Antimicrobial compression wrap

Abstract

The present invention relates to a compression bandage for treating wounds comprised of a linear elastic compression wrap and a sterilized polymer foam layer containing a plurality of antimicrobial dyes with at least one dye being gram positive and at least one other dye being gram negative and a biofilm reduction agent and wherein said foam is secured to said linear elastic compression wrap.

Claims

1. A compression bandage for treating wounds comprised an elongated strip of a skin contacting polymer foam containing a plurality of antimicrobial dyes with at least one dye being gram positive and at least one other dye being gram negative, a biofilm reduction agent and an elongated elastic compression wrap secured to said skin contacting foam layer.

2. The compression bandage of claim 1 wherein said dyes are taken form a group of dye consisting of triaryl or diarylmethanes, methylene blue, toluidine blue, methylene violet, azure A, azure B, azure C, brilliant cresol blue, thionin, methylene green, bromcresol green, gentian violet, acridine orange, brilliant green, acridine yellow, quinacrine, trypan blue, trypan red and mixtures of these dyes.

3. The compression bandage of claim 1 wherein said polymer foam is taken from a group of polymers consisting of polyvinyl formal, polyvinyl acetal, polyurethane, or a mixture of polymers.

4. The compression bandage of claim 1 wherein said gram positive and gram negative dyes are methylene blue and gentian violet.

5. The compression bandage of claim 1 wherein said foam has a morphology characterized by an average pore throat diameter of 0.5-800 m, a fluid retention of 5.5-25.0 mL fluids/g porous material, and a density of 0.05-0.15 g polymer/cm.sup.3 porous material.

6. The compression bandage of claim 5 wherein said foam comfort layer is interconnected by pores suitable to provide capillary flow and has a density ranging from about 0.09 to about 0.11 g polymer/cm.sup.3 porous material.

7. The compression bandage of claim 1 wherein said foam layer biofilm reduction agent is taken from a group consisting of amylase enzymes (e.g. amyloglucosidase, bacterial amylo novo), protease enzymes (e.g. savinase and everlase) fibrinolytic agents (e.g. plasmin, streptokinase, and nattokinase, and TrypLE), deoxyribonuclease I, glycoside hydrolase dispersin B, and cellulose.

8. The compression bandage of claim 1 including a sleeve to be worn over the outer compression layer.

9. The compression bandage of claim 1 wherein said foam layer additionally contains at least one chelating agent to sequester the metals that crosslink polysaccharides in the biofilm, said chelating agent being taken from a group including ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA), citrates, phosphonates and phosphoric acids.

10. The compression bandage of claim 1 wherein said foam layer additionally contains at least one surfactant taken from a group of ionic and nonionic surfactants consisting of the ionic surfactants of alkyl sulfates (e.g. sodium dodecyl sulfate), alkyl carboxylates, (e.g. sodium stearate), tertiary or quaternary alkyl ammoniums (e.g. cetrimonium bromide, cetrimonium chloride, cetrimonium stearate), 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl) dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS) and the non-ionic surfactants of polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, Triton, Tergitol, Pluronics, IGEPELS, Tweens, fatty acid esters.

11. A compression bandage for treating wounds comprised an elongated layer ranging from about 3 mm to about 5 mm in thickness of a polymer foam layer containing a plurality of antimicrobial dyes with at least one dye being gram positive and at least one other dye being gram negative and a biofilm reduction agent, an elongated elastic compression wrap secured to said elongated foam layer, and a silicone adhesive on the base of said foam layer to keep the wrap in a stable position on the skin.

12. The compression bandage of claim 11 wherein said polymer foam is a polyurethane.

13. The compression bandage of claim 11 wherein said foam layer contains at least one chelating agent to sequester the metals that crosslink polysaccharides in the biofilm, said chelating agent being taken from a group including ethylenediaminetetra acetic acid (EDTA), citrates, phosphonates and phosphoric acids.

14. The compression bandage of claim 11 wherein said foam layer contains at least one biofilm reduction agent taken from a group consisting of amylase enzymes (e.g. amyloglucosidase, bacterial amylo novo), protease enzymes (e.g. savinase and everlase) fibrinolytic agents (e.g. plasmin, streptokinase, and nattokinase, and TrypLE), deoxyribonuclease I, glycoside hydrolase dispersin B, and cellulose.

