Anisotropic drapes and systems
Inventors
Kazala, JR., Richard Marvin • Long, Justin Alexander • Wilkes, Robert Peyton • Johnson, Royce W.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9173788-B2
Publication Date
2015-11-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
An anisotropic wound drape for treating a wound on a patient includes a flexible sheet for placing over a tissue site The flexible sheet includes a first isotropic zone, and a second isotropic zone. The first isotropic zone and the second isotropic zone are configured to provide the flexible sheet with anisotropic stretching properties. The anisotropic drape may used as part of a reduced-pressure wound treatment system. Other systems and methods are also presented.
Core Innovation
A wound drape system is described that includes anisotropic wound drapes and reduced-pressure wound treatment systems. The drape includes a flexible sheet for placing over a tissue site, with an impermeable or semi-permeable elastomeric material, and the flexible sheet has a first isotropic zone and a second isotropic zone.
The first and second isotropic zones are configured to provide the flexible sheet with anisotropic stretching properties. The first isotropic zone has a first thickness (t1) and the second isotropic zone has a second thickness (t2), where the first thickness is greater than one hundred five percent (105%) of the second thickness. The anisotropic behavior is also described in terms of differences in thickness or modulus of elasticity between the zones, including configurations such as parallel or concentric isotropic zones and gradual transitions.
The reduced-pressure wound treatment system includes a manifold between the drape and the tissue site, and a reduced-pressure subsystem comprising a reduced-pressure source, a conduit, and a reduced-pressure interface. A gripping member seals the drape to the epidermis and can transmit a closing force, while reduced pressure compresses the manifold, removes exudate, and produces compressive and inward closing forces to assist wound or incision closure. Additional embodiments describe anisotropic members including filament arrays and fluidly inflatable bladders that create anisotropy and provide compressive and closing force, with adjustable anisotropic behavior via bladder inflation volume.
Claims Coverage
Only one independent claim is explicitly provided. It covers a manufacturing method for a wound drape flexible sheet using first and second isotropic zones that yield anisotropic stretching properties, with a thickness relationship that constrains the zones.
Anisotropic stretching via first and second isotropic zones on a flexible sheet
Forming a flexible sheet for placing over a tissue site, the flexible sheet comprising an impermeable or semi-permeable elastomeric material and having a first isotropic zone and a second isotropic zone, wherein the first isotropic zone and the second isotropic zone are configured to provide the flexible sheet with anisotropic stretching properties.
Thickness constraint between isotropic zones to produce anisotropic stretching
Configuring the first isotropic zone with a first thickness (t1) and the second isotropic zone with a second thickness (t2), wherein the first thickness is greater than one hundred five percent (105%) of the second thickness (t1>105% t2).
The provided independent claim defines the manufacturing of a wound drape flexible sheet with an impermeable or semi-permeable elastomeric material, using first and second isotropic zones configured for anisotropic stretching properties, and imposes a thickness relationship where t1 is greater than 105% of t2.
Stated Advantages
Produces compressive and inward closing forces to assist wound or incision closure when used in the reduced-pressure wound treatment system.
Compresses the manifold and removes exudate in the reduced-pressure wound treatment system.
Documented Applications
A wound drape used in a reduced-pressure wound treatment system for treating a tissue site, including assisting wound or incision closure.
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