How to

How to apply vacuum-assisted closure therapy

Rationale and key points

This article aims to provide an overview of the technique for applying vacuum-assisted closure therapy (V.A.C. therapy), using the example of one of the most basic dressing types: V.A.C. GranuFoam, a black polyurethane foam. Practitioners should refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for application of other dressing types.

V.A.C. therapy is used to apply negative pressure to the wound bed to promote wound healing.

V.A.C therapy promotes perfusion, reduces oedema, draws the wound edges together and stimulates the formation of granulation tissue.

The correct technique for applying V.A.C. therapy is essential to ensure patient safety and optimum wound healing outcomes.

Reflective activity

Clinical skills articles can help update your practice and ensure it remains evidence based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of:

How you think this article will change your practice.

How the use of V.A.C. therapy might affect the patient’s experience.

Subscribers can upload their reflective accounts at: rcni.com/portfolio.

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