U.S. patent application number 16/528441 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-21 for fluid storage devices, systems, and methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is KCI Licensing, Inc.. Invention is credited to Christopher Brian LOCKE, Timothy Mark ROBINSON.
Application Number | 20190351111 16/528441 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54359420 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-21 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190351111 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LOCKE; Christopher Brian ;
et al. |
November 21, 2019 |
FLUID STORAGE DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS
Abstract
A system suitable for treating a tissue site may include an
interface manifold, an interface sealing member, an absorbent
layer, and a storage sealing member. The interface manifold may be
positioned in fluid communication at the tissue site. The interface
sealing member may be adapted to provide a sealed treatment space
relative to the tissue site, and the interface manifold may be
positioned in the sealed treatment space. The absorbent layer may
be for positioning on an exterior facing side of the interface
sealing member. The storage sealing member may be adapted to
provide a sealed storage space between the storage sealing member
and the exterior facing side of the interface sealing member. The
absorbent layer may be positioned in the sealed storage space.
Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are 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: |
54359420 |
Appl. No.: |
16/528441 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15307472 |
Oct 28, 2016 |
10406266 |
|
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PCT/US2015/029037 |
May 4, 2015 |
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16528441 |
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61988076 |
May 2, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/0216 20130101;
A61F 13/00068 20130101; A61M 1/0088 20130101; A61M 1/0003
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61M 1/00 20060101
A61M001/00; A61F 13/00 20060101 A61F013/00; A61F 13/02 20060101
A61F013/02 |
Claims
1.-33 (canceled)
34. An interface sealing member for treating a tissue site,
comprising: a liquid impermeable material having an interior facing
side and an exterior facing side positioned opposite the interior
facing side, the liquid impermeable material adapted to cover the
tissue site and to provide a sealed treatment space between the
interior facing side and the tissue site; and a receiving site at
the exterior facing side of the liquid impermeable material, the
receiving site comprising a non-adherent treatment.
35. The interface sealing member of claim 34, further comprising an
interface base layer for positioning on the interior facing side of
the liquid impermeable material.
36. The interface sealing member of claim 35, wherein the interface
base layer is adapted to be positioned between the liquid
impermeable material and the tissue site.
37. The interface sealing member of claim 35, wherein the interface
base layer comprises a hydrocolloid.
38. The interface sealing member of claim 35, wherein the interface
base layer comprises silicone.
39. The interface sealing member of claim 35, wherein the interface
base layer comprises a plurality of interface layer apertures
disposed through opposing sides of the interface base layer.
40. The interface sealing member of claim 39, wherein the interface
layer apertures are adapted to be in fluid communication with the
sealed treatment space and tissue surrounding the tissue site.
41. The interface sealing member of claim 39, further comprising an
interface layer adhesive in fluid communication with the interface
layer apertures, the interface layer adhesive positioned between
the liquid impermeable material and the interface base layer.
42. The interface sealing member of claim 41, wherein the interface
layer adhesive is adapted to be in fluid communication with tissue
surrounding the tissue site through the interface layer
apertures.
43. The interface sealing member of claim 34, further comprising an
interface layer adhesive positioned on the interior facing side of
the liquid impermeable material.
44. The interface sealing member of claim 34, wherein the
non-adherent treatment comprises a coating of a non-adherent
material.
45. The interface sealing member of claim 34, wherein a portion of
the receiving site is adaptable for providing fluid communication
between the exterior facing side and the interior facing side of
the liquid impermeable material.
46. The interface sealing member of claim 34, further comprising a
receiving site aperture adapted to be disposed through the liquid
impermeable material at the receiving site for providing fluid
communication between the exterior facing side and the interior
facing side of the liquid impermeable material, wherein the
non-adherent treatment surrounds the receiving site aperture.
47. The interface sealing member of claim 34, wherein a portion of
the receiving site is adaptable for providing fluid communication
between the receiving site and the sealed treatment space.
48. An interface dressing comprising the sealing member of claim
34, the interface dressing further comprising an interface manifold
for positioning on the interior facing side of the liquid
impermeable material and in the sealed treatment space.
49. The interface dressing of claim 48, wherein a portion of the
receiving site is adaptable for providing fluid communication
between the receiving site and the interface manifold.
50. The interface dressing of claim 48, wherein the interface
manifold comprises foam.
51. The interface dressing of claim 48, wherein the interface
manifold is porous and adapted to distribute reduced pressure to
the tissue site.
52. The interface dressing of claim 48, wherein the interface
manifold is adapted to be positioned on the tissue site and in
fluid communication with the tissue site.
53. A method of treating a tissue site, comprising: positioning an
interface dressing on the tissue site and in fluid communication
with the tissue site; releaseably securing a storage dressing to
the interface dressing and in fluid communication with the
interface dressing; applying reduced pressure to the storage
dressing; extracting fluid from the tissue site through the
interface dressing, the storage dressing being in fluid
communication with the tissue site through the interface dressing;
and storing fluid extracted from the interface dressing within the
storage dressing.
54. The method of claim 53, wherein a non-adherent treatment is
positioned between the interface dressing and the storage
dressing.
55. The method of claim 53, wherein the storage dressing is a first
storage dressing, the method further comprising: removing the first
storage dressing from the interface dressing; and replacing the
first storage dressing with a second storage dressing.
56. The method of claim 55, wherein the second storage dressing is
releaseably secured to the interface dressing and in fluid
communication with the interface dressing after removing the first
storage dressing.
57. The method of claim 55, wherein removing the first storage
dressing from the interface dressing occurs after the first storage
dressing is substantially full of fluid.
58. The method of claim 53, wherein the interface dressing
comprises an interface manifold and an interface sealing member,
and wherein positioning the interface dressing on the tissue site
comprises: positioning the interface manifold on the tissue site
and in fluid communication with the tissue site; and covering the
interface manifold and tissue surrounding the tissue site with the
interface sealing member to provide a sealed treatment space
between the interface sealing member and the tissue site.
59. The method of claim 58, further comprising forming an aperture
through the interface sealing member, the aperture being adapted to
provide fluid communication with the interface manifold through the
interface sealing member.
60. The method of claim 59, wherein forming the aperture through
the interface sealing member occurs before releaseably securing the
storage dressing to the interface dressing.
61. The method of claim 53, wherein the storage dressing comprises
an absorbent layer and a storage sealing member, the method further
comprising: positioning the absorbent layer on an exterior facing
side of the interface dressing; and covering the absorbent layer
with the storage sealing member to provide a sealed storage space
between the storage sealing member and the exterior facing side of
the interface dressing.
62. The method of claim 59, wherein the storage dressing comprises
an absorbent layer and a storage sealing member, the method further
comprising: positioning the absorbent layer on an exterior facing
side of the interface sealing member in fluid communication with
the aperture in the interface sealing member; and covering the
absorbent layer with the storage sealing member to provide a sealed
storage space between the storage sealing member and the exterior
facing side of the interface sealing member.
63. (canceled)
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/307,472, filed Oct. 28, 2016, which claims priority to
International Application No. PCT/US2015/029037, filed May 4, 2015,
which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/988,076, entitled "Fluid Storage Devices, Systems, and Methods,"
filed May 2, 2014, which are incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to medical treatment
systems and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to
dressings, systems, and methods for treating a tissue site.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Depending on the medical circumstances, reduced pressure may
be used for, among other things, reduced-pressure therapy to
encourage granulation at a tissue site, draining fluids at a tissue
site, closing a wound, reducing edema, promoting perfusion, and
fluid management. Some dressings, systems, and methods may include
a canister or container positioned separate from a dressing for
storing fluids drained or extracted from a tissue site for
disposal. These containers are often bulky and cumbersome for a
patient being treated, and may be prone to leaks and spills. Some
dressings, systems, and methods may require frequent replacement of
a dressing or other component applied to the skin of a patient,
causing the patient irritation or discomfort. Improvements to
dressings, systems, and methods that may, without limitation,
enhance fluid management for increasing comfort, fluid capacity,
ease of use, and the useable life of the dressing and system are
desirable.
SUMMARY
[0004] Shortcomings with certain aspects of tissue treatment
devices, systems, and methods are addressed as shown and described
in a variety of illustrative, non-limiting embodiments herein.
[0005] In some embodiments, a system for treating a tissue site may
include an interface manifold, an interface sealing member, a
receiving site, an absorbent layer, and a storage sealing member.
The interface manifold may be adapted to be positioned at the
tissue site and to provide fluid communication with the tissue
site. The interface sealing member may have an interior facing side
and an exterior facing side. The interface sealing member may be
adapted to provide a sealed treatment space between the interior
facing side of the interface sealing member and the tissue site.
The interface manifold may be sized for positioning in the sealed
treatment space. The receiving site may be positioned at the
exterior facing side of the interface sealing member. The absorbent
layer may be for positioning at the receiving site. The storage
sealing member may be adapted to provide a sealed storage space
between the storage sealing member and the receiving site. The
absorbent layer may be sized for positioning in the sealed storage
space.
