Conformable medical dressings

Abstract

The disclosed medical dressing includes a dressing body and an overlying carrier system releasably secured to the dressing body. The carrier has a peripheral carrier portion overlying the periphery of the dressing body and a central carrier portion overlying some, but not all, of the central region of the dressing body. This carrier structure provides stability in some areas and extensibility and flexibility in carrier-free areas, allowing for better handling of the medical dressing during application.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY The present disclosure relates to medical dressings having an overlying removable carrier system. [Background technology]

[0002] Thin, transparent film dressings are widely used on the skin to provide protection and act as a barrier against contaminating liquids and bacteria. For example, transparent film dressings are available under trade names such as TEGADERM™ (3M Company, St. Paul, MN). The polymer films used in these dressings and drapes are conformable; that is, the films are extremely thin, soft, and pliable. They are typically supplied with a peelable protective liner that covers the adhesive-coated film surface. To prevent the adhesive-coated film from wrinkling during application, various delivery systems have been proposed, including removable carriers such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,685,682.

[0003] Such transparent film dressings can be designed to help accept and secure devices such as tubes, ports, and catheters, and the dressings can also provide additional securement devices to stabilize such devices. When such dressings are multi-component structures, application can involve multiple steps and errors, potentially leading to wasted material and patient discomfort. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The disclosed medical dressing includes a dressing body and an overlying carrier system releasably secured to the dressing body. The carrier has a peripheral carrier portion overlying the periphery of the dressing body and a central carrier portion overlying some, but not all, of the central region of the dressing body. This carrier structure provides stability in some areas and extensibility and flexibility in carrier-free areas, allowing for better handling of the medical dressing during application.

[0005] In one embodiment, the medical dressing comprises a dressing body, a pressure-sensitive adhesive on the lower major surface of the dressing body, and a carrier releasably secured to the upper major surface of the dressing body. The dressing body is typically a thin film structure that advantageously has a very conformable fit to the underlying surface. In addition, the thin film structure can be moisture vapor permeable to prevent skin maceration. However, such thin film structures are difficult to handle. Therefore, a carrier is included to support the dressing body during application. The carrier has a peripheral carrier portion and a central carrier portion. The peripheral carrier portion is adjacent to the periphery of the dressing body and keeps the dressing body flat and wrinkle-free for application to a surface. The central carrier portion is adjacent to the first dressing region. This, in turn, keeps the underlying dressing body 150 flat and wrinkle-free until the central carrier portion is removed. The second dressing region does not include an overlying carrier. The dressing body leaves its upper major surface exposed in the second dressing region. At least partially surrounding the second dressing region is at least one or both of a peripheral carrier portion and a central portion. Keeping the second dressing region carrier-free provides flexibility to the dressing body before and during application of the medical dressing 100 to the underlying surface.

[0006] In one embodiment, the second dressing region is at least partially surrounded by the peripheral carrier portion and the central carrier portion. In one embodiment, in the second dressing region, the dressing body forms the outermost surface of the medical dressing. The first dressing region typically does not include a reinforcing layer and may extend beyond the central carrier portion.

[0007] In one embodiment, the dressing body further comprises a slot that is a recess in the periphery of the dressing in the second dressing region.

[0008] In one embodiment, the dressing body is a single layer or multilayer film. In one embodiment, the multilayer film of the dressing body comprises a moisture vapor permeable film in a first dressing region and a backing layer and a moisture vapor permeable, water impermeable film in a second dressing region.

[0009] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the central carrier portion is directly adjacent to the peripheral carrier portions. In one embodiment, the central carrier portion is connected to the peripheral carrier portions by areas of weakness. In one embodiment, the areas of weakness are partial thickness cuts or perforations. In one embodiment, the central carrier portion further comprises a central carrier tab extending into the second dressing region. In one embodiment, the peripheral carrier portion further comprises a peripheral carrier tab extending into the second dressing region. In one embodiment, adhesive fastening strips are on the upper major surface secured to the central and peripheral carrier portions. In one embodiment, the peripheral carrier portions further comprise areas of weakness (e.g., S-shaped cut lines or perforations) with or without tabs to aid in removal of the peripheral carrier portions.

