Negative Pressure Wound Therapy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
What is negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT)?
NPWT uses a machine called a wound vac, wound vacuum, or pump to help with wound healing. Suction from the machine removes excess drainage from your wound and pulls wound edges closer together. NPWT promotes healthy tissue growth by increasing blood flow to your wound. NPWT also reduces bacteria that causes infections. You and your healthcare providers will be taught about your specific NPWT machine, alarms, and dressing changes.
 |
How does NPWT work?
Moist foam packing or gauze is placed in your wound. Suction tubing may already be implanted within the foam. If not, tubing will be placed in the middle of the foam or gauze. Then your wound and part of the tubing will be covered completely by a clear dressing. The tubing is attached to a collection canister on the machine. Your healthcare provider may set the machine for continuous or periodic suction. When the suction is turned on, the foam packing and wound will contract (tighten) and bring the wound edges together.
Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions
Tresiba
Tresiba (insulin degludec) is used to treat diabetes mellitus. Includes Tresiba side effects ...
Humalog
Humalog (insulin lispro) is used to treat type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes in adults. Includes ...
Ozempic
Learn about Ozempic (semaglutide) for type 2 diabetes treatment, weight management, cardiovascular ...
Lantus
Lantus is a long acting form of insulin used to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Learn about side ...
Novolog
NovoLog is a fast-acting insulin used to treat diabetes to control blood sugar levels in adults and ...
Plavix
Plavix (clopidogrel) is used to prevent blood clots after a recent heart attack or stroke. Includes ...
Rybelsus
Rybelsus tablets are used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, and may ...
Mounjaro
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is FDA-approved to manage type 2 diabetes in adults. It lowers blood sugar ...
Triamcinolone
Triamcinolone is used to treat allergies, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, and arthritis. Learn ...
Clobetasol topical
Clobetasol is available as a cream, gel, ointment, lotion, solution, foam or spray and is used to ...
For what conditions is NPWT commonly used?
- Wounds that have been slow or difficult to heal
- Pressure injuries
- Diabetic ulcers
- Skin grafts or flaps
- Chest and abdominal wounds
What else do I need to know about NPWT?
- NPWT is used 24 hours a day. If the NPWT machine is turned off for 2 hours or more, the dressing needs to be replaced. Ask your healthcare provider what type of dressing to use.
- You can shower with the dressing in place. Do not remove your dressing unless directed. Ask your healthcare provider for more information. Do not take the machine into the bathtub or shower with you. Ask your healthcare provider about taking a shower.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.