What is the primary function of a wound vac (negative pressure wound therapy)?

The primary function of a wound VAC, or negative pressure wound therapy, is to promote tissue granulation and reduce edema. This innovative therapy involves applying controlled negative pressure to the wound environment, which creates a vacuum effect that enhances blood flow to the area, thereby facilitating the healing process. The negative pressure helps to draw out excess fluids and exudate, reducing edema and creating an optimal wound healing environment.

In addition, this therapy encourages the formation of granulation tissue, which is essential for wound closure and healing. The granulation tissue is made up of new connective tissue and tiny blood vessels that form on the surface of a wound. By optimizing the tissue environment, negative pressure therapy aids in the healing of chronic and complex wounds that may otherwise fail to heal with traditional management.

Other options, while they may relate to aspects of wound care, do not capture the main mechanism and objective of negative pressure wound therapy. Moisturizing the wound, keeping the surrounding skin dry, and applying compression bandages do not directly address how a wound VAC functions in promoting healing through tissue granulation and reduced edema, which is the key benefit of this technology.