[0010] In one embodiment, a method of applying a medical dressing includes the steps of placing a pressure sensitive adhesive of a dressing body onto a surface, removing a central carrier portion, and removing a peripheral carrier portion.

[0011] In one embodiment, a method of applying a medical dressing includes removing a central carrier portion, placing a pressure sensitive adhesive of the dressing body onto a surface, and removing a peripheral carrier portion.

[0012] In one embodiment, the method of applying the dressing comprises pulling the central carrier tab to remove the central carrier portion. In one embodiment, the method of applying the dressing further comprises pulling the peripheral carrier tabs to remove the peripheral carrier portions.

[0013] As used herein, "a," "an," "the," "at least one," and "one or more" are used interchangeably. The term "and / or," when used, means one or all of the identified elements or a combination of any two or more of the identified elements. The term "comprises" and variations thereof do not have a limiting meaning where these terms appear in the specification and claims. Also herein, the recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.). Patents referenced herein are incorporated by reference in their entireties. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a medical dressing.

[0015] [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the medical dressing of FIG. 1 taken through line 2-2.

[0016] [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a dressing body according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] [Figure 4]FIG. 10 is a top view of a second embodiment of a medical dressing having two tabs for removing the carrier center portion.

[0018] While the above figures and drawings represent embodiments of the present invention, other embodiments are contemplated, as noted in the description. In all cases, this disclosure presents the invention by way of representation and not limitation. Numerous other modifications and embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art that fall within the scope and spirit of the invention. The figures may not be drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The disclosed medical dressing includes a dressing body and an overlying carrier system releasably secured to the dressing body. The carrier has a peripheral carrier portion overlying the periphery of the dressing body and a central carrier portion overlying some, but not all, of the central region of the dressing body. This carrier structure provides stability in some areas and extensibility and flexibility in carrier-free areas, allowing for better handling of the medical dressing during application.

[0020] Specific embodiments are described in more detail below. As shown in FIG. 1 , the medical dressing 100 comprises a dressing body 150 having a slot 175 for receiving a device. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the slot 175 is shown with a larger head portion 176 and a narrower body portion 177, and can assume a variety of configurations depending on the type of device the dressing is designed to secure. The dressing body 150 has a lower major surface 152 and an opposite upper major surface 154, at least a portion of the lower major surface 152 being coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive 153 for securing the dressing body 150 to an underlying surface, such as skin. The lower major surface 152 of the dressing 100 may include a reinforcement material 140 adhered to at least a portion of the lower major surface 152 of the dressing body 150. The dressing body 150 has a periphery 159 that defines a first dressing region 157 and a second dressing region 158 .

[0021] At least a portion of the upper major surface 154 of the dressing body 150 is removably attached to the carrier 120 and serves to maintain the dressing body 150 in a flat, wrinkle-free, and unstretched state when the dressing body 150 is applied to a patient. A portion of the carrier 120 has a label 130 that includes printing on its upper surface, for example, to provide a prompt for entering patient information. Also, a portion of the carrier 120 has two securement strips 135a and 135b that serve to secure devices such as tubes, ports, and catheters that are received in slots 175 of the dressing body 150.

[0022] Carrier 120 comprises a peripheral carrier portion 122 and a central carrier portion 124. Typically, peripheral portion 122 is connected to central portion 124 by a line of weakness, which is either a partial cut or a set of perforations 126. The line of weakness serves to hold peripheral carrier portion 122 to central carrier portion 124 until removal is desired.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the central carrier portion 124 of the carrier 120 does not cover the entire area of ​​the dressing body 150, and the second region 158 is a free portion without an overlying carrier. This free portion has adjacent carriers 120 and, in this embodiment, carriers 122, 124 that almost completely surround the second region 158. This peripheral carrier 120 provides structural support to the dressing body 150 and prevents wrinkling. In one embodiment, the peripheral carrier 120, including the peripheral carrier portions 122 and central carrier portion 124, may represent more than 40% but less than 95% of the dressing area 150. This configuration allows for wrinkle-free, unstretched handling of the dressing 100 while also facilitating easy removal if the dressing body 150 is applied to a patient before the carrier 120 is removed.

