Wound VAC in NICU?

Specialties NICU

Published

Specializes in PICU, ICU, Transplant, Trauma, Surgical.

Has anyone seen wound VACs used in the NICU?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

yes, once. It was on a baby with a large IV infiltrate wound

We use them - I've seena couple on babies after a gastroschisis closure attempt.

Specializes in NICU.

Yup-Gastroschisis and a baby who developed compartment syndrome post-op. We use them more than I thought we would.

Specializes in NICU.

I've seen them used post abdominal surgery (like a perf) and the baby gets too swollen to be closed up, or after the wound dehisses.

We had a baby with a very large abdominal wall defect (presumed ruptured oomphalocele). They did a skin graft over the site and used the wound vac. It worked really well, but she unfortuantely still caught an infection and died...

Specializes in NICU, CVICU.

We recently had one on a kiddo that had a very bad infection around his umbilical cord. It spread to his entire abdomen and he ended up as sick as could be. Last time I saw him, he was PO feeding and almost closed.

Specializes in Nurse Scientist-Research.

Bad oomphalacele. Last I heard, the infant was doing well but not home yet.

Specializes in NICU, PICU, educator.

We've use them on abd incisions from dehis or defects, and it worked great!

Specializes in PICU, ICU, Transplant, Trauma, Surgical.

Thanks all for your replies :) I was curious - took care of a kiddo with a really bad burn from an IV infiltration. Went in for debridement and I pondered whether he would get a wound vac as it was such a horrible wound. I will have to see when I work on Thurs. Poor kiddo IV infiltrations make me sick because the really bad ones can be prevented! :(

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