U.S. patent application number 11/652304 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-16 for bandage for wound or incision closure.
Invention is credited to Michael Lebner.
Application Number | 20070191752 11/652304 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21768000 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070191752 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lebner; Michael |
August 16, 2007 |
Bandage for wound or incision closure
Abstract
Disclosed is a bandage for closing a wound or incision, and
methods for the use of same. The bandage comprises a first flat
flexible component having adhesive on a lower surface and one or
more first elongated connectors extending in an offset manner from
one edge thereof in a first direction. The bandage further
comprises a second flat flexible component having adhesive on a
lower surface and one or more second elongated connectors extending
in an offset manner from one edge thereof in a second direction
generally opposite to the first direction. Pulling elements are
joined to the first and second elongated connectors. Means are
provided for attaching the first elongated connectors to the second
flat flexible component and the second elongated connectors to the
first flat flexible component.
Inventors: |
Lebner; Michael; (Wellesley
Hills, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kevin M. Farrell;Pierce Atwood
Suite 350
One New Hampshire Avenue
Portsmouth
NH
03801
US
|
Family ID: |
21768000 |
Appl. No.: |
11/652304 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10938163 |
Sep 10, 2004 |
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11652304 |
Jan 11, 2007 |
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10655941 |
Sep 5, 2003 |
6822133 |
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10938163 |
Sep 10, 2004 |
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10014832 |
Dec 11, 2001 |
6831205 |
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10655941 |
Sep 5, 2003 |
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09450488 |
Nov 29, 1999 |
6329564 |
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10014832 |
Dec 11, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
602/54 ;
602/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/0466 20130101;
A61B 2017/086 20130101; A61B 2090/064 20160201; A61B 17/085
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
602/054 ;
602/042 |
International
Class: |
A61F 15/00 20060101
A61F015/00; A61F 13/00 20060101 A61F013/00 |
Claims
1. A two-component bandage for closing a wound comprising: a) a
first component comprising a substantially inelastic first flat
flexible component having adhesive on a lower surface and a
plurality of first elongated connectors extending from one edge
thereof in a first direction; b) a second component comprising a
substantially inelastic second flat flexible component having
adhesive on a lower surface and one or more second elongated
connectors extending from one edge thereof in a second direction
generally opposite to the first direction; c) a first pulling
element joined to said first elongated connectors and adapted for
lateral translation of the first flat flexible component toward a
wound edge; d) a second pulling element joined to said second
elongated connectors and adapted for lateral translation of the
second flat flexible component toward the wound edge; and e) means
for attaching the first elongated connectors to the second flat
flexible component and means for attaching the second elongated
connectors to the first flat flexible component.
2. The bandage of claim 1 wherein elements a)-d) are produced from
a substantially inelastic material or are produced from an elastic
material which is reinforced with an inelastic structural component
thereby rendering the device substantially inelastic.
3. The bandage of claim 1 which is adapted for removal of the first
and second pulling elements following attachment of the
bandage.
4. The bandage of claim 1 wherein said first and second elongated
connectors are interleaved.
5. The bandage of claim 1 wherein the first elongated connectors
are adjacent one another and centrally located, and the second
elongated connectors flank the first elongated connectors at
outside edges of the bandage.
6. The bandage of claim 1, wherein the first and second pulling
elements are rigid.
7. The bandage of claim 1, wherein the first and second pulling
elements are non-rigid, but are reinforced with a rigid
element.
8. The bandage of claim 1 wherein elements a)-d) are die cut from
sheet stock.
9. The bandage of claim 1 wherein the edges of the first and second
flat flexible components which attach to the skin on opposing sides
of a wound or incision are adapted to evert skin edges to promote
wound healing.
10. The bandage of claim 10 wherein the edges of the first and
second flat flexible components are angled or curved to evert the
skin edges.
11. The bandage of claim 1, wherein a portion of the elongated
connector is cut away to increase unobstructed surface area above
the wound thereby facilitating drainage of exudates and application
of medication.
