Combination sis and vacuum bandage and method

A method for promoting wound healing using a vacuum source, the method comprising:

• applying a collagen matrix to a wound surface;
• positioning a support member having a lower member and an upper member proximate the collagen matrix, wherein the lower member is adapted to be disposed adjacent skin surrounding the wound;
• placing a cover over the wound and the support member to create a vacuum space defined by the collagen matrix, the cover, and the upper member;
• and
• providing a vacuum to the vacuum space from the vacuum source in a magnitude over a period of time sufficient to hold the upper member in place without sutures or staples and draw blood from the wound into the collagen matrix to facilitate integration of the collagen matrix into the wound surface with the support member being removable from the wound after integration of the collagen matrix into the wound.

A wound care bandage for use with a vacuum source, the wound care bandage comprising:

• a collagen matrix configured to be placed on a wound of a patient for integration into the wound;
• a cover configured to be disposed over the wound to provide a sealed environment around the wound;
• and
• a support member configured for placement between the collagen matrix and the cover to provide a vacuum space defined by the support member and the collagen matrix and adapted it to receive negative pressure from the vacuum source, the support member having a lower member adapted to be disposed adjacent skin surrounding the wound without sutures or staples, an upper member configured to be in a spaced-apart relation with the collagen matrix, and a middle member coupled between the lower member and the upper member and being sufficiently rigid to support the upper member in the spaced-apart relation when negative pressure is applied to the vacuum space.

A wound care bandage for use with a vacuum source, the wound care bandage comprising:

• a collagen matrix configured to be placed on a wound of a patient for integration into the wound;
• a cover configured to be disposed over the wound to provide a sealed environment around the wound;
• and
• a support member configured for placement between the collagen matrix and the cover to provide a vacuum space defined by the support member and the collagen matrix and adapted it to receive negative pressure from the vacuum source, the support member having a lower member adapted to be disposed adjacent skin surrounding the wound without sutures or staples, an upper member configured to be in a spaced-apart relation with the collagen matrix, and a middle member coupled between the lower member and the upper member, wherein the upper member is sufficiently rigid to maintain the spaced-apart relation when negative pressure is applied to the vacuum space.