Patent Publication Number: US-2019183685-A1

Title: Negative pressure wound therapy article with features

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Clinical studies and practice have shown that providing a negative pressure in proximity to a tissue site promotes the growth of new tissues at the tissue site. The application of negative pressure is successful in treating wounds. This treatment (frequently referred to in the medical community as “negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT),” “reduced pressure therapy,” or “vacuum therapy”) provides a number of benefits, including faster healing and increased formulation of granulation tissue. Typically, reduced pressure is applied to tissues through a foam, a pad or other manifolding device, such as gauze. The manifolding device typically contains cells, pores or other openings that are capable of distributing reduced pressure to the tissue and channeling fluids that are drawn from the tissue. The porous pad often is incorporated into a dressing having other components that facilitate treatment. 
     Other know NPWT articles are discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,494,482; 8,057,447; 8,889,243 and 9,107,989. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an article, including a network of interconnected polymeric strands; wherein each of the interconnected polymeric strands has a first surface adapted to contact a tissue site; wherein at least one of the interconnected polymeric strand has a plurality of features extending from the first surface of the interconnected polymeric strands; wherein at least one of the interconnected polymeric strands is non-linear; and a plurality of openings between adjacent polymeric strands; wherein the article is a negative pressure wound therapy article. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a system, including the article of present disclosure and a reduced pressure source fluidly connected to the opening of the article to deliver the reduced pressure through the opening, between the features, and to the tissue site. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method, including providing the article of present disclosure and positioning the article on a wound. 
     Various aspects and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been summarized. The above Summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. Further features and advantages are disclosed in the embodiments that follow. The Drawings and the Detailed Description that follow more particularly exemplify certain embodiments using the principles disclosed herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the disclosure in connection with the accompanying figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a article according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of an article according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates the shape of the features of the article according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a reduced pressure treatment system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a scanning electron microscope image of the article of Example 2. 
     
    
    