[0006] In some embodiments, an interface sealing member for
treating a tissue site may include a liquid impermeable material
and a receiving site. The liquid impermeable material may have an
interior facing side and an exterior facing side positioned
opposite the interior facing side. The liquid impermeable material
may be adapted to cover the tissue site and to provide a sealed
treatment space between the interior facing side of the liquid
impermeable material and the tissue site. The receiving site may be
positioned at the exterior facing side of the liquid impermeable
material. The receiving site may comprise a non-adherent
treatment.
[0007] In some embodiments, a method of treating a tissue site may
include positioning an interface dressing on the tissue site and in
fluid communication with the tissue site. The method may also
include releaseably securing a storage dressing to the interface
dressing and in fluid communication with the interface dressing;
and applying reduced pressure to the storage dressing. Further, the
method may include extracting fluid from the tissue site through
the interface dressing. The storage dressing may be in fluid
communication with the tissue site through the interface dressing.
The method may additionally include storing fluid extracted from
the interface dressing within the storage dressing.
[0008] Other aspects, features, and advantages of the illustrative
embodiments will become apparent with reference to the drawings and
detailed description that follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1A is a cut-away view of an illustrative embodiment of
a system for treating a tissue site depicting an illustrative
embodiment of an interface dressing and a storage dressing deployed
at the tissue site;
[0010] FIG. 1B is an exploded, perspective view of an illustrative
embodiment of an interface sealing member depicted in FIG. 1A;
[0011] FIG. 1C is detail view taken at reference FIG. 1C, depicted
in FIG. 1A, illustrating the interface dressing of FIG. 1A
positioned proximate to tissue surrounding the tissue site;
[0012] FIG. 2A is a cut-away view of another illustrative
embodiment of a system for treating a tissue site depicting another
illustrative embodiment of an interface dressing and a storage
dressing deployed at the tissue site;
[0013] FIG. 2B is an exploded, perspective view of another
illustrative embodiment of an interface sealing member depicted in
FIG. 2A;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cut-away view of the storage dressing of FIGS.
1A and 2A;
[0015] FIG. 4A is an exploded, perspective view of the storage
dressing of FIG. 3, depicted without a conduit interface and with
an illustrative embodiment of a release liner for protecting the
storage dressing prior to application at a tissue site;
[0016] FIG. 4B is a plan view of an illustrative embodiment of a
base layer depicted in the storage dressing of FIG. 4A;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a cut-away view of an illustrative embodiment of a
fluid management assembly according to the storage dressing of FIG.
3;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a cut-away view of another illustrative embodiment
of a fluid management assembly according to the storage dressing of
FIG. 3; and
[0019] FIG. 7 is a cut-away view of an illustrative embodiment of a
conduit interface depicted in the storage dressing of FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0020] In the following detailed description of non-limiting,
illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying
drawings that form a part hereof. Other embodiments may be
utilized, and logical, structural, mechanical, electrical, and
chemical changes may be made without departing from the scope of
the appended claims. 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 non-limiting, and
the scope of the illustrative embodiments are defined by the
appended claims. As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, "or"
does not require mutual exclusivity.
[0021] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1A depicts an illustrative
embodiment of a system 10a for treating a tissue site 12 of a
patient. FIG. 2A depicts another illustrative embodiment of a
system 10b for treating the tissue site 12. The system 10a and the
system 10b may be referred to collectively as a system 10 for
treating the tissue site 12. The tissue site 12 may extend through
or otherwise involve an epidermis 14, a dermis 16, and a
subcutaneous tissue 18. The tissue site 12 may be a sub-surface
tissue site as depicted in FIGS. 1A and 2A that extends below the
surface of the epidermis 14. Further, the tissue site 12 may be a
surface tissue site (not shown) that predominantly resides on the
surface of the epidermis 14, such as, for example, an incision. The
system 10 may provide therapy to, for example, the epidermis 14,
the dermis 16, and the subcutaneous tissue 18, regardless of the
positioning of the system 10 or the type of tissue site.
[0022] The system 10 may also be utilized without limitation at
other tissue sites. For example, the tissue site 12 may be, without
limitation, 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 treatment of tissue
site 12 may include removal of fluids, such as exudate or
ascites.
[0023] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the system 10a may
include a first dressing or interface dressing 20a. Referring to
the embodiment of FIG. 2A, the system 10b may include a first
dressing or interface dressing 20b. The interface dressing 20a and
20b may be referred to collectively as the interface dressing 20.
The interface dressing 20 may include a tissue interface or
interface manifold 22 and an interface sealing member 24. In some
embodiments, the interface dressing 20 may include a receiving site
26 and an interface base layer 28.
[0024] Referring generally to FIGS. 1A-2B, the interface manifold
22 may be adapted to be positioned proximate to, adjacent, or at
the tissue site 12, such as, for example, by cutting or otherwise
shaping the interface manifold 22 in any suitable manner to fit the
tissue site 12. Further, the interface manifold 22 may be adapted
to be positioned in fluid communication with the tissue site 12 and
may distribute reduced pressure to the tissue site 12. In some
embodiments, the interface manifold 22 may be positioned in direct
contact with the tissue site 12.
[0025] The interface manifold 22 may be formed from any manifold
material or flexible bolster material that provides a vacuum space,
or treatment space, such as, for example, a porous and permeable
foam or foam-like material, a member formed with pathways, a graft,
or a gauze. In some embodiments, the interface manifold 22 may be a
reticulated, open-cell polyurethane or polyether foam that allows
good permeability of fluids. One such foam material is the VAC.RTM.
GranuFoam.RTM. material available from Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (KCI)
of San Antonio, Tex. In some embodiments, the interface manifold 22
may comprise a porous, hydrophobic material. The hydrophobic
characteristics of the interface manifold 22 may prevent the
interface manifold 22 from directly absorbing fluid, such as
exudate, from the tissue site 12, but allow the fluid to pass
through.
[0026] A material with a higher or lower density than
GranuFoam.RTM. material may be desirable for the interface manifold
22 depending on the application. Among the many possible materials,
the following may be used without limitation: GranuFoam.RTM.
material, Foamex.RTM. technical foam (www.foamex.com), a molded bed
of nails structure, a patterned grid material such as those
manufactured by Sercol Industrial Fabrics, 3D textiles such as
those manufactured by Baltex of Derby, U.K., a gauze, a flexible
channel-containing member, and a graft.
[0027] In some embodiments, any material or combination of
materials may be used as a manifold material for the interface
manifold 22 provided that the manifold material is operable to
distribute or collect fluid. For example, the term manifold may
refer to a substance or structure capable of delivering fluids to
or removing fluids from a tissue site through a plurality of pores,
pathways, or flow channels. The plurality of pores, pathways, or
flow channels may be interconnected to improve distribution of
fluids provided to and removed from an area around the manifold.
Examples of such manifolds may include, without limitation, devices
that have structural elements arranged to form flow channels,
cellular foam, such as open-cell foam, porous tissue collections,
and liquids, gels, and foams that include or cure to include flow
channels. In some embodiments, the interface manifold 22 may be
enhanced with ionic silver and anti-microbial agents.
[0028] The interface sealing member 24 may be adapted to cover the
tissue site 12 and to provide a fluid seal and a sealed treatment
space 30 relative to the tissue site 12. A portion of the interface
sealing member 24 may overlap tissue surrounding the tissue site
12, such as the epidermis 14. The interface manifold 22 may be
sized or otherwise adapted to be positioned in the sealed treatment
space 30. For example, the interface sealing member 24 may include
an interior facing side 32 and an exterior facing side 34
positioned opposite the interior facing side 32. The sealed
treatment space 30 may be provided between the interior facing side
32 of the interface sealing member 24 and the tissue site 12. In
some embodiments, the interface sealing member 24 may comprise a
liquid impermeable material adapted to cover the tissue site 12 and
tissue surrounding the tissue site 12.
[0029] The interface sealing member 24 may be formed from any
material that allows for a fluid seal. A fluid seal may be a seal
adequate to maintain reduced pressure, if applicable, at a desired
site. The interface sealing member 24 may comprise, for example,
one or more of the following materials: hydrophilic polyurethane;
cellulosics; hydrophilic polyamides; polyvinyl alcohol; polyvinyl
pyrrolidone; hydrophilic acrylics; hydrophilic silicone elastomers;
an INSPIRE 2301 material from Expopack Advanced Coatings of
Wrexham, United Kingdom having, for example, a moisture vapor
transmission rate or MVTR (inverted cup technique) of 14400
g/m.sup.2/24 hours and a thickness of about 30 microns; a thin,
uncoated polymer drape; 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 (PU); EVA film; co-polyester; silicones; a silicone
drape; a 3M Tegaderm.RTM. drape; a polyurethane (PU) drape such as
one available from Avery Dennison Corporation of Pasadena, Calif.;
polyether block polyamide copolymer (PEBAX), for example, from
Arkema, France; Expopack 2327; or other appropriate material.
[0030] The interface sealing member 24 may be vapor permeable and
liquid impermeable, thereby allowing vapor and inhibiting liquids
from exiting the sealed treatment space 30 provided by the
interface dressing 20. In some embodiments, the interface sealing
member 24 may be a flexible, breathable film, membrane, or sheet
having a high MVTR of, for example, at least about 300 g/m.sup.2
per 24 hours. The use of a high MVTR material for the interface
sealing member 24 may permit moisture vapor to pass through the
interface sealing member 24, external to the interface dressing 20,
while maintaining the fluid seal described above. In other
embodiments, a low or no vapor transfer drape might be used. The
interface sealing member 24 may comprise a range of medically
suitable films having a thickness between about 15 microns (.mu.m)
to about 50 microns (.mu.m).
