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The world’s most researched NPWT solution

3MTM V.A.C.® Therapy, the first commercially available negative pressure wound therapy, has helped heal 10 million wounds worldwide.1 Supported by comparative clinical evidence, it has been shown to reduce readmission risk and minimize reoperation,2 resulting in shorter hospital stays and fewer complications.2,3 Choose V.A.C.® Therapy to help improve patient care and contribute to your revenue goals. 

View the evidence
Beauty image of patient's lower leg with health care nurse. Patients is wearing 3M™ V.A.C.® Peel and Place Dressing and 3M™ ActiV.A.C.™ Therapy Unit. Includes 3M™ SensaT.R.A.C.™ Pad. Solventum Branding, Product Application Image, rgb, tif
Why V.A.C.® Therapy Benefits Videos Therapy Units Dressings Peel & Place 3M Express Resources Explore More Contact us
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Why V.A.C.® Therapy
Benefits
Videos
Therapy Units
Dressings
Peel & Place
3M Express
Resources
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Why V.A.C.® Therapy System?

Wound healing is a process. Proper wound management is important to promoting tissue granulation and overall healing. To achieve successful wound healing from start 
to finish, you need a proven solution. 



The 3M™ V.A.C.® Therapy System was introduced in 1995 as the first commercial NPWT system. It has remained at the forefront of negative pressure wound technology, empowering caregivers and benefiting patients worldwide. It is indicated for patients with chronic, acute, traumatic, sub-acute and dehisced wounds, partial-thickness burns, ulcers 
(such as diabetic, pressure or venous insufficiency), flaps and grafts and closed surgical incisions. 



Clinical evidence overwhelmingly supports the efficacy of the V.A.C.® Therapy System. It is designed and clinically demonstrated to create an environment that promotes wound healing. By preparing the wound bed for closure, reducing edema, promoting granulation tissue formation, promoting perfusion and removing exudate and infectious material, this therapy contributes to optimal clinical outcomes. 

Rendered image of the 3M™ V.A.C.® Ulta Therapy Unit with cassette from a 3/4 left-facing view

Proven results of V.A.C.® Therapy

 

There are over 2,000 peer-reviewed studies4 which have evaluated the effectiveness of V.A.C.® Therapy in a variety of settings and indicated wound types. Comparative studies have shown that V.A.C.® Therapy has been associated with:

  • Fewer hospitalizations2,5
  • Fewer complications5,6
  • Fewer amputations7,8
  • Fewer dressing changes9,10
  • Faster time to wound healing11
  • Shorter hospitalization7,8
  • Reduced treatment times12,13

By reducing the factors that contribute to direct and indirect wound care costs, V.A.C.® Therapy has emerged as a cost-effective option for wound management.

The benefits of 
V.A.C.® Therapy

V.A.C.® Therapy is a world leader in NPWT and the first commercially available option. It promotes an environment for wound healing by protecting the wound from external contamination, providing a moist wound environment, and promoting the formation of granulation tissue.14

Draws wound edges together
The application of uniform negative pressure induces a physical response that can be seen immediately as the wound edges are drawn together, allowing for optimal contact between the wound bed and the dressing.15

Removes exudate and infectious material
V.A.C.® Therapy facilitates the removal of wound exudate, which may contain particles that inhibit wound healing.14

Reduces edema and promotes perfusion
The removal of wound fluids assists in the reduction of edema, which facilitates 
the flow of blood into the wound bed, providing the oxygen and nutrients that are needed for wound healing.14

Promotes granulation tissue formation
Both in vitro and in vivo studies show that dressing contact with tissues creates 
micro-deformation that can lead to cell stretch.15 Cell stretch under negative pressure stimulates cellular activity that results in granulation tissue formation.16

Over subsequent dressing changes, the granulation tissue fills the wound bed, further reducing the volume and preparing it for final closure.

Placement of 3M™ V.A.C.® Peel and Place Dressing and 3M™ SensaT.R.A.C.™ Pad on patient in operating room with surgeon smoothing dressing. Solventum Branding, Product Application Image, rgb, tif

V.A.C.® Therapy: How-to videos

Explore our video series covering all aspects of the V.A.C.® Therapy, including an overview about V.A.C.® Therapy, tips for applying V.A.C.® Dressings using the "mushroom" technique on small wounds, safety information and more. 

