Medical securement dressing with carrier bridge

Abstract

A medical securement dressing includes a backing defined by a backing outer perimeter and having a first major surface and an opposing second major surface. A portion of the backing outer perimeter defines a medical article exit feature of the backing. A polymeric film forms at least a portion of the first major surface. A pressure sensitive adhesive is disposed on the second major surface. A carrier is defined by a carrier outer perimeter and a carrier inner perimeter defining a carrier window. The carrier releasably bonded to the polymeric film. A portion of the carrier inner perimeter and a portion of the carrier outer perimeter defines a carrier bridge element that extends from a first side of the polymeric film to an opposing second side of the polymeric film. The carrier bridge element includes a slit disposed between the medical article exit feature and the carrier window.

Description

PA101808W002MEDICAL SECUREMENT DRESSING WITH CARRIER BRIDGEFIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to medical dressings, and more particularly to a medical securement dressings that include a carrier that applies minimal force to the secured medical article when removed.BACKGROUND

[0002] Medical secmement dressings are adhesive-based medical articles configured to stabilize and protect indwelling medical articles such as intravenous (IV) catheters, central venous catheters (CVCs), peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), arterial lines, enteral feeding tubes, and similar devices at their insertion sites. These dressings generally comprise a conformable base layer formed of a flexible polymeric film, fabric, or composite material having sufficient tensile strength to maintain device position during patient movement. The base layer is typically coated, in whole or in part, with a medical-grade adhesive formulated to provide sustained adherence to skin surfaces for durations ranging from 24 horns to several days, while permitting atraumatic removal to minimize epidermal stripping or irritation.

[0003] The dressing may include a transparent or translucent central window portion to enable direct visual inspection of the insertion site without removal, thereby reducing disruption of the sterile field and lowering the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections. Certain configmations incorporate anchoring elements — such as reinforced panels, integrated straps, or molded retention members — to further secure the device hub or tubing and reduce micromotion. Optional features may include absorbent pads for exudate management, antimicrobial-impregnated components to inhibit microbial colonization, and moisture-vapor-permeable films to maintain skin health while providing a barrier to liquids, bacteria, and viruses.

[0004] Securement dressings are commonly supplied in pre-sterilized, single-use form and may be configured with peel-away liners and application tabs to facilitate aseptic placement. Dimensions and geometries can vary to accommodate different anatomical locations and device types, with shapes ranging from rectangular to anatomically contoured designs. In clinical use, these dressings maintainmedical article stability, prolong dwell time, and improve patient comfort, thereby reducing the incidence of unintentional device removal and insertion-site complications.

[0005] Thin polymeric films that are flexible and resilient are beneficial when used on skin that flexes, stretches, and retracts. However, for some applications, like when securing medical articles such as tubing, ports, and catheters, the high flexibility and resiliency of the thin polymeric film can allow or permit unwanted movement of the secured medical article. Therefore, medical dressings have been developed that further incorporate areas having secured to the thin polymeric film, stiffer, less conformable materials such as adhesives, films, or fabrics. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,483 discloses an adhesive composite dressing that includes a conformable backing and a permanent adhesive reinforcement around the periphery of the adhesive composite. One example of a commercially available medical dressing with a reinforcement layers is TEGADERM™ IV Advanced Dressing (3M Company, St. Paul Minn.).

[0006] Applying the medical secmement dressing to a patient may transmit forces to the medical article inserted into the skin of the patient and cause discomfort to the patient. In addition, removal of any carrier from the applied medical securement dressing may be challenging and cause discomfort to the patient or disruption of the dressing adhesive bond to the patient’s skin when the clinician attempts to grasp an edge of the carrier to remove the carrier from the medical securement dressing.SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure relates to medical dressings, and more particularly to a medical securement dressings that include a carrier that applies minimal force to the secured medical article when removed. The carrier defines a bridge element that extends away from the dressing once applied over the medical article, allowing the clinician to easily grasp the carrier for removal.

[0008] The carrier bridge element spans the width of the medical secmement dressing. The carrier bridge element includes a slit that aligns with the medical article to be secured by the medical securement dressing. The carrier bridge element is configured to break open, for easy removal, when the medical secmement dressing is applied to a medical article securing the medical article to a surface.

