A 55-year-old diabetic man has a chronic non-healing wound on the plantar surface of the foot. Wound care has failed. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT/VAC) is initiated. What is the PRIMARY mechanism by which NPWT promotes wound healing?
- A Mechanical cell deformation stimulating proliferation, increasing local blood flow, and removing wound exudate ✓
- B Direct antibiotic delivery to the wound bed
- C Hyperoxygenation of the wound environment
- D Promoting primary wound closure by suture approximation
Correct answer: A. Mechanical cell deformation stimulating proliferation, increasing local blood flow, and removing wound exudate
Explanation
NPWT (Vacuum-Assisted Closure) works through several mechanisms: mechanical deformation of cells stimulates mitosis and angiogenesis; removal of excess wound exudate reduces oedema and bacterial load; improved local microvascular flow enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery; and macrodeformation brings wound edges closer. It does not deliver antibiotics or cause hyperoxygenation. It is particularly useful for chronic wounds, skin graft fixation, and open abdomens.
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.