Vacuum-Assisted Closure Dressings Improve Skin Graft Healing

Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) dressings improve the outcome of skin graft reconstructions for irradiated extremity sarcoma defects, according to a new study.

Researchers from the University of Cincinnati (OH, USA) examined the outcomes of split-thickness skin grafts in conjunction with VAC therapy in the treatment of irradiated wounds in 17 patients with extremity sarcomas. Skin graft size ranged from 23 to 240 square centimeters. VAC dressings were employed in all patients to secure the grafts during the early postoperative period.

The results showed that 12 skin grafts (71%) showed better than 95% graft take and healed completely by primary intention. Three patients lost between 6% and 20% of the graft surface, and two patients lost their entire grafts; these patients were the only ones who required reoperation for tertiary intention closure of the defect. The study was published in the November 29, 2007, online issue of the World Journal of Surgical Oncology.

"Wound VAC therapy is a major breakthrough in wound care that allows non-operative management of the wound that previously required a major reconstructive procedure, amputation, or prolonged wound care,” said lead author Dr. Alex Senchenkov, M.D., from the department of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

The VAC device is a system that applies controlled, localized, sub-atmospheric pressure to the wound site. This vacuum promotes wound healing via stimulation of granulation tissue growth; provides a closed, moist healing environment; removes interstitial fluid allowing tissue decompression; increases oxygen tension on the wound; decreases bacterial counts and helps remove infectious material; and promotes flap survival and graft take. The VAC dressings, supplies, and equipment are products of KCI Medical (Kidlington, UK).


Related Links:
University of Cincinnati
KCI Medical