Wound Management Method and Apparatus

Abstract

Wound drain (100) includes a body of soft and flexible elastomeric material. The body includes a flange (110) having a generally planar form and an elongate shaft (120) having a first portion extending to one side of the flange (110), and optionally a second portion extending to the opposite side of the flange. The flange (110) has a cross-sectional length in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the shaft (120) that is larger than a cross-sectional length of the shaft (120). The shaft (120) includes one or more channels (123) each extending along its entire length or a portion of its length, and along both the first and second portions of the shaft (120) when the second portion of the shaft (120) is present.

Claims

1. A wound drain, comprising: a body of soft and flexible elastomeric material, the body including an elongate shaft and a flange having a generally planar form and having a portion extending radially outward from the shaft to define a surface radially outward from an outer surface of the shaft that operatively limits insertion of the shaft into a wound, the shaft having a first portion extending axially from one side of the flange, at least a portion of the flange having a cross-sectional length in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the shaft that is larger than a cross-sectional length of the shaft, the shaft including at least one channel extending along a portion of its length, the flange including at least one aperture or groove each in flow communication with one of the at least one channel of the shaft, whereby when used, draining fluid from the wound passes into and through the at least one channel of the shaft and outward through the at least one aperture or groove in the flange.

2. The wound drain of claim 1, wherein the body has a unitary structure.

3. The wound drain of claim 1, wherein the at least one aperture or groove in the flange has a cross-sectional dimension that is equal to or exceeds the cross-sectional dimensions of the at least one channel of the shaft and is surrounded by elastomeric material of the flange.

4. The wound drain of claim 1, wherein the at least one channel consists of two channels, and the flange contains two grooves that each are continuous with a respective one of the two channels of the shaft.

5. The wound drain of claim 1, wherein the shaft has a smooth tip, the at least one channel in the shaft terminating at a location apart from the tip.

6. The wound drain of claim 1, wherein the shaft has a second portion extending axially from an opposite side of the flange from the first portion, the channels in the shaft extending in both the first and second portions.

7. The wound drain of claim 1, wherein the flange has a uniform cross-sectional length and the shaft has a uniform cross-sectional length less than the cross-sectional length of the flange.

8. A wound drain, comprising: a body of soft and flexible elastomeric material, the body including an elongate shaft including at least one channel extending longitudinally along at least a portion of its length and integral insertion limiting means that limit insertion of the shaft into an incision, the insertion limiting means including a portion that extends radially outward from the shaft to define a surface radially outward from an outer surface of the shaft that operatively limits insertion of the shaft into the incision, the insertion limiting means including at least one aperture or groove each in flow communication with one of the at least one channel of the shaft, whereby when used, draining fluid from a wound passes into and through the at least one channel of the shaft and outward through the at least one apertures or groove.

9. A method for draining a wound and providing negative pressure to a wound, comprising: inserting into a wound at least one drain including a body of soft and flexible elastomeric material, the body including an elongate shaft and a flange having a generally planar form and having a portion extending radially outward from the shaft to define a surface radially outward from an outer surface of the shaft that operatively limits insertion of the shaft into a wound, the shaft having a first portion extending axially from one side of the flange, at least a portion of the flange having a cross-sectional length in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the shaft that is larger than a cross-sectional length of the shaft, the shaft including at least one channel extending along a portion of its length, the flange including at least one aperture or groove each in flow communication with one of the at least one channels of the shaft, and applying suction to urge fluid in the wound to pass through the at least one channel in the shaft and through the communicating aperture or groove in the flange.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising inserting the at least one drain into the wound perpendicular to a plane of a body wall and such that the flange remains above a surface of the skin.

11. The method of claim 10, where the wound is a surgical incision and the skin of the incision is closed so that only the drain perforates the incision.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one drain comprises a plurality of drains, further comprising placing the drains along a length of the wound.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising placing a single sponge over the multiple drain flanges and over the wound, securing the sponge with an occlusive adhesive membrane that is fixed to the skin surrounding the sponge and wound.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising attaching a tube to an aperture in the membrane and applying the negative pressure through the tube to the sponge, multiple drains and wound.