How V.A.C.® Therapy works

Learn how negative pressure helps draw wound edges together, allows for the removal of exudate and infectious material, and stimulates the growth of tissue to help fill the wound bed with granulation tissue.

Therapy unit options to deliver V.A.C.® Therapy

Choose from a wide variety of therapy units that meet the clinical and outcome goals of different patients and different types of wounds. 

V.A.C.® Ulta Therapy Unit

  • Device type: Negative pressure wound therapy unit designed for acute care
    

  • Device use: Primarily in-hospital use


  • Canister size: 500 mL or 1,000 mL


  • Delivery options: -25mmHg to -200mmHg in continuous or 3M™ Dynamic Pressure Control™ Therapy (intermittent) mode 


  • Product size: Weight: 3.5 kg
Dimensions: 22 cm x 26 cm x 19 cm


  • Battery life: Up to 6 hours
Learn more
Rendered image of the 3M� V.A.C.� Ulta Therapy Unit with saline bag and cassette from a 3/4 view

ActiV.A.C.™ 
Therapy Unit

  • Device type: Negative pressure wound therapy system

  • Device use: Portable device for both in hospital and out of hospital care settings


  • Canister size: 300 mL


  • Delivery options: -25mmHg to -200mmHg in intermittent or continuous mode

  • Product size: Weight: 1.1 kg
Dimensions: 19 x 15 x 6 cm


  • Battery life: Up to 14 hours
Learn more
Rendered image of the 3M ActiV.A.C. Therapy Unit with iOn Progress Remote Therapy Monitoring from a right 3/4 view.

3M Prevena Plus™ 125 Therapy Unit

  • Device type: Portable, disposable system


  • Device use: Portable, disposable single patient use device in hospital or out of hospital care settings


  • Canister size: 150 mL


  • Delivery options: -125 mmHg continuous mode only


  • Product size: Weight: 0.3 kg
Dimensions: 16cm x 9cm x 3cm 


  • Battery life: up to 8.5 hours
Learn more
Image illustrating Prevena plus 125 unit without wire

3M V.A.C.® Dressings

From dressings to kits, we have NPWT solutions to promote wound healing.

3M™ Dermatac™ Drape with V.A.C.® Granufoam™ Dressing Kit

Category: Ease of use

Dressing use: Designed with the first-ever silicone-acrylic hybrid drape to support wound healing. 

Wear time: Up to 48-72 hours

DERMATAC(TM) Drape with V.A.C.(R) GRANUFOAM(TM) Dressing Kit, DTGF10PKL, Large
3M™ V.A.C.® Peel and Place Dressing Kit 


Category: Ease of use

Dressing use: Designed as all-in-one dressing with an integrated perforated, non-adherent layer — with an average application time under 2 minutes*.

*In a simulated use test with 12 nurse and surgeon users. Average time of 01:48.

Wear time: Up to 48-72 hours

3M V.A.C. Peel and Place dressing image, size medium, with liner, front view with the SensaT.R.A.C. Pad.
3M™ V.A.C.® Granufoam™ Dressing

Category: Standard

Dressing use: Available in a variety of sizes and shapes, designed to conform to different wound geometries.

Wear time: Up to 48-72 hours

V.A.C.® GRANUFOAM™ Dressings, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, Family product image, product group image, rgb, jpeg. PRA-PM-EU-00352, PRA-PM-EU-00064
3M™ V.A.C.® Granufoam Silver™ Dressing

Category: Antimicrobial

Dressing use: Designed to provide a barrier to bacterial penetration. 

Wear time: Up to 48-72 hours

3M™ V.A.C.® Granufoam Silver™ Dressing System, Small, Medium, Large, 3M™ V.A.C.® Granufoam Silver™ Dressing, 3M™ V.A.C.® Drape, and SensaT.R.A.C.™ Pad Tubing, M8275098/10, M8275098/5, M8275096/10, M8275096/5, M8275099/10, M8275099/5, Product Group Image, rgb, tif, 70-2011-8233-7, PRA-PM-US-01523, 70-2013-1109-2, PRA-PM-HK-00001, CA-EN-70-2013-1417-9, 70-2013-1417-9, 70-2013-1020-1, US_70-2013-1020-1, PRA-PM-US-00832
3M™ V.A.C.® Simplace™ Dressing

Category: Ease of use

Dressing use: Designed to make bridging easier and simplified foam sizing.

