The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted 510(k) approval to Kinetic Concepts for new indication use of vacuum assisted closure (VAC) therapy system.

The new indication for VAC therapy for closed incision management will allow surgeons to treat longer incisions by customizing the dressing accordingly.

Surgeons across various specialties have conducted clinical studies demonstrating the benefits of managing surgical incisions post-operatively using VAC therapy.

Ten studies demonstrated that incisional VAC therapy is associated with improved clinical outcomes.

University of Maryland School of Medicine plastic surgery division assistant professor Devinder Singh said VAC therapy on closed incisions is a cost-effective technique that has helped patients heal especially those with high risk incisions.

"I use negative pressure dressings on all of my abdominal wall reconstructions and sternal wound repairs and I’ve noted improvement in incision outcomes," Singh added.