Using Negative Pressure Therapy to Treat Severe Subcutaneous Emphysema
Author Information
Author(s): Sciortino Christopher M. MD, PhD, Mundinger Gerhard S. MD, Kuwayama David P. MD, Yang Stephen C. MD, Sussman Marc S. MD
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
Hypothesis
Can negative pressure wound therapy effectively treat severe subcutaneous emphysema?
Conclusion
Negative pressure wound therapy is a novel and effective method for rapidly controlling severe subcutaneous emphysema and persistent air leaks.
Supporting Evidence
- The level of subcutaneous emphysema decreased significantly within 48 hours of treatment.
- Negative pressure wound therapy for subcutaneous emphysema has not been previously described in the literature.
- The patient stabilized and was ultimately extubated after treatment.
Takeaway
Doctors used a special vacuum dressing to help a patient with a lot of trapped air under the skin, and it worked really well to make him better quickly.
Methodology
A case report detailing the clinical course and technique, along with a literature review.
Limitations
The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
70-year-old African American man with a history of bullous emphysema.
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