DEVICE FOR TRACTION WOUND CLOSURE
First Claim
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1. A device for applying traction to skin adjacent to a wound, comprising:
- (a) a contractible actuator configured to be positioned over a wound and having a base;
(b) a flexible cover configured to enclose said actuator on all sides and configured to maintain reduced pressure and degree of contraction therein;
(c) a flange extending laterally from said actuator base;
(d) means for sealing the said flange to the adjacent skin;
(e) reduced pressure supply means for connecting to a source of suction, said reduced pressure means cooperating with said cover to supply said reduced pressure within said actuator; and
(f) actuator means for contracting by suction cooperating with said flange to produce traction of adjacent skin and underlying tissues, and reduce size of the wound.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Devices and methods aimed at shortening the time required for healing open wounds are disclosed. The tissues adjacent to wounds are expanded and/or stretched medially by means of an actuator which compressed by vacuum exerts traction on adjacent skin or tissues by means of an adhesively applied circumferent or transverse flange, thus reducing the size of the wound. The degree of vacuum, and traction, may be varied according to demand and applied continuously, cyclically or intermittently. Active treatment of the wound may be accomplished concomitantly by means of a conduit through the said actuator.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A device for applying traction to skin adjacent to a wound, comprising:
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(a) a contractible actuator configured to be positioned over a wound and having a base; (b) a flexible cover configured to enclose said actuator on all sides and configured to maintain reduced pressure and degree of contraction therein; (c) a flange extending laterally from said actuator base; (d) means for sealing the said flange to the adjacent skin; (e) reduced pressure supply means for connecting to a source of suction, said reduced pressure means cooperating with said cover to supply said reduced pressure within said actuator; and (f) actuator means for contracting by suction cooperating with said flange to produce traction of adjacent skin and underlying tissues, and reduce size of the wound. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A device for treating a wound by applying traction to adjacent skin and tissues comprising:
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(a) a contractible actuator configured to be positioned over a wound and having a base; (b) a cover adapted to fully enclose the open cell material of said actuator, and maintain reduced pressure and degree of actuator contraction; (c) a flange extending laterally from said actuator base exerting continuous medial traction on skin and underlying tissues adjacent to the wound; (d) a seal for sealing said flange to tissues surrounding the wound; (e) a reduced pressure supply for connecting said actuator to a source of suction by a tube having one of a port and valve; and (f) a passageway through said actuator for access to underlying dressings placed on the wound. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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9. A device for administering traction to the skin adjacent to a wound comprising:
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(a) a vacuum system producing reduced pressure, wherein said vacuum system includes tubing and is adapted to maintain reduced pressure having a predetermined volume within a member in a manner to cause medial traction of the wound; (b) a valve connected to said tubing; and (c) means for intermittently applying reduced pressure through said valve. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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17. A method for treating a wound by traction, wherein the application comprises the steps of:
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(a) placing an actuator compressible by suction, over the wound; (b) sealing a flange of said actuator to adjacent tissue surrounding the wound; (c) applying a treatment to an underlying wound; and (d) actuating said actuator for producing the reduced pressure to achieve traction on the adjacent tissue and contraction of the wound. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A device for applying traction to tissues adjacent to a wound, comprising:
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(a) a contractible actuator to be positioned within a wound; (b) a cover configured to enclose the actuator and configured to maintain reduced pressure and degree of contraction therein; (c) a flange extending laterally from an actuator base; (d) a reduced pressure supply means for connection to a source of suction, said reduced pressure means cooperating with said cover to supply said reduced pressure only within the said actuator; and (e) an actuator means contracted by suction cooperating with said flange to produce medial traction of adjacent fascia and abdominal wall tissues, and reduce the size of the wound. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification