A structure for use in repairing a defect in a substrate is provided. The structure includes a first layer and a second layer coupled to the first layer using a first coupling process. The first layer is formed by a plurality of polymeric fibers, and the second layer has a plurality of densities formed by a plurality of polymeric fibers. The first and second layers of the structure are configured to separate after at least one of a predetermined time and an environmental condition.

A see-through dressing assembly is presented for use with a reduced-pressure system for treating a wound on a patient using reduced pressure that allows visual observation of the wound during treatment. The dressing assembly includes a bolster for providing a directed force when under reduced pressure, a sealing member for covering the bolster and providing a seal over the bolster and a patient's epidermis, and wherein the bolster and sealing member are formed from see-through materials sufficient to allow perception of color from a point external to the system. Other systems, dressings, and methods are presented.

A method of manufacturing a reduced-pressure abdominal treatment system for treating an open abdominal cavity is provided. In some embodiments, the reduced-pressure abdominal treatment system has an open-cavity treatment device for providing reduced-pressure treatment to an abdominal cavity; a deep-tissue closure device for applying a closing force on a deep-tissue wound; and a surface-wound closure subsystem for providing a closing force on a surface wound. The method of manufacturing may also include providing a reduced-pressure supply subsystem. A method of treatment using a reduced-pressure abdominal treatment system is also disclosed.

Some arrangements disclosed herein relate to devices and methods for treating a wound, comprising applying negative pressure to the wound through a cover applied over a wound, monitoring the internal pressure in the wound, and controlling the closure of the wound by controlling the amount that a wound packing material positioned under the cover collapses within the wound based on the monitored internal pressure. The wound packing material collapse can be controlled to ensure that the monitored internal pressure does not exceed a threshold value. Additionally, some embodiments or arrangements disclosed herein relate to a visualization element to visualize a location of a wound surface. The visualization element can comprise a radiopaque member that is configured to be positioned on or adjacent to a surface of an open wound.

A wound debridement system includes a wound dressing having an active layer and a wound interface layer. The active layer is formed from one or more drive elements arranged about a film layer, by which the drive elements are attached to the wound interface layer. Activation of the drive elements is configured to cause the movement of the wound interface layer relative to a tissue site to which the wound dressing is applied. The drive elements may include one or more drive members formed of a material having a shape memory effect configured to transition the drive members between expanded and collapsed configurations and/or one or more motors configured to translate or oscillate the active layer. The wound interface layer may be formed having an abrasive wound-facing surface, such that the movement of the wound interface layer causes a mechanical disruption and debridement of debris at the tissue site.

A reduced-pressure, wound closure system is presented that generates a closing force on a surface wound and optionally provides reduced pressure to a body cavity or tissue site. The sealed contracting member, when placed under reduced pressure, generates the closing force. One illustrative system includes a first attachment member and a second attachment member, a sealed contracting member coupled to the first attachment member and the second attachment member, and wherein the closing force is generated between the first attachment member and the second attachment member when reduced pressure is supplied to the sealed contracting member. Other systems and methods are presented.

A reduced-pressure, deep-tissue closure device for applying a closing force on a deep tissue includes a contractible matrix that is formed with a first plurality of apertures and which has a first side and a second, inward-facing side. The contractible matrix is for disposing proximate to the deep tissue. A reduced-pressure source is fluidly coupled to the contractible matrix and operable to deliver reduced pressure to the contractible matrix. When under reduced pressure, the contractible matrix grips the deep tissue adjacent the contractible matrix and provides a closing force on the deep tissue. A system and method are also presented.

A system for providing a force to a desired area on a curved body part of a person includes a dressing assembly shaped and configured to be placed on the desired area of the person, a releaseable circumferential member surrounding the curved body part that holds the dressing assembly against the desired area, a sealing subsystem for providing a fluid seal over the dressing assembly and the person's skin, and a reduced-pressure subsystem for providing a reduced pressure to the dressing assembly. When reduced pressure is supplied, the system generates the force against the desired area on the curved body part.

Disclosed are solid dressings for treating wounded tissue in mammalian patients, such as a human, comprising a haemostatic layer consisting essentially of a fibrinogen component and a fibrinogen activator, wherein the haemostatic layer(s) is cast or formed from a single aqueous solution containing the fibrinogen component and the fibrinogen activator. Also disclosed are methods for treating wounded tissue using these dressings and frozen compositions useful for preparing the haemostatic layer(s) of these dressings.

The present invention relates to free-form structures made by additive manufacturing, and methods for the manufacture thereof. The rigid free-form structures comprise a lattice structure which is impregnated by a polymeric or other material. The rigid free-form structures may be used in wound treatment, e.g., as a facial mask.