A medical dressing

Abstract

A medical dressing (10) has a flexible panel (12) with adhesive on one side (16) for attaching to the skin of the patient about a wound. A one-way valve assembly (14) is mounted over an opening in theA medical dressing (10) has a flexible panel (12) with adhesive on one side (16) for attaching to the skin of the patient about a wound. A one-way valve assembly (14) is mounted over an opening in the panel and includes a valve body (26) defining two separate fluid passages (66, 68). A valve member (64) is configured to permit air and or / other fluids to flow through a first of the passages (66) inpanel and includes a valve body (26) defining two separate fluid passages (66, 68). A valve member (64) is configured to permit air and or / other fluids to flow through a first of the passages (66) inan outward direction only so that air and / or other fluids are able to exit the wound through the first passage but are prevented from entering the wound through the first passage. A removable closure an outward direction only so that air and / or other fluids are able to exit the wound through the first passage but are prevented from entering the wound through the first passage. A removable closure member (70) is provided for selectively closing the second passage (68) to prevent fluid flow through the second passage. The closure member (70) can be removed to enable direct access to the wound tmember (70) is provided for selectively closing the second passage (68) to prevent fluid flow through the second passage. The closure member (70) can be removed to enable direct access to the wound through the second passage (68). The dressing is particularly suitable for use in occluding an open chest wound.hrough the second passage (68). The dressing is particularly suitable for use in occluding an open chest wound.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a medical dressing, in particular, but not exclusively, to a medical dressing for use in the treatment of open chest wounds and other similar injuries. Background technique [0002] An open pneumothorax occurs when air is able to enter the chest cavity surrounding the lungs through an open chest wound, such as from being stabbed or shot. Allowing air to enter the chest cavity through the wound in this manner inhibits the breathing process and is therefore life-threatening. [0003] Standard management of an open pneumothorax is to cover the wound with an occlusive dressing that is taped to the patient's skin along all four sides to seal the wound and prevent air from passing through the wound into the chest cavity. If the wound is effectively sealed, normal breathing can resume. However, if the seal is not perfect, more air can be drawn and trapped in the chest cavity, causing an increase in pressure inside the chest ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

For example, medical personnel must ensure that nothing touches the pipe or valve to cause it to collapse

This can be difficult, depending on the location of the wound and the need to drape the patient in a blanket or restrain the patient in a stretcher or other device used to transport the patient

Another problem with the Asherman dressing is that it hides the wound from the medical staff's point of view, making assessment of the wound and patient's condition difficult

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