12. The bandage of claim 1, wherein the first and second flat
flexible components are adapted for wound closure alignment.
13. The bandage of claim 12 wherein said adaptation comprises
alignment marks on the first and second flat flexible components
for alignment with each other and/or with marks placed directly on
skin.
14. The bandage of claim 1, which is adapted for transdermal drug
delivery.
15. The bandage of claim 1 further comprising an elastic tension
indication element.
16. The bandage of claim 15 wherein the elastic tension indication
element is removable with the pulling elements.
17. The bandage of claim 1 further comprising a rigid polymer bar
attached to the edges of the first and second flat flexible
components which are nearest to and substantially parallel the
wound or incision.
18. The bandage of claim 1 wherein the elongated connectors are
sufficiently spaced-apart to facilitate lateral adjustment of the
first flat flexible component relative to the second flat flexible
component.
19. A method for closing a wound or incision comprising the steps
of: (a) providing a bandage for closing a wound comprising: i) a
first substantially inelastic flat flexible component having
adhesive on a lower surface and a plurality of first elongated
connectors extending from one edge thereof in a first direction;
ii) a second substantially inelastic flat flexible component having
adhesive on a lower surface and one or more second elongated
connectors extending from one edge thereof in a second direction
generally opposite to said first direction; iii) a first pulling
element joined to said first elongated connectors and adapted for
lateral translation of the first flat flexible component toward a
wound edge; iv) a second pulling element joined to said second
elongated connectors and adapted for lateral translation of the
second flat flexible component toward the wound edge; vi) means for
attaching the first elongated connectors to the second flat
flexible component and means for attaching the second elongated
connectors to the first flat flexible component; and b) attaching
said lower surface of said first flexible component to a patient's
skin along a first side of a wound; c) attaching said lower surface
of said second flexible component to the patient's skin along a
second side of said wound; d) pulling simultaneously said first and
second pulling elements until said elongated connectors are
subjected to a tension sufficient to close the wound or incision;
e) attaching said first elongated connectors to said second
flexible component; and f) attaching said second elongated
connectors to said first flexible component.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising the steps of: a)
removing said first pulling element from said first elongated
connectors; and b) removing said second pulling element from said
second elongated connectors.
21. The method of claim 19 further comprising the steps of: a)
attaching said first pulling element to the patient's skin beside
said second flat flexible component; and b) attaching said second
pulling element to the patient's skin beside said first flat
flexible component.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Compositions and methods for wound or incision closure are
known in the art. The use of sutures or staples to close a wound or
incision represents the most common of these prior art techniques.
The use of sutures or staples is an invasive technique which can be
painful and frequently the use of an anesthetic is required. These
processes often leave unsightly scars, both from the insertion
holes and from varying tensions applied to the wound or surgical
incision between the suturing points and intervening spaces.
Moreover, these methods necessitate follow-up visits to a hospital
or doctor's office for removal.
[0002] Although other compositions and methods for closing wounds
or incisions are known in the art, these have not gained popular
acceptance due to limitations in their design. There is a clear
need for non-, or less invasive method for wound or incision
closure which is practical and easy to use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to a bandage for closing a
wound or incision. The invention was originally disclosed in
compliance with the U.S. Patent Office Disclosure Document Program
as Disclosure Document Numbers 448,944 and 446,186. In a preferred
embodiment, the bandage comprises a first flat flexible component
having adhesive on a lower surface and a plurality of first
elongated connectors extending from one edge thereof in a first
direction. The bandage further comprises a second flat flexible
component having adhesive on a lower surface and one or more second
elongated connectors extending from one edge thereof in a second
direction generally opposite to the first direction. A first
pulling element is joined to the first elongated connectors and
adapted for lateral translation of the first flat flexible
component toward a wound edge. A second pulling element is joined
to the second elongated connectors and adapted for lateral
translation of the second flat flexible component toward the wound
edge. The pulling elements tend to spread the pulling force
provided by a person applying the bandage of the present invention
across each of the elongated connectors to which it is attached. A
means for attaching the first elongated connectors to the second
flat flexible component and means for attaching the second
elongated connectors to the first flat flexible component are
provided.
