Multi-function dressing structure for negative-pressure therapy

Abstract

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for forming a multi-function core for a dressing are described. The multi-function core includes a contact layer configured to be positioned adjacent to a tissue site, a wicking layer adjacent to the contact layer, an ion exchange layer adjacent to the wicking layer, an absorbing layer adjacent to the ion exchange layer, a blocking layer adjacent to the absorbing layer, and an odor-absorbing layer adjacent to the blocking layer. The contact layer, the wicking layer, the ion exchange layer, the absorbing layer, the blocking layer, and the odor-absorbing layer are coextensive and formed from a plurality of fibers disposed in a fibrous web. Methods of manufacturing the multi-function core are also described.

1 - 70 . (canceled) 
     
     
         71 . A method for providing negative-pressure therapy to a tissue site, the method comprising:
 positioning a tissue interface adjacent to the tissue site;
 placing a sealing member over the tissue interface and sealing the sealing member to tissue surrounding the tissue site to form a sealed space; 
 fluidly coupling a negative-pressure source to the sealed space; 
 positioning a fluid management apparatus between the tissue interface and the sealing member, the fluid management apparatus comprising:
 a contact layer configured to be positioned adjacent to the tissue interface; 
 a fluid dispersion layer coupled to the contact layer; 
 an ion exchange layer coupled to the fluid dispersion layer; 
 a liquid retention layer coupled to the ion exchange layer; 
 a liquid blocking layer coupled to the liquid retention layer; 
 an odor removal layer coupled to the liquid blocking layer; and 
 
 operating the negative-pressure source to draw fluid from the sealed space through the fluid management apparatus and generate a negative pressure in the sealed space. 
   
     
     
         72 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein the fluid dispersion layer, the ion exchange layer, the liquid retention layer, the liquid blocking layer, and the odor removal layer are coupled to each other so that each layer is coextensive with adjacent layers. 
     
     
         73 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein the fluid management apparatus further comprises a rigid layer. 
     
     
         74 . The method of  claim 73 , wherein the rigid layer is coupled adjacent to the contact layer on a side of the contact layer that is opposite the fluid dispersion layer. 
     
     
         75 . The method of  claim 73 , wherein the rigid layer is coupled adjacent to the odor removal layer. 
     
     
         76 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein the contact layer, the fluid dispersion layer, the ion exchange layer, the liquid retention layer, the liquid blocking layer, and the odor removal layer are formed from a plurality of fibers disposed in a fibrous web. 
     
     
         77 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the plurality of fibers of one or more of the fluid dispersion layer, the ion exchange layer, the liquid retention layer, the liquid blocking layer, and the odor removal layer comprise single-layer fibers formed from a single material. 
     
     
         78 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the plurality of fibers of one or more of the fluid dispersion layer, the ion exchange layer, the liquid retention layer, the liquid blocking layer, and the odor removal layer comprise dual-layer fibers formed from two materials. 
     
     
         79 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the plurality of fibers of one or more of the fluid dispersion layer, the ion exchange layer, the liquid retention layer, the liquid blocking layer, and the odor removal layer comprise single-layer fibers formed from a single material and dual-layer fibers formed from two materials. 
     
     
         80 . The method of  claim 78 , wherein the dual-layer fibers comprise an inner core formed from a first material and an outer sheathing formed from a second material. 
     
     
         81 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein the contact layer, the fluid dispersion layer, the ion exchange layer, and the liquid retention layer each comprise a plurality of dual-layer fibers, each dual-layer fiber having an inner core formed from a first material and an outer sheathing formed from a second material. 
     
     
         82 . The method of  claim 81 , wherein the first material of the dual-layer fibers of the contact layer comprises a hydrophobic polyurethane and the second material of the dual-layer fibers of the contact layer comprises a hydrophilic polyurethane. 
     
     
         83 . The method of  claim 82 , wherein the hydrophilic polyurethane comprises a silicone gel. 
     
     
         84 . The method of  claim 81 , wherein the first material of the dual-layer fibers of the contact layer comprises an antimicrobial. 
     
     
         85 . The method of  claim 81 , wherein the second material of the dual-layer fibers of the contact layer comprises an antimicrobial. 
     
     
         86 . The method of  claim 84 , wherein the antimicrobial comprises at least one selected from a group consisting of silver or iodine. 
     
     
         87 . The method of  claim 81 , wherein the first material of the dual-layer fibers of the fluid dispersion layer comprises a hydrophobic polyurethane and the second material of the dual-layer fibers of the fluid dispersion layer comprises a hydrophilic polyurethane. 
     
     
         88 . The method of  claim 81 , wherein the first material of the dual-layer fibers of the ion exchange layer comprises a hydrophobic polymer and the second material of the dual-layer fibers of the ion exchange layer comprises a hydrophilic polymer having ion exchange resins disposed therein. 
     
     
         89 . The method of  claim 81 , wherein the first material of the dual-layer fibers of the liquid retention layer comprises a superabsorbent polymer and the second material of the dual-layer fibers of the liquid retention layer comprises a hydrophilic polymer. 
     
     
         90 . The method of  claim 89 , wherein the superabsorbent polymer is selected from a group consisting of: polyacrylates, polyacrylics, and carboxymethyl cellulose. 
     
     
         91 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein the fluid dispersion layer, the ion exchange layer, the liquid retention layer, the liquid blocking layer, and the odor removal layer each comprise a plurality of single-layer fibers. 
     
     
         92 . The method of  claim 91 , wherein the single-layer fibers of the fluid dispersion layer are formed from a hydrophilic polymer. 
     
     
         93 . The method of  claim 92 , wherein the hydrophilic polymer is selected from a group consisting of polyurethane, polyester, or acrylic. 
     
     
         94 . The method of  claim 91 , wherein the single-layer fibers of the ion exchange layer are formed from a hydrophilic polyurethane having activated carbon particles disposed therein. 
     
     
         95 . The method of  claim 91 , wherein the single-layer fibers of the liquid retention layer are formed from an elastic polymer having superabsorbent polymer disposed therein. 
     
     
         96 . The method of  claim 95 , wherein the elastic polymer comprises elastane. 
     
     
         97 . The method of  claim 95 , wherein the superabsorbent polymer comprises superabsorbent fibers. 
     
     
         98 . The method of  claim 95 , wherein the superabsorbent polymer comprises superabsorbent particles. 
     
     
         99 . The method of  claim 91 , wherein the single-layer fibers of the liquid blocking layer are formed from a hydrophobic polymer disposed in an open non-woven fibrous web. 
     
     
         100 . The method of  claim 99 , wherein the hydrophobic polymer comprises a fluorocarbon. 
     
     
         101 . The method of  claim 91 , wherein the single layer fibers of the odor removal layer are formed from a gas permeable polymer having activated carbon particles disposed in an open non-woven fibrous web. 
     
     
         102 . The method of  claim 101 , wherein the gas permeable polymer is selected from a group consisting of polyurethane and silicone. 
     
     
         103 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the fibrous web comprises a non-woven structure. 
     
     
         104 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the plurality fibers are disposed in a woven structure. 
     
     
         105 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein the fluid dispersion layer, the ion exchange layer, the liquid retention layer, and the odor removal layer are liquid permeable. 
     
     
         106 - 133 . (canceled)