Pilot assessment of the effect of negative pressure wound therapy on microperfusion of chronic and acute wounds.

Background Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been established over years for treatment of chronic and complex wounds. Objective Aim of this study was to investigate the effect NPWT on the microperfusion. Methods Prospective single centre analysis of patients treated with NPWT due to acute (ACUTE) wounds after fasciotomy or patients with chronic wounds (CHRONIC) due to a chronic limb threatening ischemia was performed. NPWT was conducted through a three days sequence with a negative pressure of -120 mmHg. Before after and during the entire period of therapy the microperfusion was assessed (O2C™, LEA Medizintechnik). Results Comparison of the perfusion values of 28 patients (CHRONIC/ACUTE 5/23, women/men 8/20) before and after the NPWT sequence showed a non-significant improvement in the CHRONIC group (supine position: p = 0.144, elevated position p = 0.068) and a significant decrease in the ACUTE group (supine position p = 0.012, elevated position p = 0.034). This effect could also been demonstrated during the NPWT over time (CHRONIC: supine position: p = 0.320, elevated position: p = 0.053, ACUTE: supine position: p = 0.021, elevated position: p = 0.012). Conclusion Microperfusion measurements showed alterations and differences in wound bed perfusion of acute and chronic wounds; acute wounds tended to a decrease of blood flow, whereas this effect was not seen in chronic wounds in peripheral artery disease.