U.S. patent application number 16/692770 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-19 for foam dressing with integral porous film.
The applicant listed for this patent is KCI Licensing, Inc.. Invention is credited to Christopher Brian LOCKE, Timothy Mark ROBINSON, Paul S. SLACK.
Application Number | 20200085630 16/692770 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45390233 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-19 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200085630 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ROBINSON; Timothy Mark ; et
al. |
March 19, 2020 |
Foam Dressing With Integral Porous Film
Abstract
Wound dressings and wound inserts comprising a porous film layer
and at least a channel, wound inserts of forming wound inserts
comprising a porous film layer and at least a channel, and
wound-treatment wound inserts.
Inventors: |
ROBINSON; Timothy Mark;
(Shillingstone, GB) ; SLACK; Paul S.; (San Jose,
CA) ; LOCKE; Christopher Brian; (Bournemouth,
GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KCI Licensing, Inc. |
San Antonio |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
45390233 |
Appl. No.: |
16/692770 |
Filed: |
November 22, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15043974 |
Feb 15, 2016 |
10517766 |
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16692770 |
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|
14015385 |
Nov 13, 2013 |
9289328 |
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15043974 |
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|
13316997 |
Dec 12, 2011 |
8613733 |
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14015385 |
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61423405 |
Dec 15, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/00987 20130101;
A61F 2013/0017 20130101; A61F 2013/0054 20130101; A61F 2013/00174
20130101; A61F 13/0216 20130101; A61F 13/00068 20130101; A61F
2013/00536 20130101; A61F 13/0226 20130101; A61F 13/00995 20130101;
A61F 2013/00587 20130101; A61F 13/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 13/00 20060101
A61F013/00; A61F 13/02 20060101 A61F013/02 |
Claims
1. A negative-pressure wound treatment system, comprising: a wound
insert comprising a foam member having a felted surface configured
to face a wound, wherein at least one channel is formed into the
felted surface, the at least one channel having a depth extending
through the felted surface; a drape configured to be placed over
the wound and the wound insert; and a wound treatment apparatus
fluidly coupled to the wound insert, the wound treatment apparatus
configured to apply negative pressure to the wound insert.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the foam member is configured to
be disposed between the wound and the drape, wherein the drape is
coupled to skin adjacent the wound.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one channel is
defined by material removed from the felted surface.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the foam member comprises an
open-celled reticulated foam.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the depth of the at least one
channel is greater than a thickness of the felted surface.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the felted surface is a first
felted surface, and wherein the foam member further comprises a
second felted surface.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one channel is an
elongate channel.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one channel
intersects an edge of the felted surface.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one channel has a
closed shape.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein a plurality of channels are
formed into the felted surface.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one channel has a
circular shape.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the wound treatment apparatus
comprises a vacuum source.
13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a conduit fluidly
coupling the vacuum source to the wound insert.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the wound treatment apparatus
further comprises a fluid source.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the fluid source is configured
to deliver the fluid through the conduit to the wound insert.
16. The system of claim 14, further comprising a pump configured to
deliver the fluid from the fluid source to the wound insert through
the conduit.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the fluid comprises an
irrigation fluid.
18. The system of claim 13, further comprising a wound dressing
connection pad configured to be coupled to the conduit.
19. The system of claim 17, further comprising a pressure sensor
configured to sense a pressure between the drape and the wound.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the pressure sensor is fluidly
coupled to the conduit.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/043,974, filed Feb. 15, 2016, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/015,385, filed
Nov. 13, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,289,328, which is a divisional
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/316,997, filed Dec. 12,
2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,613,733, which claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/423,405, filed Dec. 15, 2010.
Each of the above-referenced applications are incorporated herein
by reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to healing of wounds
and wound-treatment therapies. More particularly, but not by way of
limitation, the present invention relates to fluid-instillation and
negative-pressure wound therapies.
2. Background Information
[0003] Clinical studies and practice have shown that providing a
reduced pressure in proximity to a tissue site augments and
accelerates the growth of new tissue at the tissue site. The
applications of this phenomenon are numerous, but application of
reduced pressure has been particularly successful in treating
wounds. This treatment (frequently referred to in the medical
community as "negative pressure wound therapy," "reduced pressure
therapy," or "vacuum therapy") provides a number of benefits,
including faster healing and increased formulation of granulation
tissue. Typically, reduced pressure is applied to tissue through a
wound insert (e.g., a porous pad or other manifold device). The
wound insert typically contains cells or pores that are capable of
distributing reduced pressure to the tissue and channeling fluids
that are drawn from the tissue. The wound insert can be
incorporated into a wound dressing having other components that
facilitate treatment, such as, for example, a drape (e.g., adhesive
surgical drape). Instillation fluids (e.g., irrigation fluids
and/or medicaments) may be used in conjunction with negative
pressure wound therapy to promote healing and/or improve efficacy.