[0009] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, medical secmement dressing comprises a backing defined by a backing outer perimeter. The backing has a first major surface and an opposingsecond major surface. A portion of the backing outer perimeter defines a medical article exit feature of the backing. A polymeric film forms at least a portion of the first major surface. A pressure sensitive adhesive is disposed on at least a portion of the second major surface. A carrier is defined by a carrier outer perimeter and a carrier inner perimeter. The carrier inner perimeter defines a carrier window. The carrier is releasably bonded to the polymeric film. The carrier is formed of a material more rigid than the polymeric film. A portion of the carrier inner perimeter and a portion of the carrier outer perimeter defines a carrier bridge element extending from a first side of the polymeric film to an opposing second side of the polymeric film. The carrier bridge element is disposed between the medical article exit feature of the backing and the carrier window. The carrier bridge element comprises a slit.

[0010] The medical securement dressing may include a release liner adhered to the pressure sensitive adhesive. The backing may include one or more support layers. The medical article exit feature may define a notch. The notch may be aligned with the slit. The backing and adhesive may be optically clear.

[0011] The slit may be defined by a first bridge element edge and an opposing second bridge element edge. The first bridge element edge and the second bridge element edge are configmed to spread apart and extend away from the polymeric film when the medical securement dressing is applied over a medical article aligned with the medical article exit feature of the backing. This may allow the clinician to easily grasp and remove the carrier from the polymeric film without transmitting force to the polymeric film or transmitting a reduced force to the polymeric film as compared to conventional carrier removal.

[0012] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, a method of securing a medical article to a surface includes with a medical securement dressing. The medical securement dressing comprises a backing defined by a backing outer perimeter. The backing having a first major surface and an opposing second major surface. A portion of the backing outer perimeter defines a medical article exit feature of the backing. A polymeric film forms at least a portion of the first major surface. A pressure sensitive adhesive is disposed on at least a portion of the second major surface a release liner adhered to the pressure sensitive adhesive. A carrier is defined by a carrier outer perimeter and a carrier inner perimeter. The carrier inner perimeter defines a carrier window. The carrier releasably bonded to the polymeric film. The carrier is formed of a material more rigid than the polymeric film. A portion of thecarrier inner perimeter and a portion of the carrier outer perimeter defines a carrier bridge element that extends from a first side of the polymeric film to an opposing second side of the polymeric film. The carrier bridge element is disposed between the medical article exit feature of the backing and the carrier window. The carrier bridge element comprises a slit. The method includes removing a release liner from a medical securement dressing and applying the pressure sensitive adhesive onto the medical article and a surface to secure the medical article to the surface and the medical article extends through the medical article exit feature of the backing. Then deflecting the carrier bridge element with the medical article extending through the medical article exit feature of the backing to break open the carrier bridge element slit and removing the carrier from the polymeric film by pulling a portion of the carrier bridge element away from the polymeric film.

[0013] The deflecting may include spreading apart adjacent edges of the slit by applying pressure to the slit with the medical article. The adjacent edges of the slit spread apart and extend away from the polymeric film as the film is disposed on the medical article.

[0014] The foregoing general description of the illustrative embodiments and the following detailed description thereof are merely exemplary aspects of the teachings of this disclosure and are not restrictive.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0015] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference to the following figures.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram top view of one embodiment of a medical secmement dressing.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a medical securement dressing.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram exploded view of another embodiment of a medical securement dressing.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram top view of applying an illustrative medical securement dressing onto a surface to secure a medical article and deflecting the carrier bridge element.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram top view of removing an illustrative carrier from the polymer film.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram top view of an illustrative medical securement dressing securing a medical article to a surface.

[0022] These and other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent from the detailed description below. In no event, however, should the above summaries be construed as limitations on the claimed subject matter, which subject matter is defined solely by the attached claims, as may be amended during prosecution.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The following description sets forth exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the description also encompasses combinations and modifications to those exemplary aspects described herein.

