Patent Application
20240050282
The present disclosure relates to wound dressings, air connectors, and systems for use in negative pressure wound therapy, allowing for improved safety and efficacy with an improved ability to retain wound exudate within the dressing and a decreased risk of contamination.
Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT), is a therapeutic technique using a suction pump, tubing and a dressing to remove excess exudate and promote healing in acute or chronic wounds, for example diabetic leg ulcers, lower leg wounds, surgical incision, traumatic wounds, burns, infected wounds, necrotizing fasciitis, infected sternal wounds and after skin grafting. The therapy involves the controlled application of subatmospheric pressure to the local wound environment for a duration that varies from a few days to months, depending on the treatment aim and the nature of the wound.
Typically a NPWT system comprises a dressing, a tube, a canister and a suction pump, wherein the canister is used to collect wound exudate in a way that ensures that the exudate does not reach the pump.
Alarm systems may be used in order to notify the user of the NPWT system that the dressing requires replacement, for example visual or audible indicators. The alarm systems may comprise sensors detecting environmental changes that occur upon exudate flow through the tubing. Canister systems typically have designs which allow for movement and rotation of the canister, while retaining evacuated exudate.
Canister-free systems have also been shown, wherein the wound exudate is to be retained by an absorbent within the dressing. For such systems it is important that the dressing is replaced regularly to ensure that the absorbent has not reached its maximum absorbent capacity, thereby avoiding exudate from reaching the pump unit.
The alarm systems for detecting contaminants within the systems typically give a good indication whether parts of the system have been contaminated, thereby requiring replacement. Indicators for change of dressing may assist in making a user aware of a need to replace the dressing, thereby decreasing the risk of contamination. Nonetheless, contamination control is always a concern when using a vacuum device on an open wound. Reducing the risk for potential contamination would allow for a more care-free use of the NPWT system, as it would require less maintenance, and in addition it would decrease the costs of the system.
The present inventors have realized that negative pressure wound therapy systems may be configured in ways that increase their safety and efficacy. Specifically, the present inventors have realized how NPWT dressing and systems comprising improved configurations for contamination control may be achieved. Contamination control is one of the most important parameters of a NPWT system, allowing for improved safety and efficiency while enabling a more care-free device requiring less maintenance and dressing replacement.
The present disclosure therefore, in a first aspect, relates to a wound dressing for use in negative pressure wound therapy, the wound dressing comprising:
It is a preference that the at least one sealing layer that is sealed to the cover layer around the cover layer aperture, and that the at least one sealing layer comprises a sealing layer aperture, the sealing layer aperture being in fluidic communication with the cover layer aperture. Typically the sealing layer is sealed to the cover layer around the cover layer aperture and the sealing layer aperture.
It is a further preference that the wound dressing comprises a filter element that is located in, or below, the cover layer aperture and above the spacer layer, and wherein the filter element is retained by the sealing layer and arranged to cover the sealing layer aperture.
It is a preference that the cover layer is sealed to the wound contacting layer along a peripheral part of the wound dressing, thereby forming a sealed environment comprising the spacer layer and the absorbent layer.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the filter element comprises, or consists of, a paper filter element with a pore size of 0.1 μm or less, such as 0.05 μm or less, or even 0.01 μm or less. The filter element is preferably configured such that wound exudate is prevented from crossing the filter element, thereby acting to retain the wound exudate within the sealed environment of the wound dressing. This ensures an increased contamination control and prevents wound exudate from reaching the negative pressure source.
It is a preference that the cover layer adheres to the wound contacting layer along a peripheral part of the dressing, such that a sealed environment is formed within the dressing containing the spacer layer and the absorbent layer.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the filter element is retained by the sealing layer, for example by an adhesive surface of the sealing layer, such that the filter element is located within, or below, the cover layer aperture.
Further, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the absorbent layer comprises an absorbent layer aperture that extends vertically through said absorbent layer, i.e. from the cover layer to the wound contacting layer. In specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the filter element may be arranged below at least a part of the absorbent layer. For example, the filter element may be positioned level with the lower surface of the absorbent layer. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, typically wherein the filter element is arranged such that it is below the upper surface of the absorbent layer, the sealing layer is arranged such that it extends from the cover layer towards the wound contacting layer, through at least a part of the absorbent layer.
Thereby, the sealing layer may form, in specific embodiments of the present disclosure, a liquid-impermeable conduit that extends through at least a part of the absorbent layer aperture, such as from the cover layer aperture to the spacer layer. The sealing layer aperture is typically located at a lower end of the sealing layer, facing the wound contacting layer. The filter element may be located to cover the sealing layer aperture, preferably wherein the filter element is located within the conduit. The sealing layer may thereby form a continuous liquid barrier extending from the cover layer to the bottom of the absorbent layer.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing layer is formed in a material that is capable of blocking passage of wound exudate. The material of the sealing layer may for example comprise or consist of hydrocolloid, or a hydrophobic material.
In specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the sealing layer might be a layer of polyurethane or polycarbonate film or any other medical grade polymer film coated at least partially with one or a combination of medical grade synthetic rubber, or acrylate adhesive, or soft silicone gel, or polyurethane.
In specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the sealing layer might comprise a biological adhesive such as clotting proteins, for example fibrin. The sealing layer may in specific embodiments of the present disclosure be configured to restrict passage of fluids, preferably at least liquids, such as wound exudate.
In specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the sealing layer comprises an aperture that at least partially overlaps the cover layer aperture, and wherein the filter element is located between said apertures. Typically, wherein the filter element is larger than at least one of said apertures, preferably wherein the filter element is smaller than one of said apertures and larger than the other of said apertures. Preferably the centers of the sealing layer aperture, the cover layer aperture and the filter element are aligned, such as along a horizontal axis perpendicular to the wound contacting layer. For example, the sealing layer aperture, the cover layer aperture, and the filter element may be substantially aligned, and wherein the sealing layer aperture is smaller than the filter element while the cover layer aperture is larger than the filter element. The filter element may be arranged within the cover layer aperture and retained by the sealing layer.
