Abstract: Devices and methods that utilize an occlusive dressing in combination with a topical pharmaceutical agent to enhance vaccine efficacy are described. The occlusive dressing delivers a defined dose of a topical pharmaceutical agent that enhances immune system reactivity to a vaccine to the site of vaccination, and provides a barrier that maintains a layer of the topical pharmaceutical agent on the skin for a desired period to time while also providing a port through which an immunizing composition can be administered. In some embodiments the occlusive dressing includes a wound dressing for covering the injection site following vaccination.

Abstract: A system for applying negative pressure to a joint positioned in a treatment area. The system includes a negative pressure dressing. The negative pressure dressing includes a compressive layer and a sealing layer. The compressive layer includes a first surface and a second, treatment area-facing. The compressive layer further includes a first elongated portion configured to be positioned proximate the joint. The first elongated portion includes a first end and a second end. The compressive layer further includes a second elongated portion spaced from the first elongated portion and configured to be positioned proximate the joint. The second elongated portion includes a first end and a second end. The compressive layer further includes an interconnecting portion extending between the first elongated portion and the second elongated portion. The interconnecting portion is configured to overlie at least a portion of the joint.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods for wound treatment. In certain embodiments, a negative pressure wound therapy apparatus includes one or more wound dressings configured to be used to treat surgical wounds including post-breast surgery wounds. In some embodiments, a single negative pressure source can be used with one or more wound dressing to treat one or more wounds.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a wound. The apparatus includes a waterproof shield element to cover a wound area of a user's body, where the elevated top surface of the shield element is elevated away from the user's body. A retention mechanism selectively retains the shield element against the user's body, utilizing the elevated top surface to create a normal force between the shield element and the user's body to thereby form an effective seal between the shield element and the user's body.

Abstract: A composite wound dressing apparatus promotes healing of a wound via the use of a micropump system housed within or above a wound dressing member. The micropump system includes a miniature pump that applies a subatmospheric pressure to the wound to effectively draw wound fluid or exudate away from the wound bed without the need for a cumbersome external vacuum source. Hence, the wound dressing and micropump system is portable which allows the patient mobility that is unavailable when an external vacuum source is used. The patient does not need to be constrained for any period of time while exudate is being removed from the wound.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatus for covering a burn or other wound in ways that prevent or limit touching the wound. The present disclosure describes Burn Bandages that may include domes or structures that bridge over a wide range of a burn or wound size. In certain instances these structures may expand in one or more directions as they are adjusted to fit to a particular burn or wound size. Such bridging structures may include airways, openings, or voids that promote air/oxygen flow to the wound as the Burn Bandage sits upon surfaces or pads that contact healthy surrounding tissue while they cover a wound site. The apparatus may be any shape including, yet not limited to, a circle, a rectangle, a square, a hexagon, an octagon, an oval, a cone, a cylinder, have a semi-cylindrical shape, or that have any another geometric shape.

Abstract: A securement device configured to secure an external portion of a medical device to the skin surface of a patient after an internal portion of the device has been placed in the patient is disclosed. The securement device includes a retainer that is employed to securely retain the external portion of the medical device in place. The retainer is attached to a base, such as an adhesive pad that adhesively attaches to the skin surface. In one embodiment, therefore, a retainer comprises a body defining a channel configured to receive therein a portion of the medical device, and at least one foot extending from the body that is configured to stabilize the retainer with respect to a skin surface. The retainer body further includes a nose that is configured to deflect a portion of the external portion of the medical device toward the skin insertion site.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound closure devices, systems and methods. Embodiments of the invention facilitate closure of the wound by preferentially contracting under negative pressure to provide for movement of the surrounding tissues. Some embodiments may utilize a stabilizing structure with a plurality of cells configured to collapses more in the x-direction than in the y-direction.

