(CS-069) A new negative pressure wound therapy pump: a case study reporting on the first global clinical evaluation

This first ever use of a new traditional negative pressure wound therapy¹ (tNPWT) pump is presented as a case study to demonstrate the safe and effective use in the management of a non-healing wound.

Methods:

A 43-year-old male with limited mobility, presented with a non-healing stage 4 pressure injury (PI), right heel. Wound duration prior to specialist involvement was 4 weeks, sharp debridement of necrotic tissue performed to reveal full extent of tissue damage. Treated at a long-term care setting and received tNPWT¹ employed in conjunction with optimal wound care strategies, including holistic assessment, comprehensive patient empowerment and education.

Results:

Therapy spanned 12-weeks, wound measurements decreased with healthy granulation tissue, wound edge contraction and new epithelial tissue recorded. Improved quality of life factors were reported by the resident as: the device was quiet, lightweight, portable, has an extensive battery life, near-field communication (NFC) tag promoted and facilitated resident engagement in his own care, and a soft port attaching pump to dressing eliminated the need for bridging. Positive staff feedback included: simplified, twice-weekly dressing applications, enhanced by soft port attachment. Reported as generally user-friendly due to audible alarms, built-in tutorials for troubleshooting and NFC tag. Following 12 weeks of tNPWT using the pump, therapy transitioned to a single use negative pressure wound therapy system² (sNPWT) and total wound closure followed.

Discussion:

This new tNPWT pump assisted with total closure of a non-healing heel PI in conjunction with optimal wound care strategies. Resident and user experience exceeded expectation.