[0024] All headings provided herein are for the convenience of the reader and should not be used to limit the meaning of any text that follows the heading, unless so specified.

[0025] The terms “comprises”, and variations thereof do not have a limiting meaning where these terms appear in the description and claims. Such terms will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated step or element or group of steps or elements but not the exclusion of any other step or element or group of steps or elements.

[0026] The words “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the disclosure that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances; however, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure.

[0027] In this application, terms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” are not intended to refer to only a singular entity but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are used interchangeably with the term “at least one.” The phrases “at least one of’ and “comprises at least one of’ followed by a list refers to any one of the items in the list and any combination of two or more items in the list.

[0028] As used herein, the term “or” is generally employed in its usual sense including “and / or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0029] The term “and / or” means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

[0030] As used herein in connection with a measured quantity, the term “about” refers to that variation in the measured quantity as would be expected by the skilled artisan making the measurement and exercising a level of care commensurate with the objective of the measurement and the precision of the measuring equipment used. Herein, “up to” a number (for example, up to 50) includes the number (for example, 50).

[0031] Also herein, the recitations of numerical ranges by endpoints include all numbers subsumed within that range as well as the endpoints (for example, 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.).

[0032] The present disclosure relates to medical dressings, and more particularly to a medical securement dressings that include a carrier that applies minimal force to the secured medical article when removed. The carrier defines a bridge element that extends away from the dressing once applied over the medical article, allowing the clinician to easily grasp the carrier for removal.

[0033] The carrier bridge element spans the width of the medical secmement dressing. The carrier bridge element includes a slit that aligns with the medical article to be secured by the medical securement dressing. The carrier bridge element is configured to break open, for easy removal, when the medical secmement dressing is applied to a medical article securing the medical article to a surface.

[0034] The present disclosure relates to a medical securement dressing comprises a backing defined by a backing outer perimeter. The backing having a first major surface and an opposing second major surface. A portion of the backing outer perimeter defines a medical article exit featme of the backing. A polymeric film forms at least a portion of the first major surface. A pressure sensitive adhesive is disposed on at least a portion of the second major surface a release liner adhered to the pressure sensitive adhesive. A carrier is defined by a carrier outer perimeter and a carrier inner perimeter. The carrier inner perimeter defines a carrier window. The carrier releasably bonded to the polymeric film. The carrier is formed of a material more rigid than the polymeric film. A portion of the carrier inner perimeter and a portion of the carrier outer perimeter defines a carrier bridge element that extends from a first side of the polymeric film to an opposing second side of the polymeric film. The carrier bridge element is disposed between the medical article exit feature of the backing and the carrier window. The carrier bridge element comprises a slit.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram top view of one embodiment of a medical secmement dressing 100. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a medical securement dressing 100.

[0036] The medical securement dressing 100 includes a backing 110 configmed as a layer defined by a first major surface 111 and an opposing second major surface 113. The backing 110 is defined by a backing outer perimeter 112. The backing 110 includes a polymeric film 118. The polymeric film 118 forms at least a portion of a top surface or first major surface 111 of the backing 110.

[0037] The backing outer perimeter 112 defines a medical article exit feature 115. The medical article exit feature 115 is configmed to allow a medical article that is secured by the medical secmement dressing 100 to a surface to exit the backing outer perimeter 112 conveniently. The medical article exit feature 115 may be a slit, a slot, cut, line of weakness, or a notch feature that extends inwardly toward the center of the medical securement dressing 100. The medical article exit feature 115 may be disposed between a first side 117 of the polymeric film 118 and an opposing second side 119 of the polymeric film 118.

[0038] The backing 110 of the medical secmement dressing 100 serves as a structural and protective component, providing mechanical support to the dressing while acting as a barrier to external contaminants. In many embodiments, the backing 110 is formed from a conformable, waterproof, and moistme-vapor-permeable film that permits the passage of water vapor from the skin surface while preventing the ingress of liquids, bacteria, and viruses. This barrier function may maintain a sterile environment at the insertion site of indwelling medical articles such as intravenous catheters, feeding tubes, or central venous lines, for example. The backing 110 may also contributes to the dressing’s overall integrity, allowing it to maintain its form and adherence under conditions of patient movement, perspiration, or incidental mechanical contact.

