Medical Technology Vcare a Series User manual

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User Manual

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Introduction
Regulated Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (RNPT) has revolutionized and enhanced
wound care during the last two decades. Vcare ®utilizes RNPT by multiple
mechanisms of action, to remove fluids and infectious materials, help protect the wound
environment, aid promote perfusion and provide moist healing environment, help draw
together wound edges and promotes granulation.
RNPT is the controlled application of sub-atmospheric pressure to a wound using a
therapy unit to intermittently or continuously apply negative pressure to a specialized
wound dressing to help promote wound healing. The wound dressing is a resilient, open-
cell polyurethane foam surface dressing and is sealed with an adhesive drape that
contains the sub-atmospheric pressure at the wound site. Important safety features
enhances patient safety by regulating pressure at the wound site and warning possibility
of uncontrolled bleeding. Additionally, the Vcare ®helps direct drainage to a specially
designed canister that reduces the risk of exposure to exudates, fluids and infectious
materials
Intended Use
The Vcare ®is indicated for wound management via application of a pre-set
level of continuous or intermittent negative pressure to the wound for removal of
fluids, including wound exudates, irrigation fluids, and infectious materials. It is
intended for management of chronic, acute, traumatic, sub-acute and dehisced
wounds, partial-thickness burns, ulcers (i.e., diabetic or pressure), flaps and
grafts.
This user manual includes important information and instructions for correct and
safe operation of the Vcare ®device. It is provided for training of personnel and
as a reference for users.
Caution: When applying Vcare ®wound treatment products, be sure to
apply the product according to manufacturer’s instructions for use.

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Important Safety Warnings
In order to reduce potential risk for serious or fatal injury, prior to use read and
follow the instructions for use. This user manual is part of the Vcare ® system. All
safety information and warnings must be read prior to use.
The Vcare ® is intended to be operated by licensed and specifically trained
medical staff. Treatment mode and parameters must be set only by physicians or
dedicatedly trained nurses.
Important
Do not use the Vcare ®system without consulting and supervision of a physician. Read
through and follow the user instructions and safety information before using the Vcare
®system. Using the system without physician supervision or without following the
clinical guidelines on this manual may risk the patient and may result in serious injury.
For safe and proper operation of the Vcare ®system, the safeguards below
must be followed:
The operation of this product must be according to this manual.
No modification of the Vcare ®system is allowed without prior authorization of IVT
Medical Ltd.
If this equipment is modified, appropriate inspection and testing must be conducted
by IVT Medical Ltd. service personnel to ensure continued safe use of equipment
Assembly, adjustments, modifications, maintenance and/or repair of the Vcare ®
system must be carried out by a qualified personnel authorized by IVT Medical Ltd.
To avoid risk of electric shock, the Vcare ®unit must only be connected to a supply
mains with protective earth.
Do not connect this product to damaged external power supply.
Do not insert any object into any opening or tubing of the Vcare ®unit.
The Vcare ®disposables are intended to be used only with the Vcare ®unit.
Do not shake or rock the Vcare ® unit.

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The Vcare ®unit should not be placed over heated surfaces.
Special precautions regarding EMC must be taken when installing and preparing the
Vcare ®unit for operation according to the EMC section in this manual.
Portable and mobile RF communication equipments may produce Electromagnetic
interference. If interference is suspected, separate the equipment and contact your
service provider. For further details, see EMC section in this manual.
Do not touch the external fuse or fuse holder and the patient simultaneously.
Do not spill any fluids on the Vcare ®unit or any of its parts.
If any liquid is spilled on the system, disconnect the unit from its external power
adapter and wipe using an absorbent cloth. Before reconnecting the unit, make sure
that the power connector is dry. If the Vcare ®is not working properly, contact IVT
Medical or local authorized distributer.
Disposal
oThe Vcare ®unit must be returned to IVT Medical at the end of its
operational life, i.e. following 5,000 hours of the internal pump operation.
oAll disposables (Vcare ®wound dressing, drapes, collection canister, tubing,
connectors and filters) should be handled and discarded according to
institutional procedures and local, state and federal regulations.
oIf not disposed properly, contact with the disposables may lead to
contamination or super infection.
Safety Information
Disposables
The disposables of the Vcare ®system are intended for single use only.
Do not re-use or re-sterile the disposables as this may cause infection to the
wound.
Warning: Do not use non-sterile disposables.

