Use of Reticulated Open Cell Foam Dressings With Through Holes During Negative Pressure Wound Therapy With Instillation and Dwell Time: A Large Case Study.

INTRODUCTION: Negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d) has been utilized in wounds with positive clinical benefits. A reticulated open cell foam dressing with through holes (ROCF-CC) was developed to assist with wound cleansing by removing thick wound exudate and infectious materials, and it may be used when debridement is not possible or appropriate. Use of NPWTi-d with ROCF-CC dressings has been reported with positive outcomes in complex wounds.

OBJECTIVE: The present study reports the authors' experience using NPWTi-d with ROCF-CC dressings in 19 patients with complex wounds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the 19 patients, 8 underwent sharp debridement. Oral and/or intravenous antibiotic treatment was initiated as needed prior to NPWTi-d. All patients received NPWTi-d with ROCF-CC dressings with 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. Dressing changes occurred every 2 to 3 days. Measurements and assessments of wound progression were done as per institutional protocols.

RESULTS: The 19 treated patients consisted of 10 males and 9 females, with an average age of 58.2 ± 15.1 years. Common patient comorbidities included hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and paraplegia. Wound types included pressure injuries, traumatic wounds, and surgical wounds. The average length of NPWTi-d use was 9.5 ± 4.1 days. In all of the patients, the wound beds showed development of healthy granulation tissue following NPWTi-d with ROCF-CC. All patients were discharged to one of the following: another hospital facility, skilled nursing facility, long-term acute care facility, or home.

CONCLUSIONS: In the authors' clinical practice, NPWTi-d with ROCF-CC provided effective and rapid removal of thick exudate and infectious materials and promoted development of granulation tissue.