[Vacuum-assisted closure therapy. Current status and basic research]

The gap between the broad clinical use of vacuum-assisted closure therapy (VT) and knowledge of the physiological mechanisms leading to its effectiveness is great. The value of the technique and its future development are dependent on research into these mechanisms. A meta-analysis evaluating the results of basic research on the effectiveness of VT was carried out based on peer reviewed publications. This is considered in relation to other therapeutic approaches of basic research to wound healing (growth factors etc.). Our study includes a concise description of the scientific background to the mechanisms of cell stimulation using basic work on tissue expansion, bone, vessel and nerve distraction as well as in vitro cell stimulation. Evaluation of the scientific data on all known effects of VT was made based on the results from experimental animal studies, the results of randomized clinical studies, observations on clinical applications and case reports. Assessment of the studies was based on design and significance as well as the appraisal of our own clinical experience. Data involving cellular effects (proliferation, synthesis, wound healing), systemic effects (mediators, systemic inflammatory disease), extracellular effects (perfusion, edema, local wound environment, stabilization, barriers) and complex effects of VT (inflammation, matrix function, blood supply) were examined. Systematic analysis of the data allows scientifically interested surgeons rapid access to the theme, the first, to this extent, extensive overview of the current scientific situation as well as a comprehensive bibliography for all areas involving the theme of mechanical cell stimulation. The authors list major areas for future research and encourage the development of multicenter studies.