U.S. patent application number 12/857179 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-03 for reduced-pressure wound dressings and systems for re-epithelialization and granulation.
Invention is credited to Richard Daniel John Coulthard, Christopher Brian Locke, Timothy Mark Robinson.
Application Number | 20110054420 12/857179 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43625925 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110054420 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Locke; Christopher Brian ;
et al. |
March 3, 2011 |
REDUCED-PRESSURE WOUND DRESSINGS AND SYSTEMS FOR
RE-EPITHELIALIZATION AND GRANULATION
Abstract
Methods, apparatuses, and systems for promoting
re-epithelialization and granulation as an aspect of wound healing
are presented. A method and system for promoting granulation and
re-epithelialization of a wound at the same time involves using a
reduced-pressure treatment dressing and applying a moist,
water-sensitive barrier to promote re-epithelialization and to
inhibit granulation. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are
presented.
Inventors: |
Locke; Christopher Brian;
(Bournemouth, GB) ; Robinson; Timothy Mark;
(Basingstoke, GB) ; Coulthard; Richard Daniel John;
(Verwood, GB) |
Family ID: |
43625925 |
Appl. No.: |
12/857179 |
Filed: |
August 16, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61237504 |
Aug 27, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/311 ;
604/319 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 27/00 20130101;
A61F 13/0203 20130101; A61F 13/00068 20130101; A61M 1/0088
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/311 ;
604/319 |
International
Class: |
A61M 35/00 20060101
A61M035/00; A61M 1/00 20060101 A61M001/00 |
Claims
1. A method for promoting granulation and re-epithelialization of a
wound of a patient, the method comprising the steps of: providing a
reduced-pressure treatment dressing having a first side and a
second, tissue-facing side, wherein the second, tissue-facing side
has a micro-strain inducing surface; creating a moist,
water-sensitive barrier on at least a portion of the wound to
promote re-epithelialization and to inhibit granulation; placing
the reduced-pressure treatment dressing over a peri-wound area such
that the reduced-pressure treatment dressing covers at least a
portion of the wound and at least a portion of the moist,
water-sensitive barrier; forming a fluid seal over the
reduced-pressure treatment dressing and a portion of epidermis of
the patient; and applying reduced pressure to the reduced-pressure
treatment dressing.
2. The method for promoting granulation and re-epithelialization of
a wound of claim 1, wherein the step of creating a moist,
water-sensitive barrier comprises the step of creating a moist,
water-sensitive barrier over wound edges of the wound.
3. The method for promoting granulation and re-epithelialization of
a wound of claim 1, wherein the step of creating a moist,
water-sensitive barrier comprises the step of deploying a
water-sensitive, flowable material.
4. The method for promoting granulation and re-epithelialization of
a wound of claim 1, wherein the step of creating a moist,
water-sensitive barrier comprises the step of deploying a
water-sensitive, flowable material on the at least a portion of the
wound to promote re-epithelialization and to inhibit granulation;
and wherein the water-sensitive, flowable material has a viscosity
in the range of 50,000 to 150,000 cP at 25.degree. C.
5. The method for promoting granulation and re-epithelialization of
a wound of claim 1, wherein the reduced-pressure treatment dressing
comprises a layer of removable, moist water-sensitive barrier
material on a manifold, and wherein the step of creating a moist,
water-sensitive barrier comprises the steps of removing a portion
of the removable, moist water-sensitive barrier material from the
manifold at a location to promote granulation on a portion of the
wound.
6. The method for promoting granulation and re-epithelialization of
a wound of claim 1, wherein the micro-strain inducing surface is an
open-cell foam.
7. The method for promoting granulation and re-epithelialization of
a wound of claim 1, wherein the step of creating a moist,
water-sensitive barrier comprises the step of deploying a
water-sensitive, flowable material to inhibit granulation and to
promote re-epithelialization; and wherein the water-sensitive,
flowable material is a hydrogel.
