-to-heal wounds in primary care settings. Results Complete healing was achieved in three wounds that were complex, ‘hard-to-heal’ wounds Conclusions This NPWT system provides a feasible, effective and well-tolerated solution for the management of complex wounds in the community Clinicians reported that the Hydrofiber® wound contact layer facilitated autolytic wound debridement, was conformable to a variety of wound locations (including wounds prone to contamination due to incontinence), and provided appropriate exudate management even in limbs subject to dependent oedema.