An overview of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT)

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is often called topical negative pressure (TNP) or by the trade name: 'VAC' (Vacuum assisted closure, KCI). NPWT is a technique that uses negative pressure applied to wounds of diverse aetiology to promote healing. Over the last 50 years clinicians have described how certain wounds respond to sub-atmospheric pressure used within a closed dynamic delivery system. Several companies are now able to offer devices that deliver NPWT, giving greater choice to decision-makers in Healthcare authorities. This article provides an overview of NPWT.