Devices, kits and methods described herein may include a dressing that is pre-strained and stored for a period of time after which the dressing is applied to the skin of a subject.

A super-absorbent dressing assembly for use with a reduced-pressure wound treatment system includes a breathable, fluid restricted dry layer for placement against a wound, a super-absorbent layer, and a non-breathable layer, and a drape extending over the non-breathable layer. A reduced-pressure interface is available to fluidly couple the super-absorbent layer to a reduced-pressure subsystem. The super-absorbent dressing assembly preferably supplies a compressive force when placed under reduced pressure. A reduced-pressure treatment system uses a super-absorbent bolster to treat wounds, e.g., linear wounds.

The present invention relates to a wound dressing comprising or consisting of (a) a covering layer; (b) a sheath on the wound facing side of the covering layer, (c) an absorbent core within the sheath, and (d) an adherent layer on the wound facing side of the sheath; wherein the sheath comprises (b1) an adhesive sheath layer, (b2) a proximal sheath layer on the proximal sides of the absorbent core and the adhesive sheath layer and (b3) a distal sheath layer on the distal sides of the absorbent core and the adhesive sheath layer; wherein the adherent layer comprises an opening, and wherein the adherent layer has (i) a wound facing proximal side adapted to adhere to a body part, and (ii) a distal side adhering to an outer rim of the covering layer.

Disclosed embodiments may relate to dressings configured to provide negative-pressure therapy to a tissue site, such as an incision, while simultaneously allowing viewing of the tissue site during negative-pressure therapy. For example, the dressing may comprise a viewing window extending through the manifold. In some embodiments, the viewing window may be configured to provide lateral strain and/or apposition forces on the tissue site during therapy. In some embodiments, the manifold may comprise two horizontally-spaced strips of foam with a gap therebetween, and a transparent separator film may span the gap. In some embodiments, the separator film may comprise a plurality of perforations and/or textured features. In some embodiments, a transparent cover may be disposed over the manifolding strips. Additionally disclosed are other apparatus, dressings, systems, and methods.

A system for providing reduced-pressure treatment to a moveable tissue site, such as a joint, includes a flexible dressing bolster. The flexible dressing bolster has a first side and a second, inward-facing side, and a plurality of flexion joints formed on the flexible dressing bolster. The system further includes a sealing subsystem for providing a fluid seal over the flexible dressing bolster and the patient's epidermis and a reduced-pressure subsystem for delivering a reduced pressure to the sealing subsystem. The sealing subsystem and reduced-pressure subsystem are operable to deliver a reduced pressure to the moveable tissue site. The flexible dressing bolster is operable to allow articulation or movement of the moveable tissue site. The sealing subsystem may include a drape with folds. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are presented.

A medical drape for use with a reduced pressure system for providing reduced pressure to a tissue site is described. In some embodiments, the drape may include a flexible film, and an adhesive layer coupled to the flexible film. The adhesive layer may include a first adhesive disposed on a first portion of the flexible film in a first pattern. The first adhesive can be configured to secure the flexible film proximate to the tissue site. The adhesive layer generally includes a second adhesive disposed on a second portion of the flexible film in a second pattern. The second adhesive can be configured to seal the flexible film proximate to the tissue site. The first pattern and the second pattern are preferably registered so that the first portion and the second portion are offset to cover substantially different portions of the flexible film.

A wound dressing material comprises a base fiber web, a wound-contact scrim, and an antimicrobial layer. The wound-contact scrim comprises water-sensitive fibers comprising a copolymer comprising divalent hydroxyethylene monomer units and divalent dihydroxybutylene monomer units. The antimicrobial layer is sandwiched between the base fiber web and the wound-contact scrim. The wounds dressing material may be contacted with an exposed surface of a wound. A method of making the wound dressing material is also disclosed.

A breathable adhesive bandage, sticking plaster or plaster includes a fabric layer, a pad and an adhesive. The adhesive may provide only partial coverage of the fabric layer, allowing breathability. The pad and/or fabric layer may be formed from wool, such as merino wool. A backing may be applied to the adhesive layer.

A dressing assembly for use with a reduced pressure treatment system, the dressing assembly develops a directed force under reduced pressure. The directed force may be a radial force or a closing force. The dressing assembly includes a shaped dressing bolster having a shaped extremity that is operable to evenly deliver the radial force and to distribute reduced pressure. Numerous shapes may be used for the shaped extremity. The dressing assembly may further include an over-drape to assist in creating a seal over the shaped dressing bolster and against a portion of a patient's epidermis.

A reduced-pressure system for treating tissue, such as damaged subcutaneous tissue, includes a shaped dressing bolster for placing on the patient's epidermis and substantially sized to overlay the damaged subcutaneous tissue. The system further includes a sealing subsystem for providing a fluid seal over the shaped dressing bolster and a portion of the patient's epidermis, and a reduced-pressure subsystem for delivering a reduced pressure to the sealing subsystem. The reduced-pressure system may develop a force, which may include a vertical force that is realized at tissue site deeper than the epidermis or a closing force directed towards the incision. The shaped dressing bolster is shaped to evenly distribute the force. Other methods and systems are included.