Wound Care

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT), commonly called a wound VAC, is an advanced treatment for wounds that are slow to heal. A sterile foam dressing is placed in the wound and sealed with a transparent film, then connected to a small, portable pump that applies controlled negative (sub-atmospheric) pressure. This gentle suction works in several ways. It draws the wound edges together (macrodeformation) and mechanically stretches cells at the wound surface (microdeformation), which stimulates cell growth, new blood vessel formation, and the development of healthy granulation tissue. It also continuously removes excess fluid and drainage, reducing swelling and clearing material that can slow healing, while keeping the wound moist and protected in a closed environment.

For patients, the main advantages are faster wound bed preparation, more efficient fluid management, and fewer dressing changes, typically every two to three days instead of daily. NPWT is commonly used for diabetic foot ulcers, pressure injuries, surgical wounds that have reopened, traumatic wounds, and to help skin grafts and flaps take. It can also prepare a wound for surgical closure or grafting. Because the pump is lightweight and portable, many patients continue normal daily activities during treatment. At TenMed Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, our specialists evaluate each wound and integrate NPWT into a comprehensive treatment plan at our Chamblee, Lawrenceville, and Cumming/Johns Creek clinics.”