Tissue closure treatment system and method with externally-applied patient interface

A method of compressively treating a closed wound or incision, which comprises the steps of:

• applying a first fluid transfer component to intact skin adjacent to the closed wound or incision;
• applying a second fluid transfer component to the first fluid transfer component;
• draping said second fluid transfer component with an overdrape and securing same to the surrounding skin surface;
• applying a vacuum force to said second fluid transfer component and thereby compressing same;
• and
• transferring a compressive force associated with said second fluid transfer component substantially exclusively to said intact skin adjacent to said closed wound or incision through said first fluid transfer component so as to apply compressive force to subdermal tissue adjacent to said closed wound or incision.

A system for treating a closed wound or incision, which system comprises:

• an external patient interface including a fluid transfer component adapted for transferring fluid from the closed wound or incision;
• said external patient interface including an overdrape placed over said fluid transfer component in contact with a surrounding skin surface;
• an underdrape placed under said fluid transfer component and adapted for engaging intact skin surface adjacent to said dosed wound or incision;
• and
• a pressure source connected to the fluid transfer component.

A system for treating a closed wound or incision, which system comprises:

• an external patient interface including a fluid transfer component adapted for transferring fluid from the closed wound or incision;
• said external patient interface including an overdrape placed over said fluid transfer component in contact with a surrounding skin surface;
• an underdrape placed under said fluid transfer component and adapted for engaging intact skin surface adjacent to said closed wound or incision;
• said under drape including an opening through which said fluid transfer component is exposed and adapted for engaging intact skin surface adjacent to said closed wound or incision;
• and
• a pressure source connected to the fluid transfer component.

A system for treating a closed wound or incision, which system comprises:

• an external patient interface including a fluid transfer component adapted for transferring fluid from the closed wound or incision;
• said external patient interface including an overdrape placed over said fluid transfer component in contact with a surrounding skin surface;
• a pressure source connected to the fluid transfer component;
• and
• said first fluid transfer component being adapted for transferring a compressive force to intact skin surface adjacent to said closed wound or incision and said pressure source being adapted for exerting said compressive force.

A system for treating a closed wound or incision, which system comprises:

• an external patient interface including a first fluid transfer component and a second fluid transfer component placed on the first fluid transfer component in fluidic communication therewith, said fluid transfer components being adapted for transferring fluid from the closed wound or incision;
• said external patient interface including an overdrape placed over said second fluid transfer component in contact with a surrounding skin surface;
• a pressure source connected to the second fluid transfer component;
• a deep drain located below the skin in said tissue separation;
• and
• said deep drain being connected to said pressure source.

A system for creating a closed wound or incision, which system comprises:

• an external patient interface including a first fluid transfer component and a second fluid transfer component placed on the first fluid transfer component in fluidic communication therewith, said fluid transfer components being adapted for transferring fluid from the closed wound or incision;
• said external patient interface including an overdrape placed over said second fluid transfer component in contact with a surrounding skin surface;
• a pressure source connected to the second fluid transfer component;
• and
• said first fluid transfer component including multiple, removable pieces adapted for reconfiguring same for greater flexibility.