What Is a Wound Vac?

A wound vac is a medical device that uses controlled suction to help manage certain types of wounds. The medical term is negative pressure wound therapy, often shortened to NPWT.

In simple terms, a wound vac helps remove drainage from the wound area through a sealed dressing system. When used properly and prescribed by the treating clinician, it can help create a wound environment that supports healing.

How a Wound Vac Works

A typical wound vac setup includes a dressing placed in or over the wound, a clear adhesive drape that seals the area, tubing that connects the dressing to the device, and a canister that collects wound fluid.

What Does a Wound Vac Do?

Wound vac therapy is commonly used to help manage drainage, reduce excess fluid, protect the wound environment, and support the development of healthy granulation tissue when appropriate.

• Helps remove excess wound drainage
• Helps manage swelling around the wound
• Creates a sealed wound environment
• Can support healthy granulation tissue formation
• May be used with surgical, traumatic, or complex wounds

What Types of Wounds Use a Wound Vac?

Wound vac therapy may be used in many different clinical situations. The treating physician, surgeon, veterinarian, or wound care provider determines whether it is appropriate.

• Surgical wounds
• Traumatic wounds
• Pressure injuries
• Diabetic foot wounds
• Skin grafts and flaps
• Veterinary wounds
• Complex wounds with drainage or dead space

Does Every Wound Need a Wound Vac?

No. A wound vac is not appropriate for every wound, and it should be used only when ordered by the treating clinician. The wound type, amount of drainage, location, patient condition, infection status, blood supply, and treatment goals all matter.

The Biggest Misconception

One of the biggest misconceptions is that a wound vac automatically heals the wound. It does not.

A wound vac is a tool. Like any tool, the result depends on how it is used. Dressing construction, skin preparation, maintaining a seal, selecting the right accessories, and troubleshooting alarms all matter.

The device matters. The method matters more.

Why Experience Matters

Since 2009, The Wound Vac Company has focused exclusively on wound vac therapy. We rent and sell wound vac systems, provide supplies, and help clinicians, facilities, veterinarians, and private-pay patients get the equipment and support they need.

Sometimes the hardest part is not understanding what a wound vac is. It is making sure the therapy works properly once the device arrives.

The Wound Vac Company
We do negative pressure — and we do it right.