Initial Experiences Applying Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with a Novel Drape Containing an Acrylic- and Silicon-Based Adhesive

Introduction: In patients treated with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), pain related to the removal of the acrylic drape and periwound skin irritation are known issues. As an alternative to the existing acrylic drape, a novel hybrid adhesive drape (ha-Drape) containing an acrylic and silicone adhesive film has been developed. We describe our initial experiences when applying NPWT using the ha-Drape.

Methods: Drapes were applied over foam dressings to six wounds in five patients (four males and one female) with an average of 61.7 ± 12.1 years. NPWT was applied at -125 mmHg for 1–7 days, and the ha-Drape and foam dressings were changed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Wound types included ulcers (n=2), surgical dehiscence (n=1), and wounds resulting from trauma or graft rejection (n=3). Systemic antibiotics were administered to four of the five patients, and five of the six wounds underwent surgical debridement before application of NPWT using ha-Drape. Pain related to drape removal was assessed using a Global Pain Scale, and periwound skin irritation was monitored at each drape removal. Therapy goals consisted of wound bed preparation, granulation tissue formation, and removal of infectious materials—in each case, therapy goals were achieved without any complications. In addition, a pain score of 0 was reported immediately after each drape removal, and periwound skin irritation was not detected for any of the cases. The ha-Drape was used to support NPWT for two wounds on a patient with an autoimmune disease, which normally would not receive the traditional acrylic drape due to skin fragility and the compromised immune status of the patient.

Results: The results from these cases suggest that the use of the ha-Drape may improve the patient experience when using NPWT by helping alleviate pain at drape removal and by helping to mitigate periwound skin irritation.