Force modulating tissue bridges, associated tools, kits, and methods
Inventors
Eaves, Felmont F. • Kazmer, David O. • Knight, Gary W. • Dietz, Timothy G. • Clem, William Eugene
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11911035-B2
Publication Date
2024-02-27
Expiration Date
Abstract
Force modulating tissue bridges, and associated applicators, kits and methods are provided. A force modulating tissue bridge can be a medical article for at least partially covering a wound and/or scar tissue. The medical article can include an elastic arch extending over an area, and a medial strut connected to the arch and extending into the area over which the central section extends.
Core Innovation
A force modulating tissue bridge is provided as a medical article for covering wounds and scar tissue. The tissue bridge includes an elastically deformable arch having flanges and a central spanning section, along with foot pads having multi-layer structures. The arch extends between opposite shoulders and includes inner structures such as medial struts and medial extensions.
Deformation of the tissue bridge from an extended configuration toward an at-rest configuration applies compressive and/or tension-modulating forces to tissue. The deformation is configured to reduce scar-related tension effects by shifting the device toward the at-rest configuration. The tissue bridge includes outer and inner sheet portions and defines bearing/contact surfaces that engage tissue while the bridge is deformed.
Associated applicator tools and kits/packages are disclosed for manipulating the medical article. The applicator tools include reconfigurable linkages and lever-driven movement that deform the tissue bridge while engaged, using releasable catch parts and catch geometries that retain portions of the medical article during manipulation. Release liners include lines of disruption and flaps, and medial portions are described as adhering first, followed by outer foot pad portions as the device reconfigures.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims define a tool for manipulating a medical article using first and second spaced parts, a bearing surface between them, and a reconfigurable linkage with levers. Across the independent claims, the main inventive features are coordinated force application through lever-driven movement, plus specific catch-part and engagement structures.
Releasable spaced parts with bearing surface between them
First and second parts are spaced apart from one another and each configured to releasably engage a medical article, with a bearing surface positioned between, and distant from, each of, the first and second parts, wherein the bearing surface is configured to engage the medical article while the first and second parts are engaged to the medical article.
Reconfigurable linkage connecting bearing surface and parts
A reconfigurable linkage connecting the bearing surface and the first and second parts to one another.
Lever-driven movement moving parts away from one another
Levers extending from proximate the linkage, wherein the tool is configured so that at least portions of the first and second parts are moved away from one another in response to at least portions of the levers being moved toward one another.
Catch parts having shank and outward protrusion facing away
The first part comprises a first catch part configured to releasably attach to the medical article and the second part comprises a second catch part configured to releasably attach to the medical article, each of the first and second catch parts comprises a shank and a protrusion extending outwardly from the shank, and the protrusions face away from one another.
Catch parts comprising receptacles for receiving portions
The first part comprises a first catch part configured to releasably attach to the medical article and the second part comprises a second catch part configured to releasably attach to the medical article, and each of the first and second catch parts comprises a receptacle for receiving a respective portion of the medical article.
Upright configuration and downward force from lever movement
The bearing surface is configured to provide a downward force on the medical article in response to at least portions of the levers being moved toward one another while the tool is in an upright configuration and the first and second parts engage the medical article.
Bearing surface moving downward relative to catch parts
The tool is configured so that, in response to at least portions of the levers being moved toward one another while the tool is in an upright configuration, the bearing surface moves downwardly relative to the first and second catch parts.
The independent claims center on a manipulatable tool that releasably engages a medical article via two spaced parts, while a bearing surface between them engages the medical article. A reconfigurable linkage connects the bearing surface to the parts, and lever-driven movement coordinates the motion such that at least portions of the parts move away from one another, and the bearing surface applies a downward force or moves downward relative to catch parts in an upright configuration. The claims further specify catch-part structures including shank/protrusion features facing away or receptacles for receiving portions.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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