Evaluation of a novel negative pressure wound therapy all-in-one seven-day dressing.

BACKGROUND: While use of polyurethane foam dressings for negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is well-established, the dressings may be difficult to apply and they promote granulation tissue ingrowth, potentially causing wound bed disruption, bleeding, and pain upon removal. An all-in-one dressing with an encapsulated polyurethane foam core and silicone-acrylic adhesive drape is available for longer wear. OBJECTIVE: To present the findings of a pilot evaluation of an all-in-one dressing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients from 2 hospitals in Chile were treated by 3 clinicians experienced with NPWT. After removing the release liner, an all-in-one dressing was applied to the wound and periwound, and -125 mm Hg or -150 mm Hg continuous negative pressure was initiated. The first dressing change occurred after 3 days to 5 days, and subsequent dressing changes were performed once or twice weekly. RESULTS: Evaluation results indicated a dressing application time of less than 3 minutes, with removal time less than 20 seconds for all patients. No patients reported pain at dressing removal. No adverse events or concerns were noted. Users reported that the all-in-one dressing was easier and faster to apply and remove, and less traumatic for patients, compared with polyurethane foam dressings. The dressing remained sealed for the intended 4- to 7-day duration for all patients. NPWT with the all-in-one dressing was preferred over polyurethane foam dressings by all clinician users. CONCLUSION: Use of the all-in-one dressing may improve patient and clinician experience with NPWT. Larger, controlled clinical trials and scientific studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of this dressing with NPWT across various wound types.