[0039] Suitable materials for the backing 110 include polyurethane films, polyethylene films, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films, poly ether block amide (PEB A) films, or laminated composites thereof. Polyurethane films are often preferred due to their combination of flexibility, tensile strength, and high moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR), which supports prolonged wear and skin health. In some embodiments, the backing may be optically transparent or translucent to allow visual inspection of the underlying insertion site, while in others it may be opaque to provide privacy or to shield the site from light exposure.

[0040] The backing 110 or polymeric film 118 may have a thickness in a range from 15 to 100 micrometers. The backing 110 or polymeric film 118 may have a thickness in a range from 15 to 50 micrometers. The backing 110 or polymeric film 118 may have a thickness in a range from 20 to 40 micrometers.

[0041] A pressure sensitive adhesive 120 is disposed on at least a portion of the second major surface 113. The pressure sensitive adhesive 120 may adhere the medical securement dressing 100 to a surface and a medical article. A release layer may be disposed on or adhered to the pressure sensitive adhesive 120.

[0042] Adhesive or pressure sensitive adhesive materials used in medical securement dressings are selected to provide reliable fixation of the dressing to the patient’ s skin for the intended wear period while minimizing the risk of skin injury or irritation upon removal. Such adhesives must adhere effectively under various clinical conditions without excessive edge lift or premature failure. In addition to strong initial and long-term adhesion, medical adhesives are biocompatible, hypoallergenic to reduce sensitization risk, and compatible with sterilization processes. The adhesive or pressure sensitive adhesive layer may be applied to the skin-facing surface of the backing or other substrate of the dressing in a uniform coating or patterned distribution to optimize breathability and conformability.

[0043] Suitable adhesive chemistries for securement dressings include acrylic -based pressuresensitive adhesives, silicone-based adhesives, and hydrocolloid adhesives, each offering distinct performance attributes. Acrylic adhesives are used due to their strong, durable bonds, resistance to moisture and environmental degradation, and tunable adhesion properties through polymer formulation and crosslinking. Silicone adhesives provide gentle yet consistent adhesion, making them particularly suitable for patients with fragile or compromised skin, such as neonates or elderly patients; they also allow atraumatic removal and repositioning without significant loss of tack. Hydrocolloid adhesives combine adhesion with moisture-absorbing capacity, creating a gel-like interface when in contact with wound exudate, which may be beneficial in certain securement applications involving minor exudation.

[0044] The adhesive layer 120 may have a thickness in a range from 10 to 100 micrometers. The adhesive layer 120 may have a thickness in a range from 10 to 75 micrometers. The adhesive layer 120 may have a thickness in a range from 10 to 50 micrometer.

[0045] Optional release liners 140 (illustrated in FIG. 3) may be included that covers all or a portion of the adhesive 120 to prevent contamination of the adhesives. Suitable release liners can bemade of kraft papers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester or composites of any of these materials. The liners may be coated with release agents such as fluorochemicals or silicones. The release liners may be paper, polyolefin film, or polyester film coated with silicone release materials.

[0046] A carrier 130 may be referred to as a frame, handling film, or delivery liner, and is a temporary structural component of the medical securement dressing designed to facilitate accurate placement of the thin, flexible medical securement dressing 100 onto skin. Transparent fdm medical securement dressings may be made of a conformable polymethane fdm, for example, that is thin and pliable, which can make them difficult to handle without stretching, wrinkling, or inadvertently adhering to itself during application. The carrier 130 provides mechanical stability to the medical securement dressing during handling, allowing the user to grasp, align, and apply the medical securement dressing precisely over the intended target site.

[0047] The carrier 130 may be constructed from a stiffer or more rigid material (such as polyethylene, polyester, or paper, for example) as compared to the thin conformable backing 110. The carrier 130 may be adhered to the backing top surface or polymeric film 118 via a light tack or removable adhesive or heat seal. This carrier 130 maintains the medical secmement dressing’s 100 shape and prevents deformation as it is positioned. During application, the medical secmement dressing 100 (with the carrier still attached) is placed against the skin, the adhesive 120 on the underside bonds to the skin surface, and then the carrier 130 is peeled away, leaving only the thin transparent medical securement dressing 100 in place. This process ensmes that the thin transparent medical securement dressing 100 maintains proper tension and orientation dming placement, producing a smooth, wrinkle- free seal that maximizes barrier and securement effectiveness.