8. The method for promoting granulation and re-epithelialization of
a wound of claim 1, wherein: creating a moist, water-sensitive
barrier comprises deploying a water-sensitive, flowable material to
align with locations to inhibit granulation and to promote
re-epithelialization; the water-sensitive, flowable material
comprises a hydrogel having a viscosity in the range of 50,000 to
150,000 cP at 25.degree. C.; deploying a water-sensitive, flowable
material comprises using a syringe to deliver the water-sensitive,
flowable material onto the micro-strain inducing surface on
portions that will interface with tissue to promote
re-epithelialization and to inhibit granulation.
9. The method for promoting granulation and re-epithelialization of
a wound of claim 1, wherein the step of deploying a
water-sensitive, flowable material comprises using a syringe to
deliver the water-sensitive, flowable material onto the
micro-strain inducing surface on portions that will interface with
tissue where re-epithelialization is desired and granulation is not
desired.
10. The method for promoting granulation and re-epithelialization
of a wound of claim 1, wherein: the step of creating a moist,
water-sensitive barrier comprises the step of deploying a
water-sensitive, flowable material to align with locations where
granulation is not desired; the water-sensitive, flowable material
comprises a hydrogel; and the step of deploying a water-sensitive,
flowable material comprises using a delivery device to deliver the
water-sensitive, flowable material onto tissue where
re-epithelialization and not granulation is desired.
11. A system for promoting granulation and re-epithelialization of
a wound of a patient, the system comprising: a reduced-pressure
treatment dressing having a first side and a second, tissue-facing
side, wherein the second, tissue-facing side has a micro-strain
inducing surface; a moist, water-sensitive barrier disposed
adjacent to the reduced-pressure treatment dressing at locations to
promote re-epithelialization and to inhibit granulation; a sealing
member for placing over the reduced-pressure treatment dressing and
a portion of epidermis of the patient; and a reduced-pressure
source for providing reduced pressure to the reduced-pressure
treatment dressing.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the moist, water-sensitive
barrier comprises a water-sensitive, flowable material aligned with
portions of the wound to promote re-epithelialization and to
inhibit granulation.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the moist, water-sensitive
barrier comprises a water-sensitive, flowable material aligned with
portions of the wound to promote re-epithelialization and to
inhibit granulation, and wherein the water-sensitive, flowable
material is a hydrogel.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein the reduced-pressure treatment
dressing comprises a layer of removable, moist water-sensitive
barrier on a manifold, and wherein the removable, moist
water-sensitive barrier is absent on portions of the manifold on a
tissue-facing surface to promote granulation.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein the micro-strain inducing
surface is an open-cell foam.
16. The system of claim 11, wherein the micro-strain inducing
surface is a gauze.
17. A kit for deploying a dressing for promoting granulation and
re-epithelialization of a wound of a patient, the kit comprising: a
reduced-pressure treatment dressing having a first side and a
second, tissue-facing side, wherein the second, tissue-facing side
has a micro-strain inducing surface; a water-sensitive, flowable
material for disposing adjacent to the reduced-pressure treatment
dressing and adjacent to portions of the wound to promote
re-epithelialization and to inhibit granulation; a sealing member
for placing over the reduced-pressure treatment dressing and a
portion of epidermis of the patient; and a delivery device for
applying the water-sensitive, flowable material.
18. The kit of claim 17, wherein delivery device comprises a
syringe.
19. The kit of claim 17, wherein the water-sensitive, flowable
material comprises a flowable hydrogel and the delivery device
comprises a syringe.
20. The kit of claim 17, wherein the water-sensitive, flowable
material comprises a flowable hydrogel; the delivery device
comprises a syringe; and wherein the flowable hydrogel has a
viscosity in the range of 50,000 to 150,000 cP at 25.degree. C.
21. The kit of claim 17, further comprising a reduced-pressure
delivery conduit for providing reduced pressure to the
reduced-pressure treatment dressings.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present invention claims the benefit, under 35 USC
.sctn.119(e), of the filing of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 61/237,504 entitled "Reduced-Pressure Wound Dressings and
Systems For Re-Epithelialization and Granulation," filed Aug. 27,
2009, which is incorporated herein by reference for all
purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to medical
treatment systems and, in particular but not by way of limitation,
to reduced-pressure wound dressings, systems, and methods for
re-epithelialization and granulation of a wound.