     While the above-identified drawings, which may not be drawn to scale, set forth various embodiments of the present disclosure, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the Detailed Description. In all cases, this disclosure describes the presently disclosed invention by way of representation of exemplary embodiments and not by express limitations. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before any embodiments of the present disclosure are explained in detail, it is understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of use, construction, and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways that will become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the present disclosure. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     As used in this Specification, the recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.8, 4, and 5, and the like). 
     Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities or ingredients, measurement of properties and so forth used in the Specification and embodiments are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached listing of embodiments can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings of the present disclosure. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claimed embodiments, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. 
     The article of the present application is well suited to promote tissue growth at the tissue site yet prevent in-growth of new tissue into the article. The article of the present application can help to deliver a significant portion of microstrain to the wound site by the architecture of the article, for example, the surface morphology of the article and thus may allow for lower pressure settings for NPWT to be used (for example, −75 mmHg vs −125 mmHg). This may allow a longer battery life of the NPWT system and the use of smaller pumps for the NPWT. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an article according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a network of interconnected polymeric strands, or sheets  12  and a plurality of openings  14  between adjacent polymeric strands. Polymeric strands  12  can be connected at connections  13 . Typically, there are a plurality of connections  13  between adjacent strands. Polymeric strands  12  have a tissue contact surface  16  as a first surface. The first surface  16  may include a plurality of features, or protrusions  18  that extend from the first surface  16 . In some embodiments, the features  18  do not substantially contact each other (i.e., at least 50 (at least 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 99, or even 100) percent by number do not contact each other). The openings  14  form or provide open fluid channels from the first surface  16  of the network of polymeric strands to a second surface opposite first surface  16 . Through the open fluid channels, openings  14  are typically used to allow reduced pressure applied to a tissue site. 
     Referring more specifically to  FIG. 1 , the height, H 1 , of each polymeric strand  12  may be up to 2000 micrometers, up to 1500 micrometers, up to 1000 micrometers, up to 500 micrometers, or up to 400 micrometers. In some embodiments, the height, H 1 , of each polymeric strand  12  may be no less than 100 micrometers, no less than 200 micrometers, or no less than 300 micrometers. In some embodiments, the height, H 1 , of each polymeric strand  12  may be between 100 and 2000 micrometers, between 200 and 1500 micrometers, between 300 and 1000 micrometers, between 300 and 500 micrometers or between 300 and 400 micrometers. In sonic embodiments, the thickness, T, of each polymeric strand  12  may have an average width up to 500 micrometers, up to 400 micrometers, or up to 250 micrometers. In some embodiments, the thickness, T, of each polymeric strand  12  may have an average width no less than 10 micrometers. In some embodiments, the thickness, T, of each polymeric strand  12  may have an average width in a range from 10 micrometers to 500 micrometers, from 10 micrometers to 400 micrometers, or 10 micrometers to 250 micrometers. In some embodiments, the article comprising interconnected polymeric strands has an average thickness not greater than 5 mm. In one embodiment of the present invention, the height and thickness of the interconnected polymeric strands  12  is uniform for a particular article  10 . In other embodiments, the height and thickness of the interconnected polymeric strands  12  may be different. For example, the interconnected polymeric strands  12  having different height. Similarly, thickness of the interconnected polymeric strands  12  may vary. In some, embodiments, the interconnected polymeric strands  12  may have a range of thicknesses, for example, the interconnected polymeric strands  12  tends to be thinnest where it abuts an opening. 
     In some embodiments, the article comprising interconnected polymeric strands has a thickness up to 2 mm, up to 1 mm, up to 500 micrometers, up to 250 micrometers, up to 100 micrometers, up to 75 micrometers, up to 50 micrometers, or up to 25 micrometers. In some embodiments, the article comprising interconnected polymeric strands has a thickness no less than 10 micrometers. In some embodiments, the article comprising interconnected polymeric strands has a thickness in a range from 10 micrometers to 2 mm, 10 micrometers to 1 mm, 10 micrometers to 750 micrometers, 10 micrometers to 500 micrometers, 10 micrometers to 250 micrometers, 10 micrometers to 100 micrometers, 10 micrometers to 75 micrometers, 10 micrometers to 50 micrometers, or 10 micrometers to 25 micrometers. In some embodiments, the article comprising interconnected polymeric strands has an average thickness in a range from 250 micrometers to 5 mm. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the interconnected polymeric strands  12  may be non-linear. In some embodiments, at least 25% of the interconnected polymeric strands  12  may be non-linear. In some embodiments, at least 50% of the interconnected polymeric strands  12  may be non-linear. In some embodiments, at least 75% of the interconnected polymeric strands  12  may be non-linear. In some embodiments, essentially all the interconnected polymeric strands  12  may be non-linear. In some embodiments, all of the interconnected polymeric strands  12  may be non-linear. In some embodiments, the non-linear polymeric strand may have a shape of a curve. In some embodiments, the non-linear polymeric strand may have a shape of a sinusoidal curve. In some embodiments, the non-linear polymeric strand may have a shape of a sinusoidal curve. In other embodiments, at least one of the interconnected polymeric strands  12  may be linear. In some other embodiments, 25% to 75% of the interconnected polymeric strands  12  may be linear. In some other embodiments, 50% to 75% of the interconnected polymeric strands  12  may be linear. In certain embodiments, the network of interconnected polymeric strands may include alternating non-linear polymeric strands and linear polymeric strands, as shown in  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, the interconnected polymeric strands  12  are oriented in the same direction, for example, x direction as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, the interconnected polymeric strands  12  do not substantially cross over each other (i.e., at least 50 (at least 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 99, or even 100) percent by number do not cross over each other). 
