A Single-use Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (sNPWT) System* Consistently Delivers Therapeutic Negative Pressure Levels in a Wound Model

Objective: To evaluate delivery of negative pressure by an sNPWT system incorporating AIRLOCK technology in the dressing in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations in a wound model. 

Methods: A wound model, incorporating a 3ml/min air leak to closely replicate a clinical setting, was used to evaluate how consistently an sNPWT system* achieved manufacturer-specified negative pressure levels (-80mmHg) and how long they were maintained within therapeutic levels over a 72-hour test period. Two dressings from each of four batches of the sNPWT system were tested using simulated wound fluid at both low (0.6g/cm2/24h) and moderate (1.1g/cm2/24h) NPWT flow rates. Dressing size was 15×20cm2; absorptive area was 150cm2; estimated wound size was 37.5cm2 (25% of absorbent pad area). Two sensors positioned at different areas of the dressing recorded pressure levels at least every 5 seconds.

Results: sNPWT systems delivered a mean negative pressure of -82mmHg (range, -80 to -82mmHg) at low exudate flow and -81mmHg (range, -79 to -83mmHg) at moderate exudate flow. Negative pressure was delivered within a therapeutic range for 100% of the 72-hour test period at both exudate flow rates. No pooling under the dressing, leakage into the border, or fluid in the port tubing, extension tubing or pump was observed during the study.

Conclusion:  In a wound model incorporating a small air leak to reflect real-world practice, this sNPWT system* consistently delivered the manufacturer’s nominal vacuum pressure of -80mmHg and maintained delivery within a therapeutic range over a 3-day period.