An absorbent article and method of making the absorbent article are disclosed. The absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core structure having one or more layers wherein at least one layer is a heterogeneous mass layer, wherein the topsheet and the heterogeneous mass are integrated such that they reside in the same X-Y plane.

The present disclosure relates generally to tubular wound dressings that include a superabsorbent component that can be used to treat exuding wounds. The tubular wound dressings may include a superabsorbent component sandwiched between two tubular elastic and resilient components. Alternatively, the dressing may be concentrically arranged to include at least three components, including a superabsorbent component, and two elastic and resilient components. Also disclosed herein are kits including the tubular wound dressings of the present technology, and instructions for use.

Devices, kits and methods described herein may be for wound healing, including the treatment, amelioration, or prevention of scars and/or keloids by applying and/or maintaining a pre-determined strain in an elastic skin treatment device that is then affixed to the skin surface using skin adhesives to transfer a generally planar force from the bandage to the skin surface. Applicators are used to apply and/or maintain the strains, and some of the applicators are further configured to provide at least some mechanical advantage to the user when exerting loads onto the skin treatment device.

A wound covering includes a flexible main body, and a sensor element incorporated into the main body. The sensor element includes a mesh formed from a plurality of fibers, and the sensor element is configured to undergo a change in appearance in response to a change in a parameter associated with wound exudate. The wound covering further includes a supply of therapeutic agent configured to diffuse the therapeutic agent from the wound covering into a wound when the wound covering is placed on the wound.

Systems, apparatus, and methods related to wound closure devices comprising one or more microstructures are described herein. In some embodiments, the wound closure devices include a backing and a microstructure array. The microstructure array may include a first 5 portion, a second portion, and a bridge portion. The first portion and the second portion each include one or more microstructures configured to penetrate tissue. Additionally, the first portion and the second portion each include one or more expandable portions such that the wound closure device is configured to expand in length. The wound closure device is configured to grip tissue surrounding a wound to either close the wound or secure the tissue in place.

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.

Lower back braces and materials for braces having an elastic base and inelastic strands or tightening mechanism(s) are provided. An elastic base material could be made effectively inelastic by tightening an inelastic cord that extends across the elastic base material. Additionally or alternatively, an elastic base material could include one or more inelastic strands that define one or more inelastic compression zones in an otherwise elastic base.

An improved skin substitute is presented comprised of a silicone layer backed up with a woven nylon fabric layer, the silicone layer possessing a regular pattern of slits that permit the porosity of the skin substitute to be adjusted by clinicians by means of applying tension to the skin substitute that differentially opens the slits. A variety of therapeutic substances can be applied to the skin substitute to promote healing, including aloe and other medicinal preparations. The skin substitute is directed at chronic wound treatment and hernia repair.

A method of closing a wound with a dressing. The method including: restraining at least a portion of the dressing corresponding to the wound into a first shape; adhering first and second portions of the dressing across the wound; removing the restraint from the dressing while the first and second portions are adhered to the skin by removing a member from the dressing to allow at least the portion to move towards a second shape and apply a force tending to close the wound.

A compression bandage that is formed by the assembling of a self-adhesive nonwoven based on short conjugate fibers which have been crimped and of an elastic material, the effectiveness of which increases over time. The bandage can be used, alone or in a bilayer compression system, for the prevention or treatment of venous pathologies or lymphedema.