Vacuum-assisted wound closure therapy (V.A.C (R))

Costa V, Brophy J, McGregor M
Record ID 32005001148
English
Authors' objectives:

The aim of this report is to evaluate the effectiveness of vacuum-assisted wound closure therapy (V.A.C (R)) to help in healing extensive and chronic wounds.

Authors' results and conclusions: Five technology assessment reports and one systematic review on V.A.C. (R) therapy have consistently concluded that there is insufficient evidence to justify recommending routine use of V.A.C. (R) therapy. After performing a systematic review of the most recent literature and reviewing the earlier original studies, the TAU Committee concurs with the conclusions of these previous publications.
Authors' recommendations: Recommendation 1. No additional V.A.C. (R) pumps should be purchased or rented until clear evidence of efficacy becomes available. Recommendation 2. In view of the conviction of users of V.A.C. (R) therapy at the MUHC that this therapy is effective, the recent purchase of V.A.C. (R) equipment by the institution, and the absence of compelling published evidence of efficacy of V.A.C. (R), the MUHC should urgently consider undertaking studies designed to establish the value of this treatment in the different clinical situations in which it is employed.
Authors' methods: Systematic review
Details
Project Status: Completed
Year Published: 2005
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: Canada
MeSH Terms
  • Costs and Cost Analysis
  • Vacuum
  • Wound Healing
  • Wounds and Injuries
Contact
Organisation Name: Technology Assessment Unit of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC)
Contact Address: Technology Assessment Unit of the MUHC, Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 5252 boul. de Maisonneuve, Bureau 3F.50, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3S5
Contact Name: nandini.dendukuri@mcgill.ca
Contact Email: nandini.dendukuri@mcgill.ca
Copyright: Technology Assessment Unit of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.