Negative Pressure Wound Therapy as an Artificial Leech to Save a Congestive Flap: Case Report

Abstract

Summary: Historically, patients with lower limb defects have represented a challenge for plastic surgeons because of their higher rate of complications. One of the main complications is venous congestion. Recently, various studies have suggested the use of negative pressure wound therapy as a salvage flap therapy, showing promising results. In this case report, we will outline the case of an elderly patient with different comorbidities in whom we used negative pressure wound therapy (as an artificial leech) to reverse venous congestion in the flap, with a satisfactory clinical outcome and without any more surgical procedures.

Acellular Dermal Matrix combined with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in a Chemical Burn: Case Report

“…The amputation was a possibility in this patient which depended on the progression of the chemical burn and the limited reconstructive options. Fortunately, an early debridement of the necrotic tissue with applied technology such as negative pressure wound therapy helped to limit the progression of the burn and to prepare the wound bed for definite reconstruction [13]. In the reconstructive phase, the use of acellular dermal matrix to cover a defect with bone exposure decreases the need for complex reconstructive procedures with secondary donor areas which could increase the comorbidity of the procedure.…”

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Gas Gangrene of the Fingertip with Prolonged Infection

“…Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a relatively new treatment strategy. Owing to its excellent wound healing effect, it is used to treat a wide range of conditions, 1 , 2 such as traumatic wounds, 3 pressure sores, open abdomens, sternal wounds, 4 diabetic foot, 5 second-degree burns, skin flaps, 6 and skin graft recipient sites. 7 However, no study has examined and reported on treating fingertip infection–associated soft tissue defects using NPWT.…”