Wound treatment device

Abstract

A method of wound treatment can comprise providing a wound treatment device with a wound surface cover and a wound insert. The method can also include positioning the wound insert in contact with the wound, covering the wound insert and wound with the wound surface cover, affixing the wound surface cover to the skin surrounding the wound and compressing the wound insert by applying pressure to the wound surface cover.

Claims

1. A method of wound treatment, comprising: providing a wound treatment device, comprising: a wound surface cover, the wound surface cover being a seal that is sealingly affixable to skin surrounding a wound and that includes a closeable opening; and a wound insert that comes in contact with a wound surface, the wound insert having: a first surface layer, wherein the first surface layer has a biocompatible surface and a structure that allows the passing through of fluid; a second surface layer; an interspace between the first surface layer and the second surface layer and defining a substantially open space; elastic elements located in the interspace that hold the first surface layer and the second surface layer elastically apart; and positioning the wound insert in contact with the wound; covering the wound insert and wound with the wound surface cover; affixing the wound surface cover to the skin surrounding the wound; compressing the wound insert by applying pressure by hand to the wound surface cover that is over the wound insert; creating a negative pressure under the wound surface cover by evacuating air through the closable opening; and closing the closeable opening of the wound surface cover after creating the negative pressure, wherein closing the closeable opening of the wound surface cover comprises covering the closeable opening with tape.

2. The method of wound treatment according to claim 1, wherein the closeable opening of the wound surface cover further comprises a check valve to allow evacuation of air through the closable opening.

3. A method of wound treatment, comprising: providing a wound treatment device, comprising: a wound surface cover, the wound surface cover being a seal that is sealingly affixable to skin surrounding a wound and that includes a closeable opening; and a wound insert that comes in contact with a wound surface, the wound insert having: a first surface layer, wherein the first surface layer has a biocompatible surface and a structure that allows the passing through of fluid; a second surface layer; an interspace between the first surface layer and the second surface layer and defining a substantially open space; elastic elements located in the interspace that hold the first surface layer and the second surface layer elastically apart; and positioning the wound insert in contact with the wound; covering the wound insert and wound with the wound surface cover; affixing the wound surface cover to the skin surrounding the wound; and applying sustained pressure against the wound surface, wherein applying sustained pressure against the wound surface comprises applying an initial pressure by hand to the wound surface cover that is over the wound insert to compress the wound insert; and closing the closeable opening of the wound surface cover, wherein closing the closeable opening of the wound surface cover comprises covering the closeable opening with tape.

4. The method of wound treatment according to claim 3, further comprising creating a negative pressure under the wound surface cover by evacuating air through the closable opening.

5. The method of wound treatment according to claim 3, wherein the closeable opening of the wound surface cover further comprises a check valve to allow evacuation of air through the closable opening.

6. A method of wound treatment, comprising: providing a wound treatment device, comprising: a wound surface cover, the wound surface cover being a seal that is sealingly affixable to skin surrounding a wound and that includes a closeable opening with a check valve; and a wound insert that comes in contact with a wound surface, the wound insert having: a first surface layer, wherein the first surface layer has a biocompatible surface and a structure that allows the passing through of fluid; a second surface layer; an interspace between the first surface layer and the second surface layer and defining a substantially open space; elastic elements located in the interspace that hold the first surface layer and the second surface layer elastically apart; and positioning the wound insert in contact with the wound; covering the wound insert and wound with the wound surface cover; affixing the wound surface cover to the skin surrounding the wound; compressing the wound insert by applying pressure by hand to the wound surface cover that is over the wound insert; creating a negative pressure under the wound surface cover by evacuating air through the check valve of the closable opening until pressure of the evacuating air no longer overcomes the check valve and the check valve closes the closeable opening.

7. The method of wound treatment according to claim 6, further comprising exerting pressure against the wound via the elastic elements of the wound insert that hold the first surface layer and the second surface layer elastically apart.

8. The method of wound treatment according to claim 6, further comprising applying sustained pressure against the wound surface via the elastic elements of the wound insert that hold the first surface layer and the second surface layer elastically apart.

