U.S. patent application number 16/445921 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-03 for reduced-pressure, wound-treatment dressings and systems.
The applicant listed for this patent is KCI Licensing, Inc.. Invention is credited to Christopher Brian LOCKE, Timothy Mark ROBINSON.
Application Number | 20190298577 16/445921 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42153198 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-03 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190298577 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LOCKE; Christopher Brian ;
et al. |
October 3, 2019 |
REDUCED-PRESSURE, WOUND-TREATMENT DRESSINGS AND SYSTEMS
Abstract
A wound-closing dressing, which is suitable for use as part of a
reduced-pressure, wound-treatment system, may include a sealing
drape, one or more contracting elements, and a gripping member. The
contracting element may be coupled to the sealing drape and is
configured to contract when activated and to generate a closing
force. A gripping member is coupled to the sealing drape and is
configured to transmit the closing force to a patient's epidermis.
Other dressings, systems, and methods are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
LOCKE; Christopher Brian;
(Bournemouth, GB) ; ROBINSON; Timothy Mark;
(Shillingstone, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KCI Licensing, Inc. |
San Antonio |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
42153198 |
Appl. No.: |
16/445921 |
Filed: |
June 19, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13894217 |
May 14, 2013 |
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16445921 |
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12610910 |
Nov 2, 2009 |
8460257 |
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13894217 |
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61112371 |
Nov 7, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2017/00884
20130101; A61M 1/0088 20130101; A61B 2017/086 20130101; A61B
2017/345 20130101; A61M 2205/0266 20130101; A61F 13/00987 20130101;
A61F 13/00068 20130101; A61B 2017/00889 20130101; Y10T 29/49826
20150115; A61B 2017/00893 20130101; A61B 2017/00867 20130101; A61B
2017/00526 20130101; A61B 17/085 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 13/00 20060101
A61F013/00; A61M 1/00 20060101 A61M001/00; A61B 17/08 20060101
A61B017/08 |
Claims
1. A wound-closing dressing comprising: a sealing drape having a
first surface and a tissue-facing surface, the sealing drape for
placing over a wound; a dissolvable body coupled to the sealing
drape; an elastic member coupled to the dissolvable body in a
stretched position, wherein the elastic member is configured to
contract to a free position when at least a portion of the
dissolvable body dissolves, thereby generating a closing force; and
a gripping member coupled to at least one of the sealing drape and
elastic member, the gripping member configured to transmit the
closing force to a patient's epidermis.
2. The wound-closing dressing of claim 1, wherein said dissolvable
body includes oxygenated particles for reducing infection.
3. The wound-closing dressing of claim 1, wherein said dissolvable
body includes anti-microbial particles for reducing infection.
4. The wound-closing dressing of claim 1, wherein said gripping
member comprises an adhesive.
5. The wound-closing dressing of claim 1, wherein said dissolvable
body comprises a plurality of dissolvable beads.
6. A method of manufacturing a wound closing dressing comprising
the steps of: forming a sealing drape having a first surface and a
tissue-facing surface; coupling a contracting element to the
sealing drape, wherein the contracting element is configured to
contract from an extended position to a contracted position and
thereby generate a closing force when activated; and coupling a
gripping member to the sealing drape such that the gripping member
is configured to transmit the closing force to a patient's
epidermis.
7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising coupling a
manifold member to the tissue-facing surface of the sealing
drape.
8. The method according to claim 6, further comprising coupling a
dissolvable body to the contracting element such that the
contracting element is activated when at least a portion of the
body dissolves.
9. The method according to claim 6, further comprising coupling a
plurality of contracting elements to the sealing drape.
10. The method according to claim 6, further comprising fluidly
coupling a reduced-pressure subsystem to the sealing drape.
11. The method according to claim 6, wherein the step of coupling a
contracting element to the sealing drape comprises coupling a
contracting element having a plurality of dissolvable beads.
12. A wound-closing dressing comprising: a sealing drape for
placing over a wound; a contracting element coupled to the sealing
drape in an extended position, the contracting element configured
to move from the extended position to a contracted position in
response to being activated and to generate a closing force; and a
gripping member coupled to the sealing drape, the gripping member
configured to transmit the closing force to the wound.
13. The wound-closing dressing of claim 12, wherein the sealing
drape has a first surface and a tissue-facing surface, and wherein
the contracting element is coupled to the first surface of the
sealing drape.
14. The wound-closing dressing of claim 12, wherein the contracting
element is activated by heat.
15. The wound-closing dressing of claim 12, wherein the contracting
element is activated by moisture.
16. The wound-closing dressing of claim 12, wherein the contracting
element is activated by electromagnetic induction.
17. The wound-closing dressing of claim 12, wherein the contracting
element comprises a plurality of contracting strips.
