Shape-conforming dressing material

Abstract

To provide a novel dressing ingredient. [Solution] When using a thin film dressing to secure a device, it may be necessary to stretch the dressing in some areas to accommodate devices of various sizes, while maintaining rigidity in other areas to limit the stretching of the material. Excessive stretching of the material can cause the dressing to peel off the skin or the underlying device to be not adequately secured. The disclosed dressing can be used to secure a device and includes perforations near the device securing area, allowing for isolated, adjustable areas to provide a firm fit between the dressing and the device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a conformable dressing material comprising a backing layer having a perforation set to enable controlled elasticity.

Background Art

[0002] Transparent film dressing materials are widely used on the skin to protect the skin by acting as a barrier against contaminated liquids and bacteria. For example, transparent film dressing materials are available under a variety of product names such as TEGADERM™ (3M Company, St. Paul, MN).

[0003] The polymeric films used in these dressing materials and drapes are conformable. That is, the films are extremely thin, flexible, and compliant. They are typically supplied with a removable protective liner that covers the surface of the film coated with an adhesive. To address this problem to prevent wrinkling when applying the adhesive-coated film, various delivery systems have been proposed, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,685,682.

[0004] Thin, flexible, and elastic polymer films are beneficial when used on skin that bends, stretches, and contracts. However, in some applications, the high flexibility and elasticity of thin polymer films can cause the film to shift or stretch excessively, leading to peeling or falling off the skin. Therefore, medical dressings have been developed that include more rigid and less shape-conforming materials fixed to the thin polymer film. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,088,483 discloses an adhesive composite including a shape-conforming backing and a permanent adhesive reinforcement surrounding the periphery of the adhesive composite. An example of a commercially available medical dressing with a reinforcement layer is TEGADERM® IV Advanced Dressing (3M Company (St. Paul MN)). [Overview of the project]

[0005] When using thin film dressings to secure devices, it may be necessary to stretch the dressing in some areas to accommodate devices of various sizes, while maintaining rigidity in other areas to limit the stretching of the material. Excessive stretching of the material can cause the dressing to peel from the skin or the underlying device to be inadequately secured. The disclosed dressing can be used to secure devices and includes perforations near the device fixation area, allowing for isolated, adjustable areas to provide a firm fit between the dressing and the device.

[0006] In one embodiment, the dressing material comprises a first main surface, a second main surface located opposite the first main surface and defined by an outer edge surrounding the main body layer, the second main surface containing adhesive, and a slot for receiving a device. The slot is an extension of the outer edge that penetrates into the main body layer and terminates. The slot is separated by a first portion and a second portion of the main body layer. In one embodiment, the dressing material further comprises a first set of perforations that extend at least partially through the thickness of the flexible backing layer and extend from the outer edge in the slot into the main body layer.

[0007] In one embodiment, the main body layer further comprises a support member fixed to the main body layer. In one embodiment, the support member covers a portion of the main body layer. In one embodiment, the support member extends to the outer edge. In one embodiment, the support member has lower elasticity than the main body layer.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first set of holes extends through the thickness of the support material. In one embodiment, the slot extends along the axis of the dressing material slot. In one embodiment, the first body portion and the second body portion are symmetrical with respect to the axis of the dressing material slot. In one embodiment, the first set of holes is at the end of the slot. In one embodiment, the first set of holes is at the end of the slot and parallel to the axis of the dressing material slot.

[0009] In one embodiment, the dressing material further comprises a second set of perforations extending through the main body layer. In one embodiment, the second set of perforations extends from the outer edge into the main body layer. In one embodiment, the first set of perforations has a first end and a second end, and the second set of perforations has a first end and a second end. In one embodiment, the first end of the first set of perforations is the same as the first end of the second set of perforations. In one embodiment, the first end of the first set of perforations is different from the first end of the second set of perforations. In one embodiment, the first set of perforations is substantially perpendicular to the dressing material slot axis. In one embodiment, the second set of perforations is substantially perpendicular to the dressing material slot axis. In one embodiment, the first set of perforations extends from the first end at the outer edge through the main body layer to the outer edge. In one embodiment, the first perforation set extends from a first end on the outer edge through the main body layer to another part of the outer edge. In another embodiment, the first perforation set is at the end of the slot, parallel to the dressing material slot axis, and extends through the main body layer to another part of the outer edge.

