Understanding
NPWT Technology
Advanced wound care technology designed to accelerate healing, reduce infection, and improve patient outcomes through controlled negative pressure therapy.
What is NPWT?
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) is an advanced wound care technique that uses controlled negative pressure (vacuum) to promote faster and more effective healing. It is widely used in clinical settings to manage both acute and chronic wounds by creating an optimal healing environment.
How NPWT Heals Wounds
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy works through multiple clinically proven mechanisms that accelerate healing, reduce infection, and improve patient outcomes.
1. Effective Exudate & Infection Control
- •Continuously removes pus, bacteria, and necrotic material
- •Maintains a clean wound environment
- •Reduces infection risk significantly
2. Edema Reduction & Improved Perfusion
- •Decreases local swelling by removing excess fluid
- •Enhances blood flow and oxygen delivery
- •Improves nutrient supply to tissues
3. Accelerated Granulation Tissue Formation
- •Stimulates rapid development of healthy tissue
- •Supports healing from the base upward
4. Faster Wound Closure
- •Reduces healing time compared to traditional dressings
- •Leads to shorter hospital stays
- •Improves overall clinical outcomes
5. Optimal Moist Healing Environment
- •Provides a sealed and controlled environment
- •Minimises dressing changes
- •Enhances patient comfort
Clinical Indications
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) is indicated in a wide range of acute and chronic wound conditions where enhanced healing, infection control, and wound bed preparation are required.
Diabetic Foot Ulcers
- •Highly prevalent in diabetic populations
- •Promotes faster healing and reduces amputation risk
- •Effective in Wagner Grade 2–3 ulcers
Post-Surgical Wounds
- •Suitable after abdominal, orthopaedic, or cesarean surgeries
- •Helps in wound dehiscence cases
Pressure Ulcers
- •Common in elderly or bedridden patients
- •Effective in Stage 3 and Stage 4 ulcers
Traumatic Injuries
- •Includes road accidents, crush injuries, fractures
- •Reduces wound closure time
Burn Wounds
- •Effective for second-degree burns
- •Supports tissue regeneration
Venous Leg Ulcers
- •Chronic wounds due to poor circulation
- •Improves granulation and reduces size
Infected Wounds
- •Handles high infection and exudate
- •Useful after debridement
Skin Grafts & Flaps
- •Improves graft adherence
- •Prevents fluid buildup
NPWT System Components
- • Electrically Powered Vacuum Pump Unit
- • High-Capacity Collection Canister (1000 ml)
- • Medical-Grade Foam Dressing
- • Tubing & Port Interface
Clinical Workflow: How NPWT is Applied
NPWT follows a structured step-by-step clinical process to ensure effective wound healing, proper infection control, and optimal patient outcomes.
Wound Assessment
Evaluate wound size, depth, and exudate level to determine suitability for NPWT.
Wound Preparation
Clean the wound thoroughly and perform debridement if required.
Foam Placement
Cut sterile foam according to wound dimensions and place it gently into the wound bed.
Sealing
Apply a transparent adhesive film to create an airtight environment.
Connection
Attach the tubing from the dressing to the NPWT device.
Pressure Settings
Set appropriate negative pressure (typically 80–125 mmHg) in continuous or intermittent mode.
Monitoring
Regularly assess the system and wound condition; typically reviewed every 48–72 hours.
Dressing Change
Replace the foam dressing every 4–5 days until adequate healing is achieved.
Pressure Parameters by Wound Type
| Wound Type | Recommended Pressure | Mode | Dressing Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| General acute wounds | 125 mmHg | Continuous | 48–72 hours |
| Diabetic foot ulcers | 75–100 mmHg | Continuous / Intermittent | 48–72 hours |
| Infected wounds | 125 mmHg | Continuous | 24–48 hours |
| Skin graft bolster | 75–80 mmHg | Continuous | 3–5 days |
| Pressure ulcers (Stage III–IV) | 100–125 mmHg | Intermittent | 48–72 hours |
| Partial burns | 75–80 mmHg | Continuous | 48–72 hours |
| Post-surgery wounds | 100–125 mmHg | Continuous | 48–72 hours |
Cost Comparison per Treatment Episode
| Cost Component | Standard Care (4 weeks) | NPWT (2 weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| Dressing materials | ₹4,200 – 8,400 | ₹15,000 – 25,000 |
| Nursing labour | ₹37,800 | ₹1,400 |
| Antimicrobial therapy | ₹5,000 – 15,000 | ₹2,000 – 5,000 |
| Hospital stay | ₹30,000 – 75,000 | Nil |
| Surgery (if needed) | ₹50,000 – 1,50,000 | ₹7,500 – 22,500 |
| TOTAL COST | ₹1,27,000 – 2,86,200 | ₹30,900 – 63,900 |
Approximate daily cost for NPWT: ₹2000–₹2500/day