Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT/VAC therapy) accelerates wound healing through which primary mechanism?

• A Mechanical microdeformation promoting cell proliferation and angiogenesis, plus fluid removal reducing oedema ✓
• B Increasing local tissue oxygen partial pressure through hyperbaric effect
• C Antibiotic impregnation of the foam reducing bacterial counts
• D Formation of an eschar that prevents exudate loss

Explanation

NPWT (vacuum-assisted closure) works via two principal mechanisms: (1) macro-deformation — drawing wound edges together reducing wound volume; and (2) micro-deformation — mechanical stimulation of cells at the foam-wound interface promoting proliferation, angiogenesis, and granulation tissue formation through mechanotransduction pathways (integrins, RhoA/ROCK). It also removes excess exudate and oedema fluid, reducing interstitial pressure and improving local perfusion. It does not deliver antibiotics or increase tissue oxygen tension directly.

Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.