Systems, methods, and apparatuses for forming a multi-function core for a dressing are described. The multi-function core includes a contact layer configured to be positioned adjacent to a tissue site, a wicking layer adjacent to the contact layer, an ion exchange layer adjacent to the wicking layer, an absorbing layer adjacent to the ion exchange layer, a blocking layer adjacent to the absorbing layer, and an odor-absorbing layer adjacent to the blocking layer. The contact layer, the wicking layer, the ion exchange layer, the absorbing layer, the blocking layer, and the odor-absorbing layer are coextensive and formed from a plurality of fibers disposed in a fibrous web. Methods of manufacturing the multi-function core are also described.

This disclosure relates to a multi-layer wound care device having absorption and fluid transfer properties. The wound care device contains capillary force one-way pumps that are capable of transporting fluid, such as wound exudate, away from a wound site to the opposite side of the wound care device, which functions as a segregated fluid reservoir. This fluid transport mechanism generally aids in reducing wound maceration by removing excess wound fluid and the protease enzymes and infectious bacteria contained within the wound fluid. The wound care device performs this function, often times for multiple days, without the loss of the physical integrity of the wound care device. In addition to providing a uni-directional fluid transport mechanism, the wound care device provides improved absorption properties.

A vented wound dressing barrier includes one or more membrane layers with a plurality of vents. The vents are cut along a perimeter of the vents through the one or more membrane layers. Each vent having a connection portion uncut relative to the one or more membrane layers thereby forming a hinge configured to allow the vents to open for drainage when exposed to fluid underlying the vented wound dressing barrier. The plurality of vents is each cut along the perimeter without removal of any of the membrane layer. The one or more membrane layers with the plurality of vents has a surface for covering a wound, the surface area in the absence of a fluid pressing on the vents having no openings or voids which reduce the surface area of a vented wound dressing barrier area covering a wound.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for forming a multi-function core for a dressing are described. The multi-function core includes a contact layer configured to be positioned adjacent to a tissue site, a wicking layer adjacent to the contact layer, an ion exchange layer adjacent to the wicking layer, an absorbing layer adjacent to the ion exchange layer, a blocking layer adjacent to the absorbing layer, and an odor-absorbing layer adjacent to the blocking layer. The contact layer, the wicking layer, the ion exchange layer, the absorbing layer, the blocking layer, and the odor-absorbing layer are coextensive and formed from a plurality of fibers disposed in a fibrous web. Methods of manufacturing the multi-function core are also described.

Wound dressings provide a tenacious occlusive seal against the skin of a wearer, even in the presence of excessive blood or heavy perspiration. The preferred embodiment uses a hydrogel island providing superior hydrophilic gel adhesion. The product performs under extreme temperatures (i.e., 32-140 F.), and may be used to hold other dressings in place. Different vented embodiments are disclosed. A preferred structure includes a cover layer peripherally bonded to backing and hydrogel layers having a central aperture therethrough. The cover layer may have one or more holes, passages, tunnels or pockets to release pressure from a wound through the central aperture to the ambient environment. Layers that come in contact with blood products are preferably anti-thrombogenic to reduce or eliminate thrombi, or clotting that might interfere or obstruct venting. In particular, blood-contacting cover and cover/backing layers may use a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film, more particularly a polyether TPU film.

A system for reduced scarring of wounds; said system comprising: means (1) for creating an enclosed volume (3) over a wound site (2). The system further comprises: means (6, 10, 11, 12) for actively reducing the oxygen concentration within the enclosed volume at the surface of the wound to a first oxygen concentration level while maintaining an environment within the enclosed volume which is healthy for wound healing, means (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) for ensuring that the oxygen concentration of the gas composition of the gas within the enclosed volume at the surface of the wound is maintained below a second oxygen concentration level and above a third oxygen concentration level, and where said system is arranged such that said first, second and third oxygen concentration levels are between 1 and 16 volume percent.

A vented wound dressing barrier includes one or more membrane layers with a plurality of vents. The vents are cut along a perimeter of the vents through the one or more membrane layers. Each vent having a connection portion uncut relative to the one or more membrane layers thereby forming a hinge configured to allow the vents to open for drainage when exposed to fluid underlying the vented wound dressing barrier. The plurality of vents is each cut along the perimeter without removal of any of the membrane layer. The one or more membrane layers with the plurality of vents has a surface for covering a wound, the surface area in the absence of a fluid pressing on the vents having no openings or voids which reduce the surface area of a vented wound dressing barrier area covering a wound.

A wound dressing system comprising a wrap and a frangible ampoule is provided. The wrap is configured to contact/surround a wound site and includes an oxygen catalyst. The ampoule includes an oxygen precursor. The catalyst and precursor are configured to form oxygen when combined. A wound dressing system including a container is also provided that includes a powder, wrap, and frangible ampoule. The powder is disposed within the container, which is configured to allow the powder to be dispersed onto a wound site when activated. The wrap, which may include an oxygen catalyst, is also disposed in the container and is configured to contact/surround the wound site. The ampoule, also disposed in the container, includes a liquid containing an oxygen precursor. The liquid is configured to contact the wrap when the container is activated. Further, the catalyst and precursor are configured to form oxygen when combined.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for increasing liquid absorption are described. Some embodiments may include a dressing having an absorbent layer containing super-absorbent material as well as ionic-exchange media (IEM). In some embodiments, the absorbent layer may include absorbent fibers. The absorbent fibers may each include a super-absorbent core surrounded by a water-permeable layer onto which ionic-exchange media (IEM) may be grafted. As liquid comes into contact with the IEM, its ionic nature may be reduced, therefore protecting the absorbent qualities of the super-absorbent material.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for increasing liquid absorption are described. Some embodiments may include a dressing having an absorbent layer containing super-absorbent material as well as ionic-exchange media (IEM). In some embodiments, the absorbent layer may include absorbent fibers. The absorbent fibers may each include a super-absorbent core surrounded by a water-permeable layer onto which ionic-exchange media (IEM) may be grafted. As liquid comes into contact with the IEM, its ionic nature may be reduced, therefore protecting the absorbent qualities of the super-absorbent material.