Vacuum wound therapy wound dressing with variable performance zones

Abstract

A dressing for an open wound includes a cover layer dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed. The cover layer permits an evacuation of the space around the wound bed such that a sub-atmospheric pressure may be established to stimulate healing and facilitate the removal of fluid from the wound. Multiple performance zones in the cover layer allow the wound dressing to remain in position through repeated cycles of evacuation without placing undue strain on the wound bed. An outer peripheral zone may include a high peal-strength adhesive while an intermediate zone may include a shear resistant adhesive. A central zone may be devoid of any coating to maximize moisture transmission through cover layer.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]The present disclosure relates generally to a wound dressing for treating an open wound with a vacuum wound therapy treatment. In particular, the disclosure relates to a dressing having a cover layer employing a plurality of zones of variable performance characteristics to promote healing of the wound.[0003]2. Background of Related Art[0004]The body's natural wound healing process is a complex series of events beginning at the moment of injury. Initially the body reacts by delivering proteins and other factors to the wound through the blood stream to minimize the damage. Blood clots to prevent blood loss while cells engulf bacteria and debris to carry it away from the wound site. Next, the body begins to repair itself in a stage of healing often referred to as the proliferate phase. This phase is characterized by the deposition granulation tissue in the wound bed. Granulation tissue provides a base structure over which cells may migrate inward...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The present disclosure describes a dressing for use in a vacuum wound therapy procedure to promote healing of a wound. The dressing includes a cover layer having a plurality of zones of variable performance characteristics. A central zone is defined by a portion of a moisture vapor permeable membrane devoid of any coating that would otherwise inhibit the transmission of moisture through the membrane. A peripheral zone adjacent a periphery of the cover layer is adapted to provide a seal around the perimeter of the wound. At least one intermediate zone is disposed between the central zone and the peripheral zone to impart a therapeutic effect or benefit to the wound.

Problems solved by technology

Such forces may cause the separation of the dressing from the skin, thereby limiting the effect of the VWT treatment and increasing the probability that microorganisms will infect the wound.

Also, such forces may damage newly forming granulation tissue.

These shear forces can cause the dressing to shift and / or pull away from the skin where gaps and wrinkles may develop.

Such movement, and the mentioned results thereof, can inhibit the dressing's ability to provide a seal that is suitable for both the maintenance of a vacuum and for prohibiting the infiltration of contamination.

Adhesives applied to a cover layer to strengthen or reinforce the dressing's attachment to the skin may diminish the moisture vapor permeability of the dressing affecting its ability to permit oxygen exchange with the environment.

Diminished moisture vapor permeability could also lead to the accumulation of moisture at the skin-adhesive interface.

Permitting such an accumulation undermines the dressing's adhesion to the skin at the peri-wound area, thereby reducing the wear-time of the dressing, the effectiveness of the treatment and the health of the peri-wound area.

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