9. The method of wound treatment according to claim 8, wherein applying sustained pressure against the wound surface comprises applying an initial pressure to the wound surface cover to compress the wound insert.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Below, the invention is further illustrated through drawings of the exemplary embodiments. They show:

(2) FIG. 1 schematically the composition of the wound insert,

(3) FIG. 2 a first embodiment with compressed wound insert,

(4) FIG. 3 this embodiment with expanding wound insert,

(5) FIG. 4 a second embodiment for the treatment of a surface would under vacuum-seal with a compressed wound insert,

(6) FIG. 5 the second embodiment with an expanding wound insert

(7) FIG. 6 a third embodiment for the treatment of a deep wound with a compressed wound insert

(8) FIG. 7 the third application example with a expanding wound insert

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(9) According to the invention, wound insert 10, whose construction is schematically illustrated in one embodiment in FIG. 1, is used. Wound insert 10 consists of a planar textile spacer fabric, and is cut into adequate size according to the respective demands of the wound that is to be treated. Should the demand arise, the wound insert can also be available in given standard dimensions. The textile spacer fabric exhibits a first surface layer 12 and a second surface layer 14. Surface layer 12 and surface layer 14 are held apart by elastic cushioning spacer filaments 16. Thus, a relatively large interspace 18 is formed between surface layer 12 and surface layer 14. In this interspace 18 are found spacer filaments 16, which exhibit a relatively large mutual separation, so that the interspace 18 in the plane of the wound insert 10 is substantially open and exhibits between the spacer filaments 16 a large free flow-through cross section. Surface layers 12 and 14 can be pressed against one another due to the elastic deformation of spacer filaments 16. Thereby, wound insert 10 is compressed and interspace 18 is diminished. It is apparent that the invention is not limited to a wound insert that exhibits only a first surface layer 12 and a second surface layer 14, but that planar textile spacer fabrics can also be used, in which are found intermediate layers between the surface layers 12 and 14, so that a multi-ply interspace 18 can be formed.

(10) The planar textile spacer fabric of wound insert 10 be produced in conventional manner. For example, the surface layers 12 and 14 can be woven, such that the spacer filaments 16 are woven into the surface layers 12 and 14, so that a stable connection arises between surface layers 12 and 14 and spacer filaments 16. Suitable material, particularly synthetic material, is used for surface layers 12 and 14 and spacer filaments 16. The interknitting or interweaving of the filaments of surface layers 12 and 14 and of spacer filaments 16 allows in doing so the usage of different filaments for surface layers 12 and 14 and for spacer filaments 16. Spacer filaments 16 can be chosen with respect to the utilized material and with respect to the filament thickness according to the desired elastic properties. For surface layers 12 and 14, other filament strengths/sizes can be utilized, particularly small filament strengths/sizes, in order to obtain a flexible, soft surface layer 12, respectively surface layer 14. The material for surface layers 12 and 14 can also be chosen independently from the material of spacer filaments 16.

(11) In the later described embodiment, at least one of the surface layer 12 and 14 of the wound insert 10 comes into contact with the wound surface. At least one surface layer which comes in contact with the wound surfacethe first surface layer in the embodiment from FIG. 1must fulfill, according to the invention, the following criteria. Surface layer 12 must be biocompatible, that is, it may not cause any adverse reactions in the tissue of the wound. Further, surface layer 12 must exhibit a structure which on the one hand allows liquids to pass through and on the other hand prevents the in-growth of wound tissue. These properties can be achieved in different ways. It is possible to produce surface layer 12 out of biocompatible material. Thereby, the textile ply of the surface layer 12 can be structured so that the mesh size or pore size allows the passing through of fluids, yet largely rules out the in-growth of wound tissue. It is also possible to coat the textile ply of surface layer 12 with a biocompatible material. If the textile ply already exhibits an adequate mesh size or pore size, a thin surface layer coat is sufficient, whereby the material of the coat causes the biocompatibility. The material of the textile ply of the surface layer must not in this case exhibit this biocompatibility, and can, as the case may be, be chose through other criteria, for example for the mechanical or textile-mechanical properties. If the textile ply of surface layer 12 exhibits a larger mesh size or pore size, the coat with the biocompatible material can be additionally used to reduce the mesh or pore size to such a magnitude that is required for the prevention of tissue in-growth.

