COMPARISON OF VACUUM-ASSISTED CLOSURE (VAC) THERAPY AND CONVENTIONAL THERAPY FOR DEEP STERNAL WOUND INFECTIONS (DSWI) POST-OPEN HEART SURGERY

Deep sternal wound infections (DSWI) represent a serious postoperative complication in cardiothoracic surgery, leading to significant morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and increased mortality. Traditionally, DSWI has been managed through debridement, antibiotic regimens, and conventional wound care methods, but Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC) therapy has recently emerged as an alternative approach. This article compares VAC therapy with conventional therapy, assessing their respective impacts on wound healing time, infection rates, and overall patient outcomes. Findings suggest that VAC therapy offers promising advantages over traditional methods in DSWI management.