NEGATIVE PRESSURE WOUND THERAPY WITH IRRIGATION
The use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is well established in the treatment of chronic wounds. NPWT with instillation (NPWTi) combines traditional NPWT with the application of a topical irrigation solution within the wound bed. The addition of instillation feature with NPWT adds several potential benefits in dealing with complex wounds. NPWT WITH IRRIGATION -MECHANISM OF ACTION Potential mechanisms of action include the removal of microorganisms from the wound surface, dilution of cytotoxic molecules, up-regulation of angiogenesis path ways, and maintenance of a moist wound environment. As we have extended our use of these devices to more complex wounds, we have taken advantage of and observed potential mechanisms of action, including facilitated removal of microorganisms, dilution of inflammatory and cytotoxic macromolecules, additional wound hydration, and enhanced angiogenesis through an intermittent application of NPWT. Fig 2. N...