[0004] The adhesives provided on the lower surface of the first and
second flat flexible components are selected based on their
compatibility with the skin, as well their ability to securely hold
the bandage for a period of time sufficient for the wound to heal.
A variety of such adhesives are known in the art. Prior to
application, the adhesives are protected from contamination and
oxidation by one or more sheets of a protective film. The film is
removed prior to application of the bandage thereby exposing the
adhesive.
[0005] In embodiments of the present invention in which the first
and second flat flexible components are thin and extremely
flexible, the adhesive protecting film may be selected to provide a
degree of stiffness which aids in application of the bandage.
Multiple protective films may be provided to protect the adhesive
on a single flat flexible component, thereby providing convenient
locations to grip the top and protected bottom of the bandage with
the fingers during application.
[0006] The means for attaching the first elongated connectors to
the second flat flexible component, and the second elongated
connectors to the first flat flexible component, are also, in
preferred embodiments, adhesives. When the flat flexible components
are applied, and a desired tension is reached effecting wound or
incision closure, the elongated connectors are brought into contact
with the flat flexible components and an adhesive fixes their
positions relative to one another. It will be recognized that
during manufacture, the adhesive may be applied to the upper
surfaces of the flat flexible components, to the lower surfaces of
the elongated connectors, or to both. A variety of pressure
sensitive adhesives are appropriate for this application and the
choice of which adhesive to employ is largely one of design choice
and optimization. As was discussed above in connection with the
adhesive on the lower surfaces of the flat flexible components, the
adhesives are protected prior to application with a thin removable
film.
[0007] The sizes of the various components are variable within
parameters defined by functional considerations. For example, the
length of the first and second flat flexible components (i.e., in a
dimension generally parallel to the wound or incision), must be
approximately the same length as the wound or incision to effect
closure. To a large extent, the length of the first and second flat
flexible components (which is determined based on the length of the
wound or incision) determines the width of the first and second
flat flexible components (i.e., the dimension perpendicular to the
length of the first and second flat flexible components in the
plane of application). In other words, the relationship of length
to width must be selected such that sufficient adhesive may be
applied to hold the bandage in place once applied to the skin. If
the width of the bandage is too small, relative to its length, the
bandage will be insecure when applied and susceptible to premature
and unintended separation from the skin. The determination of
length to width ratios are empirical in nature and
adhesive-dependent. Generally speaking, an acceptable length to
width ratio may be from about 1:2 to about 8:1. These ratios are
provided as examples, with no attempt being made to provide maximum
or minimum ratios.
[0008] Another consideration which relates to the sizing of the
elements of the bandage of the present invention is the spacing
between the elongated connectors. It is important that there be
sufficient space between adjacent elongated connectors to allow
adjustment of the first and second flat flexible components
relative to one another. More specifically, in application, one of
the two flat flexible components is applied to the skin before the
other flat flexible component. Following application, this flat
flexible component is not easily removed and repositioned.
Therefore, having sufficient spacing between the elongated
connectors is important to facilitate fine adjustment of the
unattached flat flexible component relative to the attached flat
flexible component. There is no absolute minimum which can be
stated with respect to spacing between elongated connectors.
Preferred ranges are probably best stated as a percentage of the
bandage length. For example, a spacing between adjacent elongated
connectors of between about 5% to about 10% of the bandage length
(as defined above) is an example of an appropriate range.
[0009] In preferred embodiments, the flat flexible components,
elongated connectors, and pulling elements described in the
preceding paragraph are produced from a substantially inelastic
polymeric material. Alternatively, they may be produced from an
elastic material which is reinforced with an inelastic structural
component thereby rendering the device substantially inelastic. For
example, such inelastic materials may include monofilament
polymeric line or mesh. Reinforcement of the flat flexible
components along the wound edge, and of the pulling elements, is
preferably done using a material which is both rigid and inelastic
(e.g., a rigid polymer is a preferred material for this
purpose).
