Reduced-Pressure, Tunnel-Wound Dressings, Systems, And Methods
Systems, methods, and dressing are presented for treating a tunnel wound on a patient. In one instance, a reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing includes a longitudinal core member formed from a closed-cell foam that is surrounded by a first longitudinal concentric member formed from a manifolding material. When subjected to reduced pressure, the longitudinal core member expands and the first longitudinal concentric member compresses. These actions create intimate contact between the tunnel wound and the dressing, oppose collapse of the tunnel, and when reduced pressure is removed provide clearance to remove the dressing. Other embodiments are presented.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/169,773, filed Oct. 24, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/674,804, filed Nov. 12, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,137,037, issued Nov. 27, 2018, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/558,642 filed Nov. 11, 2011, entitled REDUCED-PRESSURE, TUNNEL-WOUND DRESSINGS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS, the disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND FieldThe present disclosure relates generally to medical treatment systems and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressings, systems, and methods.
Description of Related ArtOne type of wound encountered in caring for patients is a tunnel wound or sinus tract. A tunnel wound has an opening and tunnels into the patient's flesh. Tunnel wounds often involve complicated or intricate geometry. As used throughout this document, “or” does not require mutual exclusivity. A tunnel wound has a proximal opening, which may or may not be on a wound bed, and has a bottom at a distal end. A tunnel wound may extend in any direction through soft tissue underneath the skin. Tunnel wounds pose a complication risk that is due to the difficulty in removing exudate or other fluids from the tunnel wound.
Another medical issue that occurs at times is unwanted fistulas. In general terms, a “fistula” is an abnormal passage that leads from an abscess, hollow organ, or part to the body surface or from one hollow organ or part to another. The geometry and fluids involved may make treatment of fistulas difficult as well.
SUMMARYAccording to an illustrative embodiment, a reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing for treating a tunnel wound or a fistula includes a longitudinal core member formed from a closed-cell foam and operable to expand under reduced pressure and a first longitudinal concentric member formed from a manifold material. The first longitudinal concentric member is concentrically disposed on a circumference of the longitudinal core member. The first longitudinal concentric member is operable to compress under the reduced pressure.
According to another illustrative embodiment, a reduced-pressure system for treating a tunnel wound or fistula on a patient includes a reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing. The reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing includes a longitudinal core member formed from a closed-cell foam and operable to expand under reduced pressure, and a first longitudinal concentric member formed from an open-cell foam. The first longitudinal concentric member is concentrically disposed on a circumference of the longitudinal core member. The first longitudinal concentric member is operable to compress under the reduced pressure. The system also includes a drape for covering a portion of the patient's skin to form a sealed space over the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing and a reduced-pressure source fluidly coupled to the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing.
According to another illustrative embodiment, a method for treating a tunnel wound or fistula includes providing a reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing. The reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing includes a longitudinal core member formed from a closed-cell foam and operable to expand under reduced pressure and a first longitudinal concentric member formed from an open-cell foam. The first longitudinal concentric member is concentrically disposed on a circumference of the longitudinal core member. The first longitudinal concentric member is operable to compress under the reduced pressure. The method further includes inserting the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing into the tunnel wound or fistula and delivering reduced pressure to the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing to cause intimate contact between a tunnel margin and the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing. The longitudinal core member expands under reduced pressure and the first longitudinal concentric member compresses. The method further includes removing reduced pressure whereby the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing contracts and a gap is formed between the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing and the patient's wound margin.
According to another illustrative embodiment, a method of manufacturing a reduced-pressure, tunnel wound dressing includes extruding a longitudinal core member from a closed-cell foam, extruding a first longitudinal concentric member from an open-cell foam such that the first longitudinal concentric member is formed around the longitudinal core member, and applying a second longitudinal concentric member around the first longitudinal concentric member, wherein the second longitudinal concentric member comprises an impermeable material having a plurality of apertures.
According to another illustrative embodiment, a reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing for treating a tunnel wound or a fistula includes a longitudinal core member formed from a manifold material and operable to compress under reduced pressure and a first longitudinal concentric member formed from a closed-cell foam. The first longitudinal concentric member is concentrically disposed on a circumference of the longitudinal core member. The first longitudinal concentric member is operable to expand under the reduced pressure. The reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing further comprises a plurality of fluid conduits that fluidly couple the longitudinal core member and the first longitudinal concentric member.
