Use of vacuum-assisted closure system in the management of complex wounds in the neonate
Marjorie J Arca1, Kimberly K Somers, Terrance E Derks
1Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Medical College of Wisconsin, P.O. Box 1997, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA. marca@chw.org
Insights
The vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) system effectively treated complex wounds in two premature infants, promoting healing without skin grafts. This innovative approach offers a safe solution for neonatal soft tissue defects.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Wound healing
- Surgical innovation
Background:
- Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) is established for adult wounds.
- Limited data exists on VAC system use in pediatric populations.
- No prior reports document VAC system application in premature infants.
Observation:
- Two premature infants presented with complex wounds.
- The VAC system was applied to manage these challenging soft tissue defects.
- Treatment outcomes were closely monitored.
Findings:
- The VAC system demonstrated efficacy in promoting closure of large, complex wounds in premature neonates.
- Complete epithelialization was achieved in both infants.
- No skin grafting was required, indicating successful wound bed preparation.
Implications:
- The VAC system presents a safe and effective therapeutic option for complex wounds in premature infants.
- This approach may reduce the need for traditional surgical interventions like skin grafting.
- Further research is warranted to explore broader applications in neonatal critical care.
Abstract:
The vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) system has become an accepted treatment modality for acute and chronic wounds in adults. The use of negative-pressure dressing has been documented in adults and, to some extent, in children. However, its use in premature infants has not been reported in the literature. The results of using the VAC system were examined in two premature infants with complex wounds. The VAC system was found to be effective in facilitating the closure of large and complex wounds in these patients. Complete epithelialization of the wounds was achieved in both patients without skin grafting. In conclusion, in two premature neonates with extraordinary soft tissue defects, the VAC system was a safe and effective choice to assist in closing these wounds.
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