Lee C. Rogers, DPM

KCI recently released the VAC Via which is a single use device to apply negative pressure wound therapy in combination with their Granufoam dressing.  VAC Via is a light weight device that can be clipped to the belt or hung around the neck with a lanyard.  It has a 250 mL canister.  The utility is simple.  There are push buttons that toggle on/off or between several key VAC features like intermittent or continuous therapy, and -75 mmHg or -125 mmHg (see Figure 1).  It contains a revolutionary light silent pump.  The life of the device is 7 days once switched on.  There are 7 green lights around the power button that correspond to the life remaining.

Figure 1: Click the image for a larger view.

• Wound sizes small to medium
• No more than mild to moderate exudate
• Wounds where VAC therapy is expected to be 7 days or less

In our practice, wounds that fit these criteria are split thickness skin grafts (bolster), high-risk incisions, and wound bed preparation for grafting.  An additional consideration would be cases where an inpatient’s discharge is being held by coordination of VAC therapy by home care or skilled nursing facility.  Beginning a VAC Via in that setting can speed discharge or transfer from the hospital while other arrangements are made for longer-term VAC use.

Case Illustration

A 55-year-old male with type 2 diabetes and a wound on the lateral foot underwent wound bed preparation and split thickness skin grafting in the operating room.  The graft was stapled to the wound margins (Figure 2) and covered with a non-adherent dressing.  The periulcerative margins were treated with a skin prep.  VAC Via was applied as a bolster dressing and set to -125 mmHg continuous negative pressure (Figure 3).  The VAC Via was left in place for 5 days, removed, and discarded.  The graft site was then dressed with a non-adherent foam until the interstices healed.

Figure 2: Click the image for a larger view.		Figure 3 Click the image for a larger view.

Lee C. Rogers, DPM
Director of the Amputation Prevention Center
Valley Presbyterian Hospital
Los Angeles, CA

DESCRIPTION KCI offers a wide range of clinically proven, economically beneficial wound healing therapies and technologies designed to deliver positive outcomes for patients and healthcare professionals. Negative Pressure Technology Platform Therapeutic Support Systems LifeCell Corporation

To learn more about ACI Medical and its products and services, visit www.kci1.com or call toll free at 1-800-275-4524.