Abstract: A medical bandage is provided, capable of being rapidly, adjustably, intuitively and universally fitted on a head, limb, stump, finger or other body part, such as to conceal and protect a wound. The medical bandage is cap-shaped and deformable, is formed of several layers, and comprises at least one port for obtaining quick access to a wound concealed by the medical bandage. When open, a port can stabilize a drainage tube, or provide a passage through which to easily and rapidly apply a medicine. The medical bandage can be directly fit on the head or other body part, providing an all-in-one dressing, wrap and treatment, and eliminating the need for cumbersome and difficult to manage gauze roll and multiple bandages of various sizes, shapes, and uses. The medical bandage can include one or more sensors for measuring or monitoring body parameters or functions.

Abstract: A bubble for use with various medical equipment or other sites on the body such as IV ports, feeding tube locations, PODs, CGMs (Continuous Glucose Monitors) or other equipment connected to the body, whereby the bubble assists in protecting the site, and hopefully prevents medical equipment from being dislodged, if installed, to provide for strenuous activity or even application of water, such as bathing, showering, etc.

Abstract: The base of this bandaging system is attached to the skin around a wound by adhesive and supports the edges of the lid, which covers the wound and can easily be removed and replaced or re-used many times to facilitate examining or treating the wound while the base remains in place. The bandaging system has multiple embodiments to accommodate various situations. An embodiment with generally planar components is very simple but may cause vertical pressure on the skin near the wound when the lid is removed or attached. Such pressure is avoided by alternative embodiments in which the components have non-planar parts. Some embodiments have a hinge on an edge of the lid which allows the wound to be uncovered without detaching the lid. The components which latch lids to bases contribute to making the systems easy, quick, convenient, and comfortable to use.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatus for covering a burn or other wound in ways that prevent or limit touching the wound. The present disclosure describes Burn Bandages that may include domes or structures that bridge over a wide range of a burn or wound size. In certain instances these structures may expand in one or more directions as they are adjusted to fit to a particular burn or wound size. Such bridging structures may include airways, openings, or voids that promote air/oxygen flow to the wound as the Burn Bandage sits upon surfaces or pads that contact healthy surrounding tissue while they cover a wound site. The apparatus may be any shape including, yet not limited to, a circle, a rectangle, a square, a hexagon, an octagon, an oval, a cone, a cylinder, have a semi-cylindrical shape, or that have any another geometric shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate closure of the wound by preferentially contracting to provide for movement of the tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are improved surgical techniques for repairing bone defects in a sternum during a sternotomy procedure and implants adapted for such techniques. In an exemplary embodiment, provided is a fusion strip made of an osteoconductive material and of a dimension that is especially adapted for improved repair of sternal bone defects.

