Abstract:
A tissue closure treatment system and method are provided with an external patient interface. A first fluid transfer component FTC. 1  comprises a strip of porous material, such as rayon, with liquid wicking properties. FTC. 1  can be placed directly on a suture line for transferring fluid exuded therethrough. An underdrape is placed over FTC. 1  and includes a slot exposing a portion of same. FTC. 2  comprises a suitable hydrophobic foam material, such as polyurethane ether, and is placed over the underdrape slot in communication with FTC. 1 . Negative pressure is applied to FTC. 2  through a connecting fluid transfer component FTC. 3 . A negative pressure source can comprises a manual device or a power-operated suction device. The tissue closure method includes a manual operating mode using a manual suction device with an automatic shut off for discontinuing suction when a predetermined volume of fluid has been drained. An automatic operating mode utilizes a microprocessor, which can be preprogrammed to respond to various patient and operating conditions. The method proceeds through several phases with different components in place and different patient interface functions occurring in each.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to medical devices and methods for treating closed wounds and incisions, and in particular to a system and method for draining and/or irrigating tissue separations, such as surgical incisions, and for compressing and stabilizing a dissected or traumatized field with ambient air pressure created by an external patient interface component and a vacuum source. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Tissue separations can result from surgical procedures and other causes, such as traumatic and chronic wounds. Various medical procedures are employed to close tissue separations. An important consideration relates to securing separate tissue portions together in order to promote closure and healing. Incisions and wounds can be closed with sutures, staples and other medical closure devices. The “first intention” (primary intention healing) in surgery is to “close” the incision. For load-bearing tissues, such as bone, fascia, and muscle, this requires substantial material, be it suture material, staples, or plates and screws. For the wound to be “closed,” the epithelial layer must seal. To accomplish this, the “load bearing” areas of the cutaneous and subcutaneous layers (i.e., the deep dermal elastic layer and the superficial fascia or fibrous layers of the adipose tissue, respectively) must also at least be held in approximation long enough for collagen deposition to take place to unite the separated parts. 
   Other important considerations include controlling bleeding, reducing scarring, eliminating the potential of hematoma, seroma, and “dead-space” formation and managing pain. Dead space problems are more apt to occur in the subcutaneous closure. Relatively shallow incisions can normally be closed with surface-applied closure techniques, such as sutures, staples, glues and adhesive tape strips. However, deeper incisions may well require not only skin surface closure, but also time-consuming placement of multiple layers of sutures in the load-bearing planes. 
   Infection prevention is another important consideration. Localized treatments include various antibiotics and dressings, which control or prevent bacteria at the incision or wound site. Infections can also be treated and controlled systemically with suitable antibiotics and other pharmacologics. 
   Other tissue-separation treatment objectives include minimizing the traumatic and scarring effects of surgery and minimizing edema. Accordingly, various closure techniques, postoperative procedures and pharmacologics are used to reduce postoperative swelling, bleeding, seroma, infection and other undesirable, postoperative side effects. Because separated tissue considerations are so prevalent in the medical field, including most surgeries, effective, expedient, infection-free and aesthetic tissue closure is highly desirable from the standpoint of both patients and health-care practitioners. The system, interface and method of the present invention can thus be widely practiced and potentially provide widespread benefits to many patients. 
   Fluid control considerations are typically involved in treating tissue separations. For example, subcutaneous bleeding occurs at the fascia and muscle layers in surgical incisions. Accordingly, deep drain tubes are commonly installed for the purpose of draining such incisions. Autotransfusion has experienced increasing popularity in recent years as equipment and techniques for reinfusing patients&#39; whole blood have advanced considerably. Such procedures have the advantage of reducing dependence on blood donations and their inherent risks. Serous fluids are also-typically exuded from incision and wound sites and require drainage and disposal. Fresh incisions and wounds typically exude blood and other fluids at the patient&#39;s skin surface for several days during initial healing, particularly along the stitch and staple lines along which the separated tissue portions are closed. 
   Another area of fluid control relates to irrigation. Various irrigants are supplied to separated tissue areas for countering infection, anesthetizing, introducing growth factors and otherwise promoting healing. An effective fluid control system preferably accommodates both draining and irrigating functions sequentially or simultaneously. 
