(WHS-P64) PLATFORM WOUND DEVICE - NOVEL AND SIMPLIFIED NEGATIVE PRESSURE WOUND THERAPY DEVICE WITHOUT A FILLER MATERIAL
Friday, May 17, 2024
7:30 AM – 5:00 PM East Coast USA Time
Introduction All common negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) systems include a filler material usually foam or gauze at the wound/device interface. The filler material increases airflow and thus increases the required pump capacity that can cause patient discomfort or even ischemia in wounds with compromised vascularity. In addition, foam or gauze may fragment and become colonized with bacteria over time. To mitigate these, negative aspects, we have developed a new impermeable single layer component membrane dressing to deliver NPWT that does not need a foam or gauze to function. The purpose of this study is to introduce Negative Pressure - Platform Wound Device (NP-PWD). Materials and Methods The NP-PWD is a transparent, single component dressing that consists of an impermeable polyurethane membrane. It has a permeable adhesive base which is attached to the perimeter of the wound, enabling fast Band-Aid-like application. The suction pump is connected to the underside of the membrane with tubing. The inner surface of the PWD contains pyramid-like structures protruding toward the wound. Once the suction pump is turned on and the desired negative pressure is achieved, the embossed membrane is pulled into contact with the entire surface area of the wound and the space between the pyramids is providing channels for even distribution of negative pressure as well as for exudate removal. Folds in the membrane provide secondary channels for negative pressure and fluid removal. The NP-PWD has been extensively validated in preclinical large animal models as well as in clinical case series. Results The results have demonstrated that the NP-PWD can function effectively at lower negative pressures (-80 mmHg and -50 mmHg) promoting healing, reducing tissue necrosis, inflammation and bacterial burden in the wounds. Importantly, when compared to the conventional devices, with foam or gauze, no differences were observed. Clinical studies have reported that patients tolerate the NP-PWD well. In addition, the possibility to monitor the wound without dressing removal has proven to be beneficial in a clinical setting. Conclusions The NP-PWD is a simplified, single component NPWT system eliminating the use of the filler material that commonly causes challenges during treatment.