Wear time: Up to 48-72 hours

3M™ V.A.C.® Simplace™ EX Dressing Kit, Small and Medium, 70-2011-8233-7, PRA-PM-US-01523, 70-2013-1088-8, CA-EN-70-2013-1417-9, 70-2013-1417-9, 70-2013-1020-1, US_70-2013-1020-1, PRA-PM-US-00832
3M™ V.A.C.® Whitefoam™ Dressing


Category: Hydrophillic

Dressing use: Designed for tunnels and undermining in wounds.

Wear time: Up to 48-72 hours

smallwhitefoam_270x270
3M™ V.A.C.® Granufoam™ Bridge Dressing

Category: Ease of use

Dressing use: Designed to place the 3M™ SensaT.R.A.C.™ Pad away from the wound site or sensitive pressure areas.

Wear time: Up to 48-72 hours

3M™ V.A.C.® Granufoam™ Dressing System, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, 3M™ V.A.C.® Granufoam™ Dressing, 3M™ V.A.C.® Drape, SensaT.R.A.C.™ Pad Tubing, M8275051/10, M8275051/5, M8275052/10, M8275052/5, M8275053/10, M8275053/5, M8275065/5, Group Product Image, cmyk, jpg, 70-2011-8233-7, PRA-PM-US-01523, 70-2013-1109-2, PRA-PM-HK-00001, CA-EN-70-2013-1417-9, 70-2013-1417-9, 70-2013-1020-1, US_70-2013-1020-1, PRA-PM-US-00832

3M™ SensaT.R.A.C.™ Technology

V.A.C.® Therapy is the only NPWT device with proprietary SensaT.R.A.C. Technology, which continuously monitors negative pressure at the wound site and compensates for any changes, maintaining a consistent environment for fluid removal. SensaT.R.A.C. Technology provides confidence that the appropriate environment for wound healing is being maintained. 

  • Engineered to maintain selected negative pressure 
  • Provides real-time pressure feedback 
  • Adjusts and monitors pressure at the wound site 
  • Helps maintain consistent environment for fluid removal 

SensaT.R.A.C. Technology with 3M™ Easyclear Purge™ Technology 

  • Forces positive air periodically through outer lumen to aid in the prevention and clearance of blockages 
SENSAT.R.A.C™ PAD, V.A.C.® SIMPLICITY™ Therapy System, V.A.C.® Therapy, product image, cmyk, jpeg. 29-A-440, PRA-PM-US-00150, 70-2011-8246-9, PRA-PM-US-03106, PRA-PM-AT-00029
Bottom view without liner, 3D Product Rendering of 3M™ V.A.C.® Peel and Place Dressing with 3M™ SensaT.R.A.C.™ Pad and tubing attached. White background, With Shadow, RGB, PNG

3M V.A.C.® Peel and Place Dressing Kit

3M V.A.C.® Peel and Place Dressing is the first V.A.C.® Therapy Dressing that can be worn for up to seven days,17* which means you can provide consistent and effective NPWT to your patients with fewer dressing changes, clinic visits and home visits.  

V.A.C.® Peel and Place Dressing is designed to: 

  • Create an environment that promotes wound healing by covering the wound bed
  • Reduce dressing changes by up to 67% per week** compared to 3M™ traditional NPWT foam dressing 
  • Take less than two minutes to apply,*** so it is easier for you and requires less training 
  • Provide 2.4 times greater granulation tissue thickness,**** promoting healing17  
  • Sustain a 33%***** greater reduction in wound volume17.

*Information contained within conducted animal studies has not been evaluated in humans.

**Based on the 3M™ V.A.C.® Peel and Place Dressing up to 7 day wear time and the 3M™ V.A.C.® Granufoam™ Dressing recommendation of dressing changes every 2-3 days.

***In a simulated use test with 12 nurses and surgeon users. Average time of 01:48.

****Information contained within conducted animal studies has not been evaluated in humans.

*****This was calculated based on an 87.8% wound fill at day 7 for Peel and Place dressing versus 65.7% wound fill at day 7 for 3M™ traditional NPWT foam dressing in the no dressing change group (presented as 1.3 times greater in the paper).

