VAC vacuum assisted closure therapy (1329)

Key points below

Using an ACTIV.A.C. TM for wound care at home

What is V.A.C. ® Therapy?

V.A.C. Therapy helps a wound heal. It is a system with a soft vacuum in it. The system:

Helps close the wound.
Removes fluids from the wound.
Limits the need for daily dressing changes.

The system has five parts:

1. A therapy unit or machine.
2. Foam dressings. The dressing goes on or inside the wound.
3. Clear adhesive drape. The drape covers the dressing.
4. Plastic tubing. One end of the tubing connects to the dressing.
The other end connects to the canister that fits into the unit
5. Canister.

VAC

When the dressing is first put on, some children feel a mild pulling. This is normal. After a few minutes, this goes away.

What do I need to know about using the ACTIV.A.C. Therapy unit at home?

You are renting this machine. It must be returned after the therapy is done.
Check the dressing. Be sure the foam dressing stays shrunk down. It should look like a wrinkled raisin.
– If it does not look like a wrinkled raisin, call the clinic. If it is after hours, call the doctor on call or come to the Emergency Department.
Make sure the machine is running when the dressing is on.
– Never turn it off for more than two hours.
– Do not change the settings.

Other things to remember about the unit

It has a 14-hour battery life.
Use a three-prong electrical outlet with this unit.
Keep the unit in the carrying case at all times.
The unit should be upright with the touch screen facing up.
Do not get the unit wet.

Safety

Be careful that no one trips on the extra tubing and electrical cord.
Be careful that the tubing does not catch on anything.

System alarm

V.A.C. Therapy unit has alarms that you can see and hear. They will alert you to a potential problem. Most often, the reason for the alarm is easily fixed. For information on alerts and alarms, refer to the documents that came with your unit.
Call The KCI Product Issue Response team at 1-800-275-4524.
If KCI cannot solve the problem, call the clinic during the day time if this occurs. After hours, call the doctor on call or come to the Emergency Department.

Activity

Your child's ability to move around depends on their condition and the reason for the VAC Therapy.
See the After Visit Summary (AVS) for your child’s activity level.

What do I do with the unit when it is no longer needed?

When your doctor has decided the VAC. Therapy is no longer needed, call KCI at 1-800-275-4524 within 24 hours to start the return process.
Tell the KCI representative:
– Your child’s name and phone number.
– The date therapy ended.

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse or clinic if you or your child have any concerns or your child:

Has signs of wound infection: redness, swelling, bad-smelling drainage.
Has a temperature over 101.2° F (38° C).
Is not interested in eating or drinking or is eating or drinking very little.
Feels sick to their stomach or is throwing up.
Has pain that does not get better with medicine.
Has special health care needs not covered by this information.