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"Jelly VAC" for Negative-Pressure Therapy for Complex Wound Closure: A Report of Two Cases
Patrick F Bergin1, Jason R Wild2, Timothy G Weber3
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi.
JBJS Case Connector
|March 30, 2018
Summary
Jelly-VAC therapy offers a novel approach to negative-pressure wound therapy using ultrasound jelly. This method effectively manages complex wounds, preventing air leaks and maceration, especially in challenging cases.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Wound Healing
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Complex lower extremity wounds, such as open calcaneal fractures with bone loss and extensive plantar skin avulsions, present significant treatment challenges.
- Traditional vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy can be difficult to apply and maintain in certain wound types, particularly those with irregular surfaces or compromised skin integrity.
Observation:
- Two patients with severe lower extremity wounds underwent multiple debridements and soft-tissue coverage procedures.
- Jelly-VAC therapy, utilizing ultrasound jelly to create a seal, was employed post-debridement and during the soft-tissue coverage phase in both cases.
Findings:
- Jelly-VAC therapy demonstrated effectiveness in managing complex wounds by preventing air leakage, a common issue with standard VAC dressings.
- The use of ultrasound jelly facilitated negative-pressure therapy in areas where achieving an airtight seal with conventional methods is challenging.
Implications:
- Jelly-VAC therapy presents a promising alternative for negative-pressure wound management, especially in cases with difficult-to-seal wounds or fragile skin.
- This technique may be beneficial for patients requiring prolonged VAC therapy or "VAC holidays" to prevent wound maceration and improve healing outcomes.