Modular, reduced-pressure, wound-closure systems and methods

A method of manufacturing a modular, reduced-pressure, wound-closure system for generating a closing force on a surface wound on a patient, the method comprising the steps of:

• forming a sealed contracting member, the sealed contracting member operable to contract when subjected to reduced pressure;
• forming a plurality of attachment base members, each attachment base member having a base and a first wall, the first wall having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first wall having a first movable connection member and the second end of the first wall having a second movable connection member, each attachment base member for releasably attaching to a portion of a patient's epidermis and for coupling to the sealed contracting member;
• forming a plurality of connecting members, each connecting member having a second wall with a first end and a second end, the first end of the second wall having a third movable connection member and the second end of the second wall having a fourth movable member, each connecting member for movably coupling to at least two of the plurality of attachment base members;
• and
• wherein the plurality of attachment base members and the plurality of connecting members are operable to movably couple to form a circumferential wall defining an interior space.

A method for generating a closing force on a surface wound on a patient, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a sealed contracting member;
• providing a plurality of attachment base members, each attachment base member having a base and a first wall, the first wall having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first wall having a first movable connection member and the second end having a second movable connection member, each attachment base member for releasably attaching to a portion of a patient's epidermis;
• providing a plurality of connecting members, each connecting member having a second wall with a first end and a second end, the first end of the second wall having a third movable connection member and the second end of the second wall having a fourth movable connection member, each connecting member for movably coupling to the plurality of attachment base members;
• movably coupling the plurality of attachment base members and plurality of connecting members to form a circumferential wall defining an interior space;
• disposing the sealed contracting member within the interior space;
• coupling the sealed contracting member to at least a portion of the circumferential wall;
• and
• supplying reduced pressure to the sealed contracting member, whereby a force is developed that pulls the attachment base members towards an interior of the surface wound to create a closing force on the surface wound.

A reduced-pressure, wound-closure and treatment system for providing a closing force to a surface wound on a patient and for delivering reduced pressure to a tissue site, the system comprising:

• a wound-closing subsystem comprising:
• a sealed contracting member, the sealed contracting member operable to contract when placed under reduced pressure,
• a plurality of attachment base members, each attachment base member having a base and a first wall, the first wall having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first wall having a first movable connection member and the second end of the first wall having a second movable connection member, each attachment base member for releasably attaching to a portion of a patient's epidermis and for coupling to the sealed contracting member,
• a plurality of connecting members, each connecting member having a second wall with a first end and a second end, the first end of the second wall having a third movable connection member and the second end of the second wall having a fourth movable connection member, each connecting member for movably coupling to the plurality of attachment base members,
• a closing-reduced-pressure interface fluidly coupled to the sealed contracting member, the first reduced-pressure interface operable to deliver reduced pressure to the sealed contracting member,
• wherein the plurality of attachment base members and the plurality of connecting members are operable to movably couple to form a circumferential wall defining an interior space and wherein the sealed contracting member is operable to be disposed and coupled within the interior space, and
• a reduced-pressure treatment subsystem comprising:
• a manifold for disposing proximate the tissue site, the manifold operable to distribute reduced pressure and to receive fluids,
• a sealing member for placement on the patient's epidermis and operable to form a pneumatic seal over the manifold, and
• a treatment-reduced-pressure interface for fluidly coupling to the manifold, the treatment-reduced-pressure interface operable to deliver a second reduced pressure to the manifold.