[Vacuum--a novel method for treating chronic wounds]

Chronic wounds represent a major health burden and drain on resources. In spite of advances in our understanding of chronic wound biology and the development of new treatments, there is no one form of treatment suitable for all wounds and patients. Many factors can impair healing--local and systemic. The current treatments include different ways of debridement, occlusive hydrocolloid dressings, topical growth factors, hyperbaric oxygen, bioengineered skin equivalents and more. In the last decade there is an increment in the use of negative pressure dressing (VAC--vacuum assisted closure system) in the treatment of chronic wounds from different etiologies--diabetic, venous and pressure sores. Our experience demonstrated good results in the treatment of diabetic and venous insufficiency ulcers, and disappointing results in the treatment of pressure sores. Promising results were demonstrated in the treatment of acute injuries, lowering the need for microvascular reconstruction. Prospective researches examining the efficacy and cost effectiveness of this treatment in comparison to other methods are crucial for wise and extensive use of the VAC system.