WOUND DRESSING

Abstract

The present invention relates to wound dressings for use in cases of a patient suffering a penetrating chest trauma. The wound dressing comprises a base layer having a lower surface facing the wound and an upper surface facing away from the wound, and an aperture therethrough for locating over the wound, and a top layer extending over the aperture and at least a part of the upper surface. The base layer is connected to the top layer such that the wound dressing can transition from an open configuration in which the aperture and an area external to the wound dressing are in fluid communication via at least one opening at a perimeter between the base layer and the top layer, to a closed configuration in which the top layer forms a seal over the aperture.

Claims

1. A wound dressing comprising: a base layer having a lower surface facing the wound and an upper surface facing away from the wound, and an aperture therethrough for locating over the wound; a top layer extending over the aperture and at least a part of the upper surface, and at least one supporting structure located between the top layer and the base layer, connecting the top layer to the base layer, such that the wound dressing can transition from an open configuration in which the aperture and an area external to the wound dressing are in fluid communication via at least one opening at a perimeter between the base layer and the top layer and around the at least one supporting structure, to a closed configuration in which the top layer has collapsed around the at least one supporting structure and forms a seal over the aperture.

2. A wound dressing as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the upper surface of the base layer and/or the lower surface of the top layer comprises an adhesive.

3. A wound dressing as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a means for providing at least one supporting structure located between the top layer and the base layer, wherein the means for providing the at least one supporting structure comprises a perforated layer.

4. A wound dressing as claimed in claim 3, wherein the perforated layer comprises a plurality of perforations, the perforations being arranged in a radial pattern extending outwardly from the aperture.

5. (canceled)

6. A wound dressing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top layer is connected to the base layer by a plurality of supporting structures.

7. A wound dressing as claimed in claim 6, wherein the supporting structure comprises an island or a wall.

8. A wound dressing as claimed in claim 6, wherein the supporting structure comprises a plurality of islands.

9. A wound dressing as claimed in claim 7, wherein the islands are spaced apart.

10. A wound dressing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting structure is made from an adhesive material.

11. A wound dressing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting structure overlaps at least a portion of the aperture.

12. A wound dressing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the perimeter between the base layer and the top layer comprises a plurality of openings.

13. A wound dressing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least a portion of the lower surface of the base layer comprises an adhesive.

14. A wound dressing as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a skin-contact layer attached to the lower surface of the base layer, the skin-contact layer comprising a lower surface facing the wound and an upper surface facing away from the wound, wherein the skin-contact layer comprises an aperture therethrough that overlaps, or corresponds to, the aperture in the base layer.

15. A wound dressing as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a removable protecting layer located on the lower surface of the skin-contact layer or the base layer.

16. A wound dressing as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a tab.

17. A wound dressing as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an active pharmaceutical ingredient, an anticoagulant, or a combination thereof.

18. A wound dressing as claimed in claim 17, wherein the active pharmaceutical ingredient, the anticoagulant, or the combination thereof are at least partially coated onto, or contained in, any one or more of the top layer, the base layer, the means for providing one or more supporting structures, the skin-contact layer, the supporting structure(s), and the tab.

19. A wound dressing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wound dressing is applied to a penetrating chest wound.

20. A method of manufacturing a wound dressing, comprising connecting a base layer having a lower surface facing the wound and an upper surface facing away from the wound, and an aperture therethrough for locating over the wound, a top layer extending over the aperture and at least a part of the upper surface, and at least one supporting structure located between the top layer and the base layer, connecting the top layer to the base layer, such that the wound dressing can transition from an open configuration in which the aperture and an area external to the wound dressing are in fluid communication via at least one opening at a perimeter between the base layer and the top layer and around the at least one supporting structure, to a closed configuration in which the top layer has collapsed around the at least one supporting structure and forms a seal over the aperture.

21. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the base layer is connected to the top layer via at least one supporting structure located between the base layer and the supporting layer.

22. A wound dressing comprising a wound-covering layer suitable for extending over a wound of a patient, the wound-covering layer having a wound-facing surface and a non-wound facing surface, wherein the wound-facing surface comprises at least one supporting structure for connecting the wound-covering layer to the skin of the patient in use, such that in use the wound dressing can transition from an open configuration in which the wound and an area external to the wound dressing are in fluid communication via at least one opening between a perimeter of the wound-covering layer and the patient's skin and around the at least one supporting structure, and a closed configuration in which the wound-covering layer has collapsed around the at least one supporting structure and forms a seal over the wound.

23. A wound dressing as claimed in claim 22, further comprising an active pharmaceutical ingredient, an anticoagulant, or a combination thereof.

24. A wound dressing as claimed in claim 23, wherein the wound covering layer and/or the at least one supporting structure is at least partially coated with, or contains, the active pharmaceutical ingredient, the anticoagulant, or a combination thereof.

25. A wound dressing as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one supporting structure is formed by adhesive passing through perforations in the perforated layer.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0092] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, an embodiment thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0093] FIG. 1: shows an image of a wound dressing according to the present invention;

[0094] FIG. 2: shows a further view of the wound dressing of FIG. 1;

[0095] FIG. 3: shows a cross-sectional drawing of a wound dressing of the present invention;

[0096] FIG. 4: shows an image of a further embodiment of a wound dressing according to the present invention.

[0097] FIG. 5: shows a cross-sectional drawing of a wound dressing according to a fourth aspect of the present invention.

[0098] FIG. 6: shows the component layers of an alternative embodiment of the wound dressing according to the present invention.

[0099] FIG. 7: shows a cross-sectional drawing of the wound dressing of FIG. 6.

[0100] FIG. 8: shows a birds-eye view of a means for providing supporting structures according to the present invention.

[0101] A wound dressing 1 is shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 comprising a base layer 2, a top layer 3 and adhesive islands 4 connecting the top layer 3 to the base layer 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the wound dressing further comprises a removable protecting layer 5 and a skin-contact layer 6. The wound dressing 1 also comprises a tab 7.

[0102] The base layer 2 comprises an upper surface 8 which faces away from a wound and a lower surface 9 which faces toward the wound. The base layer 2 comprises an aperture 10, generally located centrally in the base layer 2.

[0103] The skin-contact layer 6 comprises an aperture 11 that corresponds to the aperture 10 located in the base layer 2. The skin-contact layer 6 is made from a hydrogel adhesive such that, once the removable protecting layer 5 is removed, it can be stuck the skin, with the wound located within the aperture 11, creating an airtight seal around the wound.

[0104] The removable protecting layer 5 is present to protect the skin-contact layer 6 prior to application to the wound and for ease of storage of the wound dressing 1.

[0105] The tab 7 comprises an extended portion 12 of the base layer 2. The tab 7 further comprises supporting layers 16, 17 and 18. The supporting layers 16, 17 and 18 provides the tab 7 with a stronger, more rigid structure which assists the user when applying the wound dressing 1. Further, the tab 7 is also useful for venting the wound dressing if required in a process known as burping. The tab 7 can be lifted away from the patient's skin. Such an action raises the wound dressing 1 to provide an outlet for the release of excess pressure from the pleural cavity. The wound dressing 1 can then be resealed around the wound by applying downward pressure to the tab 7 and/or the wound dressing 1.

[0106] The top layer 3 extends over the apertures 10, 11 and to the perimeter of the base layer 2.

[0107] Between the top layer 3 and the base layer 2 are located a plurality of adhesive islands 4. The adhesive islands 4 are arranged in an ordered pattern across the surface of the base layer 2 and adhere the base layer 2 to the top layer 3. One or more of the adhesive islands 4 may overlap the aperture 10, as shown. The adhesive islands 4 have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0108] FIG. 3 shows the wound dressing 1 in an open configuration, in which an open region 13 is created between and around the adhesive islands 4. The apertures 10, 11 are in fluid communication with an area external to the wound dressing 1 via the openings 14. In use, fluid such as air and bodily fluid may flow from the apertures 10, 11, through the open region 13 and exit through the openings 14 at a perimeter between the base layer 2 and the top layer 3.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a wound dressing 21 in which the adhesive islands 24 have a substantially rectangular cross-section. The wound dressing 21 also comprises a substantially rectangular removable protecting layer 25. The removable protecting layer 25 is removed prior to application of the wound dressing 21. All of the other features of the wound dressing 21 of FIG. 4 correspond to the features of the wound dressing 1 of FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0110] In use, when a human or animal suffers a penetrating chest wound, the wound dressing 1, 21 is applied over the wound. The removable protecting layer 5, 25 is removed by peeling it back to reveal the lower surface 19 of the skin-contact layer 6. The wound dressing 1, 21 is then placed over the wound, such that the apertures 10, 11 are located over the wound and encircle it. With the application of downward pressure, the skin-contact layer 6 adheres to the patient's skin surrounding the wound, creating an airtight seal.

