Treating Fasciotomy Wounds with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with Instillation and Dwell Time (NPWTi-d)

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a serious complication of lower-extremity trauma caused by accidents or post-procedure complications. ACS is characterized by increased pressure within the compartment, resulting in reduced blood flow, tissue hypoxia, and tissue necrosis. Fasciotomies to relieve pressure and debridement of necrotic tissue comprise primary treatment. My purpose is to present initial experience using negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d)* to treat fasciotomy wounds in two patients. NPWTi-d provides automated, volumetric control of instilled topical wound solutions with a dwell time in combination with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Patient 1, a 33-year-old male injured in a motorcycle accident, developed ACS within 24 hours of hospitalization. Prior treatments included wet-to-dry dressings and NPWT†. In the latter course of treatment, NPWTi-d was applied; 40 ml of normal saline (NS) were instilled with a ten-minute dwell time, followed by four hours of NPWT at ‑125 mmHg. After five days of NPWTi‑d, granulation tissue covered the bone. Four days later, the patient was discharged home. The wound continued to improve and, at the last recorded visit, was completely closed. Patient 2, a 44-year-old male, developed right lower extremity ACS due to complications post cardiac surgery. NPWT was initiated in the hospital and continued post-discharge to a nursing home. The patient was readmitted to the hospital with a right leg wound infection that was surgically debrided. NPWTi-d was then applied; 60 ml of NS were instilled with a ten-minute dwell time, followed by 3.5 hours of NPWT at -125 mmHg. After ten days of NPWTi-d, granulation tissue covered the bone. In Patient 2, NPWTi-d improved the likelihood of healing in a malnourished patient who had been critically ill by promoting granulation tissue over exposed bone. The use of NPWTi-d with NS contributed to positive outcomes for both patients. *V.A.C. VeraFlo™ Therapy, †V.A.C.® Therapy (KCI, an Acelity company, San Antonio, TX).