Impact of multilayer compression bandages on subdressing pressure generated by a sNPWT: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVE Venous leg ulcers (VLU) are a common, recurring condition resulting from venous stasis; they are especially prevalent in Northern Europe and the US. The overall prevalence of this condition is 1%, rising to 3% in patients >65 years of age. This study analysed the effect of a combination of single-use negative pressure wound therapy (sNPWT, VivereX NPWT system (Sunmedic AB, Vällinge, Sweden) and compression bandaging (CB) in the treatment of VLUs.

METHOD An experimental in vivo extremity model was used to monitor and validate sub-dressing pressure.

RESULTS There was no effect of the multilayer CB on the sNPWT therapeutical pressure. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first experimental study to examine variations in sub-dressing pressure within sNPWT systems following the application of a CB.

CONCLUSION In this study, therapeutical pressure induced by the VivereX device remained unaffected when used in combination with multilayer CB in the treatment of VLUs.