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Always dispose the wound dressing, collection canister, drapes and tubing according to
hospital and bio-hazard protocols and according to institutional procedures and local,
state and federal environmental regulations.
Indications for use of Vcare ®system
The Vcare ®system is indicated for wound management via application of a
pre-set level of continuous or intermittent negative pressure. The Vcare ®
system may promote wound healing by either removal of excess exudate or
irrigation fluids and infectious materials. It is intended for management of chronic,
acute, traumatic, sub-acute and dehisced wounds, partial-thickness burns, ulcers
(i.e., diabetic or pressure), flaps and grafts.
Specifically, the Vcare ®system is indicated to be used with the following wounds:
Chronic wounds
oWounds in diabetic and PVD-affected limbs
oDecubitus ulcers
oTrophic ulcers
oVenostatic, arterial, diabetic, neuropathic, post irradiation, and pressure sores
Dehisced and infected surgical wounds and complications of failed sternal closures
Traumatic Wounds
Deep and partial-thickness small-to-medium size burns
Treatment of skin grafts and flaps
Extensive tissue losses
Treatment of open fractures
Crush injuries
Compartment syndromes
Contraindications
Vcare ®system is contraindicated in case of:
Uncontrolled bleeding.
oFollowing trauma
oFollowing surgery
oPatients with hematological disorders
oVcare ®system should be restricted in patients with open wounds who are
treated with anticoagulants or suffer hematological disorders.

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A meticulous homeostasis should be established prior to the application of Vcare ®
system. The care provider should ensure that no exposed blood vessels, nerves,
areas with fresh vascular anastomosis and internal organs are in direct contact with
the vacuum system.
Ulcerated malignant wounds are contraindicated for treatment by Vcare ®system
as vacuum treatment may accelerate tumor growth within the wound cavity (with
exception of palliative care to enhance quality of life).
Note: Treatment of long standing unhealed wounds should be evaluated for possible
malignancy (by biopsy of ulcers) prior to RNPT.
Vcare ®system is contraindicated for treatment of non-enteric unexplored fistulas.
Exploration of a fistula and determinations of its extensions and content should
precede Vcare ®application.
The use of Vcare ®system is contraindicated in apparent anaerobic infection.
Vcare ®system is restricted to small and medium size burns, as treatment of wide
partial-thickness and deep burns may lead to extensive extra-cellular fluid loss and
electrolyte imbalance by the applied suction.
Vcare ®system may be ineffective or contraindicated in case of:
Necrotic tissue with eschar
Areas where adhesive tape application is limited (dense hairy areas, mucus
membranes, and joints thatcannot be fixated.
General Guidelines
Always use the lowest effective negative pressure.
Safety measures regarding the use of Vcare ®system should always be
considered and implemented.
Conservatively debride necrotic tissue prior to the use of vacuum treatment with
the Vcare ®system.
Evaluate the need for initiation and cessation of systemic antibiotic treatment in
conjunction with the Vcare ®system.

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Vacuum levels in Vcare ®system should be tailored to each specific wound and
adjusted according to patient's clinical condition. General guidelines and
recommended vacuum levels are shown in the table below.
Inexperienced personnel is advised to always use the cyclic-continuous mode or
consult a trained physician regarding the treatment settings before using the Vcare
®system.
When applying external vacuum - make sure that the vacuum level supplied from
the external vacuum source is 50 mmHg above the desired working pressure but
should not exceed 200 mmHg.
It is recommended to connect the unit to an external vacuum source by a pressure
regulator.
The external vacuum tube must be disconnected from the unit when external
vacuum is not in use.
When working with the unit’s internal pump, make sure that the external vacuum
tube is not connected to the unit.
The device must be operated in a quite environment with background noise of no
more than 45-50dB
A portable modality of utilization enables via a mobile stand.
IV (intravenous) medication administration by IV pump can be integrated with
Vcare ®treatment. The pump shall be hanged on IV pole that structured in the
mobile stand or being placed on a flat surface that is higher than the Vcare ®unit.
Warnings regarding clinical application of the Vcare ® system
Bleeding and infection should be anticipated during the use of RNPT.
When bleeding risk is anticipated to be high (early following trauma or surgery),
working negative pressure levels should be set as low as possible and should not
exceed a maximum of 80 mmHg.
While working on stiff surfaces, as in clinical cases of low- perfused tissues like
PVD, diabetic, traumatic wounds, low vacuum is essential in order to prevent
tissue ischemia.
Maximal Flow Rate Setting: Maximal flow rate from the wound through the tubing
to the collection canister is pre-set as default to be up to 100 ml/hr. In case that the
flow exceeds this limit, an alarm is activated and the suction apparatus shuts

