Vacuum assisted closure therapy for wound care

The aim of the procedure is to use negative pressure to create suction, which drains the wound of exudate (i.e., fluid, cells, and cellular waste that has escaped from blood vessels and seeped into tissue) and influences the shape and growth of the surface tissues in a way that helps healing. [...] The tube is connected to a vacuum source, and fluid is drawn from the wound through the foam into a disposable canister. [...] Neither the reason for the use of the patient subset for this analytic component nor the characteristics of the patients in these subgroups compared to those of the initially randomized patients is clear. [...] The discussion group highlighted the need to put in place a coordinated, multidisciplinary strategy for wound care in Ontario to ensure the best, continuous care of patients. [...] MSAC accepted recommendations for public funding of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat chronic wounds due to diabetes, necrotizing soft tissue infection, decompression illness, gas gangrene, and air or gas embolism, despite the limitations of the studies reviewed and the scant evidence of effectiveness.