18. The wound-closing dressing of claim 12, further comprising a
dissolvable body coupled to the contracting element, wherein the
contracting element is configured to be activated when at least a
portion of the dissolvable body dissolves.
19. The wound-closing dressing of claim 18, wherein the dissolvable
body comprises a plurality of dissolvable beads.
20. The wound-closing dressing of claim 18, wherein the dissolvable
body includes oxygenated particles for reducing infection.
21. The wound-closing dressing of claim 18, wherein the dissolvable
body includes anti-microbial particles for reducing infection.
22. The wound-closing dressing of claim 12, wherein the contracting
element comprises a material stretched from a free length to a
stretched length and dried and wherein the contracting element is
activated by moisture.
23. The wound-closing dressing of claim 12, wherein the gripping
member is fenestrated.
24. The wound-closing dressing of claim 12, wherein the contracting
element comprises a memory metal and wherein the contracting
element is activated by heat.
25. The wound-closing dressing of claim 12, wherein the contracting
element comprises a weave of contracting strips.
26. The wound-closing dressing of claim 12, wherein the contracting
element is configured to apply an equal closing force about a
periphery of the wound.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/894,217, filed May 14, 2013, which is a Divisional of U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/610,910, filed Nov. 2, 2009, now U.S. Pat.
No. 8,460,257, which claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C .sctn.
119(e), of the filing of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
No. 61/112,371, entitled "Reduced-Pressure Wound Treatment Dressing
and System," filed Nov. 7, 2008, which is incorporated herein by
reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates generally to medical treatment
systems, and more particularly, to a reduced-pressure,
wound-treatment dressings, systems, and methods.
[0003] Wounds may be received either intentionally, such as
surgical incisions, or unintentionally, such as in an accident. In
either case, closure of the wound is important to prevent loss of
vital body fluids and invasion by micro-organisms. Wounds are
typically closed through the use of sutures or staples.
[0004] The use of sutures or staples may, however, have undesirable
side-effects. For example, the insertion of sutures or staples
necessarily involves inflicting the patient with an additional
wound where the sutures or staples enter the epidermis of the
patient. These additional wounds are also subject to possible
infection. Moreover, while the wound itself may result in scarring,
the additional wounds from the sutures or staples may also result
in additional scarring, which may unnecessarily highlight the
already atheistically undesirable nature of the original wound
scar.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] Shortcomings with wound care 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 reduced-pressure, wound-treatment system
for treating a wound on a patient includes a wound-closing
dressing, a manifold member for disposing between a tissue-facing
surface of a sealing drape and the wound; and a reduced-pressure
subsystem for delivering a reduced pressure to the wound-closing
dressing. The wound-closing dressing includes the sealing drape
having a first surface and a tissue-facing surface, a contracting
element coupled to the sealing drape, and a gripping member coupled
to the sealing drape. The sealing drape is for placing over the
wound. The contracting element is configured to contract when
activated and to thereby generate a closing force. The gripping
member is configured to transmit the closing force to a patient's
epidermis. The sealing drape and gripping member are configured to
form a fluid seal over the wound.
[0006] According to another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment,
a wound-closing dressing includes a sealing drape having a first
surface and a tissue-facing surface, a contracting element coupled
to the sealing drape, and a gripping member coupled to the sealing
drape. The sealing drape is for placing over the wound. The
contracting element is configured to contract when activated and to
thereby generate a closing force. The gripping member is configured
to transmit the closing force to a patient's epidermis. The sealing
drape and gripping member are configured to form a fluid seal over
the wound.
[0007] According to another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment,
a wound-closing dressing includes a sealing drape having a first
surface and a tissue-facing surface, a dissolvable body coupled to
the sealing drape, and an elastic member coupled to the dissolvable
body in a stretched position. The sealing drape is for placing over
a wound. The elastic member contracts to a free position when at
least a portion of the dissolvable body dissolves thereby
generating a closing force. The wound-closing dressing further
includes a gripping member coupled to at least one of the sealing
drape and elastic member. The gripping member is configured to
transmit the closing force to a patient's epidermis.
[0008] According to another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment,
a method for treating a wound includes the steps of securing a
contracting element to a patient's epidermis such that the
contracting element spans at least a portion of the patient's wound
and activating the contracting element such that the contracting
element generates a closing force. The contracting element is
configured to contract from an extended position to a contracted
position and thereby generates the closing force when
activated.
[0009] According to another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment,
a method of manufacturing a wound closing dressing includes the
steps of forming a sealing drape having a first surface and a
tissue-facing surface, coupling a contracting element to the
sealing drape, and coupling a gripping member to the sealing drape.
The gripping member is configured to transmit the closing force to
a patient's epidermis. The contracting element is configured to
contract from an extended position to a contracted position and
thereby generates a closing force when activated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] A more complete understanding of the present invention may
be obtained by reference to the following Detailed Description when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic, perspective view of an illustrative,
non-limiting embodiment of a system for treating a wound on a
patient;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the system of
FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3A is a schematic, top view of the system of FIG.