[0048] The carrier 130 is defined by a carrier outer perimeter 131 and a carrier inner perimeter 132. The carrier inner perimeter 132 defines a carrier window 133. The carrier 130 is releasably bonded to the polymeric film 118. The carrier 130 is formed of a material more rigid than the polymeric film 118. A portion of the carrier inner perimeter 132 and a portion of the carrier outer perimeter 131 defines a carrier bridge element 134 that extends from a first side 117 of the polymeric film 118 to an opposing second side 119 of the polymeric film 118. The carrier bridge element 134 is disposed between the medical article exit feature 115 of the backing 110 and the carrier window 133. The carrier bridge element 134 comprises a slit 135.

[0049] The carrier 130 may be co-incident with only a portion of the backing 110 outer perimeter 112. The carrier 130 may be co-incident with the backing 110 outer perimeter 112 except for the backing 110 outer perimeter defining the medical article exit feature 115 of the backing 110.

[0050] The carrier 130 may not overlay the medical article exit feature 115. The carrier 130 may be spaced apart from the medical article exit feature 115. The carrier 130 may be co-incident with the medical article exit feature 115.

[0051] The outer perimeter 131 of the carrier bridge element 134 may define a curved outer perimeter 131 from the first side 117 of the polymeric film 118 to the opposing second side 119 of the polymeric film 118. The outer perimeter 131 of the carrier bridge element 134 may define a curved outer perimeter 131 from the first side 117 of the polymeric film 118 to the opposing second side 119 of the polymeric film 118 and the curved outer perimeter 131 of the carrier bridge element 134 is spaced apart from the outer perimeter 112 of the medical article exit feature 115.

[0052] The curved outer perimeter 131 of the carrier bridge element 134 has an apex. The apex of the curved outer perimeter 131 of the carrier bridge element 134 is aligned with the slit 135.

[0053] The backing 110 may include an insertion target indicia 114. The insertion target indicia 114 may be disposed within the carrier window 133. The insertion target indicia 114 may be indicia to align the medical securement dressing 100 onto the insertion site of the medical article entering the surface or skin.

[0054] The slit 135 is configmed to align with the medical article exiting the medical securement dressing 100. The slit 135 may be aligned with the medical article exit feature 115. The slit 135 may be aligned with both the medical article exit feature 115 and an insertion target indicia 114 on the backing 110 and within the carrier window 133.

[0055] The slit 135 allows slit opposing edges of the carrier bridge 134 to ‘pop-up’ as the medical article applied force to the slit 135. The slit 135 is defined by a first bridge element edge and an opposing second bridge element edge. The first bridge element edge and the second bridge element edge are configured to spread apart and extend away from the polymeric film 118 when the medical securement dressing 100 is applied over a medical article aligned with the medical article exit feature 115 of the backing 110.

[0056] The slit 135 may define a curved shape. The slit 135 may define a linear shape. The slit 135 may define a sigmoid curve shape. The slit 135 may extend from the carrier outer perimeter 131 to the carrier inner perimeter 132.

[0057] The medical article exit feature 115 may define a notch extending into the backing 110 toward the carrier bridge element 134. The slit 135 may be aligned with both the medical article exit feature 115 notch and an insertion target indicia 114 on the backing 110 and within the carrier window 133.

[0058] The notch has a notch length that extends from a notch open end to a notch terminal end or closed end. The notch terminal end may be adjacent to the carrier bridge element 134. The notch terminal end may be spaced apart from the carrier bridge element 134. The notch terminal end may be co-incident with the carrier bridge element 134. The notch has a first width value at the terminal end and a second width value at the open end. In some embodiments, the notch second width value is greater than the first width value. In other embodiments, the notch second width value is less than the first width value. In other embodiments, the notch second width value is substantially equal to the first width value.

