Zinc-coated Foam With Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in the Treatment of Challenging Wounds: A New Alternative Interface Material

Objective. The aim of the study was to present the authors' clinical observations on zinc-coated foam with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). MaterialS and Methods. Ninety-four consecutive patients treated with zinc-coated foam with VAC therapy were retrospectively reviewed. Nonhealing wounds of at least 6 months duration with high to moderate exudate that required open wound management to secondary intervention were included in this study. The evaluation criteria consisted of the measurement of wound surface area, length Of overall treatment time, and a clinical observation of granulation tissue formation in the wound bed. Results. In all wounds, there was a significant decrease of the wound surface area, and wound exudate was obtained at the end Of the treatment. There was a statistically significant difference between pretreatment and posttreatment measurements (P < 0.05). In all wounds, granulation tissue formation was clinically observed by day 6. Of the 94 wounds, 72 were surgically closed and 22 healed secondarily. The follow-up period averaged 12 months, and it was uneventful with no sign of complications from the use of the material. Conclusion. The results of the retrospective study demonstrate zinc-coatedfoam with NPWT can be safely used as an effective and alternative interface material in the treatment of challenging wounds.