What is negative pressure wound therapy?
Negative pressure wound therapy, also called vacuum therapy, is a particular form of therapy in active wound care that uses a vacuum or controlled underpressure to promote wound healing. This "negative" pressure attempts to accelerate wound healing by, among other things, rapidly removing the produced wound fluid, promoting blood flow to the wound, preventing or decreasing swelling, and bringing the wound edges closer together.
How does negative pressure wound therapy work?
A type of sponge (also called foam) or gauze is applied in or on the wound, which is then sealed with a transparent foil dressing. An opening is cut in this transparent dressing on which a suction port is placed. This suction port is connected via a suction hose to a vacuum pump (type Exsudex® XS) that will remove the wound fluid (possibly bacterial) and generate a negative pressure at the height of the wound.

Exsudex® XS vacuum pump for use at home with discrete carrying bag

Example of a wound dressing set for negative pressure wound therapy