VAC therapy
Pronunciation: vack
Also written as: VAC — Vacuum-Assisted Closure
A wound care technique using controlled negative pressure to promote healing of complex or infected wounds.
Full Definition
Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC) therapy is a widely used wound management system in surgical critical care that applies controlled negative pressure to wounds through a sealed dressing system. The therapy removes excess fluid, reduces bacterial load, promotes granulation tissue formation, and increases local blood flow. VAC therapy is particularly valuable for managing complex surgical wounds, dehiscences, infected wounds, and pressure ulcers in critically ill patients. The system requires regular monitoring and dressing changes, typically every 48-72 hours, and careful documentation of wound progression.
Usage
Usage note: VAC is a trademark but often used generically. Consider using NPWT in formal documentation.
In Context
- "VAC therapy was initiated for the abdominal wound dehiscence on post-operative day 3." — Wound care documentation
- "The patient's sternal wound showed improved granulation after 5 days of VAC therapy." — Progress note