This disclosure includes apparatuses for minimizing scar spread and reducing risk of wound dehiscence and related methods. Some of the apparatuses include a flexible first strip and a flexible second strip, the first and second strips configured to be coupled to a patient's back on opposing sides of a wound and a substantially inelastic and flexible layer of material configured to be directly coupled to the first and second strips with the layer in tension to resist separation of the first and second strips, where the layer is configured to be removably coupled to at least one of the first and second strips. In some of the apparatuses, the layer is configured to be removably coupled to each of the first and second strips. In some of the apparatuses, the layer is non-removably coupled to and/or is unitary with at least one of the first and second strips.

The present invention relates to methods and devices for skin tightening after incising or excising tissue portions from a subject. Exemplary methods and devices include tunable dressings having an adhesive layer and a regulatable layer or an un-stretched layer that responds to one or more external stimuli to contract or expand the dressing, where the contraction or expansion can be uniform or non-uniform.

A medical bandaging and tourniquet system for use in dressing puncture wounds is provided. The medical bandaging and tourniquet system includes a primary dressing, a secondary dressing, a band, a tightening buckle, a retaining clip, and a tightening rod. The primary dressing serves as a main wrapping bandage that mounts the secondary dressing and tourniquet components together. The secondary dressing removably attaches to the primary dressing and serves as a bandage that can be installed onto minor wounds. The band connects to the primary dressing, serving as an elastic tourniquet band. The tightening buckle and the retaining clip are connected to the primary dressing. The tightening rod is positioned between the tightening buckle and the retaining clip. The primary dressing straps tightly along a wound though the tightening buckle. The strap is further compressed by turning the tightening rod. The tightening rod can then be secured to the retaining clip.

An article, including a network of interconnected polymeric strands; wherein each of the interconnected polymeric strands has a first surface adapted to contact a tissue site; wherein at least one of the interconnected polymeric strand has a plurality of features extending from the first surface of the interconnected polymeric strands; wherein only one of any two adjacent polymeric strands has a plurality of features extending from the first surface of the interconnected polymeric strands; and wherein at least one of the interconnected polymeric strands is non-linear; and a plurality of openings between adjacent interconnected polymeric strands.

In some illustrative examples, a medical drape suitable for treating a tissue site may include an adherent surface including first adherent force profile oriented along a first axis and a second adherent force profile oriented along a second axis. The first adherent force profile may have an average force less than an average force of the second adherent force profile. Other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also provided.

A medical dressing configured to be applied to a chest wound, the dressing including: a flexible main membrane including a front surface configured to face a chest of a patient and a back surface opposite to the front surface, wherein the flexible main membrane includes an opening; an adhesive layer on the front surface of the main membrane wherein the adhesive layer extends entirely around the opening; a flexible sealing membrane entirely covering the opening of the flexible main and overlapping at least a portion of the main membrane; an annular array of joints sandwiched between the sealing membrane and the main membrane, wherein the array of joints extends around the opening; and vent passages sandwiched between the main membrane and the sealing membrane, wherein vent passages each extend between an adjacent pair of the joints and defines an air passage from the opening and to an outer edge of the sealing membrane.

A heat patch includes a dressing layer, a release layer, an adherence layer, and a heating layer. The dressing layer is combined with the release layer and the adherence layer. The heating layer is combined with the adherence layer. When the dressing layer is adhered to the user skin, the heating structure of the heating layer generates the heat which is transmitted to the dressing layer for achieving a hot compressing function.

A wound closing bandage may include a first member and a second member, each with a first end and a second end. The first member and the second member may be positioned adjacent to one another and secured in an optimal initial position with respect to one another by way of a locator tab. The first ends of the first member and the second member may be positioned on and secured to the skin of a user and adjacent to the edges of an open wound or incision, the bandage location may be guided by a locator line. The second ends of the first member and the second member may be pulled apart from one another, severing or detaching the locator tab and pulling the open wound closed. The second ends may then be secured to the skin and/or top of the first ends already secured to the skin.

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to negative pressure treatment systems and wound dressing systems, apparatuses, and methods that may be used for the treatment of wounds. In particular, some embodiments are directed to improved wound dressings comprising a number of viewing portals that facilitate observation of wound tissue or healthy skin underlying the wound dressing. Some embodiments of the viewing portals are provided by forming through holes in internal dressing layers including absorbent material and transmission material, optionally by providing a plug material within the through holes, and by providing translucent or transparent cover layer and tissue contact layer materials.

Apparatuses for minimizing scar spread and reducing risk of wound dehiscence and related methods. Some of the apparatuses include a flexible first strip and a flexible second strip, the first and second strips configured to be coupled to a patient's back on opposing sides of a wound and a substantially inelastic and flexible layer of material configured to be directly coupled to the first and second strips with the layer in tension to resist separation of the first and second strips, where the layer is configured to be removably coupled to at least one of the first and second strips. In some of the apparatuses, the layer is configured to be removably coupled to each of the first and second strips. In some of the apparatuses, the layer is non-removably coupled to and/or is unitary with at least one of the first and second strips.