Patent ID: 7413571
Filing Date: 2008-08-19
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A primary intention healing method of closing a wound with a vacuum dressing at and below a skin surface, the wound being formed by first and second separated tissue portions presenting first and second opposed edges respectively, which includes the steps of: said first and second tissue edges presenting first and second edge surfaces respectively; extending said tissue edge surfaces along a depth of the wound including at least a subcutaneous layer; providing a medical closure screen comprising a flexible material, porous, open-cell, reticulated, bioabsorbable foam panel forming multiple, random, fluid passages extending continuously through said panel with opposite panel faces presenting openings of said fluid passages and forming multiple respective prongs of said foam material with random, multidirectional orientations adapted for penetrating the first and second tissue edge surfaces respectively; penetrating said first and second tissue portions at said edge surfaces thereof below the skin surface in multiple, random directions with said prongs; approximating said tissue edge surfaces with said panel therehetween; providing a panel-to-vacuum transfer element chosen from among the group consisting of: perimeter tubing around said panel within said separation; a vertical riser extending proximally-distally through said wound in fluidic connection with said panel; and an open-cell, porous foam member located outside said wound; providing a negative pressure source; fluidically connecting said negative pressure source to said transfer element; fluidically connecting said transfer element to said panel; distributing negative pressure from said negative pressure source through said panel fluid passages via said transfer element to said first and second tissue edge surfaces throughout the depth of the wound; and closing said tissue separation with a combination of said negative pressure and said prongs penetrating said first and second tissue edge surfaces throughout the depth of the wound for primary intention closure of said separation whereby said tissue portion edges are approximated substantially without a skin surface separation, fibrin formation or granulation.