Problems with VAC dsg/KCI

[mackrn]

Was wondering if anyone out there had an alternative to the VAC sponge for negative pressure wound care? We have had nothing but troouble with KCI and there money hungry administration in the last year and would like to tell them where to put there machines if it wasn't for the wound sponge. To date have found nothing that comes close to it. We have been experimenting with the Blue Sky machine as well as just putting the patient on wall suction with pretty fair results, but still need the sponge. Any suggestions?

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

attended a wound care inservice today re wound vac and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. asked cwon re other suppliers experience: wound healing was not as fast with other suppliers like blue sky nor had as good clinical outcomes. that's same experience other rn's have stated on the bb.

re kci sponges: learned they have several sizes and now 3 types:

a. regular black sponge varying size

b. silver impregnated

c. white thiner used for extremely sensative skin and close to major blood vessels

see: all v.a.c.® dressings for descriptions

[woundcareRN]

The KCI Vac works because of its foam. The other devices I have tried are useless.

[woundcareRN]

Im A Tx Nurse At A Nursing Home..we Have Used The Kci And Blue Sky Wound Vacs....the Blue Sky Is The Best In My Opinion..they Worked Wonders On The Wounds.......

You must not see many wounds! The Blue Sky Neg Pressure Device is garbage, and the KCI Vac is the only device out there proven to help promote wound healing. Also KCI is the only company out there the employes RN's to do education.

[colter517]

a wound vac (generic term)

Actually, wound vac is registered with KCI. Blue Sky and other competitors are not supposed to say they are a wound vac.