Use of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for the Treatment of Venous Leg Ulcers

NPWT has probably been the most important addition to wound care in the current century. Despite this fact, its use in the treatment of VLUs remains very limited. This review first examines the documented and potential VLU wound environment changes that can be facilitated by NPWT. The data supporting the use of NPWT for VLU wound bed preparation, the management of fluid drainage, and the bolstering of skin grafts are evaluated. The similarities and differences between suNPWT, traditional NPWT, and NPWTi are outlined. Included in this review is when and where each therapy may have a place in the treatment of VLUs. Finally, a brief algorithm to enhance the use of NPWT in the treatment of VLUs is presented.