[0003] The physiological process of wound healing involves
different phases that may occur simultaneously or sequentially. As
used herein, "or" does not require mutual exclusivity. Two phases
of the wound healing process involve granulation (proliferation)
and re-epthiliazation.
SUMMARY
[0004] Improvements to certain aspects of wound care dressings,
methods, and systems are addressed by the present invention as
shown and described in a variety of illustrative, non-limiting
embodiments herein. According to an illustrative, non-limiting
embodiment, a method for promoting granulation and
re-epithelialization of a wound includes the steps of providing a
reduced-pressure treatment dressing having a first side and a
second, tissue-facing side. The second, tissue-facing side of the
reduced-pressure treatment dressing has a micro-strain inducing
surface. The method further includes the steps of creating a moist,
water-sensitive barrier on portions of the wound to promote
re-epithelialization and to inhibit granulation; placing the
reduced-pressure treatment dressing adjacent to the wound; and
causing a fluid seal over the reduced-pressure treatment dressing.
The method also includes applying reduced pressure to the
reduced-pressure treatment dressing.
[0005] According to an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a
system for promoting granulation and re-epithelialization of a
wound of a patient includes a reduced-pressure treatment dressing
and a moist, water-sensitive barrier disposed adjacent the
reduced-pressure treatment dressing at portions of the wound to
promote re-epithelialization and to inhibit granulation. The system
further includes a sealing member for placing over the
reduced-pressure treatment dressing and a portion of epidermis of
the patient and a reduced-pressure source for providing reduced
pressure to the reduced-pressure treatment dressing.
[0006] According to an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a kit
for deploying a dressing for promoting granulation and
re-epithelialization of a wound of a patient includes a
reduced-pressure treatment dressing and a water-sensitive, flowable
material for disposing adjacent to the reduced-pressure treatment
dressing at portions of the wound to promote re-epithelialization
and to inhibit granulation. The kit also includes a sealing member
for placing over the reduced-pressure treatment dressing and a
portion of epidermis of the patient. The kit may also include a
reduced-pressure delivery conduit for providing reduced pressure to
the reduced-pressure treatment dressing. Finally, the kit includes
a delivery device for applying the water-sensitive, flowable
material.
[0007] Other features and advantages of the illustrative,
non-limiting embodiments will become apparent with reference to the
drawings and detailed description that follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram with a portion in cross
section of an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of a system and
dressing for re-epithelialization and granulation of a wound;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a wound to
which a moist, water-sensitive barrier is being applied to a
portion of the tissue;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic, perspective view of water-sensitive,
flowable material being applied to a reduced-pressure treatment
dressing; and
[0011] FIG. 4 is a schematic, perspective view of an illustrative,
non-limiting embodiment of a wound dressing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] In the following detailed description of the illustrative,
non-limiting embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying
drawings that form a part hereof. These embodiments are described
in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be
utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and
chemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or
scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable
those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments described
herein, the description may omit certain information known to those
skilled in the art. The following detailed description is not to be
taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the illustrative
embodiments are defined only by the appended claims.
[0013] Referring now primarily to FIG. 1, an illustrative,
non-limiting embodiment of a wound treatment system 100 that
facilitates granulation and re-epithelialization is presented. The
system 100 is shown deployed for treatment of a tissue site 102
and, in particular, a wound 104. The wound 104 is shown extending
through epidermis 112 and into subcutaneous tissue 114. A
peri-wound area may include the wound 104 and intact tissue near
the wound 104 or may include the wound 104 alone. The tissue site
102 may be the bodily tissue of any human, animal, or other
organism, including bone tissue, adipose tissue, muscle tissue,
dermal tissue, vascular tissue, connective tissue, cartilage,
tendons, ligaments, or any other tissue. The wound treatment system
100 facilitates re-epithelialization of a portion of the tissue
site 102 and facilitates granulation of another portion of the
tissue site 102 with both potentially occurring at the same time.
The wound 104 may have wound edges 106 and may include one or more
islands of intact epidermis, such as island 108 of intact
epidermis, which has wound edges 110. The wound 104 may be regarded
as including wound edges 106, 110.
