Modified Vacuum-Assisted Wound Closure (MVAC) with Plastic Food Wrap

Abstract

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) or Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC) is a technique used to treat large wounds, chronic wound and complicated wound. The subatmospheric dressing system kept wound environment moist and promote angiogenesis improve wound healing. Currently, the negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) system was composed of sterile adhesive film, and a perforated drain connected to a suction unit. Sterile adhesive film was disposable and expensive. Instead of adhesive film, plastic food wrap may be a more cost-effective and accessible option. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of Plastic food wrap for NPWT. A pilot study was performed between May 2022 and June 2023. Ten patients with significant wounds underwent Modified Vacuum Assisted Closure using plastic food wrap. The plastic food wrap obtained from the convenience store was sterilized using Ethylene Oxide. The wound was shielded with a sterile plastic sheet until the system was functioning correctly. The mean age was about 32 years and the average of wound size was about 68.9 cm2. Total Negative pressure with plastic food wrap was 42 systems. All wounds were improved after NPWT with food wrap and successful skin graft, neither significant allergic reaction nor infection occurred. In conclusion, Plastic food wrap may be applied for NPWT. The advantage of plastic food wrap was affordable, available, and less pain during dressing removal than surgical adhesive film.