It is a strong preference that the cover layer aperture and the sealing layer aperture is in fluid communication and arranged such that a sealed fluid flow path is formed between the two such that it allows for fluid communication between the sealed environment of the dressing, and the environment outside the dressing connected to the cover layer aperture, typically a negative pressure source.
In a further aspect, the present disclosure relates to a wound treatment apparatus for use in a canister-free negative pressure wound therapy, the wound treatment apparatus comprising:
a wound dressing;
an air connector adapted to provide negative pressure, from a negative pressure source, to the wound dressing through the aperture in the cover layer, the air connector comprising:
In a preferred embodiment the wound dressing comprises a wound contacting layer; a spacer layer; a hydrophilic absorbent layer positioned above the wound contacting layer; a cover layer comprising a cover layer aperture; a sealing layer adhered to the cover layer, the sealing layer comprising a sealing layer aperture, the sealing layer aperture being in fluidic communication with the cover layer aperture; and a filter element arranged to cover the sealing layer aperture. The wound dressing may further be arranged as described elsewhere herein.
In a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, a surface surrounding the opening at the distal end is adhered to a surface surrounding the cover layer aperture. Preferably in such a way that a sealed fluid connection between the sealed environment of the dressing and the sealed environment of the air connector is formed.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a sealed fluid connection is formed between the sealed environment of the dressing and the sealed environment of the air connector, for example wherein said fluid connection comprises the sealing layer aperture, the cover layer aperture and the filter element. Preferably wherein said fluid connection further comprises the fluidic conduit formed by the sealing layer.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the apparatus further comprises a negative pressure source, arranged to provide negative pressure to the dressing through the air connector. Preferably, the wound treatment apparatus is, or forms part of, a single-use canister-free NPWT system.
In a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to a wound dressing for use in negative pressure wound therapy. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wound dressing comprises a wound contacting layer, a spacer layer, an absorbent layer positioned above the wound contacting layer, a cover layer comprising a cover layer aperture, a sealing layer adhered to the cover layer wherein the sealing layer comprises a sealing layer aperture, the sealing layer aperture being in fluidic communication with the cover layer aperture, and a filter element arranged to cover the sealing layer aperture.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wound contacting layer is configured for contacting a wound surface and/or tissue surrounding a wound surface. Preferably, the wound contacting layer is a layer that has a low adherence to wound tissue and/or tissue surrounding a wound. The wound contacting layer may thereby be a non-adhering layer. Preferably, the wound contacting layer is a flexible and conformable layer, for example a perforated layer of silicon, polyurethane layer or polyethylene. The wound contacting layers typically comprises a number of apertures forming a fluidic communication between the inside of the dressing, e.g. the dressing sealed environment, and the wound. Fluids, such as wound exudate, may flow through the apertures of the wound contacting layer into the sealed environment of the dressing.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the dressing comprises a spacer layer. The spacer layer is preferably porous, and located above the wound contacting layer. This porous layer, or spacer layer, allows for transmission of fluids, including liquids and gases, away from a wound site into the upper layers of the wound dressing. In particular, the spacer layer ensures that an open air channel can be maintained to communicate negative pressure over the wound area even when the absorbent layer has absorbed substantial amounts of exudates. The spacer layer should remain open under the typical pressures that will be applied during negative pressure wound therapy as described above, so that the whole wound site sees an equalized negative pressure. The layer may be formed of a material having a three-dimensional structure, such as a knitted or woven spacer fabric. Preferably said spacer fabric comprises a top layer and a bottom layer and a number of filaments extending substantially vertically, connecting the top layer and the bottom layer. It is a preference that the top layer and the bottom layer comprises a number of apertures and that the sizes of the holes, on both layers, are substantially the same. In some embodiments, the size of the holes on the top and bottom layers of the spacer layer is larger than 500 μm. In some embodiments the size of the holes, on both the top layer and bottom layer, of the spacer layer, may be between 500 μm and 800 μm, or between 800 μm and 1400 μm, or preferably between 1400 μm and 2000 μm.
Similar sized holes of the top layer and the bottom layer of the spacer layer may have multiple advantages. For example, it is given that a larger size of the holes facing the wound contacting layer offer a greater chance to allow semi-solid particles released from sluff, biofilm and other harmful material to be separated from the wound surface and pass through the spacer layer into an upper layer of the wound dressing, such as the absorbent layer. This is in contrast to a spacer layer in which its bottom layer has smaller holes compared to the holes at its top layer.
Additional advantages of a spacer layer with similar sized holes is that particulate matter, such as blood agglutinates, does not become retained within the spacer layer. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the spacer layer is of polyester, such as a 3D mesh polyester fabric.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wound dressing comprises an absorbent layer configured for retaining wound exudate. The absorbent layer may comprise a number of layers comprising super absorbent particles. In order to reduce the thickness of the absorbent layer, the absorbent layer may comprise one or more layers comprising welded layers of absorbent materials, such as a super absorbent material. In specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the absorbent layer comprises two super absorbent layers. In certain embodiments the absorbent layer comprises three or four layers comprising absorbent material. It is a preference that the absorbent layer is directly below the cover layer. It is a preference that the absorbent layer comprises granulated super absorbent particles.
Preferably the absorbent layer comprises an aperture, i.e. an absorbent layer aperture. It is a further preference that at least a part of said absorbent layer aperture overlaps the cover layer aperture, thereby forming a through-hole through the absorbent layer and the cover layer.
Super-absorber particles/fibers may be, for example, sodium polyacrylate or carbomethoxycellulose materials or the like or any material capable of absorbing many times its own weight in liquid. In some embodiments, said material can absorb more than five times its own weight of 0.9 percent W/W saline, etc. In some embodiments, the super absorbent material can absorb more than 15 times its own weight of 0.9 percent W/W saline, etc. In some embodiments, the super absorbent material is capable of absorbing more than 20 times its own weight of 0.9 percent W/W saline, etc. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the super absorbent material is capable of absorbing more than 30 times its own weight of 0.9 percent W/W saline. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the super absorbent material is capable of absorbing more than 60 times its own weight of 0.9 percent W/W saline.
