A negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system are described. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate closure of the wound by utilizing a stabilizing structure that preferentially contracts to provide for movement of the tissue. Some embodiments may utilize a protective layer, such as a mesh or net layer, attached to a top surface of the stabilizing structure. The protective layer prevents a drape positioned over the stabilizing structure from being drawn into cells of the stabilizing structure, and permits visualization of the collapse of the cells.

A closing dressing bolster and assembly for use with a system for treating a linear wound on a patient includes a bolster body formed from a flexible closing bolster material having closing members that are operable to develop an inward closing force when the closing dressing bolster is placed under reduced pressure. In one aspect, when the closing dressing bolster is under reduced pressure, the system, dressing, or assembly develops an inward force realized at the linear wound and a compression force. A wicking-material holder and wicking material may be used as well. The member components may all be see-through to allow visual inspection of the wound without requiring removal of the dressing.

The present disclosure relates to apparatus for covering a burn or other wound in ways that prevent or limit touching the wound. The present disclosure describes Burn Bandages that may include domes or structures that bridge over a wide range of a burn or wound size. In certain instances these structures may expand in one or more directions as they are adjusted to fit to a particular burn or wound size. Such bridging structures may include airways, openings, or voids that promote air/oxygen flow to the wound as the Burn Bandage sits upon surfaces or pads that contact healthy surrounding tissue while they cover a wound site. The apparatus may be any shape including, yet not limited to, a circle, a rectangle, a square, a hexagon, an octagon, an oval, a cone, a cylinder, have a semi-cylindrical shape, or that have any another geometric shape.

The wound therapy apparatus may include a wound interface sealingly securable to the skin surface around a wound bed to encloses the wound bed within an enclosed space that is fluid-tight. The wound interface may be sufficiently deformation resistant to distend at least a portion of the wound bed into the enclosed space when pressure p.sub.0 within the enclosed space is less than ambient pressure p.sub.amb. Fluid may be communicated with the enclosed space when the wound interface is sealingly secured to the skin surface in order to vary a pressure p.sub.0 within the enclosed space periodically over the pressure range p.sub.min≤p.sub.0≤p.sub.max. The variation of the pressure p.sub.0 may distend the wound bed into communication with a pad received within the enclosed space and decreases the wound bed contact with the pad. Related methods of use of the wound therapy apparatus are also disclosed.

The present invention has absorbency for the exudate of the wound surface and can maintain a moist environment suitable for promoting healing of the wound surface for a long time, an adhesive transparent multi-functional wound-covering material and a method for manufacturing the same are proposed so as not to cause pain or damage to the regenerated skin when replacing the wound dressing. Such a wound-covering material includes 14% by weight of polyvinylpyrrolidone, 5% by weight of propylene glycol, 79.0996% by weight of water, 0.6% by weight of calcium chloride, 0.3% by weight of potassium sorbate, 0.0004% by weight of RH oligopeptide, and 1% by weight of D-xylitol.

A bandage comprising a base substrate, a wound covering portion, a first side coupling member and a second side coupling member, and a first side and second side adhesive portion. The base substrate includes a central region, a first side region and a second side region, and comprises an elastic member. The wound covering portion is positioned over the central region. The first side coupling member extends over the first side region. The second side coupling member extending over the second region. The first side adhesive portion is positioned on the first side region. The second side adhesive portion positioned on the second side region. A method of use as well as a protective carrier are likewise disclosed.

A disposable dressing forms a compartment around and above a wound site and a volatile antimicrobial compound is allowed to sublimate/evaporate into the compartment. A heating element is included in the dressing, with heat stimulating wound healing and simultaneously accelerating sublimation/evaporation of the antimicrobial compound.

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 an obscuring layer that may hide fluid contained therein. Some embodiments may further comprise one or more viewing windows disposed therethrough so as to enable monitoring or examination of fluids contained therein.

A photosensitive medical tape includes a backing layer that is at least partially transparent to a first spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. The photosensitive medical tape also includes a coupling layer disposed on a first side of the backing layer to provide adhesion of the photosensitive medical tape to the human skin. The photosensitive medical tape is disposed to absorb a second spectrum of electromagnetic radiation to decrease a strength of the adhesion provided by the coupling layer. The photosensitive medical tape is also flexible.

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.