Fenestrated Multi-layer Wound Dressing for Fluid Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wound and tissue treatment systems for negative-pressure therapy and instillation lack efficient components and processes that can effectively manage fluid dynamics and tissue interface for enhanced healing, particularly in abdominal cavities, leading to suboptimal healing times and contamination issues.
Innovation Solution
A dressing system comprising a liquid-impermeable manifold with a central region and a perimeter region containing perforations, coupled with a controller and fluid source for negative-pressure therapy and instillation, which creates a sealed environment for enhanced fluid management and tissue interaction, facilitating improved fluid distribution and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a liquid-impermeable manifold with perforations is used to distribute fluid, then fluid distribution efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is divided into a central region and a perimeter region with multiple perforations distributed throughout. This segmentation allows fluid to be delivered through multiple discrete locations simultaneously, improving fluid distribution efficiency across the tissue site while maintaining a relatively simple single-layer structure
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the manifold serve different functions: the central region provides fluid delivery through its perforations, while the perimeter region also contains perforations for fluid distribution and includes welds for structural coupling. This local differentiation optimizes fluid distribution without requiring a completely complex multi-component system
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple layers are coupled together to define a chamber, then fluid management capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first liquid-impermeable layer and second liquid-impermeable layer are coupled together through welds or bonds at the perimeter region, merging two functional layers into a unified multi-chamber structure. This allows the system to manage both fluid delivery and collection functions within an integrated device, improving fluid management capability while avoiding the complexity of separate discrete components
Solution Approach 2:
The coupled layer structure serves multiple functions: it defines fluid chambers for negative-pressure therapy, provides pathways for fluid instillation, and enables simultaneous fluid distribution and collection. This multi-functionality is achieved through the structural integration of the layers rather than through multiple separate devices
3Productivity
If negative-pressure therapy is applied to accelerate tissue growth, then healing speed is improved, but risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the potential harmful effect of negative pressure (which could draw contaminants inward) into a beneficial force by using it to actively draw fluids and contaminants outward through the perforations in the manifold and through the fenestrations in the layers. The negative pressure becomes a cleansing force that removes infectious material while promoting healing
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid-impermeable layers are actually fenestrated (porous) to allow fluid passage while maintaining structural integrity and liquid barrier properties. The manifold also has perforations that allow controlled fluid distribution and removal. These porous structures enable the system to manage fluid dynamics and contaminants effectively while maintaining a protected environment for tissue healing
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system accelerates tissue growth, reduces healing times, and effectively cleanses tissue sites by managing pressure and fluid dynamics, promoting granulation tissue development and minimizing contamination, thereby enhancing wound healing outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
reducing pressure in proximity to a tissue site can augment and accelerate growth of new tissue at the tissue site
Implementation Method 2
a wound can be washed out with a stream of liquid solution, or a cavity can be washed out using a liquid solution
Data Source
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AI summary
A dressing for treating a tissue site, particularly a peritoneal or abdominal site, is disclosed. The dressing may comprise: first and second layers, each being made from a liquid-impermeable material and being at least partially fenestrated, the layers being coupled together to define a chamber therebetween; and disposed within the chamber a third layer comprising a manifold having a central region, and a perimeter region containing perforations arranged in a pattern defining a plurality of sub-regions. The first and second layers can be coupled using a plurality of welds or bonds through the perimeter region perforations. Optionally, the manifold does not comprise, and the chamber does not contain, any manifolding elements extending outward from an outer edge of the perimeter region.