[0024] An optional carrier tab 125 extends from the central carrier portion 124 into the second region 158 to facilitate removal of the central carrier portion 124 of the carrier 120. Optionally, peripheral carrier tabs 121 a and 121 b extend from the peripheral carrier portion 122 into the central carrier portion 124 to facilitate removal of the peripheral portion 122 of the carrier 120. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the central carrier tab 125 is shown to the left of the central portion 124 of the carrier 120 and is spaced from the peripheral portion 122 of the carrier 120. The central carrier tab 125 may be disposed into the second region 158 at any position along the central carrier portion 124 and may be spaced from or adjacent to the peripheral portion 122. Additionally, there may be more than one central carrier tab for removing the central carrier portion 124 of the carrier 120.

[0025] 4 shows an alternative design for including two central carrier tabs 425a, 425b on the central portion 424 to facilitate removal of the central carrier portion 424. The peripheral tabs 421a and 421b aid in removal of the peripheral portion 422 of the carrier 420 and have rounded edges that detach from the edges of the dressing body 450 to facilitate removal. Other shapes and designs may be used to facilitate removal of the peripheral portion 122 of the carrier 120.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the dressing 100 of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2, showing further details of the components of the dressing 100. The dressing body 150 comprises a laminate 151 and an optional reinforcement material 140. In one embodiment, the laminate 151 comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane, optionally with an additional layer of a polymer, fabric, or reinforcement layer. The laminate 151 includes a film layer 155 having an upper major surface 154 and a lower major surface 152. A pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) 153 is coated on a portion of the lower major surface 152 of the film layer 155, and a low-adhesive backing (LAB) 156 is coated on the upper major surface 154 of the film layer 155. The LAB backing 156 facilitates peeling of the carrier 120 from the upper major surface 154 of the laminate 151.

[0027] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the lower major surface 152 of the laminate 151 is adhered to the reinforcing material 140 via a pressure-sensitive adhesive 153. In this embodiment, the reinforcing material 140 is in the second region 158. Typically, the reinforcing material 140 is absent from the first region 157, which often includes only the laminate to provide better transparency and conformability. In one embodiment, the lower edge of the reinforcing material 140 is inset from the periphery of the laminate 151. In this embodiment, the reinforcing material 140 includes a nonwoven layer 144 having a bottom surface at least partially coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive 142. The adhesive 142, together with the adhesive 153 on the lower major surface 152 of the laminate 151, facilitates adhesion of the dressing body 150 to the patient. The laminate 151 and the reinforcing layer 140 are the components that remain on the patient after the dressing 100 is applied. The label 130 and fastening strips 135a, 135b can also be fastened onto the patient if the user so desires.

[0028] Turning now to the carrier 120, it stabilizes the dressing body 150, prevents wrinkling and stretching during handling, and is used to apply the dressing without contacting the adhesive. Thus, the laminate 151 is recessed from the carrier 120. The top surface of the carrier 120 is coated with LAB 123 to facilitate release of the label 130 and securing strips 135a, 135b. The carrier substrate 127 may be made of a suitable paper or polymer material that is sufficiently rigid to provide adequate support. A line of weakness 126 may be between the central carrier portion 124 and the adjacent peripheral portion 122. The line of weakness 126 may be a partial cut that penetrates the depth of the carrier substrate 127, allowing for easy separation of the central carrier portion 124 from the peripheral portion 122. In another embodiment, the line of weakness 126 may be a set of perforations that penetrate the depth of the carrier substrate 127. Maintaining some connection between the central carrier portion 122 and the peripheral portion 124 maintains the integrity of the carrier 120 until separation is desired.

[0029] In one embodiment, two fastening strips 135a and 135b are shown secured to the upper major surface 154. The fastening strips 135a, 135b are adhesive tapes. In this embodiment, the fastening strips 135a, 135b each comprise a soft cloth material 133a, 133b having an adhesive 134a, 134b, respectively, on the bottom surface of each fastening strip 135a, 135b. The adhesive layers 134a, 134b of the fastening strips 135a, 135b are adhered to the carrier 120 with the ends of the strips extending beyond the central carrier portion 124. The fastening strips 135a, 135b are secured to at least a portion of the peripheral carrier portion 122 and the central carrier portion 124. Thus, removing the central carrier portion 124 frees the ends of the fastening strips 135a, 135b, allowing them to be easily removed and used. In this embodiment, the fastening strips 135 a , 135 b extend across the central carrier portion 124 to two opposite sides of the peripheral carrier portion 122 .