   Common orthopedic surgical procedures include total joint replacements (TJRs) of the hip, knee, elbow, shoulder, foot and other joints. The resulting tissue separations are often subjected to flexure and movement associated with the articulation of the replacement joints. Although the joints can be immobilized as a treatment option, atrophy and stiffness tend to set in and prolong the rehabilitation period. A better option is to restore joint functions as soon as possible. Thus, an important objective of orthopedic surgery relates to promptly restoring to patients the maximum use of their limbs with maximum ranges of movement. 
   Similar considerations arise in connection with various other medical procedures. For example, arthrotomy, reconstructive and cosmetic procedures, including flaps and scar revisions, also require tissue closures and are often subjected to movement and stretching. Other examples include incisions and wounds in areas of thick or unstable subcutaneous tissue, where splinting of skin and subcutaneous tissue might reduce dehiscence of deep sutures. The demands of mobilizing the extremity and the entire patient conflict with the restrictions of currently available methods of external compression and tissue stabilization. For example, various types of bandage wraps and compressive hosiery are commonly used for these purposes, but none provides the advantages and benefits of the present invention 
   The aforementioned procedures, as well as a number of other applications discussed below, can benefit from a tissue-closure treatment system and method with a surface-applied patient interface for fluid control and external compression. 
   Postoperative fluid drainage can be accomplished with various combinations of tubes, sponges, and porous materials adapted for gathering and draining bodily fluids. The prior art includes technologies and methodologies for assisting drainage. For example, the Zamierowski U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,969,880; 5,100,396; 5,261,893; 5,527,293; and 6,071,267 disclose the use of pressure gradients, i.e., vacuum and positive pressure, to assist with fluid drainage from wounds, including surgical incision sites. Such pressure gradients can be established by applying porous sponge material either internally or externally to a wound, covering same with a permeable, semi-permeable, or impervious membrane, and connecting a suction vacuum source thereto. Fluid drawn from the patient is collected for disposal. Such fluid control methodologies have been shown to achieve significant improvements in patient healing. Another aspect of fluid management, postoperative and otherwise, relates to the application of fluids to wound sites for purposes of irrigation, infection control, pain control, growth factor application, etc. Wound drainage devices are also used to achieve fixation and immobility of the tissues, thus aiding healing and closure. This can be accomplished by both internal closed wound drainage and external, open-wound vacuum devices applied to the wound surface. Fixation of tissues in apposition can also be achieved by bolus tie-over dressings (Stent dressings), taping, strapping and (contact) casting. 
   Heretofore there has not been available a tissue closure system, patient interface and method with the advantages and features of the present invention. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In the practice of the present invention, a system and method are provided for enhancing closure of separated tissue portions using a surface-applied patient interface. Subsurface drainage, irrigation and autotransfusion components can optionally be used in conjunction with the surface-applied, external interface. The external interface can be advantageously placed over a stitch or staple line and includes a primary transfer component comprising a strip of porous material, such as rayon, applied directly to the patient for wicking or transferring fluid to a secondary transfer component comprising a sponge or foam material. An underdrape is placed between the transfer elements for passing fluid therebetween through an underdrape opening, such as a slot. An overdrape is placed over the secondary transfer component and the surrounding skin surface. The patient interface is connected to a negative pressure source, such as a vacuum assisted closure device, wall suction or a mechanical suction pump. A manual control embodiment utilizes a finite capacity fluid reservoir with a shut-off valve for discontinuing drainage when a predetermined amount of fluid is collected. An automatic control embodiment utilizes a microprocessor, which is adapted for programming to respond to various inputs in controlling the operation of the negative pressure source. A closed wound or incision treatment method of the present invention involves three phases of fluid control activity, which correspond to different stages of the healing process. In a first phase active drainage is handled. In a second phase components can be independently or sequentially disengaged. In a third phase the secondary transfer component can optionally be left in place for protection and to aid in evacuating any residual fluid from the suture/staple line through the primary transfer component. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic, block diagram of a tissue closure treatment and system embodying the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an incision tissue separation with a deep drain tube installed. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view thereof, showing the separated tissue sutured together at the skin. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view thereof, showing the separated tissue sutured together at the deep dermal layer below the skin surface. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view thereof, showing a rayon strip primary fluid transfer component (FTC. 1 ) and an underdrape being placed on the stitch line. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view thereof, showing FTC. 1  and the underdrape in place on the stitch line. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view thereof, showing a secondary fluid transfer component (FTC. 2 ) in place. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view thereof, showing an overdrape in place. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view thereof, showing a connecting fluid transfer component (FTC. 3 ) in place for connecting the system to a negative pressure source. 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view thereof, taken generally along line  10 — 10  in FIG.  9  and particularly showing FTC. 3 . 