[0010] In one embodiment, the method for securing the device includes applying a dressing material to the device so that the device is aligned with the slot. In one embodiment, the method further includes isolating at least a portion of a first set of holes adjacent to the device. In one embodiment, the method further includes applying a tape strip under the device so as to cross the slot. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a diagram of a first embodiment of a dressing material comprising a first perforation set and a second perforation set.

[0012] [Figure 2] This is a side cross-sectional view taken through line 2-2 in Figure 1.

[0013] [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows a dressing material having a device at the bottom of a slot and a tape strip that crosses the slot beneath the device.

[0014] [Figure 4] This is a diagram of another embodiment of a dressing material equipped with a first perforation set.

[0015] [Figure 5] This is a diagram of another embodiment of a dressing material, specifically a tape, comprising a single perforation set.

[0016] [Figure 6] This is a diagram of another embodiment of a dressing material, specifically tape, which includes a first perforation set and a second perforation set.

[0017] [Figure 7] This is a diagram of another embodiment of a dressing material equipped with a first perforation set.

[0018] The above drawings represent embodiments of the present invention, but as described in the description, other embodiments are also contemplated. In all cases, the present disclosure presents the invention by way of illustration and not limitation. It will be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can 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.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] The disclosed dressing material includes a body layer having slots for receiving devices. At least one set of perforations exists from the outer side portion in the slot to enable flexible expansion of the slot for accommodating devices of various sizes such as tubes.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a first embodiment of a dressing material 100 having a first set of perforations 150 and a second set of perforations 155, FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the dressing material 100 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is the dressing material 100 shown together with a device 190 and an extension tube 195 below.

[0021] The dressing material 100 has a first main surface 110 and a second main surface 120 opposite the first main surface 110. At least a portion of the second main surface 120 includes an adhesive 160 (see FIG. 2) for fixing the dressing material 100 to a substrate such as the skin below.

[0022] The outer side portion 130 surrounds the dressing material 100 and defines the body layer 140 of the dressing material 100. The body layer 140 is typically a thin flexible material that can be applied to cover a substrate 165 having an uneven outer shape such as the skin. The body layer 140 can have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure, and can further include an additional support material 170 fixed to at least a portion of the body layer 140. Various suitable materials for the body layer 140 and the support material 170 (if included) are described below.

[0023] The dressing material 100 has a slot 145, and this slot 145 is an extension of the outer edge portion 130 that penetrates into a part of the body layer 140. The slot 145 is separated by the first portion 146 of the body layer 140 and the second portion 148 of the body layer 140. The slot 145 has a width that forms a gap between the first portion 146 and the second portion 148 of the body layer 140. The slot 145 has a receiving end 142, and this receiving end 142 is open and is the separation between the first portion 146 and the second portion 148 of the body layer 140. The slot 145 has a terminal 144, and this terminal 144 is the deepest part of the extension of the slot 145 that penetrates into the body layer 140. In one embodiment, the slot 145 is linear along the slot axis 143. However, the slot 145 may be of various sizes, shapes, widths, or lengths as long as it provides a separation between the first portion 145 and the second portion 148 of the body layer 140. In this embodiment, the first portion 146 and the second portion 148 of the body layer 140 are symmetric with respect to the slot axis 143. In use, the device 190 and the tube 195 will extend through the slot 145.

[0024] The first perforation set 150 is at the outer edge portion 130 at the slot 145. The first perforation set 150 is a set of through cuts, and each cut is separated from another cut by the body layer 140. The cuts of the first perforation set 150 extend at least partially through the thickness of the body layer 140, forming a structurally weak region of the body layer 140. In some embodiments, the through cuts of the first perforation set 150 extend completely through the body layer 140. In some embodiments, the through cuts extend partially into the body layer 140. If the body layer 140 is a multi-layer structure, the through cuts can completely penetrate one layer and not penetrate other layers of the body layer 140. In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the cuts of the first perforation set 150 are essentially widthless slits, meaning that no material is removed from the body layer 140 during the cutting. In one embodiment, the cuts of the first perforation set 150 have a width of the removed material.