[0010] In preferred embodiments, the flat flexible elements,
elongated connectors and pulling elements are produced from sheet
stock (e.g., plastic sheet stock). Die cutting these elements from
plastic sheet stock to provide monolithic components which are
subsequently joined to produce a functional bandage is a
particularly cost-effective approach. The sheet stock may be
perforated to allow for the exchange of air with the skin beneath
the bandage. The thickness of the sheet stock may vary depending
upon application. In addition, as discussed above, portions may be
reinforced with a rigid material as needed.
[0011] In preferred embodiments, the first and second pulling
elements are removable following application of the bandage to the
skin. This feature minimizes the bandage size following application
to the patient. This decrease in the overall size of the bandage
reduces the chance that a portion of the bandage may be caught, for
example, on clothing or a pillow. Such an occurrence could tend to
pull the bandage away from the skin thereby causing the wound or
incision to open. Minimizing the overall size of the bandage
following application also tends to provide for a more comfortable
fit.
[0012] A preferred design which provides for the removal of the
pulling elements includes in-line perforations or scoring along the
first and second elongated connectors. By breaking the elongated
connectors along these perforations, the first and second pulling
elements are removed.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the bandage of the present
invention, the first and second elongated connectors are
interleaved. The interleaving of the elongated connectors can be
effected in a variety of ways which will be apparent to one of
skill in the art. By way of example, at least one member of the
pair of flat flexible components and elongated connectors may be
die cut as a single unit, while die cutting the corresponding
pulling element separately. The first and second elongated
connectors may then be interleaved, followed by attachment of the
individually die cut pulling element to the appropriate elongated
connectors using, for example, an adhesive.
[0014] Another method for assembling an interleaved embodiment is
most readily described by way of example. A first monolithic
component comprising a pulling element, a pair of first elongated
connectors, and a first flat flexible component is provided. A
second monolithic component comprising a pulling element, three
second elongated connectors, and a second flat flexible component
is provided. The elongated connectors are spaced such that they
would interleave, if mated, but for the fact that the middle second
elongated connector (being fixed at each end) prohibits the mating
of the two elements. In order to mate the two monolithic components
it is necessary to cut this middle second elongated connector, mate
the two monolithic components such that the elongated connectors
interleave, then reattach the middle second elongated connector.
Clearly this method of assembling applies also to embodiments
having more than 5 total elongated connectors.
[0015] An alternative to the interleaved embodiments described
above has been termed the wide key-hole design. In this design, two
monolithic components are manufactured (e.g., by a die cut
process). Each of the two monolithic components comprise a first
flat flexible component, elongated connector(s) and a pulling
element. The elongated connector(s) of the first monolithic
component are all adjacent to one another and centrally located in
the assembled and applied bandage. The elongated connectors of the
second monolithic component flank those of the first monolithic
component lying toward the outside edges of the bandage. This
design facilitates manufacture because both monolithic components
can be die cut in a conventional manner, then the first monolithic
component may be inserted into the relative wide opening between
the two sets of elongated connectors in the second monolithic
component. When rotated into the same plane, as they are when
applied, the monolithic components engage one another resulting in
a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a
wound closure device of the type described above, but having only a
single elongated connector extending from the first flat flexible
component, and a single elongated connector extending from the
second flat flexible component. This embodiment is preferred for
use in connection with relatively small wounds or incisions.
Generally speaking, the width of the flat flexible components of
this small wound embodiment is less than about 3/4''. This
preference for use in connection with relatively small wounds or
incisions is based on the fact that the elongated connector extends
from its corresponding flat flexible component in an offset manner
(i.e., not from the center of the wound edge, but rather to one
side of the wound edge). If the flat flexible component were
sufficiently wide, say two inches in width, attempts to effect
adjustment of the wound edge could be distorted by flexing of the
components. On the smaller scales anticipated in connection with
this embodiment, the risk of this type of distortion is
substantially eliminated.
