VivereX® FAQ

What is NPWT?

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy also called vacuum therapy for the treatment of wounds was described by Argenta and Morykwas in 1997. The system contains a wound dressing connected to a pump that continuously or intermittently applies negative pressure to the surface of a wound.
The mechanism of action of this method is reducing swollen and increasing blood flow at the wound bed. The indication for NPWT has been expanded to the treatment of many wound types, including orthopedic trauma, acute and chronic wound, skin grafts, close surgical incision, pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, burns, surgical infections, and management of other major surgical wounds.

What is the VivereX® System?

VivereX® system consists of an NPWT pump connected to an absorbent adhesive dressing that is applied to the wound. The pump is programmed to produce a predefined level of negative pressure on the wound surface.
The dressing is made of 5 layers with adhesive silicone border which allows the wound exudate to pass through from the wound. It secures the dressing in place too and reduces pain on removal. The dressing helps to prevent bacteria from entering the wound. It may also improve blood flow to the wound which will help it to heal.

How do I know that VivereX® is functioning normally?

VivereX® demonstrates its normal or abnormal function in its status window. The status window has 4 led indicators. The normal function is demonstrated when green therapy sign flashes.

How often the dressing has to be changed?

VivereX® is equipped with an advanced function to warn the need of dressing change. However, the dressings may be left in place for up to 7 days. Your doctor or nurse will inform you when the dressings should be changed.

Is treatment with VivereX® system painful?

The source of pain in many patients is the acute cyclic pain secondary to the disruption of the granulation tissue induced by dressing removal. VivereX® dressing is in contact with the wound surface by its gentle adhesive silicone layer which makes it almost pain-free on removal. Few patients have reported mild pain or uncomfortable feeling a few minutes after the pump has been turned on. If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.

Can I take shower when VivereX® system is on?

You must be disconnected from the VivereX® pump to shower. You can shower or wash with the dressing in place. The dressing is water-resistant, but you should avoid exposing the dressing to direst water jet or submerge it in water may cause it to fall off.
To take shower consider carefully the following instructions:

  1. Press the power button for three sec to put the device in Off mode.
  2. Disconnect VivereX® and keep the device in a safe place.
  3. The end of the dressing’s tube should be facing down, to prevent water from entering the tube.
  4. The dressing should not be directly submerged in water or spayed.
  5. After showering reconnect the device as described in section D.
  6. Press power button to turn the device in «On» mode.
  7. Ensure that the green therapy LED flashes, the dressing is contracted and no LED alarm is active.

How do I notice if battery power is low?

The turned on both green therapy LED and red battery LED to indicate a low battery power and the batteries should be replaced with a new one within 24 hours. If the only red battery LED flashes the battery power is too low, and a normal therapy is not established. The batteries should be replaced immediately. Refer to instruction video for replacing batteries.

How long does my wound need to be treated with VivereX®?

The treatment time depends on the size and type of wound you have. Your doctor will give you information about how often the dressing should be change and approximate treatment time. Be sure to go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you The wound starts bleeding.

When Should I call my health care professionals?

  1. When the bandage comes off. Cover the area with a sterile bandage until you can see your doctor.
  2. When All LED indicators are turned on
  3. When the umber leak or dressing change LED indicator is flashing
  4. When the machine makes more often noise or gets loud. This may mean the seal is broken.
  5. You have signs of infection, such as:
    • Swelling, warmth, or redness around the wound
    • Increased pain
    • Observing pus
    • Fever

Important issues that patients should be aware of:

  1. Keep the device in a position that allows good visibility of the four LED indicators.
  2. Observe routinely tubing to ensure the tubes are free from kinks and not blocking the flow between the dressing and the device.
  3. Keep the device free from dust, drop down, out of reach of children and pets.
  4. Do not spray or submerge on water.
  5. The device may be wiped clean with mild disinfectant solution or soapy water. Avoid spilling liquid on the device as liquids can cause malfunction of VivereX® and possible hazard to patient.
  6. Contact your healthcare professional if you observe any evidence of damage or sign of malfunction the of VivereX® system.

Understanding the way VivereX® communicates with you

  1. Why all LED indicators are turned Off?
  2. Why all LED indicators flash twice?
  3. Why all LED indicators illuminated constantly?