History of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT)
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy was introduced into clinical practice in the early 1990s, with the first commercial vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) device becoming available in 1995. 1, 2
Historical Development
The concept of applying sub-atmospheric pressure to wounds has been described by clinicians over the last 50 years, though the modern commercial application began in the 1990s 2, 3
The initial commercial device that brought NPWT into widespread use was the vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) system, which became available in 1995 1
Since its introduction in the early 1990s, NPWT has become widely adopted in wound management, with over 1000 peer-reviewed publications now available describing its use 2, 4
Evolution of the Technology
The treatment is now synonymous with multiple terms including topical negative pressure, vacuum therapy, and the branded name VAC (vacuum-assisted closure) 2
Fourteen commercially available NPWT systems are currently on the market, giving healthcare decision-makers greater choice beyond the original device 3, 5
Modern devices have evolved to include enhanced functionality such as instillation capabilities, antimicrobial sponges, and portable units 1
Clinical Adoption Timeline
By the mid-2000s, NPWT had gained such rapid acceptance for diverse wound management problems that evidence for optimal use struggled to keep pace with clinical adoption 5
The treatment has become a mainstay in the wound care armamentarium, with applications expanding from open nonsurgical wounds to include open surgical wounds, closed surgical incisions, and skin graft surgery 1