What is V.A.C.® Therapy?
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MiniV.A.C.®
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"V.A.C.®" is short for Vacuum Assisted ClosureTM.
V.A.C. Therapy is a system that uses controlled negative pressure (vacuum) to help promote
wound healing. Clinical studies demonstrate that V.A.C. Therapy also helps remove infectious materials
and other fluids from the wound. V.A.C. Therapy is currently delivered in three models, the V.A.C.,
the MiniV.A.C.®, and the new V.A.C. ATS models.
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V.A.C.ATS
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How does V.A.C.® Therapy work?
The V.A.C.® Therapy System consists of a computer-controlled therapy unit, canister, sterile plastic tubing,
foam dressing, and clear V.A.C. drape dressing. The foam dressing is placed into the wound.
One end of the tube is connected to the foam, the other end to a canister that connects to the
V.A.C. control unit. The wound area is sealed with the clear V.A.C. drape, similar to a large bandage.
The V.A.C. system pulls infectious materials and other fluids from the wound through the tube and
collects them inside the canister.
Who is a candidate for V.A.C.® Therapy?
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V.A.C.® Therapy application
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V.A.C.® Therapy may be prescribed for the following conditions:
Chronic open wounds (diabetic and pressure ulcers)
Acute and traumatic wounds
Meshed grafts
Subacute wounds (i.e. dehisced incisions)
Flaps
V.A.C.® Therapy is contraindicated in:
Fistulas other than enteric or blind fistulas
Necrotic tissue with eschar present
Osteomyelities (untreated)
Malignancy in the wound
Do not place V.A.C. dressing over exposed blood vessels or organs.
V.A.C.® Therapy precautions*:
Active bleeding
Difficult wound hemostasis
Patients on anticoagulants
Follow universal precautions
When placing the V.A.C. dressing in proximity to blood vessels or organs, take care to ensure that they are adequately protected with overlying fascia, tissue, or other protective barriers. Greater care should be taken with respect to weakened, irradiated, sutured blood vessels or organs. Bone Fragments or sharp edges could puncture a barrier, vessel or organ.
Wounds having enteric fistulas may require special precautions to optimize healing.
*Always consult the Care and Safety Tips section of the V.A.C.® Quick Reference Guide before placing the V.A.C.® on a patient.
Check with your health care provider if you think V.A.C. Therapy might be right for you. V.A.C.
Therapy is restricted to sale or rental only upon the order of a licensed physician.
More detailed information about V.A.C.® Therapy
The V.A.C.® (Vacuum Assisted ClosureTM) assists in wound closure by
applying localized negative (sub-atmospheric) pressure to help promote wound healing. Vacuum pressure is
applied to a special dressing positioned in the wound cavity or over a flap or graft. This
pressure-distributing wound packing helps remove fluids from the wound and promote the normal healing
process.
V.A.C. Therapy uses an open-cell reticulated foam that can be cut to the shape of the
wound(s), or can be placed side by side or layered to treat very large wounds. A tube embedded
in the foam allows the application of vacuum pressure for the removal of excess wound fluid . The dressing
and distal evacuation tube are covered by a transparent, occlusive drape that provides
a seal which allows the application of vacuum pressure to the system.
The free end of the evacuation tube is attached to a canister reservoir which fits
into a microprocessor-controlled vacuum unit and collects the fluids drawn away from the
wound. The vacuum unit provides continuous or intermittent negative pressure selected to meet
the needs of the wound being treated. The pressure can be adjusted within a range that has
been demonstrated to provide optimal fluid removal without
placing the delicate wound tissue at risk of injury.
The application of V.A.C. Therapy to a wound provides a moist wound-healing environment. A
moist wound-healing environment is the standard of care for wound healing. Removal of excess
interstitial fluid also can lead to removal
of excess proteinases present in the periwound environment. Metalloproteinases are known to bind and degrade
growth factors before the growth factor can reach its target tissue. With inhibitors removed,
growth factors can stimulate cell proliferation and migration. Removal of excess interstitial
fluid can naturally help decrease periwound induration (swelling) further helping to promote wound healing.
The evacuation of air from the open cells of the foam causes the foam to collapse on itself and
provide a mechanical distraction, or stretching, of the soft tissues.
V.A.C. Therapy offers many benefits of high technology in one system. The standard dressing change
routine of every 48 hours (12 hours for infected wounds) can result in less disturbance to the wound
and improved patient comfort.
V.A.C.®, MiniV.A.C.®, V.A.C.ATS, Vacuum Assisted Closure and other trademarks designated herein are
property of its affiliates and licensees. The V.A.C., MiniV.A.C. and V.A.C. ATS systems
are subject to patents.