In a preferred embodiment the dressing comprises a cover layer in a liquid impermeable and gas permeable material. For example, the material of the cover layer may be polyurethane. The cover layer may comprise an adhesive for contacting the layer below the cover layer, such as the absorbent layer. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover layer comprises an aperture, i.e. a cover layer aperture. In specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the cover layer aperture is aligned with an absorbent layer aperture, such as aligned around a vertical axis, such as an axis perpendicular to the plane of the dressing. Thereby, the cover layer aperture may be centered around a vertical axis perpendicular to the plane of the dressing. In general embodiments of the present disclosure, the cover layer aperture is aligned with the filter element, and the sealing layer aperture, such as wherein each of the filter element, the cover layer aperture and the sealing layer aperture are centered around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the dressing.
In certain embodiments of the present disclosure in which the absorbent layer is intact, i.e. wherein the absorbent layer does not compromise an absorbent layer aperture, the cover layer aperture is positioned at least 25 mm away from the top surface of the absorbent layer. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wound dressing may comprise a distancing unit between the cover layer and the absorbent layer, for separating the cover layer aperture and the top surface of the absorbent layer, such as at least a distance of 5 mm, more preferably at least 10 mm, yet more preferably at least 15 mm, even yet more preferably at least 20 mm, once yet more preferably at least 25 mm, most preferably at least 25 mm. The distancing unit may be provided in a hydrophobic and/or non-porous material.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the dressing comprises a sealing layer adhered to the cover layer, such as the top surface of the cover layer facing away from the wound contacting layer, or a bottom surface of the cover layer facing the wound contacting layer. The sealing layer may comprise a sealing layer aperture, the sealing layer aperture being in fluidic communication with the cover layer aperture. The sealing layer may further comprise adhesives, or the sealing layer may be provided in an adhering material, to adhere to other layers of the dressing.
In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the dressing comprises a filter element, arranged to cover the sealing layer aperture. The filter element is preferably impermeable to liquids, but permeable to gases. Preferably the filter element is provided to act as a liquid barrier and to ensure that no liquids are able to escape from the wound dressing. The filter element may also function as a bacterial barrier. The filter element may be provided with a pore size of 0.2 μm or less, such as 0.1 μm or less, such as 0.05 μm or less, or even 0.01 μm or less. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the filter element is provided in a paper material. The filter element can be attached or sealed to the cover layer and/or sealing layer. Preferably, the filter is arranged to cover the sealing layer aperture. The filter may be provided in a circular, or oval shape, for example a circular shape with a diameter of between 5 mm and 40 mm, such as between 7 mm and 30 mm, such as between 9 mm and 25 mm, such as between 10 mm and 20 mm, such as around 13 mm.
Filter Element
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the filter is provided in a shape that is similar or identical to the shape of the sealing layer aperture and/or the cover layer aperture. Preferably the filter is provided in the same shape as the sealing layer aperture and the cover layer aperture. In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing layer aperture and the cover layer aperture are arranged such that they form a sealed connection, and the filter element is arranged such that it filters fluid that passes through said sealed connection. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure the filter element is provided in a size, i.e. a planar surface area, that is smaller than the size of the cover layer aperture, and larger than the size of the sealing layer aperture. In a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, the filter element may be provided in a size that is larger than both the cover layer aperture and the sealing layer aperture. Preferably, the filter element is arranged to cover or span the cover layer aperture and/or the sealing layer aperture, preferably, the filter element is arranged to seal the cover layer aperture and/or the sealing layer aperture.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the filter element is a paper filter element, preferably with a pore size of 0.1 μm or less, such as 0.05 μm or less, or 0.01 μm or less. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the average pore size is between 0.01 μm and 1 μm, more preferably between 0.05 μm and 0.5 μm, yet more preferably between 0.1 μm and 0.4 μm such as around 0.3 μm.
The filter element may be arranged in different ways, but still allow for filtering of fluids before said fluids are allowed to escape from the wound dressing through the cover layer aperture. Preferably the filter element is configured to retain liquids within the wound dressing while gasses are allowed to pass through the filter element. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the filter element is adhered to the sealing layer, such as being held in place by the sealing layer. The sealing layer may be provided in an adhesive material or the sealing layer may comprise an adhesive for adhering the filter element to the sealing layer. The filter element may be provided on a top surface of the sealing layer, such as a surface of the sealing layer faced away from the wound contacting layer. In an alternative embodiment, the filter element may be provided on a bottom surface of the sealing layer, such as a surface of the sealing layer faced towards the wound contacting layer. Typically, if the filter element is retained or adhered to a surface of the sealing layer that is above the cover layer, said surface is a bottom surface of the sealing layer. However, if the filter element is retained or adhered to a surface of the sealing layer that is below the cover layer, said surface is a top surface of the sealing layer. For example, if the sealing layer is provided as a planar element provided directly on top of the cover layer, the filter element is retained by, such as adhered to, a bottom surface of the sealing layer, typically such that at least a part of the filter element is within the cover layer aperture. The filter element may in such instance have a top surface that is substantially parallel with a top surface of the cover layer.
However, in alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, for example wherein the sealing layer is arranged such that it forms a conduit through the absorbent layer, it may be a preference to provide the filter element on a top surface of the sealing layer. The sealing layer may thereby be provided within the conduit, and the sealing layer aperture may be formed below the filter element, preferably with a size smaller than the filter element.
