Feasibility of negative pressure wound therapy during intercontinental aeromedical evacuation of combat casualties.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of utilizing negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for the treatment of wartime soft-tissue wounds during intercontinental aeromedical evacuation.

Background: Attempts to use NPWT during early phases of overseas contingency operations resulted in occasional vacuum system failures and potentially contributed to wound complications. These anecdotal episodes led to a perception that NPWT during aeromedical evacuation carried a high risk of wound complications and limited its use.