[0111] In operation, the wound dressing 1, 21 acts as a valve to release any excessive pressure and blood build-up in the pleural cavity of the patient's lungs and therefore prevent tension pneumothorax, open pneumothorax, and haemothorax.

[0112] Once secured in place, when a patient exhales, excess pressure in the pleural cavity can force fluid to pass into apertures 10, 11 and force the top layer 3 away from the base layer 2. The top layer 3 stays connected to the base layer 2 via the adhesive islands 4. An open region 13 is formed which allows for the passing of fluid between and around the adhesive islands 4 and out into an area external to the wound dressing 1, 21 through the openings 14 at the perimeter between the base layer 2 and the top layer 3.

[0113] When a patient subsequently inhales, the pressure in the pleural cavity decreases. The decrease in pressure causes the top layer 3 to collapse against the surface of the base layer 2 and around the adhesive islands 4, 24. The collapse of the top layer 3 forms an airtight seal over the aperture 10 and closes the open region 13. In such a closed configuration, the ingress of fluid into the wound is prevented. The process will be repeated for subsequent inhalation and exhalation by the patient.

[0114] Turning to FIG. 5, there is shown a wound dressing 101, comprising a wound-covering layer 103 and adhesive islands 104.

[0115] In use, when a human or animal suffers a penetrating chest wound, the wound dressing 101 is applied over the wound 120. With the application of downward pressure, the adhesive islands 104 adhere to the patient's skin 121 surrounding the wound. In operation, the wound dressing 101 acts as a valve to release any excessive pressure and blood build-up in the pleural cavity of the patient's lungs and therefore prevent tension pneumothorax, open pneumothorax, and haemothorax.

[0116] Once secured in place, when a patient exhales, excess pressure in the pleural cavity can force fluid to force the wound-covering layer 103 away from the skin 121. The wound-covering layer 103 stays connected to the skin 121 via the adhesive islands 104. An open region 113 is formed which allows for the passing of fluid between and around the adhesive islands 104 and out into an area external to the wound dressing 101 through openings at the perimeter between the skin 121 and the wound-covering layer 103.

[0117] When a patient subsequently inhales, the pressure in the pleural cavity decreases. The decrease in pressure causes the wound-covering layer 103 to collapse against the surface of the skin 121 and around the adhesive islands 104. The collapse of the wound-covering layer 103 forms an airtight seal over the wound 120 and closes the open region 113. In such a closed configuration, the ingress of fluid into the wound is prevented. The process will be repeated for subsequent inhalation and exhalation by the patient.

[0118] Turning to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is shown a wound dressing 301 comprising a base layer 302, a top layer 303, a perforated layer 330 and a skin-contact layer 306. The perforated layer 330 comprises perforations 331 and an aperture 332. The perforated layer 330 also comprises a tab 307.

[0119] The base layer 302 comprises an upper surface 308 which faces away from a wound and a lower surface 309 which faces toward the wound. The base layer 302 comprises an aperture 333, generally located centrally in the base layer 302. The base layer 302 comprises an adhesive 335 on its upper surface.

[0120] The skin-contact layer 306 comprises an aperture 334 that corresponds to the aperture 333 located in the base layer 302. The skin-contact layer 306 is made from a hydrogel adhesive such that it can be stuck to the skin, with the wound located within the aperture 334, creating an airtight seal around the wound.

[0121] Between the top layer 303 and the base layer 302 is located the perforated layer 330.