1;
[0014] FIG. 3B is a schematic, top view of the system of FIG. 1
showing several contracting elements activated thereby generating a
closing force;
[0015] FIG. 4A is a schematic, top view of an illustrative,
non-limiting embodiment of a wound-closing dressing shown over a
wound;
[0016] FIG. 4B is a schematic, top view of the dressing of FIG. 4A
showing the contracting element activated thereby generating a
closing force;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a schematic, top view of an illustrative,
non-limiting embodiment of a system for treating a wound;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a schematic, top view of an illustrative,
non-limiting embodiment of a system for treating a wound shown;
[0019] FIG. 7A is a schematic, bottom view of a portion of an
illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of a system for treating a
wound;
[0020] FIG. 7B is a schematic, perspective view of the system of
FIG. 7A;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a schematic, perspective view of a portion of an
illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of a system for treating a
wound;
[0022] FIG. 9A is a schematic, top view of the system portion of
FIG. 8; and
[0023] FIG. 9B is a schematic, top view of the system portion of
FIG. 8 showing several beads dissolved whereby the corresponding
elastic members generate a closing force.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] In the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that
form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration,
specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. 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 invention, the description may omit certain information known
to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is,
therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of
the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.
[0025] Referring now primarily to FIGS. 1-3B, a first illustrative,
non-limiting embodiment of a reduced-pressure, wound-treatment
system 100 for treating a wound 102 on a patient is shown. The
reduced-pressure, wound-treatment system 100 generally includes a
wound-closing dressing 110, a manifold member 112, and a
reduced-pressure subsystem 114. The reduced-pressure,
wound-treatment system 100 is shown in a region around the wound
102. In this illustration, the wound 102 is through epidermis 104
(or skin), dermis 106, and reaches into a hypodermis, or
subcutaneous tissue 108. The subcutaneous tissue 108 may include
numerous tissue types, such as fatty tissue or muscle. While the
wound 102 in the illustrative embodiment is shown as reaching
through the epidermis 104, dermis 106 and into the subcutaneous
tissue 108, it will be appreciated that the reduced-pressure,
wound-treatment system 100 may be used to treat a wound of any
depth.
[0026] The wound-closing dressing 110 includes a sealing drape 116,
one or more contracting elements 118, and a gripping member 120.
The sealing drape 116 includes a first surface 122 and a second,
tissue-facing surface 124. The sealing drape 116 may be sized so
that the sealing drape 116 overlaps the wound 102 in such a manner
that drape extensions 126 extend beyond a periphery of the wound
102.
[0027] The sealing drape 116 may be an elastomeric material.
"Elastomeric" means having the properties of an elastomer. It
generally refers to a polymeric material that has rubber-like
properties. More specifically, most elastomers have elongation
rates 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, specific examples of sealing member materials include a
silicone drape, 3M Tegaderm.RTM. drape, acrylic drape such as one
available from Avery Dennison, or an incise drape material.
However, it will be appreciated that the sealing drape 116 may be
formed from any suitable material. In one alternative, the sealing
drape 116 may be fenestrated to allow moisture or water vapor to
pass through in order to activate the contracting elements
(discussed further below). Unless otherwise indicated, as used
herein, "or" does not require mutual exclusivity.
[0028] One or more contracting elements 118 are coupled to the
sealing drape 116. Each contracting element 118 is configured to
contract when activated in order to generate a closing force (such
as in the direction illustrated by vectors or arrows 128 in FIG.
3B) that may assist in closing the wound 102. In the illustrative
embodiment, the contracting elements 118 are in a stretched
position when the wound-closing dressing 110 is applied to the
patient. The contracting elements 118 may be coupled to the sealing
drape 116 in a stretched position or may be moved to a stretched
position as the wound-closing dressing 110 is being applied to the
patient. In either case, when the contracting elements 118 are
activated, they seek to return to a non-stretched, or free
position, and thereby contract to generate a closing force. Other
illustrative ways of contracting are described further below.
[0029] The wound-closing dressing 110 may include a variety of
contracting elements 118 arranged in numerous configurations. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 1-3B, the wound-closing dressing 110 may
include a plurality of contracting elements 118 that are each
formed as a strip. Alternatively, the wound-closing dressing 110
may include a single contracting element 118. In yet another
embodiment, one or more contracting elements 118 may be woven into
the sealing drape 116 or woven into an additional member, such as
gauze, another drape-like piece, etc., which is coupled to the
sealing drape 116. Additionally, each contracting element 118 may
be coupled to the sealing drape 116 by any suitable device or
technique, including, but not limited to, welding (e.g., ultrasonic
or RF welding), bonding, mechanical fasteners, adhesives, cements,
etc. Alternatively, each contracting element 118 may be molded into
the sealing drape 116. The contracting elements 118 are coupled to
the second, tissue-facing surface 124 of the sealing drape 116 or
to the first surface 122 of the sealing drape 116 or an internal
portion of the sealing drape 116.
