Surgery: splint – brace – or bandage – Bandage structure
Patent
1997-10-06
1999-12-07
Apley, Richard J.
Surgery: splint, brace, or bandage
Bandage structure
602 53, A61F 1300
Patent
active
059986921
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to wound dressings.
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic rendering of a transverse segment through one embodiment of the present inventive wound dressing showing the relative positioning of breathable film (a), absorbent fabric material (b), wound contact layer (c), and compression element (d).
According to a fist aspect of the present invention there is provided, for use as a wound dressing, the combination of of a liquid water as come to moisture vapor alone, and remote from the wound to absorb exudate which has passed through the film.
The film is one which is of increased breathability in the presence of liquid water as compared to moisture vapor alone. MVTR in the presence of liquid water may be measured by ASTM E96BW whereas MVTR in the presence of moisture vapor alone may be measured by ASTM E96B Water Method). Preferably the value of the breathability in the presence of liquid water is at least twice and preferably at least three times that in the presence of moisture vapor alone. Typically the film will be of a material which has an MVTR in the presence of moisture vapor alone (ASTM E96B) of 2,000 to 2,500 g m.sup.+2 24 hr.sup.-1 and an MVTR in the presence of liquid water (ASTM E96BW) in the range 6,000 to 30,000 g m.sup.+2 24 hr .sup.-1 (e.g. 6,000 to 10,000 g m.sup.-2 24 hr.sup.+1).
Typically the film will have a thickness of 30-70 microns, more preferably 40-60 microns, e.g. about 50 microns.
The film may for example be of polyurethane. Suitable films are available from Innovative Technologies Limited under the designations IT325, IT425 and IT625.
The absorbent fabric material is preferably a highly absorbent gauze or gauze-like material (e.g. a highly absorbent cotton gauze). One example of a suitable gauze material is one comprised of calcium and sodium alginate fibers as available from Innovative Technologies Limited.
The breathable film (i.e (a)) of the above combination may be used as a wound contact layer and looted in position by the patient without the need for expert medical help. The film also acts as a microbial barrier over the wound. The absorbent material is then applied to the side of the film remote from the wound and may be retained in position by tape, film or the like.
The advantage of the combination is that fluid is drawn tough the film and contained in the absorbing layer thereby preventing maceration. The absorbent fabric material is thin with a high fluid holding capacity and provides a low profile wound dressing system suitable for use with normal footwear when used on high exuding ulcers (e.g. on a patient's ankle).
In a first preferred embodiment of the invention the combination of (a) and (b) may further comprise cases where fluid production by the wound may be too rapid for the breathable film to be used alone as the primary dressing.
The layer (c)(i) may be used as the primary wound contact layer to absorb medium to high exudate levels from wounds such as venous stasis ulcers. The fluid from the wound then passes through layer (a) for absorption by layer (b). Examples of layer (c)(i) include alginates and other dressings. Particular examples of alginates which may be used are as disclosed in our PCT Patent Application No. GB95/02284.
The alginate may be in the form of a silver alginate (the silver providing anti-microbial properties) or a zinc alginate (zinc providing a stimulus in the later stage of the healing process).
Further examples for layer c(i) include the materials disclosed in our PCT Application No. GB95/02542. Specific examples include pectinised amorphous gels.
By suitable choice of the breathable film, it is possible to control the level of hydration of the alginate primary dressing and thus manipulate healing capability.
Alternatively the combination of (a) and (b) may further comprise (c)(ii) as the primary wound contact layer, a layer promoting production of exudate that will flush infection from wound tissues as a preliminary to healing the wound. Bacteria from the wound may be contained within layer (c)(ii) and the fluid trans
REFERENCES:
patent: 4743499 (1988-05-01), Volke
patent: 5470576 (1995-11-01), Patel
patent: 5482932 (1996-01-01), Thompson
patent: 5571079 (1996-11-01), Bello et al.
Apley Richard J.
Innovative Technologies Limited
Lee Kim M.
LandOfFree
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