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.
Claims20
A method of treating a wound, comprising:
- positioning within the wound a stabilizing structure comprising a plurality of collapsible cells extending between a top surface of the stabilizing structure to a bottom surface of the stabilizing structure and a protective layer directly attached to the top surface of the stabilizing structure having a plurality of openings;
- applying one or more drapes over the stabilizing structure and the protective layer to create a fluid tight seal;
- and
- delivering negative pressure through or under the one or more drapes to cause collapse of the cells, wherein the protective layer permits the collapse of the cells to be visualized during delivery of negative pressure, the protective layer 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 a wound site, and 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.
A method of treating a wound, comprising:
- positioning within the wound a stabilizing structure comprising a plurality of collapsible cells extending between a top surface of the stabilizing structure to a bottom surface of the stabilizing structure;
- attaching a protective layer directly to a top surface of the stabilizing structure, the protective layer having a plurality of openings 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 a wound site, and 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;
- applying one or more drapes over the stabilizing structure and the protective layer;
- and
- delivering negative pressure through or under the one or more drapes to cause collapse of the cells.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.