Information for Patients

Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) is a therapy that involves the application of controlled levels of negative pressure to a specialized wound dressing to promote or assist wound healing. Its mode of action is thought to derive from mechanical strain imposed on the cells and mechanisms analogous to Ilizarovian distraction and/or by the active evacuation of excess interstitial edema and its contained proinflammatory cytokines, particulate debris, and bacteria. In addition, it has recently been shown that VAC therapy can be used to accelerate and improve the extent of incorporation of native cells into bioartificial dermal matrices, such as Integra. This approach has shown some promising results in early reports and may prompt the future development of new strategies for wound coverage with unique advantages for patients.