     In some embodiments, aspect ratio (a ratio of the length to the width) of the openings  14  may be greater than 1:1, 1.5:1, 2:1, 3:1 or 5:1. In some embodiments, aspect ratio (a ratio of the length to the width) of the openings  14  may be in a range from 1:1 to 100:1, 1:1 to 75:1, 1:1 to 50:1, 1:1 to 25:1, 2:1 to 100:1 2:1 to 75:1, 2:1 to 50:1, 2:1 to 25:1, or 2:1 to 10:1. The length, L 1 , of an opening  14  illustrated in  FIG. 2  is the longest lateral distance parallel to x direction, for example, the length between connections A and C. If the non-linear polymeric strand has a shape of a sinusoidal curve, the length of the opening  14  equals the wavelength of the sinusoidal curve. The width, W 1 , of an opening  14  illustrated in  FIG. 2  is the longest distance parallel to y direction. If the non-linear polymeric strand has a shape of a sinusoidal curve, the width of the opening  14  equals two times amplification of the sinusoidal curve. Openings  14  of the article may have a range of L 1  and W 1  values as a result in part of variable spacing of the connections A and B. In some embodiments, the openings have widths, W 1 , up to 10 mm, up to 1 mm or up to 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, the openings have widths, W 1 , at least 5 micrometers or at least 10 micrometers. In some embodiments, the openings have widths, W 1 , in a range from 5 micrometers to 1 mm or from 10 micrometers to 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, the openings have lengths, L 1 , up to 10 mm or up to 1 mm. In some embodiments, the openings have lengths, L 1 , at least 100 micrometers. In some embodiments, the openings have lengths, L 1 , in a range from 100 micrometers to 10 mm or from 100 micrometers to 1 mm.  FIGS. 1 and 2  are idealized illustrations of one embodiment of the present application. In some embodiments, the openings  14  may have irregularly formed perimeters. This can mean that the openings have irregular shapes (that is, no lines of symmetry). They may have edges that are not smooth (e.g., jagged or feathery edges). Irregularly formed openings can also have a variety of thicknesses of the polymeric strands surrounding the openings. 
     In some embodiments, openings  14  may have any suitable shape, for example, a shape selected from shapes of ellipse, oval, pointed oval (or lens), diamond, ½ ellipse, ½ oval, ½ lens, triangle, etc. In some embodiments, the openings of the mechanical fastening nets described herein have at least two pointed ends. In some embodiments, at least some of the openings are elongated with two pointed ends. In some embodiments, at least some of the openings are elongated with two opposed pointed ends. In some embodiments, at least some of the openings are ovals. 
     In some embodiments, the article described herein have a total open area for each of the first and second, generally opposed surfaces of not greater than 50 (in some embodiments, not greater than 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.75, 0.5, 0.25, or even not greater than 0.1) percent of the total area of the respective surface. In some embodiments, for at least a majority of the openings of the article described herein, the maximum area of each opening is not greater than is 5 (in some embodiments, not greater than 2.5, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.1, 0.05, 0.01, 0.075, or even not greater than 0.005)mm 2 . Individual openings range from 0.005 mm 2  to 5 m 2 . In some embodiments, the article according to the present disclosure have in a range from 50,000 to 6,000,000 (in some embodiments, 100,000 to 6,000,000, 500,000 to, 6,000,000, or even 1,000,000 to 6,000,000) openings/m 2 . 
     In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the article parallel to x direction is greater than the tensile strength of the article parallel to y direction. Therefore, the article is easier to be stretched in y direction than in x direction. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the article parallel to x direction is at least 2.23 Mpa, at least 2.25 Mpa, at least 2.5 Mpa or at least 3.0 Mpa. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the article parallel to x direction is up to 5.42 MPa, up to 5.3 MPa, up to 5.0 MPa, or up to 4.5 MPa. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the article parallel to x direction is from 2.23 Mpa to 5.42 MPa., from 2.5 Mpa to 5.0 MPa or from 3.0 Mpa to 4.5 MPa. The Young&#39;s modulus of the article is up to 10.6 MPa, up to 10.0 MPa, up to 9.0 MPa, or up to 8.0 MPa. The Young&#39;s modulus of the article is at least 3.85 MPa, at least 4.0 MPa has a range from 3.85 MPa to 10.6 MPa in a direction parallel to x direction. 
     The shape, sizing, and spacing of the features  18  may vary depending upon the particular tissue site being treated, the type of material from which the features  18  and polymeric strands are made, and the amount of reduced pressure being applied to the tissue site. For example, for tissue sites that are highly exudating, it may be advantageous to position the protrusions farther apart or reduce the density of features on the first surface to maintain adequate distribution channels between the features  18 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the shape, sizing and spacing of the features  18  is uniform for a particular article  10 . In other embodiments, the shape, sizing, and spacing of the features  18  may be different. For example, features  18  having different cross-sectional shapes may be disposed on the first surface. Similarly, the sizing and spacing of the features  18  may vary to supply selected portions of the tissue site with different (more or less) reduced pressure and different flow rate for exudates withdrawn. 
     Referring more specifically to  FIG. 3 , the height, H 2 , of the features  18  may be up to 1000 micrometers, up to 500 micrometers or up to 450 micrometers. In some embodiments, the height, H 2 , of the features  18  may be at least 100 micrometers or at least 200 micrometers. In some embodiments, the height, H 2 , of the features  18  may be between 100 and 1000 micrometers, between 200 and 500 micrometers or between 200 and 450 micrometers. The width, W 2 , of each feature may be up to 1000 micrometers, up to 900 micrometers, up to 800 micrometers, up to 700 micrometers or up to 600 micrometers. In some embodiments, the width, W 2 , of each feature may be at least 10 micrometers, at least 100 micrometers, at least 200 micrometers, at least 300 micrometers or at least 400 micrometers. In some embodiments, the width, W 2 , of each feature may be between 10 and 1000 micrometers, between 100 and 900 micrometers, between 200 and 800 micrometers, between 300 and 700 micrometers, or between 400 and 600 micrometers. In some embodiments, the width, W 2 , of each feature may be 500 micrometers. The width of the features  18  illustrated in  FIG. 3  is an edge length of the square since the cross-sectional shape of each features  18  is square. If the features  18  are circular in cross-sectional shape, the width of the features  18  equals the diameter since the cross-sectional shape of each feature  18  is circular. For