Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT)

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), also referred to as subatmospheric pressure wound therapy or vacuum-assisted wound therapy, is used in the treatment of slow or nonhealing wounds. NPWT involves the application of subatmospheric pressure to the open wound with the goal of creating a controlled, closed wound amenable to surgical closure, grafting, or healing by secondary intention. NPWT is thought to promote wound healing by providing a warm, moist wound bed while removing wound fluid.

Status: Decision completed

Why is NPWT being reviewed?

Concerns are considered medium for safety, medium/high for efficacy, and medium for cost-effectiveness.

Primary criteria ranking

  • Safety = Medium
  • Efficacy = Medium/ High
  • Cost = Medium

Documentation

Assessment Timeline

  • Draft key questions published: May 2, 2016
    • Public comment period: May 3, to 17, 2016
  • Final key questions published: May 27, 2016
  • Draft report published: Aug 18, 2016
    • Public comment period: August 19, to September 19, 2016
  • Final report published: October 14, 2016
  • HTCC public meeting: November 18, 2016