The principles of negative pressure

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) delivers vacuum-assisted pressure below the wound surface to help promote healing. NPWT consists of a wound dressing (foam or gauze), a drainage tube, and a transparent film that is connected to a suction device.

NPWT is particularly effective at:

• Promoting granulation tissue formation
• Restoring moisture balance
• Improving perfusion

NPWT is indicated for patients with:

• Pressure ulcers
• Diabetic ulcers
• Chronic, acute and traumatic wounds
• Sub-acute and dehisced wounds
• Skin grafts and flaps

NPWT is contraindicated for:

• Untreated osteomyelitis
• Presence of necrotic tissue with eschar
• Exposed organs, arteries, veins or nerves
• Malignancy in the wound bed
• Non-enteric and unexplored fistulas
• Anastomotic sites

NPWT mode of action videos
See how NPWT works in the mode of action videos.

The history of NPWT
See how NPWT began, how it affects wound care today and how it will change wound care in the future.