Vacuum-assisted closure device (or Negative pressure wound therapy system) (VAC (or NPWT))

A mechanical vacuum wound drainage system, best known as a **vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) device** or **negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) system**, is a medical device that uses sub-atmospheric pressure (negative pressure) applied via a sealed dressing system to a wound site. The system comprises: - A foam or gauze dressing placed on the wound. - An adhesive film to create an airtight seal. - A vacuum pump that applies controlled negative pressure, typically between 50–125 mmHg[4][6]. - Drainage tubing and a fluid collection canister. Mechanistically, this therapy: - Removes excess fluids (edema), reducing swelling and risk of infection[1][2][5][6]. - Promotes macrodeformation (wound contraction), pulling wound edges together. - Stabilizes the wound environment, maintaining moisture and preventing outside contamination[1][5][6]. - Induces microdeformation at the cellular level, enhancing proliferation, angiogenesis, and granulation tissue formation through mechanical stimulation[1][6]. The overall therapeutic goal is to *speed wound healing*, reduce infection risk, and minimize the need for frequent dressing changes[1][2][5][6]. Frequent clinical indications include management of chronic wounds, ulcers, surgical wounds, and traumatic injuries. Summary of why this is incorrect as a "target": “Mechanical vacuum wound drainage” is not a molecule, receptor, or canonical drug target, but rather a medical device/intervention system. It does not fit the standard taxonomies or classifications for molecular or pharmacologic targets, and there is no direct interaction with drugs, endogenous biomolecules, or biomarkers as would be required for classic target annotation[1][2][3][4][5][6].

Other names

Wound VACNegative pressure wound therapyNPWTVacuum-assisted closure systemVAC therapy