       FIG. 11   a  is a perspective view thereof, showing FTC. 3  removed and the overdrape scored for ventilation. 
       FIG. 11   b  is a perspective view thereof, showing the patient interface removed along a perforated tear line in the underdrape and a slit line in the overdrape. 
       FIG. 11   c  is a perspective view of a patient interface adapted for prepackaging, application to a patient and connection to a negative pressure source. 
       FIGS. 12   a-d  show alternative embodiment elbow connecting devices FTC. 3   a-d  respectively. 
       FIGS. 12   e,f  show a modified FTC. 2   a  with removable wedges to facilitate articulation, such as flexure of a patient joint. 
       FIGS. 12   g,h  show alternative embodiment external patient interface assemblies. 
       FIGS. 13   a-c  comprise a flowchart showing a tissue closure treatment method embodying the present invention. 
       FIG. 14  is a schematic, block diagram of an automated tissue closure treatment system comprising an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment automated tissue closure treatment system. 
       FIG. 16  is a partial flowchart of an alternative embodiment automated tissue closure treatment method embodying the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   I. Introduction and Environment 
   As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
   II. Tissue Closure System  2   
   Referring to the drawings in more detail, the reference numeral  2  generally designates a tissue closure treatment system embodying the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the system  2  is adapted for use on a patient  4  with an incision or wound  6 , which can be closed by a stitch line  8  consisting of sutures  10 , staples or other suitable medical fasteners. 
   A patient interface  12  consists of an optional deep drain  14  connected to a deep drain negative pressure source  15  associated with a deep drainage reservoir  17  and an external patient interface  16  including a primary fluid transfer component FTC. 1  comprising a strip of rayon or other suitable porous material, an underdrape  20  generally covering FTC. 1  and including a slot  20   a , a secondary fluid transfer component FTC. 2  comprising a hydrophobic sponge and an overdrape  24 . 
   A fluid handling subsystem  26  includes the deep drain negative pressure source  15  and a surface drain negative pressure source  28 , which can be combined for applications where a common negative pressure source and a collection receptacle are preferred. The negative pressure sources  15 ,  28  can operate either manually or under power. Examples of both types are well-known in the medical art. For example, a manually operable portable vacuum source (MOPVS) is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,115,138, which is incorporated herein by reference. The MOPVS is available from Zimmer, Inc. of Dover, Ohio under the trademark HEMOVAC®. Bulb-type actuators, such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,828,546 (incorporated herein by reference) and available from Surgidyne, Inc. of Eden Prairie, Minn., can be used on smaller wounds, for shorter durations or in multiples. Moreover, power-actuated vacuum can be provided by vacuum assisted closure equipment available under the trademark THE VAC® from Kinetic Concepts, Inc. of San Antonio, Tex. Still further, many health-care facilities, particularly hospitals and clinics, are equipped with suction systems with sources of suction available at wall-mounted outlets. 
   A finite capacity reservoir  30  is fluidically connected to the negative pressure source  28  and is adapted to discharge to a waste receptacle  32 . A shut-off valve  34  is associated with the reservoir  30  and is adapted to automatically discontinue drainage when the reservoir  30  is filled to a predetermined volume. 
   An optional autotransfusion subsystem  36  can be connected to the deep drain  14  and is adapted for reinfusing the patient  4  with his or her own blood. U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,700 discloses such an autotransfusion system with a portable detachable vacuum source, which is available from Zimmer, Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIG. 2  shows an incision  6  forming first and second separated tissue portions  38   a,b  with incision edges  40   a,b . The incision  6  extends from and is open at the skin  42 , through the deep dermal layer  44  and the subcutaneous layer  46 , to approximately the fascia  48 . A deep drain tube  50  is placed in a lower part of the incision  6  and penetrates the skin  42  at an opening  52 . 
     FIG. 3  shows the incision edges  40   a,b  secured together by sutures  54  forming a stitch line  56  at the skin surface  42 . As an alternative to sutures  54 , various other medical fasteners, such as staples, can be used.  FIG. 4  shows sutures  55  placed in the deep dermal layer  44  below the skin surface  42 . 