[0030] Each contracting element 118 may be formed from any suitable
material that contracts in response to being activated. The
contracting element 118 is configured to move from an extended
position to a contracted position (or free position) upon full
activation. For example, each contracting element 118 may be formed
from cellulose whereby moisture causes the contracting element 118
to contract. The moisture may be introduced from the patient's own
exudate. Alternatively or in addition, the moisture, by way of a
fluid, such as water, bacteriostatic water, saline, etc., may be
introduced to the wound 102 or wound area prior to the
wound-closing dressing 110 being applied to the patient. In yet
another alternative or addition, the sealing drape 116 may be
provided with a port (not shown) for introducing fluid to the wound
area to activate the contracting elements 118 after the
wound-closing dressing 110 has been applied to the patient.
[0031] In another alternative or addition, the contracting elements
118 may be formed from a shape-memory metal that contracts in
response to being activated. One example of a suitable shape-memory
metal is Nitinol.RTM. material from Nitinol Devices &
Components of Fremont, Calif. The contracting elements 118 formed
from a shape-memory metal may be activated by heat, such as a
patient's body heat, warming pads, heat lamps, etc. Alternatively
or in addition, the contracting elements 118 may be activated by
the introduction of electromagnetic induction. It will, however, be
appreciated that the contracting elements 118 may be formed from
any suitable material, including but not limited to shape memory
alloys, magnetic shape memory alloys, shape memory polymers,
piezoelectric materials, electroactive polymers, magnetorheological
fluids and elastomers, and electrorheological fluids. Depending on
the particular material, the activation may take the form of an
electric field, a temperature change, a magnetic field, a
mechanical loading or stressing, light, UV-light, changes in
environmental pH, ultrasound, moisture, etc.
[0032] The gripping member 120 facilitates transmission of closing
force (shown by arrows 128) generated by the contraction of the
contracting elements 118 to the patient's skin. The transmitted
force is illustrated as force vectors 130 in FIG. 2. The sealing
drape 116 and gripping member 120 can work together to form a fluid
seal over the patient's wound 102. "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.
[0033] The gripping member 120 may be any material suitable for
transmitting the closing force from the contracting elements 118 to
the patient's epidermis 104 (which may be deemed to include a
gasket or other layer of material) or assist in forming a fluid
seal over the wound 102. For example, the gripping member 120 may
be a pressure-sensitive adhesive, heat-activated adhesive, sealing
tape, double-sided sealing tape, paste, hydrocolloid, hydrogel,
hooks, sutures, etc. In the illustrative embodiment, the gripping
member 120 is an adhesive layer and spans the width of the second,
tissue-facing surface 124 of the sealing drape 116 and overlays the
contracting elements 118. It will be appreciated, however, that the
gripping member 120 may merely be coupled to tissue-facing surfaces
of the drape extensions 126. The gripping member 120 may be formed
as a laminar layer or a pattern distributed on the sealing drape
116. Alternatively, in the case of sealing tape, the gripping
member 120 may be applied over the entire first surface 122 of the
sealing drape 116, or over the first surfaces of the drape
extensions 126.
[0034] A manifold member 112, or manifold, is positionable between
the second, tissue-facing surface 124 of the sealing drape 116 and
at least a portion of the wound 102. The manifold member 112 may be
sized to substantially cover the estimated area of the wound 102,
although a larger or smaller size may be used in different
applications. The manifold member 112 is made from a manifold
material.
[0035] 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 wound 102. The manifold member 112 typically includes a
plurality of flow channels or pathways that distribute fluids
provided to and removed from the wound 102 around the manifold
member 112. In one illustrative embodiment, the flow channels or
pathways are interconnected to improve distribution of fluids
provided or removed from the wound 102. The manifold member 112 may
be a biocompatible material that is capable of being placed in
contact with wound 102 and distributing reduced pressure to the
wound 102. Examples of manifold members 112 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
member 112 may be porous and may be made from foam, gauze, felted
mat, or any other material suited to a particular biological
application.
[0036] In one embodiment, the manifold member 112 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." In some situations, the
manifold member 112 may also be used to distribute fluids, such as
medications, antibacterials, growth factors, and various solutions
to the wound 102. Other layers may be included in or on the
manifold member 112, such as absorptive materials, wicking
materials, hydrophobic materials, and hydrophilic materials. In
some instances it may be desirable to add ionic silver to the foam
in a microbonding process or to add other substances to the
manifold member 112, such as antimicrobial agents. The manifold
member 112 may be isotropic or anisotropic depending on the exact
orientation of the compressive forces that are desired during
reduced pressure. In addition, the manifold material may be a
bio-absorbable material.
