Abstract
The V.A.C. ATS system was listed in the National Health Insurance in Japan in 2010. In this system, direct application of foam to the periwound skin causes skin damage such as erosion, blisters and subcutaneous hemorrhage. The cost of wound-dressing materials used for the prevention of such damage is not covered by insurance. Here, we examine the efficacy of skin protection and compare the cost of wound-dressing materials (hydrocolloid dressing and silicone foam) , protective ointment and specific low-irritative surgical tape. In the V.A.C. ATS system, periwound skin was well protected with hydrocolloid dressing and surgical tape, whereas other materials showed poor efficacy. A comparison of hydrocolloid dressing and surgical tape revealed that the latter was less than 1/30 the cost of the former. In conclusion, low-irritative surgical tape is conducive for periwound skin protection with V.A.C. ATS therapy.
