Abstract:
Devices and methods for skin graft harvesting are disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, substrates for transplanting skin grafts are disclosed that include a soft-tack, biocompatible composition having a surface adapted to contact at least one excised skin graft and engage the graft for removal from a donor site. In another aspect of the invention, at least a portion of the skin-contacting surface of the substrate (or dressing) is porous to facilitate fluid transport into (or out of) the graft site during harvesting and/or transplantation. The substrates can also incorporate an absorbent component to capture fluids. The substrate can be a mesh or fabric or web, e.g. woven, knitted, nonwoven or molded. The substrate can be a mesh of biocompatible fibers, for example, cellulosic, polyolefins, polyurethanes, polyesters or polyamide fibers. In one embodiment the mesh is formed of cellulose acetate fibers and coated with a silicone gel, to imparted the desire degree of tackiness.
Abstract:
Wound treatment systems and methods (e.g., having hydrophilic wound inserts), such as for negative-pressure and/or fluid-installation wound therapies. Some embodiments include a check-valve assembly between a wound dressing and a vacuum source.
Abstract:
Skin graft harvesting systems and methods are disclosed that utilize sensors to automate the harvesting of skin grafts or assist a user in deciding when the skin graft is ready to be harvested. Such systems and methods can reduce the burden of visual observation and ensure greater reliability and consistency of the grafts. The invention is particularly useful with harvesters that rely upon suction and/or heating to raise a plurality of small or “micro” blisters simultaneously.
Abstract:
In one example embodiment, an apparatus for providing negative-pressure therapy may comprise a negative-pressure source, a pressure sensor, and a control valve. The negative-pressure source may be configured to be fluidly coupled to a distribution component. The control valve may be fluidly coupled to the pressure sensor and configured to be selectively coupled to the negative-pressure source, the distribution component, or both. A controller may also be configured to operate the control valve to selectively couple the pressure sensor to at least one of the negative-pressure source and the distribution component through the control valve, and the pressure sensor may provide a feedback signal to the controller indicative of pressure in a feedback path associated with the position of the control valve. The controller may also be configured to operate the negative-pressure source based on the feedback signal.
Abstract:
A reduced pressure treatment system includes a porous pad positioned at a tissue site and a canister having a collection chamber, an inlet, and an outlet. The inlet is fluidly connected to the porous pad. A reduced pressure source is fluidly connected to the outlet of the canister to such that fluid from the tissue site may be drawn into the collection chamber. A hydrophobic filter is positioned adjacent the outlet to prevent liquid from exiting the collection chamber through the outlet. A baffle is positioned within the canister to create a tortuous path between the inlet and the outlet to prevent premature blocking of the hydrophobic filter.
Abstract:
In one example embodiment, an apparatus for providing negative-pressure therapy may comprise a negative-pressure source, a pressure sensor, and a control valve. The negative-pressure source may be configured to be fluidly coupled to a distribution component. The control valve may be fluidly coupled to the pressure sensor and configured to be selectively coupled to the negative-pressure source, the distribution component, or both. A controller may also be configured to operate the control valve to selectively couple the pressure sensor to at least one of the negative-pressure source and the distribution component through the control valve, and the pressure sensor may provide a feedback signal to the controller indicative of pressure in a feedback path associated with the position of the control valve. The controller may also be configured to operate the negative-pressure source based on the feedback signal.
Abstract:
Devices and methods for skin graft harvesting are disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, substrates for transplanting skin grafts are disclosed that include a soft-tack, biocompatible composition having a surface adapted to contact at least one excised skin graft and engage the graft for removal from a donor site. In another aspect of the invention, at least a portion of the skin-contacting surface of the substrate (or dressing) is porous to facilitate fluid transport into (or out of) the graft site during harvesting and/or transplantation. The substrates can also incorporate an absorbent component to capture fluids. The substrate can be a mesh or fabric or web, e.g. woven, knitted, nonwoven or molded. The substrate can be a mesh of biocompatible fibers, for example, cellulosic, polyolefins, polyurethanes, polyesters or polyamide fibers. In one embodiment the mesh is formed of cellulose acetate fibers and coated with a silicone gel, to imparted the desire degree of tackiness.
Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to devices and systems that utilize an inflatable bladder for generating, cutting, capturing, and/or transplanting one or more skin blisters. In some aspects, methods and devices in accordance with the present teachings can enable the harvesting of skin grafts from an increased variety of potential donor sites, such as areas of the body having uneven surfaces or a smaller radius of curvature (e.g., the arm) or large area donor sites where the creation of a vacuum may require a high power negative pressure source. In various aspects, systems, devices, and methods in accordance with the present teachings can also enable the efficient transplant of the grafts directly from the skin graft harvester to the recipient site without the transfer of the grafts generated by the harvester to another substrate prior to transplantation.
Abstract:
In one example embodiment, an apparatus for providing negative-pressure therapy may comprise a negative-pressure source, a pressure sensor, and a control valve. The negative-pressure source may be configured to be fluidly coupled to a distribution component. The control valve may be fluidly coupled to the pressure sensor and configured to be selectively coupled to the negative-pressure source, the distribution component, or both. A controller may also be configured to operate the control valve to selectively couple the pressure sensor to at least one of the negative-pressure source and the distribution component through the control valve, and the pressure sensor may provide a feedback signal to the controller indicative of pressure in a feedback path associated with the position of the control valve. The controller may also be configured to operate the negative-pressure source based on the feedback signal.
Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to devices and systems that utilize an inflatable bladder for generating, cutting, capturing, and/or transplanting one or more skin blisters. In some aspects, methods and devices in accordance with the present teachings can enable the harvesting of skin grafts from an increased variety of potential donor sites, such as areas of the body having uneven surfaces or a smaller radius of curvature (e.g., the arm) or large area donor sites where the creation of a vacuum may require a high power negative pressure source. In various aspects, systems, devices, and methods in accordance with the present teachings can also enable the efficient transplant of the grafts directly from the skin graft harvester to the recipient site without the transfer of the grafts generated by the harvester to another substrate prior to transplantation.