[0014] The epithelialization, or re-epithelialization, phase of
acute wound healing involves resurfacing of the wound 104 and
changes in the wound edges 106, 110. The process protects a
patient's body from invasion by outside organisms and may occur
concurrently with other phases if not restricted. The resurfacing
aspect involves keratinocytes.
[0015] Among other things, keratinocytes form layers of the dermis
and epidermis. Keratinocytes are derived from epidermal stem cells
located in the bulge area of hair follicles and migrate from that
location into the basal layers of epidermis. The keratinocytes
proliferate and differentiate to produce epidermis and thereby
replenish the epidermis. Keratinocytes may respond to signals
released from growth factors, which may be in wound exudate, by
advancing in a sheet to resurface a space. Because of this
migration, a moist wound environment may speed the migration of
keratinocytes toward one another from the wound edges 106, 110. The
wound treatment system 100 promotes the re-epithelialization phase
or process and the granulation phase or process.
[0016] The wound treatment system 100 includes a moist barrier 116,
a reduced-pressure treatment dressing 118, and a sealing member
120. When the wound treatment system 100 is deployed, the
reduced-pressure treatment dressing 118 will be disposed adjacent
to portions of the tissue site 102 where primarily granulation is
desired and adjacent the moist barrier 116 in other locations. The
moist barrier 116 will be adjacent to portions of the tissue site
102 where primarily re-epithelialization is to be promoted and
where granulation is to be inhibited or not facilitated. Among
other things, the moist barrier 116 reduces or prevents reduced
pressure from being experienced at the location covered by the
moist barrier 116 or reduces or prevents contact by a
micro-strain-inducing surface of a manifold 128 of the
reduced-pressure treatment dressing 118.
[0017] After the moist barrier 116 is deployed at the desired
location, e.g., the wound edges 106, 110, and the reduced-pressure
treatment dressing 118 is placed over the tissue site 102 and the
moist barrier 116, the sealing member 120 is deployed. The sealing
member 120 is deployed over the reduced-pressure treatment dressing
118 and a portion of a patient's intact epidermis 112.
[0018] The sealing member 120 has a first side 121 and a second,
tissue-facing side 123. The sealing member 120 may be formed from
any material that provides a fluid seal. "Fluid seal," or "seal,"
means a seal adequate to maintain reduced pressure at a desired
site given the particular reduced-pressure source or subsystem
involved. The sealing member may, for example, be an impermeable or
semi-permeable, elastomeric material. "Elastomeric" means having
the properties of an elastomer. Elastomer generally refers to a
polymeric material that has rubber-like properties. More
specifically, most elastomers typically have ultimate elongations
greater than 100% and a significant amount of resilience. The
resilience of a material refers to the material's ability to
recover from an elastic deformation. Examples of elastomers may
include, but are not limited to, natural rubbers, polyisoprene,
styrene butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, polybutadiene,
nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene
propylene diene monomer, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, polysulfide
rubber, polyurethane, EVA film, co-polyester, and silicones.
Additional examples of sealing member materials include a silicone
drape, 3M Tegaderm.RTM. drape, polyurethane (PU) drape such as one
available from Avery Dennison Corporation of Pasadena, Calif.
[0019] An attachment device 122 may be used to form a fluid seal
between the epidermis 112 and the sealing member 120. The
attachment device 122 may be used to hold the sealing member 120
against the patient's epidermis 112 or another layer, such as a
gasket or additional sealing member. The attachment device 122 may
take numerous forms. For example, the attachment device 122 may be
a medically acceptable, pressure-sensitive adhesive 124 that
extends about a periphery of the sealing member 120.
[0020] The reduced-pressure treatment dressing 118, which has a
first side 130 and a second, tissue-facing side 132, may be any
dressing that distributes reduced pressure and that may help
promote micro-strain at the tissue site 102. For example, the
reduced-pressure treatment dressing 118 may be or include the
manifold 128. The term "manifold" as used herein generally refers
to a substance or structure that is provided to assist in applying
reduced pressure to, delivering fluids to, or removing fluids from
the tissue site 102. The manifold 128 typically includes a
plurality of flow channels or pathways that distribute fluids
provided to and removed from the tissue site 102 around the
manifold 128. In one illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, the
flow channels or pathways are interconnected to improve
distribution of fluids provided or removed from the tissue site
102. The manifold 128 may be a biocompatible material that is
capable of being placed in contact with the tissue site 102 and
distributing reduced pressure to the tissue site 102.