[0025] It will be understood that the individual cuts in the perforation set may be the same length as each other, or they may be of varying lengths. For example, the length of each cut may vary in stages from shorter to longer, or from longer to shorter. The same applies to the spacing between each individual cut; they may be the same length as each other, or they may be of varying lengths. For example, the spacing between each individual cut may vary in stages from shorter to longer, or from longer to shorter.

[0026] In the lateral direction, the first perforation set 150 extends from the first end 152 to the second end 154 of the outer edge 130 in the slot 145. In this embodiment, the second end 154 is located within the main body layer 140. The first perforation set 150 may be linear, arrayed, or clustered. If the first perforation set 150 is linear, it may be straight, diagonal, or curved.

[0027] The first perforation set 150 can be positioned at or near the end 144 of the slot 145, as shown in Figures 1 and 3. The first perforation set 150 can extend at least partially from the outer edge 130 into the body 140 at any angle with respect to the dressing material slot axis 143. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the first perforation set 150 extends into the body 140 substantially perpendicular to the dressing material slot axis 143.

[0028] The dressing material 100 may have two or more perforation sets. Any additional perforation sets may have features as described with respect to the first perforation set. As shown in embodiments in Figures 1 to 3, a first perforation set 150 and a second perforation set 155 are present in the slot 145. The second perforation set 155 is a set of through cuts, each cut separated from the other by the body layer 140. Similar to the first perforation set, the second perforation set 155 extends at least partially through the thickness of the body layer 140.

[0029] Laterally, the second perforation set 155 extends from the first end 156 to the second end 158 of the outer edge 130 in the slot 145. In this embodiment, the second end 158 is located within the main body layer 140. The second perforation set 155 may be linear, arrayed, or clustered. If the second perforation set 155 is linear, it may be straight, diagonal, or curved. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the second perforation set 155 extends substantially perpendicular to the dressing material slot axis 143 into the main body 140 on the opposite side from the first perforation set 150. In this embodiment, the second perforation set 155 is substantially the same size and shape as the first perforation set 150. It will be understood that the first and second perforation sets may be different in size, length, and shape from each other. The second perforation set 155 provides a weak area in the structural strength of the main layer 140 of the dressing material 100, causing a rupture in the second perforation set 155 and expanding the side of the slot 145 for the larger tube 195.

[0030] In one embodiment, the first perforation set 150 and the second perforation set 155 (if included) have a cut length of 0.025 inches to 1.0 inch in width. In one embodiment, the body layer 140 between the cuts is 0.01 inches to 0.05 inches in width.

[0031] During use, the dressing material 100 is applied to cover the device 190, such as a tube 195, with a portion of the device 190 extending through the slot 145, as shown in Figure 3. The size of the tube 195 can vary. Therefore, the first set of holes 150 provides a weak area in the structural strength of the main layer 140 of the dressing material 100, causing rupture at the first set of holes 150 and expanding the side of the slot 145 for a larger tube 195.

[0032] Including both a first puncture set 150 and a second puncture set 155 improves the ability to expand the width of the slot 145 to accommodate a device 190 or a tube 195. In one embodiment, the dressing material 100 is positioned to cover an intravenous catheter device 190 having a tube 195. The intravenous device 190 is positioned beneath the main body layer 140 of the dressing material 100, and the tube 195 extends through the slot 145. For a larger tube 195, at least a portion of the first puncture set 150 and / or the second puncture set 155 will expand the width of the slit 145 to the size of the tube 195.

[0033] Optionally, the main layer 140 of the dressing material 100 may include support members 170. The support members 170 are fixed to at least a portion of the main layer 140. In some embodiments, the main layer 140 is highly flexible and elastic. The flexibility and elasticity of the main layer can be limited by providing the support members 170 in several regions. The support members 170 can be provided to be flexible or elastic in one direction, which is different from flexibility or elasticity in a second direction. This may further help in controlling the overall extensibility and flexibility of the dressing material as a whole.

