Vacuum-assisted closure that accelerates healing for complex wounds. NPWT promotes granulation tissue growth, reduces edema, and removes excess fluid—covered by Medicare Part B for qualifying wounds.
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT), also called vacuum-assisted closure (VAC therapy), uses controlled suction to promote wound healing. A specialized foam dressing is placed into the wound, covered with an air tight seal, and connected to a portable vacuum pump that applies continuous or intermittent negative pressure.
The negative pressure draws fluid out of the wound, pulls wound edges together, stimulates blood flow, and promotes the formation of granulation tissue (new tissue that fills in the wound). NPWT transforms how complex wounds heal—turning wounds that might take months to close into wounds that heal in weeks.
The vacuum continuously removes exudate (wound drainage), infectious material, and edema fluid. This keeps the wound environment optimal for healing and prevents fluid accumulation that can delay closure.
The suction physically pulls wound edges inward (macro-deformation), reducing wound size faster than natural contraction alone. This can reduce the size needed for skin grafts or make grafting unnecessary.
Negative pressure triggers cellular responses that promote granulation tissue formation. The mechanical stress stimulates cell division and new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis), filling the wound from the bottom up.
The negative pressure increases perfusion (blood flow) to the wound area by up to 400%. Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients reach the healing tissue, accelerating recovery.
Studies show NPWT reduces time to wound closure by 40-60% compared to standard care, decreases infection rates, and significantly improves outcomes for diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and post-surgical wounds.
"After my below-knee amputation due to complications from diabetes, the wound site wouldn't heal. It kept breaking open and getting infected, which meant I couldn't be fitted for a prosthetic. I was stuck in a wheelchair for months, feeling hopeless about ever walking again."
"My physical therapist recommended Healix360. They used stem cell therapy and specialized wound care techniques. The specialist visited me at home twice a week to monitor my progress and adjust the treatment. Within 4 weeks, I could see real improvement for the first time. The infection cleared and the tissue started looking healthy."
"The healing process took about 11 weeks total, but it worked! The site is now fully healed, stable, and I'm being fitted for my prosthetic next month. I'll be walking again soon, and it's all thanks to this team. They gave me hope when I had none left."
Post-surgical incisions that have opened up or failed to heal properly. NPWT can close these wounds without requiring another surgery, promoting healing from within.
Typical timeline: 4-8 weeks of NPWT therapy for surgical wound closure.
Deep diabetic ulcers with exposed tendon or bone, post-amputation wounds, or ulcers that haven't responded to standard treatment. NPWT reduces amputation risk and accelerates closure.
Success rate: Up to 75% wound closure rate within 12 weeks for diabetic foot ulcers.
Severe lacerations, crush injuries, or burn wounds with significant tissue loss. NPWT prepares the wound bed for skin grafting or promotes healing without grafts in some cases.
Benefit: Reduces wound size by 15-50% before grafting, improving graft success rates.
Foam dressing cut to wound size, placed inside wound, sealed with adhesive film, and connected to pump. Takes 30-45 minutes. You'll hear/feel gentle suction.
Wear device 24/7 for 4-8 weeks. Dressing changed 2-3 times per week by wound care nurse. Portable pump allows mobility during treatment.
Once wound bed is healthy with granulation tissue, NPWT is stopped. Transition to standard dressings or skin grafting if needed for final closure.
Medicare Part B covers NPWT as durable medical equipment (DME) rental for qualifying wounds. Coverage includes the pump, dressings, canisters, and tubing. You pay 20% coinsurance after your Part B deductible, and Medicare pays 80%.
Prior authorization from Medicare needed before starting NPWT. We handle this process.
Typically approved for 4-8 weeks initially, with extensions if medically necessary.
Most patients report minimal discomfort. You may feel a gentle pulling sensation when the pump is on, which is usually described as pressure rather than pain. The initial foam placement and dressing changes can be uncomfortable, but providers use pain medication or local anesthetic when needed. Many patients quickly adapt and are able to sleep normally while using the device.
This depends on the type of NPWT device. Traditional wound VAC systems must be disconnected for showering, limiting showers to short periods (usually 30 minutes or less) once or twice daily. Some newer portable systems have waterproof options. Your wound care team will provide specific instructions for your device. Never submerge the wound or pump in water.
Treatment duration varies depending on wound type and severity. Most patients require NPWT for 4–8 weeks, with dressing changes every 2–3 days. More complex wounds may require 12 weeks or longer. Your provider monitors healing progress weekly and will discontinue NPWT once the wound has adequate granulation tissue for closure with standard dressings or skin grafting.
If the seal breaks and air enters the system, the pump will alarm continuously. Try pressing down on the adhesive film edges to reseal the dressing. If the leak persists, turn off the pump and contact your wound care team immediately. A broken seal lasting more than two hours can reduce treatment effectiveness. Keep the pump plugged in to prevent battery drainage from constant alarms.
Yes, NPWT pumps are portable and typically about the size of a small purse. They run on batteries for several hours, allowing you to drive, fly, and travel safely. For air travel, carry a doctor’s note explaining the medical device. Bring extra batteries and supplies, and plan travel around dressing change schedules or arrange wound care services at your destination for longer trips.
Medicare Part B covers 80% of the approved cost for NPWT after you meet your annual deductible ($240 in 2024). You are responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance. Monthly rental costs typically range from $500–$800, making your share approximately $100–$160 per month. If you have a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan, it often covers the 20% coinsurance, resulting in no out-of-pocket cost. Healix360 verifies your exact coverage before treatment begins.
Our wound care specialists can evaluate your wound and determine if negative pressure therapy is appropriate. We handle all Medicare authorization and provide complete mobile NPWT management.
Healix360 Advanced mobile wound care specialists connecting patients with regenerative healing solutions. Medicare Part B accepted.
6618 San Fernando Rd Glendale Ca 91201
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