In a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, the absorbent layer comprises an absorbent layer aperture located below the cover layer aperture. Preferably the cover layer aperture covers at least a part of the absorbent layer aperture. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover layer aperture covers the absorbent layer aperture. Preferably, the size, i.e. the width, of the absorbent layer aperture is larger than the cover layer aperture. The sealing layer may be attached, such as adhered, to a top surface of the cover layer, or a bottom surface of the cover layer, and extend, in the shape of a conduit, downwards through the absorbent layer conduit. Preferably, a filter is located at a bottom end of the absorbent layer aperture, such as wherein the filter is attached to a top surface, or a bottom surface, of the sealing layer. The sealing layer thereby may form a sealed connection between the sealing layer aperture, and the cover layer aperture, preferably through the filter element.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the filter element is located at the same level, or below the cover layer. The filter element may in specific embodiments of the present disclosure, be arranged such that it is located within the cover layer aperture, such wherein the top surface of the filter element is aligned with a top surface of the cover layer. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the filter element may be provided below the cover layer, such as wherein the filter element is located towards a bottom end of a sealing layer conduit. When the filter element is located in the cover layer aperture, such as wherein an upper surface of the filter element is substantially parallel with an upper surface of the cover layer aperture, the filter element may have substantially the same size and shape as the cover layer aperture. By positioning the filter element in the cover layer aperture, leakages may be prevented, in part because the total area that may be subject to leakages is smaller with respect to a filter element arranged to cover the cover layer aperture and sealing a filter element in the.
By positioning the filter element below the cover layer aperture, preferably directly below the cover layer aperture, the negative pressure will act to retain the filter element in its position, and the risk of device failure by movements of the filter element (e.g. by the applied negative pressure) is reduced. Thereby, by having a filter element that is sized and shaped similar to the cover layer aperture, or by having the filter element or the layer retaining the filter element (e.g. the sealing layer) sized and shaped to cover the cover layer aperture, the filter element may be held in position, and form an efficient seal to minimize leakages of wound exudate.
In specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the filter element is provided below at least a part of the absorbent layer. The filter layer may for example be provided below the absorbent layer, such as between the absorbent layer and the spacer layer. Alternatively, the filter element may be provided such that the bottom surface of the filter element is aligned with the bottom surface of the absorbent layer. In specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the filter element is provided within the absorbent layer. For example, the absorbent layer may comprise an absorbent layer conduit that only extends partially through the absorbent layer, such as from the top surface of the absorbent layer.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the filter element comprises a bottom surface facing the wound contacting layer and a top surface facing away from the wound contacting layer. It is a preference that the properties of the two planar surfaces of the filter have different structural properties. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the filter element has a first side and a second side, wherein the first side has a smoother surface than said second side. It is a preference that the filter element is arranged such that the smoother side, i.e. the first side, faces away from the wound contacting layer. In this way, water vapour that is transported away from the dressing will travel through the filter element from the smooth side to the rough, second side. This has shown to more efficiently block liquids from being transported through the filter, while maintaining an efficient transportation rate of the water vapour.
Preferably, the filter element is arranged such that the sealing layer is arranged to retain the filter element by contacting the first side of the filter element. Thereby, it is a preference that the sealing layer is arranged to retain the filter element by at least contacting the first side of the filter element, e.g. by adhering to the first side of the filter element.
The difference in roughness of the filter element may be for example due to different pore sizes of the two sides. The roughness may for example be quantified by the arithmetical mean deviation of the assessed profile (Ra value). The smooth side (first side) may for example have a pore size that is below 0.1 μm and typically below 0.05 μm, commonly between 0.01 μm and 0.1 μm. The rough side (second side) may for example have a pore size that is above 0.1 μm and typically above 0.5 μm, commonly between 0.2 μm and 100 μm. Therefore, it is a preference that the filter element has a first side with a pore size between 0.01 and 0.1 μm and a second side with a pore size between 0.2 and 100 μm. Upon inspection of the filter element, it can typically be seen that the smooth side is shiny, while the rough side is dull.
In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the filter element comprises multiple filters, for example filters having differing hydrophilic-hydrophobic properties. Therefore, the filter element may comprise a first filter that is more hydrophilic and a second filter that is more hydrophobic, allowing for decreased clogging of the filter element. The filters of the filter element may be attached to each other, or spaced apart, such as spaced apart within the conduit formed by the sealing layer according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure.
In specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the wound dressing comprises multiple sealing layers, such as two sealing layers. In the case of two sealing layers, the wound dressing may comprise a top sealing layer and a bottom sealing layer located at different levels, i.e. heights, of the wound dressing. For example, the top sealing layer may be attached to the top surface of the cover layer, and the bottom sealing layer may be attached to the bottom surface of the cover layer. It is a preference that each sealing layer comprises a sealing layer aperture and that each sealing layer aperture is in fluid communication. In a preferred embodiment the top and bottom sealing layers may be arranged to retain a filter element comprising one or more filter elements. For example, the filter element may be encapsulated by the top and bottom sealing layers, and wherein the sealing layer apertures of said layers are in fluid communication, with the filter element in between said apertures. The filter element may be arranged to filter fluids, typically to block liquids, from passing through the filter. The filter element may thereby prevent liquids from reaching the top sealing layer aperture. In a preferred embodiment, the filter element comprises a filter in a hydrophilic material, such as a super absorbent polymer, laminated between two filters in a hydrophobic material. It is a preference that the three filters have the same size and shape, however, the hydrophobic filters may in certain embodiments extend beyond the edge of the hydrophilic filter. The filter element may in this way be configured to restrict the fluid path, such that a connected sensor can decrease the restriction, and thereafter warn a user that the wound dressing requires replacement. Any sensor may be used that is capable of detecting the pressure within the system. The system may therefore be configured to detect pressure changes or the lack of pressure changes during pumping, and as a result warn the user of a blockage in the tubing, and that the wound dressing needs to be replaced. Typically the wound dressing may comprise a filter element with at least a hydrophilic part, such as comprising super absorbent material, however in alternative embodiments, the same function may be achieved by the use of a filler unit in a hydrophilic material, such as superabsorbent polymers. The filler unit is typically located in the conduit formed by the sealing layer extending downwards from the cover layer. The filler unit may be a hydrophilic material such as polyvinyl alcohol or super absorbent polymer. However, in other embodiments of the present disclosure the filler unit may comprise or consist of a hydrophobic material. In this way the wound dressing may be configured for prolonged operation due to a possibility of prolonged supply of negative pressure.
