Maintenance of negative-pressure wound therapy while undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Area of Science:

• Wound healing research
• Hyperbaric medicine
• Medical device engineering

Background:

• Negative wound pressure therapy (NPWT) and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) are effective treatments for complex wounds.
• Current portable NPWT devices are not certified for use within hyperbaric chambers, necessitating device removal during HBOT.
• This limitation hinders the continuous application of NPWT during HBOT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the feasibility and safety of maintaining continuous negative wound pressure during hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
• To evaluate the efficacy of concurrent NPWT and HBOT in managing wound exudate and dressing appearance.
• To assess patient comfort during combined NPWT and HBOT.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized crossover trial was conducted using readily available clinical materials to connect NPWT to the hyperbaric chamber's suction system.
• Six patients received one HBOT session with concurrent NPWT and one HBOT session without NPWT.
• Outcomes measured included patient pain scores, aspirated exudate volume, and blinded assessment of wound dressing appearance.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in pain scores was observed between HBOT with and without concurrent NPWT.
• NPWT successfully aspirated 5-12 ml of exudate during HBOT sessions.
• A statistically significant improvement in wound dressing appearance was noted in 5 out of 6 patients when NPWT was maintained during HBOT (P = 0.006).

Conclusions:

• A simple method allows for the safe and effective maintenance of NPWT during HBOT.
• Concurrent NPWT and HBOT does not increase patient pain and facilitates continued exudate management.
• Maintaining NPWT during HBOT ensures dressing integrity and potentially enhances treatment outcomes for problem wounds.