15. The method of claim 10, further comprising placing a sponge over the drain flange and over the wound and securing the sponge with an occlusive adhesive membrane that is secured to the skin surrounding the sponge and wound.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising attaching a tube to an aperture in the membrane and applying the negative pressure through the tube to the sponge, at least one drain and wound.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising attaching an internal space of the tube to the sponge in flow communication with a pump that provides the negative pressure to the sponge and through the at least one drain to the wound.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the shaft has a second portion extending axially from an opposite side of the flange than the first portion of the shaft and the sponge has a linear groove to accommodate the second portion of the shaft.

19. The method of claim 9, further comprising securing the drain to the skin with at least one stitch that runs through the skin and the elastomeric material of the flange.

20. The method of claim 9, further comprising securing the drain to the skin with at least one stitch that runs through the skin and an aperture in the flange that is surrounded by elastomeric material of the flange.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals identify like elements.

[0019] FIG. 1A is a side view of a first embodiment of a drain for use in a method for managing a surgical wound in accordance with this invention.

[0020] FIG. 1B is a top end view of the first embodiment of a drain for use in a method for managing a surgical wound in accordance with this invention.

[0021] FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view through the shaft of the first embodiment of a drain for use in a method for managing a surgical wound in accordance with this invention.

[0022] FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the first embodiment of a drain for use in a method for managing a surgical wound in accordance with this invention.

[0023] FIG. 2A is a side view of a second embodiment of a drain for use in a method for managing a surgical wound in accordance with this invention.

[0024] FIG. 2B is a top end view of the second embodiment of a drain for use in a method for managing a surgical wound in accordance with this invention.

[0025] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view through the shaft of the second embodiment of a drain for use in a method for managing a surgical wound in accordance with this invention.

[0026] FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the second embodiment of a drain for use in a method for managing a surgical wound in accordance with this invention.

[0027] FIG. 3A is a side view of a third embodiment of a drain for use in a method for managing a surgical wound in accordance with this invention

[0028] FIG. 3B is a top end view of the third embodiment of a drain for use in a method for managing a surgical wound in accordance with this invention.

[0029] FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the third embodiment of a drain for use in a method for managing a surgical wound in accordance with this invention.

[0030] FIG. 4A is a side view of a fourth embodiment of a drain for use in a method for managing a surgical wound in accordance with this invention.

[0031] FIG. 4B is a top end view of the fourth embodiment of a drain for use in a method for managing a surgical wound in accordance with this invention.

[0032] FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view through the shaft of the fourth embodiment of a surgical drain in accordance with the invention.

[0033] FIG. 4D is a bottom end view of the fourth embodiment of a surgical drain in accordance with the invention.

[0034] FIG. 4E is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of a drain for use in a method for managing a surgical wound in accordance with this invention.

[0035] FIG. 5A is an overhead view showing the positions of two of the first embodiment of a drain used in a method for managing a surgical wound in accordance with this invention.

[0036] FIG. 5B is a sectional view through the subcutaneous plane of the wound showing cross-sections of the shafts of two of the first embodiment of a drain used in a method for managing a surgical wound in accordance with this invention.

[0037] FIG. 6A is a longitudinal sectional view of the use of apparatus in a method for managing a surgical wound in accordance with this invention, showing two of the first embodiment of the drain.

[0038] FIG. 6B is a longitudinal sectional view of the use of apparatus in a method for managing a surgical wound in accordance with this invention, using two of the second embodiment of the drain.

[0039] FIG. 7A is a transverse sectional view of the apparatus for use in a method for managing a surgical wound in accordance with this invention, showing the first embodiment of the drain.

[0040] FIG. 7B is a transverse sectional view of the apparatus for use in a method for managing a surgical wound in accordance with this invention, showing the second embodiment of the drain.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the basic steps of the method of this invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D, a first embodiment of a surgical drain according to the invention is designated generally as 100 and has a body of soft and flexible elastomeric material. The body of the drain 100 includes an elongate shaft 120 extending to one side of a flange 110 that preferably has a generally planar form. The flange 110 may be integral with the shaft 120 or may be fabricated separately and secured to the shaft 120, for example by means of adhesive. The flange 110 may have planar upper and lower surfaces and as illustrated, the shaft 120 extends axially from a side of the lower surface, i.e., has a first portion extending to one side of the flange 110.