[0031] In some embodiments, an attachment device or interface layer
adhesive 36 may be adapted to be positioned between the interface
sealing member 24 and the tissue site 12. For example, the
interface layer adhesive 36 may be positioned on or applied to the
interior facing side 32 of the interface sealing member 24 for
facing the tissue site 12. In some embodiments, the interface
sealing member 24 may be sealed directly against tissue surrounding
the tissue site 12, such as the epidermis 14, by the interface
layer adhesive 36. In some embodiments, the interface layer
adhesive 36 may seal the interface sealing member 24 against a
gasket or drape adapted to be positioned between the interface
layer adhesive 36 and the epidermis 14.
[0032] The interface layer adhesive 36 may be a
medically-acceptable adhesive and may take numerous forms, such as
an adhesive sealing tape, drape tape, paste, hydrocolloid,
hydrogel, or other suitable sealing device. The interface layer
adhesive 36 may also be flowable. The interface layer adhesive 36
may comprise, without limitation, an acrylic adhesive, rubber
adhesive, high-tack silicone adhesive, polyurethane, or other
adhesive substance. In some embodiments, the interface layer
adhesive 36 may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive comprising an
acrylic adhesive with coat weight of 15 grams/m.sup.2 (gsm) to 70
grams/m.sup.2 (gsm). The pressure-sensitive adhesive may be applied
on a side of the interface sealing member 24 adapted to face the
epidermis 14 and the tissue site 12, such as the interior facing
side 32 of the interface sealing member 24. The pressure-sensitive
adhesive may provide a fluid seal between the interface sealing
member 24 and the epidermis 14, and may be utilized in combination
with a gasket or drape against the epidermis 14.
[0033] In some embodiments, the interface layer adhesive 36 may be
a layer or coating applied to or positionable on the interior
facing side 32 of the interface sealing member 24. In some
embodiments, the interface layer adhesive 36 may be continuous or
discontinuous. Discontinuities in the interface layer adhesive 36
may be provided by apertures (not shown) in the interface layer
adhesive 36. The apertures or discontinuities in the interface
layer adhesive 36 may be, for example, formed after application of
the interface layer adhesive 36, or by coating the interface layer
adhesive 36 in patterns on the interior facing side 32 of the
interface sealing member 24.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1B and 2B, in some embodiments, the
receiving site 26 may be positioned at or on the exterior facing
side 34 of the interface sealing member 24. A portion of the
receiving site 26 may be adaptable for providing fluid
communication between the exterior facing side 34 and the interior
facing side 32 of the interface sealing member 24. For example, the
receiving site 26 may be in fluid communication with the interface
manifold 22 and the sealed treatment space 30 through a receiving
site aperture 38 that may be disposed through the interface sealing
member 24.
[0035] In some embodiments, the receiving site 26 may comprise a
non-adherent treatment 40. The non-adherent treatment 40 may
substantially or entirely surround the receiving site aperture 38.
Although FIGS. 1B and 2B depict the non-adherent treatment 40 as
partially covering the exterior facing side 34 of the interface
sealing member 24, the non-adherent treatment 40 may be applied to
the entire exterior facing side 34 in some embodiments. The
non-adherent treatment 40 may be adapted to releaseably or
non-permanently secure components of the system 10 to the receiving
site 26. For example, the non-adherent treatment 40 may reduce or
impair the bond strength of components of the system 10 being
applied to the receiving site 10. In some embodiments, the
non-adherent treatment 40 may comprise a coating of a non-adherent
material including, without limitation, an olefinic coating, such
as a polyethylene or wax; a fluorocarbon coating, such as a
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE); a highly hydrophilic coating, such
as a water soluble or swelling polymer that would retain a high
level of moisture capable of reducing bond strength; a coating
containing a plasticizer capable of reducing the tackiness of an
acrylic or other adhesive; and an ultraviolet (UV) light sensitive
coating capable of cross-linking and becoming brittle under the
action of UV light. In other embodiments, the substrate material of
the interface sealing member 24 on the exterior facing side 34 may
be treated or otherwise modified to have non-adherent
properties.
[0036] The interface base layer 28 may be adapted to be positioned
on the interior facing side 32 of the interface sealing member 24
and between the interface sealing member 24 and the tissue site 12.
The interface base layer 28 may enhance the fluid seal between the
interface sealing member 24 and the tissue site 12. The interface
base layer 28 may be a soft, pliable material suitable for
providing a fluid seal with the tissue site 12 as described herein.
For example, the interface base layer 28 may comprise, without
limitation, a silicone gel, a soft silicone, hydrocolloid,
hydrogel, polyurethane gel, polyolefin gel, hydrogenated styrenic
copolymer gel, a foamed gel, a soft closed cell foam such as
polyurethanes and polyolefins that may be coated with an adhesive,
polyurethane, polyolefin, and hydrogenated styrenic copolymers. In
some embodiments, the interface base layer 28 may have a thickness
between about 500 microns (.mu.m) and about 1000 microns (.mu.m).
In some embodiments, the interface base layer 28 may have a
stiffness between about 5 Shore OO to about 80 Shore OO. Further,
the interface base layer 28 may be comprised of hydrophobic or
hydrophilic materials.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, in some embodiments, the interface
base layer 28 may be an interface base layer 28a. Similar to the
interface sealing member 24, the interface base layer 28a may be
adapted to cover the tissue site 12. A portion of the interface
base layer 28a may be adapted to overlap tissue surrounding the
tissue site 12, such as the epidermis 14, or otherwise surround the
tissue site 12. The interface base layer 28a may include a
plurality of interface layer apertures 42 disposed through opposing
sides of the interface base layer 28a. The interface layer
apertures 42 may be adapted to be in fluid communication with the
sealed treatment space 30, the interface manifold 22, and tissue
surrounding the tissue site 12, such as the epidermis 14. The
interface layer adhesive 36 may be positioned between the interface
sealing member 24 and the interface base layer 28a in fluid
communication with tissue surrounding the tissue site 12 through
the interface layer apertures 42.
[0038] The interface layer apertures 42 in the interface base layer
28a may have any shape, such as, for example, circles, squares,
stars, ovals, polygons, slits, complex curves, rectilinear shapes,
triangles, or other shapes. The interface layer apertures 42 may be
formed by cutting, by application of local RF energy, or other
suitable techniques for forming an opening. The interface layer
apertures 42 may have a diameter between about 6 millimeters to
about 50 millimeters. Further, the interface layer apertures 42 may
be uniformly distributed or randomly distributed on the interface
base layer 28a.
[0039] The interface layer adhesive 36 may be in fluid
communication with the interface layer apertures 42 of the
interface base layer 28a. In this manner, the interface layer
adhesive 36 may be in fluid communication with tissue surrounding
the tissue site 12 through the interface layer apertures 42 in the
interface base layer 28a. As shown in FIG. 1C, the interface layer
adhesive 36 may extend or be pressed through the interface layer
apertures 42 to contact, for example, the epidermis 14 for securing
the interface dressing 20a to tissue surrounding the tissue site
12. The interface layer apertures 42 may provide sufficient contact
of the interface layer adhesive 36 to the epidermis 14 to secure
the interface dressing 20a about the tissue site 12. However, the
configuration of the interface layer apertures 42 and the interface
layer adhesive 36, described further below, may permit release and
repositioning of the interface dressing 20a about the tissue site
12.
[0040] Factors that may be utilized to control the adhesion
strength of the interface dressing 20a about the tissue site 12 may
include the size and number of the interface layer apertures 42,
the thickness of the interface base layer 28a, the thickness and
amount of the interface layer adhesive 36, and the tackiness of the
interface layer adhesive 36. For example, an increase in the amount
of the interface layer adhesive 36 extending through the interface
layer apertures 42 may correspond to an increase in the adhesion
strength of the interface dressing 20a. Further, a decrease in the
thickness of the interface base layer 28a may correspond to an
increase in the amount of interface layer adhesive 36 extending
through the interface layer apertures 42. Thus, the size and
configuration of the interface layer apertures 42, the thickness of
the interface base layer 28a, and the amount and tackiness of the
interface layer adhesive 36 may be varied to provide a desired
adhesion strength for the interface dressing 20a. In some
embodiments, the thickness of the interface base layer 28a may be
about 200 microns, the interface layer adhesive 36 may have a
thickness of about 30 microns and a tackiness of 2000 grams per 25
centimeter wide strip, and the diameter of the interface layer
apertures 42 may be about 6 millimeters.
[0041] In some embodiments (not shown), the interface base layer
28a may be a hydrophobic-coated material. For example, the
interface base layer 28a may be formed by coating a spaced
material, such as, for example, a woven, nonwoven, molded, or
extruded mesh with a hydrophobic material. The hydrophobic material
for the coating may be a soft silicone, for example. In this
manner, the interface layer adhesive 36 may extend through openings
in the spaced material analogous to the interface layer apertures
42 described above.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, in some embodiments, the interface
base layer 28 may be an interface base layer 28b. The interface
base layer 28b may be, for example, formed in the shape of a ring
or any other suitable shape for surrounding the tissue site 12.
