Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Surgical Site Infection

The purpose of this study is to investigate the current standard of wound care following vascular operations compared to to a negative pressure wound therapy (vacuum dressing) and the rate of surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients undergoing surgery to restore blood flow to the lower limb(s). Negative pressure wound therapy consists of a closed, sealed system that produces negative pressure (vacuum) to the wound surface. The device itself consists of open-cell foam that is sealed with an occlusive adhesive dressing (covers and sticks to the incision) and suction is maintained by connecting suction tubes to a vacuum pump and waste collector. The investigators objectives are to determine whether there will be any reduction in surgical site infection and this potential reduction will influence length of hospital stay, emergency room visits, antibiotic use and need for re-operation.