     FIG. 5  shows application of FTC. 1  on top of the stitch line  8 . FTC. 1  preferably comprises a suitable porous wicking material, such as rayon, which is well-suited for wicking the fluid that exudes along the stitch line  8 . Rayon also tends to dry relatively quickly, and thus efficiently transfers fluid therethrough. The underdrape  20  is placed over FTC. 1  and the adjacent skin surface  42 . Its slot  20   a  is generally centered along the centerline of FTC. 1  and directly above the stitch line  8 . FTC. 1  and the underdrape  20  can be preassembled in a roll or some other suitable configuration adapted to facilitate placement on the stitch line  8  in any desired length.  FIG. 6  shows FTC. 1  and the underdrape  20  in place. 
   The secondary fluid transfer component FTC. 2  is shown installed in FIG.  7 . It preferably comprises a suitable hydrophobic foam material, such as polyurethane ether (PUE), which comprises a reticulated, lattice-like (foam) material capable of being collapsed by vacuum force (negative pressure) in order to exert positive “shrink-wrap” type compression on skin surface and still maintain channels that allow passage of fluid. As shown, its footprint is slightly smaller than that of the underdrape  20 , thus providing an underdrape margin  20   b . The wicking layer of FTC. 1  can, as an alternative, be sized equal to or almost equal to the footprint of FTC. 2 . This configuration lends itself to prefabrication as an individual, pre-assembled pad that can be employed by simply removing a releasing layer backing from an adhesive lined underdrape. This configuration also lends itself to easy total removal and replacement of the central part of the assembly without removing drape already adhered to skin if removal and replacement is the desired clinical option rather then staged removal or prolonged single application. 
     FIG. 8  shows the overdrape  24  applied over FTC. 2  and the underdrape  20 , with a margin  24   a  extending beyond the underdrape margin  22   b  and contacting the patient&#39;s skin surface (dermis)  42 .  FIGS. 9 and 10  show a patch connector  58  mounted on FTC. 2  and comprising a hydrophobic foam (PUE) material core  58   a  sandwiched between drape layers  58   b . A vacuum drain tube  60  includes an inlet end  60   a  embedded in the foam core  58   a  and extends between the drape layers  58   b  to an outlet end  60   b  connected to the surface drainage negative pressure source  28 . 
     FIG. 11   a  shows FTC. 3  removed, e.g. by cutting away portions of the overdrape  24  to provide an overdrape opening  54 . In addition, the overdrape  24  can be slit at  55  to further ventilate FTC. 2 . Draining FTC. 2  under negative pressure, and further drying it with air circulation ( FIG. 11   a ) can provide significant healing advantages by reducing the growth of various microbes requiring moist environments in FTC. 2 . Such microbes and various toxins produced thereby can thus be evaporated, neutralized and otherwise prevented from reentering the patient. Microbe control can also be accomplished by introducing antiseptics in and irrigating various components of the patient interface  12 , including the drapes  20 ,  24 ; FTC. 1 ; FTC. 2 ; and FTC. 3 . 
     FIG. 11   b  shows the patient interface  12  removed along underdrape perforated tear lines  56  and slit lines  59  in overdrape  24 . It will be appreciated that substantially the entire patient interface  12 , except for underdrape and overdrape margins  20   b ,  24   a  can thus be removed to provide access to the stitch line  8  and the dermis  42  for visual inspection, evaluation, cleaning, stitch removal, dressing change (e.g., with prepackaged patient interface  12   a  as shown in  FIG. 11   c ), consideration of further treatment options, etc. For example, the overdrape  24  can be slit to around the perimeter or footprint of FTC. 2  to permit removing the same. Preferably FTC. 2  is easily releasable from the underdrape  20  and FTC. 1  whereby FTC. 2  can be grasped and lifted upwardly to facilitate running a scalpel through the overdrape  24  and into a separation between the underside of FTC. 2  and the underdrape  20 . The FTC. 1  can then optionally be removed by tearing the underdrape  20  along its tear lines  56  and removing same as shown in  FIG. 11   b.    