Abstract: Medical tape suitable to be adhered onto a skin wound for healing of the skin wound or onto a scar for suppressing a thickening, an expansion and an extension of the scar after healing of the wound. The medical tape includes a flexible and stretchable substrate consisting of a plastic film or foil; a release paper which is adhered to one side of the substrate via a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer; and a peelable support consisting of two sheets of plastic films which are adhered to another side of the substrate via a silicone-coating layer and a slightly adhesive layer, in that order. The two sheets of plastic films are butted with each other at the midpoint of a longitudinal direction of the substrate, and over a widthwise direction of the substrate. The medical tape advantageously applies a shrinking force only to a wound surface or a scar surface.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include methods and devices for introducing a sheath into a human or animal subject. Some embodiments include a puncture tool that may simultaneously deliver a sheath and a needle to a desired anatomical location. The needle may be removed and the sheath may be used to define a space that may be used to conduct a procedure.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a wound packing material, suitable for use in negative pressure wound therapy, comprising a body of a porous material, the body comprising frangible regions defining a plurality of portions, the frangible regions allowing the portions to be selectively removed from the body. The wound packing material can be shaped to partially or fully surround a secondary wound packing member, such as a stabilizing structure. Some embodiments further relate to methods of manufacturing the wound packing material, and to methods of its use.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a dressing assembly may include a dressing bolster, an interface seal, and a base layer. The dressing bolster may include a first side, a second side, and a periphery. The interface seal may be coupled at the periphery of the dressing bolster. The base layer may include a base layer flange configured to be coupled to the dressing and to extend beyond the periphery of the dressing bolster. The dressing assembly may be suitable for treating a tissue site with reduced pressure and for creating an apposition force between a first portion of the tissue site and a second portion of the tissue site. Other systems, apparatus, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems disclosed within relate to a wound dressing, suitable for use in negative pressure wound therapy, which may include a body of porous material, the body of porous material including a plurality of cuts which provide regions of flexibility within the body. Methods of manufacturing and methods of use of such wound dressings may also be disclosed herein. In addition, the wound dressing can include a retaining mechanism removably coupled to the material and configured to retain the material in the expanded conformation.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for promoting re-epithelialization as an aspect of wound healing are presented. A re-epithelialization dressing for use with reduced pressure has a moist tissue-interface layer, a manifold member, and a sealing member. The moist tissue-interface layer has a plurality of apertures. The moist tissue-interface layer is for disposing adjacent to the wound and provides a moisture balance (i.e., provides moisture when the wound is dry and receives moisture when the wound site is substantially wet). The reduced pressure, apertures, and moist tissue-interface layer help with liquid management and otherwise promote re-epithelialization. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are presented.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for treating a tissue site with reduced pressure are described. The system includes a manifold configured to be placed adjacent the tissue site, and a sealing member configured to be placed over the tissue site and the manifold. The system also includes a reduced-pressure source fluidly coupled to the manifold through the sealing member. The system further includes a pouch having an upstream layer having a first thickness, a downstream layer having a second thickness, and an absorbent member enclosed between the upstream layer and the downstream layer. The second thickness is greater than the first thickness. The upstream layer may have a hydrophilic side adjacent the absorbent member, and the downstream layer may have a hydrophobic side adjacent the absorbent member.

Abstract: A teat opening protection patch is stuck to portions inclusive of the teat openings of livestock, and includes a laminate 1 of an elastic sheet 2 and an adhesive layer 3 laminated on one surface of the elastic sheet 2, the laminate 1 having a double-stretched tensile stress in a range of 0.1 to 5 N.

Abstract: A releasable medical drape, and systems and methods having the same, includes at least a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and a soft-gel layer having a plurality of apertures. The soft-gel layer is configured to be disposed adjacent to a tissue site. A portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer extends through the plurality of apertures in the soft-gel layer to contact the tissue site. The soft-gel layer forms a good seal with the tissue site and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer extending through the plurality of apertures forms a firm—but releasable—coupling with the tissue site.

Abstract: A method of protecting a teat opening with a teat opening protection patch, which is stuck to portions inclusive of the teat openings of livestock, and includes a laminate 1 of an elastic sheet 2 and an adhesive layer 3 laminated on one surface of the elastic sheet 2, the laminate 1 having a double-stretched tensile stress in a range of 0.1 to 5 N.

Abstract: A wound dressing assembly includes a wound cover and a carrier. The wound cover has a length and width substantially greater than a height (or thickness), a first major surface, and a second major surface, opposite the first. The first major surface has disposed thereon a wound cover pressure sensitive adhesive comprising a colloidal absorbent, and it is arranged and configured to adhere to mammalian skin during use. The carrier has a length and width substantially greater than a height (or thickness), a first major surface, and a second major surface, opposite the first. The first major surface of the carrier is disposed in facing relation and is removably attached to the second major surface of the wound cover, and it has disposed thereon at least one pressure sensitive adhesive. After application of the wound cover to skin for use, the carrier is removable from the wound cover to leave the wound cover adhered to the skin.

