VADER (vacuum-assisted dermal recruitment): a new method of wound closure

Acute wounds which cannot be closed primarily are usually closed with a split skin graft. However a split skin graft has both functional (where tendons are exposed) and esthetic sequelae (contour deformity, different skin in color and texture). A novel technique is described which allows delayed primary closure of either fasciotomy wounds or full-thickness defects after harvest of a free or pedicle flap. The technique described combines the bootlace suture technique (which achieves wound closure by progressive suture tightening) with the VAC (vacuum-assisted closure) system (which reduces tissue edema, facilitating movement of tissue, and also reduces bacterial contamination of the wound). Twelve of 14 wounds (average width of wound after insertion and tightening of bootlace suture was 5 cm) were successfully closed after an average of 8 days (range, 4-23 days) in 11 patients (mean age, 45 years; range, 18-77 years) using this technique. Of the 2 patients where the technique was not successful, one patient was noncompliant and the other developed wound-edge necrosis. Other complications were self-limiting. The combined use of 2 methods of wound management facilitates delayed primary wound closure.