Cardiopulmonary Effects of Continuous Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Swine

Initial placement of the foam dressing below the posterior sternal table caused reversible depression of cardiac function which appears to be consistent with direct cardiac compression. NPWT therapy had no clinically significant impact on pulmonary parameters. The use of a protective barrier does not alter hemodynamic or pulmonary parameters but continues to be recommended when NPWT is used for sternotomy wounds.