Abstract: A releasable medical drape, and systems and methods having the same, includes at least a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and a soft-gel layer having a plurality of apertures. The soft-gel layer is configured to be disposed adjacent to a tissue site. A portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer extends through the plurality of apertures in the soft-gel layer to contact the tissue site. The soft-gel layer forms a good seal with the tissue site and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer extending through the plurality of apertures forms a firm—but releasable—coupling with the tissue site.

Abstract: A catheter dressing system for providing enhanced isolation and protection of a catheter site from potential contamination during a surgical procedure includes a dressing adhered to a patient covering a catheter. The dressing has a top layer removably covering a base layer. The base layer adheres to the catheter and the patient. The top layer is fluid impermeable. A surgical drape adhesively engages the top layer more strongly than the top layer is engaged to the base layer wherein removal of the surgical drape separates the top layer from the base layer when the surgical drape is removed leaving the base layer uncontaminated and in place covering the catheter after removal of the surgical drape.

Abstract: A releasable medical drape, and systems and methods having the same, includes at least a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and a soft-gel layer having a plurality of apertures. The soft-gel layer is configured to be disposed adjacent to a tissue site. A portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer extends through the plurality of apertures in the soft-gel layer to contact the tissue site. The soft-gel layer forms a good seal with the tissue site and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer extending through the plurality of apertures forms a firm—but releasable—coupling with the tissue site.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the dressing has a base which is to be adhered to a patient about a catheter site, an aperture in the base to pull a catheter line through and a cover with a window that is folded over and onto the base in a sealed manner. In another embodiment, the dressing has two covers with windows for folding over separate sections of a base to seal in the components of a catheter assembly with multiple catheters extending from a common housing.

Abstract: A releasable medical drape, and systems and methods having the same, includes at least a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and a soft-gel layer having a plurality of apertures. The soft-gel layer is configured to be disposed adjacent to a tissue site. A portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer extends through the plurality of apertures in the soft-gel layer to contact the tissue site. The soft-gel layer forms a good seal with the tissue site and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer extending through the plurality of apertures forms a firm—but releasable—coupling with the tissue site.

Abstract: A flexible dressing for applying to a tissue site for determining the extent of debridement required to remove non-viable tissue is disclosed. Some embodiments of the dressing may be in the form of a multi-layer drape having an integrated tissue viability indicator system. Some embodiments may also include a system of shapes or a grid pattern printed or embossed on a surface of the drape for providing guidance during an ensuing debridement or amputation procedure.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for sealing a catheter insertion site to maintain sterility. In one aspect of the invention, mounting handle/dressing assemblies and kits are disclosed for creating a sterile sealed environment around a catheter insertion site. For example the dressings of the present invention can be pre-disposed around a mounting handle and connector. The connector is joined to the proximal end of the catheter and then the dressing can be slid along the mounting handle until it surrounds the insertion site. Once the dressing is adhesively applied to the skin and locked into place by an annular fitting between the dressing and the connector, the handle can be removed and discarded, leaving only the dressing, and catheter connector in place. The catheter connector preferably has a needle-free connector port at its proximal end for connection to IV lines or other infusion devices.

Abstract: A protective cover for the protection against contamination from body and/or irrigation fluid during treatment of wounds/ulcers includes a first opening to be placed on a patient and a second opening for inserting a handpiece. The protective cover includes a fluid-tight and flexible hollow body that defines a treatment chamber having a shape that adapts to motion of a handpiece. The hollow body may include a stiffening element for keeping the first opening in an open state during treatment. Additionally, a device for the irrigation of wounds or ulcers, such as for debriding dead body tissue by way of a micro water jet, may include a hand-operated lance with a nozzle for producing an irrigation fluid jet, such as a micro water jet. The lance may be inserted through the second opening of the protective cover so that the nozzle is located within the treatment chamber of the protective cover.

