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Preventing Bleeding w/ Vacuum-assisted Wound Closure- Nov 05
Preventing Bleeding w/ Vacuum-assisted Wound Closure- Nov 05
Vacuum-assisted wound closure, also known as negative pressure wound therapy, can help heal certain non-healing wounds by removing fluids and infectious material from the site. The therapy is applied to a special foam dressing packed in the wound cavity or over a flap or graft. A recent FDA article in Nursing2005 highlights the importance of carefully selecting and monitoring patients being treated with this therapy. The article describes a patient who had his leg amputated after being seriously injured in a fall. During his recovery, he was prescribed anticoagulants to prevent venous thromboembolism. Two weeks after the amputation, he began treatment with vacuum-assisted wound closure to promote healing. During a dressing change while undergoing the therapy, he experienced serious bleeding from several areas in the wound. He later died, reportedly from severe hemorrhage and possible acute myocardial infarction. Further follow-up revealed that complications associated with bleeding had begun at the time of surgery, before the vacuum-assisted closure therapy was started. The article lists several precautions to help prevent this kind of bleeding in patients undergoing vacuum-assisted wound closure therapy. For example, certain patients should be closely monitored for overt and occult bleeding. This includes those who are actively bleeding, on anticoagulants, or who have weakened, irradiated, or sutured blood vessels or organs that are close to the wound. Use protective barriers such as gauze impregnated with petrolatum to protect vulnerable blood vessels or organs. And follow the device manufacturer's instructions for use, including selecting the correct negative pressure recommended for that type of wound.
YouTube | July 7, 2008
