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-12226101-B2
Publication Date
2025-02-18
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
The invention relates to a force-modulating medical article for at least partially covering a wound and/or scar tissue. The medical article comprises a body having a central section and first and second flanges extending outwardly from opposite lower sections of the central section, and the body is configured to be deformed from an at rest configuration to an extended configuration and to return toward the at rest configuration, thereby modulating forces applied to the covered tissue.
In the extended configuration, the first and second flanges are farther apart from one another than in the at rest configuration. Each flange is connected to a respective foot pad that at least partially moves with the flange, and each foot pad includes an extension extending inwardly from its flange such that the extension is neither superposed by nor coextensive with the corresponding flange, positioning inward extensions within a central treatment area.
The force-modulating article is further described with foot pad structures configured for tissue contact and staged adhesive mounting. Example structures include an outer sheet configured for tissue contact and inner stiffer layers, together with medial struts and adhesive structures that apply adhesive in a staged manner, and a between-foot-pads medium placed at least partially between the first and second foot pads.
The article and associated tool engagement are also described using catch features such as receptacles and/or a hole through the body for engaging tool components.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim specifies a deformable force-modulating wound/scar covering medical article with a central section, outward flanges that move farther apart in an extended configuration, and paired foot pads with inward extensions that are neither superposed by nor coextensive with their respective flanges. Dependent refinements add tissue-attachment and adhesive layer structures, mechanical relationships between layered pad sheets, between-foot-pads medium placement, and tool-engagement features using catch parts and/or a hole through the body.
Deformable force-modulating body with outward flanges
A body comprising a central section, and first and second flanges respectively extending outwardly from opposite lower sections of the central section, wherein the body is configured to be deformed from an at rest configuration to an extended configuration, and to return toward the at rest configuration, and wherein the first and second flanges are farther apart from one another in the extended configuration than in the at rest configuration.
Inwardly extended foot pads that are not superposed with the flanges
A first foot pad connected to the first flange for at least partially moving with the first flange, wherein the first foot pad comprises an extension extending inwardly from the first flange such that the extension is neither superposed by nor coextensive with the first flange; and a second foot pad connected to the second flange for at least partially moving with the second flange, wherein the second foot pad comprises an extension extending inwardly from the second flange such that the extension of the second foot pad is neither superposed by nor coextensive with the second flange.
Layered tissue-contact foot pad structure
The first foot pad comprises an adhesive, an outer sheet attached to tissue via the adhesive on an outer side of the outer sheet, and an inner sheet between the outer sheet and the first flange.
Stiffness relationship between inner sheet and outer sheet
The inner sheet is stiffer than the outer sheet.
Between-foot-pads medium
A medium configured to be placed at least partially between the first and second foot pads.
Tool-engageable catch part with a hole and pad-extension positioning
A catch part with a hole through the body, wherein at least part of the extension of the first foot pad extends beneath that hole.
Overall, claim coverage centers on a medical article in which outward flanges deform from an at-rest configuration to an extended configuration with flanges moved farther apart, while paired foot pads move with the flanges and include inward extensions arranged to avoid being superposed or coextensive with the corresponding flanges. Dependent features further specify tissue-contact and layered pad constructions, a stiffness relationship between inner and outer sheets, placement of a medium between the foot pads, and tool-engagement geometry using a catch part and a hole through the body.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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