Guidance

2 The technology

2 The technology

Technology

2.1 VAC Veraflo Therapy system (3M+KCI) uses negative pressure wound therapy and wound instillation with topical solutions to promote wound healing. Wound instillation is a controlled process in which topical solutions are slowly introduced to the wound bed, where they remain for a defined period before being removed using negative pressure. Treatment is delivered in automated treatment cycles, allowing wounds to be repeatedly cleansed without needing to remove the dressing.

VAC Veraflo Therapy system has the following components:

  • VAC Ulta Therapy Unit – delivers VAC Veraflo therapy.

  • Exudate canister – single-patient use, disposable canister (500 ml or 1,000 ml), which collects fluid.

  • VAC Veralink Cassette – instillation cassette which connects the topical wound solution container and dressing tubing to the VAC Ulta Therapy Unit.

  • VAC Veraflo Dressing kit of clinician's choice (VAC Veraflo Dressing, VAC Veraflo Cleanse Dressing or VAC Veraflo Cleanse Choice Dressing). The VAC Veraflo Dressing kits include the appropriate dressing as well as VAC VeraTRAC Pad with tubing, VAC Advanced Drape, and 3M Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film.

  • Topical wound solution of clinician's choice indicated for topical wound treatment and compatible with VAC Veraflo Dressings and disposable components (most commonly saline; other examples include Dakin's solution and Prontosan).

    VAC Veraflo Therapy system received a CE mark in March 2017 as a class IIb medical device. Each component part of the system, including sterile foam dressing kits, tube sets, and electrically powered accessories, are also individually CE marked.

Innovative aspects

2.2 VAC Veraflo Therapy system differs from other negative pressure wound therapies because it is designed to apply and remove a cleansing solution, as well as giving automated cycles of negative pressure wound therapy. The technology allows for repeated cleansing without needing to remove the dressing.

Intended use

2.3 VAC Veraflo Therapy system is intended to be used to treat acute infected or chronic wounds that do not respond to standard care and need additional therapy to promote healing and wound closure. Clinical scenarios that result in acutely infected or chronic non-healing wounds include surgical site infections, diabetic foot ulcers, and pressure ulcers, which NICE has published recommendations and advice for.

2.4 The technology is used by healthcare professionals, such as surgeons, podiatrists, and tissue viability nurses, in hospital. Healthcare staff using the technology will need training, which is provided by the company.

Costs

2.5 The costs for VAC Veraflo Therapy system (excluding VAT) include:

  • VAC Veralink canister (average cost for 500 ml and 1,000 ml cannisters £34.06)

  • VAC Veralink Cassette (£19.37)

  • VAC Veraflo Dressings (average dressing cost £84.36)

  • rental of the VAC Ulta Therapy Unit (£16 per day).

    It is assumed that consumables are changed 3 times a week.

    For more details, see the website for VAC Veraflo Therapy system.