other cross-sectional shapes, the width is the average of the longest lateral distance through the centroid, C, of the cross section and the shortest lateral distance through the centroid of the cross section. It is generally preferred that the height of the features  18  be no more than the width of the features  18 . More specifically, the ratio of height to width, H 2 :W 2  of the features  18 , should be no more than 1:1. When the ratio of height to width, H 2 :W 2  of the features  18 , is more than 1:1, the features  18  is more prone to fall over the openings  14 , thus reducing the fluid flow through the openings  14 . The lateral, center-to-center spacing, E, between each feature  18  may be between 0.1 and 2.0 millimeters, between 0.5 and 1.5 millimeters or between 0.7 and 1.3 millimeters. The spacing of the features  18  create distribution channels through which reduced pressure may be delivered to the tissue site and exudates withdrawn from the tissue site. The density of features on the first surface may be less than 1,000/square inch to facilitate reduced pressure delivered to the tissue site and exudates withdrawn from the tissue site. In some embodiments, the density of features on the first surface may be less than 1,000/square inch, less than 900/square inch, less than 800/square inch, less than 700/square inch, less than 600/square inch, or less than 500/square inch. In some embodiments, the number of features in the article can be greater than the number of openings. For example, the ratio of the number of features to the number of openings can be more than 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, or 10. In some embodiments, the article of the present disclosure can be a mechanical fastening net or a mechanical fastening sheet with features. 
     In some embodiments, features  18  are oriented along the interconnected polymeric strands  12  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In other embodiments, features  48  are oriented in substantially same orientation, for example x direction, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
     The presence and sizing of the features  18  allow the features  18  to distribute reduced pressure to the tissue site, but prevent new tissue that grows at the tissue site from attaching to the features  18  or growing into the spacing between features  18 . While new tissue growth may wrap around some of the features  18 , the new tissue is not capable of securing itself to the features  18  since the base of each features is anchored to the first surface  16 . 
     In addition to distributing reduced pressure to the tissue site, the article  10  also serves to impart stresses and strains to the tissue site similar to those seen with cellular foam that traditionally has been used in reduced pressure systems. Other materials sometimes used in reduced pressure systems, such as gauze, do not have this effect on tissue. Unbound by the theory, the stresses and strains created by the article  10  are believed to cause micro-deformation of existing tissues and plays a significant role in the generation of new tissues at the tissue site. The amount of stress and strain imparted to a tissue site is determined by the amount of reduced pressure supplied to the tissue site and the surface morphology of the article that contacts the tissue site. As reduced pressure is applied, portions of the tissue site are pulled against the article  10 , and more particularly against the features  18 , which results in the development of stresses and strains within the tissue. In some embodiments, the article of the present disclosure can be a mechanical fastening net or a mechanical fastening sheet with features. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a reduced pressure treatment system  21  according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a reduced pressure dressing, or article  10  fluidly connected to a reduced pressure conduit  29 . The reduced pressure conduit  29  is fluidly connected to a reduced pressure source  23  such as a vacuum pump or another source of suction. The article  10  is placed against a tissue site  31  of a patient and is used to distribute a reduced pressure provided by the reduced pressure source  23 . Typically, reduced pressure is maintained at the tissue site by placing an impermeable or semi-permeable cover  25  over the article  10  and the tissue site  31 . The reduced pressure also serves to draw wound exudates and other fluids from the tissue site  31 . A canister  27  may be fluidly connected to the reduced pressure conduit  29  and disposed between the article  10  and the reduced pressure source  23  to collect the fluids drawn from the tissue site  31 . A distribution adapter  35  may be connected to the reduced pressure conduit  29  and positioned on the article  10  to aid in distributing the reduced pressure to the distribution manifold  10 . 
     The article  10  may further include a cellular foam or another material that is positioned adjacent to or attached to the surface of the interconnected polymeric strands opposite the features  18 . The use of a cellular foam or other material increases the ability of the reduced pressure conduit  29  or the distribution adapter  35  to deliver and distribute reduced pressure to the article  10 . The features  18  and interconnected polymeric strands serve as a barrier to new tissue growth entering pores of the cellular foam or other material. 
     In some embodiments, the interconnected polymeric strands  12  can include an elastomeric polymer. Elastomeric polymer can be any suitable elastomeric polymer, including but not limited to polyolefins and polyurethanes. In some embodiments, elastomeric polymer can be a medical grade material that is relatively impermeable to fluid flow. Alternatively, elastomeric polymer can be a semi-permeable material that allows select fluids or amounts of fluids to pass. In some embodiments, the interconnected polymeric strands  12  are formed from the same material as the features  18 . In some embodiments, the interconnected polymeric strands  12  can be formed from a different material as the features  18 . In some embodiments, the composition of interconnected polymeric strands  12  may be formed from different materials. 
     Some embodiments of the present wound-treatment methods can include positioning the article of present disclosure on a wound of a patient and applying a reduced pressure to the wound through the article (e.g., through the openings). Some embodiments further comprise: coupling a drape to skin adjacent the wound such that the drape covers the article and the wound, and forms a space between the drape and the wound. In some embodiments, positioning the article on the wound can include placing the article over the wound with the features on the first surface facing the wound. In some embodiments, applying the reduced pressure to the wound comprises activating a vacuum source (e.g., reduced pressure source  23  of  FIG. 4 ) that is coupled to the article. Some embodiments comprise: delivering a fluid to the wound through the article. In some embodiments, delivering a fluid comprises activating a fluid source that is coupled to the article. 
     The following embodiments are intended to be illustrative of the present disclosure and not limiting. 
     Embodiments 
     
