Vacuum Assisted Closure Therapy (VAC)
Catherine van der Hoeven Capone
Wilmington University

Abstract

Vacuum Assisted Closure Therapy (VAC) is a system for applying negative pressure to wounds, which is claimed to accelerate healing of chronic wounds. A foam sponge is placed into the wound, than the site is sealed with an adhesive drape, and negative pressure is applied to the wound for 22-24 hours daily. VAC decreases tissue edema and improves local circulation; it also removes the debris from the wound surface. The average cost, including the materials and nursing care ranges from $400-$500 per patient weekly. This technique has been used increasingly over the past decade for acute and chronic wounds, and studies have demonstrated improved wound healing. Its use has been extended to other types of wounds, such as surgical wounds from abdominal, chest and cardiac (heart) surgical procedures. Currently VAC can be used on all types of wounds: acute, subacute or chronic.

Introduction

Diabetes is becoming a common problem in most of the countries all over the world. About 1.8 million people are affected by diabetes and with rapidly increasing diabetic patients the count is estimated to go up to 2.7 million in next 25 years (Speak K, 2007). Diabetic foot complications are more frequent in males individuals aged over 60 years. The life expectancy of the diabetic patients has increased due different treatments, which in turn increases the number of complications as the disease progresses. Prolonged uncontrolled diabetes leads to complications like neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which are the risk factors for diabetic foot ulcers (Speak K, 2007). Nearly, 15%-20% of diabetic patients suffer from diabetic foot ulcer and 85% suffer amputations because of diabetic foot ulcer (Bergin S, 2006). Amputations not only responsible for social,