While reference is made to a "ring," discrete members, including
linear members, may make up the interface base layer 28b in any
suitable manner. A ring-like or other suitable shape for the
interface base layer 28b may save costs by reducing or eliminating
material covering the tissue site 12 while still enhancing the
fluid seal around the tissue site 12. For example, tissue
surrounding the tissue site 12, such as the epidermis 14, may have
recesses, cracks, wrinkles, or other discontinuities that may cause
leaks. Moreover, folds, buckles, wrinkles, or other discontinuities
may form in the interface sealing member 24 and cause leaks. The
interface base layer 28b may reduce any leakage caused by such
discontinuities around the tissue site 12.
[0043] The interface base layer 28b may be formed, as an
illustrative example, by applying or bonding a continuous or
discontinuous ring of any of the materials recited above for the
interface base layer 28 around the tissue site 12 or to a portion
of the interior facing side 32 of the interface sealing member 24
for positioning between the interface sealing member 24 and tissue
surrounding the tissue site 12. The interface base layer 28b may be
coupled directly to the interface sealing member 24 and tissue
surrounding the tissue site 12, or by the interface layer adhesive
36 described above. In some embodiments, the interface base layer
28b may comprise, without limitation, hydrocolloids; hydrogels;
silicone polymers; crosslinked and uncrosslinked gels; and natural
gums such as xanthan, guar, and cellulose. The interface base layer
28b may include other soft polymer gels, such as, for example,
those based on polyurethanes, polyolefin gels, and acrylics.
[0044] In some embodiments, the interface base layer 28b may
include an absorbent. The absorbent may permit the interface base
layer 28b to absorb fluid from the tissue site 12 in addition to
enhancing the fluid seal around the tissue site 12. The interface
base layer 28b including the absorbent may enhance the ability of
the interface dressing 20b to manage and direct fluid away from the
tissue site 12 for keeping the tissue site 12 dry. For example, the
interface base layer 28b may be a hydrocolloid comprising an
absorbent, such as carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC). The absorbent in
the interface base layer 28b may wick or draw fluid in a lateral
direction within the interface dressing 20b, normal to the
thickness of the interface dressing 20b, and toward the lateral
edges of the interface dressing 20b for absorption in the interface
base layer 28b.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1A-3, the system 10 may include a second
dressing or storage dressing 124, and a reduced-pressure source
128. The storage dressing 124 may be positioned in fluid
communication with the interface dressing 20 at, for example, the
receiving site 26 of the interface sealing member 24. The storage
dressing 124 may be adapted to provide reduced pressure from the
reduced-pressure source 128 to the interface manifold 22, and to
store fluid extracted from the tissue site 12 through the interface
manifold 22. In some embodiments, reduced pressure may not be
applied, and fluid may be extracted from the tissue site 12 into
the storage dressing 124 by wicking action.
[0046] The storage dressing 124 may include a storage base layer
132, a storage layer adhesive 136, a storage sealing member 140, a
fluid management assembly 144, and a conduit interface 148.
Components of the storage dressing 124 may be added or removed to
suit a particular application.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 3-4B, the storage base layer 132 may have
a periphery 152 surrounding a central portion 156. A plurality of
storage layer apertures 160 may be disposed through opposing sides
of the storage base layer 132 and through the periphery 152 and the
central portion 156. The storage base layer 132 may also have
corners 158 and edges 159. The corners 158 and the edges 159 may be
part of the periphery 152. One of the edges 159 may meet another of
the edges 159 to define one of the corners 158. Further, the
storage base layer 132 may have a border 161 substantially
surrounding the central portion 156 and positioned between the
central portion 156 and the periphery 152. The border 161 may be
free of the storage layer apertures 160.
[0048] The storage base layer 132 may cover a portion of the
exterior facing side 34 of the interface sealing member 24. For
example, the central portion 156 of the base layer 132 may be
positioned adjacent to or proximate to the receiving site aperture
38, and the periphery 152 of the base layer 132 may be positioned
adjacent to or proximate to the receiving site 26 around the
receiving site aperture 38. In this manner, the periphery 152 of
the storage base layer 132 may surround the receiving site aperture
38. Further, the storage layer apertures 160 in the storage base
layer 132 may be in fluid communication with the receiving site
aperture 38 and portions of the receiving site 26 surrounding the
receiving site aperture 38.
[0049] Similar to the interface layer apertures 42, the storage
layer apertures 160 in the storage base layer 132 may have any
shape, such as, for example, circles, squares, stars, ovals,
polygons, slits, complex curves, rectilinear shapes, triangles, or
other shapes. The storage layer apertures 160 may be formed by
cutting, by application of local RF energy, or other suitable
techniques for forming an opening.
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, each of the storage layer apertures
160 of the plurality of storage layer apertures 160 may be
substantially circular in shape, having a diameter and an area. The
area of each of the storage layer apertures 160 may refer to an
open space or open area defining each of the storage layer
apertures 160. The diameter of each of the storage layer apertures
160 may define the area of each of the storage layer apertures 160.
For example, the area of one of the storage layer apertures 160 may
be defined by multiplying the square of half the diameter of the
storage layer aperture 160 by the value 3.14. Thus, the following
equation may define the area of one of the storage layer apertures
160: Area=3.14*(diameter/2){circumflex over ( )}2.
[0051] The area of the storage layer apertures 160 described in the
illustrative embodiments herein may be substantially similar to the
area in other embodiments (not shown) for the storage layer
apertures 160 that may have non-circular shapes. The diameter of
each of the storage layer apertures 160 may be substantially the
same, or each of the diameters may vary depending, for example, on
the position of the storage layer aperture 160 in the storage base
layer 132. For example, the diameter of the storage layer apertures
160 in the periphery 152 of the storage base layer 132 may be
larger than the diameter of the storage layer apertures 160 in the
central portion 156 of the storage base layer 132. Further, the
diameter of each of the storage layer apertures 160 may be between
about 1 millimeter to about 50 millimeters. In some embodiments,
the diameter of each of the storage layer apertures 160 may be
between about 1 millimeter to about 20 millimeters. The storage
layer apertures 160 may have a uniform pattern or may be randomly
distributed on the storage base layer 132. The size and
configuration of the storage layer apertures 160 may be designed to
control the adherence of the storage dressing 124 to the receiving
site 26 of the interface sealing member 24 as described below.
[0052] Continuing with FIGS. 4A-4B, in some embodiments, the
storage layer apertures 160 positioned in the periphery 152 may be
storage layer apertures 160a, the storage layer apertures 160
positioned at the corners 158 of the periphery 152 may be storage
layer apertures 160b, and the storage layer apertures 160
positioned in the central portion 156 may be storage layer
apertures 160c. The storage layer apertures 160a may have a
diameter between about 9.8 millimeters to about 10.2 millimeters.
The storage layer apertures 160b may have a diameter between about
7.75 millimeters to about 8.75 millimeters. The storage layer
apertures 160c may have a diameter between about 1.8 millimeters to
about 2.2 millimeters. The diameter of each of the storage layer
apertures 160a may be separated from one another by a distance A
between about 2.8 millimeters to about 3.2 millimeters. Further,
the diameter of at least one of the storage layer apertures 160a
may be separated from the diameter of at least one of the storage
layer apertures 160b by the distance A. The diameter of each of the
storage layer apertures 160b may also be separated from one another
by the distance A. A center of one of the storage layer apertures
160c may be separated from a center of another of the storage layer
apertures 160c in a first direction by a distance B between about
2.8 millimeters to about 3.2 millimeters. In a second direction
transverse to the first direction, the center of one of the storage
layer apertures 160c may be separated from the center of another of
the storage layer apertures 160c by a distance C between about 2.8
millimeters to about 3.2 millimeters. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, the
distance B and the distance C may be increased for the storage
layer apertures 160c in the central portion 156 being positioned
proximate to or at the border 161 compared to the storage layer
apertures 160c positioned away from the border 161.
[0053] The central portion 156 of the storage base layer 132 may be
substantially square with each side of the central portion 156
having a length D between about 100 millimeters to about 108
millimeters. In some embodiments, the length D may be between about
106 millimeters to about 108 millimeters. The border 161 of the
storage base layer 132 may have a width E between about 4
millimeters to about 11 millimeters and may substantially surround
the central portion 156 and the storage layer apertures 160c in the
central portion 156. In some embodiments, the width E may be
between about 9 millimeters to about 10 millimeters. The periphery
152 of the storage base layer 132 may have a width F between about
25 millimeters to about 35 millimeters and may substantially
surround the border 161 and the central portion 156. In some
embodiments, the width F may be between about 26 millimeters to
about 28 millimeters. Further, the periphery 152 may have a
substantially square exterior with each side of the exterior having
a length G between about 154 millimeters to about 200 millimeters.
In some embodiments, the length G may be between about 176
millimeters to about 184 millimeters. Although FIGS. 4A-4B depict
the central portion 156, the border 161, and the periphery 152 of
the storage base layer 132 as having a substantially square shape,
these and other components of the storage base layer 132 may have
any shape to suit a particular application. Further, the dimensions
of the storage base layer 132 as described herein may be increased
or decreased, for example, substantially in proportion to one
another to suit a particular application.