[0021] Examples of the manifold 128 may include, for example,
without limitation, devices that have structural elements arranged
to form flow channels, such as, for example, cellular foam,
open-cell foam, porous tissue collections, liquids, gels, and foams
that include, or cure to include, flow channels. The manifold 128
may be porous and may be made from foam, gauze, felted mat, or any
other material suited to a particular biological application. In
one embodiment, the manifold 128 is a porous foam and includes a
plurality of interconnected cells or pores that act as flow
channels. The porous foam may be a polyurethane, open-cell,
reticulated foam, such as GranuFoam.RTM. material manufactured by
Kinetic Concepts, Incorporated of San Antonio, Tex. Other
embodiments may include "closed cells." The manifold 128 has a
first side 129 and a second, tissue-facing side 131. The second,
tissue-facing side 131 may provide a micro-strain-inducing surface,
such as open cells or protrusions or other devices that impinge on
the tissue site 102 when under reduced pressure or a force.
[0022] In one embodiment, the manifold 128 may be constructed from
bioresorbable materials that do not have to be removed from a
patient's body following use of the reduced-pressure treatment
dressing 118. Suitable bioresorbable materials may include, without
limitation, a polymeric blend of polylactic acid (PLA) and
polyglycolic acid (PGA). The polymeric blend may also include
without limitation polycarbonates, polyfumarates, and
capralactones. The manifold 128 may further serve as a scaffold for
new cell-growth, or a scaffold material may be used in conjunction
with the manifold 128 to promote cell-growth. A scaffold is a
substance or structure used to enhance or promote the growth of
cells or formation of tissue, such as a three-dimensional porous
structure that provides a template for cell growth. Illustrative
examples of scaffold materials include calcium phosphate, collagen,
PLA/PGA, coral hydroxy apatites, carbonates, or processed allograft
materials.
[0023] In some situations, the manifold 128 may also be used to
distribute fluids, such as medications, antibacterials, growth
factors, and various solutions to the tissue site 102. Other layers
may be included in or on the manifold 128, such as absorptive
materials, wicking materials, hydrophobic materials, and
hydrophilic materials.
[0024] A reduced-pressure connector 134 may be associated with the
reduced-pressure treatment dressing 118 to provide reduced pressure
thereto. The reduced-pressure connector 134 may have a flange
portion 136 that may be disposed between the sealing member 120 and
the first side 130 of the reduced-pressure treatment dressing 118.
A portion of the reduced-pressure connector 134 extends through a
connector aperture 138 in the sealing member 120. A reduced
pressure delivery conduit 140 may be used to fluidly couple the
reduced-pressure connector 134 to a reduced-pressure source 142.
One or more devices 144 may be associated or fluidly coupled to the
reduced-pressure delivery conduit 140. The device or devices 144
that may be fluidly coupled to the reduced-pressure delivery
conduit 140 include, for example, without limitation, a fluid
reservoir or collection member to hold exudates and other fluids
removed, a pressure-feedback device, a volume detection system, a
blood detection system, an infection detection system, a flow
monitoring system, a temperature monitoring system, or other
device.
[0025] The reduced-pressure source 142 provides reduced pressure as
a part of the system 100. The term "reduced pressure" as used
herein generally refers to a pressure less than the ambient
pressure at a tissue site that is being subjected to treatment. In
most cases, this reduced pressure will be less than the atmospheric
pressure at which the patient is located. Alternatively, the
reduced pressure may be less than a hydrostatic pressure of tissue
at the tissue site. Although the terms "vacuum" and "negative
pressure" may be used to describe the pressure applied to the
tissue site, the actual pressure applied to the tissue site may be
significantly more than the pressure normally associated with a
complete vacuum. Unless otherwise indicated, values of pressure
stated herein are gauge pressures.
