wound vac

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What is the major difference between a wound vac and a hemovac. Dont they kind of operate with the same system, and can they be used interchaneably.

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Specializes in PACU, PICU, ICU, Peds, Education.

No. In our institution hemovacs are use postoperatively to help control/monitor bleeding from the surgical site. Officially I think they are called "closed wound suction devices." Another type we use is the JP drain. Both of these drains are similar. Also called "pancake" or "grenade" drains respectively.

This site may help explain hemovacs.

Wound vacs are used with wound healing. They are wonderful! A barrier dressing is placed over a special sponge. Suction is applied to keep the wound dry.

Hope this helps.

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Charity has it...

I see hemovacs as more of an assisted drainage device. It is (at least in our hospital) not electrically powered and is usually connected to the body via a small drainage tube that enters the skin.

Wound vacs are connected to an actual powered vaccuum. Usually, they cycle through periods of strong suction and weak suction to promote wound closure through layers of cells. As time progresses the sponge will be replaced with a smaller one, then another smaller one etc until the wound is small enough to be packed or left to heal on its own.

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