A Novel Wound and Soft Tissue Flap Negative Pressure Drain System - a Pilot Study

Background: Negative-pressure wound-therapy (NPWT) has become a mainstay of treatment for high-risk surgical wounds. In closed wounds, traditional NPWT utilizes surface level sponges alone to provide negative pressure. A technique that allows for deep dead-space management, while maintaining superficial negative pressure over a closed wound, may prove beneficial inhigh-risk patients. Purpose: A novel technique and prospective case series are described which incorporate deep hemovac drain tubings into a traditional NPWT device (Deep Inside-Out Vac; DIOV). Pilot data is needed to begin evaluating the efficacy of this technique. Methods: Fourteen patients were stratified by initial indication for DIOV placement. Group 1 patients underwent wide tumor resection, while Group 2 patients underwent extensive debridement for infection. Demographic, surgical, and microbiological data were recorded. Results: Eight patients were identified in Group 1. Six were identified in Group 2. Both demonstrated 50% positive culture rates at time of drain removal. Most common organisms were coagulase negative staphylococcus species. At final follow-up, all wounds were clinically healed. Conclusions: NPWT is an established augment in post-operative wound care. The DIOV may provide added benefit in wounds at high-risk for dead-space related complications. Contamination remains unfavorable, and further research is needed to determine this device’s efficacy.