One example of a system for delivering active solutions to a wound
is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,767.
[0004] In certain applications, providing negative pressure to the
wound site is clinically advantageous, but formation of granulation
tissue is undesirable. For example, providing negative pressure to
orthopedic cavity wounds containing hardware such as plates, rods,
or pins may help these wounds heal faster. However, the formation
of granulation tissue around this hardware can be harmful.
SUMMARY
[0005] Wound inserts, and methods for making and using them, are
presented.
[0006] Some embodiments of a method of manufacturing a wound insert
comprise obtaining a member comprising open-celled reticulated
foam, the member further comprising a first surface, a second
surface, and an uncompressed thickness; obtaining a platen press
comprising a first platen and a second platen; heating the first
platen to a first temperature; placing the member in the platen
press such that the first surface faces the first platen and the
second surface faces the second platen; and compressing the member
to a compressed thickness for a compression time.
[0007] Additionally, some embodiments may further comprise the step
of forming a porous film layer on the first surface of the member.
Other embodiments may further comprise the step of forming a porous
film layer on the second surface of the member. Still other
embodiments may further comprise removing a portion of the porous
film layer from the first surface. The removing step may comprise
laser cutting, laser etching, die cutting, or water cutting. Still
other embodiments may further comprise forming channels in the
porous film layer.
[0008] In certain embodiments, the compressed thickness is less
than about one-tenth, one-ninth, one-eighth, one-seventh,
one-sixth, or one-fifth the uncompressed thickness. In some
embodiments, the uncompressed thickness is about 0.5 inch and the
compressed thickness is about 0.05 inch. In some embodiments, the
first platen, the second platen, or both may be heated to a
temperature between about 160.degree. C. and about 180.degree. C.;
in specific embodiments, the platen may be heated to a temperature
of about 175.degree. C. The compression time may between about 15
minutes and about 30 minutes.
[0009] In some embodiments, the member may comprise polyurethane,
such as polyurethane-polyester or polyurethane-polyether;
polyolefins, such as polypropylenes (PP) or polyethylenes (PE);
silicone polymers; polyvinylchloride; polyamides; polyesters;
acrylics; thermoplastic elastomers such as styrene-butene-styrene
(SBS) or styrene-ethylene-butene-styrene (SEBS); polyether-amide
block copolymers (PEBAX); elastomers such as styrene butadiene
rubber (SBR); ethylene propylene rubber (EPR); ethylene propylene
diene modified rubber (EPDM); natural rubber (NR); ethylene vinyl
acetate (EVA); polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH); polyvinyl acetal; or
polyvinyl butyral (PVB). Additionally, foam member may comprise a
bioabsorbable polymer, examples of which include polylactic acid,
polylactide (PLA), polyglycolic acid, polyglycolide (PGA), and
polycaprolactone (PCL).
[0010] Other embodiments of a method of manufacturing a wound
insert comprise the steps of: obtaining an open-celled reticulated
foam member having a first surface, a second surface, and a
thickness between the first and second surfaces; felting the first
surface of the member to form a felted layer; and forming at least
one channel in the felted layer.
[0011] In certain embodiments, the at least one channel may be in
fluid communication with the second layer through the thickness.
The felting step may further comprise applying heat and pressure to
the member. In some embodiments, forming may comprise laser
cutting, water cutting, or die cutting.
[0012] The member may comprise polyurethane, such as
polyurethane-polyester or polyurethane-polyether; polyolefins, such
as polypropylenes (PP) or polyethylenes (PE); silicone polymers;
polyvinylchloride; polyamides; polyesters; acrylics; thermoplastic
elastomers such as styrene-butene-styrene (SBS) or
styrene-ethylene-butene-styrene (SEBS); polyether-amide block
copolymers (PEBAX); elastomers such as styrene butadiene rubber
(SBR); ethylene propylene rubber (EPR); ethylene propylene diene
modified rubber (EPDM); natural rubber (NR); ethylene vinyl acetate
(EVA); polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH); polyvinyl acetal; or polyvinyl
butyral (PVB). Additionally, foam member may comprise a
bioabsorbable polymer, examples of which include polylactic acid,
polylactide (PLA), polyglycolic acid, polyglycolide (PGA), and
polycaprolactone (PCL).