         
         Embodiment 1 is an article, comprising: 
       
    
     a network of interconnected polymeric strands; wherein each of the interconnected polymeric strands has a first surface adapted to contact a tissue site; wherein at least one of the interconnected polymeric strand has a plurality of features extending from the first surface of the interconnected polymeric strands; wherein at least one of the interconnected polymeric strands is non-linear; and 
     a plurality of openings between adjacent interconnected polymeric strands; 
     wherein the article is a negative pressure wound therapy article.
     Embodiment 2 is the article of embodiment 1, wherein at least one of the interconnected polymeric strands is linear.   Embodiment 3 is the article of any one of embodiments 1 to 2, wherein the network comprises alternating non-linear polymeric strands and linear polymeric strands.   Embodiment 4 is the article of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the non-linear polymeric strand has a sinusoidal curve.   Embodiment 5 is the article of any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the tensile strength of the article parallel to x direction is greater than the tensile strength of the article parallel to y direction.   Embodiment 6 is the article of any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the tensile strength of the article parallel to x direction is more than 2.23 Mpa.   Embodiment 7 is the article of any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the polymeric strands comprises an elastomeric polymer.   Embodiment 8 is the article of embodiment 7, wherein the elastomeric polymer is selected from polyolefins or polyurethanes.   Embodiment 9 is the article of any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the features have a height of 100 μm to 1000 μm.   Embodiment 10 is the article of any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the features have a width of 10 μm to 1000 μm.   Embodiment 11 is the article of any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein a ratio of the height to width of the features is no more than 1:1   Embodiment 12 is the article of any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the density of features extending from the first surface is less than 1,000/square inch.   Embodiment 13 is the article of any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein aspect ratio of the openings is greater than 1:1.   Embodiment 14 is the article of any one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein essentially all the interconnected polymeric strands are non-linear.   Embodiment 15 is a system, comprising:   