[0030] The optional label 130 is any suitable label tape material 137 with at least a portion of its bottom surface coated with adhesive 138. The top surface of the label tape material 137 can include pre-printed information, such as prompts for entering patient information. The top surface of the label tape material 137 can also be a manufacturer-writable material.

[0031] In one embodiment, at least a portion of one or more of the adhesive layers 138, 153, and 142 of each of the label 130, laminate 151, and optional reinforcing soft cloth 140 are protected by a product liner 190, which provides a protective coating to the adhesive prior to use, but which is easily removed prior to use. In this embodiment, the product liner 190 includes a liner paper 192 having an LAB coating 194 on its upper major surface that contacts the adhesive layers 138, 153, and 142. The surfaces of the adhesive layers 153 and 142 collectively provide the adhesion for securing the dressing body 150 to the patient.

[0032] Further embodiments, shown in FIG. 3 , illustrate alternative laminate and reinforcing layer designs. Dressing bodies 300 and 350 are shown having transparent film layers 352 and 354 and reinforcing layers 353 and 356. In these embodiments, portions of the top surfaces of layers 352, 354 or soft cloth layers 353, 356 include printing on a portion of their respective surfaces. Such printing can include various words, symbols, QOR codes, images, and the like, which can convey information about the patient. For example, writing may indicate that the dressing was placed on the patient by emergency medical personnel. Some jurisdictions or medical guidelines require such dressings to be changed once the patient is hospitalized, and such markings can facilitate compliance with these requirements.

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of a medical dressing 400 that is substantially similar to the medical dressing 100. The medical dressing 400 includes a carrier 420 having a central portion 424 and a peripheral portion 422, with the central portion 424 connected to the peripheral portion 422 by a line of weakness or perforations 426. In this embodiment, unlike FIG. 1, the central portion 424 includes two central portion tabs 425a, 425b adjacent to the peripheral portion 422 of the carrier 420. As can be appreciated, the central portion tabs 425a, 425b can also be spaced apart from the peripheral portion 422 of the carrier 420. The peripheral portion tabs 421a, 421b facilitate removal of the peripheral portion 422 of the carrier. As in FIG. 1, the medical dressing 400 further includes fastening strips 435a, 435b and a label 480.

[0034] In this embodiment, the peripheral carrier portion 422 has a weakened area 421 that passes partially or completely through the peripheral carrier portion 422. This weakened area 421 can be a partial or complete through cut in the peripheral carrier portion 422. During application, a user can pinch this area with their fingers and begin removing the peripheral carrier portion 422. The advantage of this refinement is that it is away from the cut, where pinching and pulling on the peripheral carrier portion 422 at this location could displace and irritate the catheter.

[0035] Application of the medical dressing to a surface will be described with reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. One method of applying the medical dressing 100 to a substrate includes securing the medical dressing 100 to the surface. Once secured, the user can then remove the central carrier portion 124. Removing the central carrier portion 124 peels away the overlying securing strips 135a, 135b (if included). The peripheral carrier portions 122 are then removed, leaving the secured medical dressing 100 on the substrate.

[0036] This method of applying the dressing will now be described in more detail. Typically, after removing the dressing 100 from its sterile packaging, a user removes the product liner 190 and adheres the exposed adhesive surfaces (153, 142) to a surface, such as a patient's skin, to secure devices such as tubes, ports, and catheters. Applying pressure to the top surface 154 of the dressing body 150 ensures proper adhesion to the patient. Next, the user removes the carrier central portion 124, including the fastening strips 135 a, 135 b, by pulling the tab 125, peeling the central portion 124 from the peripheral portion 122 of the carrier 120. This breaks the line of weakness 126. The user then removes the carrier peripheral portion 122 from the top surface 154 of the dressing body 150 using one or both of the tabs 121 a, 121 b found on the lower edge of the device-receiving slot 175. The user can then remove one or both of the fastening strips 135a, 135b from the carrier central portion 124 to further secure the catheter hub, lumen, or tubing. In this manner, the fastening strips 135a, 135b may be placed completely or partially over the dressing body 150 secured to the patient. Alternatively, the fastening strips 135a, 135b may be used to secure the device or may be placed directly on the patient's skin. After the dressing body 150 and fastening strips 135a, 135b are in place and the carrier portion is removed, applying pressure to the periphery of the dressing body 150 ensures proper adhesion. Finally, the user removes the label 130 from the carrier peripheral portion 122, enters patient information, and adheres the label 130 to the patient near or over the dressing body 150. The use of one or both of the fastening strips 135a, 135b and the label 130 is optional and may or may not be used depending on the needs of a particular application.