[0017] By designing this embodiment so that the single elongated
connector extends from its associated flat flexible component in an
offset manner, it is possible to apply each component of the
two-component device such that the wound edge of each are
substantially parallel and centrally aligned, with the elongated
connectors of each component being substantially parallel. In use,
the adhesive backed portion of the elongated connector extending
from the first flat flexible component attaches to the second flat
flexible component. Similarly, the adhesive backed portion of the
elongated connector extending from the second flat flexible
component attaches to the first flat flexible component. Care is
taken during the design and manufacture process to ensure that
adhesive is not applied to an elongated connection at a location
which would result in contact between adhesive and the wound.
[0018] A pulling element is provided which extends from each
elongated connector on the side of the elongated connector opposite
the associated flat flexible component. In preferred embodiments,
the pulling element is removable once the device is secured. A
perforation in the material from which the device is constructed,
along a line substantially perpendicular to the major axis of each
elongated connector, is provided for easy removal of the pulling
element. Optional features of the type described herein, in
connection with other embodiments, are equally applicable to the
single elongated connector embodiment.
[0019] When applied to the skin and appropriately tensioned, one
edge of the first flat flexible component and one edge of the
second flat flexible component are positioned nearest to and
substantially parallel to the wound or incision. These edges will
be referred to herein as the wound edges. In preferred embodiments
of the present invention, the wound edges are adapted to evert (or
raise) skin edges to promote wound healing. It is known in the art
that everting, raising or mounding of the skin edges at the wound
or incision site prevents wound inversion. One way in which this
may be accomplished is to provide a bend at the wound edge. The
bend may be angled or arcuate. The adhesive on the lower portion of
the flat flexible components is also applied to the portion of the
wound edge. When attached to the skin this eversion edge tends to
lift the edges of the skin at the point of closure contact, thereby
promoting wound or incision healing.
[0020] As mentioned above, preferred embodiments of the present
invention include die cut embodiments. In such embodiment, the
elongated connectors may be viewed as strap-like in their
dimensions. In preferred embodiments, a portion of the elongated
connectors is cut away to increase the unobstructed surface area
over the wound or incision. This tends to facilitate drainage of
exudates and application of medication. This cut-away is best made
in a die cut process.
[0021] In preferred embodiments, the bandage of the present
invention is also adapted for wound closure alignment. Spacing
between adjacent elongated connectors, as discussed above, is
relevant to the issue of wound closure alignment. Additionally,
preferred embodiments of the bandage of the present invention
include wound closure alignment indicators. These alignment
indicators are visual indicators which appear on the flat flexible
components near the wound edge. Typically, they will appear as a
line or an arrow generally perpendicular to the wound or incision.
In closing a wound or incision, a clinician typically closes the
wound manually with his/her fingers at the approximate mid-point,
then makes a small mark or line perpendicular to the wound with a
surgical pencil. These marks are used to align the device precisely
with the wound alignment indicators on the bandage of the present
invention.
[0022] The bandage of the present invention can be optionally
adapted for transdermal drug delivery. As is known in the art, a
drug is deliverable transdermally through the skin. For such an
application, a drug-containing patch is secured to at least one of
the flat flexible components in such a way that the drug can be
delivered through the skin. Given the fact that there will be no
adhesive contact between the skin and the flat flexible component
in the area of the drug delivery patch, it may be necessary to
increase the size of the flat flexible component to secure the
bandage in such a transdermal drug delivery embodiment. Transdermal
drug delivery is well known in the art and a review of the
background is not necessary to enable one of skill in the art to
make and use the present invention.