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down. It is obligatory to maintain this default setting. Increasing the maximal flow
rate allowed from the wound may eliminate control of acute bleeding.
Alarms Setting: Alarms are pre-set as default to audio & visual alarms. Any alarm
condition will be indicated by audio (a repetitive beeping sound) and visual (A
flickering triangle symbol in the middle of the display screen and an indication
LED) alarms. Changing this pre-setting should be considered carefully. Change of
alarms settings may prevent from the care-giver the detection of critical indications
regarding the vacuum treatment.
Never leave a wound covered for an extended time without effective negative
pressure. As the Vcare ®system is operating, fluids are discharged and
constantly evacuates from the wound. Once the vacuum is halted, the system is at
risk of becoming occlusive, which might lead to infection.
Wound dressing must be replaced according to the clinical guidelines or
physician’s judgment in order to prevent super infection to the wound.
Constant efficient negative pressure should be applied to the wound in order to
avoid bacterial overgrowth and super-infection. If vacuum is ineffective for over 30
min, aeration of the wound by removal of occlusive dressing or other form of
ventilation should be considered.
The Vcare ®system should not be used in cases with apparent or suspected
anaerobic infection.
Negative pressure may exacerbate uncontrolled bleeding. All precautions should
be taken in order to avoid uncontrolled bleeding and the immediate cessation of
RNPT in case of excessive bleeding should be executed.
Avoid high negative pressure during the early stage of trauma treatment.
Severe, life-threatening bleeding may result from the application of vacuum in
treatment of acute trauma, immediately after surgery, at early stages following
debridement of wounds, in patients treated with anticoagulants or suffering from
hematological disorders.
Setting high values of negative pressures may induce ischemia and may
aggravate clinical ischemic conditions such as in peripheral vascular disease,
diabetic leg, and traumatized tissue.
Excessive topical pressure may lead to compromised blood circulation and
impairment of wound healing.

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Treatment of long standing unhealed wounds should be evaluated for possible
malignancy by biopsy of ulcers.
Treatment of Diabetic Foot
Diabetic foot patients with an ankle-brachial ratio less than 0.5 should be treated
with the lowest effective negative pressure and should be closely monitored for
distal perfusion impairment, mainly when having circumferential vacuum wound
dressing.
Treatment of Contaminated Wounds
High levels of negative pressure (deeper vacuum) may be needed for the initial
treatment of heavily contaminated wounds.
Treatment of Tissue Ischemia
Tissue ischemia can be managed and avoided by short term higher negative
pressure values applied in an intermittent mode.
Dot not place the mold or apply vacuum over a healthy tissue. Applying vacuum on
healthy tissue may cause irritation and damage the skin.
Clinical Guidelines of the Vcare ®system
The clinically based range of recommended vacuum pressure, level range, span,
frequency of operation, mode and exchange of dressing in Vcare ®system for various
conditions is presented in the following table. The practicing physician should recognize
the need for specific settings for vacuum work/pause ratio, and the frequency of dressing
changes adjusted to the varying clinical conditions for each individual wound.
Guidelines for clinical application of Vcare ®system
The presented guidelines should be regarded as general recommendations
only! The treating physician should amend and adjust treatment to each individual
clinical condition.

