A modified
vacuum assisted wound closure system adapted for concurrent applications of phototherapy having a foam pad for
insertion substantially into the
wound site and a wound drape for sealing
enclosure of the foam pad at the
wound site. The foam pad includes an optical
pigtail, whereby desired
wavelength of light may be directed into and about the
wound site. The foam pad is placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source for promotion of fluid drainage. The foam pad is made of a highly reticulated, open-
cell polyurethane or polyether foam for good permeability of wound fluids while under suction and is also embedded with an optical
pigtail. The optical
pigtail comprises an
optical fiber that has been formed to fan into a plurality of sections. The fibers of the most distal fanned sections, which are implanted in the foam pad at its base, are provided with tiny optical slots, oriented away from the foam pad and toward the wound site. Each optical slot is made by stripping the cladding from the
optical fiber in the desired areas of the fanned sections to form slot radiators. Because it is necessary to trim the foam pad in preparation for therapy, the optical fibers comprise plastics, such as acrylic or
styrene. Upon placement of the pad, having the optical pigtail embedded therein, the wound drape is firmly adhered about the VAC therapy suction hose as well as the extending
optical fiber to prevent vacuum leakage.