Negative Pressure Wound Therapy: Supra-Physiological or Just Physical Effects of Positive Pressure?

This communication provides a new insight into the unexplained physiology of beneficial effects of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Possible mechanisms of beneficial effects of NPWT in failing replantation and free tissue transfer are discussed. Positive pressure generated by NPWT as well as its draining action creates exudate-free tight tissue-to-tissue interface, which may enhance neovascularization.