The Need

Literature shows that Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) combined with fluid instillation can improve abdominal trauma patient outcomes. Current standards of practice are inefficient, involving assembly and off-label use of at least 8 medical products. This is further complicated by varied protocols and training across healthcare teams, leading to uncertainty and hesitation in a setting where time and confidence are critical. An unpublished survey of over 260 active surgeons has validated the need and desire for a combined NPWT/installation device. A solution is needed to make this therapy more efficient, efficacious, and widely adoptable.

The Technology

Informed by collaboration with multiple health systems and trauma surgeons, OSU engineers have developed a solution that supports a more standardized approach to care. This technology integrates the functions of NPWT and instillation into a singular, closed system with the aim of decreasing set-up time in the OR and increasing the efficacy of the therapy. This device streamlines the current process to be performed with less required components and minimal procedural variation.

Commercial Applications

• Surgery and Emergency Medicine
• Research Facilities (Universities)
• Government

Benefits/Advantages

• Application Efficiency: Decrease set-up times in OR and ICU settings
• Therapy Efficacy: Improve end organ perfusion, decrease fascial time-to-closure, shorten patient ICU stays
• Process Standardization: Clear and streamlined therapy components for consistent application across health systems and teams