(12) In a further design, such as it is depicted in FIG. 1, surface layer 12 can be composed of a textile ply which is covered with cover layer 20. The textile ply can exhibit a relatively large mesh size, and essentially acts as the support layer for cover layer 20. In this design, there is a large freedom with respect to the construction of the spacer fabric, and especially with respect to the textile ply of surface layer 12, which serves as support layer. This freedom concerns mesh size as well as the choice of material and thread strength for the textile ply. Cover layer 20 exhibits biocompatible properties and the required structure. For cover layer 20, a thin foam film can be used, composed of an open-pore synthetic foam, for example polyvinayalcohol. Optimal biocompatibility can be achieved through the choice of synthetic material. The thickness of cover layer 20 and the pore size of the foam may be optimized to the effect that the passing through of liquids is impeded as little as possible, while the in-growth of wound tissue is reliably prevented. In place of a foam made of polymeric plastics, textile materials which exhibit the adequate structure may also be used as the cover layer 20.

(13) A first application possibility is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. For the treatment of a shallow wound 22, wound insert 10, fitted according to the wound size, is applied. If the material of the wound insert exhibits only one surface layer 12 with the required properties for biocompatibility and structure, wound insert 10 is applied to the wound surface with surface layer 12. Afterwards, wound 22 and wound insert 10 are covered up using an appropriate wound dressing material, for example a bandage. The dressing material 24 is tautly wrapped, so that wound insert 10 is pressed flatly into wound 22. Wound insert 10 lies thereby with first surface layer 12 tightly against the wound surface, establishing a broad surface area contact with wound 22. The pressure of dressing material 24 thereby leads to a compression of wound insert 10, so that surface layers 12 and 14 are pressed against the elastic restoring force of spacer filaments 16, and interspace 18 is reduced, as is schematically illustrated in FIG. 2. The elastic restoring force of spacer filaments 16 causes pressure of the first surface layer 12 onto the tissue of wound 22, whereby dressing material 24 reinforces and supports the pressure forces. Through the pressure of wound insert 10 onto the tissue of wound 22, tissue fluids that are found in the wound tissue are expressed out of the wound tissue. This wound fluid goes through the first surface layer 12 and reaches interspace 18. Through the hereby resulting compression of the wound tissue, wound insert 10 can expand under the restoring force of spacer filaments 16, as is schematically illustrated in FIG. 3, whereby interspace 18 is enlarged and tissue fluids can be absorbed. In this manner, wound insert 10 can collect and keep away from the wound tissue a larger amount of tissue fluids, so that changing of dressing material is required less often.

(14) Cover layer 20 can be imbued with active ingredients, for example with drugs, which promote wound healing, work against infection germination, etc. Since cover layer 20 is brought and held in tight contact with the wound tissue through the elasticity of wound insert 10, the active ingredients absorbed in cover layer 20 can be optimally applied to the wound surface.

(15) A second embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

(16) On a surface wound 22, wound insert 10, cut and fitted according to the wound size, is placed, where first surface layer 12, which lies on the wound surface, is constructed in the previously defined biocompatible manner and exhibits the suitable structure. Wound 22 and wound insert 10 are covered by an air-tight seal 26. Seal 26 is tightly affixed on skin 30, outside of wound 22 along a border area 28. Seal 26 can exhibit a closeable opening. The opening can be closed by, for example, an adhesive piece of paper, such as tape, or by a check valve that opens to the outside. After wound insert 10 is inserted and is covered with seal 26, wound insert 10 is compressed over its surface from the outside, for example by exercising pressure from the palm of the hand on seal 26. Through this compression, air can escape from the wound insert through the open opening of seal 26, or, as the case may be, through the check valve. After the compression, the opening is closed, for example, by being adhered, or, as the case may be, closed by a check valve. Wound insert 10 then lies on the wound surface, under the pressure of the expanding spacer filaments, as described above.