In certain embodiments of the present disclosure the filter element may comprise a function releasing block alarm, in which it is used two hydrophobic filter layers separated by a hydrophilic layer. The first filter layer is attached to the bottom surface of the sealing layer positioned in the cover layer aperture facing wound contacting layer. The second filter layer is attached to the top surface of a second sealing layer and attached to the bottom layer of the cover layer facing away from the wound contacting layer. These two filters may be positioned within, and fill, the cover layer aperture, and are separated by a hydrophilic material, i.e. a hydrophilic layer, such as a super absorbent polymer (SAP).
The filter element may be attached, such as adhered, to either side of the cover layer or the sealing layer. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the filter element is attached, such as adhered, to a top surface or a bottom surface of the sealing layer. As disclosed elsewhere herein, it may be a preference that the filter element is attached to a part of the top surface of the sealing layer when the filter element is attached, such as adhered, to a part of the surface of the sealing layer that is below the cover layer. It may further be a preference that the filter element is attached to a part of the bottom surface of the sealing layer when the filter element is attached, such as adhered, to a part of the surface of the sealing layer that is above the cover layer.
Sealing Layer
The sealing layer is preferably provided in a material that is impermeable to air and water vapour (i.e. non-breathable), however the sealing layer may be impermeable to gasses in general. In addition, the sealing layer may be liquid impermeable, preferably impermeable to at least water. Thereby, the sealing layer may be gas and liquid impermeable. However, it is a preference that the sealing layer is impermeable to at least air and water vapour, preferably also water. The sealing layer is preferably non-breathable.
The sealing layer is preferably arranged as an occlusive wall for preventing the passage of at least air and water vapour, contrary to for example a conventional filter of a wound dressing. In this way, the absorbent properties of the wound dressing will be controlled by the sealing layer, as the wound dressing will be arranged such that at least air and water vapour, preferably as well as other gasses and/or liquids will be diverted towards the sealing layer aperture. Further, a water and air impermeable sealing layer will act to decrease the risk of leakages.
The sealing layer may for example comprise or consists of a hydrophobic material. Preferably, the sealing layer comprises or consists of hydrocolloid or hydrophobic polyurethane. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing layer comprises or consists of a hydrophobic material. In specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the material of the sealing layer is hydrocolloid or hydrophobic polyurethane. It is known that these materials, at relatively small thicknesses, may be breathable. As it is a preference that the sealing layer is non-breathable, it may be a requirement to provide the sealing layer at a sufficient thickness such that the sealing layer is non-breathable and/or impermeable to air and water vapour.
Preferably the sealing layer is flexible, waterproof and self-adhering, for example the sealing layer may be a hydrocolloid. As the sealing layer is self-adherent it decreases the risk for leakages. The sealing layer is preferably biodegradable and non-breathable. The sealing layer may comprise or consists of a hydrocolloid arranged such that the layer absorbs wound exudate and forms a gel that is impermeable to air and water vapour, preferably as well as other liquids, such as at least water.
Hydrocolloids may have various compositions, such as around 40% polyisobutylene, 20% sodium carboxymethylcellulose, 20% gelatin and 20% pectin. Typically, the hydrocolloid absorbs wound fluid and as a result changes into a jelly-like mass. The outside of the dressing is covered with a polyurethane foam or film which enables the exchange of water vapor and protects the wound against contamination from the outside. Hydrocolloids are moisture-retentive materials, which typically contain gel-forming agents such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose and gelatin. Many hydrocolloids combine the gel-forming properties with elastomers and adhesives thereby forming an absorbent, self-adhesive, and liquid-impermeable film. In a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing layer comprises hydrocolloids, elastomers, and/or adhesives. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing layer is a self-adhesive and liquid impermeable film. In specific embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one side of the sealing layer may comprise a polyurethane foam or film. For example, wherein a part of the sealing layer forms a conduit between the sealing layer aperture and the cover layer aperture, the one side of said conduit, typically the inside, may be provided with a polyurethane foam or film. In specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the sealing layer may be provided in a fluid-impermeable material, configured for blocking passage of liquids and gasses. This may allow for supplying negative pressure to the wound dressing through the sealing layer aperture only. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the sealing layer may be provided in a liquid-impermeable and gas permeable material (such as a breathable material). If the sealing layer is provided in a material that is permeable to gasses, the evaporation of liquids within the wound dressing may be accelerated, thereby allowing for a larger capacity of the wound dressing and it can consequently operate for a longer time before being required to be replaced.
In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one sealing layer is sealed to the cover layer around the cover layer aperture, and around the sealing layer aperture of the at least one sealing layer, such that the sealing layer aperture is in fluid communication with the cover layer aperture. The seal is thereby formed around the sealing layer aperture and the cover layer aperture. In specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the filter element is located between the sealing layer aperture and the cover layer aperture.
In specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the wound dressing comprises multiple sealing layers, such as two sealing layers. In the case of two sealing layers, the wound dressing may comprise a top sealing layer and a bottom sealing layer located at different levels, i.e. heights, of the wound dressing. For example, the top sealing layer may be attached to the top surface of the cover layer, and the bottom sealing layer may be attached to the bottom surface of the cover layer. It is a preference that each sealing layer comprises a sealing layer aperture and that each sealing layer aperture is in fluid communication. In a preferred embodiment the top and bottom sealing layers may be arranged to retain a filter element comprising one or more filter elements. For example, the filter element may be encapsulated by the top and bottom sealing layers, and wherein the sealing layer apertures of said layers are in fluid communication, with the filter element in between said apertures. The filter element may be arranged to filter fluids, typically to block liquids, from passing through the filter. The filter element may thereby prevent liquids from reaching the top sealing layer aperture.
In specific embodiments of the present disclosure, an adhesive layer has been applied to the sealing layer, on one or both sides of the sealing layer, for attaching to the cover layer and/or the filter element. Thereby, at least one side of the sealing layer may comprise an adhesive, preferably both sides.