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Intended use
–type of
wound
Pressure
range
(mmHg)
Operation
mode
frequency
range (on/off
min)
Rate of Dressing
change (every- x days)
Remarks*
Trauma
Acute
infection
-
2-2- 3/1
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Stop active bleeding before starting vacuum
treatment. Watch for active bleeding. Do not
apply on blood vessels or internal organs.
Apply lowest pressure possible in range.
Increase pressure and frequency of dressing
change for treatment of infected traumatic
wounds. Apply non-adhesive antimicrobial
dressing to the wound below the sponge.
Intermittent mode is preferable.
Chronic
-
--
2-4
Chronic Wounds- Decubitus ulcers
Acute
infection
-
2-2- 3/1
1-3
Conservatively debride necrotic tissue prior to
application of Vcare ®system. Start
treatment with greater vacuum in intermittent
mode when wounds are heavily infected.
Reduce pressure as the wound becomes
cleaner. Consider combined systemic
antibiotic treatment.
Chronic
-
--
2-4
Peripheral Vascular disease- Diabetic Foot
Acute
infection
60–120
(intermittent
use only!)
--
1-2
Correlate vacuum treatment with measured
Ankle-brachial pressure ratio. Use lowest
pressure possible in range. Extremely greater
negative pressure (140–100 mmHg) may be
applied for a few days for treating heavily
infected wounds, applying a 2/1 ratio of
intermittent mode and frequent dressing
changes. Reduce pressure as soon as the
wound becomes cleaner. Evaluate distal
perfusion.
Chronic
60–80
--
5-2
Burns
Acute
60–80
3–5/1–2
1-3
Limit application to small to medium sized
deep burns. Restrict surface area to be
treated according to the amount of fluid
discharge from the wound. Stop treatment If
excessive fluid is drained. Watch for acute
bleeding. Determine and correct electrolyte
imbalance, evaluate need for replacement
therapy and systemic antibiotic treatment.
Conservatively debride eschar.
Sub acute
60-120
3–5/1–2
1-3
Infected burn
60-140
2-5/1-2
1-2
Skin Graft
Skin Graft
50–80
Continuous
for 3–4 days
followed by
intermittent
mode 6–4/1–2
4-7
Stop active bleeding before starting treatment.
Use lowest pressure possible in range. Apply
non- adherent, antimicrobial dressing (spacer)
to cover the skin graft below sponge. Mesh
skin graft

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The above guidelines should be regarded as general recommendations only!
The treating physician should amend and adjust treatment to each individual
clinical condition.
Vcare ® Unit Components
Vcare ®Unit
Unit Main Components
•An Internal Suction Pump
•Display Screen and Controls
•Internal Battery
Disposables
•A disposable wound dressing kit –includes:
oWound dressing Sponge.
oDrape stripes.
oDistal connecting tube and hose adapter –connecting between the attachment
drape and the proximal canister tube.
•Proximal canister tube - connecting between the distal connecting tube and the
collection canister.
•Wound discharge collection canister –includes means of protection and control.

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The following image illustrates the Vcare ® system
Vcare ® Device Technical Operation
Introduction
Vcare ®system components and functions
1. Vcare ®Unit
1.1. Main Power Switch –turn the Vcare ® on/off (0/1).
1.2. An Internal Software-controlled Suction Pump
1.3. Control Panel
On the bottom of the Vcare ® unit there is a control panel that includes six
buttons for controlling the software and adjusting the device and treatment
settings:
EXT
INT
↑
↓
FUNC
OP/SET
Attachment
Drape
Pump
Tubing
External Vacuum Source inlet
(On the back side)
Collecting Canister
Control Keypad
Power LED
Alarm LED
LCD Screen
Power Switch
(on the left
side)
Gripping
Handle
External Power adapter inlet
(On the back side)
External Fuse
(On the back side)
Hose
adapter
Buzzer
Sponge

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1.3.1. EXT –defines the vacuum source to be external.
1.3.2. INT –defines the vacuum source to be the internal pump.
1.3.3. FUNC –this button has the following functions:
•Long press in Menu Selection Screen: entering System Set-Up
Menus screen.
•Short press while setting parameters in treatment menu–displays
the value of the current function in [a] (primary numerical display)
and allows manual setting of the value.
•Long press while setting parameters in treatment menu–switches to
System Set-Up Menu screen.
•Short press in Stand-by mode: entering Treatment menu.
•Short press while vacuum is operating: displays treatment
settings on the screen (Work/Pause time, Upper/Lower limit and
Max. Flow).
1.3.4. OP/SET –this button has the following functions:
•Set a flickering value: While browsing throughout the menus, the
default value of each function is flickering on the screen. By
pressing OP/SET, the user sets the flickering value. This will cause
the value to stop flickering.
•When the Stand-by screen is displayed, pressing the OP/SET
button will start or stop the vacuum operation.
•The user can than choose to start working (go to the main screen)
by pressing shortly on the OP/SET button.
1.3.5. ↑ up scroll arrow
1.3.6. ↓ down scroll arrow
The scroll arrows are used in the menus and have the following functions:
•When a function value is flickering, the user can use the arrows to
switch between values. Long press on the arrow buttons will faster
the scrolling of the available values.
•When a function value is not flickering the user can use the arrows
to switch between functions (go up and down in the menu).
1.4. LCD Screen Display

