In this article, the results from simulated clinical use tests evaluating the performance of a single use negative pressure wound therapy (suNPWT) system (Avance® Solo NPWT System, Mölnlycke Health Care AB) are presented. This suNPWT system is designed with a negative pressure pump, a distal canister and an absorptive multilayer dressing, and introduces Controlled Fluid Management (CFM) Technology™. The performance was compared to those of two canister-less suNPWT systems, designed around absorptive multilayer dressings and solely relying on the capacity of the dressings to manage fluid through absorption and moisture vapour transmission (evaporation). Method: The technical performances of the suNPWT systems were evaluated with respect to fluid management and delivery of the intended negative pressure using a wound model simulating clinical use on a moderate exudating wound and a 3-day dressing change regimen. Results: With the canister-less suNPWT systems, a loss of performance of the intended negative pressure was observed as saturation of the dressing occurred during the 72-hour test time. In comparison, the canister-based suNPWT system continuously delivered the intended negative pressure to the simulated wound throughout the 72-hour testing time, without any saturation of the dressing observed. Conclusion: The results could be explained by the design of the canister-less suNPWT systems, managing fluid in the dressing only, and that dressing saturation impedes the delivery of the intended negative pressure. In comparison, the canister-based suNPWT system has the capacity to transport excess exudate and infectious material from the dressing to the canister, thereby reducing the risk of dressing saturation.
