A groundbreaking innovation in wound care has emerged from Bacolod City, where orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kim Jingo has designed a cost-effective device to speed up the healing of severe wounds. The Aquavac–a locally-made vacuum-assisted device–uses a repurposed aquarium pump to create a healing environment for patients with major injuries, offering an affordable alternative to expensive imported systems.
The Challenge of Expensive Wound Care
Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) devices are standard for treating large or complex wounds caused by accidents, burns, or infections. These devices apply controlled negative pressure to the wound, which reduces swelling, removes excess fluids, and accelerates tissue regeneration. However, VAC devices can cost P200,000 to P300,000—a price tag out of reach for many public hospitals in the Philippines.
Dr. Jingo, who regularly treats patients with severe injuries from motorcycle accidents and firecracker accidents, recognized the gap in accessible wound care. “We didn’t have an affordable option,” he said. Faced with this challenge, he set out to develop a solution that could replicate the benefits of VAC technology without the hefty price.
Introducing the Aquavac
Dr. Jingo turned to an unexpected source: an aquarium pump. By adapting the pump to create the required vacuum, he created the Aquavac—a device that mimics the functionality of traditional VAC systems. The device uses a foam dressing on the wound, with the pump applying negative pressure that helps draw wound edges together, reduces fluid buildup, and promotes faster tissue healing.
The Aquavac costs just P50,000, a fraction of the price of imported devices. The latest model, the Aquavac Advance, includes a digital pressure gauge for adjusting suction based on wound severity.
Proven Effectiveness
Early trials have shown the Aquavac to be just as effective as more expensive VAC devices. Dr. Jingo reported that studies comparing the Aquavac to U.S. models showed similar results in terms of healing time and tissue growth.
One success story involved a bus accident victim whose severely injured arm was at risk of amputation. The Aquavac helped the wound heal rapidly, saving the patient’s arm.
A Bright Future for Wound Care
Thanks to support from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Aquavac is already in use in several hospitals across the Philippines. Dr. Jingo is also developing future versions, including one that could deliver antibiotic solutions to the wound along with the vacuum, further enhancing its healing properties.