(17) In a further construction, as it is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, an additional hose 32 is routed, in a sealed manner, under seal 26 into interspace 18 of wound insert 10. Hose 32 is equipped with a valve 34. Hose 32 is connected to a pump or another vacuum source, so that by opening valve 34 a vacuum is produced in the wound under the seal 26. Due to the vacuum, wound insert 10 is compressed against the restoring force of the spacer filaments, as is schematically illustrated in FIG. 4. The vacuum causes thereby a pull-effect on the cells of the wound tissue. If valve 34 is closed, as is shown in FIG. 5, compressed wound insert 10 causes pressure on the wound tissue. Thereby, on the one hand pressure is exerted on the cells of the tissue, and on the other hand, tissue fluids are pressed out of the tissue and reach interspace 18 of wound insert 10 through surface layer 12. Wound insert 10 expands in the process, whereby interspace 18, increasing due to the expansion, can intake wound fluid. After an appropriate time frame, valve 34 can be opened again so that tissue fluids can be vacuumed out of interspace 18 through hose 32 and vacuum can be produced again under seal 26. This process can be repeated cyclically, so that there is an alternation between the pull-effect on the cells during the vacuum cycle and the pressure-effect on the cells during the expansion of wound insert 10, thereby promoting cell proliferation.

(18) In this application, wound insert 10 is supported during the expansion against wound covering seal 26. In the case that this supporting effect of the seal is insufficient, seal 26 can be strengthened through a reinforcing insert 36. Further, a pressure sensor or tension sensor 38 can be placed in the wound insert, particularly in interspace 18 and/or the inner end of hose 32, in order to measure the pressure under seal 26 and in order to control the vacuum and expansion cycles according to the corresponding pressure conditions. Alternatively, an expansion sensor can also be fitted or introduced into wound insert 10, so that the distance between surface layers 12 and 14, that is, the mass of compression or expansion, can be measured in order to appropriately direct the treatment cycle.

(19) In FIGS. 6 and 7 is illustrated a further application possibility for the treatment of deep wounds.

(20) In this application, wound insert 10, fitted according to the wound size, is placed inside a deep wound pocket 22. Wound insert 10 lies hereby with both surface layers 12 and 14 respectively against the opposite-lying surfaces of wound 22. Accordingly, in this application, surface layers 12 and 14 must be biocompatible in the afore explained manner, and must be constructed with the required structure.

(21) After the placement of wound insert 10 into wound 22, wound 22 is closed off air-tightly using seal 26. Hose 32 with valve 34 is sealed under seal 26 and lead into wound insert 10. If a vacuum is applied through hose 32 by open valve 34, a vacuum arises in wound 22. The opposite-lying wound borders are pulled together, and wound insert 10 is compressed against the force of spacer filaments 16, as is illustrated in FIG. 6. Thereby, a pull-effect is exerted on the cells of the wound tissue. If valve 34 is closed off, the compressed wound insert 10 exerts pressure on the opposite-lying wound surfaces. Thereby, pressure is exerted on the cells of the wound tissue and tissue fluids are squeezed out and drawn into expanding interspace 18. Wound insert 10 is hereby supported against the opposite-laying wound surfaces.

(22) In the embodiment of FIGS. 4 through 7, an instillation treatment may be carried out in an advantageous manner. Hereunto, a treatment liquid can be introduced through hose 32 or through another supply hose that is led under seal 26. Thereby, other countless treatment possibilities arise. Treatment fluid can be introduced to interspace 18, and can be brought to the wound surface through the porous structure of surface layer 12, or surface layers 12 and 14. This treatment liquid and the secreted wound liquid can in turn be vacuumed out through hose 32. By this treatment, wound insert 10 must not be compressed, or at least only be so compressed as to allow surface layer 12 or 14 deep contact with the wound surface. The large-volume open interspace 18 warrants thereby that the treatment liquid is unrestrictedly applied over the entire wound surface, and that an unhindered vacuuming-out is possible, without any danger of closure or clotting, or sticking together due to formation of coagulum or the like. Further, this installation can be combined with vacuum production in the afore described manner. Here, in controlled time intervals, treatment liquid can be applied to the wound surface, vacuum can be produced in the wound, and pressure can be exerted on the wound tissue through expanding wound insert 10.

REFERENCE NUMBER LIST

(23) 10 wound insert

(24) 12 first surface layer

(25) 14 second surface layer

(26) 16 spacer filaments

(27) 18 interspace

(28) 20 cover layer

(29) 22 wound

(30) 24 bandaging material

(31) 26 seal

(32) 28 border area

(33) 30 skin

(34) 32 hose

(35) 34 valve

(36) 36 reinforcing insert