[0023] The bandage of the present invention may optionally include
an elastic tension indicator element. The purpose of the tension
indicator element is to provide a visual indication that a desired
tension has been reached while applying the bandage. For example,
materials are known in the art which change color when a
predetermined tension is applied. Similarly, other graphic
representations may be used for this purpose. For example, a
rectangular graphic representation may be applied to an elastic
tension indicator element. As this tension indicator is stretched,
the graphic representation of the rectangle stretches. This element
may be designed such that the desired tension is indicated when the
original rectangular representation is stretched to the point where
it closely approximates a geometric square.
[0024] It is desirable that this elastic tension indicator element
be removable with the pulling elements following application of the
bandage. At a minimum, the elastic tension indicator element should
be positioned in the bandage such that when the bandage is applied,
it is not possible for the elastic element to continue to stretch
and release the desired tension previously established.
[0025] The present invention also relates to a method of wound
closure. The method comprises applying the bandage described above
in the manner specified.
[0026] The device of the present invention can also be adapted for
skin stretching prior to a surgical procedure. Consider, for
example, a situation in which a surgeon wishes to remove an
abnormal skin patch. If the skin patch is generally round, having a
diameter of one inch, it is easy to imagine the problem associated
with closing the incision resulting from its removal. Currently
this problem is addressed by stretching the skin using an invasive
procedure in which a balloon-like device is inserted beneath the
skin, and inflated. Over a period of days, the skin above the
device is stretched and the removal of the undesirable skin patch
creates an opening in the skin which is much more easily
closed.
[0027] The device of the present invention can be used to
accomplish this skin-stretching function. This is accomplished by
placing the wound edges of each component of the two-component
device on either side of the skin patch to be excised. The device
is then tensioned as described herein. In light of the fact that
the distance between the two wound edges is relatively large in
this application, the tension on the device is increased. To ensure
adherence of the components of the device in this skin-stretching
embodiment, it is desirable to provide adhesive on the pulling
elements of the device. In this embodiment, not only are the
components secured by adhesive contact between the elongated
connector(s) and flat flexible components, but also by adhesive
contact between pulling elements and the skin. In this embodiment
the pulling elements are not removed following application of the
device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a bandage of the
present invention in a non-tensioned state.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a bandage of the
present invention with tension applied.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a bandage of the
present invention with elongated connectors secured to flat
flexible components and pulling elements removed.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a bandage of the
present invention in non-tensioned a wide-keyhole embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a protective cover for
application over the bandage of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the protective cover of FIG.
6, applied to protect a bandage of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of
the present invention in which each component of the two-component
device comprises only a single elongated connector.
[0035] FIG. 8 is a perspective view depicting the device of FIG. 7
in use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] A bandage of the present invention in a non-tensioned state
is depicted in FIG. 1. Bandage (1) includes a first flat flexible
component (5) and a second flat flexible component (25). Each of
these components has an upper surface to which lead lines 5 and 25
are directed, and lower surfaces which are not visible in the
drawing. The lower surfaces are coated with adhesive to facilitate
attachment to the skin. A plurality of first elongated connectors
(15) extend from the wound edge (20) of the first flat flexible
component (5) in a first direction, and a plurality of second
elongated connectors (35) extend from the wound edge (42) of the
second flat flexible component in a second direction which is
generally opposite to the first direction. A first pulling element
(40) is joined to the first elongated connectors (15) and adapted
for lateral translation of the first flat flexible component (5)
toward a wound or incision. Similarly, a second pulling element
(45) is joined to the second elongated connectors (35) and adapted
for lateral translation of the second flat flexible component (25)
toward the wound or incision. In preferred embodiments, the means
for attaching the first elongated connectors (15) to the second
flat flexible component (25), and the second elongated connectors
(35) to the first flat flexible component (5), comprise an
adhesive. The adhesive may be applied to the lower surfaces of the
first and second elongated connectors (15 and 35), or to the upper
surfaces of the first and second flat flexible components (5 and
25). Perforations (17 and 37) in the elongated connectors
facilitate removal of the pulling elements (40 and 45) from the
elongated connectors (15 and 35) following application of the
bandage.
