When a wound is very severe such as after an accident or after a major surgery, it’s vital to help it heal as quickly and fully as possible. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has grown in popularity over the years as an effective way to heal a patient’s wounds faster than with standard bandage therapy.
When it comes to NPWT, the most critical part of the healing process is the sealed environment. When the wound is sealed tightly with strong adhesive tape, it can heal quicker and avoid complications. This makes the adhesive tape in NPWT possibly the most important part of the entire healing process.
What Is Negative Pressure Wound Therapy?
Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a kind of wound treatment that utilizes a negative-pressure environment to aid in wound healing. It involves applying a special device to the wound bandage that creates negative pressure. This helps to draw out bacteria, debris, and other harmful substances from the wound as well as pulls the skin closer together to seal the wound. This can promote healing and reduce the risk of infection compared to regular bandaging.
Bandaging and adhesive tape can play a role in NPWT by providing a covering for the wound and helping to maintain the negative pressure that is applied via the negative pressure device. The bandaging must be tightly sealed to keep the underlying environment sealed properly. If the seal is broken, the negative pressure returns to normal and the healing process can slow down.
NPWT is often used to treat chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, pressure sores, and others that tend to require special treatment. These and other wounds need special attention for several reasons, including:
- Size: Large wounds need extra help to fully heal, and NPWT helps pull the skin together to assist in the healing process.
- Sensitivity: Wounds that are especially susceptible to infection can benefit from NPWT as the process speeds up healing and seals out bacteria and viruses.
- Chronic nature: Wounds that don’t heal in an expected timeframe or return often can heal much easier and more fully with NPWT.
- Tissue development needs: Severely damaged tissues need extra assistance to redevelop, and NPWT provides a clean and healthy environment for the wound to heal.
NPWT has become a popular choice for major wound healing because it speeds up the process and lowers the risk of infections.
Why is Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Used?
Negative pressure wound therapy offers many benefits compared to standard bandaging of a serious wound. In general, NPWT helps a major wound heal quicker and more safely.
No Trauma: Dressing Strategies for Negative Pressure Wound Therapy
The negative pressure of NPWT applied to the wound creates a vacuum that helps to draw the wound edges together, closing the gap and reducing the size of the wound. This can lead to a more efficient healing process and can help to reduce the risk of infection and other complications.
NPWT promotes the formation of granulation tissue, which forms during the healing process. Granulation tissue is rich in blood vessels and helps to promote the growth of new cells, which can help to close the wound.
Negative pressure wound therapy helps to draw out bacteria, debris, and other harmful substances from the wound. This process helps to continually cleanse the wound as it heals, reducing the risk of infection and promoting increased blood flow helps to bring oxygen and other nutrients to the wound.
Burns & Negative Pressure Wound Therapy
The negative pressure created by the NPWT device helps to draw blood and other fluids to the wound, which can help to increase the amount of oxygen and nutrients available for healing. Additionally, the negative pressure can help to reduce swelling and edema in the surrounding tissues, which can also help to improve perfusion.
How Does Hy-Tape Assist in the Healing Process?
Hy-Tape is especially helpful in the process of negative pressure wound therapy for its strong adhesive. The tape is designed to stick to the skin and hold tightly, offering a waterproof seal. The tape is also flexible so it allows patients a range of motion without loosening and breaking the sealed environment. When bandage changes are required, Hy-Tape’s zinc oxide protects the skin from damage during removal. The latex-free materials of the tape also significantly lower the chances of an allergic reaction on the patient’s skin.
For medical professionals practicing negative pressure wound therapy, Hy-Tape can be a lifesaver. Contact us today to learn more about our variety of tape sizes or to place an order.
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