KCI Advanced Wound Care Therapy

KCI is a company that helps heal 3,000,000 people worldwide. The V.A.C Therapy (wound vac) is a machine that promotes wound healing. The wound vac acts as a vacuum which pulls drainage from the wound area and helps to draw wound edges together. Infectious bacteria is pulled from the wound and promotes granulation as it allows better circulation through the wound. The Wound Vac is a machine that has proven to cut the healing time for most bedsores in half.

The way it works, a canister is connected to the side of the Wound V.A.C. The drainage is suctioned through a tube and pulled into the canister. Placing foam or netting in the wound protects the tissue from the tube. The tube is placed on the netting or foam keeping it off the tissue, this will prevent tissue damage or irritation.

The wound is first measured for the depth, length and width, this will allow you to document the healing process. Then the wound is cleaned with a saline solution. Using skin prep around the wound area will help the area around the wound from irritation from the seal.

The Wound V.A.C. is used to treat different conditions from diabetic ulcers, pressure sores, venous leg ulcers, proning therapy, chronic wounds, acute wounds, kinetic therapy, traumatic wounds, subacute wounds, dehisced wounds, partial thickness burns, flaps and grafts.

For people who are confined to a wheelchair or the elderly who spend a large amount of time laying in bed are at risk for bedsores (pressure sores.) There are different stages for bedsores, stage 1 thru 4, 4 being the most serious stage. Most patients with bedsores have no idea how serious the situation can be. Patients can end up confined to their bed for months or even years, depending on the severity of the wound. Bedsores have even in some cases caused death. People who have diabetes are at risk for accumulating ulcers, most often these ulcers are on the feet. The Wound V.A.C. has been used on many diabetic patients and have been proven to be highly affective.

Diabetics can prevent ulcers by checking their feet daily looking for red spots swelling, or break down of the skin. Wearing the correct shoes will help prevent these ulcers. Patients in wheelchairs can prevent bedsores by relieving pressure from areas of the body that are prone to bedsores. Most common place for a bedsore for people in wheelchairs is on the buttocks. Using the correct cushion, like a ROHO, will help prevent sores from occurring.


http://www.kci1.com/KCI1/vactherapy