Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) units are negative-pressure devices that help promote wound healing by removing exudate with continuous or intermittent suction. Suction also helps pull wound edges together, stimulates granulation tissue, and improves blood flow to wound bed.

Setting Up Wound VAC

• Wash hands, don gloves, and clean wound using aseptic technique.
• Apply skin preparation to periwound area to help secure dressing.
• Cut foam to fit wound, and gently place in wound; do not force into wound.
• Apply Tegaderm-like plastic sheet over foam and onto healthy skin; apply in patches, if necessary.
• Cut small hole in plastic sheet over foam for suction to reach wound bed.
• Apply suction disk over hole in plastic dressing.
• Connect suction tubing, remove kinks, and set suction as ordered.
• Discard old dressing, dispose of gloves, and wash hands.