     the article of any one of embodiments 1 to 14; and 
     a reduced pressure source fluidly connected to the opening of the article to deliver the reduced pressure through the opening, between the features, and to the tissue site.
     Embodiment 16 is a method, comprising:   

     providing the article of any one of embodiments 1 to 14; and 
     positioning the article on a wound.
     Embodiment 17 is the method of embodiment 16, further comprising coupling a reduced pressure source to the article.   Embodiment 18 is the method of embodiment 16, further comprising applying a reduced pressure to the wound through the article.   Embodiment 19 is the method of embodiment 18, wherein applying the reduced pressure to the wound comprises activating the reduced pressure source coupled to the article.   Embodiment 20 is the method of any one of embodiments 16 to 19, wherein positioning the article on the wound comprises placing the article over the wound with the features on the first surface facing the wound.   

     The following working examples are intended to be illustrative of the present disclosure and not limiting. 
     EXAMPLES 
     Example 1 
     A polyolefin net was prepared using ENGAGE 8200 polyolefin elastomer (obtained from the Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Mich.) according to the methods described in United States Patent Application 2014/0234606 (Ausen), herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. The resulting net material had strand width ranges of about 0.42-0.83 mm, pore width ranges of about 0.15-0.57 mm, pore length ranges of about 1.5-2.1 mm, and a thickness range of about 0.75-1.24 mm. The net sample was embossed by stacking from top to bottom a steel plate, a square pattern polypropylene film that served as the mold (inner dimension of a square being approximately 0.5 mm), the polyolefin net sample, a release liner, and a second steel plate. The stack was placed in a Carver Auto Series NE Automatic Hydraulic Press (Model 3895.4NE1000, Carver Inc., Wabasha, Ind.) with the bottom platen of the press set at 21° C. and the top platen set at 121° C. The press was closed and the sample was held at a set force of 794 kg for two minutes, followed by a cool down period of four minutes to 65.5° C. The press was opened and the embossed sample was removed from the press. The resulting embossed article had a base thickness range of about 0.56-0.65 mm; strand width ranges of about 0.45-0.50 mm; openings with width ranges of about 0.13-0.37 mm and length ranges of about 0.87-1.10 mm; features with width at base of about 0.5 mm and height ranges of about 0.29-0.50 mm; and feature spacing ranges of about 0.77-0.94 mm. 
     Example 2 
     A polyurethane net was prepared using IROGRAN A 60 E 4902 thermoplastic polyurethane (obtained from the Huntsman Corporation, The Woodlands, Tex.) according to the methods described in United States Patent Application 2014/0234606 (Ausen). The resulting net material had strand width ranges of about 0.29-0.46 mm, pore width ranges of about 0.20-0.37 mm, pore length ranges of about 1.8-3.0 mm, and a thickness range of about 0.66-0.73 mm. The net sample was embossed by stacking from top to bottom a steel plate, a square pattern polypropylene film that served as the mold (inner dimension of a square being approximately 0.5 mm), the polyolefin net sample, a release liner, and a second steel plate. The stack was placed in a Carver Auto Series NE Automatic Hydraulic Press (Model 3895.4NE1000, Carver Inc.) with the bottom platen of the press set at 176.6° C. and the top platen set at 21° C. The stack was warmed on the apparatus for two minutes. The press was then closed and the sample was held at a set force of 907 kg for two minutes, followed by a cool down period of five minutes to 93.3° C. The press was opened and the embossed sample was removed from the press. The resulting embossed article had a base thickness range of about 0.36-0.49 mm; strand width ranges of about 0.33-1.10 mm; openings with width ranges of about 0.25-0.58 mm and lengths of about 2.20 mm; features with width at base of about 0.5 mm and height ranges of about 0.27-0.42 mm; and feature spacing ranges of about 0.73-0.88 mm. A scanning electron microscope image of the article is shown in  FIG. 5 . The image shows a network of interconnected polymeric strands  42  and a plurality of openings  44  between adjacent polymeric strands. Polymeric strands  42  have a plurality of features, or protrusions  48  on a surface of polymeric strands. The exemplary length, L 3  and width, W 3 , of opening  44  is illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The interconnected polymeric strands  42  are oriented in x direction as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
     Example 3 
     Determination of Fibroblast Proliferation using an In Vitro Cell Culture Device 
     The cell culture device having a lower base unit, a seal, an upper base unit, a cell culture insert for growing cell cultures, a sealing member, a guide tube, a support bracket, a vacuum conduit, a media conduit, a second seal and screw, was used. Fibroblasts were encapsulated in a fibrin gel matrix (clot) to simulate a component of the wound healing environment. The matrix was prepared by the following three step procedure. First, a layer of fibrin gel was prepared and applied to the internal surface of the permeable membrane (24 mm diameter with 1 micron pore size) in a MILLICELL hanging cell culture insert (obtained from EMD Millipore, Billerica, Mass.) by combining 1 mL of human fibrinogen (concentration of 9.8 mg per mL of porcine plasma) with 0.25 mL of thrombin (concentration of 500-1100 units per mL of porcine plasma) (human fibrinogen obtained from Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, St. Louis, Mo.; thrombin obtained from BioPharm Laboratories, Bluffdale, Utah; porcine plasma obtained from Lampire Biological Lab, Piphersville, Pa.). This layer was covered with a layer of about 50,000 fibroblasts (obtained from Invitrogen Corporation, Carlsbad, Calif.). The fibroblast layer was then covered with a third (or top layer) of fibrin gel prepared in the same manner as for the first layer. Following encapsulation in the gel, the fibroblasts were grown in an incubator at 37° C. for two days. 
     In the cell proliferation assay, the article of Example 1 was placed over the top layer of the matrix with the surface of the article containing the feature elements facing and in contact with the gel matrix. The opposite face of the article was covered with an 10 mm thick pad of GRANUFOAM polyurethane foam (V.A.C. Granufoam Dressing Medium, KCI Inc., San Antonio, Tex.). The combined article of Example 1 and GRANUFOAM cover pad formed the test dressing. Fibroblast Culture Medium 106 (obtained from Invitrogen Corporation) was continuously supplied to the gel matrix by means of a peristaltic pump. Negative pressure (−125 mm Hg) was applied to the device for 48 hours at 37° C. The device was then dismantled and the fibroblast sample was evaluated for cell proliferation using an XTT colorimetric assay kit (obtained from Invitrogen Corporation) with the absorbance measurements taken at 570 nm using a SpectraMax M5 plate reader (Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, Calif.). The level of fibroblast cell proliferation for the example was compared to a control experiment. In the control experiment, the same procedure was used except no test dressing was added to the apparatus and negative pressure was not applied for the 48 hour test period. In Table 1, the mean percent increase in recorded absorbance for the example compared to the control is reported (3 replicates). 
     Comparative Example A 
     The same procedure as described as in Example 3 with the exception that a 10 mm thick multilayer sheet of gauze (non-stick gauze pads were obtained from Johnson and Johnson Company, New Brunswick, N.J.) was used as the test dressing. In Tables 1 and 2, the mean percent increase in recorded absorbance for Comparative Example A compared to the control is reported (3 replicates with Tables 1 and 2 being separate experiments). 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Percent Increase in 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Absorbance as 
               
