Acelity V.A.C.ULTA Mode D'emploi page 11

Continuous Versus DPC (Dynamic Pressure Control) V.A.C.
Therapy is recommended over unstable structures, such as an unstable chest wall or non-intact
fascia, in order to help minimize movement and stabilize the wound bed. Continuous therapy is
also generally recommended for patients at increased risk of bleeding, highly exudating wounds,
fresh flaps and grafts, and wounds with acute enteric fistulae.
Patient Size and Weight: The size and weight of the patient should be considered when
prescribing V.A.C. Therapy or V.A.C. VeraFlo™ Therapy. Infants, children, certain small adults and
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elderly patients should be closely monitored for fluid loss and dehydration. Also, patients with
highly exudating wounds or large wounds in relation to the patient size and weight should be
closely monitored, as they have a risk of excessive fluid loss and dehydration. When monitoring
fluid output, consider the volume of fluid in both the tubing and canister.
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI): In the event an SCI patient experiences autonomic dysreflexia (sudden
changes in blood pressure or heart rate in response to stimulation of the sympathetic nervous
system), discontinue V.A.C.
stimulation and seek immediate medical assistance.
Bradycardia: To minimize the risk of bradycardia, V.A.C.
must not be placed in proximity to the vagus nerve.
Enteric Fistulas: Wounds with enteric fistulas require special precautions to optimize V.A.C.
Therapy. Refer to V.A.C.
recommended if enteric fistula effluent management or containment is the sole goal of therapy.
Protect Periwound Skin: Consider use of a skin preparation product to protect periwound
skin. Do not allow foam to overlap onto intact skin. Protect fragile / friable periwound skin
with additional V.A.C.
Multiple layers of the V.A.C.
which may increase the risk of maceration. If any signs of irritation or sensitivity to the drape,
foam or tubing assembly appear, discontinue use and consult treating physician. To avoid trauma
to the periwound skin, do not pull or stretch the drape over the foam dressing during drape
application. Extra caution should be used for patients with neuropathic etiologies or circulatory
compromise.
Circumferential Dressing Application: Avoid use of circumferential dressings except in the
presence of anasarca or excessively weeping extremities, where a circumferential drape technique
may be necessary to establish and maintain a seal. Consider using multiple small pieces of
V.A.C. Advanced Drape rather than one continuous piece to minimize the risk of decreased
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distal circulation. Extreme care should be taken not to stretch or pull the drape when securing
it, but let it attach loosely and stabilize the edges with an elastic wrap, if necessary. When using
circumferential drape applications, it is crucial to systematically and recurrently palpate distal
pulses, and assess distal circulatory status. If circulatory compromise is suspected, discontinue
therapy, remove dressing and contact treating physician.
NOTE: V.A.C. VeraFlo™ Therapy, due to the controlled delivery of wound
irrigation and treatment solutions, provides intermittent V.A.C.
is not recommended in the above wound types or conditions.
Therapy or V.A.C. VeraFlo™ Therapy to help minimize sensory
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Therapy Clinical Guidelines for more detail. V.A.C.
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NOTE: V.A.C. VeraFlo™ Therapy should not be used in the presence of
enteric fistula to prevent wound contamination.
Advanced Drape, skin protectant, hydrocolloid or other transparent film.
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Advanced Drape may decrease the moisture vapor transmission rate,
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Therapy: Continuous V.A.C.
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Therapy and V.A.C. VeraFlo™ Therapy
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Therapy and
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Therapy is not
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