[0059] The medical article exit feature 115 may define a cut, perforation line, or line of weakness, extending into the backing 110 toward the carrier bridge element 134. The slit 135 may be aligned with both the medical article exit feature 115 cut, perforation line, or line of weakness, and an insertion target indicia 114 on the backing 110 and within the carrier window 133.

[0060] A separate tape strip element 170 may be attached to the carrier 130. The tape strip element 170 is configured to be applied by the clinician onto the medical article exit feature 115 to further secure the medical securement dressing 100 to the surface and optionally to the medical article to secure the medical article to the medical article exit feature 115. The tape strip element 170 may be adhered to a top surface of the carrier 130 prior to placement of the medical securement dressing 100 by the clinician. The carrier 130 may define an extension region spaced apart from the backing 110 of the medical securement dressing 100. The tape strip element 170 may be disposed on an opposing major surface to the major surface contacting the polymer film 118 prior to placement of the medical securement dressing 100 by the clinician.

[0061] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram exploded view of another embodiment of a medical securement dressing 100. A backing 110 is disposed between an adhesive 120 and a carrier 130. Theillustrated embodiment of a medical securement dressing 100 includes a support layer 150 and a second adhesive layer 160 attached to the adhesive 120 of the backing 110. An optional release layer 140 is disposed on the second adhesive layer 160.

[0062] The support layer 150 in a medical securement dressing 100 functions as a structural component that enhances the mechanical stability, durability, and overall performance of the dressing during use. The support layer 150 may serve to distribute forces exerted on the attached medical article and a substate surface such as skin, thereby reducing localized stress on the substrate or skin and minimizing motion at the insertion site. By reinforcing the dressing 100, the support layer 150 helps maintain the intended position of the dressing 100 and medial article over extended wear periods, even under conditions of patient movement, perspiration, or incidental contact. In some embodiments, the support layer 150 also assists in retaining the dressing’s overall shape during application, improving handling and placement accuracy.

[0063] The support layer 150 may be fabricated from materials that combine strength with flexibility, allowing the dressing 100 to conform to the patient’s body contours while resisting tearing or deformation. The support layer 150 may be formed of a material more rigid than the polymeric film 118. Suitable materials include woven or nonwoven polyester, nylon mesh, spunlace fabrics, or laminated composites incorporating polymeric films such as polyurethane or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In certain designs, the support layer 150 may be partially or fully coated with a medical-grade adhesive to secure it to underlying dressing layers, or it may be embedded within the dressing laminate to form a unified composite structure as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0064] The medical securement dressing 100 (without the carrier 130 or release liner 140) may be optically clear. The backing 110 and adhesive 120 may be optically clear. The backing 110 and adhesive 120 disposed within the carrier window 133 may be optically clear.

[0065] Optical clarity and haze for medical securement dressings are generally determined using standardized optical test methods that measure how light passes through the material and how much it is scattered. These properties may assist the healthcare provider’s ability to visually inspect the insertion site without removing the dressing and also aid in accurate placement of the dressing.

[0066] Optical clarity is evaluated by measuring total luminous transmittance (TLT). The percentage of incident visible light that passes through the dressing material without significant absorption or scattering. A high TLT value indicates better optical clarity. This measurement isperformed in accordance with ASTM D1003 (“Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics”) or equivalent ISO standards such as ISO 13468-1. In this method, a calibrated light source is directed at the sample, and a photodetector on the opposite side measures the amount of transmitted light. Optically clear medical dressing films may have TLT value or clarity value of at least 70%, or at least 75%, or at least 80%, or at least 85%, or at least 90%.

[0067] Haze is a measure of light scattering within the material that causes objects viewed through it to appear blurry or less distinct. Even if total light transmission is high, elevated haze values can reduce the sharpness of the image of the insertion site. ASTM D 1003 also provides the standard method for haze measurement, where haze is expressed as the percentage of transmitted light that deviates from the incident beam by more than 2.5° due to scattering. Lower haze percentages correspond to clearer visual inspection capability. The medical securement dressings may have a haze value of less than 40%, or less than 30%, or less than 20%, or less than 10%.

[0068] The moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) for a medical securement dressing may be determined using standardized test methods that quantify the rate at which water vapor passes through the dressing material under controlled conditions. MVTR is a parameter for dressings with adhesive films or composite layers, as it reflects the dressing’s ability to allow moisture from the skin surface to escape while still acting as a barrier to liquid water and contaminants. Adequate MVTR helps maintain skin integrity, reduces the risk of maceration, and contributes to patient comfort during extended wear. MVTR may be measured using the inverted cup method described in US 4,595,001.

[0069] The medical secmement dressing preferably transmits moisture at least at the same rate or better than human skin. The medical secmement dressing or backing and pressure sensitive adhesive transmit moisture vapor at a rate of at least 250 g / m2 / 24hrs / 37 degrees Celsius / 100 -10% RH. The medical securement dressing or backing and pressme sensitive adhesive transmit moisture vapor at a rate of at least 350 g / m2 / 24hrs / 37 degrees Celsius / 100-10% RH. The medical securement dressing or backing and pressme sensitive adhesive transmit moisture vapor at a rate of at least 500 g / m2 / 24hrs / 37 degrees Celsius / 100-10% RH.

[0070] FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6 illustrate the method of securing a medical article 200 to a surface. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram top view of applying an illustrative medical secmement dressing onto a surface to secme a medical article 200 and deflecting the carrier bridge element 134. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram top view of removing an illustrative carrier 130 from the polymer film or backing110. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram top view of an illustrative medical securement dressing securing a medical article 200 to a surface.

[0071] FIG. 4 illustrates the clinician applying the pressure sensitive adhesive 120 onto the medical article 200 and a surface to secure the medical article 200 to the surface. The medical article 200 extends through the medical article exit feature of the backing 110. The carrier 130 includes the carrier bridge with a slit that is formed by a first bridge element edge 137 and an opposing second bridge element edge 136.

[0072] As the medical secmement dressing is applied onto the medical article 200, the first bridge element edge 137 and the second bridge element edge 136 spread apart and extend away from the polymeric film or backing 110. FIG. 4 illustrates the first bridge element edge 137 deflecting away from the second bridge element edge 136 and the polymeric film or backing 110. This allows the clinician to easily grasp the first bridge element edge 137 or the second bridge element edge 136 and begin to remove the carrier 130 from the polymeric film or backing 110.

[0073] FIG. 5 illustrates the clinician removing the carrier 130 from the polymeric film or backing 110. The medical securement dressing secures the medical article 200 in place as illustrated in FIG. 6. A tape strip element 170 may be placed at the medical article exit feature of the backing 110 to further secure the medical secmement dressing in place.

[0074] A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A medical securement dressing comprising: a backing defined by a backing outer perimeter, the backing having a first major surface and an opposing second major surface, a portion of the backing outer perimeter defines a medical article exit feature of the backing, a polymeric film forms at least a portion of the first major surface; a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on at least a portion of the second major surface; a carrier defined by a carrier outer perimeter and a carrier inner perimeter, the carrier inner perimeter defining a carrier window, the carrier releasably bonded to the polymeric film, the carrier formed of a material more rigid than the polymeric film, a portion of the carrier inner perimeter and a portion of the carrier outer perimeter defines a carrier bridge element extending from a first side of the polymeric film to an opposing second side of the polymeric film, the carrier bridge element is disposed between the medical article exit feature of the backing and the carrier window, the carrier bridge element comprises a slit.

2. The medical securement dressing of claim 1, further comprising a release liner adhered to the pressure sensitive adhesive.

3. The medical securement dressing of claim 1, wherein the carrier does not overlay the medical article exit feature of the backing.

4. The medical securement dressing of claim 1, wherein the slit extends from the carrier inner perimeter to the carrier outer perimeter.

5. The medical securement dressing of claim 1, wherein the medical article exit feature of the backing is disposed between the first side of the polymeric film and the opposing second side of the polymeric film, the medical article exit feature of the backing defines a notch extending into the backing toward the carrier element.

6. The medical securement dressing of claim 5, wherein the carrier bridge element slit is aligned with the notch.

7. The medical securement dressing of claim 5, wherein the notch has a notch length from a notch open end to a notch terminal end, the terminal end adjacent to the carrier bridge element.

8. The medical securement dressing of claim 7, wherein the notch has a first width value at the terminal end and a second width value at the open end, and the second width value is greater than the first width value.

9. The medical securement dressing of claim 7, wherein the notch has a first width value at the terminal end and a second width value at the open end, and the second width value is less than the first width value.

10. The medical securement dressing of claim 1, wherein the medical article exit feature of the backing is disposed between the first side of the polymeric film and the opposing second side of the polymeric film, the medical article exit feature of the backing defines a cut extending into the backing toward the carrier bridge element.

11. The medical securement dressing of claim 10, wherein the carrier bridge element slit is aligned with the medical article exit feature of the backing cut.

12. The medical securement dressing of claim 1, wherein the slit defines a curved shape.

13. The medical securement dressing of claim 1, wherein the carrier outer perimeter is co-incident with only a portion of the backing outer perimeter.

14. The medical securement dressing of claim 1, wherein the carrier outer perimeter is co-incident with the backing outer perimeter except for the medical article exit feature of the backing.

15. The medical securement dressing of claim 1, wherein the backing comprises an insertion target indicia, the insertion target indicia is disposed within the carrier window.

16. The medical securement dressing of claim 1, wherein the backing comprises a support layer, the support layer formed of a material more rigid than the polymeric film.

17. The medical securement dressing of claim 1, wherein the backing and pressure sensitive adhesive is optically clear.

18. The medical securement dressing of claim 1, further comprising a tape strip element attached to the carrier.

19. The medical securement dressing of claim 1, wherein the slit is defined by a first bridge element edge and an opposing second bridge element edge, the first bridge element edge and the second bridge element edge are configmed to spread apart and extend away from the polymeric film when the medical securement dressing is applied over a medical article aligned with the medical article exit feature of the backing.

20. The medical securement dressing of claim 1, wherein the outer perimeter of the carrier bridge element defines a curved outer perimeter from the first side of the polymeric film to the opposing second side of the polymeric film.

21. The medical securement dressing of claim 20, wherein an apex of the curved outer perimeter of the carrier bridge element is aligned with the slit.

22. The medical securement dressing of claim 1, wherein the backing and the pressure sensitive adhesive transmit moisture vapor at a rate of at least 250 g / m2 / 24hrs / 37 degrees Celsius / 100-10% RH.

23. The medical securement dressing of claim 1, wherein the polymeric film has a thickness in a range from 15 micrometers to 50 micrometers, or from 20 micrometers to 40 micrometers.

24. A method of securing a medical article to a surface comprising: providing a medical securement dressing comprising: a backing defined by a backing outer perimeter, the backing having a first major surface and an opposing second major surface, a portion of the backing outer perimeter defines a medical article exit feature of the backing, a polymeric film forms at least a portion of the first major surface;a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on at least a portion of the second major surface; a release liner adhered to the pressure sensitive adhesive; a carrier defined by a carrier outer perimeter and a carrier inner perimeter, the carrier inner perimeter defining a carrier window, the carrier releasably bonded to the polymeric film, the carrier formed of a material more rigid than the polymeric film, a portion of the carrier inner perimeter and a portion of the carrier outer perimeter defines a carrier bridge element that extends from a first side of the polymeric film to an opposing second side of the polymeric film, the carrier bridge element is disposed between the medical article exit feature of the backing and the carrier window, the carrier bridge element comprises a slit; removing the release liner from the medical securement dressing; applying the pressure sensitive adhesive onto the medical article and a surface to secure the medical article to the surface and the medical article extends through the medical article exit feature of the backing; deflecting the carrier bridge element with the medical article extending through the medical article exit feature of the backing to break open the carrier bridge element slit; and removing the carrier from the polymeric film by pulling a portion of the carrier bridge element away from the polymeric film.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the deflecting comprises spreading apart adjacent edges of the slit by applying pressure to the slit with the medical article, the adjacent edges of the slit spread apart and extend away from the polymeric film as the film is disposed on the medical article.

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