During the initial wound VAC dressing placement into a sinus tunnel. First, determine the measurement of the sinus tract. Second, cut the V.A.C.®White Foam Dressing to fit the sinus tract dimensions and an additional one to two centimeters into the wound bed. Third, gently guide the foam into the sinus tract up to the attended measurement. Insure that the foam of the sinus tunnel contacts the foam of the wound bed.
For following wound VAC dressing changes when granulation tissue is observed and drainage is reduced consider the following variation with subsequent dressing changes: After confirming the sinus tract measurement cut the V.A.C.® White Foam Dressing narrow (on what will be the distal end) and wider (on what will be the outer end). “This specific placement leaves the distal portion of the tunnel or sinus tract clear of foam and enables the distribution of higher pressures to collapse the edges together, allowing the wound to granulate together from the distal portion forward” (KCI, 2009). Follow the guidelines of the initial VAC dressing placement, continue continuous therapy at previous settings, and repeat this technique until the sinus tunnel has closed.
KCI, 2009. V.A.C. Therapy Clinical Guidelines retrieved from http://www.kci1.com/Clinical_Guidelines_VAC.pdf
Matthew Livingston R.N. C.W.S.