[0026] The reduced pressure delivered by the reduced-pressure
source 142 may be constant or varied (patterned or random) and may
be delivered continuously or intermittently. In order to maximize
patient mobility and ease, the reduced-pressure source 142 may be a
battery-powered, reduced-pressure generator. This facilitates
application in the operating room and provides mobility and
convenience for the patient during the rehabilitation phase. Other
sources of reduced pressure might be utilized, such as V.A.C..RTM.
therapy unit, which is available from KCI of San Antonio, Tex.,
wall suction, a mechanical unit, or a micro-pump imbedded in the
reduced-pressure treatment dressing 118. The pressure may in the
range of -5 mm Hg to -500 mm Hg and more typically between -100 mm
Hg and -200 mm Hg.
[0027] The reduced pressure developed by the reduced-pressure
source 142 is delivered through the reduced-pressure delivery
conduit 140, or medical conduit or tubing, to the reduced-pressure
connector 134. A hydrophobic membrane filter may be interspersed
between the reduced-pressure delivery conduit 140 and the
reduced-pressure source 142. In another illustrative embodiment,
reduced pressure is delivered by a micro-pump to a sealed spaced
under the sealing member 120.
[0028] The moist barrier 116 may be formed from numerous materials.
In one illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, the moist barrier 116
is a moist, water-sensitive barrier, such as a hydrogel,
hydrocolloid, or other part solid solution. The moist barrier 116
may also be a substance in a foam formulation such as a hydrogel or
hydrocolloid foam form or may be an emulsified oil. The material
from which the moist barrier 116 is formed may be water-sensitive,
or a fluid balancing material, meaning that the material will
provide moisture to dry wounds and will absorb moisture from
excessively moist, or wet, wounds. In one illustrative,
non-limiting embodiment, the moist barrier 116 may be a
water-sensitive, flowable material 146, such as a flowable hydrogel
or flowable hydrocolloid. The moist barrier 116 may include
additional substances, such as growth factors. The moist barrier
116 may promote bio-mimicry.
[0029] The water-sensitive, flowable material 146 may be a high
viscosity fluid, like a flowable hydrogel or hydrocolloid that is
low enough in viscosity to flow, but high enough in viscosity to
occlude the reduced-pressure treatment dressing 118. The
water-sensitive, flowable material 146 may move partially into the
manifold 128. The degree to which the water-sensitive, flowable
material 146 moves into the manifold 128 is, in the case of a foam
manifold, governed primarily by pore size, the level of reduced
pressure, and the viscosity of the water-sensitive, flowable
material 146. For example, with a relatively viscous embodiment of
the water-sensitive, flowable material 146 against a fine pore size
foam, a majority of the water-sensitive, flowable material 146 will
remain at the interface of the water-sensitive, flowable material
146 and the foam.
[0030] As an illustrative, non-limiting example, the
water-sensitive, flowable material 146 may have a viscosity in the
range of 2,000 to 250,000 centipoise (cP) at 25.degree. C. As
another illustrative, non-limiting example, the water-sensitive,
flowable material 146 may have a viscosity in the range of 50,000
to 150,000 cP at 25.degree. C. In another illustrative, embodiment,
the water-sensitive, flowable material 146 may be a gel that is
pseudoplastic (capable of shear thinning, i.e., shear dependent
viscosity) so that the material has a low viscosity as dispensed
with high shear, but once in place with a low shear situation, the
material increases in viscosity.
[0031] The moist barrier 116 is typically deployed in a position to
cover the wound edges 106, 110 and may be deployed in a number of
ways. Referring now primarily to FIG. 2, one illustrative,
non-limiting description of a process for forming the moist barrier
116 is presented. In this illustrative example, the moist barrier
116 comprises the water-sensitive, flowable material 146. A
delivery device 150, such as a squirtable container of material, a
syringe 152, or other device, is used to deliver the
water-sensitive, flowable material 146 directly to portions of the
tissue site 102 where granulation is not desired, but
re-epithelialization is desired. In this way, the moist barrier 116
is formed in situ. The water-sensitive, flowable material 146 may
provide a moist environment for the portions of the tissue site 102
that are covered by the water-sensitive, flowable material 146, and
the water-sensitive, flowable material 146 restricts or prevents
reduced pressure from being delivered through the reduced-pressure
treatment dressing 118 to the covered tissue or otherwise prevents
micro-strain from being induced at the covered locations. In the
illustrative example in which the reduced-pressure treatment
dressing 118 is formed from an open cell foam, the water-sensitive,
flowable material 146 may occlude cells that contact the
water-sensitive, flowable material 146.