It is a preference that the wound dressing comprises two sealing layers, a top sealing layer and a bottom sealing layers, and wherein the top sealing layer is arranged to adhere to an outer part of the cover layer, i.e. a part outside of the sealed environment of the wound dressing, and a bottom sealing layer that is arranged to adhere to an inner part of the cover layer, i.e. at a part inside the sealed environment of the wound dressing. This arrangement has shown to lead to a significant reduction in the risk of leakages, and the durability of the wound dressing. Depending on where on the patient the dressing is located, the dressing may be subjected to movements. For example, if the wound is on the knee, elbow or another joint, the dressing will be moved constantly, and a strong and durable seal is required in order to maintain full functionality of the wound dressing.
Preferably, the sealing layer comprises an aperture. The sealing layer aperture preferably forms a through-hole through the sealing layer. It is a preference that the sealing layer aperture is covered by the cover layer aperture, such as wherein the cover layer aperture and the sealing layer aperture is centered around the same vertical axis. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing layer aperture has the same shape as the cover layer aperture. Typically, the sealing layer aperture, and/or the cover layer aperture are oval or circular, however in specific embodiments of the present disclosure, said apertures may be provided in any shape such as irregular or regular, for example a polygonal shape.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing layer aperture is smaller than the cover layer aperture. It may be a preference that the sealing layer is arranged to retain the filter element, and that a filter of the filter element directly covers the sealing layer aperture. Typically, the sealing layer is therefore smaller, i.e. has a smaller diameter or width, than the diameter or width of the filter element. The cover layer aperture may be provided with an identical size, such as diameter, as the sealing layer, however, the cover layer aperture may be larger, i.e. the size, such as the diameter may be larger. Therefore, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover layer aperture substantially covers the sealing layer aperture.
The sealing layer may be provided in a self-adhesive material, or may comprise one or more adhesive layers on at least a part of one or both sides of the sealing layer. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing layer adheres to a part of the cover layer surrounding the cover layer aperture. For example, the sealing layer may be attached, such as adhered, to a part of the top surface of the cover layer, i.e. the surface facing away from the wound contacting layer. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the sealing layers are attached, such as adhered, to a part of the bottom surface of the cover layer. It is a strong preference that the sealing layer is attached around the cover layer aperture, such that the sealing layer is sealed to the cover layer around the cover layer aperture. It is a further preference that the sealing layer aperture is located inside the part of the sealing layer that is sealed to the cover layer. The sealing layer may for example be sealed to the cover layer aperture in a ring pattern around the cover layer aperture, while the sealing layer aperture is located inside said ring pattern on the sealing layer.
In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover layer and the wound contacting layer forms a sealed environment comprising the spacer layer and the absorbent layer. The wound dressing comprises a number of fluid channels for fluid communication between the sealed environment of the wound dressing and an environment outside the wound dressing, such as a negative pressure source of a wound site. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid channels comprises or consists of a number of perforations in the wound contacting layer, and one or more fluid channels through the cover layer. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the wound dressing has a single fluid channel through the cover layer, said fluid channel comprises one or more, such as two, sealing layer apertures, the filter element, the cover layer aperture, and optionally a filler unit. It is a preference that the filter element is arranged such that it extends across the entire fluid channel, such that fluid is required to pass the filter element, and optionally a filler unit, in order to reached an environment outside the wound dressing, through the one or more sealing layer apertures, and the cover layer apertures.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing layer extends from the cover layer towards the wound contacting layer, through the absorbent layer. The sealing layer may be sealed around the cover layer aperture, for example in a ring pattern, and have a sealing layer aperture within the area sealed to the cover layer. The sealing layer may extend towards the wound contacting layer. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing layer extends from the cover layer towards the wound contacting layer, through one or more layers of the wound dressing. For example, the sealing layer may extend from the cover layer through apertures in one or more layers of the wound dressing. In a particular embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing layer extends from the cover layer towards the wound contacting layer through an absorbent layer aperture, and wherein the sealing layer is arranged such that the sealing layer forms a conduit within the absorbent layer aperture. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing layer is arranged to form a conduit that is impermeable to at least air and water vapour, preferably also liquids. The conduit preferably extends through at least a part of the absorbent layer aperture, such as from the cover layer aperture to the spacer layer, or from the cover layer aperture to a part of the absorbent layer aperture. Similar to other apertures mentioned herein, also the absorbent layer aperture may be a through hole, through the absorbent layer. However, the absorbent layer aperture does not have to go entirely through the absorbent layer, in specific embodiments the absorbent layer aperture penetrates a part of the absorbent layer, typically from the top side, facing away from the wound contacting layer, and through a part of the absorbent layer. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing layer forms a continuous liquid barrier extending from the cover layer to the bottom of the absorbent layer. In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the absorbent layer is intact (meaning that that the absorbent layer does not include an absorbent layer aperture) and the sealing layer top surface is attached to the bottom surface of the cover layer and to the top surface of the absorbent layer.
It is a preference that the sealing layer aperture is in fluid communication with the cover layer aperture, in addition it is a preference that the sealing layer is sealed around the cover layer aperture wherein the sealing layer aperture is located inside the sealed area of the sealing layer, for example inside a sealed area in the form of a ring pattern.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing layer aperture and/or the cover layer aperture is configured to provide fluid communication between the inside of the dressing and the outside of the dressing, such as a negative pressure source. Typically an air connector is attached to the cover layer such that the connector is capable of fluid communication with the inside of the dressing, through the cover layer aperture and the sealing layer aperture. Thereby, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wound dressing is configured such that the sealing layer aperture and the cover layer aperture form a sealed connection between the sealed environment of the wound dressing, i.e. the sealed environment formed by the sealing of the cover layer and the wound contacting layer, and an opening that is suitable for receiving an air connector, an opening for communicating with a negative pressure source, or an opening of the top side of the wound dressing, i.e. an opening in the cover layer.
