Abstract
In 2010, Negative pressure wound therapy began to be covered under the Japanese National Health Insurance, resulting in significant progress for limb salvage. Negative pressure exerts mechanical stress on the wound for its therapeutic effect and differs from conventional wound therapy. Macrodeformation and microdeformation occur due to mechanical stimulation. Macrodeformation draws together the edges of the wound and removes exudate and infectious materials. Removal of exudate changes the interstitial-fluid pressure gradient, reduces edema, and increases blood flow. Microdeformation causes the cell shape to change, resulting in signal transmission to the nucleus and gene transcription. Consequently, cell proliferation and differentiation occur. Furthermore, metabolism increases, growth factor and cytokine expression changes, granulation tissue formation is promoted, blood flow increases, and wound healing is promoted. It is important to use this procedure with a thorough understanding of its indications and contraindications in order to optimize its features.