[0037] The manifold member 112 may be coupled to the sealing drape
116. The coupling may occur in many ways. The sealing drape 116 and
manifold member 112 may be coupled using adhesives such as an
acrylic adhesive, silicone adhesive, hydrogel, hydrocolloid, etc.
Alternatively, the sealing drape 116 and manifold member 112 may be
bonded by heat bonding, ultrasonic bonding, and radio frequency
bonding, etc. The coupling may occur in patterns or more
completely. Structure might be added to the bond to make the
sealing drape 116 behave anisotropically in a desired direction,
i.e., to make an anisotropic drape material. An anisotropic drape
material may work in conjunction with the contracting elements 118
to primarily move in a given direction, i.e., only about a certain
axis or axes. For example, an anisotropic sealing drape may work in
conjunction with the contracting elements to generate a closing
force to assist in closing a wound.
[0038] The reduced-pressure subsystem 114 includes a
reduced-pressure source 132, which can take many different forms.
The reduced-pressure source 132 provides a reduced pressure as a
part of the reduced-pressure, wound-treatment system 100. The
reduced-pressure source 132 provides reduced pressure. The
reduced-pressure source 132 may be any device for supplying a
reduced pressure, such as a vacuum pump, wall suction, or other
source. While the amount and nature of reduced pressure applied to
a tissue site or wound will typically vary according to the
application, the reduced pressure will typically be between -5 mm
Hg and -500 mm Hg and more typically between -100 mm Hg and -300 mm
Hg, and still more typically in the range -100 mm Hg and -200 mm
Hg.
[0039] As used herein, "reduced pressure" generally refers to a
pressure less than the ambient pressure at a tissue site or wound
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 at the tissue site. Unless otherwise
indicated, values of pressure stated herein are gauge pressures.
The reduced pressure delivered may be constant or varied (patterned
or random) and may be delivered continuously or intermittently.
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 more than the pressure
normally associated with a complete vacuum. Consistent with the use
herein, an increase in reduced pressure or vacuum pressure
typically refers to a relative reduction in absolute pressure.
[0040] In the illustrative embodiment, the reduced-pressure source
132 is shown having a battery compartment 134 and a canister region
136 with windows 138 providing a visual indication of the level of
fluid within the canister 136. An interposed membrane filter, such
as hydrophobic or oleophobic filter, may be interspersed between a
reduced-pressure delivery conduit, or tubing, 140 and the
reduced-pressure source 132.
[0041] The reduced pressure developed by the reduced-pressure
source 132 is delivered through the reduced-pressure delivery
conduit 140 to a reduced-pressure interface 142, which may be an
elbow port 144. In one illustrative embodiment, the elbow port 144
is a TRAC.RTM. technology port available from KCI of San Antonio,
Tex. The reduced-pressure interface 142 allows the reduced pressure
to be delivered to the wound-closing dressing 110 and realized
within an interior portion of wound-closing dressing 110 as well as
the manifold member 112. In this illustrative embodiment, the elbow
port 144 extends through the sealing drape 116 to the manifold
member 112.
[0042] One or more devices 141 may be added to the reduced-pressure
delivery conduit 140. For example, the device 141 may be a fluid
reservoir, or collection member, to hold exudates and other fluids
removed. Other examples of devices 141 that may be included on the
reduced-pressure delivery conduit 140 or otherwise fluidly coupled
to the reduced-pressure delivery conduit 140 include the following
non-limiting examples: a pressure-feedback device, a volume
detection system, a blood detection system, an infection detection
system, a flow monitoring system, a temperature monitoring system,
etc. Some of these devices may be formed integral to the
reduced-pressure source 132.
[0043] In operation, the reduced-pressure, wound-treatment system
100 may be applied to the wound 102 of the patient. The manifold
member 112 is first placed over the wound 102. The manifold member
112 may be placed within the wound 102 or may overlay a portion of
the wound 102. If the wound-closing dressing 110 has not been
coupled to the manifold member 112, the wound-closing dressing 110
may then be placed over the top of the manifold member 112 such
that drape extensions 126 of the sealing drape 116 extend beyond
the periphery of the wound 102. The drape extensions 126 are
secured to the patient's epidermis 104 by the gripping member 120
in order to form a fluid seal over the wound 102. The one or more
contracting elements 118 may then be activated such that the
contracting elements 118 generate a contracting force (shown by
arrows 128) that is transmitted to the patient's epidermis 104 via
the gripping member 120 so that wound edges 101 are drawn closer
together.
