Precautions - KCI V.A.C.VIA Manuel D'instructions

PRECAUTIONS

Standard Precautions: To reduce the risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens, apply standard
precautions for infection control with all patients, per institutional protocol, regardless of their diagnosis
or presumed infection status. In addition to gloves, use gown and goggles if exposure to body fluids is
likely.
Closed Surgical Incisions: For maximum benefit the V.A.C.® Therapy System should be applied
immediately post surgery to clean surgically closed wounds. It is to be continuously applied for a
minimum of two days up to a maximum of seven days. The ACTIV.A.C.™, INFOV.A.C.™, V.A.C. ATS™, V.A.C.
FREEDOM™, V.A.C.VIA™ and V.A.C. SIMPLICITY™ Therapy Systems can transition home with the patient;
however, all dressing changes should be performed under direct medical supervision.
The V.A.C.® Therapy System will not be effective in addressing complications associated with
the following:
•
Ischemia to the incision or incision area
•
Untreated or inadequately treated infection
•
Inadequate hemostasis of the incision
•
Cellulitis of the incision area
Continuous versus DPC V.A.C.® Therapy: Continuous, rather than DPC 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. Infants, children, certain small adults and 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 these patients 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: In the event a 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.®
Therapy to help minimize sensory stimulation and seek immediate medical assistance.
Bradycardia: To minimize the risk of bradycardia, V.A.C.® Therapy 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.
V.A.C.® Therapy is not recommended if enteric fistula effluent management or containment is the sole
goal of therapy.
10