[0013] Certain embodiments are directed to a wound insert. Some
embodiments comprise open-celled reticulated foam comprising a
first surface, a second surface and a thickness between the first
and second surfaces, wherein the first surface of the open-celled
reticulated foam comprises a porous film layer and at least one
channel.
[0014] Embodiments of a wound insert may comprise
polyurethane-polyester or polyurethane-polyether; polyolefins, such
as polypropylenes (PP) or polyethylenes (PE); silicone polymers;
polyvinylchloride; polyamides; polyesters; acrylics; thermoplastic
elastomers such as styrene-butene-styrene (SBS) or
styrene-ethylene-butene-styrene (SEBS); polyether-amide block
copolymers (PEBAX); elastomers such as styrene butadiene rubber
(SBR); ethylene propylene rubber (EPR); ethylene propylene diene
modified rubber (EPDM); natural rubber (NR); ethylene vinyl acetate
(EVA); polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH); polyvinyl acetal; or polyvinyl
butyral (PVB). Additionally, foam member may comprise a
bioabsorbable polymer, examples of which include polylactic acid,
polylactide (PLA), polyglycolic acid, polyglycolide (PGA), and
polycaprolactone (PCL).
[0015] Other embodiments of a wound insert may comprise an
open-celled reticulated foam member comprising a porous film layer,
the porous film layer comprising a film thickness; and at least a
channel in the porous film layer, wherein the at least one channel
comprises a channel depth, the channel depth being equal to or
greater than the film thickness; where the wound insert is
configured to be disposed between a wound of a patient and a drape
coupled to the skin adjacent to the wound.
[0016] Specific embodiments may further comprise at least a sealed
edge joining first and second surfaces. In various embodiments, the
open-celled reticulated foam member may comprise
polyurethane-polyester or polyurethane-polyether; polyolefins, such
as polypropylenes (PP) or polyethylenes (PE); silicone polymers;
polyvinylchloride; polyamides; polyesters; acrylics; thermoplastic
elastomers such as styrene-butene-styrene (SBS) or
styrene-ethylene-butene-styrene (SEBS); polyether-amide block
copolymers (PEBAX); elastomers such as styrene butadiene rubber
(SBR); ethylene propylene rubber (EPR); ethylene propylene diene
modified rubber (EPDM); natural rubber (NR); ethylene vinyl acetate
(EVA); polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH); polyvinyl acetal; or polyvinyl
butyral (PVB). Additionally, foam member may comprise a
bioabsorbable polymer, examples of which include polylactic acid,
polylactide (PLA), polyglycolic acid, polyglycolide (PGA), and
polycaprolactone (PCL).
[0017] Still other embodiments are directed to methods for removing
fluids from a wound site. Certain embodiments of a method for
removing a fluid from a wound site may comprise the steps of:
obtaining a wound insert comprising an open-celled reticulated foam
member comprising a porous film layer, the porous film layer
comprising a film thickness; and at least a channel comprising a
channel depth, the channel depth being equal to or greater than the
film thickness; obtaining a patient having a wound; inserting the
wound insert into the wound such that the porous film layer faces
the wound; applying a drape such that the wound insert is disposed
between the drape and the wound, and the drape is coupled to skin
adjacent the wound; obtaining a vacuum source coupled to the wound
insert; and applying negative pressure to the wound insert.
[0018] Other embodiments may comprise the steps of obtaining a
wound insert comprising an open-celled reticulated foam member
comprising a porous film layer, the porous film layer comprising a
film thickness; and at least a channel comprising a channel depth,
the channel depth being equal to or greater than the film
thickness; obtaining a patient having a wound; inserting the wound
insert into the wound such that the porous film layer faces the
wound; applying a drape such that the wound insert is disposed
between the drape and the wound, and the drape is coupled to skin
adjacent the wound; and actuating a fluid source coupled to the
wound insert such that fluid is delivered to the wound insert
[0019] The following drawings illustrate by way of example and not
limitation. For the sake of brevity and clarity, every feature of a
given structure is not always labeled in every figure in which that
structure appears. Identical reference numbers do not necessarily
indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference number
may be used to indicate a similar feature or a feature with similar
functionality, as may non-identical reference numbers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The following drawings illustrate by way of example and not
limitation. For the sake of brevity and clarity, every feature of a
given structure is not always labeled in every figure in which that
structure appears. Identical reference numbers do not necessarily
indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference number
may be used to indicate a similar feature or a feature with similar
functionality, as may non-identical reference numbers.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a method of making a
wound insert.
