Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT)

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) encourages healing in even the most resistant ulcers and pressure sores. At Complete Wound Care in Wallingford and Milford, Connecticut, Adrian Wyllie, MD, MBA, CWSP, FAPWH, and Vadim Kurbatov, MD, PhD, use the most advanced, disposable NPWT. The process is fast and comfortable and reduces dressing change frequency. Call Complete Wound Care to discuss the benefits of NPWT, or use the online scheduling feature to schedule a consultation today.

What is negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT)?

NPWT or vacuum-assisted wound closures use dressing systems that promote wound healing. These systems’ negative subatmospheric pressure creates a vacuum that applies positive pressure to a wound’s surface, creating a clean, moist environment.

NWPT extracts excess fluid and bacteria from wounds using gentle suction. Removing fluid reduces swelling, and pressure encourages wound compression. This stimulates healthy new tissue growth.

Complete Wound Care uses 3M™ Snap™ therapy. It consists of a disposable NPWT system combining advanced wound dressings with NPWT’s healing benefits. Snap Therapy is customizable to accommodate the needs of different patients successfully.

Why would I need negative pressure wound therapy?

You might benefit from NWPT if you have a severe or chronic wound. Complete Wound Care specializes in treating chronic, nonhealing wounds, including:

Diabetic ulcers

Diabetic ulcers develop when poor circulation and nerve damage from diabetic peripheral neuropathy combine to create open sores.

Venous ulcers

Venous ulcers form if your leg veins have poor blood flow. Chronic venous insufficiency, which causes varicose veins, is often to blame.

Pressure sores

Pressure sores develop in areas where tissue comes under prolonged pressure, affecting blood circulation. They usually affect people who are bedbound or otherwise immobilized.

Arterial ulcers

Arterial ulcers usually result from peripheral arterial disease (PAD), where cholesterol deposits narrow the leg arteries.

Your provider might recommend NWPT if your wound doesn’t heal with other treatments, they need to reduce fluid buildup, and/or they want to help your wound heal.

What can I expect from negative pressure wound therapy?

The Snap Therapy System’s NWPT is a simple, convenient treatment that only takes about 10 minutes. Your provider prepares the wound and surrounding area, cleaning it thoroughly before applying the disposable device, which contains a specialized dressing.

When the device is positioned, your provider activates the suction using a spring mechanism that produces even pressure. The dressing draws off fluids, which travel along a flexible tube and collect as a gel in a disposable cartridge.

The Snap Therapy System NWPT is quiet and discreet, fitting neatly under your clothing. It causes minimal effects on your usual activities, including sleeping, showering, and socializing.

Snap NPWT requires fewer dressing changes (as few as two per week), promoting low-contact care and reducing infection risk.

Call Complete Wound Care for detailed information on negative pressure wound therapy, or use the online inquiry form to schedule a consultation.