According to another illustrative embodiment, a reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing for treating a tunnel wound or a fistula includes a cylindrical, shell bladder filled with a gas. The cylindrical, shell bladder has an exterior surface, a proximal end, and a distal end. The reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing further comprises an open-cell-foam layer covering the exterior surface of the cylindrical, shell bladder. The distal end of the cylindrical, shell bladder is folded back into the cylindrical, shell bladder to form a portion that is operable to unfurl when subjected to reduced pressure.
Other aspects, features, and advantages of the illustrative embodiments will become apparent with reference to the drawings and detailed description that follow.
In the following detailed description of illustrative, non-limiting embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the subject matter herein, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the scope of this specification. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments described herein, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the illustrative embodiments are defined only by the appended claims.
The embodiments herein involve using reduced pressure to treat a tunnel wound or fistula. The dressings, methods, and systems herein may be particularly advantageous in that they allow easy placement of the dressing into the tunnel or fistula, avoid adhesion of tissue to the dressing, allow removal without retained foreign matter in the tunnel wound, or allow reduced pressure to be applied evenly on the interior surface of the tunnel or fistula. Without the systems, devices, and methods presented herein, issues may exist with tissue in-growth into the dressing, adhesions, or foreign bodies remaining in the tunnel after the dressing is removed.
Referring now primarily to
The reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 102 includes a longitudinal core member 118 formed from a closed-cell foam and operable to expand under reduced pressure. The reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 102 also includes a first longitudinal concentric member 120 formed from an open-cell foam or other manifolding material. The first longitudinal concentric member 120 is concentrically disposed on a circumference 122 or exterior surface on a longitudinal portion of the longitudinal core member 118. The first longitudinal concentric member 120 is operable to compress under the reduced pressure and to transmit fluids. The reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 102 may also include a second longitudinal concentric member 124 formed from a non-adherent material having a plurality of apertures, which may be pores or larger openings. The second longitudinal concentric member 124 is concentrically disposed on a circumference 126 of the first longitudinal concentric member 120 and further covers a distal end 128 of the first longitudinal concentric member 120. These components will be further described below.
The longitudinal core member 118 is formed from a closed-cell foam that provides rigidity to aid in placement of the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 102. The longitudinal core member 118 is stiff enough to facilitate insertion into the tunnel wound 104—even deep tunnel wounds—and yet flexible enough to follow the path of the tunnel wound 104 even when the tunnel wound 104 includes curves or turns. The longitudinal core member 118 expands under reduced pressure. In other words, the longitudinal core member 118 has an effective lateral diameter of DA without reduced pressure but, when reduced pressure is applied around the longitudinal core member 118, captured gas in the closed cells causes the longitudinal core member 118 to expand to have a diameter DB, where DB>DA. This expansion forms or helps form intimate contact between the exterior surface 116 of the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 102 and the tunnel margin 114. In one embodiment, the longitudinal core member 118 may expand under reduced pressure greater than a first threshold reduced pressure. The first threshold reduced pressure may be determined by the material properties of the closed-cell foam forming the longitudinal core member 118, e.g., the elastic properties, and/or the composition of the gas held within the closed-cell foam. The longitudinal core member 118 is the inner most portion of the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 102. The longitudinal core member may be formed from elastic foamed materials such as polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomers, polyethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyisoprene, polystyrene butadiene, polyisobutylene, fluoropolymers, silicone elastomers or other materials.
The first longitudinal concentric member 120 is disposed outboard of the longitudinal core member 118. The first longitudinal concentric member 120 is formed from a porous, open-cell foam or other material that is operable to transmit reduced pressure and fluids. In other words, the first longitudinal concentric member 120 functions as a manifold. The first longitudinal concentric member 120 may be formed from GRANUFOAM foam available from KCI Inc. of San Antonio, Tex.; a polyvinyl alcohol foam, e.g., a WHITE FOAM which is also available from KCI Inc.; a polyurethane foam; polyvinyl alcohol foam; an open-cell polyolefin foam; thermoplastic elastomers, polyethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyisoprene, polystyrene butadiene, polyisobutylene, fluoropolymers, silicone elastomers, or other similar material, for example. The foam may be plasticized to help maintain flexibility.
