
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy, or NPWT, is a common practice for patients with specific types of wounds. This method of assisted healing helps speed the healing process and avoid infection of the wound. The process involves a tight wound dressing held in place with strong medical adhesive tape.
The strength of the tape used in NPWT is vital to the success of the practice. An air-tight seal is needed so the skin can experience the best possible environment for healing. A medical tape like Hy-Tape is able to hold a wound dressing tightly in place while reducing the chances of skin irritation during NPWT.
The process of negative pressure wound therapy
Also known as vacuum-assisted wound closure, negative pressure wound therapy involves sealing a wound in a vacuum-tight space, suctioning out the air and fluids naturally caused by the wound.
The process of NPWT begins with thoroughly cleaning the wound and drying the area as well as possible. Then, a wound dressing is applied based on the specific type of wound and the best dressing for it. Next, a large adhesive cover is placed over the entire wound dressing and taped in place to ensure a tight seal. Finally, a suction tube is carefully inserted into the wound dressing and attached to a vacuum that lightly pulls out air and fluids.
NPWP creates an environment where a wound can heal quicker and more thoroughly. It also reduces the chances of infection and continued wound issues.
How negative pressure wound therapy helps a wound to heal
Negative pressure wound therapy is a technique used by medical professionals to help a wound to heal quicker and more fully. The process helps in a variety of ways, including:
- Reducing pressure – The constant suction on the wound draws away air and fluids naturally occurring from the wound. This allows for less swelling and faster healing.
- Improving blood flow – NPWT has shown increases in blood flow near the wound, a vital part of the healing process for any wound.
- Lowering the chance of infection – Bacteria can easily infect an open wound, even when covered by a proper dressing. NPWT seals the area and keeps all bacteria out of the wound.
- Stabilizing the wound – Just like a cast stabilizes a broken bone, NPWT help to stabilize a wound, making it difficult for the skin to shift and break.
- Pulling wound edges together – The gentle suction near the wound helps to pull the skin’s edges together, assisting with the healing process.
These are just a few ways that NPWT helps a wound heal. The procedure doesn’t work for every type of wound, but many situations allow it to provide patients with a better healing experience.
The importance of high-quality medical tape in negative pressure wound therapy
One deciding factor in the success of negative pressure wound therapy is the tape used to hold the wound dressing in place. A tight hold is absolutely essential to the healing process. If the seal is broken, the suction will not happen and the risk of infection rises substantially.
Strong-holding tapes like Hy-Tape are known for their ability to hold tightly in all situations. Hy-Tape is designed to handle a variety of situations without a problem, and NPWT is no different.
Why Hy-Tape is the best option for negative pressure wound therapy
Hy-Tape is a strong-holding, skin-sensitive medical tape that has been proven to be effective in a wide range of uses. The tape is specifically made to hold tightly while also ensuring easy removal so as to avoid skin irritation.
The tape is waterproof, making it a perfect option for negative pressure wound therapy. Excess liquid needs to be suctioned away from the wound and not seep into the tape. Other tapes can become wet and lose their effectiveness while Hy-Tape will stay dry and adhered.
Hy-Tape features zinc oxide, an ingredient common to sunscreens and known for its ability to take care of the skin. This helps to keep the tape from causing extra damage to the skin when in use or when it’s removed.
The tape is also designed to hold tightly in all situations. Hy-Tape can stay attached to skin or wound dressing materials without a problem, holding firm for long periods of time. It’s also designed for maximum flexibility so patient movements don’t cause shifting or cutting into the surrounding skin.
When medical facilities offer negative pressure wound therapy, they need to consider the tape that will be used to hold the wound dressing in place. Hy-Tape is a fantastic option that holds wound dressings tightly, ensuring the vacuum suction will not be lost. It’s also designed to be sensitive to the skin, protecting the nearby skin from unnecessary damage.
Discover how Hy-Tape can change the way you take care of your patients. Contact us today to learn more.