Novel negative-pressure wound therapy system provides accurate pressure delivery and exceptional fluid handling capability

Abstract

Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a widely accepted modality in the treatment of complex wounds.¹ However, there are fundamental requirements² not incorporated in all current NPWT systems that must be met in order to realize its full clinical benefits, which include (1) accurately delivering a set level of negative pressure to the wound bed, (2) creating a pressure gradient between the wound bed and the waste canister to efficiently remove fluid and prevent stagnation in the tubing, and (3) maintaining a sealed wound environment. The objective of this investigation³ was to use a simulated wound model to compare the ability of two NPWT systems (System A, Invia® Liberty™ [Medela AG] and System B, V.A.C.ULTA™ [3M+KCI]) to deliver set levels of NPWT and simultaneously manage volumes of simulated wound exudate. (Testing was conducted at an independent third-party laboratory using a test protocol designed by Medela AG. Outcomes may not be indicative of clinical performance.