KCI V.A.C.VIA Manuel D'instructions page 11

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.®
Advanced Drape, hydrocolloid or other transparent film.
•
Multiple layers of V.A.C.® Advanced Drape may decrease the moisture vapor transmission rate,
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 a 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 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 a treating physician.
V.A.C.® Therapy Unit Pressure Excursions: In rare instances, tubing blockages with the V.A.C.® Therapy
Unit may result in brief vacuum excursions to more than 250 mmHg negative pressure. Resolve alarm
conditions immediately. Refer to the Alarms section of these instructions for use or contact your KCI
representative for additional information.
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