Wound Care Plan

VAC dressing – Toe Amputation

Last Updated
12 June 2025
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Quick Overview

Reference ID Number: TWS-WCP-61

Categories

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy,Amputation

Scope of Practice (ScOP) Designation

Registered Nurse (RN),Enrolled Nurse (EN),Medical Officer

Treatment Goals

Aid the growth of granulation tissue to fill the current void and then transition to a foam dressing to allow for epidermis to develop

Aim of Dressing

Aid in the granulation of the wound bed whilst providing a water resistant dressing that is tracked to allow for footwear to be worn without risk of a pressure injury occuring

Frequency of Dressing Change

2 Days(s) Min - 3 Days (Max)

References

Shopping List

Dressing Pack (Large),Normal Saline,Vac Bridge Dressing,Sterile Gloves (Size 7.5),Friars Balsam (25ml),Catheter Strap,Activac,ACTIV.A.C.™ Cannister
Page Table of Contents

    Product Selection Disclaimer:

    The wound care products being currently used are a suggestion ONLY. They do not take into account your patient's individual needs which you must assess. No funding from medical companies has been provided and wound care products are chosen on their merit and what is available on the NSW Health State Wound Care Contract. Where an exact brand name product is not available we suggest you review the alternative tab or use another wound care product from its category eg. Hydrofibre

    Photo Gallery

    Care Plans

    Amputation of tie

    A large tissue deficit after an amputation with the need for the patient to mobilise with footwear

     Swipe 
    Step 1

    Prepare Sterile Field

    Prepare sterile products - YOU MUST use a large dressing pack for all Vac dressings otherwise your sterile field will be compromised
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    Step 2

    Clean wound bed

    Clean the wound bed with normal saline
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    Step 3

    Place vac foam

    Place vac foam into the cavity and then cover with the clear drape. ** Pay extra attention to the 3rd and 5th toes as this is where a leak will most likely occur**
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    Step 4

    Apply catheter strap

    Apply catheter around the leg and secure hard vac tubing into the strap. This will reduce the chances of the patient tripping on the bridge dressing
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    Step 5

    Connect to cannister

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    Step 6

    Turn on the machine

    Click on the the hyperlink of machine to review settings
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