ΝEGATIVE PRESSURE TREATMENT DEVICES FOR WOUND HEALING

Introduction: Diabetic foot pressure ulcers are one of the most severe diabetes-related complications for patients with Diabetes Mellitus. The use of negative pressure methods for their treating process is progressively increasing amongst healthcare practitioners. The aim of this study was to review the literature on the mechanisms of action, the effectiveness and the existance of clinical protocols that include the use of negative pressure treatment devices. Methodology: The methodology followed included searching for research data published in the period of the past five years, which was collected through electronic databases, PubMed and Cochrane Library. Results: The literature review showed that negative pressure treatment devices affect the blood flow, the moisture, the intergity of the diabetic foot ulcer whilst, when the settings are adjusted to each patients needs, they contribute to the reduction of the inflammatory response. The application of negative pressure wound treatment presupposes some clinical factors and is not always indicated. Furthermore, they are considered as adjuvant therapy and their superiority over other methods is ambiguous. Conclusions: Negative Pressure Wound treatment devices can have a beneficial effect on the management of diabetic foot ulcers, but further systematic investigation is needed so that more accurate data is produced