     FIG. 11   c  shows a prepackaged patient interface  12   a  adapted for initial or “dressing change” application. Optionally, the rayon strip FTC. 1  can have the same configuration or “footprint” as the foam sponge FTC. 2 , thus eliminating the underdrape  20 . The prepackaged patient interface  12   a  can be sterilely packaged to facilitate placement directly on a stitch line  8 . Alternatively, the patient interface components can be prepackaged individually or in suitable groups comprising subassemblies of the complete patient interface  12 . For example, the underdrape/FTC. 1  and the overdrape/FTC. 2  subassemblies respectively can be prepackaged individually. Various sizes and component configurations of the patient interface can be prepackaged for application as indicated by particular patient conditions. Preferably, certain sizes and configurations would tend to be relatively “universal” and thus applicable to particular medical procedures, such as TJRs, whereby patient interface inventory can be simplified. Alternatively, the individual components can be assembled in various sizes and configurations for “custom” applications. 
     FIGS. 12   a-d  show alternative connecting fluid transfer components FTC. 3   a-d  for connecting FTC. 2  to the surface drainage negative pressure source  28 . FTC. 3   a  ( FIG. 12   a ) shows a patch connector with a similar construction to FTC. 3  and adapted for placement at any location on the overdrape  24 . FTC. 3   a  is provided with a Leur lock connector  62 . FTC. 3   b  ( FIG. 12   b ) comprises a strip of hydrophobic (PUE) foam material partially covered by an overdrape  64 , which can be configured as a wrap around a patient&#39;s limb or extremity  66 . FTC. 3   c  ( FIG. 12   c ) is an elbow-type connector. FTC. 3   d  ( FIG. 12   d ) is a bellows-type elbow connector, which is adapted to accommodate deflection of the vacuum drain tube  60 . 
     FIGS. 12   e,f  show an alternative construction of FTC. 2   a  with multiple, removable wedges  57  formed therein and adapted for accommodating articulation, such as joint flexure. The flexibility of FTC. 2   a  can thus be considerably enhanced for purposes of patient comfort, mobility and flexibility. Such wedges can extend transversely and/or longitudinally with respect to FTC. 2   a . FTC. 2   a  functions in a similar manner with and without the wedges  57  in place or removed. 
     FIG. 12   g  shows a modified patient interface  312  with the underdrape  20  placed below FTC. 1 . This configuration permits removing FTC. 1  without disturbing the underdrape  20 .  FIG. 12   h  shows a further modified patient interface  412  with FTC. 1  having the same configuration or footprint as FTC. 2 , whereby they can be fabricated and bonded together. In this configuration the underdrape  20  can be omitted. 
   III. Treatment Method 
     FIGS. 13   a-c  comprise a flowchart for a method embodying the present invention. From start  70  the method proceeds to patient diagnosis and evaluation at  72  and treatment plan at  74 . Deep drains  14  are installed at  76  as necessary, and the incision is sutured at  78 . Surface interface components  12  are applied at  80  and connected to the external components (i.e., negative pressure sources  15 ,  28 ) at  82 . The collection reservoir capacity is preset at  84  based on such factors as nature of wound/incision, blood flow, etc. 
   Phase 1 
   Deep drainage occurs at  86  and active surface drainage occurs at  88 , both being influenced by the negative pressure sources  15 ,  28 . The negative pressure source  28  causes the PUE foam FTC. 2  to partially collapse, which correspondingly draws down the overdrape  24  and exerts a positive, compressive force on the closed wound or incision  6 . In the closed environment of the patient interface  12 , such force is effectively limited to ambient atmosphere. This limiting control feature protects the patient from excessive force exerted by the patient interface  12 . The steady force of up to one atmosphere applied across the closed wound or incision  6  functions similarly to a splint or plaster cast in controlling edema and promoting healing. 
   A “Reservoir Full” condition is detected at  90  and branches to an interrupt of the surface drainage negative pressure at  92 , after which the reservoir contents are inspected and disposed of at  94 . If surface bleeding is detected by visual inspection at decision box  96 , the method branches to a “Discontinue Active Surface Drainage” step at  98 . If the suture line is actively draining at decision box  100 , the method loops to the active surface drainage step  88  and continues, otherwise active surface drainage discontinues at  98 , i.e. when the wound/incision is neither bleeding nor exuding fluids. 
   Phase 1 is generally characterized by deep drainage (interactive or passive) and active surface drainage under the influence of manual or powered suction. The normal duration is approximately two to three days, during which time post-operative or post-trauma swelling normally reaches its maximum and begins to recede. 
