Wound Care
Wound Vac Therapy
Wound vac therapy, or vacuum-assisted closure (VAC), is an innovative treatment that promotes faster healing for complex foot wounds, including those caused by diabetes, trauma, or surgery. By applying controlled negative pressure to the wound, this therapy helps reduce swelling, promote blood flow, and remove excess fluids.
At Sheehy Ankle & Foot Center, we offer Wound Vac Therapy as part of our comprehensive wound care services to ensure optimal healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Wound vac therapy uses a specialized vacuum pump connected to a dressing that’s placed over the wound. The pump creates negative pressure, which helps pull fluid and debris away from the wound while also stimulating blood flow to the area. This process accelerates healing, reduces the risk of infection, and prepares the wound for additional treatments if needed.
Wound vac therapy is highly effective for both diabetic and non-diabetic foot wounds, particularly those that are deep, slow to heal, or have become infected.
- Promotes faster healing by increasing blood flow to the wound.
- Reduces swelling and removes excess fluids that can delay healing.
- Decreases the risk of infection by creating a cleaner wound environment.
- Supports the growth of healthy tissue for more complete healing.
Chronic or difficult-to-heal wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, surgical wounds, and traumatic injuries, require specialized care to avoid complications like infection or tissue loss. Wound vac therapy addresses the underlying issues that prevent proper healing by:
Wounds often produce fluid (exudate) that can interfere with healing. Wound vac therapy removes this fluid, helping to keep the wound clean and dry.
The negative pressure applied by the wound vac stimulates the formation of new, healthy tissue that is essential for closing the wound.
Swelling can restrict blood flow and slow the healing process. By reducing swelling, the therapy improves circulation, which is critical for recovery.
The sealed dressing used in wound vac therapy protects the wound from external contaminants, reducing the risk of infection.
At Sheehy Ankle & Foot Center, we take a tailored approach to wound vac therapy, ensuring each patient receives the appropriate care for their specific wound type and condition. Here’s what you can expect during the process:
Step 1:
- Comprehensive Examination: We begin by evaluating your wound to determine if wound vac therapy is the best treatment option. This may involve checking for signs of infection, assessing the depth and size of the wound, and reviewing your medical history.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: Once treatment is recommended, we’ll create a customized plan based on the severity and location of your wound, as well as any underlying conditions, such as diabetes.
Step 2:
- Preparation of the Wound: The wound will be cleaned and prepared for the application of the wound vac dressing. Dead or infected tissue may be removed during debridement if necessary.
- Sealed Dressing: A specialized foam or gauze dressing is placed over the wound and sealed with an airtight adhesive. A tube is then connected to the dressing and attached to the vacuum device.
- Controlled Negative Pressure: The vacuum pump creates negative pressure, which gently pulls fluid and infection-causing bacteria out of the wound while promoting blood flow.
Step 3:
- Ongoing Monitoring: Wound vac therapy requires regular follow-up appointments to change the dressing, monitor healing progress, and adjust the treatment as necessary.
- Combination with Other Treatments: Depending on the wound, additional treatments such as debridement or skin grafting may be recommended to further aid in healing.
Wound vac therapy is an excellent option for patients with:
Wound vac therapy can help heal deep or chronic ulcers that haven’t responded to other treatments.
Post-surgical wounds that are slow to heal or have become infected can benefit from the controlled healing environment created by the wound vac.
For patients with deep or complex wounds caused by injury, this treatment helps prevent infection and speeds up the healing process.
Patients with limited mobility may develop pressure ulcers that benefit from the wound vac’s ability to remove fluid and promote new tissue growth.
Wound vac therapy is typically used for several weeks, depending on the severity of the wound. Most patients can go about their daily activities while undergoing treatment, but it’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for wound care and hygiene. The following steps will support your recovery:
Keep the wound vac dressing dry and intact between appointments. Your podiatrist will advise you on how to care for the dressing and when to return for changes.
Avoid putting excessive pressure on the affected area, especially if the wound is located on the foot or leg.
Proper nutrition and hydration help promote faster healing and support overall health.
At Sheehy Ankle & Foot Center, we are committed to offering the most effective treatments for foot wounds, including wound vac therapy. We will guide you through the treatment process, ensuring you receive the personalized care you need for optimal healing. Whether you’re dealing with a diabetic foot ulcer, a surgical wound, or an injury, we’re here to help you recover and prevent further complications.
Ready to start your journey to better healing? Schedule your consultation for wound vac therapy today.
