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Use of a home vacuum-assisted closure device in the burn population is both cost-effective and efficacious.

Authors :
Mushin OP
Bogue JT
Esquenazi MD
Toscano N
Bell DE
Source :
Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries [Burns] 2017 May; Vol. 43 (3), pp. 490-494. Date of Electronic Publication: 2017 Feb 28.
Publication Year :
2017

Abstract

Introduction: The vacuum assisted closure device (VAC) improves wound-healing when utilized as a bolster to secure split thickness skin grafts (STSG). Patients typically remain hospitalized for VAC therapy; however, home VACs (hVAC) are now available. Limited studies examine burns treated with hVAC as a STSG bolster.<br />Method: A retrospective study of records from an ABA verified regional burn center was conducted over 23 months. Patients included STSGs for burn. Data points included demographics, burn mechanism and location, graft characteristics, hospital length of stay (LOS), and time to heal.<br />Results and Discussion: Fifty patients were included, with average age of 39 years (range <1-83years). Average burn TBSA was 1.27±1.42 (range 0.05-8.18). Grafted area average was 102.9±128.1cm <superscript>2</superscript> . The most commonly treated areas were the leg/foot, thigh, and torso (53%, 16%, and 16%, respectively). Average LOS was 1.1±1.2 days. Mean graft-take was 99.2±2.8% with one patient undergoing repeat STSG. Average post-operative time to heal was 16±6 days. A 5-day inpatient stay with a VAC costs an average of $34,635, compared to $9134 for an hVAC over the same period.<br />Conclusions: The hVAC is a cost-effective STSG bolster in the burn population for appropriate candidates. Excellent graft-take and low morbidity rates imply that this is an efficacious alternative for STSG bolster.<br /> (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1879-1409
Volume :
43
Issue :
3
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
28256293
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burns.2016.08.038