Negative Pressure Incision Management System in Infrainguinal Vascular Surgery

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been used in treating postoperative SSI with encouraging results and is now an accepted element in the arsenal of tools for treating these complications. The concept of applying NPWT to closed surgical wounds as a preventive measure is relatively new but draws on the inherent properties of the method which could theoretically lead to reduced seroma formation, wound dehiscence, increased capillary circulation and consequently better wound healing and fewer SSI. Given the incidence and the consequences of SSI in infrainguinal vascular procedures any appreciable decrease in the burden of these complications could have profound benefits for patients and healthcare facilities. As to date, there are no published data from randomized controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of this prophylactic measure. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of NPWT applied to closed surgical wounds directly after skin closure compared to standard sterile gauze dressing in reducing the incidence and severity of postoperative SSI in infrainguinal surgical wounds in patients undergoing elective, open vascular surgery.