Randomized controlled trial comparing the combination of a polymeric membrane dressing plus negative pressure wound therapy against negative pressure wound therapy alone: The WICVAC study

Abstract

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is the treatment of choice for chronic wounds; yet, it is associated with considerable workload. Prompted by its nonadhesive and wound-healing properties, this study investigated the effect of an additional polymeric membrane interface dressing (PMD; PolyMem WIC) in NPWT. From October 2011 to April 2013, 60 consecutive patients with chronic leg wounds or surgical site infections after revascularization of lower extremities were randomly allocated to either treatment with conventional NPWT (control arm) or NPWT with an additional PMD (intervention arm). The primary outcome was wound healing achieved within 30 days, the secondary endpoints included: number of days between dressing changes, wound-related pain, cost efficiency, and occurrence of adverse events (ClinTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02399722). Forty-seven patients completed follow-up. No difference in wound healing was observed (p > 0.05) between both study arms. The additional PMD allowed significantly longer wearing times (days) between dressing changes (intervention: 8.8 ± 0.5, control: 4.8 ± 0.2; p < 0.001). Pain was slightly higher in patients randomized to NPWT alone (VAS score: 4.8 ± 2.9) compared to NPWT + PMD (VAS score: 3.0 ± 2.9, p = 0.063). No wound infections were observed. Costs were reduced by 34% per patient in the intervention arm. These results suggest that the combination of NPWT and an additional interface PMD is a safe and economic method for the treatment of chronic wounds, which requires significantly fewer dressing changes for a comparable wound healing.

Pre-Clinical Assessment of Single-Use Negative Pressure Wound Therapy During In Vivo Porcine Wound Healing

“…Data now show a direct link between compromised skin barrier and subsequent wound recurrence, 39 a significant consideration for chronic wound management. Although several clinical studies have demonstrated enhanced wound closure and faster granulation with tNPWT, 40 , 41 few studies have performed follow-up assessments to determine rates of wound recurrence. 42 A future preclinical in vivo investigation would provide a unique opportunity to explore recurrence, an important and often overlooked aspect of wound healing studies.…”

Effects of Vacuum Sealing Drainage Combined with Ilizarov Bone Transport Technique in the Treatment of Tibial Traumatic Osteomyelitis

“…Vacuum sealing drainage can completely seal the wound and reduce the probability of cross infection in the surrounding tissues of patients. And continuous negative pressure suction can effectively remove the exudate and necrotic tissue of the wound, improve microcirculation of the wound and eliminate tissue edema [7,8]. Ilizarov technique can completely remove the necrotic bone segments without re-repair of bone and soft tissue.…”

Multifunctional Polyethylene Glycol Triethoxysilane… Dressing Study – A Clinician-Scientist’s Insights and Perspective

“…Independent researchers have found that this unique pore structure allows PolyMem to absorb fluids almost instantly while completely avoiding ingrowth of tissue into the dressing, features not tested in this study. [12,21,29,30] 4. Both test dressings outperformed PolyMem on strength and stretch tests.…”

“…[1,2,5,19,20] PolyMem's multiple components work synergistically with each other and with the body. [5,7,12,21,22] When used appropriately, PolyMem delivers all of the benefits mentioned in the article, including extra absorption, non-adherence to the wound bed, conforming to the wound, controlling inflammation, and promoting brisk wound healing, even when used on challenging wounds, such as chronic diabetic foot ulcers. [5,7,12,22,23]…”