[0032] Referring now primarily to FIG. 3, another illustrative,
non-limiting example of how the moist barrier 116 may be formed is
presented. In this illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, the
delivery device 150, e.g., the syringe 152, is used to apply a
water-sensitive, flowable material 146 onto the second,
tissue-facing side 131 of the manifold 128. The water-sensitive,
flowable material 146 is applied at locations on the second,
tissue-facing side 131 of the manifold 128 that correspond or
align, when deployed, with the portions of the tissue site 102
where granulation is not desired and re-epithelialization is
desired. Thus, once the water-sensitive, flowable material 146 is
applied to the second, tissue-facing side 131 of the manifold 128
and the manifold 128 is deployed adjacent to the tissue site 102,
only the desired portions of the tissue site 102 will receive
reduced pressure in operation.
[0033] Referring now primarily to FIG. 4, still another
illustrative, non-limiting example of how the moist barrier 116 may
be formed is presented. In this illustrative example, a layer 154
of water-sensitive material is applied to the second, tissue-facing
side 131 of the manifold 128 and substantially covers the second,
tissue-facing side 131 of the manifold 128. The layer 154 includes
perforations or cuts 156 that readily allow one to remove one or
more segments, or portions 158, of the layer 154 to expose a
portion of the second, tissue-facing side 131 of the manifold 128.
As such, the segments 158 may be removed that correspond, when
deployed, to portions of the tissue site 102 where granulation is
desired. When the reduced-pressure treatment dressing 118 is
deployed with the second, tissue-facing side 131 adjacent the
tissue site 102, the remaining portions of the layer 154 that form
the moist barrier 116 will be adjacent to the areas where no
granulation is desired but re-epthiliazation is desired. At the
same time, the second, tissue-facing side 131 of the manifold 128
will be against the portions of the tissue site 102 where
granulation is desired.
[0034] According to one illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, the
moist barrier 116 may be formed from a hydrogel, hydrocolloid, or
other material. In this embodiment, the hydrogel or hydrocolloid
may be cast onto a woven liner and cross-linked. In this
illustrative embodiment, the hydrogrel or hydrocolloid is not
mobile.
[0035] According to one illustrative, non-limiting method of
deploying the wound treatment system 100, the moist barrier 116 is
placed adjacent to the portion of the tissue site 102 where
granulation is not desired and where re-epithelialization is
desired. The second, tissue-facing side 131 of the manifold 128 is
placed directly adjacent to the portion of the tissue site 102
where granulation is desired. The sealing member 120 is placed over
the tissue site 102 and a portion of the patient's intact epidermis
112 to form a fluid seal. Reduced pressure is supplied to the
manifold 128.
[0036] A kit for deploying a dressing for promoting granulation and
re-epithelialization of a wound of a patient may be formed that
provides an easy and convenient manner to treat a wound. The kit
may include a reduced-pressure treatment dressing (e.g.,
reduced-pressure treatment dressing 118) and a water-sensitive,
flowable material (e.g., water-sensitive, flowable material 146)
for disposing adjacent to the reduced-pressure treatment dressing
(e.g., reduced-pressure dressing 118) at locations on the wound
where granulation is not desired and where re-epithelialization is
desired. The kit also may include a sealing member (e.g., sealing
member 120) for placing over the reduced-pressure treatment
dressing and a portion of epidermis of the patient and may include
a reduced-pressure delivery conduit (e.g., reduced-pressure
delivery conduit 140) for providing reduced pressure to the
reduced-pressure treatment dressings. The kit may include a
delivery device (e.g., delivery device 150) for applying the
water-sensitive, flowable material and may include a
reduced-pressure connector (e.g., reduced-pressure connector
134).
[0037] Although the present invention and its advantages have been
disclosed in the context of certain illustrative, non-limiting
embodiments, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions, permutations, and alterations can be made without
departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. It will be appreciated that any feature that is
described in a connection to any one embodiment may also be
applicable to any other embodiment.
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