Novel home use of mechanical negative pressure wound therapy in diabetic foot ulcers.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Mechanical negative pressure wound therapy is an ultraportable, light weight and disposable single-use device that has been shown to promote wound healing. This study evaluated home use of a mechanically powered negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in diabetic foot wounds.

METHODS:

Patients underwent revascularisation and/or debridement or amputation before starting mechanical NPWT. Wound outcomes and images of the wounds were recorded at each follow-up visit by the wound nurse. Patients were followed up until wound closure or end of therapy.

RESULTS:

A total of 12 patients (each with one wound) were included in the study. Of the 12 wounds, 33.3% (n=4) of wounds achieved primary wound closure while the remaining 66.6% (n=8) of wounds demonstrated a mean wound size reduction of 37.5±0.13%. Of the closed wounds, mean time to healing was 4.75±2.50 weeks. There was 100% limb salvage with no further debridement or amputations, and no 30-day unplanned readmissions. Mean length of hospital stay before starting home NPWT was 9.75±6.31 days. Mean number of NPWT changes was 8.33±2.67 sessions, while mean duration of therapy was 4.0±1.54 weeks. Mean cost of home NWPT therapy was US$1904±731 per patient.

CONCLUSION:

The home use of mechanically powered NPWT in diabetic foot wounds demonstrated excellent wound healing rates and 100% limb salvage, with no complications.

• Authors: Xuxin Lim, Li Zhang, Qiantai Hong, Enming Yong, Shufen Neo, Sadhana Chandrasekar, Glenn Wei Leong Tan, Zhiwen Joseph Lo
• Journal: Journal of wound care (J Wound Care) Vol. 30 Issue 12 Pg. 1006-1010 (Dec 02 2021) ISSN: 0969-0700 [Print] England
• PMID: 34882000 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Amputation, Surgical
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Diabetic Foot (surgery)
• Humans
• Limb Salvage
• Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy
• Wound Healing