[0043] The flange 110 has a cross-sectional length, i.e., the length from one edge to an opposite edge and in a direction perpendicular to the axial or longitudinal direction of the shaft 120, that is larger than the cross-sectional length of the shaft 120 to thereby form an overhang. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1D, the flange 110 has a substantially uniform cross-sectional length and the shaft 120 also has a substantially uniform cross-sectional length. However, the cross-sectional length of the flange 110 and shaft 120 do not have to be uniform. One purpose of the flange 110 in general, and specifically the larger cross-sectional length of the flange 110 relative to the shaft 120, is to limit insertion of the drain 100 into a wound during use using a structure integral to the body of the drain 100. Therefore, the shaft 120 does not have an outer periphery that is contiguous with the outer periphery of the flange 110, but rather attaches to the underside of the flange 110 inward of the outer periphery of the flange 110 to provide the desire overhand of the flange 110. There are other means to achieve this insertion limiting function without requiring substantially uniform cross-sectional lengths for the flange 110 and shaft 120, e.g., providing the cross-sectional length of the flange 110 along only a portion thereof to be greater than the cross-sectional length of the shaft 120 so that the cross-sectional length of the flange 110 is not uniform (see FIGS. 4B and 4E). These means will generally be referred to as integral insertion limiting means.

[0044] Flange 110 may contain any number of openings or apertures 111 (see FIGS. 1B and 1D). The flange 110 serves to prevent the drain 100 from receding into the wound during use. It may eliminate the need to suture the drain 100 to the skin. It also provides a convenient means for suturing the drain 100 to the skin, the suture placeable through the flange, either through the soft elastomeric material of the flange or through apertures 111. Shaft 120 contains one or more longitudinal channels 123, providing shaft 120 with a fluted construction. The particular cross-sectional shapes of the flange 110 and shaft 120 shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C are not meant to limit the flange 110 and shaft 120 to any particular cross-sectional shape.

[0045] Shaft 120 may be flexible, i.e., made of a flexible, biocompatible material. The material forming the drain 100 may be doped with radiopaque material, or a radiopaque material may be molded into the drain 100, e.g., as a stripe or strand, so that the drain 100 may be detected by radiographic means. Shaft 120 of drain 100 has a preferred diameter of about 5 mm and a preferred length of about 5 cm. Flange 110 has a preferred diameter of about 10 mm and a preferred thickness of about 1 mm. Also, shaft 120 includes one or more channels 123 that extend in the longitudinal direction of the shaft 120, each from a respective opening in the flange 110 to the bottom of the shaft 120. The openings in the flange 110 may have the same cross-sectional shape as the channels 123. The channels 123 may vary in their longitudinal length, although preferably, they extend to the bottom of the shaft 120 and open at the bottom (see FIG. 1D). Thus, a channel 123 may extend along only a portion of the length of the shaft 120.

[0046] Shaft 120 has a generally cylindrical form with the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 120 being interrupted by the openings of the channels 123 (see FIG. 1D). Channels 123 should be positioned to enable the shaft 120 to maintain its general form after insertion through a wound incision into the skin (discussed below). It is important that the channels 123 be open after the shaft 120 is inserted, both in the longitudinal direction internal of the shaft 120 and the openings in the circumferential surface of the shaft 120, because the drainage provided by the drain 100 occurs through the channels 123 and drainage fluid enters into the channels 123 through the openings in the circumferential surface (as well as through the opening at the longitudinal end of the channel 123).

[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D, a second embodiment of a surgical drain according to the invention is designated generally as 100A and its body includes a fluted shaft 120A, having longitudinal channels 123A, extending through and to both sides of flange 110A, so that a portion 121A of shaft 120A is situated below flange 110A, and a portion 122A of the shaft 120A is above the flange 110A. The flange 110A may be integral with the shaft or may be fabricated separately and secured to the shaft, for example by means of adhesive. Other features of drain 100A may be the same as those of drain 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-1D.