[0044] The reduced-pressure interface 142 is applied, if not
already installed, and the reduced-pressure delivery conduit 140
fluidly coupled at one end. The other end of the reduced-pressure
delivery conduit 140 is fluidly coupled to the reduced-pressure
source 132. The reduced-pressure source 132 may then be activated
such that reduced pressure is delivered to the wound-closing
dressing 110. Advantageously, if the contracting elements 118 are
activated by moisture from a fluid, as discussed previously,
application of reduced pressure may, in part, serve to draw the
extra fluid out from the interior of the wound-closing dressing 110
and onto the contracting elements 118.
[0045] As the pressure is reduced, the manifold member 112
compresses and contracts laterally to form a semi-rigid substrate.
The reduced pressure is transmitted further still through the
manifold member 112 so that the reduced pressure is experienced at
the patient's epidermis 104 and at the wound 102. The reduced
pressure delivered to the manifold member 112 may develop a
compressive force 146 that may provide stability and therapy. The
compressive force 146 may be more than just at the top of the
epidermis 104; the compressive force 146 may extend down deeper and
may be experienced at the level of subcutaneous tissue 108.
[0046] As the sealing drape 116 and manifold member 112 laterally
contract under the influence of the reduced pressure, and as the
downward force acts through the Poisson's ratio for the epidermis
104, an inward force 148 may develop that may help hold an
additional closing force on the wound 102 and may generally provide
additional stability to the wound 102. Thus, the inward force 148
from the reduced pressure and the force 130 from the contracting
elements 118 may act together to assist in closing the wound 102.
At the same time, the reduced pressure delivered to and through the
manifold member 112 helps to remove any exudates and other fluids
from the wound 102 and provides reduced pressure therapy to the
wound 102. All of these actions may improve healing of the wound
102.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 3A, the wound-closing dressing 110 is
shown deployed on a wound 102 before the activation of the
contracting elements 118. FIG. 3B shows the wound-closing dressing
110 after at least the three most inboard contracting elements 118
have contracted at least in part to provide a closing force as
suggested by arrows 128.
[0048] It may be desirable to apply the reduced-pressure,
wound-treatment system 100 in the operating room and allow the
reduced-pressure, wound-treatment system 100 to remain on the
patient until adequate healing has taken place. In this regard, it
may be desirable to form the sealing drape 116, manifold member
112, and any other layers from transparent materials to allow the
healthcare provider to gain visual cues about the healing of the
wound 102 without having to remove the wound-closing dressing 110.
Moreover, it should be appreciated that the reduced-pressure,
wound-treatment system 100 may be used as a primary wound-closing
treatment or as an intermediate step of a wound-closing treatment.
Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the wound-closing dressing
110 may be used without the manifold member 112 or reduced-pressure
subsystem 114. The wound-closing dressing 110 may be beneficial as
a stand-alone bandage that is capable of delivering a closing force
to a wound 102 without requiring reduced pressure.
[0049] Referring now primarily to FIGS. 4A and 4B, an illustrative
embodiment of a wound-closing dressing 210 is shown. The
wound-closing dressing 210 is analogous in most respects to the
wound-closing dressing 110 and related components of FIGS. 1-3B and
a correlation of parts is generally indicated in this embodiment by
indexing the numerals by 100. For example, sealing drape 216 is
analogous to sealing drape 116. While presented as a separate
wound-closing dressing, the wound-closing dressing 210 could be
used as part of a reduced-pressure system, such as the
reduced-pressure, wound-treatment system 100. The wound-closing
dressing 210 may be shaped to approximate the shape of a wound 202
or extend beyond the wound 202. While the plan view of
wound-closing dressing 210 is shown as substantially circular, it
will be appreciated that the wound-closing dressing 210 may have
any suitable plan view, including, but not limited to, square,
rectangular, triangular, elliptical, hexagonal, octagonal,
irregular, etc. The contracting elements 218 may be woven together
in a "thatched" pattern such that, when activated, a substantially
equal closing force (represented by arrows 228 in FIG. 4B) may be
distributed about an entire periphery 203 of the wound 202. FIG. 4A
shows the wound-closing dressing 210 and wound 202 prior to
activation of the contracting elements 218, and FIG. 4B shows the
wound-closing dressing 210 and wound 202 after the contracting
elements 218 have been activated.
[0050] Referring now primarily to FIG. 5, another illustrative
reduced-pressure, wound-closure system 300 for treating a wound 302
on a patient is shown. The system is generally analogous in most
respects to that of the reduced-pressure, wound-treatment system
100 of FIGS. 1-3B. Analogous parts are indicated by indexing the
reference numerals of FIGS. 1-3B by 200. In this illustrative
embodiment, a plurality of contracting elements 318 and backing
strips 350 may be utilized. Each contracting element 318 and
corresponding backing strip 350 form a contracting strip 352. Hence
a plurality of contracting strips 352 may be utilized. Each
contracting element 318 is releasably coupled to the corresponding
backing strip 350. As before, the contracting element 318 is
configured to contract when activated in order to generate a
closing force that may assist in closing the wound 302. The
contracting elements 318 may be releasably coupled to the backing
strip 350 in a stretched position or may be moved to a stretched
position as the contracting strip 352 is applied to the patient. In
either case, when the contracting element 318 is activated, the
contracting element 318 seeks to return to a non-stretched
position, or free position, and thereby contracts to generate a
closing force.
