Reverse aqua pump vacuum-assisted closure alternative and affordable solution for emerging cost in wound therapy: A case series
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Soft tissue defects managed with conventional wound therapies are often inadequate. Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC) has proven to be an effective method for discharge removal, edema reduction, perfusion enhancement, and granulation tissue stimulation. This study assesses the novel Reverse Aqua Pump Vacuum-Assisted Closure (RAP-VAC), a low-cost innovation option in a developing country, designed to facilitate successful wound healing while mitigating financial limitations. This case series was reported at a tertiary referral hospital in Indonesia, involving 13 patients with soft tissue defects utilizing RAP-VAC. The average wound size diminished by 9.8 %, from 50.19 ± 36.96 cm 2 on day 0 to 45.25 ± 36.43 cm 2 at the endpoint measurement. The mean granulation rate was 92.13 %, and the average wound bed preparation duration was 20.92 ± 2.69 days. The whole expenditure for care expenses to IDR 2,376,923 per patient. The linear mixed model analysis significantly associated with intercept estimate of 50.19 ( p = 0.001) with 0.32 reduction per day in the outcome ( p = 0.010). NPWT accelerates wound shrinkage, resulting from the consistent negative pressure. The mechanical motion facilitates cell migration, hence expediting wound closure. The cost-effectiveness of NPWT has been established, diminishing the necessity for expensive therapies. A study reported using an aqua pump-based VAC, but without detailing the mechanism. In contrast, our device reverses the fan direction for improved suction. We employed the IMITO app measurement for objective evaluation. The RAP-VAC system, characterized by low costs, may provide substantial financial benefits while maintaining therapeutic outcomes in developing countries, as a viable choice for wound management in both hospital and community care environments. The findings indicate that RAP-VAC is efficacious in facilitating wound healing and serves as a cost-effective alternative to expensive VAC systems. • Innovative reverse aqua pump mechanism reported in case series of reliable outcome of a modification from the traditional VAC system using a reverse aqua pump, offering a cost-effective and efficient alternative for wound management in developing country. • Effective reduction in wound size clinical results demonstrate significant reduction in wound size, validating the reverse aqua pump as a practical innovation for promoting wound contraction and closure. • The reverse aqua pump mechanism facilitated robust granulation tissue formation, indicating its capacity to stimulate a favorable wound healing environment comparable to conventional VAC system. • Cost-efficiency without compromising outcomes by utilizing simplified technology, this approach markedly reduces treatment costs while maintaining effectiveness, making it accessible for broader clinical application. • This case series provides real-world evidence supporting the reverse aqua pump VAC as a sustainable solution for managing complex wounds, particularly in healthcare systems with limited infrastructure or funding.
Authors: Meirizal, Rahadyan Magetsari, Mohammad Rizal Chaidir, Sumadi Lukman Anwar, Agung Susilo Lo, I. Made Dolly
Language: English
Topic: Wound Healing and Treatments
Subfield: Rehabilitation
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,090
OpenAlex ID: W4414478492