Device for delivery of reduced pressure to body surfaces

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a device which is intended to deliver and maintain reduced pressure to body surfaces for application of reduced pressure wound therapy (RPWT) also known as negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). During application of this type of therapy, a substantially airtight seal is formed around a section of tissue to be treated. This seal is formed by a dressing which provides fluid communication from a section of tissue to a reduced pressure source. Disclosed herein is a dressing system which is configured to enhance usability and functionality of this dressing. First, the system may be configured to allow full rotation of the fluid communication conduit to the reduced pressure source along the axis substantially normal to the dressing. Second, the system may be configured to include a one-way valve to prevent backflow of any drainage fluids. Third, the system may be configured with transparent windows covered by opaque flaps to allow inspection through the dressing. Fourth, the system may be configured to include an indicator which visually makes clear whether reduced pressure is being applied or not. Fifth, the system is configured to minimize the profile of the dressing system.

1 . A reduced pressure treatment system, comprising:
 a cover structure comprising an outer edge, an upper surface, a lower surface, and at least one opening;   a flowable adhesive layer attached to the lower surface of the cover structure, wherein the flowable adhesive layer has a thickness of at least about 0.2 mm; and   a non-electrically powered, self-generating vacuum source.   
     
     
         2 . The reduced pressure treatment system of  claim 1 , further comprising tubing configured to attach to the vacuum source. 
     
     
         3 . The reduced pressure treatment system of  claim 1 , wherein the vacuum source is integrally formed with the cover structure. 
     
     
         4 . The reduced pressure treatment system of  claim 2 , wherein the cover structure further comprises a port member attached to at least the upper surface of the cover structure. 
     
     
         5 . The reduced pressure treatment system of  claim 1 , wherein the flowable adhesive layer comprises a moisture absorbent flowable adhesive layer. 
     
     
         6 . The reduced pressure treatment system of  claim 5 , wherein the adhesive layer has a water absorbency rate of at least 900 g/m 2 /day. 
     
     
         7 . The reduced pressure treatment system of  claim 5 , wherein the adhesive layer has a water absorbency rate of at least 1000 g/m 2 /day. 
     
     
         8 . The reduced pressure treatment system of  claim 5 , wherein the adhesive layer has a water absorbency rate of at least 1100 g/m 2 /day. 
     
     
         9 . The reduced pressure treatment system of  claim 5 , wherein the adhesive layer has a water absorbency rate of at least 1200 g/m 2 /day. 
     
     
         10 . The reduced pressure treatment system of  claim 1 , wherein the flowable adhesive layer has a thickness of at least about 0.3 mm. 
     
     
         11 . The reduced pressure treatment system of  claim 1 , wherein the flowable adhesive layer has a thickness of at least about 0.5 mm. 
     
     
         12 . The reduced pressure treatment system of  claim 1 , wherein the flowable adhesive layer has a thickness of at least about 0.7 mm. 
     
     
         13 . The reduced pressure treatment system of  claim 1 , wherein the flowable adhesive layer has a thickness of at least about 1 mm. 
     
     
         14 . The reduced pressure treatment system of  claim 1 , wherein the flowable adhesive layer has a thickness of at least about 1.5 mm. 
     
     
         15 . The reduced pressure treatment system of  claim 1 , wherein the flowable adhesive layer has a viscosity in the range of about 20,000 to about 50,000 centipoise. 
     
     
         16 . The reduced pressure treatment system of  claim 1 , wherein the flowable adhesive layer has a viscosity in the range of about 10,000 to about 100,000 centipoise. 
     
     
         17 . A method for performing reduced pressure treatment of a skin location, comprising:
 applying a dressing to a skin location;   applying a mask to the skin location, the mask comprising an inner edge and an outer edge;   applying a liquid sealant to the dressing and the skin location; and   removing the mask from the skin location.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 selecting the mask to space the inner edge of the mask from the edge of the skin location.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising placing a contact material onto the skin location, wherein the skin location is an open wound. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 placing a mesh material onto the liquid sealant after applying the liquid sealant to the dressing.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 placing the mesh material onto the liquid sealant after removing the mask from the skin location.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 placing a mesh material onto the dressing before applying the liquid sealant.