Scar reduction apparatus
Inventors
Banwell, Paul • Hardman, Ian James • Heaton, Keith Patrick
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10213359-B2
Publication Date
2019-02-26
Expiration Date
Abstract
Post-scar formation reduction apparatus comprises a biocompatible scar interface layer, a compressible pressure chamber overlying the scar interface layer, and an at least substantially uniformly compressible pressure element in the pressure chamber which extends over the scar interface layer. The pressure element has a bulk modulus enabling a predetermined uniform or substantially uniform compression of the pressure element in at least a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the scar interface layer on application of a specific pressure. Evacuator is also provided which at least partially evacuates the pressure chamber, whereby the pressure element is uniformly or substantially uniformly compressed in the direction of the scar interface layer and the pressure chamber positively urges the compressed pressure element towards the scar interface layer.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a post-scar formation reduction apparatus for post-scar formation treatment of a wound site. The apparatus includes a biocompatible scar interface layer that is fluid impermeable and a compressible pressure chamber that at least substantially overlies the scar interface layer. A uniformly or substantially uniformly compressible pressure element extends over at least a majority of the scar interface layer within the pressure chamber.
The pressure element has a bulk modulus that enables a predetermined uniform or substantially uniform compression in at least a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the scar interface layer on application of a specific pressure. An evacuator at least partially evacuates the pressure chamber so that the pressure element is uniformly or substantially uniformly compressed in the direction of the scar interface layer. In this way, the pressure chamber positively urges the compressed pressure element toward the scar interface layer.
The apparatus further includes a non-invasive connector spaced from a central region of the scar interface layer and extending continuously around a perimeter of the scar interface layer for holding the scar interface layer in position over a user's scar. The non-invasive connector is provided on one of an outwardly extending continuous flange or a flexible continuous skirt. A method aspect provides a localized positive urging force directly to formed scar tissue via a uniformly or substantially uniformly localized negative pressure differential.
The negative pressure differential is imparted by an at least partially air-evacuated chamber above the scar tissue, and the chamber is at least partially air-evacuated prior to application above the scar tissue. The localized positive urging force is used to reduce scar tissue prominence, and the chamber and urging force function together to impart the positive urging force directly to the formed scar tissue.
Claims Coverage
The document includes two independent claims. Across these claims, the main inventive features center on a fluid impermeable biocompatible scar interface layer combined with a compressible pressure chamber and a uniformly compressible pressure element having a defined bulk modulus enabling perpendicular uniform compression, an evacuator that at least partially evacuates the pressure chamber to positively urge the pressure element toward the scar interface layer, and a non-invasive perimeter connector (flange or skirt) holding the scar interface layer in position, plus a method claim based on localized positive urging force using an at least partially air-evacuated chamber.
Fluid impermeable biocompatible scar interface layer
The apparatus comprises a biocompatible scar interface layer and the scar interface layer is fluid impermeable.
Compressible pressure chamber over scar interface layer
The apparatus comprises a compressible pressure chamber which at least substantially overlies the scar interface layer.
Uniformly compressible pressure element with bulk modulus enabling perpendicular uniform compression
The apparatus includes a uniformly or substantially uniformly compressible pressure element in the pressure chamber and extending over at least a majority of the scar interface layer, the pressure element having a bulk modulus enabling a predetermined uniform or substantially uniform compression of the pressure element in at least a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the scar interface layer on application of a specific pressure.
Evacuator-driven positive urging toward scar interface
The apparatus comprises an evacuator which at least partially evacuates the pressure chamber, whereby the pressure element is uniformly or substantially uniformly compressed in the direction of the scar interface layer and the pressure chamber positively urges the compressed pressure element towards the scar interface layer.
Non-invasive continuous perimeter connector on flange or skirt
The apparatus comprises a non-invasive connector which is spaced from a central region of the scar interface layer and extends continuously around a perimeter of the scar interface layer for holding the scar interface layer in position over a user's scar, wherein the non-invasive connector is provided on one of an outwardly extending continuous flange or a flexible continuous skirt.
Localized positive urging force via localized negative pressure differential from air-evacuated chamber
The method comprises imparting a localised positive urging force directly to formed scar tissue via a uniformly or substantially uniformly localised negative pressure differential above the scar tissue, the negative pressure differential being imparted by an at least partially air-evacuated chamber above the scar tissue.
Chamber at least partially air-evacuated prior to application
In the method, said chamber is at least partially air-evacuated prior to application above the scar tissue.
Overall, the claim coverage focuses on reducing scar tissue prominence by combining a fluid impermeable biocompatible scar interface layer with a compressible pressure chamber and a pressure element whose bulk modulus enables predetermined perpendicular uniform compression. An evacuator provides an air-evacuated pressure differential that drives the pressure element to be positively urged toward the scar interface layer. For the apparatus, a non-invasive continuous perimeter connector on a continuous flange or flexible continuous skirt holds the scar interface layer in place, while the method claims mirror the same localized positive urging force concept using an at least partially air-evacuated chamber positioned above the formed scar tissue.
Stated Advantages
Reduces hypertrophic/keloid scarring by urging a compressed pressure element toward the scar interface layer.
Comfort and compactness advantages versus elastic pressure bandages.
Documented Applications
Post-scar formation treatment of a wound site for reducing scar tissue prominence on formed scar tissue.
Treatment use for hypertrophic scar tissue and keloid, as described for scar reduction.
A non-invasive scar interface application held in position over a user's scar using a continuous perimeter connector on a flange or skirt.
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