From the Research
Wound vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy typically lasts between 2 to 8 weeks, though the exact duration varies based on individual wound characteristics and healing progress, with most patients requiring the wound VAC for about 4-6 weeks, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1. The duration of wound VAC therapy can be influenced by several factors, including:
- Wound size and location
- Type of wound (acute vs. chronic)
- Presence of infection
- Patient comorbidities, such as diabetes or vascular disease The therapy works by applying negative pressure to the wound bed, which removes excess fluid, reduces edema, increases blood flow, promotes granulation tissue formation, and draws wound edges together, as explained in 2 and 1. Regular wound assessment by healthcare providers is essential to determine when therapy can be discontinued, typically when the wound has sufficiently improved or healed, as noted in 3 and 4. It is also important to consider the use of adjunctive therapies, such as instillation therapy and closed incision negative-pressure therapy, which can further enhance wound healing, as discussed in 1. Key aspects of wound VAC therapy include:
- Continuous application of negative pressure
- Dressing changes every 48-72 hours
- Monitoring of wound progress and adjustment of therapy as needed
- Consideration of patient comorbidities and individual wound characteristics in determining the duration of therapy, as highlighted in 2, 3, and 1.