Abstract: A wound dressing including a hydrophilic layer and a hydrophobic layer is described. The hydrophilic layer absorbs exudate from a wound and the hydrophobic layer absorbs the exudate from the hydrophilic layer and traps the exudate. Because the hydrophilic layer is used adjacent to the wound, the exudate is readily absorbed thereby reducing the risk of maceration and infection of the wound tissue by the exudate. The hydrophobic layer receives the absorbed exudate from the hydrophilic layer and traps the exudate through an interaction that in turn prevents lateral diffusion of the exudate through the bandage to healthy portions of the skin. The hydrophilic and hydrophobic layers are fabricated from polymer fibers that can be spun to include components that facilitate wound healing, such as poly(hexamethylene biguanide) and/or hyaluronic acid.

Abstract: A method and/or system allowing patients to receive consistent, effective and convenient reliable wound care by applying customized wound dressings fabricated at automatic wound dressing fabricators deployed in medical facilities. Wound dressing specifications are generated with the aid of a computer-based configuration algorithm based on characteristics of the wounds. The generated wound dressing specifications are communicated between the medical facilities to provide consistent and reliable wound dressings without duplicative diagnosis of the wound. Further, telemedicine for wound care may be implemented by communicating the wound dressing specifications to automatic wound dressing fabricators that are remotely located.

Abstract: A method and/or system allowing patients to receive consistent, effective and convenient reliable wound care by applying customized wound dressings fabricated at automatic wound dressing fabricators deployed in medical facilities. Wound dressing specifications are generated with the aid of a computer-based configuration algorithm based on characteristics of the wounds. The generated wound dressing specifications are communicated between the medical facilities to provide consistent and reliable wound dressings without duplicative diagnosis of the wound. Further, telemedicine for wound care may be implemented by communicating the wound dressing specifications to automatic wound dressing fabricators that are remotely located.

Abstract: A custom fabricated (e.g. custom shaped and dimensioned) primary wound dressing part that matches a corresponding, pre-mapped integumentary wound is combined with dressing extension parts to form a composite wound dressing system. The primary wound dressing part may include one or more liquid flow barriers composed for example of a hydrophobic and high viscosity liquid embedded in a layer of the primary wound dressing part. The dressing extension parts may include interconnect portals for operatively interconnecting with the primary wound dressing part so that liquids may be securely moved between primary wound dressing part and the extension parts.

Abstract: A custom fabricated (e.g. custom shaped and dimensioned) wound dressing that matches a corresponding, pre-mapped integumentary wound includes one or more liquid flow barriers composed for example of a hydrophobic and high viscosity liquid embedded in a layer of the dressing. One such embedded hydrophobic liquid barrier covers a skin section immediately adjacent to the wound opening so as to protect the skin section from harmful liquids such as exudates or water. In one embodiment, the skin protecting barrier is substantially comprised of a silicone oil having a viscosity in the range of about 100 cSt to 1000 cSt.

Abstract: Wound dressings and methods of manufacturing wound dressings are provided. The wound dressings include portions that are converted from a moisture vapor permeable material to a material having reduced moisture vapor permeability. The conversion may be accomplished in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, a solvent is used to dissolve a porous material to thereby form a non-porous film. In other embodiments, heat is applied to melt a porous material to thereby form a non-porous film. The heat may be applied using a heated gas or a heating element to directly or indirectly heat the material.

Abstract: A multi-layered wound dressing includes a moisture-retaining portion for enhancing the healing of a wound. The wound dressing includes an intermediate layer that has both water soluble and water insoluble fibers. An apparatus that includes a cutting tool and a reservoir of liquid to pre-moisten a portion of the dressing may be used to manufacture the dressings.

Abstract: A method of treating a wound using a customized dressing. In the method, at least one wound characteristic is evaluated. A treatment need as a function of the at least one wound characteristic is determined. A dressing having a dressing characteristic responsive to the treatment need is fabricated and applied to the wound. A dressing for use therewith and an apparatus and system for fabricating the dressing are provided.

Abstract: A method of treating a wound using a customized dressing. In the method, at least one wound characteristic is evaluated. A treatment need as a function of the at least one wound characteristic is determined. A dressing having a dressing characteristic responsive to the treatment need is fabricated and applied to the wound. A dressing for use therewith and an apparatus and system for fabricating the dressing are provided.

Abstract: A method and/or system for customizing wound dressings based on an effective wound treatment protocol created by collecting and analyzing wound treatment records. The wound treatment records are collected from one or more wound treatment facilities. The wound dressings are not customized for each patient based solely on experiences and knowledge of medical practitioners but also based on the wound treatment protocol. Further, an intuitive and systematic user interface for a wound dressing fabricator is provided to allow medical practitioners with varying levels of experiences and knowledge to customize wound dressings for a specific wound. By using the wound treatment protocol and the systematic user interface, flawed wound dressings are less likely to be fabricated. Various other functionalities are also provided to manage and support the wound dressing fabricator.

Abstract: A method and/or system allowing patients to receive consistent, effective and convenient reliable wound care by applying customized wound dressings fabricated at automatic wound dressing fabricators deployed in medical facilities. Wound dressing specifications are generated with the aid of a computer-based configuration algorithm based on characteristics of the wounds. The generated wound dressing specifications are communicated between the medical facilities to provide consistent and reliable wound dressings without duplicative diagnosis of the wound. Further, telemedicine for wound care may be implemented by communicating the wound dressing specifications to automatic wound dressing fabricators that are remotely located.

Abstract: A multi-layered wound dressing includes a moisture-retaining portion for enhancing the healing of a wound. The wound dressing includes an intermediate layer that has both water soluble and water insoluble fibers. An apparatus that includes a cutting tool and a reservoir of liquid to pre-moisten a portion of the dressing may be used to manufacture the dressings.

Abstract: A multi-layered wound dressing includes a moisture-retaining portion for enhancing the healing of a wound. The wound dressing includes an intermediate layer that has both water soluble and water insoluble fibers. An apparatus that includes a cutting tool and a reservoir of liquid to pre-moisten a portion of the dressing may be used to manufacture the dressings.

Abstract: A multi-layered wound dressing includes a moisture-retaining portion for enhancing the healing of a wound. The wound dressing includes an intermediate layer that has both water soluble and water insoluble fibers. An apparatus that includes a cutting tool and a reservoir of liquid to pre-moisten a portion of the dressing may be used to manufacture the dressings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a microfiber coating includes directing a liquid solution toward a deposition surface. The apparatus includes a tube defining a volume through which the liquid solution travels. An electric field is applied between the origin of the liquid solution and the surface. A gas is injected into the tube to create a vortex flow within the tube. This vortex flow protects the deposition surface from entrainment of ambient air from the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A multi-layered wound dressing includes a moisture-retaining portion for enhancing the healing of a wound. The wound dressing includes an intermediate layer that has both water soluble and water insoluble fibers. An apparatus that includes a cutting tool and a reservoir of liquid to pre-moisten a portion of the dressing may be used to manufacture the dressings.