[0022] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a
foam member.
[0023] FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of embodiment of a foam
member.
[0024] FIG. 3A illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of an
uncompressed foam member in a press.
[0025] FIG. 3B illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of a
compressed foam member in a press.
[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a wound
insert.
[0027] FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a
wound insert comprising a plurality of channels.
[0028] FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a
wound insert comprising a channel.
[0029] FIG. 6A illustrates a side view of a wound insert comprising
a plurality of channels.
[0030] FIG. 6B illustrates a side view of a wound insert comprising
a plurality of channels.
[0031] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of a wound insert in
a wound.
DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0032] The term "coupled" is defined as connected, although not
necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically; two items
that are "coupled" may be integral with each other. The terms "a"
and "an" are defined as one or more unless this disclosure
explicitly requires otherwise. The terms "substantially,"
"approximately," and "about" are defined as largely but not
necessarily wholly what is specified, as understood by a person of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0033] The terms "comprise" (and any form of comprise, such as
"comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of have, such
as "has" and "having"), "include" (and any form of include, such as
"includes" and "including") and "contain" (and any form of contain,
such as "contains" and "containing") are open-ended linking verbs.
As a result, a wound-treatment method that "comprises," "has,"
"includes" or "contains" one or more steps possesses those one or
more steps, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more
steps. Likewise, a wound dressing that "comprises," "has,"
"includes" or "contains" one or more elements possesses those one
or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those
elements. For example, in a wound dressing that comprises one of
the present wound inserts and a drape, the wound dressing includes
the specified elements but is not limited to having only those
elements. For example, such a wound dressing could also include a
connection pad configured to be coupled to a negative pressure
wound therapy (NPWT) apparatus (e.g., including a vacuum source
and/or a fluid source).
[0034] Further, a device or structure that is configured in a
certain way is configured in at least that way, but it can also be
configured in other ways than those specifically described.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3B, embodiments of a foam dressing
8 and methods for manufacturing such a dressing are shown.
[0036] FIGS. 2A and 2B depict perspective and side views of an
open-celled reticulated foam member 10, having a first surface 12,
a second surface 14, sides 11, and edges 13. Foam member 10 may be
of any suitable shape, including a rectangular prism or a cylinder.
In certain applications, foam member 10 may comprise a regular or
irregular polygon having a depth, depending on the shape of the
wound into which it is intended to be inserted. One of skill in the
art will appreciate that the dimensions of foam member 10 in the
accompanying figures have been exaggerated for clarity.
[0037] An open-celled reticulated foam has a netlike
microstructure, with few if any closed cells. In certain
embodiments, the porosity can range from 95%-98%, though less
porous or more porous foams may be used. In certain embodiments,
foam member 10 may comprise a polyurethane, such as
polyurethane-polyester or polyurethane-polyether; polyolefins, such
as polypropylenes (PP) or polyethylenes (PE); silicone polymers;
polyvinylchloride; polyamides; polyesters; acrylics; thermoplastic
elastomers such as styrene-butene-styrene (SBS) or
styrene-ethylene-butene-styrene (SEBS); polyether-amide block
copolymers (PEBAX); elastomers such as styrene butadiene rubber
(SBR); ethylene propylene rubber (EPR); ethylene propylene diene
modified rubber (EPDM); natural rubber (NR); ethylene vinyl acetate
(EVA); polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH); polyvinyl acetal; or polyvinyl
butyral (PVB). Additionally, foam member 10 may comprise a
bioabsorbable polymer, examples of which include polylactic acid,
polylactide (PLA), polyglycolic acid, polyglycolide (PGA), and
polycaprolactone (PCL). Methods of manufacturing open-celled
reticulated foam are well known. Open-celled reticulated foam is
commercially available from a variety of sources, including Kinetic
Concepts, Inc., San Antonio, Tex.,<www.kci1.com>,
1-800-275-4524.
