Some wounds can be hard to deal with.
You want to be sure they heal safely ... as fast as possible ... and without infection.
Negative pressure wound therapy can help do this.
This therapy uses negative pressure ... a very gentle suction ...
to help keep the wound clean by removing fluids and tissue debris from it.
The negative pressure also helps the cells grow and divide.
This helps the wound close faster.
A machine called a therapy unit creates the suction.
You'll also have a dressing that looks like a sponge.
The dressing fits in the wound, and the wound is covered with airtight, waterproof plastic.
The unit will be working all the time. You may feel a mild pulling on the wound.
But it shouldn't hurt. Your doctor will tell you if there is a time when you need to turn the unit off.
The therapy unit can also use a light or a sound to alert you to problems, such as a loose dressing. If you get a warning, follow any instructions you were given. This could be calling your care team.
And the system is small enough that you can carry it around in a bag.
So, if you start to feel better, you'll be able to do a lot of your everyday activities.
Now, there are a few things you'll need to watch for.
Your care team will tell you who to call.
Call right away if you have signs of infection.
These include increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the wound, or a fever.
...Call if drainage is leaking out of the dressing ... if you notice new or more blood ... if you feel pain while using the unit ... or if the plastic cover irritates your skin.
Negative pressure wound therapy helps your wound heal ... safely ...
and with little work on your part.
If you have any questions about using or caring for your device, ask your care team.