The second longitudinal concentric member 124 is the most outboard member of the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 102. The second longitudinal concentric member 124 is a member that inhibits in-growth of tissue. The second longitudinal concentric member 124 may be lubricious to ease placement of the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 102 in the tunnel wound 104. The second longitudinal concentric member 124 may be a hydrophilic, slippery member; micro-porous filter membrane member, e.g., a PTFE member, a GORE material; perforated polyurethane film; a sintered polymer with apertures; hydrophilic micro-porous or micro-perforated silicone elastomer, micro-porous or micro-perforated polyester or acrylic membranes coated or plasma treated to confer hydrophilic characteristics. Apertures (not explicitly shown) in the second longitudinal concentric member 124 may be 10 to 20 micron pores or may be larger apertures.
The second longitudinal concentric member 124 may have marking along the longitudinal length to help gauge depth of the tunnel wound 104. The color or texture of the second longitudinal concentric member 124 may also be used to help identify any missing portions upon removal from the tunnel wound 104. In this regard, it should be noted that the longitudinal core member 118, first longitudinal concentric member 120, or second longitudinal concentric member 124 may be formed with a radiopaque marker applied to help locate or identify any portions of the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 102 that may be retained within the tunnel wound 104.
The second longitudinal concentric member 124 and the first longitudinal concentric member 120 may form a smooth rounded surface as shown in
The reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 102 has a distal end 130 and a proximal end 132. The distal end 130 may be positioned proximate to a bottom 134 of the tunnel wound 104. The proximal end 132 may be flush with the epidermis 106 (or wound bed) or may extend beyond the epidermis 106 (or wound bed). A sealing member 136 is placed over the proximal end 132 to form a sealed space 138. The proximal end 132 is in the sealed space 138. The sealing member 136 may be any material that provides a fluid seal. A fluid seal is adequate to maintain reduced pressure at a desired site given the particular reduced-pressure source or subsystem involved. The sealing member 136 may be, for example, an impermeable or semi-permeable, elastomeric material. For semi-permeable materials, the permeability must be low enough that for a given reduced-pressure source, the desired reduced pressure may be maintained. If the tunnel wound 104 extends from a wound bed, a manifold member may be placed over the wound bed and the proximal end 132 before covering with the sealing member 136. Thus, the manifold member and proximal end 132 are in the sealed space 138.
The sealing member 136 includes an attachment device 137 on a patient-facing side. The attachment device 137 may be a medically acceptable, pressure-sensitive adhesive that extends about a periphery, a portion, or the entire sealing member 136; a double-sided drape tape; paste; hydrocolloid; hydrogel; or other sealing devices or elements.
The term manifold generally refers to a substance or structure that is provided to assist in applying reduced pressure to, delivering fluids to, or removing fluids from the wound bed. The manifold typically includes a plurality of flow channels or pathways that distribute fluids provided to and removed from the wound bed around the manifold. In one illustrative embodiment, the flow channels or pathways are interconnected to improve distribution of fluids provided to or removed from the wound bed. Examples of manifolds include, without limitation, devices that have structural elements arranged to form flow channels, such as, for example, cellular foam, open-cell foam, porous tissue collections, liquids, gels, and foams that include, or cure to include, flow channels; foam, gauze, felted mat, or any other material suited to a particular biological application; a porous foam that may include a plurality of interconnected cells or pores that act as flow channels, e.g., a polyurethane, open-cell, reticulated foam such as GranuFoam® material manufactured by Kinetic Concepts, Incorporated of San Antonio, Tex. In some situations, the manifold may also be used to distribute fluids such as medications, antibacterials, growth factors, and various solutions to the tissue site. Other layers may be included in or on the manifold, such as absorptive materials, wicking materials, hydrophobic materials, and hydrophilic materials.
