Dynamic management of pressure injuries using a portable canister-based single-use negative pressure wound therapy device

Objective: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) helps to reduce tissue deficits by removing excess fluid, promoting granulation tissue formation and stabilising the wound environment. This prospective, open, non-comparative clinical study assessed these factors using a canister-based single-use NPWT (CB-suNPWT) system for the management of low-to-moderate exuding pressure injuries (PIs). Method: This 28-day multicentre investigation assessed wound progress compared with the previous visit at which the CB-suNPWT system was applied and also from baseline to study completion. Additional endpoints included: changes in wound area and volume; tissue type; exudation (amount, nature and odour); periwound skin condition; pain levels at dressing removal; tissue ingrowth into foam; system wear time; product consumption; and therapy adherence. Adverse events (AEs) were also recorded. Results: The study recruited 35 patients with PIs at four sites in Portugal. All were included in the full analysis group. Statistically significant wound progress was observed, with 80.6% of cases showing improvement compared with the previous visit (95% confidence interval: 72.7, 80.6; p<0.05). Improvements in wound tissue and exudate levels, type and odour were also observed, and a marked increase in granulation tissue reported, combined with reductions in wound size and volume. Tissue ingrowth into the foam was reported in only two (0.57%) dressing changes. The device was well received by both investigators and patients, easy to use and managed exudate levels effectively. A minimal number of AEs were reported. Conclusion: In this study, the CB-suNPWT device promoted improvements in the wound bed, resulting in progression towards healing of low-to-moderate exuding PIs.