[0122] Referring specifically to FIG. 7, there is shown a cross-section of the wound dressing 301, comprising supporting structures 304. The supporting structures 304 are provided by the perforated layer 330 enabling adhesive 335 to pass through the perforations 331 and adhere to the top layer 303. The base layer 302 is connected to the top layer 303 via the adhesive 335 being exposed to the top layer 303 through the perforations 331. The adhesive 335 also adheres the base layer 302 to a lower surface 336 of the perforated layer 330 in the positions where there are no perforations.

[0123] The tab 307 comprises an extended portion of the perforated layer 330. The tab 307 is useful for burping the wound dressing 301 if required. The tab 307 can be lifted away from the patient's skin. As the base layer 302 is adhered to the perforated layer 330, such an action raises the wound dressing 301 to provide an outlet for the release of excess pressure from the pleural cavity. The wound dressing 301 can then be resealed around the wound by applying downward pressure to the tab 307 and/or the wound dressing 301.

[0124] FIG. 7 shows the wound dressing 301 in an open configuration, in which an open region 313 is created between and around the adhesive supporting structures 304. The apertures 332, 333 and 334 are in fluid communication with an area external to the wound dressing 301 via the openings 314. In use, fluid such as air and bodily fluid may flow from the apertures 332, 333, 334, through the open region 313 and exit through the openings 314 at a perimeter between the base layer 302 and the top layer 303.

[0125] In use, when a human or animal suffers a penetrating chest wound, the wound dressing 301 is applied over the wound. The wound dressing 301 is placed over the wound, such that the apertures 332, 333, 334 are located over the wound and encircle it. With the application of downward pressure, the skin-contact layer 306 adheres to the patient's skin surrounding the wound, creating an airtight seal.

[0126] In operation, the wound dressing 301 acts as a valve to release any excessive pressure and blood build-up in the pleural cavity of the patient's lungs and therefore prevent tension pneumothorax, open pneumothorax, and haemothorax.

[0127] Once secured in place, when a patient exhales, excess pressure in the pleural cavity can force fluid to pass into apertures 332, 333, 334 and force the top layer 303 away from the base layer 302. The top layer 303 stays connected to the base layer 302 via the adhesive supporting structures 304. An open region 313 is formed which allows for the passing of fluid between and around the supporting structures 304 and out into an area external to the wound dressing 301 through the openings 314 at the perimeter between the base layer 302 and the top layer 303.

[0128] When a patient subsequently inhales, the pressure in the pleural cavity decreases. The decrease in pressure causes the top layer 303 to collapse against the surface of the base layer 302 and around the adhesive supporting structures 304. The collapse of the top layer 303 forms an airtight seal over the aperture 332 and closes the open region 313. In such a closed configuration, the ingress of fluid into the wound is prevented. The process will be repeated for subsequent inhalation and exhalation by the patient.

[0129] The wound dressing of FIGS. 6 and 7 may further comprise a removable protecting layer (not shown) which can protect the skin-contact layer 306 prior to application to the wound and for ease of storage of the wound dressing 301. The removable protecting layer may be made from polyethylene terephthalate.

[0130] The wound dressing of FIGS. 6 and 7 may further comprise supporting layers (not shown) which provide the tab 307 with a stronger, more rigid structure which assists the user when applying the wound dressing 301. Further, the tab 307 is also useful for venting the wound dressing if required in a process known as burping. The tab 307 can be lifted away from the patient's skin. Such an action raises the wound dressing 301 to provide an outlet for the release of excess pressure from the pleural cavity. The wound dressing 301 can then be resealed around the wound by applying downward pressure to the tab 307 and/or the wound dressing 301.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a means for providing supporting structures comprising a perforated film 340. The perforated film 340 comprises perforations 341, an aperture 342 and a tab 347. The perforations 341 are provided in a pattern of three circumferential arrangements of perforations 341a, 341b, 341c that radially extend outwardly from the aperture 342. The perforations 341 are staggered, such that the perforations in the circumferential arrangement 341b are staggered relative to the perforations in the circumferential arrangements 341a and 341c. The perforated layer 340 provides supporting structures by enabling adhesive on the upper surface of a base layer or lower surface of a top layer to pass through the perforations 341 when a top layer, base layer and perforated layer 340 are brought together.

[0132] The above embodiments are described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.