Medical Device - Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

I was fitted with a negative pressure wound therapy device. It was a simple device consisting of a vacuum pump, a fluid reservoir and a tube running to my knee, and included some basic electronic controls. I carried it home and used it for two months.

I was appalled that the device was not available to purchase but had to be rented for about $4,500 per month. Dressings and reservoirs were replaced every few days at extra cost, of course.

I can visualize this simple device being sold at Wal-Mart for probably $39.95.