Wound dressing

Abstract

A sterile composite wound dressing that does not contact the wound when applied. The dressing comprises multiple layers: An adhesive skin contact layer 1 and a medium density foam mid-layer 2 both of

Description

Description Field of the invention The present invention relates to a topical wound dressing. Background of the invention Dressings are usually designed to incorporate a contact layer or to be used in conjunction with another dressing layer that contacts the wound. However, clinical experience has shown granulation tissue is slowed or prevented from moving to the epithelialization stage in the presence of any foreign-body including the material of a dressing. Scab formation is prevented and healing slowed. A dressing in contact with the wound can increase inflammation which increases exudate leading to maceration which can also stall healing. Dressings are often occlusive leading to maceration. Some dressings for negative pressure systems have a slight cavity above the wound but usually also a contact layer through which fluid is drawn and an aperture to allow attachment to a pump which if not attached would be a portal of entry for contaminants. They also tend to have only at most a shallow border that does not have enough height or resistance to pressure to protect from pressure or knocks or prevent the dressing contacting the wound. Podiatrists dealing with diabetic foot wounds create borders around wounds with non-sterile 5 or 7mm thick wool felt padding to use under foam dressings which bridge across creating a sealed environment. This system relieves pressure from the wound and protects it from physical damage both externally and from contact with the wound dressing material. It allows the exudate to form a scab unhindered, under which the skin can heal. They are made individually with scissors from multiple different materials, including some which are not 'single use' or sterile. Typically, these materials are unavailable for nurses or patients, it is time consuming to do, and takes training and practice. Summary of the invention This invention is a ready-made fully sterile composite dressing with the same proven benefits of an individually made multi-part podiatry style dressing, in an off-the-shelf format suitable for other medical practitioners and patients to use. A simple to use, peel-and-stick, all in one dressing. Detailed description of the invention The dressing is of four layers; a self-adhesive skin contact layer and a medium density foam mid layer that both surround the wound and elevates the upper layer of the dressing, creating a cavity, so there is no contact between the wound and any part of the dressing. The dressing is fully sealed by an upper foam layer and thin covering outer layer, with no aperture that could allow entry of contaminants. It is made of absorbent open cell foam to allow drainage of any fluid that comes from the wound and reaches the material of the dressing. It is highly moisture vapour permeable to avoid maceration. The dressing can be manufactured in different sizes and shapes to be selected for use for different wounds. List of figures Figure 1 shows a cross section of an embodiment displaying 4 layers including an outer protective layer. Figure 2 shows a cross section of an embodiment with no additional outer layer applied Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the dressing in a circular embodiment. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an oblong shaped embodiment for a different shaped wound. Detailed description of figures In figure 1 the wound dressing is shown to comprise of 4 layers: 1. Layer 1 - A thin conformable non-occlusive material skin contact layer with peel-and-stick medical grade adhesive, which will border around the wound. 2. Layer 2 - A medium density, medical grade open cell foam layer that resists compression but is conformable to the body shape. Adhesively bonded to the first and third layers. It forms a border around the wound and elevates the third layer from the wound. a. In this embodiment layer two is 7mm thick but will be made with different thicknesses for different sized dressings and for use in different locations around the body. b. The density of the foam used will be increased for weight bearing applications EG for pressure sores, and decreased for use in areas where there is more movement and where there is a low likelihood of pressure. 3. Layer 3 - A low adhesion, highly absorbent, low density medical grade open cell foam that covers and seals over the wound. 4. Layer 4 - A final moisture and air permeable fabric layer protects the dressing from outside contamination Figure 2 shows a 3 layer embodiment with no outer covering applied. In figures 1 and 2, layers 2 &3 have a bevelled edge to increase comfort and reduce the chances for the dressing to catch on clothing. In figures 3 and 4, the dotted lines indicate the hollow cavity inside the dressing left by the hollow ring shape of layers 1 &2. The dressing cavity is covered by layers 3 &4 as shown in Figure 1.

Claims

1. A composite wound dressing incorporating a self-adhesive skin contact layer and a medium density foam layer that creates a border around the wound and elevates an upper low-density foam dressing layer, making it such that when the composite dressing is applied, the covering layer seals over but makes no contact with the wound bed. The dressing does not have any aperture or opening to allow attachment to another device.

2. A composite dressing according to claim 1 which is circular in shape.

3. A composite dressing according to claim 1 which is oblong in shape.

4. A composite dressing according to claim 1 which has a bevelled edgeto the foam layers.

5. A composite dressing according to claim 1 which has an outer protective fabric layer.

6. A composite wound dressing incorporating a self-adhesive fabric skin contact layer that is a ring 4cm wide, extending outward 2cm beyond the layer above it; that second layer being of 7mm thick medium density open cell polyurethane foam which is a 2cm wide border around the wound and which elevates the upper dressing layer; a 5mm thick open cell polyurethane foam, making it such that when the dressing is applied, that 3rd covering layer seals over but makes no contact with the wound bed. The dressing has an outer protective fabric layer. The dressing does not have any aperture or opening to allow attachment to another device.

7. A composite dressing according to claim 6 which is circular in shape.

8. A composite dressing according to claim 6 which is oblong in shape.

9. A composite dressing according to claim 6 which has a bevelled edge to the foam layers.

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