In a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealing layer is liquid impermeable and gas permeable, thereby allowing for removal water vapor while ensuring that liquid is retained by the wound dressing,
Additional Items
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover layer is sealed to the wound contacting layer, such as at a peripheral part of the dressing, such that a sealed environment containing the spacer layer and the absorbent layer is formed. The cover layer may for example be welded to the wound contacting layer along a perimeter, as seen from above, of the wound dressing. Thereby, the wound dressing may encapsulate the absorbent layer and the spacer layer and typically have a single fluid aperture for fluid communication with the outside environment, typically a pressure source, although specific embodiments of the present disclosure comprises multiple apertures in the cover layer. In addition, the bottom layer of the dressing, i.e. the wound contacting layer typically comprises multiple apertures for fluid communication with the wound.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the spacer layer is configured to wick fluid away from the wound contacting layer. The spacer layer is preferably a 3D mesh polyester fabric, comprising a top fabric layer and a bottom fabric layer connected by a number of filaments. It is a preference that the holes of the top layer and the bottom layer are substantially the same size, such as the same size. The spacer layer is preferably porous, and located above the wound contacting layer. This porous layer, or spacer layer, allows for transmission of fluid including liquid and gas away from a wound site into upper layers of the wound dressing. In particular, the spacer layer ensures that an open air channel can be maintained to communicate negative pressure over the wound area even when the absorbent layer has absorbed substantial amounts of exudates. The spacer layer should remain open under the typical pressures that will be applied during negative pressure wound therapy as described above, so that the whole wound site sees an equalized negative pressure. The layer may be formed of a material having a three-dimensional structure, such as a knitted or woven spacer fabric. Preferably said spacer fabric comprises a top layer and a bottom layer and a number of filaments extending substantially vertically, connecting the top layer and the bottom layer. It is a preference that the top layer and the bottom layer comprises a number of apertures and that the sizes of the holes are substantially the same. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the holes on the top and bottom layers of the spacer layer is larger than 500 μm. In some embodiments the size of the holes on the top layer and the bottom layer of the spacer layer may be between 500 μm and 800 μm, or between 800 μm and 1400 μm, or preferably between 1400 μm and 2000 μm.
Similar sized holes of the top layer and the bottom layer of the spacer layer may have multiple advantages. For example, it is given that a larger size of the holes facing the wound contacting layer offer a greater chance to allow semi-solid particles released from sluff, biofilm and other harmful material to be separated from the wound surface and pass through the spacer layer into an upper layer of the wound dressing, such as the absorbent layer. This is in contrast to a spacer layer in which its bottom layer has smaller holes compared to the holes at its top layer.
Additional advantages of a spacer layer with similar sized holes is that particulate matter, such as blood agglutinates, does not become retained within the spacer layer. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the spacer layer is of polyester, such as a 3D mesh polyester fabric.
Wound Treatment Apparatus
In a further aspect, the present disclosure relates to a wound treatment apparatus for use in a canister-free negative pressure wound therapy. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wound treatment apparatus comprises a wound dressing for use in negative pressure wound therapy. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wound dressing comprises a wound contacting layer, a spacer layer, an absorbent layer positioned above the wound contacting layer, a cover layer comprising a cover layer aperture, a sealing layer adhered to the cover layer wherein the sealing layer comprises a sealing layer aperture, the sealing layer aperture being in fluidic communication with the cover layer aperture, and a filter element arranged to cover the sealing layer aperture.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wound contacting layer is configured for contacting a wound surface and/or tissue surrounding a wound surface. Preferably, the wound contacting layer is a layer that has a low adherence to wound tissue and/or tissue surrounding a wound. The wound contacting layer may thereby be a non-adhering layer. Preferably, the wound contacting layer is a flexible and conformable layer, for example a perforated layer of silicon, polyurethane layer or polyethylene. The wound contacting layers typically comprises a number of apertures forming a fluidic communication between the inside of the dressing, e.g. the dressing sealed environment, and the wound. Fluids, such as wound exudate, may flow through the apertures of the wound contacting layer into the sealed environment of the dressing.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the dressing comprises a spacer layer. The spacer layer is preferably porous, and located above the wound contacting layer. This porous layer, or spacer layer, allows for transmission of fluids, including liquids and gases, away from a wound site into the upper layers of the wound dressing. In particular, the spacer layer ensures that an open air channel can be maintained to communicate negative pressure over the wound area even when the absorbent layer has absorbed substantial amounts of exudates. The spacer layer should remain open under the typical pressures that will be applied during negative pressure wound therapy as described above, so that the whole wound site sees an equalized negative pressure. The layer may be formed of a material having a three-dimensional structure, such as a knitted or woven spacer fabric. Preferably said spacer fabric comprises a top layer and a bottom layer and a number of filaments extending substantially vertically, connecting the top layer and the bottom layer. It is a preference that the top layer and the bottom layer comprises a number of apertures and that the sizes of the holes, on both layers, are substantially the same. In some embodiments, the size of the holes on the top and bottom layers of the spacer layer is larger than 500 μm. In some embodiments the size of the holes on spacer top layer and the bottom layer of the spacer layer may be between 500 μm and 800 μm, or between 800 μm and 1400 μm, or preferably between 1400 μm and 2000 μm.
Similar sized holes of the top layer and the bottom layer of the spacer layer may have multiple advantages. For example, it is given that a larger size of the holes facing the wound contacting layer offer a greater chance to allow semi-solid particles released from sluff, biofilm and other harmful material to be separated from the wound surface and pass through the spacer layer into an upper layer of the wound dressing, such as the absorbent layer. This is in contrast to a spacer layer in which its bottom layer has smaller holes compared to the holes at its top layer.
Additional advantages of a spacer layer with similar sized holes is that particulate matter, such as blood agglutinates, does not become retained within the spacer layer. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the spacer layer is of polyester, such as a 3D mesh polyester fabric.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wound dressing comprises an absorbent layer configured for retaining wound exudate. The absorbent layer may comprise a number of layers comprising super absorbent particles. In specific embodiments, the absorbent layer comprises two, or three, or four, super absorbent layers. It is a preference that the absorbent layer is directly below the cover layer. It is a preference that the absorbent layer comprises granulated super absorbent particles.
