What are the consequences of applying negative pressure wound therapy to an actively bleeding wound?
When managing actively bleeding wounds, the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) may pose some adverse consequences. While this treatment method has unique advantages in promoting healing, improper operation may lead to infection, impair wound healing, and even cause necrosis of local tissues. These issues require sufficient attention to ensure patient safety and successful wound healing.
1.
When applying NPWT to actively bleeding wounds, if disinfection measures are not strict enough, bacteria may invade the wound and cause infection. In such cases, patients usually need to use antibiotics under medical guidance to control the infection, such as amoxicillin or cefixime. This is akin to ensuring the cleanliness of tools when fixing a broken water pipe, otherwise, the water source may be contaminated.
2.
The success of NPWT depends on precise pressure control. Excessive pressure may compress local tissues, affect blood circulation, and thereby hinder wound healing. Patients need to regularly check the negative pressure value to ensure moderate pressure. This is similar to watering plants with an appropriate amount of water, as too much or too little can affect plant growth.
3.
The duration of NPWT also needs careful control. Prolonged use may result in necrosis of local tissues due to prolonged ischemia. At this point, patients should immediately stop the treatment and use blood circulation-promoting and trauma-healing medications under medical advice, such as Shujin Huoxue Pian or Sanqi Shangyao Pian, to promote blood circulation and tissue repair. This is like a stone that doesn't move for a long time; the grass underneath may wither due to a lack of sunlight.
When using NPWT to manage actively bleeding wounds, medical operation norms must be strictly followed. Both patients and healthcare providers should pay close attention to details during the treatment process to minimize risks and promote successful wound healing. If you or your loved ones are undergoing this treatment, it is crucial to maintain communication with your doctor to ensure every step is taken within a safe range.