   Phase 2 
     FIG. 13   b  shows Phase 2 commencing with a “Staged Component Removal?” decision box  102 . An affirmative decision leads to independently deactivating and removing components at  103 , including discontinuing active suction at  104 , which transforms the hydrophobic PUE foam (FTC. 2 ) internal pressure from negative to positive and allows the collapsed FTC. 2  to reexpand at  106 , potentially increasing surface composite pressure from ambient to positive. Preferably this transition occurs without applying undue pressure to the surface from the decompressed, expanding FTC. 2 . During Phase 1, negative pressure (i.e., suction/vacuum) tends to compress FTC. 2  and correspondingly contracts the overdrape  24 , adding to the compression exerted by FTC. 2 . When the application of negative pressure discontinues, either manually or automatically, FTC. 2  re-expands against the constraints of the overdrape  24 , and in an equal and opposite reaction presses against the skin  42 , particularly along the stitch line  8 . FTC. 2  can thus automatically transform from ambient to positive pressure simply by discontinuing the application of the vacuum source. 
   The positive pressure exerted on the skin  42  continues to compress and stabilize tissue along the suture line  8  (step  108 ) in order to reduce swelling and cooperates with the operation of FTC. 1  and FTC. 2  to continue drainage by evaporation at the suture line  8  at step  110 . A negative determination at decision box  102  leads to interface removal at  112  and, unless treatment is to be terminated, stitch line inspection and treatment at  113  and interface replacement at  114 , which can involve all or part of the patient interface  12 . The method then proceeds to Phase 3. 
   Phase 3 
     FIG. 13   c  shows Phase 3 of the treatment method wherein deep drainage is discontinued and the tube(s) is removed at  118 . The overdrape  24  and FTC. 2  are removed at  120 ,  122  respectively. The underdrape  20  and FTC. 1  are preferably configured to permit visual inspection of the suture line  8  therethrough at  124 . When the suture line  8  has closed sufficiently, the underdrape  20  and FTC. 1  are removed at  126  and the treatment ends at  128 . Alternatively and if indicated by the patient&#39;s condition, all or part of the interface  12  can be replaced in Phase 3 and treatment continued. 
   IV. Alternative Embodiment Tissue Closure System  202   
     FIG. 14  schematically shows a tissue closure system  202  comprising an alternative embodiment of the present intention, which includes a microprocessor or controller  204 , which can be connected to one or more sensors  206  coupled to the patient interface  12  for sensing various conditions associated with the patient  4 . The microprocessor  204  can be programmed to operate a solenoid  208  coupled to a valve  210  associated with the reservoir  30  and controlling fluid flow induced by a negative pressure source  228  through its connection to the patient interface  12 . 
     FIG. 15  shows the tissue closure system  202  with the microprocessor  204  connected to multiple sensors  206   a,b,c  each of which is associated with a flow control component, such as a valve,  210   a,b,c  respectively. Each flow control component  210   a,b,c  is associated with a respective negative pressure source  228   a,b,c , which in turn controls fluid discharge into canisters or reservoirs  212   a,b,c  respectively. For example, the patient interface  12  can comprise an external patient interface  16  as described above and a pair of deep drainage tubes  50   a,b . The patient interface  12  includes an optional supply component  214 , which can comprise one or more fluid reservoirs, pumps (manual or powered) and associated controls, which can connect to the microprocessor  204  for system control. The supply component  214  optionally takes to one or more of the tubes  50 ,  60  for delivering fluid to the patient through the deep drainage tubes  50  or through the external patient interface  16 . Such fluids can comprise, for example, antibiotics, and aesthetics, irrigating agents, growth factor, and any other fluid beneficial in promoting healing, countering infection and improving patient comfort. 
   The methodology of the treatment with the alternative embodiment tissue closure system  202  is shown in FIG.  16  and generally involves modified pretreatment  230  and Phase 1 procedures. From “Start” the method proceeds to a diagnosis/evaluation step  234 , a treatment plan step  236 , deep drain installation  238 , suturing at  240 , external interface component application  242 , microprocessor programming  244  and connection of the application components at  246 , such as connection of the tubing. Phase 1 commences with deep drainage at  248 , active suction interface at  250  and a “Suture Line Actively Draining?” decision box  252 . If the suture line is actively draining, the method loops back to the active suction interface step  250 , otherwise (negative determination at  252 ) it proceeds to Phase 2. 
