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A vacuum-assisted closure device is a wound therapy system that uses controlled negative pressure to help manage selected wounds. It is also called a wound VAC or negative pressure wound therapy device. The system usually includes a foam or gauze dressing, adhesive seal, tubing, collection canister, and suction pump. It helps remove fluid from the wound and maintain a sealed healing environment.
read more about vacuumassisted closure device ...A vacuum-assisted closure device is used for selected acute, chronic, surgical, traumatic, or complex wounds. It may be used when a wound is not ready to close, is draining fluid, or needs help forming healthy granulation tissue. Some systems are used on open wounds, while others are used over closed surgical incisions to reduce fluid buildup. The wound must be assessed by a clinician to confirm that negative pressure therapy is appropriate.
A foam or gauze dressing is placed in or over the wound and sealed with an adhesive film. Tubing connects the dressing to a pump that creates negative pressure. The suction removes fluid into a canister and can help draw wound edges together. The pressure may be continuous or intermittent depending on the device and treatment plan.
A trained clinician cleans the wound, places the dressing material, seals the area, and connects the tubing to the pump. The pump is set to the prescribed pressure and checked for leaks. Dressings are changed on a schedule based on wound type, drainage, infection status, and device instructions. Patients should keep the seal intact and carry the pump as instructed if using a portable system.
Possible risks include bleeding, pain, infection, skin irritation, retained dressing material, tissue injury, or loss of suction. Negative pressure therapy may not be appropriate over exposed organs, untreated dead tissue, untreated infection, some fistulas, or certain cancers in the wound. Patients should report heavy bleeding, fever, foul odor, worsening pain, sudden swelling, or alarms that do not resolve. The device should not be stopped for long periods unless the care team gives instructions.
Yes. Vacuum-assisted closure is a common term for negative pressure wound therapy, though specific product names and systems can vary.
Some discomfort can occur during suction or dressing changes. Severe pain, bleeding, or sudden swelling should be reported to the healthcare team.
Showering depends on the device, dressing seal, wound location, and clinician instructions. The pump and tubing should be protected as directed.
The dressing may not work correctly if suction is lost. Check for leaks or tubing problems if trained to do so, and contact the care team if the alarm or leak continues.
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Negative Pressure Wound Therapy. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK576388/. Date Accessed June 16, 2026.
Vacuum-Assisted Closure of a Wound. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/vacuumassisted-closure-of-a-wound. Date Accessed June 16, 2026.
Vacuum assisted closure (VAC) / negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for difficult wounds: A review. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6739293/. Date Accessed June 16, 2026.
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy: Mechanism of Action and Clinical Applications. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8432996/. Date Accessed June 16, 2026.