What it is
Negative pressure wound therapy (often shortened to NPWT, and sometimes called a wound vac) is a treatment in which a special foam or gauze dressing is placed in or over a wound and covered with a sealed film. A tube connects the dressing to a small portable pump that creates gentle suction.
The suction may help draw fluid away from the wound, keep the area covered and protected, and support the conditions in which tissue can heal. Some systems also allow small amounts of fluid to be delivered to the wound, depending on the device and the clinician's judgment.
NPWT devices are regulated medical devices and are used under the direction of a licensed clinician. Whether it is appropriate depends on the wound's cause, location, depth and condition, and only a licensed provider can decide that after an evaluation.
How it’s traditionally been approached
NPWT has long been used by hospitals, surgical teams and wound clinics for complex wounds, such as certain surgical wounds that have opened, pressure injuries, diabetic foot ulcers, traumatic wounds and some burns or grafted areas. Not every wound is suited to it.
Traditionally, a clinician or trained nurse changes the dressing at scheduled visits, and the device may be used in a clinic, hospital or at home. Home use usually involves guidance from a care team about caring for the device, the dressing and the surrounding skin.
Other approaches to wound care include moisture-balancing dressings, compression, offloading pressure, debridement, infection management and surgical closure. These are used in many combinations, and NPWT is one option among several rather than a replacement for them.
How the right wound care specialist may help
A wound care specialist can evaluate the wound and the whole person: its cause, size, depth, circulation, nutrition, blood sugar, mobility and other health factors. This evaluation helps determine whether NPWT or another approach may be worth considering. It is a possibility, not a promise.
A visit generally includes a conversation about your history, a look at the wound and surrounding skin, and sometimes measurements, photos or tests. If NPWT is recommended, the team may explain how the device works, what dressing changes are like, and what to watch for.
Questions worth asking a licensed provider include: What is causing my wound, and how is it staged? Is NPWT an option for me, and why or why not? What other options exist? What is the expected healing time? How is the device managed at home? What does my insurance cover, and what might I need to arrange?
The whole-person view
Healing involves the whole person. Sleep, nutrition, pain, stress, and daily routines all interact with the body's ability to recover, and living with a long-term wound can bring worry, frustration or isolation. Being attached to a portable pump can also affect movement, sleep and confidence.
Some people find it helpful to add supportive resources alongside medical care. Somatic Experiences offers body-based support for stress and tension, and Therapists.plus connects people with talk therapy for the emotional side of a long recovery. Every approach has its place, and your wound care team should guide medical decisions.
Somatic Experiences: trauma and emotional healing →Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- Seek medical care promptly for signs of infection, such as spreading redness, red streaking, increasing warmth or pain, pus, foul odor, fever or chills, or if a wound is rapidly worsening.
- Call 911 or go to the ER for heavy bleeding, exposed bone or tendon, signs of sepsis, or a deep or severely contaminated wound, such as from a serious accident. In a crisis, call or text 988.
- If you already have a device and it alarms, leaks, or you notice bleeding in the tubing or canister, contact your care team right away rather than guessing what to do.
- Licensed professionals should guide all wound care decisions. This page is educational and does not diagnose or recommend treatment for any specific wound.
Not sure where to start? Answer a few gentle questions and choose who you’d like to hear from.
Frequently asked questions
What is negative pressure wound therapy?
Negative pressure wound therapy is a wound care method that uses a sealed dressing connected to a pump that applies gentle suction. It is used under a licensed clinician's direction for certain complex wounds. Whether it fits a particular wound is decided after an evaluation.
Is negative pressure wound therapy the same as a wound vac?
Yes, "wound vac" is a common nickname for negative pressure wound therapy devices. The term usually refers to the pump, tubing and dressing system. Specific devices and features differ, so ask your provider about the one being considered.
What kinds of wounds is negative pressure wound therapy used for?
It has traditionally been used for certain surgical wounds, pressure injuries, diabetic foot ulcers, traumatic wounds and some burns or grafts. It is not suitable for every wound. A licensed provider decides based on the wound's cause and condition.
Is negative pressure wound therapy painful?
Experiences vary from person to person and depend on the wound and the dressing. Some people notice discomfort during dressing changes or from the suction. Tell your care team about any pain, since they may be able to adjust the approach.
Can negative pressure wound therapy be done at home?
Often yes, with a portable pump and instructions from a care team, though this depends on the wound and the person's situation. Dressing changes are typically done by a clinician or trained nurse. Ask your provider what home use would involve.
Does insurance cover negative pressure wound therapy?
Coverage differs by payer, plan and individual circumstances, and often depends on documentation of the wound. Ask your provider's office and your insurer what is covered and what requirements apply before starting.
Educational resource. WoundKare shares general information and connects people with independent wound care specialists. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.