[0054] The storage base layer 132 may be a soft, pliable material
suitable for providing a fluid seal as described herein. For
example, the storage base layer 132 may comprise a silicone gel, a
soft silicone, hydrocolloid, hydrogel, polyurethane gel, polyolefin
gel, hydrogenated styrenic copolymer gels, a foamed gel, a soft
closed cell foam such as polyurethanes and polyolefins that may be
coated with an adhesive, polyurethane, polyolefin, and hydrogenated
styrenic copolymers. In some embodiments, the storage base layer
132 may have a thickness between about 500 microns (.mu.m) to about
1000 microns (.mu.m). In some embodiments, the storage base layer
132 may have a stiffness between about 5 Shore OO to about 80 Shore
OO. Further, the storage base layer 132 may be comprised of
hydrophobic or hydrophilic materials.
[0055] In some embodiments (not shown), the storage base layer 132
may be a hydrophobic-coated material. For example, the storage base
layer 132 may be formed by coating a spaced material, such as, for
example, a woven, nonwoven, molded, or extruded mesh with a
hydrophobic material. The hydrophobic material for the coating may
be a soft silicone, for example. In this manner, the storage layer
adhesive 136 may extend through openings in the spaced material
analogous to the storage layer apertures 160 as described
below.
[0056] The storage layer adhesive 136 may be in fluid communication
with the storage layer apertures 160 in at least the periphery 152
of the storage base layer 132. In this manner, the storage layer
adhesive 136 may be in fluid communication with a portion of the
receiving site 26 surrounding the receiving site aperture 38
through the storage layer apertures 160. Analogous to the interface
layer adhesive 36 in FIG. 1C, the storage layer adhesive 136 may
extend or be pressed through the plurality of storage layer
apertures 160 to contact the receiving site 26 for securing the
storage dressing 124 to the interface sealing member 24 of the
interface dressing 20. The storage layer apertures 160 may provide
sufficient contact of the storage layer adhesive 136 to the
receiving site 26 to secure the storage dressing 124 about the
receiving site aperture 38. However, the configuration of the
storage layer apertures 160 and the storage layer adhesive 136,
described below, may permit release and repositioning of the
storage dressing 124 on the receiving site 26.
[0057] Continuing with FIGS. 4A-4B, at least one of the storage
layer apertures 160a in the periphery 152 of the storage base layer
132 may be positioned at the edges 159 of the periphery 152 and may
have an interior cut open or exposed at the edges 159 that is in
fluid communication in a lateral direction with the edges 159. The
lateral direction may refer to a direction toward the edges 159 and
in the same plane as the storage base layer 132. A plurality of the
storage layer apertures 160a in the periphery 152 may be positioned
proximate to or at the edges 159 and in fluid communication in a
lateral direction with the edges 159. The storage layer apertures
160a positioned proximate to or at the edges 159 may be spaced
substantially equidistant around the periphery 152 as shown in
FIGS. 4A-4B. However, in some embodiments, the spacing of the
storage layer apertures 160a proximate to or at the edges 159 may
be irregular. The storage layer adhesive 136 may be in fluid
communication with the edges 159 through the storage layer
apertures 160a being exposed at the edges 159. In this manner, the
storage layer apertures 160a at the edges 159 may permit the
storage layer adhesive 136 to flow around the edges 159 for
enhancing the adhesion of the edges 159 around the receiving site
26, for example.
[0058] The storage layer apertures 160b at the corners 158 of the
periphery 152 may be smaller than the storage layer apertures 160a
in other portions of the periphery 152 as described above. For a
given geometry of the corners 158, the smaller size of the storage
layer apertures 160b compared to the storage layer apertures 160a
may maximize the surface area of the storage layer adhesive 136
exposed and in fluid communication through the storage layer
apertures 160b at the corners 158. For example, as shown in FIGS.
4A-4B, the edges 159 may intersect at substantially a right angle,
or about 90 degrees, to define the corners 158. Also as shown, the
corners 158 may have a radius of about 10 millimeters. Three of the
storage layer apertures 160b having a diameter between about 7.75
millimeters to about 8.75 millimeters may be positioned in a
triangular configuration at the corners 158 to maximize the exposed
surface area for the storage layer adhesive 136. The size and
number of the storage layer apertures 160b in the corners 158 may
be adjusted as necessary, depending on the chosen geometry of the
corners 158, to maximize the exposed surface area of the storage
layer adhesive 136 as described above. Further, the storage layer
apertures 160b at the corners 158 may be fully housed within the
storage base layer 132, substantially precluding fluid
communication in a lateral direction exterior to the corners 158.
The storage layer apertures 160b at the corners 158 being fully
housed within the storage base layer 132 may substantially preclude
fluid communication of the storage layer adhesive 136 exterior to
the corners 159, and may provide improved handling of the storage
dressing 124 during deployment. Further, the exterior of the
corners 158 being substantially free of the storage layer adhesive
136 may increase the flexibility of the corners 158 to enhance
comfort.
[0059] Similar to the storage layer apertures 160b in the corners
158, any of the storage layer apertures 160 may be adjusted in size
and number to maximize the surface area of the storage layer
adhesive 136 in fluid communication through the storage layer
apertures 160 for a particular application or geometry of the
storage base layer 132. For example, in some embodiments (not
shown) the storage layer apertures 160b, or apertures of another
size, may be positioned in the periphery 152 and at the border 161.
Similarly, the storage layer apertures 160b, or apertures of
another size, may be positioned as described above in other
locations of the storage base layer 132 that may have a complex
geometry or shape.
[0060] Similar to the interface layer adhesive 36, the storage
layer adhesive 136 may be a medically-acceptable adhesive. The
storage layer adhesive 136 may also be flowable. For example, the
storage layer adhesive 136 may comprise an acrylic adhesive, rubber
adhesive, high-tack silicone adhesive, polyurethane, or other
adhesive substance. In some embodiments, the storage layer adhesive
136 may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive comprising an acrylic
adhesive with coat weight of 15 grams/m.sup.2 (gsm) to 70
grams/m.sup.2 (gsm). The storage layer adhesive 136 may be a layer
having substantially the same shape as the periphery 152 of the
storage base layer 132 as shown in FIG. 4A. In some embodiments,
the storage layer adhesive 136 may be a continuous or discontinuous
layer. Discontinuities in the storage layer adhesive 136 may be
provided by apertures (not shown) in the storage layer adhesive
136. The apertures in the storage layer adhesive 136 may be formed
after application of the storage layer adhesive 136 or by coating
the storage layer adhesive 136 in patterns, for example, on a side
of the storage sealing member 140 adapted to face the receiving
site 26. Further, the apertures in the storage layer adhesive 136
may be sized to control the amount of the storage layer adhesive
136 extending through the storage layer apertures 160 in the
storage base layer 132 to reach the receiving site 26. The
apertures in the storage layer adhesive 136 may also be sized to
enhance the Moisture Vapor Transfer Rate (MVTR) of the storage
dressing 124, described further below.
[0061] Factors that may be utilized to control the adhesion
strength of the storage dressing 124 may include the diameter and
number of the storage apertures 160 in the storage base layer 132,
the thickness of the storage base layer 132, the thickness and
amount of the storage layer adhesive 136, and the tackiness of the
storage layer adhesive 136. An increase in the amount of the
storage layer adhesive 136 extending through the storage layer
apertures 160 may correspond to an increase in the adhesion
strength of the storage dressing 124. A decrease in the thickness
of the storage base layer 132 may correspond to an increase in the
amount of the storage layer adhesive 136 extending through the
storage layer apertures 160. Thus, the diameter and configuration
of the storage layer apertures 160, the thickness of the storage
base layer 132, and the amount and tackiness of the storage layer
adhesive 136 may be varied to provide a desired adhesion strength
for the storage dressing 124. For example, the thickness of the
storage base layer 132 may be about 200 microns, the storage layer
adhesive 136 may have a thickness of about 30 microns and a
tackiness of 2000 grams per 25 centimeter wide strip, and the
diameter of the storage layer apertures 160a may be about 10
millimeters.
[0062] In some embodiments, the tackiness of the storage layer
adhesive 136 may vary in different locations of the storage base
layer 132. For example, in locations of the storage base layer 132
where the storage layer apertures 160 are comparatively large, such
as the storage layer apertures 160a, the storage layer adhesive 136
may have a lower tackiness than other locations of the storage base
layer 132 where the storage layer apertures 160 are smaller, such
as the storage layer apertures 160b and 160c. In this manner,
locations of the storage base layer 132 having larger storage layer
apertures 160 and lower tackiness storage layer adhesive 136 may
have an adhesion strength comparable to locations having smaller
storage layer apertures 160 and higher tackiness storage layer
adhesive 136.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 4B, a release liner 162 may be attached to
or positioned adjacent to the storage base layer 132 to protect the
storage layer adhesive 136 prior to application of the storage
dressing 124 to the receiving site 26. Prior to application of the
storage dressing 124, the storage base layer 132 may be positioned
between the storage sealing member 140 and the release liner 162.
Removal of the release liner 162 may expose the storage base layer
132 and the storage layer adhesive 136 for application of the
storage dressing 124 to the receiving site 26. The release liner
162 may also provide stiffness to assist with deployment of the
storage dressing 124.
