V.A.C.
ATS Operations and Maintenance Manual
1
Indications:
Indicated for patients who would benefit from a sub atmospheric pressure device
particularly as the device may promote wound healing. This includes patients who
would benefit from vacuum assisted drainage and removal of infectious material or
other fluids from wounds under the influence of continuous and/or intermittent sub
atmospheric pressure.
Types of wounds for which V.A.C.
®
Therapy has been indicated include chronic,
acute, traumatic, sub acute and dehisced wounds, partial - thickness burns,
diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, flaps and grafts.
Contraindications:
Contraindicated for patients with
malignancy
in the wound, untreated
osteomyelitis
,
unexplored fistulas, non-enteric
fistulas
, or
necrotic
tissue with eschar present. Do
not place V.A.C. dressing over
exposed blood vessels or
organs
.
Precautions: Always Follow Universal Precautions
Precautions should be taken with patients exhibiting active
bleeding
, difficult wound
hemostasis
, or who are on
anticoagulants
.
When placing the V.A.C. dressing in proximity to
blood vessels or organs
, take care
to ensure that they are adequately protected with overlying fascia, tissue or other
protective barriers that form a complete barrier between them and the V.A.C. foam
dressing. Greater care should be taken with respect to weakened, irradiated or sutured
blood vessels or organs. Bone fragments or sharp edges could puncture a barrier,
vessel or organ.
Wounds with enteric fistulas may require special precautions in order to optimize
V.A.C. Therapy. Refer to the
V.A.C. Therapy Clinical Guidelines
for sample
guidelines additional information on clinical applications and therapy considerations.
For recommended protocols, please consult the treating physician.
Federal law restricts this device to sale or rental by or on the order of a physician.
V.A.C.
®
THERAPY CLINICAL APPLICATIONS
