What is a VAC (Vacuum Assisted Closure) machine?

This therapy improves healing by:

• Stimulating new tissue and skin to grow
• Pulling off germs from the wound
• Pulling off excess fluid from the wound

VAC therapy is a system that uses controlled negative pressure (mild suction) to help heal a wound. Patients using the VAC at Penrose St. Francis Health Care System have had their wounds healed very quickly. The VAC machine is so small that it can be worn as a fanny pack or carried like a briefcase or purse.

The VAC machine has four parts:

• Computer controlled unit
• Cannister that connects to the unit to collect fluid
• Tubing that connects the unit to the dressing
• Foam that connects to the tubing.

Dressing changes - are done three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.