[0064] The release liner 162 may be, for example, a casting paper,
a film, or polyethylene. Further, the release liner 162 may be a
polyester material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or
similar polar semi-crystalline polymer. The use of a polar
semi-crystalline polymer for the release liner 162 may
substantially preclude wrinkling or other deformation of the
storage dressing 124. For example, the polar semi-crystalline
polymer may be highly orientated and resistant to softening,
swelling, or other deformation that may occur when brought into
contact with components of the storage dressing 124, or when
subjected to temperature or environmental variations, or
sterilization. Further, a release agent may be disposed on a side
of the release liner 162 that is configured to contact the storage
base layer 132. For example, the release agent may be a silicone
coating and may have a release factor suitable to facilitate
removal of the release liner 162 by hand and without damaging or
deforming the storage dressing 124. In some embodiments, the
release agent may be flourosilicone. In other embodiments, the
release liner 162 may be uncoated or otherwise used without a
release agent.
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 3-4B, the storage sealing member 140 may
have a periphery 164 and a central portion 168. The storage sealing
member 140 may additionally include an aperture 170, as described
below. The periphery 164 of the storage sealing member 140 may be
positioned proximate to the periphery 152 of the storage base layer
132 such that the central portion 168 of the storage sealing member
140 and the central portion 156 of the storage base layer 132
define an enclosure 172. The storage layer adhesive 136 may be
positioned at least between the periphery 164 of the storage
sealing member 140 and the periphery 152 of the storage base layer
132. The storage sealing member 140 may cover the receiving site 26
and the receiving site aperture 38 to provide a fluid seal and a
sealed storage space 174 between the receiving site 26 and the
storage sealing member 140. The storage base layer 132 may be
positioned between the storage sealing member 140 and the receiving
site 26 of the interface sealing member 24. The sealed storage
space 174 may be in fluid communication with the sealed treatment
space 30 through the receiving site aperture 38, for example.
Further, the enclosure 172 may provide a portion of the sealed
storage space 174 when the storage sealing member 140 is positioned
at the receiving site 26 as described.
[0066] In some embodiments, a portion of the periphery 164 of the
storage sealing member 140 may extend beyond the periphery 152 of
the storage base layer 132 and into direct contact with the
receiving site 26. In other embodiments, the periphery 164 of the
storage sealing member 140, for example, may be positioned in
contact with the receiving site 26 to provide the sealed storage
space 174 without the storage base layer 132. Thus, the storage
layer adhesive 136 may be positioned between at least the periphery
164 of the storage sealing member 140 and the receiving site 26.
The storage layer adhesive 136 may be disposed on a surface of the
storage sealing member 140 adapted to face the receiving site 26
and the storage base layer 132.
[0067] Similar to the interface sealing member 24, the storage
sealing member 140 may be formed from any material that allows for
a fluid seal. A fluid seal may be a seal adequate to maintain
reduced pressure at a desired site, if applicable. The storage
sealing member 140 may comprise, for example, one or more of the
following materials without limitation: hydrophilic polyurethane;
cellulosics; hydrophilic polyamides; polyvinyl alcohol; polyvinyl
pyrrolidone; hydrophilic acrylics; hydrophilic silicone elastomers;
an INSPIRE 2301 material from Expopack Advanced Coatings of
Wrexham, United Kingdom having, for example, an MVTR (inverted cup
technique) of 14400 g/m.sup.2/24 hours and a thickness of about 30
microns; a thin, uncoated polymer drape; 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 (PU); EVA film;
co-polyester; silicones; a silicone drape; a 3M Tegaderm.RTM.
drape; a polyurethane (PU) drape such as one available from Avery
Dennison Corporation of Pasadena, Calif.; polyether block polyamide
copolymer (PEBAX), for example, from Arkema, France; Expopack 2327;
or other appropriate material.
[0068] The storage sealing member 140 may be vapor permeable and
liquid impermeable, thereby allowing vapor and inhibiting liquids
from exiting the sealed storage space 174 provided by the storage
dressing 124. In some embodiments, the storage sealing member 140
may be a flexible, breathable film, membrane, or sheet having a
high MVTR of, for example, at least about 300 g/m.sup.2 per 24
hours. In other embodiments, a low or no vapor transfer drape might
be used. The storage sealing member 140 may comprise a range of
medically suitable films having a thickness between about 15
microns (.mu.m) to about 50 microns (.mu.m).
[0069] The fluid management assembly 144 may be disposed in the
enclosure 172 and may include a first wicking layer 176, a second
wicking layer 180, and an absorbent layer 184. The absorbent layer
184 may be positioned in fluid communication between the first
wicking layer 176 and the second wicking layer 180. The first
wicking layer 176 may have a grain structure (not shown) adapted to
wick fluid along a surface of the first wicking layer 176.
Similarly, the second wicking layer 180 may have a grain structure
(not shown) adapted to wick fluid along a surface of the second
wicking layer 180. For example, the first wicking layer 176 and the
second wicking layer 180 may wick or otherwise transport fluid in a
lateral direction along the surfaces of the first wicking layer 176
and the second wicking layer 180, respectively. The surfaces of the
first wicking layer 176 and the second wicking layer 180 may be
normal relative to the thickness of each of the first wicking layer
176 and the second wicking layer 180. The wicking of fluid along
the first wicking layer 176 and the second wicking layer 180 may
enhance the distribution of the fluid over a surface area of the
absorbent layer 184 that may increase absorbent efficiency and
resist fluid blockages. Fluid blockages may be caused by, for
example, fluid pooling in a particular location in the absorbent
layer 184 rather than being distributed more uniformly across the
absorbent layer 184. The laminate combination of the first wicking
layer 176, the second wicking layer 180, and the absorbent layer
184 may be adapted as described above to maintain an open
structure, resistant to blockage, capable of maintaining fluid
communication with, for example, the interface dressing 20.
[0070] Referring to the embodiments of the fluid management
assembly 144 depicted in FIGS. 1A, 2A, 3, 5, and 6, a peripheral
portion 186 of the first wicking layer 176 may be coupled to a
peripheral portion 187 of the second wicking layer 180 to define a
wicking layer enclosure 188 between the first wicking layer 176 and
the second wicking layer 180. In some exemplary embodiments, the
wicking layer enclosure 188 may surround or otherwise encapsulate
the absorbent layer 184 between the first wicking layer 176 and the
second wicking layer 180.
[0071] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the fluid management assembly
144 may include, without limitation, any number of wicking layers
and absorbent layers as desired for treating a particular tissue
site. For example, the absorbent layer 184 may be a plurality of
absorbent layers 184 positioned in fluid communication between the
first wicking layer 176 and the second wicking layer 180 as
described above. Further, as depicted in FIG. 6, at least one
intermediate wicking layer 189 may be disposed in fluid
communication between the plurality of absorbent layers 184.
Similar to the absorbent layer 184 described above, the plurality
of absorbent layers 184 and the at least one intermediate wicking
layer 189 may be positioned within the wicking layer enclosure
188.
[0072] In some embodiments, components of the storage dressing 124
may be removed to suit different applications or to reduce material
cost. For example, the absorbent layer 184 may be disposed between
the storage sealing member 140 and the receiving site 26 with the
storage base layer 132, the first wicking layer 176, and the second
wicking layer 180 omitted. Thus, the storage sealing member 140 may
cover the absorbent layer 184 at the receiving site 26, and the
absorbent layer 184 may be sized for positioning in the sealed
storage space 174 adjacent to or in direct contact with the
receiving site 26. Further, the receiving site aperture 38 may
provide fluid communication between the absorbent layer 184 and the
interface manifold 22. The non-adherent treatment 40 may be adapted
to releaseably or non-permanently secure the storage sealing member
140 to the receiving site 26 as described herein.
[0073] In the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6, sides 184a of the
absorbent layers 184 may remain in fluid communication with one
another for enhancing efficiency. Similarly, in the embodiment of
FIG. 6, sides 189a of the at least one intermediate wicking layer
189 may remain in fluid communication with one another and with the
sides 184a of the absorbent layers 184. Further, including
additional absorbent layers 184 may increase the absorbent mass of
the fluid management assembly 144 and generally provide greater
fluid capacity. However, for a given absorbent mass, multiple light
coat-weight absorbent layers 184 may be utilized rather than a
single heavy coat-weight absorbent layer 184 to provide a greater
absorbent surface area for further enhancing the absorbent
efficiency.
[0074] In some embodiments, the absorbent layer 184 may be a
hydrophilic material adapted to absorb fluid from, for example, the
tissue site 12. Materials suitable for the absorbent layer 184 may
include Luquafleece.RTM. material, Texsus FP2326, BASF 402C,
Technical Absorbents 2317 available from Technical Absorbents
(www.techabsorbents.com), sodium polyacrylate super absorbers,
cellulosics (carboxy methyl cellulose and salts such as sodium
CMC), or alginates. Materials suitable for the first wicking layer
176 and the second wicking layer 180 may include any material
having a grain structure capable of wicking fluid as described
herein, such as, for example, Libeltex TDL2 80 gsm.