[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, a third embodiment of a drain in accordance with the invention is designated generally as 100B, and its body has a flange 110B fabricated separately and secured to a shaft 120B. The flange 110B may be a planar disc, a cylindrical collar, or a T shaped structure, having a head 113 and tubular stem 114, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C. The stem 114 of the T of the flange 110A may be directed upward toward the shorter side of the shaft 120B, or downward toward the longer side of the shaft 120B. An advantage of the latter configuration is that when placed into the wound with the short end external to the skin, as intended, the flange stem shields the epithelial layer of skin from being in direct contact with channels of the drain 100B, sponge and negative pressure applied through the sponge, and thereby prevents damage to this sensitive layer.

[0049] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E show an embodiment of an elastomeric surgical drain 100C in which the body has a generally planar flange 110C, an elongate shaft 120C and a tip 124C at an end of the shaft 120C. Shaft 120C contains one or more longitudinal channels 123C, each of which is continuous with an aperture 111C or a groove 112C in the flange 110C, i.e., in communication therewith. Shaft 120C may be flexible, i.e., made of a flexible, biocompatible material. The channels 123C provide the shaft 120C with a fluted construction. Preferably, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the channels 123C in the shaft 120C and the apertures 111C or grooves 112C in the flange 110C, i.e., each channel 123C communicates with a single aperture 111C or a single groove 112C. Other flow communication arrangements are possible. In a preferred embodiment, there are two grooves 112C on opposite sides of the flange 110C and thus two corresponding channels 123C in the shaft 120C.

[0050] In the plane of flange 110C, apertures 111C are completely surrounded by elastomeric material, whereas grooves 112C are not, i.e., grooves 112C are open radially outward (as shown in FIG. 4B). As such, apertures 111C and grooves 112C may be formed after the flange 110C, i.e., as perforations made into a solid material forming the flange 110C. Further, in the plane of the flange 110C, the dimensions of the apertures 111C preferably exceed the cross-sectional dimensions of the respective communicating channels 123C of the shaft 120C.

[0051] The flange 110C has a cross-sectional length, i.e., the length from one edge to an opposite edge and in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shaft 120C, that is larger than the cross-sectional length of the shaft 120C, i.e., one or more portions of the flange 110C extend radially outward beyond the outermost radial edge of the shaft 120C. Some portions of the flange 110C may have a cross-sectional length that is the same as or smaller than the cross-sectional length of the shaft 120C, e.g., those portions at which the grooves 112C are formed.

[0052] Channels 123C preferably stop short of tip 124C, i.e., extend only along a portion of the longitudinal dimension of the shaft 120C, so that the surface of tip 124C may be smooth without openings. Each channel 123C may end abruptly in a squared-off manner, or become more shallow in the direction toward the tip 124C and disappear as it approaches the tip 124C. The particular cross-section shapes of the apertures 111C, grooves 112C and channels 123C shown in FIGS. 4B-4E, are not meant to limit the invention in any manner whatsoever. Also, the particular cross-sectional shapes of the flange 110C and shaft 120C shown in FIGS. 4A-4E are not meant to limit the flange 110C and shaft 120C to any particular cross-sectional shape.

[0053] Drains 100, 100A and 100C may be formed as a single unit using a molding process, preferably from a soft and flexible elastomeric material. The drains may thus be a unitary structure, a single piece structure, a homogenous structure, and combinations of such. The particular singular material or combination of materials, such as biocompatible materials, from which the drains are formed would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art of wound drainage in view of the disclosure herein. Also, the molding process used to form the drains may be any process that is capable of providing the drains with the characteristics disclosed herein.

[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A and 7A, an exemplifying, non-limiting method for draining a surgical wound 1 and applying negative pressure to the surgical wound 1 in accordance with the invention includes closing a surgical incision 2 by approximating the skin 3 on either side with staples or sutures 6, typically placed in an interrupted manner. The method may entail trimming the shaft 120 of at least one drain 100 to optimal length, inserting the shaft 120 of at least one drain 100 between staples or sutures 6 through the incision 2 in the skin 3, perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the plane of the skin 3, into a subcutaneous layer 4 of the wound 1 so that the end of each drain 100 is situated above a closed fascial layer 5 of the wound 1 and the flange 110 is situated above the skin 3.

