Epithelialization methods, dressings, and systems

Abstract

Methods, dressings, and systems for promoting epithelialization of a wound or other tissue are presented. The methods, dressings, and systems help form simulated rete pegs. In one instance, an epithelialization dressing is disclosed that may include a dressing body having a plurality of projections. A plurality of apertures is formed on a portion of the dressing body. The dressing helps manage fluids on the wound and the projections form cavities into which epithelial tissue migrates to from epithelial columns that function like rete pegs. Other dressings, methods, and systems are disclosed.

1 . A method for treating a wound having granulation tissue in a wound bed, the method comprising the steps of:
 deploying an epithelialization dressing proximate the granulation tissue in the wound bed, wherein the epithelialization dressing comprises:
 a dressing body having a first side and a second side, the dressing body comprising a plurality of apertures disposed through the first side and the second side, and 
 a plurality of projections, each projection having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end coupled to the second side of the dressing body between the plurality of apertures; and 
   causing a compression force on the epithelialization dressing such that the plurality of projections impinge upon the granulation tissue.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 wherein the plurality of apertures provide fluid communication between the first side of the dressing body and the second side of the dressing body;   causing a fluid seal over the epithelialization dressing; and   providing reduced pressure to the epithelialization dressing.   
     
     
         3 .- 4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of projections comprises a pore. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of projections further comprise supply reservoirs formed in an interior portion of the projections. 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of projections further comprise supply reservoirs formed in an interior portion of the projections and wherein the plurality of projections and the dressing body are formed of a bioresorbable material. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 each of the plurality of projections further comprises a supply reservoir formed in an interior portion of each of the plurality of projections;   a second plurality of apertures formed on the dressing body and substantially aligning with each of the plurality of projections to allow fluid communication between the interior portion of each projection and the first side of the dressing body; and   each of the plurality of projections having pores on the distal end, wherein the pores provide fluid communication between an exterior and the interior portion of the projection.   
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising sub-features formed on the distal end of the plurality of projections and wherein the sub-features comprise ridges. 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the projections of the plurality of projections have an aspect ratio in the range of 1/10 to 10. 
     
     
         14 . A method for promoting healing of a wound having a wound bed, the method comprising the steps of:
 forming granulation tissue in the wound bed with a system to promote granulation;   creating a plurality of cavities in the granulation tissue with an epithelialization dressing, wherein the epithelialization dressing comprises a plurality of projections that create the plurality of cavities in the granulation tissue; and   creating a plurality of epithelial columns as epithelial tissue migrates into the cavities.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein forming granulation tissue in the wound bed with a system to promote granulation comprises:
 deploying a manifold proximate the wound;   deploying a sealing member over the manifold and wound to form a fluid seal; and   providing reduced pressure to the manifold.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein creating a plurality of cavities and creating a plurality of epithelial columns comprise:
 deploying the epithelialization dressing proximate the granulation tissue;   deploying a sealing member over the epithelialization dressing and wound;   providing reduced pressure to the epithelialization dressing to cause the plurality of projections to impinge upon the granulation tissue; and   providing adequate time for epithelial tissue to migrate around the plurality of projections to form the plurality of epithelial columns.   
     
     
         17 .- 40 . (canceled) 
     
     
         41 . A method of manufacturing an epithelialization dressing, the method comprising:
 forming a dressing body, having a first side and a second side, from a medical-grade polymer;   forming a plurality of projections from a medical-grade polymer with an aspect ratio in the range of 1/10 to 10;   coupling the plurality of projections to the second side of the dressing body; and   forming apertures in the dressing body between the plurality of projections.   
     
     
         42 . The method of manufacturing of  claim 41 , further comprising forming each of the projections with an interior portion, an exterior portion, and a plurality of pores fluidly coupling the interior portion and the exterior portion. 
     
     
         43 . The method of manufacturing of  claim 41 , wherein the steps of forming a dressing body, forming a plurality of projections, and coupling the plurality of projections comprise molding the dressing body with the plurality of projections. 
     
     
         44 . An epithelialization dressing for promoting epithelialization of a wound, the dressing comprising:
 a substantially planar member formed from a medical-grade polymer and having a first side and a second side and formed with a plurality of apertures operable to allow fluid communication between the first side and the second side; and   a plurality of pegs coupled to the second side between the apertures, the pegs of the plurality of pegs having a longitudinal length in the range of 10 to 5000 microns.   
     
     
         45 . (canceled)