Table 1.

Mechanisms of NPWT depending on the type of wound it is utilised for

Wound type	Proposed mechanism
Acute open wounds	Increased perfusion; granulation stimulation
Closed surgical incisions	Exudate management
Chronic wounds	Removal of corrosive substances
Wounds closed by skin grafts and skin substitutes	Exudate management; granulation stimulation; stabilisation of graft/substitute