Things to keep in mind while using Avance Solo
You are receiving treatment with Avance® Solo NPWT from Mölnlycke – a battery powered negative pressure wound therapy system.
On this page you will find information on how to use and care for your device, as well as instructions for the different alarms.
I'm curious, What is NPWT?
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) is a method of treating wounds using suction. The dressing is airtight and the pump creates a subatmospheric pressure, clearing the wound of exudate and fluids.
Benefits
- It helps support healing in complex and slow to heal wounds 1
- It improves wound bed preparation that supports healing 1
- It helps reduce swelling and protects the wound from external contamination 2
Note: The pump will make a regular pulsing sound that you will hear while the system is turned on. This is completely normal and a confirmation that the system is operating correctly.
The information on this page is gathered from a patient user manual which is included in the product package and available as a digital PDF. Download the manual for the complete instructions, warnings, and precautions related to the system.
Remember to immediately contact your caregiver if you experience any problems. This includes bleeding, elevated blood pressure or issues with the device.
Caring for your Avance Solo
Expand the headers below to get information on how to care for and clean your medical device.
How to replace the batteries
You must change the two (2) batteries if there is a Low battery alarm, or after 7 days. Only use AA 1,5V Energizer L91 batteries.
How to clean the device
Occasional cleaning of the pump can be performed by wiping with a damp cloth or with a non-abrasive detergent. Do not place the pump under running water.
How to change the canister
You can see if the canister should be changed through the transparent window on the back of the canister, if there’s a pump blockage alarm. If you are to change canister, follow the steps below. Always try changing canister together with a healthcare professional when receiving Avance Solo.
hidden1hidden2What to do when taking a light shower
You can take light showers while receiving treatment with Avance Solo provided you disconnect the pump before entering the shower, and then to ensure the dressing is not exposed to direct jets of water
hidden1hidden2For the complete instructions and step-by-step guide:
USING THE SYSTEM
Errors and AlarmsLearn what the different visual signals and audible alarms that can be emitted by the system mean.
- Change dressings yourself
- Expose to jets of water
- Submerge the dressing, pump, canister or tubing into water
- Use on an aircraft. Remove batteries during air travel
- Disassemble or tamper with the device
- Let children or pets have access to the device
- Make sure you are aware of the visual and audible alarms for leakage, blockage and low battery given by Avance Solo Pump
- The pump will make a regular pulsing sound that you will hear while the system is turned on. This is completely normal and a confirmation that the system is operating correctly
- Check that the dressing is contracted and firm to the touch. If not, consult a healthcare professional
- Entrapment or strangulation (i.e. tubing swirled around a body part)
- Knotted or kinked tubing
- When using the belt clip ensure that it is positioned to either side of your waist. If for comfort or convenience, you position to the front, remove prior to sitting to avoid the pump being pushed out of the belt clip
Do you have further questions? Don't hesitate to contact your caregiver.
'References'
- Apelqvist, J., Willy, C., Fagerdahl, A.M. et al. Negative Pressure Wound Therapy – overview, challenges and perspectives. J Wound Care 2017; 26: 3, Suppl 3, S1–S113
- Willy C, Agarwal A, Andersen CA, Santis GD, Gabriel A, Grauhan O, Guerra OM, Lipsky BA, Malas MB, Mathiesen LL, Singh DP, Reddy VS. Closed incision negative pressure therapy: international multidisciplinary consensus recommendations. Int Wound J 2016; doi: 10.1111/iwj.12612