[0034] The support material 170 (if included) is fixed to the main layer 140 by adhesive, thermal bonding, lamination, or other commonly used fastening techniques. The support material 170 provides structural strength to the dressing material 100 and therefore, on its own, has lower elasticity than the main layer 140. In one embodiment, the support material 170, on its own, is essentially inelastic and therefore may not be able to stretch and / or recover from stretching. In one embodiment, the support material 170 may have higher elasticity in one direction (longitudinal direction) than in the transverse direction (lateral direction), but overall has lower elasticity than the main layer 140.

[0035] Elasticity can be measured by any number of commonly used means for evaluating the stretching and recovery of a material. In one embodiment, the main layer 140 (independent of the support material) has an elongation at break of at least 200%. In one embodiment, the main layer 140 (independent of the support material) has an elongation at break of at least 1000%. In one embodiment, the main layer 140 (independent of the support material) has an elongation at break of less than 500%. In one embodiment, the support material 170 (independent of the backing layer) has an elongation at break of at least 20%. In one embodiment, the support material 170 (independent of the backing layer) has an elongation at break of at least 100%. In one embodiment, the support material 170 has an elongation at break of less than 200%.

[0036] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3, the support material 170 extends adjacent to the entire outer edge 130 of the dressing material 100, but is not continuous throughout the body 140. The support material 170 is not located within the central window 142 of the dressing material 100 in order to allow a transparent window for viewing the lower substrate 165 or device 190. In this embodiment, the support material 170 includes polymer films, nonwoven fiber webs, woven fiber webs, knitted fabrics, films, and other backing materials, which may be translucent or transparent. The arrangement of the body layer 140 and the support material 170 is similar to that of 3M Tegaderm IV Advanced Securement Dressing, which includes a nonwoven layer adjacent to a thin polyurethane film. When the support material 170 is included, the perforation set may be included only in the portion containing the support material. Typically, the stiffness or rigidity of the support material will limit the propagation of the perforation opening.

[0037] The main layer 140 may be a thin, flexible, elastic barrier that is sufficiently impermeable to the passage of liquids and at least some gases, protecting the covered area from external contaminants. Its elasticity allows the main layer 140 to expand, contract, stretch, and recover when the underlying substrate, such as skin, moves. Support material 170 may be included in certain areas, such as the outer edge 130, to limit the flexibility and stretch of the main layer 140. Excessive stretching of the main layer 140 may cause delamination or loosening of the fit to the underlying device. If support material 170 is included within the dressing material 100, expansion in the slot 145 may be significantly limited. Therefore, in areas where the ability to stretch is limited due to support material 170, the perforation sets 150, 155 result in isolated stretching and expansion. If a support material 170 is present, the drilling set 150 remains within the area of ​​the support material 170 to prevent further propagation of the tear.

[0038] Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of the dressing material 102. Since the dressing material 102 is substantially similar to the embodiment of the dressing material 100 shown in Figure 1, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same structural elements. However, the dressing material 102 has only a first perforation set 150 and does not include a second perforation set. The first perforation set 150 extends parallel to the dressing material slot axis 143 from the vertex of the end 144 of the slot 145. The first perforation set 150 extends from a first end 152 in the outer edge portion 130 to a second end 154 in the main body layer 140. This arrangement of the perforation set 150 allows for selective tearing along the perforation set 150 to accommodate catheters of various sizes and shapes. If a support material 170 is included, the perforation set 150 remains within the area of ​​the support material 170 to prevent further propagation of tearing.

[0039] Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of the dressing material 103. In this embodiment, the dressing material 103 is a tape strip. The same reference numerals are used to identify the same structural elements as those described in Figures 1 to 3. This dressing material 103 comprises a first perforation set 150. In this embodiment, the first perforation set 150 extends from a first end 152 adjacent to the outer edge 130 at the vertex of the end 144 of the slot 145, at least partially penetrating the body layer 140, along a line substantially parallel to the dressing material slot axis 143, to a second end 154 also on the outer edge 130. The slot 145 is positioned within the body 140 such that the portions of the body on both sides of the slot 145 are symmetrical with respect to the dressing material slot axis 143. No support material is included. It will be understood that support material may be included in part or throughout the dressing material. This arrangement of the first puncture set 150 allows for selective tearing along the dressing slot axis to improve coverage of the area surrounding the catheter and to completely tear the tape to facilitate tape removal. This dressing 103 can be used in combination with a dressing as shown in Figure 1 or Figure 3 to further secure the device 190 as shown in Figure 3.