   V. Applications 
   Without limitation on the generality of useful applications of the tissue closure systems  2  and  202  of the present invention, the following partial list represents potential patient conditions and procedures, which might indicate application of the present invention.
         Over closed tissue separations, such as surgical incisions.   Over joints where the incision is subject to movement and stretching, such as arthrotomy, reconstructive proceedures, cosmetic procedures, flaps, scar revisions, Total Joint Replacement (TJR) procedures, i.e., hip, knee, elbow, shoulder and foot.   Any wound in an area of thick or unstable subcutaneous tissue, where splinting of skin and subcutaneous tissue might reduce dehiscence of deep sutures.   Wounds over reconstructive procedures in which irregular cavities are created. These include resection of tumors, implants, bone, and other tissues. Changes in length and geometry of limbs, and changes in size, position, and contour of bones and other deep structures.   Wounds in which elimination and prevention of dead space is important.   Treatment of hematomas and seromas.   Amputation stumps.   Abdominal, thoracic, flank, and other wounds in which splinting of the wound might assist closing and mobilizing the patient during the postoperative interval.   Wounds in areas of fragile or sensitive skin, where repeated removal and replacement of tape or other adhesives might produce pain, irritation, or blistering of skin in the vicinity of the wound. Also where dressing changes might produce shear or displacement of tissue so as to compromise primary wound healing.   Wounds in cases where the patient wishes to bathe before the skin has healed sufficiently to allow protection from contamination with bath or shower water.   Wounds subject to contamination with feces, urine, and other body fluids.   Pediatric, geriatric, psychiatric, and neurologic patients, and other patients likely to disturb dressings and wounds.   Patients with multiple consultants and care givers, where repeated inspection of the wound might compromise healing.   Deep closure and surface sutures and staples.   Any clean surgical or traumatic incision, open, or fully or partially closed by sutures, or where the skin edges can be apposed to a gap no wider than the width of the negative pressure zone of the dressing, i.e. where the maximum separation is less than or equal to the width of FTC. 1  (rayon strip).   In cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, the systems and methods of the present invention can control and conceal the effects of early bleeding, exudation, ecchymosis, and edema of the wound.   In surgery on the limbs, where compression and drainage by this method might eliminate or reduce the need for circumferential compressive wrapping.   Tissue separations that are prone to protracted drainage, such as hip and knee incisions, and tissue separations in patients with health conditions, such as diabetes, that tend to inhibit healing. Shortened hospital stays might result from swelling reduction and control of drainage.
 
VI. Case Studies
   General concept: sequential surface application of foam material (FTC. 2 ) to surgical site and other wounds. Air-drying at the suture line is facilitated by the rayon strip (FTC. 1 ).   Phase 1: deep drainage (drain tube(s)), active or passive; active suction applied to surface PUE foam (placed on top of surgical incision, drains bleeding and exudate from suture line); active suction compresses PUE foam, thus applying positive compression to the entire dissection field; adhesive-lined film underdrape with an MVTR of 3-800 on skin underlying PUE foam; rayon (or other suitable porous wicking material) strip on suture line; similar type of adhesive film overdrape (MVTR of 3-800) overlying PUE foam material.   Duration: approximately 2-3 days, i.e. effective time for active drainage from incision/stitch line to cease and for suture line to dry and heal.   Phase 2: Remove active suction by cutting off (elbow) connector and leave FTC. 2  in place. Released from suction, FTC. 2  expands against the overdrape and exerts positive pressure differential on the operation site. May maintain continued mild compression throughout Phase 2; residual drainage function through rayon strip and into FTC. 2  provides continued drying of suture line. Deep drain tubes remain in place during Phase 2 for active deep drainage.   Duration: approximately three days, i.e. days 3-6 after operation.   Phase 3: remove overdrape and FTC. 2 ; leave underdrape and rayon strip in place; visually observe wound healing progress; transparency desirable.   Duration: several (e.g., up to three) weeks.   Clinical trial confirmation: Closure of surgical site in upper chest area in patient with severe healing problems showed excellent results and rapid wound healing.   Subcuticular (subepidermal) sutures avoid conflict with rayon strip and need for early suture removal, or pressure on skin sutures beneath compressive black sponge.   Option: use pressure transducer for interface pressure mapping of wound site and automate control and monitor pressures, flow, etc.