A reduced-pressure interface 140 may be used to fluidly couple a reduced-pressure conduit 142 to the sealed space 138. In one illustrative embodiment, the reduced-pressure interface 140 is a T.R.A.C.® Pad or Sensa T.R.A.C.® Pad available from KCI of San Antonio, Tex. Alternatively, the reduced-pressure conduit 142 may be inserted through the sealing member 136 into the sealed space 138.
The reduced-pressure conduit 142 is also fluidly coupled to a reduced-pressure source 144. The reduced-pressure source 144 provides reduced pressure. The reduced-pressure source 144 may be any device for supplying a reduced pressure, such as a vacuum pump, wall suction, micro-pump, or other source. While the amount and nature of reduced pressure applied to a tissue site will typically vary according to the application, the reduced pressure will typically be between −5 mm Hg (−667 Pa) and −500 mm Hg (−66.7 kPa), more typically between −75 mm Hg (−9.9 kPa) and −300 mm Hg (−39.9 kPa), and more typically still between −25 mm (−3.33 kPa) and −200 mm Hg (−26.6 kPa). The amount of reduced pressure may be used to control the force between the exterior surface 116 of the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 102 and the tunnel margin 114.
Reduced pressure refers to a pressure less than the ambient pressure at a tissue site that is being subjected to treatment. In most cases, this reduced pressure will be less than the atmospheric pressure at which the patient is located. Alternatively, the reduced pressure may be less than a hydrostatic pressure at the tissue site. Unless otherwise indicated, quantitative values of pressure stated herein are gauge pressures. The reduced pressure delivered may be constant or varied (patterned or random) and may be delivered continuously or intermittently.
Referring primarily to
As shown in
In some embodiments, the second longitudinal concentric member 124 may be omitted. In such a case, the first longitudinal concentric member 120 may be formed from an open cell foam having a pore size of at least 160 pore per inch (ppi) to inhibit tissue in-growth. Moreover, using the higher density foam without a second longitudinal concentric member 124 will facilitate cutting the distal end 130 without an issue of in-growth.
Referring to
The sized reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 102 is inserted into the tunnel wound 104 until the distal end 130 is proximate to the bottom 134 of the tunnel wound 104. If a fistula is being treated, the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 102 is inserted a distance estimated to fill the fistula. If the opening 105 of the tunnel-wound 104 is on a wound bed, a manifold member may be placed over the wound bed and the proximal end 132 of the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 102.
The reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 102 and the manifold member, if applicable, are covered by the sealing member 136 to create the sealed space 138. The sealing member 136 is held against the intact epidermis 106 by the attachment device 137.
The reduced-pressure conduit 142 is fluidly coupled to the sealed space 138. This may be accomplished by applying the reduced-pressure interface 140 under the sealing member 136 and coupling the reduced-pressure conduit 142 thereto. Alternatively, an aperture may be formed in the sealing member 136 and an end of the reduced-pressure conduit 142 inserted through the aperture and sealed. Once fluidly coupled, reduced pressure is delivered through the reduced-pressure conduit 142 to the sealed space 138.
Referring now to
As a result of removing the reduced pressure, the longitudinal core member 118 contracts to its original size or approximately its original size and the first longitudinal concentric member 120 expands to its original size or approximately its original size. In addition, the gap 112 or a portion of the gap 112 between the tunnel margin and the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 102 is restored. One or more of these changes facilitates a withdrawal of the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 102 from the tunnel wound 104. In some embodiments, saline or another liquid may be transmitted under positive pressure into the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 102 to facilitate removal of the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 102 from the tunnel wound 104. Also, fluids may be introduced during treatment as discussed in connection with the embodiment of
The reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 102 may be manufactured using many techniques. According to one illustrative embodiment, the components or a sum of them are co-extruded. The longitudinal core member 118 may be extruded as a closed cell foam and then open cell foam may be extruded around the longitudinal core member 118 to form the first longitudinal concentric member 120. The second longitudinal concentric member 124 may be applied to the circumference 126 of the first longitudinal concentric member 120. If the second longitudinal concentric member 124 is not porous enough, a pin may be used to perforate the second longitudinal concentric member 124 or a laser may be used to create apertures. If the laser is used, it may have limited power application or it may be applied at a tangent to avoid penetrating the longitudinal core member 118. Alternatively, the longitudinal core member 118 may be extruded and then coated with the material that forms the first longitudinal concentric member 120. Alternatively, styrene beads filled with gas may be heated to form the longitudinal core member 118 and then open cell foam extruded over the longitudinal core member 118 to form the first longitudinal concentric member 120.