15. The compression bandage of claim 11 wherein said dyes are taken from a group of dyes consisting of triaryl or diarylmethanes, methylene blue, toluidine blue, methylene violet, azure A, azure B, azure C, brilliant cresol blue, thionin, methylene green, bromcresol green, gentian violet, acridine orange, brilliant green, acridine yellow, quinacrine, trypan blue, trypan red and mixtures of these dyes.

16. The compression bandage of claim 11 wherein said polymer foam is taken from a group of polymers consisting of polyvinyl acetal formal, polyvinyl acetal, polyurethane, or a mixture of said polymers.

17. The compression bandage of claim 11 wherein said foam layer additionally contains at least one surfactant taken from a group of ionic and nonionic surfactants consisting of the ionic surfactants of alkyl sulfates (e.g. sodium dodecyl sulfate), alkyl carboxylates, (e.g. sodium stearate), tertiary or quaternary alkyl ammoniums (e.g. cetrimonium bromide, cetrimonium chloride, cetrimonium stearate), 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS) and the non-ionic surfactants of polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, Triton, Tergitol, Pluronics, IGEPELS, Tweens, fatty acid esters.

18. The compression bandage of claim 11 including a sleeve to be worn over the outer compression layer.

19. The compression bandage of claim 11 where said silicone adhesive is in the form of a plurality of adhesive strips secured to said foam layer.

20. A compression bandage kit comprising a container, length of elastic compression wrap, a elongated length of polymer foam which can be mounted to said length of said elastic compression wrap, said polymer foam being taken from a group of polymers consisting of polyvinyl formal, polyvinyl acetal, polyurethane, or a mixture of polymers. said length of polymer foam containing a plurality of antimicrobial dyes with at least one dye being gram positive and at least one other dye being gram negative, a biofilm reduction agent, a surfactant and an elastic sleeve.

21. The compression bandage of claim 20 wherein said surfactant is taken from a group of ionic and nonionic surfactants consisting of the ionic surfactants of alkyl sulfates (e.g. sodium dodecyl sulfate), alkyl carboxylates, (e.g. sodium stearate), tertiary or quaternary alkyl ammoniums (e.g. cetrimonium bromide, cetrimonium chloride, cetrimonium stearate), 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS) and the non-ionic surfactants of polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, Triton, Tergitol, Pluronics, IGEPELS, Tweens, fatty acid esters.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The present invention will be described with reference to the appended Figures, in which:

[0021] FIG. 1 is an enlarged partial cross section of the two layer compression wrap;

[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention showing a smaller foam section which contacts the skin of the user mounted to the compression layer of the compression bandage;

[0023] FIG. 3 is a partial bottom plan view of the foam comfort layer using strips of silicone adhesive at the end of the foam layer allowing the foam layer to be secured to the skin;

[0024] FIG. 4 is a partial bottom plan view of another embodiment of the foam comfort layer using strips of silicone adhesive along the sides of the foam layer allowing the foam layer to be secured to the skin; and

[0025] FIG. 5 is a kit shown schematically including both layers of the compression bandage separated from each other as separate rolls, a fastener and elastic sleeve.

[0026] These and other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become apparent when considered with the teachings contained in the detailed disclosure along with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Use of the singular herein includes the plural and vice versa unless expressly stated to be otherwise, or obvious from the context that such is not intended. That is, a and the refer to one or more of whatever the word modifies. For example, a device includes one device, two devices, etc. Likewise, a polymer may refer to one, two or more polymers, and the polymer may mean one polymer or a plurality of polymers. By the same token, words such as, without limitation, devices and polymers would refer to one device or polymer as well as to a plurality of devices or polymers unless, again, it is expressly stated or obvious from the context that such is not intended.

[0028] In the same manner, any ranges presented are inclusive of the end-points. For example, a temperature between 10 C. and 30 C. or a temperature from 10 C. to 30 C. includes 10 C. and 30 C., as well as any temperature in between.