[0075] The fluid management assembly 144 may be a pre-laminated
structure manufactured at a single location or individual layers of
material stacked upon one another as described above. Individual
layers of the fluid management assembly 144 may be bonded or
otherwise secured to one another without adversely affecting fluid
management by, for example, utilizing a solvent or non-solvent
adhesive, or by thermal welding. Further, the fluid management
assembly 144 may be coupled to the border 161 of the base layer 132
in any suitable manner, such as, for example, by a weld or an
adhesive. The border 161 being free of the apertures 160 as
described above may provide a flexible barrier between the fluid
management assembly 144 and the tissue site 104 for enhancing
comfort.
[0076] In some embodiments, the enclosure 172 defined by the
storage base layer 132 and the storage sealing member 140 may
include an anti-microbial layer 190. The addition of the
anti-microbial layer 190 may reduce the probability of excessive
bacterial growth within the storage dressing 124 to permit the
storage dressing 124 to remain in place for an extended period. The
anti-microbial layer 190 may be, for example, an additional layer
included as a part of the fluid management assembly 144 as depicted
in FIG. 3, or a coating of an anti-microbial agent disposed in any
suitable location within the storage dressing 124. The
anti-microbial layer 190 may be comprised of elemental silver or
similar compound, for example. In some embodiments, the
anti-microbial agent may be formulated in any suitable manner into
other components of the storage dressing 124.
[0077] Referring to FIGS. 1A, 2A, 3, and 7, the conduit interface
148 may be positioned proximate to the storage sealing member 140
and in fluid communication with the storage dressing 124 through
the aperture 170 in the storage sealing member 140 to provide
reduced pressure from the reduced-pressure source 128 to the
storage dressing 124. Specifically, the conduit interface 148 may
be positioned in fluid communication with the enclosure 172,
including the absorbent layer 184, of the storage dressing 124. The
conduit interface 148 may also be positioned in fluid communication
with the interface manifold 22.
[0078] The conduit interface 148 may comprise a medical-grade, soft
polymer or other pliable material. As non-limiting examples, the
conduit interface 148 may be formed from polyurethane,
polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), fluorosilicone, or
ethylene-propylene, etc. In some illustrative, non-limiting
embodiments, the conduit interface 148 may be molded from DEHP-free
PVC. The conduit interface 148 may be formed in any suitable manner
such as by molding, casting, machining, or extruding. Further, the
conduit interface 148 may be formed as an integral unit or as
individual components and may be coupled to the storage dressing
124 by, for example, adhesive or welding.
[0079] In some embodiments, the conduit interface 148 may be formed
of an absorbent material having absorbent and evaporative
properties. The absorbent material may be vapor permeable and
liquid impermeable, thereby being configured to permit vapor to be
absorbed into and evaporated from the material through permeation
while inhibiting permeation of liquids. The absorbent material may
be, for example, a hydrophilic polymer such as a hydrophilic
polyurethane. Although the term hydrophilic polymer may be used in
the illustrative embodiments that follow, any absorbent material
having the properties described herein may be suitable. Further,
the absorbent material or hydrophilic polymer may be suitable for
use in various components of the system 10 as described herein.
[0080] The use of such a hydrophilic polymer for the conduit
interface 148 may permit liquids in the conduit interface 148 to
evaporate, or otherwise dissipate, during operation. For example,
the hydrophilic polymer may allow the liquid to permeate or pass
through the conduit interface 148 as vapor, in a gaseous phase, and
evaporate into the atmosphere external to the conduit interface
148. Such liquids may be, for example, condensate or other liquids.
Condensate may form, for example, as a result of a decrease in
temperature within the conduit interface 148, or other components
of the system 10, relative to the temperature at the tissue site
12. Removal or dissipation of liquids from the conduit interface
148 may increase visual appeal and prevent odor. Further, such
removal of liquids may also increase efficiency and reliability by
reducing blockages and other interference with the components of
the system 10.
[0081] Similar to the conduit interface 148, other components of
the system 10 may be formed of an absorbent material or a
hydrophilic polymer. The absorptive and evaporative properties of
the hydrophilic polymer may also facilitate removal and dissipation
of liquids residing in other components of the system 10 by
evaporation. Such evaporation may leave behind a substantially
solid or gel-like waste. The substantially solid or gel-like waste
may be cheaper to dispose than liquids, providing a cost savings
for operation of the system 10. The hydrophilic polymer may be used
for other components in the system 10 where the management of
liquids is beneficial.
[0082] In some embodiments, the absorbent material or hydrophilic
polymer may have an absorbent capacity in a saturated state that is
substantially equivalent to the mass of the hydrophilic polymer in
an unsaturated state. The hydrophilic polymer may be fully
saturated with vapor in the saturated state and substantially free
of vapor in the unsaturated state. In both the saturated state and
the unsaturated state, the hydrophilic polymer may retain
substantially the same physical, mechanical, and structural
properties. For example, the hydrophilic polymer may have a
hardness in the unsaturated state that is substantially the same as
a hardness of the hydrophilic polymer in the saturated state. The
hydrophilic polymer and the components of the system 10
incorporating the hydrophilic polymer may also have a size that is
substantially the same in both the unsaturated state and the
saturated state. Further, the hydrophilic polymer may remain dry,
cool to the touch, and pneumatically sealed in the saturated state
and the unsaturated state. The hydrophilic polymer may also remain
substantially the same color in the saturated state and the
unsaturated state. In this manner, this hydrophilic polymer may
retain sufficient strength and other physical properties to remain
suitable for use in the system 10. An example of such a hydrophilic
polymer is offered under the trade name Techophilic HP-93A-100,
available from The Lubrizol Corporation of Wickliffe, Ohio, United
States. Techophilic HP-93A-100 is an absorbent hydrophilic
thermoplastic polyurethane capable of absorbing 100% of the
unsaturated mass of the polyurethane in water and having a
durometer or Shore Hardness of about 83 Shore A.
[0083] The conduit interface 148 may carry an odor filter 194
adapted to substantially preclude the passage of odors from the
tissue site 12 out of the sealed storage space 174. Further, the
conduit interface 148 may carry a primary hydrophobic filter 195
adapted to substantially preclude the passage of liquids out of the
sealed storage space 174. The odor filter 194 and the primary
hydrophobic filter 195 may be disposed in the conduit interface
148, or other suitable location, such that fluid communication
between the reduced-pressure source 128 and the storage dressing
124 is provided through the odor filter 194 and the primary
hydrophobic filter 195. In some embodiments, the odor filter 194
and the primary hydrophobic filter 195 may be secured within the
conduit interface 148 in any suitable manner, such as by adhesive
or welding. In other embodiments, the odor filter 194 and the
primary hydrophobic filter 195 may be positioned in any exit
location in the storage dressing 124 that is in fluid communication
with the atmosphere or the reduced-pressure source 128. The odor
filter 194 may also be positioned in any suitable location in the
system 10 that is in fluid communication with the tissue site
12.
[0084] The odor filter 194 may be comprised of a carbon material in
the form of a layer or particulate. For example, the odor filter
194 may comprise a woven carbon cloth filter such as those
manufactured by Chemviron Carbon, Ltd. of Lancashire, United
Kingdom (www.chemvironcarbon.com). The primary hydrophobic filter
195 may be comprised of a material that is liquid impermeable and
vapor permeable. For example, the primary hydrophobic filter 195
may comprise a material manufactured under the designation MMT-314
or MMT-332 by W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. of Newark, Del.,
United States, or similar materials. The primary hydrophobic filter
195 may be provided in the form of a membrane or layer. Further, in
some embodiments, the filter 195 may be an oleophobic filter.
[0085] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 2A, the reduced-pressure source
128 may provide reduced pressure as part of the system 10. The
reduced-pressure source 128 may be positioned in fluid
communication with the interface manifold 22. In some embodiments,
the reduce-pressure source 128 may be in fluid communication with
the interface manifold 22 through at least the absorbent layer 184.
The reduced-pressure source 128 may be any suitable device for
providing reduced pressure, such as, for example, a vacuum pump,
wall suction, hand pump, or other source.
[0086] As used herein, "reduced pressure" may refer to a pressure
less than the ambient pressure at a tissue site being subjected to
treatment. In some embodiments, the reduced pressure may be less
than the atmospheric pressure. The reduced pressure may also be
less than a hydrostatic pressure at a tissue site. Unless otherwise
indicated, values of pressure stated herein are gauge pressures.
While the amount and nature of reduced pressure applied to a tissue
site may vary according to the application, in some embodiments,
the reduced pressure may be between about -5 mm Hg to about -500 mm
Hg. In other embodiments, the reduced pressure may be between about
-100 mm Hg to about -200 mm Hg.
[0087] 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 a 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 may refer to a relative reduction in absolute pressure. An
increase in reduced pressure may correspond to a reduction in
pressure (more negative relative to ambient pressure) and a
decrease in reduced pressure may correspond to an increase in
pressure (less negative relative to ambient pressure).
