Negative pressure wound therapy with off-the-shelf components

Background The KCI Wound VAC system (Kinetic Concepts, Inc, San Antonio, TX) for providing negative-pressure therapy for wounds is expensive and may not be available for patients without insurance. We have examined the feasibility of using off-the-shelf components to provide comparable negative pressure therapy at less cost. Methods Adhesive iodine-impregnated drape, a flat Jackson-Pratt drain (Cardinal Health, McGaw Park, IL), and foam prep sponges stapled together are used to assemble a dressing connected to wall suction (negative 75–100 mm Hg) to create negative pressure wound therapy that is relatively inexpensive (<$60 component cost). Results We have used this system in more than 40 cases with results that seem comparable to the commercial system and have not seen bleeding or other complications. Conclusion Off-the-shelf components can be safely employed to provide effective negative pressure therapy for wounds and skin grafts.