An estimated one in 20 patients develops infections following surgery, which occur when bacteria enters the body through a surgical incision. Many others suffer from chronic skin ulcers as a result of diabetes or other disorders.
The new vacuum machine works by drawing blood into the area, which increases the supply of healing cells. This not only helps prevent infection and boosts healing, but also stops wounds from re-opening, a common complication after surgery, say the scientists.
The gadget, called a PICO machine, consists of a large disposable dressing connected via a plastic tube to a battery device -- the battery is about the size of a mobile phone, the 'Daily Mail' reported.
The dressing, which has rubber edges, creates a seal over the wound. The battery pack is then turned on, creating suction over the area. This has the effect of drawing out fluid and pus from wound while at the same time encouraging blood supply to the area, stimulating body to repair itself.
A randomised control trial of 263 patients, published in the 'Journal of Orthopeadic Trauma', found those receiving negative pressure therapy had about half the infection and wound reopening rates of patients given standard treatment.
However, until now, patients undergoing this treatment generally had to be in hospital because it required a large pump, plus a canister to hold the extracted fluid, say the scientists. PTI MOT
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