Wound closure device with protective layer and method of use
AssigneeSmith & Nephew, Inc.
InventorsVictoria Jody Hammond, Neill John Rawson, Iain Webster
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system are described. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate closure of the wound by utilizing a stabilizing structure that preferentially contracts to provide for movement of the tissue. Some embodiments may utilize a protective layer, such as a mesh or net layer, attached to a top surface of the stabilizing structure. The protective layer prevents a drape positioned over the stabilizing structure from being drawn into cells of the stabilizing structure, and permits visualization of the collapse of the cells.
Claims28
A wound closure device, comprising:
- a stabilizing structure for insertion into a wound, the stabilizing structure comprising a top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of cells extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, the cells configured to allow the stabilizing structure to collapse;
- and
- a protective layer positioned directly against the top surface of the stabilizing structure, the protective layer comprising a layer of mesh or a layer of net having a plurality of openings sized and configured to allow visualization of the cells underneath the protective layer;
- wherein:
- the protective layer is directly attached to the top surface of the stabilizing structure;
- and
- the protective layer is configured to prevent a drape positioned over the stabilizing structure from being drawn into the cells of the stabilizing structure while permitting transmission of negative pressure to the wound site.
A wound closure device, comprising:
- a stabilizing structure for insertion into a wound, the stabilizing structure comprising a top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of cells extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, the cells configured to allow the stabilizing structure to collapse in one or more horizontal directions;
- and
- a protective layer positioned against the top surface of the stabilizing structure;
- wherein:
- the protective layer comprises a top surface and a bottom surface;
- the protective layer is directly attached to the top surface of the stabilizing structure;
- the protective layer comprises a plurality of openings across substantially the entire top surface, the openings extending through the top and bottom surfaces of the protective layer;
- the plurality of openings across substantially the entire protective layer are sized and configured to allow visualization of the cells of substantially the entire stabilizing structure underneath the protective layer;
- the protective layer is configured to permit a collapse of the stabilizing structure in a horizontal direction;
- and
- the protective layer is configured to prevent a drape positioned over the stabilizing structure from being drawn into the cells of the stabilizing structure while permitting transmission of negative pressure to the wound site.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.