Materials and Methods
All patients underwent clinical evaluation and wound assessment upon presentation at a tertiary referral, level I trauma center. Oral and/or intravenous (IV) antibiotic treatment was initiated in patients as needed. Of the 19 wounds, 8 underwent sharp debridement prior to initiation of NPWTi-d and ROCF-CC. The remaining patients (n = 11) were not candidates for sharp debridement due to increased operative risk associated with the patient's clinical statuses and comorbidities.
All patients received NPWTi-d (V.A.C. VERAFLO Therapy; KCI, now part of 3M Company) using an ROCF-CC dressing (V.A.C. VERAFLO CLEANSE CHOICE Dressing; KCI, now part of 3M Company). The ROCF-CC dressing was cut to fit the wound and then placed in the wound bed. If needed, the cover layer was cut to fit the wound and applied over the ROCF-CC dressing. A drape was placed over the dressings, and the tubing (V.A.C. VERAT.R.A.C. DUO Tube Set; KCI, now part of 3M Company) was attached to the therapy unit. Institutional guidelines were followed in the selection of instillation solution. Wounds that were suspected of infection received either quarter-strength Dakin's solution or hypochlorous acid solution. Instillation of quarter-strength Dakin's solution, hypochlorous acid solution, or saline with a dwell time of 5 to 10 minutes, followed by 2 to 3.5 hours of continuous negative pressure at -125 mm Hg were initiated. Dressing changes occurred every 2 to 3 days.
Wounds. 2020;32(10):279-282. © 2020 HMP Communications, LLC