Method and apparatus for surgically closing an open abdomen
OwnerAndrew Dennisinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An open abdomen wound as a result of injury or surgery is closed using hook and loop fastener sheets that are attached at opposing edges of the wound using bolsters through which surgical suture threat is passed to secure the abdominal wall between the fastener sheets and the bolsters. Tension forces are exerted on the fastener sheets and the sheets secured to one another in one or more steps drawing the wound edges toward one another. The tension forces are distributed by the bolsters to avoid loss of tissue at the wound edges. Successful closure of the wound is possible.
Claims19
A method for closing an open abdomen wound, comprising the steps of:
- positioning a first bolster along a first edge of the abdominal wound;
- securing a first fastener sheet to the first edge of the wound by suturing through the first fastener sheet and through the abdominal wall and through the first bolster to secure the abdominal wall between the first fastener sheet and the first bolster;
- positioning a second bolster along a second edge of the abdominal wound;
- securing a second fastener sheet to the second edge of the wound by suturing through the second fastener sheet and through the abdominal wall and through the second bolster to secure the abdominal wall between the second fastener sheet and the second bolster;
- applying tension to at least one of said first and second fastener sheets to draw the first and second edges of the wound toward one another;
- attaching said first fastener sheet to said second fastener sheet while under tension so as to apply static tension to opposing sides of the abdominal wound;
- repeating said steps of applying tension to at least one of said first and second sheets and attaching said first and second sheets to one another as needed to draw the first and second edges of the wound in proximity;
- and
- surgically closing the abdominal wound by suturing the first and second edges to one another.
A kit for use in closing an abdominal wound, comprising:
- first and second fastener sheets for selective engagement with one another;
- a plurality of bolsters, each bolster being an elongated strip defining a plurality of holes along its length, each bolster having a relatively rigid strip portion and a cushioning portion attached to said rigid strip portion;
- a viscera protective barrier sheet;
- and
- a skin protective barrier.
A method for stretching retracted lateral muscles of a patient's abdomen, comprising the steps of:
- positioning bolsters on the patient's abdomen;
- affixing first and second fastener sheets to said bolsters, said affixing step including suturing through at least portions of the patient's abdominal wall and through the fastener sheets and through the bolsters;
- exerting a tension force on at least one of said fastener sheets;
- and
- fastening said fastener sheets to one another so as to exert a static tension force on the lateral muscles of the patient's abdomen.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.