Timer switch to convert suction apparatus for negative pressure wound therapy application

Timer switch to convert suction apparatus for negative pressure wound therapy application

Blog Article

Background: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is an established modality in the treatment of chronic wounds, open fractures, and post-operative wound problems.This method has not been widely used due to the high cost of equipment and consumables.This study demonstrates an indigenously developed apparatus which gives comparable results at a fraction of the cost.Readily available materials are used here for the air-tight dressing.

Materials and Methods: Equipment consists of suction apparatus with adjustable pressure valve set to a pressure 125-150 mmHg.An electronic timer switch with a sequential working time of 5 min and a standby time of 3 min provides the required intermittent 5326058hx negative pressure.Readily available materials such as polyvinyl alcohol sponge, suction drains and steridrapes were used to provide an air tight wound cover.Results: A total of 90 cases underwent 262 NPWT applications from 2009 to 2014.

This series, comprised of 30 open fractures, 21 post-operative and 39 chronic wounds.The wound healing rate in our study was comparable to other published studies using NPWT.Conclusion: The addition of electronic timer switch will convert a suction apparatus into NPWT machine, and the results are equally effective compared to more expensive counter parts.The use of indigenous dressing materials reduces the cost significantly.