In advanced wound healing, vacuum-assisted closure is used to help drain blood or fluid from a nonhealing wound.
First, a special piece of foam with a tube on top is inserted into the wound. Then, the wound area is covered and sealed with an adhesive covering, with only the tube exposed.
The wound is then drained through the tube. The membrane provides a partial vacuum that can:
- Reduce the size of the wound
- Help prevent infection
- Increase blood flow to the area to speed recovery
Vacuum-assisted closure is effective for patients with deep, chronic wounds as well as patients staying at the hospital for prolonged periods of time.