[0038] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, first surface
12, second surface 14, and sides 11 of foam member 10 are
unfinished. In other words, reticulated cells extend to all
surfaces of the foam member. In certain applications, these
unfinished surfaces allow negative pressure to be applied to the
wound site and encourage granulation tissue to grow into the foam
member, which may be desirable depending on the nature of the
wound. In other applications, however, the formation of granulation
tissue in the foam member may complicate or impede the healing
process, even though it would be desirable to provide negative
pressure to the wound site. As discussed in more detail below,
certain surfaces may be left unfinished if it is desirable that
granulation tissue grows into them.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, foam member 10 having an
uncompressed thickness U is shown schematically between a first
platen 22 and a second platen 24 in a press (not shown). Suitable
presses are commercially available from numerous sources, including
Carver Press, Wabash, Ind. <www.carverpress.com>. First
platen 22, second platen 24, or both may be capable of being heated
to a specified temperature. In the embodiment shown, first platen
22 is heated to a specified temperature. In certain embodiments,
the temperature may range between 160.degree. C. and 180.degree.
C., depending on the foam used. Foam member 10 is placed in the
press such that first surface 12 faces first platen 22, and second
surface 14 faces second platen 24. The platens 22, 24 are brought
together, compressing foam member 10 to a compressed thickness C.
Compressed thickness C of foam member 10 is a fraction of
uncompressed thickness U. In certain embodiments, compressed
thickness C may be less than one-tenth, one-ninth, one-eighth,
one-seventh, one-sixth or one-fifth uncompressed thickness U.
[0040] Porous film layer 16 is formed by applying heat and pressure
to the foam member; such application of heat and pressure is
sometimes known as "felting." Porous film layer 16 is sometimes
known as a "felted layer." In such a process, foam member 10 is
held in a compressed position between first platen 22 and second
platen 24 for a specified period of time. In certain embodiments,
the period of time ranges between 15 and 30 minutes, though the
time period may be more or less depending on the material used for
foam member 10. Generally, the lower the temperature of the platen,
the longer foam member 10 must be held in compression. Overheating
the platen, or applying pressure for too long, may risk damaging
foam member 10 by charring or burning it.
[0041] After the specified time period has elapsed, foam member 10
may be removed from the press. As shown in FIG. 4, the pressure and
heat will form a porous film layer 16 on first surface 12 having
thickness F. Porous film layer 16 is integral with foam member 10.
In other words, porous film layer 16 and foam member 10 form a
single unitary body. Porous film layer 16 will be comparatively
smoother than any unfinished or non-felted surface, such as second
surface 14 in the embodiment shown. Further, the pores in porous
film layer 16 are substantially smaller than the pores throughout
foam member 10 in general or on any non-felted side.
[0042] In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to form a porous
film layer on second surface 14 of foam member 10. Those of skill
in the art will understand that it is possible to form porous film
layers on first surface 12 as well as on second surface 14. Methods
of forming a porous film layer 16 include heating both platens
before compressing foam member 10, or first compressing and heating
one side then compressing and heating the other side. In such
embodiments, the porous film layer formed on second surface 14 is
integral with foam member 10. That is, the porous film later formed
on second surface 14 and foam member 10 comprise a single unitary
body.
[0043] Perspective views and side views of various embodiments of
wound insert 8 are shown in FIGS. 5A-6B. First surface 12 of wound
insert 8 comprises porous film layer 16 that intersects with sides
11 at edges 13, as well as one or more channels 18. Channels 18 may
take a variety of shapes, including straight, curved, zig-zag,
spiral, circular, or any fanciful shape. As shown in FIG. 5A,
channels 18 may run to edge 13, or may be self-contained on first
surface 12. The exact shape of channels 18 may be configured for
optimal fluid removal or fluid instillation at the wound site. As
shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the depth of channels 18 may be about
equal to thickness F of film layer 16. In other embodiments, the
depth of channels 18 may be greater than thickness F of film layer
16. And in still other embodiments, the depth of channels 18 may be
less than the thickness F of film layer 16.
[0044] In certain embodiments, channels 18 may be formed on first
surface 12 by removing portions of porous film layer 16. In some
embodiments, portions of porous film layer 16 may be removed with a
laser cutter (not shown). In one example, the desired channel
pattern is drawn in a CAD program. The channel pattern may be
transmitted to a computer-controlled laser cutter, which then
applies a laser beam to the porous film layer 16 of the wound
insert 8. An advantage of using a laser cutter instead of other
methods to remove material is that the focal depth of the laser is
easily adjusted, and thus the depth of channels 18 may be precisely
controlled. A laser may be more easily adjusted to remove material
only from porous film layer 16, and not from foam member 10.