[0037] Lower surfaces of the first and second flat flexible
components are covered (at least partially) with adhesive to
facilitate attachment to the patient's skin. Such adhesives
facilitate attachment and allow easy removal of the bandage after
the wound or incision has healed. Protective films (not shown),
removable by hand, serve as means for protecting the adhesive on
the first and second flexible flat components (5 and 35) prior to
use of the bandage.
[0038] FIG. 2 depicts the bandage of FIG. 1 in a tensioned, but
non-fixed state. More specifically, FIG. 2 depicts first and second
flat flexible components (5 and 25) attached to the skin with
adhesive. Tension has been applied to pulling elements (40 and 45)
thereby drawing wound edges (20 and 42) toward one another, thereby
effecting wound closure. Elongated connectors (15 and 35) have not
yet been fixed by adhesive to the flat flexible components (5 and
25), thereby completing application.
[0039] FIG. 3 depicts the bandage of FIG. 1 in the tension and
fixed (i.e., applied) state. Pulling elements 40 and 45 as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 3 have been removed along perforations 17 and 37.
Elongated connectors 15 and 35 are attached to flat flexible
components 5 and 25 by adhesive. Cut-outs (47 and 49) in elongated
connectors (35 and 15) are positioned directly above the wound or
incision to facilitate drainage of exudates and application of
medication.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment of the
bandage of FIG. 1 is shown in which only a single elongated
connector (15) is attached to the first flat flexible component
(5). This embodiment is referred to herein as a wide key-hole
embodiment.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 5, a clear, breathable protective cover
(51) having an adhesive strip (53) along the perimeter may be
applied to protect the area to which a bandage of the present
invention has been applied. FIG. 6 depicts the protective cover
(51) applied to the skin over a bandage of the present invention
(1).
[0042] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of a two-component
wound closure device of the present invention. The first component
of the two-component device is indicated by reference number 54,
and the second component of the two-component device is indicated
by reference number 56. Each of the two components (54 and 56) have
a single elongated connector (15 and 35) associated with each flat
flexible component (5 and 25). The single elongated connectors (15
and 35) extend from their associated flat flexible components (5
and 25) in an offset manner. An example of an adhesive application
pattern, intended to be non-limiting, for securing the two
components is shown by shading. In preferred embodiments, the
adhesive is applied to each flat flexible component (5 and 25), as
well as a portion of the elongated connectors (15 and 35). Pulling
elements (40 and 45) are provided for ease of application and
adjustment of the two-components of the wound closure device.
Perforations (17 and 37) are provided in preferred embodiments for
removal of the pulling elements. In FIG. 7, the position of the
perforation is near the central region of the elongated connectors.
It will be recognized that the positioning of the perforations (17
and 37) is a matter of design choice. Cut-outs (47 and 49) are also
shown in FIG. 7. These cut-outs are intended to allow for drainage
of wound exudates, as well as to facilitate application of
medication to the wound area.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 8, in use, the offset enables the device
to be positioned such that each component (54 and 56) of the two
component device is aligned such that the wound edge of each (20
and 42) (i.e., the edge of the flat flexible component positioned
nearest the wound or incision) are substantially parallel and
centrally aligned, with elongated connectors (15 and 35)
substantially parallel. While FIG. 8 depicts the offset of each
elongated connector in its most extreme embodiment (i.e., one edge
of each elongated connector extends linearly from one edge of each
flat flexible component), it is not necessary that the elongated
connectors be so severely offset. The degree of offset is
sufficient when each component of the device can be positioned as
taught herein without the first and second elongated connectors
making contact with each other. When positioned, the adhesive
backed portion of the elongated connector (15) extending from the
first flat flexible component (5) attaches to the second flat
flexible component (25). Similarly, the adhesive backed portion of
the elongated connector (35) extending from the second flat
flexible component (25) attaches to the first flat flexible
component (5).
* * * * *