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3M Express Therapy Portal

Explore the 3M™ Express™ Therapy Portal, designed to provide healthcare professionals with easy access to comprehensive therapy resources, patient management tools and real-time support. Visit our portal today to start optimizing your practice today and facilitating the delivery of your prescribed therapy.

Log in or register now
Image showing express therapy portal on computer and mobile devices

Solventum education

Expand your knowledge of the latest techniques and training with the wide range of courses available on Solventum Education. Discover online learning that's right for you.

Start learning
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References:

  1. 3M. Cumulative NPWT Wounds. 2018.
  2. Page JC, Newsander B, Schwenke DC, Hansen M, Ferguson J. Retrospective analysis of negative pressure wound therapy in open foot wounds with significant soft tissue defects. Adv Skin Wound Care. 2004;17(7):354-364
  3. Law A L. Krebs B. Karnik B. Griffin L. Comparison of Healthcare Costs Associated With Patients Receiving Traditional Negative Pressure Wound Therapies in the Post Acute Setting. Cureus 12(11): e11790.
  4. KCI. Percentage of V.A.C. Therapy Articles vs. Comp Articles. May 7, 2020.
  5. Scherer, L.A.; Shiver, S.; Chang, M.; Meredith, J.W.; Owings, J.T. The vacuum assisted closure device: a method of securing skin grafts and improving graft survival. Arch. Surg. 2002; 137:930-934.
  6. Falagas, M.E.; Tansarli, G.S.; Kapaskelis, A.; Vardakas, K.Z. Impact of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy on clinical outcomes of patients with sternal wound infections: a meta-analysis of non-randomized studies. PLoS One. 2013 May 31; 8(5):e64741.
  7. Blume, P.A.; Walters, J.; Payne, W.; Ayala, J.; Lantis, J. Comparison of negative pressure wound therapy using vacuum-assisted closure with advanced moist wound therapy in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Diabetes Care. 2008; 31:631-636.
  8. Armstrong, D.G.; Lavery, L.A. Diabetic Foot Study Consortium. Negative pressure wound therapy after partial diabetic foot amputation: a multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2005;366:1704-1710.
  9. Monsen, C.; Acosta, S.; Mani, K.; Wann-Hansson, C. A randomised study of NPWT closure versus alginate dressings in peri-vascular groin infections: quality of life, pain and cost. J. Wound Care. 2015; 24:252-260.
  10. Ozturk, E.; Ozguc, H.; Yilmazlar, T. The use of vacuum assisted closure therapy in the management of Fournier's gangrene. Am. J. Surg. 2009; 197:660-665.
  11. Yao, M.; Fabbi, M.; Hayashi, H.; et al. A retrospective cohort study evaluating efficacy in high-risk patients with chronic lower extremity ulcers treated with negative pressure wound therapy. International Wound Journal. 2014; 11:483-488.
  12. Sinha, K.; Chauhan, V.D.; Maheshwari, R.; Chauhan, N.; Rajan, M.; Agrawal, A. Vacuum assisted closure therapy versus standard wound therapy for open musculoskeletal injuries. Adv Orthop. 2013; 2013:245940.
  13. Dalla, Paola, L.; Carone, A.; Ricci, S.; Russo, A.; Ceccacci, T.; Ninkovic, S. Use of vacuum assisted closure therapy in the treatment of diabetic foot wounds. Journal of Diabetic Foot Complications. 2010; 2:33-44.
  14. Orgill DP, Manders EK, Sumpio BE, et al. The mechanisms of action of vacuum assisted closure: more to learn. Surgery. 2009 Jul;146(1):40-51.
  15. Saxena V, Hwang CW, Huang S, Eichbaum Q, Ingber D, Orgill DP. Vacuum-assisted closure: microdeformations of wounds and cell proliferation. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2004 Oct;114(5):1086-96; discussion 1097-8.
  16. McNulty AK, et al. Effects of negative pressure wound therapy on the fibroblast viability, chemotactic signaling and proliferation in a provisional wound (fibrin) matrix. WOUNDS. 2007; 15:838-‐846.
  17. SAT-MTF-05-982101 Evaluation of VAC Peel and Place Dressing Concepts in Full-Thickness Excisional Wounds. 2023. Allen D, Robinson T, Schmidt M, Kieswetter K. Preclinical assessment of novel longer-duration wear negative pressure wound therapy dressing in a porcine model. Wound Rep Reg. 2023;31:349-359.