What am I getting?

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) is a system that applies negative pressure to wounds, this process accelerates healing and reduces chances of infection. Antimicrobial gauze is placed into the wound, then the site is sealed with an adhesive transparent membrane, negative pressure is then applied to the wound for 22-24 hours daily. The vacuum draws fluid away from the wound thereby decreasing tissue edema, it also improves local circulation and removes the debris from the wound surface.

Why?

Managing and treating complex wounds has always been difficult, in some instances if not treated promptly and properly these wounds can cause the loss of life or limb.  Vacuum therapy is prescribed for a variety of chronic and acute wound types, such as pressure ulcers, diabetic wounds, abdominal wounds, partial-thickness burns, trauma wounds, flaps and grafts. This type of therapy is used on all types of wounds and works by means of a controlled negative pressure. The mechanism allows any excess wound fluid to be drawn away from the wound bed. This promotes faster healing and prevents infection from bacteria.

In essence the system is truly simple, the vacuum  pulls fluids away from the wound allowing more blood to circulate, and in the same process helps in removing waste products in the wound.  NPWT also helps shorten healing time. Mechanically deforming cells has been known to hasten the cell regeneration process. When the vacuum pulls the fluid away from the wound the air is sucked out of the gauze causing it to collapse inwards drawing the edges of the wound in with it. This action deforms cells in the wound area, studies showed that this aids in faster healing.

How long do I need it?

Treatment may be terminated when the physician judges that adequate wound healing has occurred, or in their judgment the patient is not responding to the therapy. Typical treatment can last from two weeks to four months. 

Who’s paying for it?

NPWT is covered by most insurance companies including Medicare and Medi-Cal for patients who meet the medical requirements.
At Diamond we accept insurance from many of the leading health plans. Once an order is received from your physician our insurance department will verify coverage and contact you. Some insurance plans have deductibles and / or co-payments that will be paid by the patient. Finally, we accept most major credit cards should insurance coverage not be available for the particular item you require.

Who do I call for questions, maintenance and issues?

Should you have any questions or concerns our staff is available to you 24 hours a day. Please call us at (800) 977-3002