Abstract: A teat opening protection patch is stuck to portions inclusive of the teat openings of livestock, and includes a laminate 1 of an elastic sheet 2 and an adhesive layer 3 laminated on one surface of the elastic sheet 2, the laminate 1 having a double-stretched tensile stress in a range of 0.1 to 5 N.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound dressing and to a device for use in negative-pressure wound therapy, in particular for wounds in the abdominal region, and also to methods for producing the device. The wound dressing includes at least one flexible film for application onto the wound bed, more particularly onto exposed internal organs or onto the greater omentum, and furthermore at least one pocket, which is present on the side of the wound dressing that faces away from the wound during use and which simplifies the uniform application and placement of the wound dressing on the wound bed.

Abstract: Domed articles are disclosed with reinforcements and adaptations for adhesively-applying them to a person's back while sleeping, to deter against the person sleeping supinely on their back, a posture that is commonly associated with louder and more dangerous snoring.

Abstract: A dressing for use in protectively covering and isolating a medical device placed on and/or through the skin surface of a patient is disclosed. Examples of such devices include infusion needles for accessing subcutaneously implanted access ports, catheters of various types and purposes, insulin infusion needles, etc. In one embodiment, a dressing for covering a medical device on a skin surface of a patient is disclosed and comprises a dressing portion that is configured to rest against a skin surface of a patient, with the dressing portion defining a hole, and a polymeric cover film that is at least indirectly attached to the dressing portion. The cover film includes a pliable domed portion aligned with the hole of the dressing portion. The pliable domed portion defines a cavity that is configured to receive therein the medical device when the dressing is placed on the skin of the patient.

Abstract: A wound dressing includes an absorbent core including a top surface and a bottom surface containing a superabsorbent substance, a facing layer including folded sections folded towards the top surface of the absorbent core, the facing layer entirely covering the bottom surface of the absorbent core, a backing layer, and a contact layer including folded sections covering parts of the folded sections of the facing layer, the contact layer folded to cover an entire area of the facing layer covering the bottom surface of the absorbent core and the contact layer is configured to be brought into contact with a wound. The facing layer and the backing layer form a pouch in which the absorbent core is located. The folded sections of the facing layer and the backing layer are joined together. The folded sections of the contact layer and the facing layer or the backing layer are joined together.

Abstract: A medical dressing comprising a backing layer and a self-supporting substrate. The backing layers form a perimeter around the self supporting substrate and hold the self supporting substrate in place on a wound.

Abstract: A wound packing material is provided, suitable for use in negative pressure wound therapy, including a body of a porous material, the body including frangible regions defining a plurality of portions, the frangible regions allowing the portions to be selectively removed from the body. Methods of manufacturing the wound packing material, and methods of its use are also provided.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and dressings for treating a linear wound, such as an incision, on a patient are presented. The systems, dressings, and methods include a sealing ring that helps form a fluid seal around the linear wound. In one instance, a sealing material is extruded around the linear wound to help form a seal. In another instance, a sealing ring is coupled to a lower portion of a dressing bolster to form a seal. Other systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, dressings, and related methods, for providing reduced pressure to a tissue site on a patient are presented that involve using a self-contained reduced-pressure dressing. The dressing includes an absorbent pouch and an electronics pouch. The absorbent pouch has an absorbent for absorbing liquid from the tissue site, and the electronics pouch has a pump for applying reduced pressure to the tissue site through the absorbent pouch. The electronics pouch is removably coupled to the absorbent pouch such that the electronics pouch and absorbent pouch may be easily separated for disposal.

Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a biological product (e.g., membrane) in an operative position. The support assembly has a base and a cover. A membrane receiving portion of the base defines a plurality of perforations that extend between top and bottom surfaces of the product receiving portion. The cover is releasably coupled to the base in a product-covering position in which the cover overlies the product receiving portion of the base. In the operative position, the biological product engages the top surface of the product receiving portion and the bottom surface of the cover.

