Mechanisms of action of microdeformational wound therapy

Microdeformational Wound Therapy (MDWT) is a class of medical devices that have revolutionized the treatment of complex wounds over the last 20 years. These devices, are a subset of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT), in which there is a highly porous interface material placed between the wound and a semi-occlussive dressing and connected to suction. The porous interface material acts to deform the wound on a micro scale promoting cellular proliferation. These devices appear to significantly improve the speed of healing in many wounds, facilitate granulation tissue formation and reduce the complexity of subsequent reconstructive operations. The mechanisms through which such effects are obtained are beginning to be better understood through basic research and clinical trials. Further work in this field is likely to yield devices that are designed to treat specific wound types.

► We provide a review of the literature describing Microdeformational Wound Therapy. ► MDWT induces tissue granulation, angiogenesis and cell proliferation to heal wounds. ► MDWT consists of foam, occlusive dressing and vacuum suction. ► MDWT is widely used for treatment of a variety of wound types and patient conditions.