[0055] FIG. 5A shows the use of two drains 100, although the actual number used for each wound draining may vary as determined, e.g., by the surgeon or other operatory personnel. Drains 100 are shown extending perpendicular to the skin 3 and fascia 5, but in use, a portion of the drain may lie in another orientation, for example, parallel to the fascia as the drain traverses under a skin flap or between tissue planes.

[0056] Each drain 100 may be secured in this position by a suitable securing mechanism or technique, for example, with a suture tie 7 by passing a suture needle and thread through the skin and the flange 110 of the drain 100 and tying to form one or more stitches that pass through the skin 3 and flange 110 of the drain 100. The suture may be passed through the aperture 111 in the flange 110 or through the elastomeric substance of the flange. Instead of a suture tie 7, other comparable securing mechanisms known to those skilled in this field may be used. Such securing mechanisms are collectively referred to as securing means herein.

[0057] To avoid damage to intact skin by suction to be applied through a sponge 30 that will be placed over the drains 100, protective adhesive film strips 20 are placed along both sides of the incision 2 for the length of the incision 2 (see FIGS. 6A and 7A) or a single adhesive film dressing can be placed directly over the incision. If placed directly over the incision, the adhesive film dressing can be applied prior to implantation of the drains, and can be punctured to create openings through which the drains can be implanted, with the shaft 120 passing through the adhesive film strips 20 and skin and the flange 110 remaining above the adhesive film strips 20.

[0058] Adhesive film strips 20 and the adhesive film dressing described in the previous paragraph, serve to protect the underlying skin from damage caused by direct contact with a sponge under negative pressure. The semipermeable nature of the adhesive film dressings and strips allows vapor produced by the skin to traverse the film and be absorbed by the sponge.

[0059] An open cell foam sponge 30 is then preferably placed over drains 100 to cover the drains, incision 2 (see FIGS. 6A and 7A) and protective adhesive film strips 20 or dressing. The sponge 30 would preferably be long enough so it could cover most surgical incisions and in use would be cut to the length of the surgical incision, if necessary. Dimensions of approximately 1.5 cm thick, 5 cm wide and 30 cm long for the sponge 30 are preferable. The width of the sponge may be narrower with one location on the sponge, e.g., one end 31 of the sponge 30, may be expanded (to for example, 5 cm), and possibly assume a substantially circular shape, in order to better accommodate a suction dome 51 and its flange 52. Although a single sponge 30 is shown, if necessary, multiple sponges may be used.

[0060] An occlusive transparent adhesive film drape 40 with its adhesive surface facing downward, is preferably placed over the sponge 30 to cover the entire sponge 30 and incision 2, and then firmly secured to the healthy skin 3 around the wound margin. Coverage of the entire sponge 30 and incision 2 by the adhesive film drape 40 prevents an air leak from developing that would adversely impact the vacuum and suction application. One or more additional adhesive film drapes or dressings may be placed over those described to reinforce all seals.

[0061] An aperture 41 is cut into or otherwise provided in the adhesive film 40 above the sponge 30 (see FIGS. 6A and 7A). Onto this aperture 41, a suction dome 51 or other hub of a tube assembly 50 is secured, for example, by means of an adhesive film collar 53 that may be attached to the flange 52 of suction dome 51. Alternatively, a hub of a different design, e.g., a short tube with side perforations or channels, can be inserted on top of or through a portion of the sponge and an adhesive film dressing used to seal an interface between the hub and sponge 30 or tube 54 and sponge 30 so that no air leak would ensue when negative pressure is applied to the sponge 30 through the tube 54. Suction dome 51 is provided preferably integrally attached to tube 54 of tube assembly 50. A connector 55 is provided at the end of tube 54 opposite suction dome 51, that connects to a tube 62 from container 61, either directly or by means of a compatible connector fitting on the end of tube 62. Tube 54 may have a single lumen as shown or multiple lumens in flow communication with suction dome 51 and connector 55. The lumen of tube 54 is placed in flow communication with a suction source 70. A tubing clamp 56 is provided to occlude the tube lumen when circumstances require that tube 54 be separated from the suction source 70, for example, when the patient ambulates.

