Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) is a medical treatment used to support the wound healing process. This system aims to accelerate the healing process of the wound by creating a vacuum around the wound. Wound types for which NPWT is used include:
- Pressure Sores: These are wounds in which the skin is damaged as a result of friction and pressure in bedridden patients.
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers: It can be used to treat wounds in the foot area of diabetic patients.
- Surgical Wounds: It can be used to accelerate the healing process of wounds occurring after major surgery.
- Burns: May help heal skin damage such as second-degree burns.
- Traumatic Wounds: It can be applied to wounds resulting from accidents, falls or trauma.
- Chronic Wound Healing: It can be used as a supportive treatment for wounds that do not heal for a long time.
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) is performed through the following steps:
- Patient Evaluation: First of all, factors such as the type, size and severity of the wound are evaluated. The patient's general health condition is also taken into consideration.
- Wound Cleaning: The wound is cleaned sterilely and necrotic (dead) tissue or infected areas are removed if necessary.
- Wound Filling: A tissue filling material (for example, gauze or special wound fillings) is placed on the wound surface. This helps seal the wound surface properly and create vacuum effectively.
- Wound Dressing: A leak-proof dressing is placed on the wound. This dressing is used to provide a leak-tight connection to the skin around the wound.
- Vacuum Pump: The dressing placed on the wound is tightly closed to create a vacuum environment by means of a vacuum pump. Vacuum accelerates the wound healing process by drawing fluids from the wound surface through the drainage system.
- Pressure and Frequency Adjustment: The NPWT system is designed in such a way that parameters such as vacuum pressure and drainage frequency can be adjusted according to the needs of the patient.
- Regular Evaluation: The patient is monitored regularly throughout the NPWT process. The wound healing process, the condition of the wound and the general health of the patient are evaluated. The treatment plan can be adjusted if necessary.
- System Change: The materials used to operate the NPWT system are changed regularly under sterile and hygienic conditions.
NPWT (Negative Pressure Wound Therapy) is a method used to treat various types of wounds. Below you can find information about which wound treatments NPWT can be used in and the general treatment protocol:
In Which Wound Treatments is NPWT Used:
- Pressure Sores (Ulcers): Pressure sores, which are frequently experienced by bedridden patients, can be treated with NPWT.
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Wounds in the foot area of diabetic patients can be healed with NPWT.
- Surgical Wounds: NPWT can be used to accelerate the healing process of wounds occurring after major surgery.
- Burns: NPWT may be helpful in healing skin damage such as second-degree burns.
- Traumatic Wounds: NPWT can be applied to wounds resulting from accidents, falls or trauma.
- Chronic Wound Healing: NPWT can be used as a supportive treatment for wounds that do not heal for a long time.
NPWT Treatment Protocol General Steps:
- Wound Cleaning: The wound is cleaned sterilely and necrotic (dead) tissue or infected areas are removed if necessary.
- Wound Filling: Tissue filling material is placed on the wound surface. This helps seal the wound surface properly.
- Wound Dressing and Vacuum Pump: The wound dressing is placed in a leak-tight manner and a vacuum environment is created through a vacuum pump.
- Vacuum Settings: The NPWT system is used to adjust parameters such as vacuum pressure and drainage frequency. These parameters are determined according to the patient's needs.
- Regular Follow-up and Evaluation: The patient's condition is monitored regularly throughout the treatment. The progress of the vacuum treatment process is evaluated and the treatment plan is adjusted if necessary.
- System Change: The materials used are changed regularly and sterility is maintained.
