Apparatus and methods for enzymatic escharotomy in burn induced compartment syndrome

A burn treatment apparatus for treating or relieving burn induced compartment syndrome in a burned limb, said apparatus comprising:

• (a) a flexible, water-impermeable, generally cylindrical or tube shaped covering layer, said covering layer having an inner surface facing the limb and an outer surface, said covering layer having a proximal sealable open end through which the burned limb is inserted and a distal closed end;
• and
• (b) a lyophilized powder contained within said covering layer, said lyophilized powder comprising (i) at least one enzymatic escharotomy agent, and (ii) excipients, said excipients including at least one viscosity enhancing agent selected from the group consisting of synthetic polymers, natural polymers and combinations thereof;
• wherein said at least one viscosity enhancing agent is capable of forming a viscous solution or suspension from the lyophilized powder upon the addition of a hydrating means;
• wherein said covering is capable of retaining said powder comprising said enzymatic escharotomy agent in close proximity to the burned limb;
• and
• wherein said covering is capable of retaining said viscous solution or suspension formed upon the addition of said hydrating means.