[0029] Also, words of approximation when used herein such as, without limitation, about substantially, essentially and approximately mean that the word or phrase modified by the term need not be exactly that which is written but may vary from that written description to some extent. The extent to which the description may vary will depend on how great a change can be instituted and have one of ordinary skill in the art recognize the modified version as still having the properties, characteristics and capabilities of the modified word or phrase. In general, but with the preceding discussion in mind, a numerical value herein that is modified by a word of approximation may vary from the stated value by .+.15%, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0030] The aspects of the present invention are described in the following paragraphs along with their preferred embodiments. In the below text the term wound is to be understood in its broadest sense, i.e. as any exterior part of a human or animal body that may be in need of treatment, particularly antibacterial treatment. Examples of wounds in the present context include but are not limited to: Any laceration to the skin, such as a wound, a chronic wound, a burn wound, a cut, wounds associated with dermatological conditions, grafts, pressure wounds, traumatic wounds, underlying infections with fistulation from bone, joint or soft tissue. The present invention uses polymeric foam or sponges treated with antimicrobial material which is placed over the wound.

[0031] There is currently a need for effective medical products that include active substances which inhibit the growth of and/or kill bacteria, fungi, virus in particular there is a need for wound care products that inhibit the growth of and/or reduce biofilm forming bacteria more efficiently.

[0032] Wound Dressing Materials

[0033] The present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-4 and a kit 30 containing same is shown in FIG. 5. The antimicrobial compression device 10 can have a plurality layers; a compression layer 12 and an antimicrobial absorbent foam comfort layer 14 which can be combined in a number of ways that have a therapeutic value. The antimicrobial comfort layer 14 is the contact layer with the skin 100 or wound 102 and provides a non-abrasive comfort layer for the wound surface. The base dressing material of the comfort layer 14 can be made from a number of polymers or fibers known in the art. In a preferred embodiment the base dressing is a polyurethane foam.

[0034] The wound comfort layer 14 may be a foam or sponge material and is preferably polymeric in composition where the polymer can be a synthetic substance, a natural substance or combinations thereof. In one example the synthetic polymer can be polyvinyl formal, polyvinyl acetal, polyurethane, polyester or a mixture of polymers. It should be noted that the term layer is either referred to as a foam or sponge and these terms can be interchanged with the same meaning. The natural polymer material can be either animal or plant derived, for example, collagen, or chitosan. The preferred sponge material is polyurethane. The sponge material may also be polyvinyl formal or polyvinyl acetal.

[0035] The polyurethane foam or sponge has a morphology characterized by an average pore throat diameter of 0.5-800 m, a fluid retention of 5.5-25.0 mL fluids/g porous material, a density of 0.05-0.15 g polymer/cm.sup.3 porous material, (with a preferred density of about 0.09 to about 0.11 g polymer/cm.sup.3) and a total porosity of 60-99.5%. The cell structure is characterized as open/interconnected with through pores that can be evaluated by techniques such as capillary flow, porosity and liquid extrusion porosimetry.

[0036] The antimicrobial foam comfort layer 14 when used in a compression wrap 10 as shown in FIGS. 1-4. and can be of any length, width and thickness. The foam layer 14 length can range from about 2 feet to about 15 feet long, more preferably 3-9 feet long and most preferably 4 feet long. The foam layer width may be about 1.5 inches to about 8 inches wide and more preferably 2, 4, or 6 inches wide. The foam layer width ranges in thickness from about 0.5 to about 10 mm, more preferably about 2-6 mm thick and most preferably 3-5 mm thick. A third layer formed by a stocking or sleeve 16 may comprise woven or non-woven material and is used to hold the compression wrap in place. Sleeve size can be of any range needed to fit a patient and may further have a lubricious coating to aid in putting it on or taking it off of a patient or user.

[0037] The comfort foam layer 14 is comprised of a foam dressing material with gram positive and gram negative dyes attached to the foam material as noted below.

[0038] The dyes used in the foam layer or additionally in the stretch fabric are clinically safe and have antimicrobial properties. The term antimicrobial is defined as having the ability to destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, and comprises one or more of the following: antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, and antiviral.

[0039] Dyes can include, for example, triaryl or diarylmethanes, methylene blue, toluidine blue, methylene violet, azure A, azure B, azure C, brilliant cresol blue, thionin, methylene green, bromcresol green, gentian violet, acridine orange, brilliant green, acridine yellow, quinacrine, trypan blue, trypan red and mixtures of these dyes. In a preferred embodiment, the dyes are methylene blue and gentian violet. The above dye listing contains gram positive and gram negative dyes. Dyes of both gram types are utilized to combat a large family of bacteria and other microorganisms having gram positive and gram negative characteristics.

