Using an Ace Wrap Over Wound VAC is Not Acceptable
Do not apply an Ace wrap or any elastic compression bandage over a wound VAC dressing, as this will disrupt the airtight seal required for negative pressure therapy to function and completely negate the therapeutic mechanism. 1
Why This Combination Fails
Mechanical Incompatibility
- Wound VAC requires an airtight seal to maintain the negative pressure (typically 50-80 mmHg continuous suction) that is essential for fluid evacuation and the mechanical effects that promote healing 2, 1
- Any external compression from an Ace wrap disrupts the VAC seal, preventing the negative pressure system from functioning properly and eliminating the therapeutic benefit 1
- The polyurethane foam must compress under negative pressure to create the critical "splinting effect" that mediates constant medial traction and promotes wound healing—external compression interferes with this mechanism 2, 3
Loss of Therapeutic Function
- VAC therapy evacuates approximately 800ml of fluid to prevent pooling of sterile or contaminated fluid within wounds, which is essential for healing 2, 3
- Wrapping over the VAC prevents proper monitoring of the seal integrity and function, risking wound contamination and treatment failure 1
- The negative pressure mechanism is completely negated when the seal is compromised, leaving you with neither effective VAC therapy nor appropriate compression 1
What to Do Instead
If You Need Compression Therapy
- Remove the VAC completely (including all foam and adhesive dressing components) before considering any compression therapy application 1
- Ensure the wound bed is clean and any granulation tissue formed by VAC is stable before transitioning to compression 1
- Choose one evidence-based approach and optimize it—never attempt to layer or combine these incompatible modalities 1
If You Need to Secure the VAC Dressing
- Use only the adhesive drape provided with commercial VAC systems to create the airtight seal 2, 3
- Apply additional adhesive film around the edges if needed to reinforce the seal, but never use circumferential wrapping 2
- Specialized foam-based dressing kits (Grade B recommendation) are designed with all necessary components for proper seal maintenance 2, 3
Critical Safety Considerations
- Inadequate fluid removal increases risk of infection, maceration, and delayed healing when VAC function is compromised 3
- Foam-based NPWT is an independent predictor of early fascial closure, but only when functioning properly with maintained negative pressure 2, 3
- Never apply foam directly to dry wound beds without moisture restoration, and never compromise the system with external wrapping 3