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Displays information and messages regarding working mode, settings, alarm,
current pressure, liquid level scale, suction and power source (internal or
external). The following figure illustrates the screen display with all symbols:
Screen symbols description.
Symbol
Symbol
Number
Description
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1
Standby –displayed when no vacuum
operation mode is applied. Flickering when
vacuum is paused (in intermittent mode).
2
Work Status –displayed when one of the
vacuum operation modes is operating: cyclic-
continuous, intermittent or continuous.
3
Continuous Operation Status –displayed
when continuous vacuum is applied.
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





5

6

7

8

9


b
a
c
d
First text line
Second text line

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4
Intermittent Operation Status –displayed
when intermittent vacuum is applied.
5
Cyclic-Continuous Operation Status –
displayed when cyclic-continuous vacuum is
applied.
6
Setting Mode –displayed when setting the
treatment parameters in Treatment, System
Set-Up menu.
7
General Warning Status –displayed when
one of the alarms or alerts is activated.
8
Battery Status –displayed when the device is
not connected to a power source.
This symbol indicates the battery voltage: 4
bars indicate full battery –12.2V or more, 3
bars: 12.2V –11.8V, 2 bars: 11.8V–11.37V,
1 bar: 11.37-10.96V, 0 bars: 10.96 –10.8.
9
Full Canister Status –displayed when the
canister is full and must be replaced.
10
Canister Fill Status –indicates the canister fill
level. Flickering (eight full bars) when high
flow alarm is set.
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a
Primary numerical display:
In Set-Up menu- displays the adjustable value
of the current function.
During vacuum operation- displays the actual
pressure applied by the system.
b
Secondary numerical display: displays the
pre-set Working Negative Pressure selected
by the user during vacuum operation.
c
Vacuum units - displays the units of applied
vacuum.
d
Vacuum source- indicates the applied
vacuum source. Suction indicates External
vacuum, Pump indicates internal pump.

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Alarm symbol
1
General alarm signal: indicates that an alarm
condition is present.

Alarm symbol
2
Audio off signal: indicates that the auditory
alarm signal is off (when the user chooses
only visual alarm).
1.5. Indication LEDs
1.5.1. Power LED- green LED
1.5.2. Alarm LED- red/ yellow LED
1.6. Canister Socket
1.6.1. Flow PCB
1.6.2. Canister Release button
1.6.3. Phototube holder
1.7. Electric Outlet
1.8. External vacuum source inlet
1.9. External Fuse
1.10. Integrated Battery
Integrated charger provides up to 1 hourof operation battery life.
An automatic charging facility switches to battery power when main power is
off.
The Vcare ® unit shall be connected to an approved medical grade AC/DC
adapter (UL, TUV or CSA certification is required).
Note: When connected to the external power adapter, the Vcare ® apparatus
is considered as ME SYSTEM (refer to IEC 60601-1).
The power adapter must comply with the specifications described below in the
specifications section. However, the unit can also operate using its internal
rechargeable battery when not connected to the power supply. It is advised to
connect the unit to the main power supply through the power adapter whenever
possible in order to keep long battery life and to keep the battery fully charged.

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Warning: the external power adapter must comply with the
specifications listed in the specifications chapter in this manual.
1.11. A Gripping Handle.
1.12. External vacuum source tube.
2. Disposables
2.1. A wound discharge Collection Canister
2.2. Tubing
2.2.1. Distal Connecting Tube, a tube adapter attached to its distal end and an
Attachment drape.
2.2.2. Proximal Canister Tube.
2.3. Sponge.
The Sponge consists of a basal porous layer and a covering air-tight layer
(drape).
2.4. Drape Stripes.
Note: all items in the Vcare ® system are suitable for use within the patient
environment.
Vacuum Operation Modes
The Vcare ®system can be used to apply negative pressure in the following modes:
1. Cyclic-Continuous mode –basic mode of operation. The neg. pressure oscillates
around a pre-determined value to a range of 20% of the baseline neg. pressure.
2. Intermittent mode –advanced mode of operation, allows setting and adjusting
different system parameters. When using this mode of operation, it is highly
recommended to follow the clinical guidelines for recommended vacuum pressures
and wound dressing changes provided earlier in this manual.
3. Continuous mode - advanced mode of operation, allows setting and adjusting
different system parameters. Typically used following skin transplant applications.
When using this mode of operation, it is highly recommended to follow the clinical
guidelines for recommended vacuum pressures and wound dressing changes
provided earlier in this manual.