[0088] As shown in FIGS. 1A, 2A, 3, and 7, a conduit 196 having an
internal lumen 197 may be coupled in fluid communication between
the reduced-pressure source 128 and the storage dressing 124. The
internal lumen 197 may have an internal diameter between about 0.5
millimeters to about 3.0 millimeters. In some embodiments, the
internal diameter of the internal lumen 197 may be between about 1
millimeter to about 2 millimeters. The conduit interface 148 may be
coupled in fluid communication with the storage dressing 124 and
adapted to connect between the conduit 196 and the storage dressing
124 for providing fluid communication with the reduced-pressure
source 128. The conduit interface 148 may be fluidly coupled to the
conduit 196 in any suitable manner, such as, for example, by an
adhesive, solvent or non-solvent bonding, welding, or interference
fit. The aperture 170 in the storage sealing member 140 may provide
fluid communication between the storage dressing 124 and the
conduit interface 148. The conduit interface 148 may be in fluid
communication with the enclosure 172 and the sealed storage space
174 through the aperture 170 in the storage sealing member 140. In
some embodiments, the conduit 196 may be inserted into the storage
dressing 124 through the aperture 170 in the storage sealing member
140 to provide fluid communication with the reduced-pressure source
128 without use of the conduit interface 148. The reduced-pressure
source 128 may also be directly coupled in fluid communication with
the storage dressing 124 or the storage sealing member 140 without
use of the conduit 196. The conduit 196 may be, for example, a
flexible polymer tube. A distal end of the conduit 196 may include
a coupling 198 for attachment to the reduced-pressure source
128.
[0089] The conduit 196 may have a secondary hydrophobic filter 199
disposed in the internal lumen 197 such that fluid communication
between the reduced-pressure source 128 and the storage dressing
124 is provided through the secondary hydrophobic filter 199. The
secondary hydrophobic filter 199 may be, for example, a porous,
sintered polymer cylinder sized to fit the dimensions of the
internal lumen 197 to substantially preclude liquid from bypassing
the cylinder. The secondary hydrophobic filter 199 may also be
treated with an absorbent material adapted to swell when brought
into contact with liquid to block the flow of the liquid. The
secondary hydrophobic filter 199 may be positioned at any location
within the internal lumen 197. However, positioning the secondary
hydrophobic filter 199 within the internal lumen 197 closer toward
the reduced-pressure source 128, rather than the storage dressing
124, may allow a user to detect the presence of liquid in the
internal lumen 197.
[0090] In some embodiments, the conduit 196 and the coupling 198
may be formed of an absorbent material or a hydrophilic polymer as
described above for the conduit interface 148. In this manner, the
conduit 196 and the coupling 198 may permit liquids in the conduit
196 and the coupling 198 to evaporate, or otherwise dissipate, as
described above for the conduit interface 148. The conduit 196 and
the coupling 198 may be, for example, molded from the hydrophilic
polymer separately, as individual components, or together as an
integral component. Further, a wall of the conduit 196 defining the
internal lumen 197 may be extruded from the hydrophilic polymer.
The conduit 196 may be less than about 1 meter in length, but may
have any length to suit a particular application. In some
embodiments, a length of about 1 foot or 304.8 millimeters may
provide enough absorbent and evaporative surface area to suit many
applications, and may provide a cost savings compared to longer
lengths. If an application requires additional length for the
conduit 196, the absorbent hydrophilic polymer may be coupled in
fluid communication with a length of conduit formed of a
non-absorbent hydrophobic polymer to provide additional cost
savings.
[0091] According to an illustrative embodiment of operation of the
system 10, the interface manifold 22 may be disposed against or
proximate to the tissue site 12. The interior facing side 32 of the
interface sealing member 24 may be positioned to cover the
interface manifold 22 at the tissue site 12 and tissue surrounding
the tissue site 12. The interface base layer 28 and/or the
interface layer adhesive 36 may be configured and positioned as
described above for providing the sealed treatment space 30 between
the interface sealing member 24 and the tissue site 12. The
receiving site aperture 38 may be cut through the interface sealing
member 24, the interface base layer 28, and the interface layer
adhesive 36 as applicable and in any suitable manner for providing
fluid communication between the receiving site 26 and the interface
manifold 22.
[0092] The storage dressing 124 may be applied over the receiving
site 26 of the interface dressing 20 and about the receiving site
aperture 38 to form the sealed storage space 174. In some
embodiments, the storage base layer 132 may be applied covering the
receiving site aperture 38 and a portion of the receiving site 26
surrounding the receiving site aperture 38. Once the storage
dressing 124 is in the desired position, a force may be applied,
for example, by hand, on an exterior of the storage sealing member
140. The force applied to the storage sealing member 140 may cause
at least some portion of the storage layer adhesive 136 to
penetrate or extend through the storage layer apertures 160 and
into contact with the receiving site 26 to releaseably adhere the
storage dressing 124 about the receiving site 26. In this manner,
the configuration of the storage dressing 124 described above may
provide a reliable seal against the receiving site 26 while
permitting removal and repositioning of the storage dressing 124 on
the interface dressing 20 without damaging the interface sealing
member 24. Further, the non-adherent treatment 40 at the receiving
site 26 may further enhance the ability of a user to reposition or
remove the storage dressing 124 for replacement.
[0093] As the interface dressing 20 and the storage dressing 124
come into contact with fluid from the tissue site 12, the fluid may
move through the storage layer apertures 160 toward the fluid
management assembly 144 in the storage dressing 124. The fluid
management assembly 144 may wick or otherwise move the fluid
through the interface manifold 22 and away from the tissue site 12.
As described above, the interface manifold 22 may be adapted to
communicate fluid from the tissue site 12 rather than store the
fluid. Thus, the fluid management assembly 144 may be more
absorbent than the interface manifold 22. The fluid management
assembly 144 being more absorbent than the interface manifold 22
may provide an absorbent gradient that may attract fluid from the
tissue site 12 or the interface manifold 22 to the fluid management
assembly 144. Thus, in some embodiments, the fluid management
assembly 144 may be adapted to wick, pull, draw, or otherwise
attract fluid from the tissue site 12 through the interface
manifold 22. In the fluid management assembly 144, the fluid may
initially come into contact with the first wicking layer 176. The
first wicking layer 176 may distribute the fluid laterally along
the surface of the first wicking layer 176 as described above for
absorption and storage within the absorbent layer 184. Similarly,
fluid coming into contact with the second wicking layer 180 may be
distributed laterally along the surface of the second wicking layer
180 for absorption within the absorbent layer 184.
[0094] In some embodiments, a method of treating the tissue site 12
may include positioning the interface dressing 20 on the tissue
site 12 and in fluid communication with the tissue site 12.
Further, the method may include releaseably securing the storage
dressing 124 to the interface dressing 20 in fluid communication
with the interface dressing 20, and applying reduced pressure to
the storage dressing 124. Further, the method may include
extracting fluid from the tissue site 12 through the interface
dressing 20, and storing fluid extracted through the interface
dressing 20 within the storage dressing 124. The storage dressing
124 may be in fluid communication with the tissue site 12 through
the interface dressing 20. In some embodiments, the non-adherent
treatment 40 may be positioned between the interface dressing 20
and the storage dressing 124.
[0095] In some embodiments, the storage dressing 124 may be a first
storage dressing and the method may further include removing the
first storage dressing from the interface dressing 20; and
replacing the first storage dressing with a second storage
dressing. In some embodiments, the second storage dressing may be
releaseably secured to the interface dressing 20 in fluid
communication with the interface dressing 20 after removing the
first storage dressing. In some embodiments, removing the first
storage dressing from the interface dressing 20 may occur after the
first storage dressing is substantially full of fluid.
[0096] In some embodiments, the interface dressing 20 may include
an interface manifold 22 and an interface sealing member 24.
Positioning the interface dressing 20 on the tissue site 12 may
include: positioning the interface manifold 22 on the tissue site
12 in fluid communication with the tissue site 12; and covering the
interface manifold 22 and tissue surrounding the tissue site 12
with the interface sealing member 24 to provide a sealed treatment
space 30 between the interface sealing member 24 and the tissue
site 12.
[0097] In some embodiments, the method may include forming an
aperture 38 through the interface sealing member 24. The aperture
38 may be adapted to provide fluid communication with the interface
manifold 22 through the interface sealing member 24. In some
embodiments, forming the aperture 38 through the interface sealing
member 24 may occur before releaseably securing the storage
dressing 124 to the interface dressing 20.
[0098] In some embodiments, the storage dressing 124 may include
the absorbent layer 184 and the storage sealing member 140. The
method may further include: positioning the absorbent layer 184 on
the exterior facing side 34 of the interface dressing 20; and
covering the absorbent layer 184 with the storage sealing member
140 to provide the sealed storage space 174 between the storage
sealing member 140 and the exterior facing side 34 of the interface
dressing 20.
[0099] In some embodiments, the storage dressing 124 may include
the absorbent layer 184 and the storage sealing member 140. The
method may further include: positioning the absorbent layer 184 on
the exterior facing side 34 of the interface sealing member 24 in
fluid communication with the aperture 38 in the interface sealing
member 24; and covering the absorbent layer 184 with the storage
sealing member 140 to provide the sealed storage space 174 between
the storage sealing member 140 and the exterior facing side 34 of
the interface sealing member 24.
[0100] Although this specification discloses advantages in the
context of certain illustrative, non-limiting embodiments, various
changes, substitutions, permutations, and alterations may be made
without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Further,
any feature described in connection with any one embodiment may
also be applicable to any other embodiment.
* * * * *