Abstract
Although topical negative pressure wound therapy (V.A.C.® therapy) is a very effective method for wound healing, it cannot be used for infected wounds and only a 4-week treatment period is covered by Japanese health insurance. We developed the so-called IW-CONPIT (Intra-Wound Continuous Negative Pressure and Irrigation Treatment; IW-CONPIT) method for wounds in 2004, which simultaneously implements topical negative pressure wound therapy and sustained irrigation. Regional perfusion treatment including IW-CONPIT is covered by national health insurance (J040-2) as an effective treatment for periostitis or osteomyelitis.
Four cases of infected chronic ulcers have been treated by the two sequential treatments, IW-CONPIT followed by V.A.C.® therapy. This combination resolved the problems associated with V.A.C.® therapy. This combined treatment method also represents a solution to profit-related problems in hospitals, such as health insurance claims or long-term hospitalization.