[0037] In a second method of applying the medical dressing 100 to a substrate, a user may first remove the central carrier portion 124, peel off the securing strips 135a, 135b, and apply them to secure devices such as tubes, ports, and catheters. The medical dressing 100 is then applied to the substrate. Because the peripheral carrier portion 122 remains, the medical dressing 100 is still supported and will not wrinkle or collapse under its own weight. The peripheral carrier portion 122 is then removed, leaving the secured medical dressing 100 on the substrate.

[0038] This second method will now be described in more detail. Typically, a user first removes the dressing 100 from its sterile outer packaging (not shown). Next, the user removes the carrier central portion 124 using the tab 125, thereby peeling the fastening strips 135a, 135b from the peripheral carrier portion 122. In doing so, the line of weakness 126 breaks. The fastening strips 135a, 135b can then be removed from the carrier central portion 124 and applied to a patient to secure a device, such as a tube, port, or catheter. The carrier central portion 124 is then discarded. Once the device is secured, the dressing body 150 can be applied to the patient by first removing the product liner 190, applying the dressing body 150 to the patient over the fastening strips 135a, 135b, and positioning the slot 175 around the device. To avoid contact with the adhesive, the carrier 120 extends beyond the laminate 151 on the side opposite the slot 175 (opposite the slot 175).

[0039] Applying pressure to the dressing body 150 ensures proper bonding. In some cases, medical dressings are applied to a patient and remain in place for several days. If the dressing is worn for an extended period of time, the edges of the dressing may begin to pull away from the patient, which can result in contamination of the site or overall adhesion failure. Applying pressure to the adhesive results in a stronger bond and reduces the likelihood of adhesion failure.

[0040] Once the dressing body 150 is applied to the patient, the carrier peripheral portion 122 is removed from the top surface 154 of the dressing body 150 using one or both tabs 121 a, 121 b adjacent the lower inner edge of the device-receiving slot 175. After removing the carrier peripheral portion 122, pressure is applied to the periphery of the dressing body 150 to ensure proper adhesion. In the embodiment shown in cross section in FIG. 2 , the dressing 100 has a reinforcement 140 embedded from the lower edge of the film laminate 151 to prevent the dressing body 150 from rolling up from the lower edge. The user can remove the label 130 from the carrier peripheral portion 122, enter patient information, and adhere the label 130 to the patient near or over the dressing body 150. The use of one or both of the fastening strips 135 a, 135 b and the label 130 are optional and may or may not be used depending on the needs of the particular application.

[0041] The easily accessible central portion 124 of the medical dressing 100 described herein allows users to employ different application methods with one product. The central portion 124 can serve to provide stability to the underlying dressing and can also deliver the overlying fastening strip (if included). The inclusion of a second region of the dressing without an overlying carrier allows for flexibility during application of the medical dressing, particularly when applying it over and around a medical device such as a tube. The adjacent peripheral and central carrier portions provide peripheral support to keep this second region of the dressing wrinkle-free until application to a surface.

[0042] Dressing body and optional support material

[0043] The dressing body is typically formed from a thin film material that provides resistance to ingress of water and contaminants, high moisture vapor permeability to allow moisture vapor to escape from the underlying skin, and conformability to the surface. Typical thicknesses of such films are about 20 μm to 40 μm.

