Quick Overview
Vacs are used to increase the rate of grannulation tissue primarily however can be used to stabilise and open abdomen as well as support primary closures.
Vac machines can have the follow setting:
Suction: 75mmHgm,100mmHg, 125mmHg. This is mainly determined by the pain felt by the patient or is they have frail skin around the wound. If this is the case start at 75mmHg and work your way up
Intensity: Refers to how fast the vac suctions down. It is recommended that you have a low intensity to aid in supporting the vac as it suctions down. This will help aid in stopping any leaks by rinning you fingers around the edge of the dressing.
Continuous Vs Intermittent : At POWH we choose continuous for all dressings
Maximum Wear Time
Exudate Management
Alternatives
Product Information
HMIF / Ordering Code
Categories
Ordering Description
Please bring 2 stickers to the POWH wound care cupboard. One for our book and the other for the case so that it doesn’t get lost.
Please return the Vac to the wound care cupboard with a sign saying ‘for cleaning’ .
PLEASE CANCEL THE VAC BEFORE RETURNING.
Brand
Primary Complementary Dressings
Secondary Complementary Dressings
Uses
- Wounds requiring granulation
- Primary closures
- Lymphatic leaks
Positives
- Great at increasing the rate of granulation tissue
- Great at exudate management for lymphatic leaks
- Stabilises primary closure
- Reduces bulky dressings allowing rehabilitation to occur earlier
Limitations
- Can increase the rate at which blood loss is experienced
- It is a trip hazard
- The rigid tubes can cause device related pressure injuries
Precautions
Do not put on an actively bleeding wound!
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