[0040] Figure 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the dressing material 104. In this embodiment, the dressing material 104 is a tape strip. The same reference numerals are used to identify the same structural elements as those described in Figures 1 to 3. This dressing material 104 comprises a first perforation set 150 and a second perforation set 155. In this embodiment, the first perforation set 150 extends from a first end 152 adjacent to the outer edge 130 near the vertex of the end 144 of the slot 145 to a second end 154 in the body layer 140 along a line substantially perpendicular to the dressing material slot axis 143. The second perforation set 155 extends from a first end 156 adjacent to the outer edge 130 near the vertex of the end 144 of the slot 145 to a second end 158 in the body layer 140 along a line substantially perpendicular to the dressing material slot axis 143. In this embodiment, the first puncture set 150 and the second puncture set 155 are further symmetrical with respect to the slot 145 and the dressing slot axis 143. No support material is included. It will be understood that support material may be included in part or all of the dressing material. This arrangement of the first puncture set 150 and the second puncture set 155 allows for selective tearing along the dressing slot axis to improve coverage of the area surrounding the catheter and to accommodate catheters of various sizes and shapes. This dressing material 104 can be used in combination with a dressing material as shown in Figure 1 or Figure 3 to further secure a device 190 as shown in Figure 3.

[0041] Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the dressing material 105. Since the dressing material 105 is substantially similar to the embodiments of the dressing material 100 shown in Figure 1 and the dressing material 102 shown in Figure 4, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same structural elements. However, the dressing material 105 has a first perforation set 150 that extends perpendicularly to the dressing material slot axis 143 from the side of the slot 145. The first perforation set 150 extends from a first end 152 in the outer edge 130 to a second end 154 in the main body layer 140. This first perforation set 150 has a portion that extends in a first direction and a second portion that extends in a second direction. This arrangement of the first perforation set 150 forms an arrow "←" shape. This arrangement of the perforation set 150 allows for selective tearing along the perforation set 150 to accommodate catheters of various sizes and shapes.

[0042] The disclosed dressing materials may be manufactured by prior art well known to those skilled in the art (e.g., extrusion, solvent casting, calendering, lamination, adhesive coating, etc.). U.S. Patent No. 6,685,682, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a structure and method for producing a dressing material having a backing layer and a support material. It will be understood that the perforation set may be applied to the main layer using known cutting or perforation techniques before or after the final construction of the dressing material.

[0043] Main layer

[0044] Dressing materials are useful for providing an impermeable barrier against the passage of liquids and at least some gases. Dressing materials are well suited for medical applications and fixation to the skin. Typical barriers for use as the main layer include nonwoven and woven fiber webs, knitted fabrics, films, foams, and polymer films. In some embodiments, a transparent substrate is desirable so that the underlying skin or device can be seen.

[0045] In one embodiment, the main layer has high water vapor permeability but is not permeable to liquid water in order to prevent microorganisms and other contaminants from entering the area beneath the substrate. An example of a suitable material is a highly water vapor permeable film, such as those described in U.S. Patents No. 3,645,835 and No. 4,595,001, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. In a highly water vapor permeable film / adhesive composite, the composite is permeable at a rate equal to or greater than that of human skin, for example, at least 300 g / m² at 37°C / 100-10%RH using the inverted cup method described in U.S. Patent No. 4,595,001. 2 / 24 hours, or at least 700 g / m² at 37°C / 100~10%RH 2 / 24 hours, or at least 2000 g / m² at 37°C / 100~10%RH 2 It permeates water vapor at a rate of / 24 hours. The water vapor permeability can be increased by using a patterned coated adhesive. In one embodiment, the main body layer may be an elastomer polyurethane, polyester, or polyether block amide film. These films combine desirable properties such as elasticity, resilience, high water vapor permeability, and transparency. A description of this feature of the main body layer can be found in U.S. Patents 5,088,483 and 5,160,315, whose disclosures are incorporated herein by reference.

