Reverse aqua pump vacuum-assisted closure alternative and affordable solution for emerging cost in wound therapy: A case series

Abstract

Introduction and importance

Soft tissue defects managed with conventional wound therapies are often inadequate. Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC) has proven to be an effective method for discharge removal, edema reduction, perfusion enhancement, and granulation tissue stimulation. This study assesses the novel Reverse Aqua Pump Vacuum-Assisted Closure (RAP-VAC), a low-cost innovation option in a developing country, designed to facilitate successful wound healing while mitigating financial limitations.

Case presentation

This case series was reported at a tertiary referral hospital in Indonesia, involving 13 patients with soft tissue defects utilizing RAP-VAC. The average wound size diminished by 9.8 %, from 50.19 ± 36.96 cm² on day 0 to 45.25 ± 36.43 cm² at the endpoint measurement. The mean granulation rate was 92.13 %, and the average wound bed preparation duration was 20.92 ± 2.69 days. The whole expenditure for care expenses to IDR 2,376,923 per patient. The linear mixed model analysis significantly associated with intercept estimate of 50.19 (p = 0.001) with 0.32 reduction per day in the outcome (p = 0.010).

Clinical discussion

NPWT accelerates wound shrinkage, resulting from the consistent negative pressure. The mechanical motion facilitates cell migration, hence expediting wound closure. The cost-effectiveness of NPWT has been established, diminishing the necessity for expensive therapies. A study reported using an aqua pump-based VAC, but without detailing the mechanism. In contrast, our device reverses the fan direction for improved suction. We employed the IMITO app measurement for objective evaluation. The RAP-VAC system, characterized by low costs, may provide substantial financial benefits while maintaining therapeutic outcomes in developing countries, as a viable choice for wound management in both hospital and community care environments.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that RAP-VAC is efficacious in facilitating wound healing and serves as a cost-effective alternative to expensive VAC systems.