The second longitudinal concentric member 124 may be formed by a lapping material or formed with a wind angle. A hot melt could be used to fuse the portions. The second longitudinal concentric member 124 may also be extruded on the outside of the first longitudinal concentric member 120.
Referring now primarily to
Referring now to
Referring now primarily to
The longitudinal core member 218 transmits the reduced pressure down the center of the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 202 to the conduits 256 or to an end opening (not shown). The reduced pressure is minimally restricted in this way as is travels along the longitudinal core member 218. As such, a more significant pressure differential may be achieved at the distal end. Transmission of reduced pressure with the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 202 in this way may drive the closure of the tunnel wound 104 (
Referring now to
The cylindrical, shell bladder 304 is sealed at both its proximal end 308 and distal end 310 to form an interior space 312. The interior space 312 is filled with a gas, such as air, nitrogen or other inert gas. The distal end 310 of the cylindrical, shell bladder 304 is folded back into the cylindrical, shell bladder 304 to form a portion 314 that is operable to unfurl when subjected to reduced pressure.
The reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 302 is inserted into a tunnel wound (e.g., tunnel wound 104 of
After treatment, the reduced pressure is eliminated and the tunnel margins retract from the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 302 and thereby facilitate retraction of the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 302 from the tunnel wound. The central bladder 310 is molded with a memory effect such that when the pressure is removed, the central bladder 310 retracts to an original position. The ambient pressure outside of the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 302 urges the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 302 back to the original position.
In yet another alternative embodiment, the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 302 may be coupled to a fluid source that provides positive pressure into the interior space 312. The healthcare provider can insert the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 302 and then manually inflate the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 302 as desired using the fluid source. The fluid source may be, for example, a pressurized saline source.
Referring again to
In one illustrative embodiment, the longitudinal core member 118 expands sufficiently under reduced pressure in the treatment range (e.g., −75 to −200 mm Hg) that the overall diameter of the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing 102 is greater than the diameter before reduced pressure is applied. In other words, the diameter may be such that the D2 for the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing is greater than 100% of D1, e.g., D2=101% D1, D2=102% D1, D2=103% D1, D2=104% D1, D2=105% D1, D2=106% D1, D2=110% D1, D2=115% D1, etc. (or any range therebetween).
The embodiments herein help the tunnel wound to not collapse under reduced pressure. The reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing actively opposes such a collapse with a portion that is expanding under reduced pressure. The reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressings herein facilitate even, intimate contact between the tunnel margin and the dressing along its length. The reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressings herein are easily sized for different depths of tunnel wounds. The reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressings provide rigidity and flexibility to allow placement in many tunnel wounds with tortuous and intricate paths, and the expansion of the dressings will accommodate variations in the opening of the tunnel wounds along their length. The removal of reduced pressure causes an active retraction of the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing from the tunnel margins.
Although the subject matter of this specification and its advantages have been disclosed in the context of certain illustrative, non-limiting embodiments, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, permutations, and alterations can be made without departing from the scope thereof as defined by the appended claims. It will be appreciated that any feature that is described in connection to any one embodiment may also be applicable to any other embodiment. For example, the semi-rigid, inner-core member 155 of
It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. It will further be understood that reference to “an” item refers to one or more of those items.
The steps of the methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate.
Where appropriate, aspects of any of the embodiments described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other embodiments described to form further examples having comparable or different properties and addressing the same or different problems.
It will be understood that the above description of embodiments is given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the subject matter herein. Although various embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A dressing to treat a deep wound, comprising:
- a distal end configured to be positioned proximate to a bottom of the wound, and a proximal end configured to be positioned proximate to an opening of the wound;
- a longitudinal core member configured to expand under reduced pressure and to cause an exterior surface of the dressing to engage an inner wall of the wound;
- a first longitudinal concentric member comprising a manifold material disposed on a circumference of the longitudinal core member; and
- a second longitudinal concentric member disposed on a circumference of the first longitudinal concentric member and including a plurality of apertures configured to permit fluid transmission between the first longitudinal concentric member and the wound.
