Open AccessThe management of deep sternal wound infections using vacuum assisted closure™ (V.A.C. ® ) therapy
Author(s) -
Fleck Tatjana,
Gustafsson Ronny,
Harding Keith,
Ingemansson Richard,
Lirtzman Mitchell D,
Meites Herbert L,
Moidl Reinhard,
Price Patricia,
Ritchie Andrew,
Salazar Jorge,
Sjögren Johan,
Song David H,
Sumpio Bauer E,
Toursarkissian Boulos,
Waldenberger Ferdinand,
WetzelRoth Walter
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
international wound journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1742-481X
pISSN - 1742-4801
DOI - 10.1111/j.1742-481x.2006.00273.x
Subject(s) - medicine , wound closure , sternum , surgery , debridement (dental) , wound infection , wound care , negative pressure wound therapy , intensive care medicine , general surgery , wound healing , alternative medicine , pathology
A group of international experts met in May 2006 to develop clinical guidelines on the practical application of vacuum assisted closure™ (V.A.C. ® ) † therapy in deep sternal wound infections. Group discussion and an anonymous interactive voting system were used to develop content. The recommendations are based on current evidence or, where this was not available, the majority consensus of the international group. The principles of treatment for deep sternal wound infections include early recognition and treatment of infection. V.A.C. therapy should be instigated early, following thorough wound irrigation and surgical debridement. V.A.C. therapy in deep sternal wound infections requires specialist surgical supervision and should only be undertaken by clinicians with adequate experience and training in the use of the technique.