[0062] When the suction source 70 is activated, constant or variable negative pressure is applied to the sponge 30, each drain 100 and wound 1. Free fluid in the wound 1 is aspirated through channels 123 of each wound drain 100 (see FIGS. 1A-1D), into and through the sponge 30, into the suction dome 51 of tube assembly 50, and through tube 54 and tube 62 into a collection container 61 that is provided with negative pressure by the suction source 70. The adhesive film drape 40 and adhesive film collar 53 impede the ingress of air and allow a partial vacuum to form within the wound 1, reducing its volume and facilitating the removal of fluid. Alternative arrangements to the adhesive film drape 40 and adhesive film collar 53 may be used which function to control air flowing into the sponge 30 at a reduced rate, providing for a constant flow in the sponge 30 and tubing (tube assembly 50, and tubes 54, 62) and still allowing for the maintenance of negative pressure.

[0063] Sponge 30 may contain one or more grooves or slits 32 on its undersurface (FIGS. 6B and 7B) into which portions 122A of shaft 120A of drain 100A or 122B of shaft 120B of drain 100B insert. This allows the sponge 30 to be restrained by the drains, so that the sponge 30 stays more readily in place over the incision 2 and drains while an adhesive film drape 40 is applied.

[0064] Alternatively, foam sponge 30 may be provided with narrow strips of adhesive film fixed, for example, to its undersurface by adhesive or other technique known in the art. These narrow strips may run the full length of foam sponge 30, or a portion of the length, one strip on either side of the groove, neither strip covering the groove, and be provided with liners, so that when the liners are removed the sponge 30 may be secured in place over the incision and drains, to the skin by the adhesive film strips, with portions 122A of shaft 120A of drain 100A or 122B of shaft 120B of drain 100B projecting into the groove 32.

[0065] Drains 100, 100A and 100B may be provided at a longer length, e.g., with shaft 120 or portion 121A of shaft 120A, or portion 121B of shaft 120B, preferably about 5 cm, and can be individually trimmed by the surgeon to a length suitable for its position in the incision. Drains 100D may be provided in varying lengths so as to accommodate varying thicknesses of the fatty subcutaneous layer and wound depths.

[0066] To summarize the basic steps of the method of this invention, which can be seen in chart form in FIG. 8: [0067] Step 1—A surgical incision is closed by approximating skin edges with staples or sutures, or other securing means. [0068] Step 2—One or more channel drains having a flange are placed through the incision into the wound space so that the flange is situated above the skin and the end of the shaft above the fascia. Selection of the number and type of drain is at the discretion of the surgeon, whether one or more of drains 100-100D described above or another comparable drain. [0069] Step 3—One or more protective adhesive film strips are applied to the skin adjacent the incision. [0070] Step 4—One or more sponges is applied over the closed incision and drain(s) so that each sponge is in direct contact flow communication with the drain(s). [0071] Step 5—Each sponge is dressed with one or more adhesive film drapes, to cover and maintain the sponge in a substantially air-tight manner against the incision and drain(s). [0072] Step 6—A connector, tube, suction dome or other hub and adhesive film collar assembly is arranged to be in direct contact with the sponge(s), by cutting an aperture in the adhesive film over the sponge(s), and securing a suction dome or other hub in place with the adhesive film collar so that the tube lumen is in flow communication with the underlying sponge(s), drain(s) and wound. [0073] Step 7—The tube is connected to an additional tube from a suction container by means of the connector. [0074] Step 8—Negative pressure is applied to the container, sponge(s), drain(s) and wound by means of a vacuum source.

[0075] This order of steps is not an absolute requirement and may be altered. For example, step 3 may be performed before step 2.

[0076] While the apparatus and methods of this invention may be used at the time of the surgical operation, the same apparatus and methods may be used in the postoperative period to drain the wound if a wound infection or seroma develops or is suspected.

[0077] With the foregoing apparatus and methods, several objectives and advantages are achieved, such as providing apparatus and methods for expediting healing of a surgical wound, providing apparatus and methods for reducing the chance of developing a wound infection, providing apparatus and methods for reducing labor required for postoperative care of a surgical wound, and/or providing apparatus and methods to reduce cost of postoperative care of a surgical wound.

[0078] While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects, and, therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.