Abstract: The invention is a single-unit areolar device of ultralight construction with an adhesive back that relies on no additional parts or components to effectively manipulate nipple orientation for eversion assist. The device builds upon the interplay between the adhesive-back flat base with the areola tissue to create a gentle, focused nudge to evert assist and maintain protraction of inverted nipples. The ultralight single-unit device is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, easily concealed beneath clothing, and remains securely in place while active or asleep. The disposable attributes of the cost effective materials utilized lend further advantage to the device.

Abstract: A reduced-pressure, linear-wound closing bolster has a pivotable frame that moves from an extended position to a compressed position under the influence of reduced pressure. The closing bolster may have a first closing member, a second closing member, and an interior space. A manifold member is disposed within the interior space and may be coupled to the pivotable frame. When a reduced pressure is applied, the pivotable frame is urged from the extended position to the compressed position. A first gripping member for transmitting a closing force from the first closing member to a first edge of a linear wound may be attached. Likewise, a second gripping member for transmitting a closing force from the second closing member to a second edge of the linear wound may be attached. Systems and methods are also presented.

Abstract: The invention relates to device for covering a catheter access to a human or animal body, particular a central venous catheter access, comprising a wedge-shaped guiding element, which is arranged between the catheter of the catheter access and the surface of the human or animal body during use, in order to guide the catheter relative to the entry point into the human or animal; and a self-adhesive covering element for covering and fixing the wedge-shaped guiding element and the catheter in the area of the entry point into the human or animal body, which self-adhesive covering element is affixed to the surface of the human or animal body during use in such a way, that the catheter and the wedge-shaped guiding element are at least partially arranged between the covering element and the surface of the human and/or animal body.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to negative pressure treatment systems and wound dressing systems, apparatuses, and methods that may be used for the treatment of wounds. In particular, some embodiments are directed to improved wound dressings comprising an obscuring layer that may hide fluid contained therein and a stabilizing structure that may aid in wound closure.

Abstract: A wound barrier pad is provided having a housing with a truncated conical shape. A base plate with an opening is disposed in the housing, and the housing is filled with a fluid or padding. The wound barrier pad may be incorporated into a garment. In another embodiment the wound barrier pad includes a ring and an adhesive such that the wound barrier pad may be directly adhered to the patient, thus eliminating the need for the garment. In another embodiment there is a wound barrier device having a pad assembly and an anti-sheer member. In another preferred embodiment there is a sacral wound barrier pad device comprising a sacral wound barrier pad assembly having teardrop shape and first and second pads with at least one insert disposed between the first and second pads. A contact layer is joined to the second sacral pad.

Abstract: An intravenous (IV) site and medical tubing protection device which diminishes the inadvertent, non-purposeful dislodging of an IV catheter, as fluids are being delivered to a patient via a medicine dispensing unit. It employs a self-contained retractable spring spool unit consisting of medicinal tubing 13, a spring-loaded, retractable spool 8, an IV Luer 5, a lubricating ring port 9, a swiveling fluid junction 10, bolus valve 11, and a plastic shell container 7. Medicinal tubing 13 enters the plastic shell container 7 through a lubricating ring port 9 and winds around the retractable spool 8. The tubing attaches to a swiveling fluid junction 10, which permits a constant flow of fluid through the patient line, despite any extending or retracting of the tubing. A subsequent patient line attaches to the swiveling fluid junction 10 at its other end and then to an IV luer 5 that extends beyond the plastic shell 7. An IV catheter can then be attached to the luer 5.

Abstract: A bandage for protecting a wound site in the extremity of an animal such as a dog or pet, has a body in the form of an inverted cup with a transverse wall and one or more access openings therein, a lip on the cup to fit against the animal's fur around the wound site, and a cover piece to enable selective covering of the access opening. The cup has a roughened exterior surface texture that is extremely irritating to the animal's tongue or lip, wherein the animal is discouraged from continuous licking and/or chewing on the body, and thereby inadvertently dislodging it from the wound site.