Device and method for compressing wounds

Abstract

A dressing for applying compression to a wound in a patient includes a bladder having a non-deformable end wall and a deformable membrane. The dressing may include a flexible web having an adhesive layer on one side thereof for securing the dressing to the patient so as to hold the bladder against the patient's skin. Upon inflation, the deformable membrane projects towards the patient's skin and exerts pressure on the wound to reduce the flow of blood from the wound.

1 . A wound compression dressing, comprising:
 a deformable membrane defining a cavity having an open end;   a substantially non-deformable member connected to the open end so as to define an inflatable bladder having a substantially enclosed space defined by the deformable membrane and the substantially non-deformable member, the bladder having a deflated condition and an inflated condition; and   holding means for holding the bladder against the skin of the patient in a position substantially overlying the wound without circumscribing the leg or torso of the patient.