[0046] Commercially available examples that may be suitable for the main body layer include thin polymer film backings sold under product names such as TEGADERM (3M Company) and OPSITE (Smith & Nephew).

[0047] In some embodiments, the main body layer may be desirable to be relatively thin in order to improve shape conformability. For example, the backing layer may be formed of a polymer film having a thickness of 200 micrometers or less, or 100 micrometers or less, potentially 50 micrometers or less, or even 25 micrometers or less.

[0048] Support material

[0049] The support material provides strength to the thin, flexible main layer. Therefore, the support material has higher rigidity and lower elasticity than the main layer. The support material may be a coating such as an adhesive, or it may be a self-supporting substrate such as another film, woven fabric, knitted fabric, or nonwoven fabric. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,088,483 discloses a permanent adhesive as a reinforcing material that can be used as a support material.

[0050] In one embodiment, a woven, knitted, or nonwoven fabric is used as a support material. An example of a nonwoven fabric for support material is a high-strength nonwoven fabric available from EIDupont de Nemours & Company (Wilmington, Delaware) under the trademark Sontara. Another suitable nonwoven web is a water-entangled polyester fabric available from Veratec, a division of International Paper (Walpole, Mass.). Another suitable nonwoven web is the nonwoven elastomer web described in U.S. Patent No. 5,230,701, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0051] glue

[0052] Any number of adhesives can be used with the dressing material. Preferred adhesives are pressure-sensitive and, in certain embodiments, have a relatively high water vapor permeability that allows for moisture evaporation. Suitable pressure-sensitive adhesives include acrylate-based, urethane-based, hydrogel-based, hydrophilic colloid-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, such as antimicrobial agents.

[0053] Pressure-sensitive adhesives that can be used in dressings include adhesives typically applied to the skin, such as the acrylate copolymer 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. Other potentially useful adhesives are described in U.S. Patents No. 3,389,827, No. 4,112,213, No. 4,310,509, and No. 4,323,557. It is also conceivable that the adhesive may contain a drug or antimicrobial agent, as described in U.S. Patents No. 4,310,509 and No. 4,323,557.

[0054] Silicone adhesives can also be used. Generally, silicone adhesives can provide good adhesion to the skin while also offering gentle removal from the skin. Suitable silicone adhesives are disclosed in PCT International Publications 2010 / 056541 and 2010 / 056543, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0055] Pressure-sensitive adhesives, in some embodiments, can allow water vapor to pass through at a rate equal to or greater than that of human skin. While such characteristics can be achieved through the selection of an appropriate adhesive, other methods for achieving high relative water vapor transmission rates may also be conceivable, such as using pattern coating of the adhesive onto the backing, as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,595,001. Other potentially suitable pressure-sensitive adhesives include, for example, blown microfiber (BMF) adhesives, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 6,994,904.

[0056] As disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 014949, titled "Medical Dressing with Multiple Adhesives," different parts of the dressing material may contain different adhesives. For example, one part may contain an acrylate adhesive and another part may contain a silicone adhesive. In one embodiment, to prevent separation of the edges, an acrylate adhesive is present adjacent to the outer edges, while a silicone adhesive is present near the central portion. In one embodiment, an acrylate adhesive is present to firmly secure the device or tube near the central portion, while a silicone adhesive is present near the outer edges that come into contact with the skin.

[0057] Components of arbitrary selection

[0058] In some applications, absorbents may be used in conjunction with the dressing materials described herein. The absorbent material may be any of a variety of materials, including but not limited to foams, sponges, superabsorbent fibers / particles, hydrophilic colloidal compositions, knitted fabrics, woven fabrics, or nonwoven fabrics. The absorbent material can absorb bodily fluids beneath the dressing material.

[0059] To prevent contamination of the adhesive before use, an optional release liner may be included to cover all or part of the adhesive. In one embodiment, the packaging containing the dressing material may function as the release liner. A suitable release liner may be made of kraft paper, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, or a composite of any of these materials. In one embodiment, the liner is coated with a release agent such as silicone.

[0060] If the dressing material is thin and highly flexible, it may include an optional carrier that covers all or part of the first main surface of the main layer to provide structural support. The carrier may be removable from the first main surface once the dressing material is placed on the skin. The carrier can be made from a variety of materials, such as woven or knitted fabrics, nonwoven materials, paper, or film. In one embodiment, the carrier is along the outer edge of the first main surface of the dressing material, is removable from the first main surface, and is similar to the carrier used in 3M Tegaderm® Transparent Film Dressing, available from 3M Company (St. Paul, MN).

[0061] The adhesive dressing may contain an optional antimicrobial component, which may be separate from or integrated with the dressing. The antimicrobial component is positioned near or adjacent to the insertion site of device 190 to inhibit the growth of microorganisms in and around the insertion site. The antimicrobial component may be an absorbent foam or gel, such as those used in 3M Tegaderm® CHG IV Security Dressing, which is available from 3M Company.

[0062] While specific embodiments have been described and illustrated in this specification, it will be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the many specific configurations that may be conceived in application of the principles of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous and diverse 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 only to the structures described in the language of the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0063] 100...dressing material, 110...first main surface, 120...second main surface, 130...outer edge, 140...main layer, 144...end, 145...slot, 150...first drilling set, 160...adhesive.

Claims

1. A first main surface and a second main surface located on the opposite side of the first main surface and defined by an outer edge surrounding the main body layer, the second main surface containing adhesive, The extension portion of the outer edge that extends into the main body layer and reaches its end, and is a slot separated by the first and second portions of the main body layer, A dressing material comprising: a first set of perforations extending at least partially through the thickness of the main body layer and extending from the outer edge of the slot into the main body layer.

2. The dressing material according to claim 1, wherein the main body layer comprises one or more layers.

3. The dressing material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the main body layer further comprises a support material.

4. The dressing material according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support material covers a portion of the main body layer.

5. The dressing material according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the support material extends to the outer edge.

6. The dressing material according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the support material has lower elasticity than the main body layer.

7. The dressing material according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first perforation set extends through the support material.

8. The dressing material according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the slots form a gap that separates the first portion and the second portion of the main body layer.

9. The dressing material according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the slot extends along the axis of the dressing material slot.

10. The dressing material according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first main body portion and the second main body portion are symmetrical with respect to the dressing material slot axis.

11. The dressing material according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first perforation set extends to completely penetrate the thickness of the main body layer.

12. The dressing material according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first perforation set is located at the end of the slot.

13. The dressing material according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first set of holes is located at the end of the slot and is parallel to the axis of the dressing material slot.

14. The dressing material according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a second set of perforations extending at least partially through the main body layer.

15. The dressing material according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the second perforation set extends from the outer edge portion into the main body layer.

16. The dressing material according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first perforation set has a first end and a second end, and the second perforation set has a first end and a second end.

17. The dressing material according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the first end of the first perforation set is the same as the first end of the second perforation set.

18. The dressing material according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the first end of the first perforation set is different from the first end of the second perforation set.

19. The dressing material according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the first set of holes is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the dressing material slot.

20. The dressing material according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the second set of holes is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the dressing material slot.

21. The dressing material according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the first perforation set extends from the first end in the outer edge portion through the main body layer to the outer edge portion.

22. The dressing material according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the first perforation set extends from the first end of the outer edge through the main body layer to another part of the outer edge.

23. The dressing material according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the first set of perforations is located at the end of the slot, parallel to the dressing material slot axis, and extends through the main body layer to another portion of the outer edge.

24. The dressing material according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the first perforation set has a first portion extending in a first direction and a second portion extending in a second direction.

25. The dressing material according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the slot accepts a device.

26. The dressing material according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the device is a tube.

27. A system for securing a device, A medical dressing material according to any one of claims 1 to 26, The device is located on a substrate, A system in which the medical device covers the device and is fixed to the substrate, and the device is aligned with the slot.

28. A method for fixing a device to a substrate, The invention includes applying the medical dressing material described in any one of claims 1 to 27 to the device and the substrate, A method for aligning the device with the slot.

29. To isolate at least a portion of the first drilling set adjacent to the device, The method according to claim 28, further comprising:

30. Applying a tape strip under the device so as to cross the slot, The method according to claim 28 or 29, further comprising:

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