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Guide to Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT)
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Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT), also known as vacuum-assisted wound closure (VAC), is a dressing system that continuously or intermittently applies negative pressure across the surface of wounds that are acute, chronic, complex, or difficult-to-heal (Gestring, 2022). NPWT include a well-sealed dressing and devices that support a moist wound healing environment, approximate wound edges, promote blood flow and formation of granulation tissue, decrease edema, remove extracellular fluid and bacteria, and increase tissue oxygenation (Tamir et al., 2018). Many of these devices are small and lightweight, allowing patients full mobility. Due to varying designs, it is important that you become familiar with the manufacturer instructions for the specific device in use.