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, the method comprising the steps of:

• forming a flexible strap operable to be shaped into a closed loop;
• and
• forming a plurality of modular closing members, wherein the step of forming a plurality of modular closing members comprises, for each of the plurality of modular closing members, the steps of:
• forming an attachment member, the attachment member for releasably attaching to a portion of a patient's epidermis proximate an edge of the surface wound,
• forming a pneumatically sealed contracting member having a first end and a second end, wherein the sealed contracting member is operable to contract under reduced pressure,
• coupling the second end of the sealed contracting member to the attachment member,
• forming a connection member, the connection member operable to selectively couple to the flexible strap, and
• coupling the connection member to the first end of the sealed contracting member.

A modular wound closure system for closing a wound on a patient's epidermis using reduced pressure, the system comprising:

• a plurality of closing devices that contract when under the influence of reduced pressure, each closing device having a distal end and a proximal end, the plurality of closing devices comprising a plurality of sealed contracting members having a pneumatically sealed interior;
• a flexible member for maintaining the plurality of closing devices in a spaced relationship with the proximal ends inboard of an edge of the wound;
• a plurality of attachment apparatuses for releasable coupling the distal ends of the plurality of closing devices to the patient's epidermis outboard of the edge of the wound;
• and
• a plurality of reduced-pressure connectors for providing reduced pressure to the pneumatically sealed interiors of the plurality of closing devices.