[0044] One example of a suitable material is a highly moisture vapor permeable film such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,645,835 and 4,595,001, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Patent Nos. 3,645,835 and 4,595,001, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, describe how to make such films and how to test their permeability. Typically, the film / adhesive composite should transmit moisture vapor at a rate equal to or greater than that of human skin. Typically, the adhesive-coated film should have a moisture vapor permeability of at least 300 g / m using the inverted cup method described in U.S. Patent No. 4,595,001. 2 / 24 hours / 37℃ / 100-10%RH, preferably at least 700g / m 2 / 24 hours / 37℃ / 100-10%RH, most preferably at least 2000g / m 2 / 24 hours / 37℃ / 100-10%RH permeates water vapor at a rate of

[0045] The dressing material preferably conforms to the anatomical surface. Thus, when applied to a tissue surface, the dressing can conform to the surface and expand and contract, even if the surface moves. One embodiment of the film is an elastomeric polyurethane, polyester, or polyether block amide film. These films combine the desirable properties of elasticity, high water vapor permeability, and transparency. An example of a thin film dressing material is 3M Tegaderm IV Dressing, available from 3M Company. U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 783,368, filed December 21, 2018, describes a medical article having a backing that may be suitable as a contact dressing.

[0046] Medical dressings may be formed from or may further include nonwoven fiber webs, fiber film webs, knits, and other well-known backing materials. Additional reinforcement materials can be included in thin films to provide strength and rigidity to the dressing. Examples of nonwoven fabrics suitable for use in the nonwoven soft cloth reinforcement include carded nonwovens, spunbonded nonwovens, spunlaced nonwovens, airlaid nonwovens, blown microfiber structured nonwovens, and stitchbonded nonwovens. Suitable commercially available substrate materials include kraft paper (available from Monadnock Paper, Inc.); cellophane (available from Flexel Corp.); spunbonded poly(ethylene) and polypropylene, such as TYVEK and TYPAR (available from DuPont, Inc.); and porous films derived from polyethylene and poly(propylene), such as TESLIN (available from PPG Industries, Inc.) and CELLGUARD (available from Hoechst-Celanese).

[0047] Further examples of polymers suitable for use in the dressing body include polyurethane, elastomeric polyesters such as DuPont "Hytrel" polyester elastomer (Wilmington, Delaware), polyethylene, blends of polyurethane and polyester, chlorinated polyethylene, styrene / butadiene block copolymers such as "Kraton" brand thermoplastic rubber (Shell Chemical Company, Houston, Texas), and polyvinyl chloride.

[0048] absorbent material

[0049] The medical dressing 100 can include an absorbent material on the lower major surface to absorb moisture or exudate. Common absorbent materials include woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, absorbent gels, superabsorbent materials, and hydrocolloids. In some embodiments, the absorbent material includes an antimicrobial agent to reduce the possibility of infection. An example of an absorbent material that includes an antimicrobial agent is the gel pad in 3M Tegaderm CHG IV dressing, available from 3M Company (St. Paul, MN).

[0050] glue

[0051] In one or more embodiments, the adhesive used in the various components of dressing 100 may be a skin-friendly adhesive useful for securing the medical dressing to a patient's skin. In one or more embodiments, adhesives 138 (label), 134a, 134b (securing strips), 153 (film layer), and 142 (reinforcement) used in dressing 100 may be the same adhesive. In one or more alternative embodiments, the adhesive used throughout the construction of dressing 100 may vary. While the adhesive is shown as a solid, continuous layer, it will be understood that the adhesive used in connection with the medical dressings described herein may be discontinuous (e.g., pattern coating), as is commonly known.

[0052] Adhesives suitable for use in one or more embodiments of the medical dressings described herein include any adhesive that provides acceptable adhesion to the skin and is acceptable for use on the skin (e.g., the adhesive should preferably be non-irritating and non-sensitizing). Suitable adhesives are pressure-sensitive and, in certain embodiments, have a relatively high water vapor transmission rate to allow moisture evaporation. Suitable pressure-sensitive adhesives include acrylate-based, urethane-based, hydrogel-based, hydrocolloid-based, block copolymer-based, silicone-based, rubber-based adhesives (including natural rubber, polyisoprene, polyisobutylene, butyl rubber, etc.), and combinations of these adhesives. The adhesive components may contain tackifiers, plasticizers, rheology modifiers, and active ingredients, including, for example, antimicrobial agents.

