What is a VAC in medical terms?

Vacuum-assisted closure of a wound is a type of therapy to help wounds heal. It’s also known as wound VAC. During the treatment, a device decreases air pressure on the wound. This can help the wound heal more quickly. The gases in the air around us put pressure on the surface of our bodies.

Is a wound vac painful?

Does using a wound VAC cause pain? When VAC therapy starts, you may feel stretching and pulling around your wound. VAC therapy shouldn’t hurt, and if it does it can indicate a complication. Many people experience discomfort when VAC bandages are changed.

How long does a wound take to heal with a wound vac?

The length of time wound vac treatment takes before the wound is healed can vary widely depending on the type and the severity of the wound. Treatment can last anywhere from a couple of days to several months.

When is a wound vac needed?

Your doctor may recommend NPWT if you have a burn, pressure ulcer, diabetic ulcer, chronic (long-lasting) wound, or injury. This therapy can help your wound heal faster and with fewer infections. NPWT is a good choice for some patients, but not all.

What color should Wound VAC drainage be?

Color is generally clear to pale yellow (normal), red (fresh blood), brown (dried or old blood), white (see above), or blue-green (usually indicative of Pseudomonas infection and should be cultured). The amount of drainage is generally documented as absent, scant, minimal, moderate, large, or copious.

Does a wound vac smell?

This is particularly important if the VAC dressing is to be performed as an outpatient, because removal after 72 hours may cause bleeding, pain, or retention of a portion of the sponge. A foul smell is also frequently appreciated with the VAC dressing, particularly if it is changed at intervals > 48 hours.

Why are wound vacs so painful?

Wound VAC dressing changes can be particularly painful for patients. The wound VAC dressing is a sponge that is placed on top of the wound. During the healing process, the granulation tissue and regenerating nerve endings can grow into the sponge. Significant pain then occurs as a result of the sponge being removed.

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