Additionally, a laser with an adjustable focal depth may more
easily create channels 18 having different depths: for example,
some channels 18 may have a depth equivalent to thickness F of
porous film layer 16, while other channels 18 may have a depth
greater than F. Other material-removal processes may be used,
however. For example, a water jet cutter, a die press, or etching
may be used to remove material from porous film layer.
[0045] Channels 18 may also be formed in other ways, such as by
molding. A mold with the desired channel pattern may be coupled to
one or both platens during the heating and compression steps. In
certain embodiments, use of a mold will prevent porous film from
being formed in the channels 18. In other embodiments, channels 18
may comprise a layer of porous film 16.
[0046] Referring again to FIGS. 6A and 6B, cross-sectional views of
a wound insert are shown. As shown in FIG. 6A, in some embodiments,
sides 11 are unfinished, such that the open-celled reticulated foam
member 10 is exposed. As shown in FIG. 6B, in other embodiments,
sides 11 are finished with a seal or seam 15. Sides 11 or second
surface 14 may be finished or unfinished depending on the desired
application. Leaving sides 11 or surface 14 unfinished may
encourage granulation tissue growth into foam member 10. Sealing or
seaming or otherwise finishing sides 11 or surface 14 will prevent
such tissue growth. Granulation tissue growth is desirable in some
instances but not in others.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 7, wound insert 8 is shown as part of
a wound treatment system 30. In the embodiment shown, wound insert
8 is shown placed in wound 50 of a patient (not shown) such that
first surface 12 comprising porous film layer 16 and channels 18
faces the wound surface 52. In other embodiments, wound insert 8
may comprise more than one porous film layer 16 disposed on, for
example, second surface 14; these additional porous film layer(s)
16 may or may not include channels 18.
[0048] A drape 32 is placed over wound 50 and wound insert 8 such
that wound insert 8 is between drape 32 and wound 50. Drape 32 is
coupled to the skin 54 of the patient. Wound insert 8 is coupled to
a wound treatment apparatus 42 by conduit 36. Apparatus 42 may
comprise a vacuum source configured to apply negative pressure to
wound insert 8 through conduit 36. Apparatus 42 may further
comprise a fluid source configured to deliver a fluid through
conduit 36 to wound insert 8. For example, apparatus 42 may
comprise a pump configured to pump a fluid through conduit 36 to
wound insert 8. Examples of such fluids include a medicinal fluids,
antibacterial fluids, or irrigation fluids. Various wound therapy
systems and components are commercially available through and/or
from KCI USA, Inc. of San Antonio, Tex., U.S.A.
[0049] Conduit 36 can comprise a single lumen conduit (e.g.,
switched between a vacuum source and/or a fluid source) or can
comprise multiple single-lumen conduits or a multi-lumen conduit
such that, for example, fluid can be delivered and/or negative
pressure can be applied to wound insert 8 individually or
simultaneously. Or conduit 36 can comprise multiple lumens (e.g.,
as in a single conduit with a central limit for application of
negative pressure and/or fluid delivery and one or more peripheral
lumens disposed adjacent or around the central lumen such that the
peripheral lumens can be coupled to a pressure sensor to sense
and/or detect a pressure or negative pressure between drape 32 and
wound surface 52. In the embodiment shown, system 30 further
comprises a wound dressing connection pad 34 configured to be
coupled (and is shown coupled) to conduit 36. One example of a
suitable connection pad 36 is the "V.A.C. T.R.A.C..RTM. Pad,"
commercially available from KCI USA, Inc. of San Antonio, Tex.,
U.S.A. One example of a suitable drape 32 includes the "V.A.C..RTM.
Drape" commercially available from KCI USA, Inc. (and its
affiliates) of San Antonio, Tex., U.S.A.
[0050] Channels 18 provide a path of lower resistance between
second surface 14 through foam member 10 as compared to the path
through porous film 16. Thus, when a fluid is instilled through
wound insert 8, most or all of the fluid will tend to flow into
wound 50 through channels 18. And conversely, when fluids are being
removed from wound 50, much or all of the fluid will flow up
through channels 18, through foam member 10, and into conduit
36.
[0051] The various illustrative embodiments of devices, systems,
and methods described herein are not intended to be limited to the
particular forms disclosed. Rather, they include all modifications
and alternatives falling within the scope of the claims.
[0052] The claims are not intended to include, and should not be
interpreted to include, means-plus- or step-plus-function
limitations, unless such a limitation is explicitly recited in a
given claim using the phrase(s) "means for" or "step for,"
respectively.
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