Efficiency of new smart instillation technology with negative pressure wound therapy in managing complex chronic and surgical wounds: a case series.

Abstract

Background: Use of negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d) of a topical wound solution has been limited in some settings due to perceptions of setup complexity. Typically, some guesswork was needed to estimate an adequate volume of solution to instill without causing leaks. A novel smart technology is recently available in certain NPWTi-d systems that automatically estimates and instills a solution volume according to wound dimensions.

Objective: To report experience with this smart instillation NPWTi-d system technology in managing 4 complex wounds containing large areas of devitalized tissue and/or yellow fibrinous slough.

Materials and methods: NPWTi-d was applied via a reticulated open cell foam dressing with through holes (ROCF-CC). The smart instill button was selected to automatically determine a volume of topical solution to instill, followed by a 10-minute dwell time and 2-hour cycle of -125 mm Hg negative pressure.

Results: The average NPWTi-d duration was 17.0 days, and no air or solution leaks occurred during therapy. Dressings were changed 3 times per week. All wounds were converted to clean granulating wounds during therapy.

Conclusion: In this case series, smart technology simplified setup and facilitated regular cleansing and removal of devitalized tissue through the ROCF-CC dressing.