[0040] In the preferred embodiment the comfort layer is a 3 mm thick polyurethane foam, dyed with methylene blue and gentian violet. The foam is cut to a four inch width and a four foot dimension and rolled. In addition to its antimicrobial properties, the foam layer 14 should provide padding, skin protection, and the ability to distribute pressure evenly.

[0041] The compression layer 12 applies a therapeutically beneficial level of pressure in the working or resting state to the area of treatment; ankle, calf, leg, etc. The compression layer 12 is preferably a layer placed on or wrapped over the antimicrobial comfort layer 14 and can be a compression bandage or a compression wrap. It is recognized that more than one compression layer may be used to achieve a therapeutically effective dosage of pressure (mm Hg), when the patient's ankle-brachial index (ABI) is greater or equal to 0.5 and 30-40 mm Hg when the patient's ABI is greater or equal to 0.8. These materials differ when the compression material is a short stretch or long stretch bandage or wrap.

[0042] Fixation Element

[0043] One fixation element for securing the two layers 12 and 14 together or the bottom foam layer 14 to the skin 100 are adhesive silicone strips 20 or a permeable adhesive. The strips 20 can be placed perpendicular to the axis of the layer as shown in FIG. 3 or placed parallel to the axis of the layer as shown in FIG. 4. When the layers 12 and 14 are attached to each other, VELCRO and metal toothed clamping clips (not shown) can be used.

[0044] Biofilm Reduction Agents

[0045] Biofilm reduction agents are clinically safe and help remove biofilm by breaking up the film structure. Such agents are incorporated onto the sponge layer 14.

[0046] As an example, enzymes are used to target and break down the extracellular polymer substances of the biofilm and include amylase enzymes (e.g. amyloglucosidase, bacterial amylo novo), protease enzymes (e.g. savinase and everlase) fibrinolytic agents (e.g. plasmin, streptokinase, and nattokinase, and TrypLE), deoxyribonuclease I, glycoside hydrolase dispersin B, and cellulose.

[0047] Cheleating Agents and Surfactants

[0048] Also chelating agents are used in the sponge body to sequester the metals that crosslink polysaccharides in the biofilm including ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), citrates, phosphonates and phosphoric acids.

[0049] Surfactants are added to the sponge layer 14 and are used to solubilize the biofilm macromolecules, including ionic and nonionic surfactants. Ionic surfactants may be negatively charged, positively charged, or zwitterionic, and include alkyl sulfates (e.g. sodium dodecyl sulfate), alkyl carboxylates, (e.g. sodium stearate), tertiary or quaternary alkyl ammoniums (e.g. cetrimonium bromide, cetrimonium chloride, cetrimonium stearate), 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulforiate (CHAPS). Non-ionic surfactants may include polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, Triton, Tergitol, Pluronics, IGEPELS, Tweens, fatty acid esters.

EXAMPLE 1

[0050] PU foam, PVA and PVAf foam were dyed with methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV) or gentian violet, washed with water and dried. The dyed foam or sponge layers 14 were then processed through gamma irradiation and/or sterilization EO steps to obtain test units.

[0051] Gamma Irradiation [0052] 25-36 kilogray (kGy) dose achieved by controlled exposure to Cobalt 60.

[0053] EO Terminal Sterilization [0054] Pre-Conditioning: N/A [0055] Cycle Temperature: 108+ or 5 F. [0056] Cycle Humidity: approximately 30% RH [0057] Sterilant (EO) Concentration: approximately 600 mg/L

[0058] Data shows surprising results with an increase in antibacterial dye effectiveness for both the PVA and PU foam or sponges which is normally reduced during the sterilization step and allows the use of silicone adhesive on the sponges treated with EO sterilization.

[0059] Antibacterial Compression Kit

[0060] The antimicrobial comfort layer 14 is rolled and packaged in a sterile barrier pouch and sterilized with 25-40 kGy gamma irradiation. The sterile packaged antimicrobial comfort layer 14 is placed into a kit box 30 along with a 4 inch times 5.1 yard rolled short stretch elastic bandage 12 (COFLEX), a fixation member 18 for fastening the foam layer 14 and elastic layer 12, together and an elastic stocking or sleeve 16 (covering element),

[0061] The principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. However, the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular embodiments which have been described above. Instead, the embodiments described here should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by others without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims: