Abstract: Devices and methods for edema management, e.g., reducing edema, are disclosed. A treatment device may include a chamber defining a treatment space, the chamber being fabricated from a substantially impermeable material and configured to conform to the shape of the periphery, an inner surface of the chamber including a plurality of surface patterns, the chamber having a sealing portion at a base; and at least one conduit connected to the chamber and in fluid communication with the treatment space so as to enable the application of a negative pressure to the treatment space. The treatment device may be configured for reducing edema at a target site on a subject. The treatment device may be further configured for edema management, e.g., reducing edema, of at least one breast, e.g., both breasts, of a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for wound treatment, comprising a chamber that includes an inner surface and defines a treatment space, the chamber being made of a flexible, impermeable material. The device further includes a plurality of structures configured to exert mechanical stress on a wound, the plurality of structures intruding from the inner surface of the chamber into the treatment space. The device further includes a tube having a first end connected to the chamber, the tube being in fluid communication with the treatment space so as to enable at least one selected from the group of applying negative pressure to the treatment space and applying a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Devices and methods for wound treatment are disclosed. A chamber may define a treatment space having an interior engineered surface including a plurality of structures configured to provide pathways for the distribution of negative pressure and to exert mechanical stress on a wound. In some specific embodiments, the devices and methods may treat wounds on the head, neck, and face. One or more tubes may be in fluid communication with the treatment space to facilitate the application of negative pressure, the introduction of therapeutic agents, and the removal of wound material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for wound treatment, comprising a chamber that includes an inner surface and defines a treatment space, the chamber being made of a flexible, impermeable material. The device further includes a plurality of structures configured to exert mechanical stress on a wound, the plurality of structures intruding from the inner surface of the chamber into the treatment space. The device further includes a tube having a first end connected to the chamber, the tube being in fluid communication with the treatment space so as to enable at least one selected from the group of applying negative pressure to the treatment space and applying a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for wound treatment, comprising a chamber that includes an inner surface and defines a treatment space, the chamber being made of a flexible, impermeable material. The device further includes a plurality of structures configured to exert mechanical stress on a wound, the plurality of structures intruding from the inner surface of the chamber into the treatment space. The device further includes a tube having a first end connected to the chamber, the tube being in fluid communication with the treatment space so as to enable at least one selected from the group of applying negative pressure to the treatment space and applying a therapeutic modality.

Abstract: Transition metal (e.g., silver and copper) derivatized phosphorylated polysaccharides (cellulose, starch, gauze) provide antimicrobial and elastase sequestration properties to wound dressings, and the wound dressing have enhanced water sorption and elastase sequestration when used with alginates. Wound dressings with alginates (e.g., silver alginate, crosslinked alginates, etc.) provide enhanced wound fluid absorption as well as elastase sequestration.

Abstract: A portable and disposable device is provided for processing harvested dermal tissue. The device includes a housing presenting a handle having a gripping surface and a cutting head attached to the handle. A cutting assembly is supported by the cutting head and includes a plurality of spaced cutting blades that are rotatable with respect to the housing. A receptacle is disposed downstream of the cutting assembly and receives the sliced tissue from the cutting blades. The device is thus operable to slice harvested tissue into strips, and further into fine particles, that can be used for transplantation onto a wound site.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to enable the direct gene transfer of genetic material into a target cell site (“microseeding”), as a means of obtaining long term expression of native or non-native polypeptides in a host. The apparatus includes a matrix of microneedles that oscillate at a predetermined frequency and receive the genetic material from a delivery system that is integrated with the apparatus.

Abstract: Direct gene transfer of genetic material into an external or internal target cell site (“microseeding”), in optional combination with a wound treatment chamber, are particularly effective as a means of obtaining long term expression of native or non-native polypeptides in a host. A wide variety of proteins and materials can be expressed, either for secretion into the general blood and lymphatic system, or to alter the properties of the protein, for example, to not express proteins eliciting an immune response. The use of the optional wound chamber system for gene transfer to skin target sites also allows non-invasive assessment of the success of transfer by assaying for the presence of the expressed protein in wound fluid, in contrast to the prior art use of invasive techniques, such as biopsies, in order to achieve the same assessment of early expression.