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Primary Unit Functions Setting
Positioning of the Vcare ®unit
The Vcare ®unit should be placed close to the patient bed, in proximity to the external
vacuum and electricity sources. The unit should be preferably operated by direct
connection to a grounded electrical source and external vacuum source. The unit can be
placed on a stable flat dry surface or can be attached and secured to a designated
mobile standto enable patient ambulation.
The device must be operated in a quite environment with background noise of no more
than 45-50dB.
Make sure that the external power adapter and its connecting cables are not
creating a tripping hazard.
Make sure that the ventilation holes at the back of the unit are not covered or
blocked.
If the device is connected to mobile stand there is a need to make sure that it is
securely connected to the mobile stand and that the lock-pin is closed.
The Vcare ®unit and tubing should be placed in a visible location in order to enable
direct eye contact with the system and enable early detection of bleeding and/ or
effective vacuum application to the treated area.
Collection Canister installation
1. Insert the collection canister into the canister socket in the Vcare ®unit by pressing
it inwards. When properly inserted, a clicking sound is heard. Make sure that the
canister is placed secured and sealed in the canister socket for effective operation of
the vacuum.
2. Connect the Proximal Canister tube to the Canister tubing outlet.
Replacing the Collection Canister
The Collection Canister may be replaced during normal operation, alarm condition or
routine maintenance.


The canister must be replaced when the liquid level exceeds 650 ml. In this case, an
alarm will be activated. The vacuum operation will stop when the fluids level in the
Canister reaches 700 ml.
When fluids in the canister reach approximately 650 ml, solidification process of the
fluids by the hydro-gel at the top of the canister will start, and will be completed within 60
minutes.
Warning: The collection canister and tubing are intended for single use only and
must be disposed off after usage according to hospital and bio-hazard protocols and
according to institutional procedures and local, state and federal environmental
regulations.
Once the fluids have solidified and reached 650 ml, follow the steps below to replace the
canister:
1. Turn off the device using the main power switch.
2. Disconnect the proximal tube from the distal tube.
3. Press the canister release button, hold the canister gently and pull it upwards in
order to take it off its socket.
4. Seal the canister through the proximal connecting tube using the tube lid.
5. Discard the canister and tubing according to the hospital and bio-hazard
protocols.
Insert a new collection canister to the socket. A clicking sound will indicate that the
canister is properly inserted.
6. Connect the new proximal canister tube to the distal tube connected to the
dressing.
7. Turn the device on using the main power switch.
8. Activate Vacuum using the OP/SET button.
9. Verify that the applied pressure displayed on the screen matches your pre-
defined setting.
Setup for Wound Dressing Application
1. Perform adequate conservative debridement of the wound to minimize bleeding prior
to dressing application.
2. Make sure that the wound area is clean.


It is possible to apply spacer in the interface between the sponge and the wound.
The spacer should serve specific conditions in RNPT treatment. To prevent
adherent of the sponge to the underlying tissue (or skin graft), a non-adherent
gauze should be used. Wound irrigation may be applied to the wound if
necessary. Irrigation system is not part of the Vcare ®system.
Warning: Do not place the sponge or apply vacuum over a healthy tissue. Applying
vacuum on healthy tissue may cause irritation and damage the skin.
Warning: Avoid cutting the dressing directly over the wound in order to
prevent particles from entering the wound bed.
3. Choose a suitable sponge according to the wound dimensions.
4. Choose drape stripes in a suitable length for a safe attachment of the Sponge to the
surrounding skin (the length should be determined in compliance with the Sponge
size).
5. Dry the wound edges for better sponge and drape stripes attachment.
6. Remove the taping from the drape stripes and use them to attach the sponge edges
to the wound surrounding tissue. It is recommended to cover 3-5 cm of surrounding
intact skin. Make sure that the drawing on the top of the drape is visualized (visual
regulation).
7. Choose the location to apply the distal tube and attachment drape. The location
should be at the most dependent area of the wound to prevent from accumulation of
fluids in the wound bed.
8. At this location, cut a hole through the covering layer of the sponge (the drape layer),
approximately 1-2 cm in diameter, leaving the foam layer of the mold mostly intact.
Make sure that the size of the hole is sufficient to allow fluid passage through the
drape. It is very important to cut a complete hole (rather than a slit), since a slit may
not allow fluid passage through the drape.
9. Remove the taping from the end of the distal tube and attach it to the sponge above
the hole.
10. Connect the distal tube to the proximal canister tube via the two way tube connector.