Bed Sore Treatment: Wound VAC

In cases involving advanced bed sores (also called: pressure sores, pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers), a wound vac or negative pressure wound therapy can be used to heal the bed sore.  A plastic bandage is used to cover the wound and a tube attached to a vacuum machine draws out moisture. The process can be painful, but the use of wound vacs drastically shorten the healing process and reduce risk of infection.  This is a useful video demonstrating wound vac process.

 

Nursing Homes Abuse Blog Posts On Bed Sores

Government Report Confirms Pressure Ulcers Harm All Nursing Home Residents; Regardless Of Race, Sex or Age

Pressure Sores In Hospitals On The Rise

Bedsores. Completely Preventable? Absolutely.

"The Nursing Home Says My Dad's Bedsores Were Unpreventable..."

Comments (4)

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malu clavecilla - April 19, 2009 8:52 PM

great post! wound vacs are terrific especially in nursing homes but sometimes pose a challenge in the home care setting. Clients need to be aware of what to do and what not to do in cases of sudden bleeding and problems with the machine. Hydrocolloids or duoderms protect the periwound area, hence highly recommended.

ltc ns - April 24, 2009 3:33 PM

Of course no mention that the wound vac with an average charge of $200/day is not covered by Medicaid per diem payments nor is an add-on enhanced reimbursement under Medicare Part A PPS payment.

abbas - July 17, 2010 6:12 AM

hello jon
i am a nurse from iran (yazd)
your site is very good
thank you

Suan Reef - September 12, 2010 2:12 PM

Any idea of length of time for healing, understanding that each wound is dfifferent? Is the vac left on 24 hrs/day? How paInful?

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About Jonathan Rosenfeld

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Jonathan Rosenfeld is a lawyer who represents people injured in nursing homes and long-term care facilities.   Jonathan has represented...

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