[0051] While the illustrative embodiment shows each contracting
strip 352 as having a single contracting element 318, it will be
appreciated that any suitable number of contracting elements 318
may be employed. Furthermore, in the event that the contracting
strip 352 includes a plurality of contracting elements 318, the
plurality of contracting elements 318 may be arranged in any
suitable pattern relative to one another, e.g., parallel,
perpendicular, angled, etc. While a plurality of contracting
elements 318, backing strips 350, and contracting strips 352 are
mentioned, single members of each may be used as well. As with
other embodiments, the contracting element 318 may be formed from
any suitable material that contracts in response to being activated
and may be activated in numerous ways.
[0052] The backing strips 350 may be formed from any suitable
material including, but not limited to, gauze, an elastomer, an
adhesive, etc. Any suitable number of contracting strips 352 may be
placed over the wound 302 and a manifold member, e.g., the manifold
member 112 in FIG. 2. Each contracting strip 352 may be secured to
epidermis by corresponding gripping members in any suitable pattern
to assist in closing the wound 302. A sealing drape 316 having a
reduced-pressure interface 342 may be placed over the contracting
strips 352 such that a reduced pressure may be delivered to the
wound 302; alternatively or in addition, the contracting strips 352
may be placed atop the sealing drape 316. In an alternative
embodiment, the backing strip 350 of each contracting strip 352
employed may be formed from a drape material whereby each backing
strip 350 works together with one or more adjacent backing strips
350 so as to form an unified drape thereby eliminating the need for
an additional sealing drape; in this embodiment, it may be
desirable to use a gripping member (e.g., an adhesive) having a
high Moisture Vapor Transfer Rate (MVTR). In yet another
alternative embodiment, the contracting strips 352 may be used as
stand-alone components (e.g., without the manifold and reduced
pressure subsystem) to assist in closing a wound.
[0053] Referring now primarily to FIG. 6, another illustrative,
non-limiting embodiment of a reduced-pressure, wound-closure system
400 for treating a wound 402 is presented. The reduced-pressure,
wound-closure system 400 is generally analogous in most respects to
that of the reduced-pressure, wound-treatment system 100 of FIGS.
1-3B and analogous parts are indicated by indexing the reference
numerals of FIG. 1-3B by 300. Contracting elements 418 are arranged
in a "star-shaped" pattern to deliver substantially equal closing
forces to a periphery 401 of a wound 402. The contracting elements
418 include a central aperture 454 for receiving a reduced-pressure
interface 442 therethrough. While the illustrative contracting
elements 418 are shown as having eight "legs", it will be
appreciated that the contracting elements 418 may include any
suitable number of legs and may be made as an integrated unit as
shown or by a plurality of components.
[0054] Reference is now made primarily to FIG. 7A, which is a
schematic bottom view of a portion of an illustrative embodiment of
a system for treating a wound, and FIG. 7B. These figures include
an alternative embodiment of a wound-closing dressing 500 for
closing a wound. The wound-closing dressing 500 includes a sealing
drape 502, a dissolvable body 504, an elastic member 506, and a
gripping member 508. The wound-closing dressing 500 may be used as
a stand-alone component to assist in wound closure or may be used
as part of a reduced-pressure system to assist in wound closure and
treatment. The sealing drape 502 includes a first surface 510 and a
second, tissue-facing surface 512. The sealing drape 502 generally
may be formed from the same or similar materials to that of the
sealing drape 116 of FIGS. 1-3B and may operate in a like manner.
Optionally, the sealing drape 502 may be fenestrated to permit
moisture to pass from the first surface 510 to the dissolvable body
504.
[0055] The dissolvable body 504 is coupled to the second,
tissue-facing surface 512 of the sealing drape 502. The dissolvable
body 504 may be formed from any suitable dissolvable material,
including, but not limited to, biodegradable or bioabsorbable
materials, such as polylactide (PLA), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)
(PLGA), polyglycolide (PGA), polycaprolactone (PCL), sodium
chloride, or the like. Additionally, the dissolvable body 504 may
include oxygenated particles or anti-microbial particles for
reducing infection. The dissolvable body 504, which holds the
elastic member 506 in a stretched position, may dissolve under the
influence of any suitable factor, including, but not limited to,
moisture, heat, ultrasound, etc. When the dissolvable body 504
dissolves, the elastic member 506 is, at least partially, released
thereby generating a closing force as the elastic member 506 seeks
to return to an unstretched position. While the illustrative
embodiment shows a single dissolvable body 504, it will be
appreciated that any suitable number of dissolvable bodies may be
employed (see e.g., FIGS. 8-9B).