[0053] Pressure-sensitive adhesives that can be used in the dressings described herein include adhesives typically applied to the skin, such as acrylate copolymers described in U.S. Reissue Patent No. 24,906, specifically the 97:3 isooctyl acrylate:acrylamide copolymer. Another example is the 70:15:15 isooctyl acrylate:ethylene oxide acrylate:acrylic acid terpolymer described in U.S. Patent No. 4,737,410 (Example 31). Other potentially useful adhesives are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,389,027, 4,112,213, 4,310,509, and 4,323,557. It is also contemplated that medicinal or antibacterial agents may be included in the adhesive, as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,310,509 and 4,323,537.

[0054] Suitable silicone adhesives can also be used. Generally, silicone adhesives can provide sufficient adhesion to the skin while at the same time providing gentle release from the skin. Suitable silicone adhesives are disclosed in International Applications PCT / 2010 / 056541 and PCT / 2010 / 036543.

[0055] In some embodiments, the pressure-sensitive adhesive may transmit water vapor at a rate equal to or greater than the transepidermal water loss of human skin. While this characteristic can be achieved by selecting an appropriate adhesive, it is contemplated that other methods of achieving a high relative water vapor transmission rate may be used, such as pattern coating of the adhesive, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,395,001. The pressure-sensitive adhesive used in the dressing may also include one or more regions in which the adhesive itself contains structure, such as the microreplicated structure described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,893,655. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,645,835 and 4,595,001 describe methods for making such films and testing their permeability. As disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0141949, entitled "Medical Dressing with Multiple Adhesives," different portions of the dressing 100 described herein may contain different adhesives. For example, one portion may contain an acrylate adhesive and another portion may contain a silicone adhesive.

[0056] Release liner

[0057] Suitable release liners can be made of paper or film, such as kraft paper, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, or a composite of any of these materials. Release liners are typically coated with a release agent, such as a fluorochemical or silicone. The release coating may be on one or both sides. In one embodiment, the release agent is applied linearly only to the area that will come into contact with the substrate to be protected. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,472,480, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a low surface energy perfluorochemical liner. In one embodiment, the liner is paper, polyolefin film, or polyester film coated with a silicone release material. Furthermore, the release liner may be printed on one or both sides. An example of a silicone-coated release paper is Polysilk™ silicone release paper supplied by Daubert Chemical Co. (Dixon, IL).

[0058] Career

[0059] Suitable materials for the carrier are similar to those described above for the liner, although thicker sections of material are typically used. A release coating is also utilized to aid in the release of the carrier material from the dressing body film and is applied to the surface that contacts the dressing body. In one embodiment, a double-sided carrier is utilized to further ensure easy separation from the packaging.

[0060] Fixing strip

[0061] The fastening strip can be made of any material that is coated with an adhesive and can function as a fastening device. In one embodiment, a nonwoven material is used with an adhesive coated on one side of the material. For example, tapes such as 3M Micropore™ tape, 3M Medipore™ tape, and 3M Transpore™ tape can be used as the fastening strip.

[0062] label

[0063] Various medical tapes may be suitable for use as labeling materials. The labels may have printed information to assist the user in entering patient information. The labels may be formed of a material that can be written on with a pen or marker. In one embodiment, 3M Micropore™ tape or 3M Medipore™ tape may be used as labeling materials.

[0064] While specific embodiments have been shown and described herein, it will be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the many specific configurations that may be devised in application of the principles of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous and varied other configurations in accordance with these principles without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention should not be limited to the structures described in this application, but rather only by the structures set forth by the language of the claims and the equivalents of such structures.

Claims

1. a dressing body having an upper major surface, a lower major surface opposite the upper major surface, and a dressing periphery defining a dressing region, the dressing region comprising a first dressing region and a second dressing region; a pressure-sensitive adhesive on at least a portion of the lower major surface of the dressing body; a carrier releasably secured to the upper major surface of the dressing body, the carrier comprising a central carrier portion and a peripheral carrier portion; A medical dressing comprising: the peripheral carrier portion is adjacent the periphery of the dressing body; the central carrier portion is adjacent to the first dressing region; the second dressing region does not include the carrier; Medical dressings.

2. 10. The medical dressing of claim 1, wherein the second dressing region is at least partially surrounded by the peripheral carrier portion and the central carrier portion.

3. 10. A method of applying the medical dressing of claim 1, comprising: placing the pressure sensitive adhesive of the dressing body onto a surface; removing the central carrier portion; removing the peripheral carrier portion; A method comprising:

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