Problem-adapted application of vacuum occlusion dressings: case report andclinical experience

Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC), a technique using subatmospheric pressure dr essings, has been widely used for treatment of various chronic and complica ted wounds. In addition to the advantages of an occlusive dressing therapy, the VAC therapy has proved effective in evacuating wound fluid, increasing tissue oxygen tension, decreasing bacterial contamination, and stimulating granulation tissue formation. This leads to more rapid reepithelialization of wounds compared to conventional dressings. A two-phase VAC technique to provide enhanced coverage of an ischemic ulcer of the lower leg in a diabe tic patient is presented. The refined VAC therapy scheme is described in de tail and the results in a further 19 patients with complicated wounds of th e lower leg and feet are reported.