Prevena VAC

[chappy34]

Hello, I am curious about the Prevena incisional VAC by KCI/Acelity. I've been doing some research regarding its effectiveness of prevention of post-surgical complications (which appears to need more studies). Does anyone have personal experience with this VAC or that can offer any information if they use this on high-risk patients at their facility?

Thank you!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

We've been using it on our diabetic patients and women with larger breasts who undergo cardiac surgery. Also using it on some of our hip patients. Purely anecdotal, but we've seen fewer diabetics with postop incision issues, whether infection or dehiscence. I'm more familiar with the cardiac patients, and I know that the dressing is to stay in place until discharge (or be replaced if inadvertently removed). Big benefit is that the surgeons can take a peek at the incision without having to replace the dressing- it can be reused (not completely removed, just lifted enough to see), so it's a cost savings there compared to the standard VAC dressings that get changed every 2-3 days.

[RNtraveler2014]

i did at a hospital that i was at previously with a wound contract i did. I am a travel nurse, so different facilities have different things. it is pretty cool, works great for particular situations that are a short term thing. pt goes home, leaves on for a certain amt days, take it off and toss it. though i do have to say it seemed so weird to throw it away.

there is another company that makes something similar, but the product was NOT designed to wick away the moisture properly causing maceration more than anything! i cannot exactly remember the medium used, but it wasnt anything as good as KCIs prevena.

[chappy34]

Thank you so much for your feedback!!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

My facility does not use the Prevena wound vacs because they are very, very expensive at $4,000 per machine. Management at my workplace feels that's too much money to spend on a one-time-only machine that is to be disposed after the patient discharges.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

My facility does not use the Prevena wound vacs because they are very, very expensive at $4,000 per machine. Management at my workplace feels that's too much money to spend on a one-time-only machine that is to be disposed after the patient discharges.

There are ways around using the Prevena's machine- the sponge alone comes with an adapter that allows for connection to a standard VAC machine that isn't disposable. That way, patients can get the benefits of the idea behind the sponge without the full cost. Still needs judgement in figuring out who actually needs it rather than all patients with such and such get it. I'd say that the cardiac surgeons I work with are pretty good at deciding who it would actually benefit vs. who will be fine with just our standard chest dressing.