[0056] The elastic member 506 is coupled to the dissolvable body
504 in a stretched position such that when the dissolvable body
504, or a portion thereof, dissolves, the elastic member 506
contracts to generate a closing force. The elastic member 506 may
be coupled to the dissolvable body 504 by any suitable device or
technique, including, but not limited to adhesive, mechanical
fasteners, bonding, sonic welding, etc. Alternatively or in
addition, the elastic member 506 may be coupled by embedding the
elastic member 506 in the dissolvable body 504. The elastic member
506 may be any suitable material that is capable of being coupled
to the dissolvable body 504 in a stretched position and capable of
contracting when at least a portion of the dissolvable body 504
dissolves. For example and without limitation, the elastic member
506 may be formed from an elastomer. As used herein, the term
"coupled" includes coupling via a separate object and includes
direct coupling. The term "coupled" also encompasses two or more
components that are continuous with one another by virtue of each
of the components being formed from the same piece of material.
Also, the term "coupled" may include chemical, such as via a
chemical bond, mechanical, thermal, or electrical coupling.
Coupling may further include embedding one member in another.
[0057] As clearly shown in FIG. 7B, the elastic member 506 in this
illustrative embodiment has a substantially circular cross-section.
It will be appreciated, however, that the elastic member 506 may
have any suitable cross-section. Moreover, it will be appreciated
that the elastic member 506 may have any suitable configuration.
For example, the elastic member 506 may be arranged in a "thatched"
pattern, a cross pattern, parallel pattern, etc. Also, while the
illustrative embodiment shows a single elastic member 506, it will
be appreciated that any suitable number of elastic members 506 may
be coupled to the dissolvable body 504 or bodies 504. Also, the
ends of the elastic member 506 may be coupled to the sealing drape
502 such that the contracting force generated by the elastic member
506 may be directly transferred to the gripping member 508 (as
discussed further below).
[0058] The gripping member 508 is the same or similar to that of
the gripping member 120 in the reduced-pressure, wound-treatment
system 100 of FIGS. 1-3B. The gripping member 508 may be coupled to
at least one of the sealing drape 502, dissolvable body 504, or
elastic member 506. The gripping member 508 is configured to
transfer the force generated by the contracting of the elastic
member 506 to the patient's epidermis to assist in closing a wound.
Optionally, as best shown in FIG. 7B, the wound-closing dressing
500 may also include a fenestrated sheet 514 that is disposed
between the dissolvable body 504 and the wound in order to regulate
the amount of moisture from the patient's exudate that is permitted
to pass to the dissolvable body 504. This may be useful to control
the amount or rate that the dissolvable body 504 dissolves in
instances where the dissolvable body 504 dissolves when moisture is
introduced thereto.
[0059] Referring now primarily to FIGS. 8-9B, another wound-closing
dressing 610 for treating a wound 602 is shown. The wound-closing
dressing 610 is generally analogous in most respects to that of the
wound-closing dressing 500 of FIGS. 7A and 7B. Analogous parts are
indicated by indexing the reference numerals of FIGS. 7A and 7B by
100. In this embodiment, a dissolvable body 604 includes a
plurality of dissolvable beads 618 or other dissolvable members.
The plurality of dissolvable beads 618 hold the force generated by
a stretched elastic member 606, and so as the plurality of
dissolvable beads 618 are dissolved, an increasing force is
experienced by a gripping member (not shown) that is attached to
the elastic member 606. The beads 618 are typically dissolved by
exudate from the wound 602. When a bead 618 dissolves, the
contracting force generated by the corresponding elastic member 606
increases. The generated closing force may have a direct
relationship to the number of beads 618 that are dissolved. For
example, as the number of beads 618 dissolved increases, the
generated closing force may increase with a defined relationship,
e.g., linearly, exponentially, etc.
[0060] Thus, as clearly shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the wound-closing
dressing 610 may be "tuned" to generate a greater closing force at
the wider portions of the wound 602. Moreover, this may occur in a
self-regulating way. In other words, areas of the wound 602 that
have increased levels of exudate, typically the wider portions of
the wound 602, experience a greater closing force because the
increased levels of exudate cause more beads 618 to dissolve which
increases the closing force generated by the elastic member 606.
The wound-closing dressing 610 may be used in conjunction with a
sealing drape and gripping member similar to those of the
wound-closing dressing 510 of FIGS. 7A and 7B and as part of a
reduced-pressure treatment system. Alternatively, each end of each
elastic member 606 may be secured to the patient's epidermis and
the wound-closing dressing 610 used as a stand-alone dressing for
assisting in wound closure.
[0061] 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.
* * * * *