Preferably the absorbent layer comprises an aperture, i.e. an absorbent layer aperture. It is a further preference that at least a part of said absorbent layer aperture overlaps the cover layer aperture, thereby forming a through hole through the absorbent layer and the cover layer.
Super-absorber particles/fibers may be, for example, sodium polyacrylate or carbomethoxycellulose materials or the like or any material capable of absorbing many times its own weight in liquid. In some embodiments, the material can absorb more than five times its own weight of 0.9 percent W/W saline, etc. In some embodiments, the material can absorb more than 15 times its own weight of 0.9 percent W/W saline, etc. In some embodiments, the material is capable of absorbing more than 20 times its own weight of 0.9 percent W/W saline, etc. Preferably, the material is capable of absorbing more than 30 times its own weight of 0.9 percent W/W saline, etc.
In a preferred embodiment the dressing comprises a cover layer in a liquid impermeable and gas permeable material. For example, the material of the cover layer may be polyurethane. The cover layer may comprise an adhesive for contacting the layer below the cover layer, such as the absorbent layer. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover layer comprises an aperture, i.e. a cover layer aperture. In specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the cover layer aperture is aligned with an absorbent layer aperture, such as aligned around a vertical axis, such as an axis perpendicular to the plane of the dressing. Thereby, the cover layer aperture may be centered around a vertical axis perpendicular to the plane of the dressing. In general embodiments of the present disclosure, the cover layer aperture is aligned with the filter element, and the sealing layer aperture, such as wherein each of the filter element, the cover layer aperture and the sealing layer aperture are centered around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the dressing.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the dressing comprises a sealing layer adhered to the cover layer, such as the top surface of the cover layer facing away from the wound contacting layer, or a bottom surface of the cover layer facing the wound contacting layer. The sealing layer may comprise a sealing layer aperture, the sealing layer aperture being in fluidic communication with the cover layer aperture. The sealing layer may further comprise adhesives, or the sealing layer may be provided in an adhering material, to adhere to other layers of the dressing.
In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the dressing comprises a filter element, arranged to cover the sealing layer aperture. The filter element is preferably impermeable to liquids, but permeable to gases. Preferably the filter element is provided to act as a liquid barrier and to ensure that no liquids are able to escape from the wound dressing. The filter element may also function as a bacterial barrier. The filter element may be provided with a pore size of 0.2 μm or less, such as 0.1 μm or less, such as 0.05 μm or less, or even 0.01 μm or less. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the filter element is provided in a paper material. The filter element can be attached or sealed to the cover layer and/or sealing layer. Preferably, the filter is arranged to cover the sealing layer aperture. The filter may be provided in a circular, or oval shape, for example a circular shape with a diameter of between 5 mm and 20 mm, such as between 7 mm and 18 mm, such as between 9 mm and 17 mm, such as between 10 mm and 16 mm, such as around 13 mm. In a further embodiment of the present disclosure the wound dressing is configured as disclosed elsewhere herein.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wound treatment apparatus comprises an air connector adapted to provide negative pressure, from a negative pressure source, to the wound dressing through the aperture in the cover layer. In a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, the air connector comprises a proximal end configured for connecting to a negative pressure source, and a distal end configured for connecting to the wound dressing. The proximal end may for example comprise a connector, for connecting to a tubing or a negative pressure source. The connector may extend from the proximal end of the wound treatment apparatus. The connector may be configured for easy connection to other components of a NPWT system, such as a negative pressure source, and said connector may comprise a Luer-lock or similar connection system, for easy connection.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the top layer of the air connector and the bottom layer of the air connector are adhered together forming a sealed environment. The top and bottom layers may for example be welded together, or adhesives may have been used in order to adhere the top and bottom layers of the air connector.
In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the air connector comprises a connector spacer layer between the top and bottom layers. The connector spacer layer is preferably provided in a porous material. The connector spacer layer is preferably configured such that negative pressure may be transmitted through the connector spacer layer. The connector spacer layer is preferably provided in the sealed environment, formed by the connector top layer and the connector bottom layer, such as wherein the connector spacer layer is encapsulated by the connector top layer and the connector bottom layer.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air connector comprises an opening at a distal end of the air connector. The opening is preferably provided in the bottom layer of the air connector. Preferably, the wound treatment apparatus is configured such that the air connector is attached to the dressing such that the opening of the air connector forms a sealed fluid connection to the cover layer aperture of the dressing. The air connector is thereby configured to connect to the dressing such that a sealed fluid connection is formed between the sealed environments of the air connector and the dressing. It is a preference that the wound treatment apparatus is configured such that a sealed flow channel is formed between the sealed environment of the dressing and the sealed environment of the air connector.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the surface surrounding the opening of the air connector is attached, such as adhered, to a surface surrounding the cover layer aperture. Typically, the bottom surface of the air connector comprises the opening and the air connector is attached to the dressing such that the bottom surface of the air connector connects to the top surface of the cover layer. However, in specific embodiments of the present disclosure, there may be layers between the cover layer of the dressing and the bottom layer of the air connector. In a typical embodiment of the present disclosure, the bottom layer of the air connector is attached, such as adhered, to a part of the top surface of a sealing layer, wherein the sealing layer is above the cover layer. The sealing layer and/or the cover layer may comprise adhesive layers for attaching to the air connector. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the wound treatment apparatus further comprises a negative pressure source, such as a pump unit. It is a preference that the wound treatment apparatus is arranged such that the negative pressure source provides negative pressure to the wound dressing, through the air connector.
The invention will in the following be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are exemplary and are intended to illustrate some of the features of the presently disclosed wound dressing and wound treatment apparatus, and are not to be construed as limiting to the presently disclosed invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21150385.9 | Jan 2021 | EP | regional |
| 21192433.7 | Aug 2021 | EP | regional |
This application is the U.S. National Stage of PCT/EP2022/050185 filed on Jan. 6, 2022, which claims priority to European Patent Application 21150385.9 filed on Jan. 6, 2021, and European Patent Application 21192433.7 filed on Aug. 20, 2021 the entire content of both are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2022/050185 | 1/6/2022 | WO |