2. The dressing of claim 1, wherein the second longitudinal concentric member comprises a non-adherent material.
3. The dressing of claim 1, wherein the manifold material comprises an open-cell foam configured to compress when the exterior surface of the dressing engages the inner wall of the wound.
4. The dressing of claim 1, wherein the second longitudinal concentric member comprises a faceted member.
5. The dressing of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal core member comprises between about 40% to about 95% of a lateral cross-sectional area of the dressing, and wherein the first longitudinal concentric member comprises between about 5% and about 60% of the lateral cross-sectional area.
6. The dressing of claim 1, wherein the dressing is configured to expand under the reduced pressure from an initial diameter D1 to a second diameter D2, and wherein the second diameter D2 is greater than the initial diameter D1.
7. The dressing of claim 1, wherein the dressing is configured to expand under the reduced pressure from an initial diameter D1 to a second diameter D2, and wherein the second diameter D2 is greater than or equal to 105% of the initial diameter D1.
8. The dressing of claim 1, wherein the dressing further comprises a semi-rigid inner core member to provide additional rigidity to the dressing.
9. The dressing of claim 1, wherein a portion of the dressing comprises a porous foam including interconnected pores, wherein the dressing further comprises a plurality of liquid conduits additionally disposed within the dressing, wherein each of the plurality of liquid conduits comprises tubes, and wherein the plurality of liquid conduits are configured distribute fluids to the wound.
10. The dressing of claim 1, wherein a length between the distal end and the proximal end is greater than a width of the dressing.
11. The dressing of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal core member comprises closed cell foam.
12. A system to treat a deep wound, comprising:
- a dressing according to claim 1;
- a drape configured to cover the dressing to form a sealed space over the proximal end of the dressing; and
- a reduced-pressure source fluidly coupled to the dressing.
13. A method of manufacturing a reduced-pressure, tunnel wound dressing, the method comprising the steps of:
- extruding a longitudinal core member from a closed-cell foam;
- extruding a first longitudinal concentric member from an open-cell foam such that the first longitudinal concentric member is formed around the longitudinal core member; and
- applying a second longitudinal concentric member around the first longitudinal concentric member, wherein the second longitudinal concentric member comprises an impermeable material having a plurality of apertures.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of applying a second longitudinal concentric member around the first longitudinal concentric member comprises lapping a material around the first longitudinal concentric member and using a hot melt to couple the material.
15. A reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing for treating a tunnel wound or a fistula, the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing comprising:
- a longitudinal core member formed from a manifold material and operable to compress under reduced pressure greater than a first threshold;
- a first longitudinal concentric member formed from a closed-cell foam, wherein the first longitudinal concentric member is concentrically disposed on a circumference of the longitudinal core member, and wherein the first longitudinal concentric member is operable to expand under reduced pressure greater than a first threshold; and
- a plurality of fluid conduits that fluidly couple the longitudinal core member and the first longitudinal concentric member.
16. The reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing of claim 15, further comprising a second longitudinal concentric member formed from a non-adherent material having a plurality of apertures, wherein the second longitudinal concentric member is concentrically disposed on a circumference of the first longitudinal concentric member and further covering the distal end of the first longitudinal concentric member.
17. A reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing for treating a tunnel wound or a fistula, the reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing comprising:
- a cylindrical, shell bladder filled with a gas, wherein the cylindrical, shell bladder has an exterior surface, a proximal end, and a distal end;
- an open-cell-foam layer covering the exterior surface of the cylindrical, shell bladder; and
- wherein the distal end of the cylindrical, shell bladder is folded back into the cylindrical, shell bladder to form a portion that is operable to unfurl when subjected to reduced pressure.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 8, 2021
Publication Date: Oct 28, 2021
Inventors: Aidan Marcus TOUT (Alderbury), Richard Daniel John COULTHARD (Verwood), Christopher Brian LOCKE (Bournemouth), Timothy Mark ROBINSON (Shillingstone)
Application Number: 17/370,965