               
                   
                 Example 
                 Compared to Control 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Example 3 
                 6.0 
               
               
                   
                 Comparative Example A 
                 3.8 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Example 4 
     The same procedure as described as in Example 3 was used with the exception that the article of Example 2 was combined with a GRANUFOAM pad to form the test dressing. The mean percent increase in recorded absorbance for Example 4 is reported (3 replicates) in Table 2. 
     Comparative Example B 
     The same procedure as described as in Example 3 was used with the exception that the non-embossed net used to prepare the article of Example 2 (instead of the embossed article) was combined with a GRANUFOAM pad to form the test dressing. The mean percent increase in recorded absorbance for Comparative Example B compared to the control is reported (3 replicates) in Table 2. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Percent Increase in 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Absorbance as 
               
               
                   
                 Example 
                 Compared to Control 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Example 4 
                 10.3 
               
               
                   
                 Comparative Example A 
                 3.6 
               
               
                   
                 Comparative Example B 
                 8.4 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Example 5 
     The polyolefin net described in Example 1 sample was embossed by stacking from top to bottom a steel plate, a square pattern polypropylene film that served as the mold (inner dimension of a square being approximately 0.5 mm), the polyolefin net sample, a release liner, and a second steel plate. The stack was placed in a Carver Auto Series NE Automatic Hydraulic Press (Model 3895.4NE1000, Carver Inc.) with the bottom platen of the press set at 21° C. and the top platen set at 107° C. The press was closed and the sample was held at a set force of 794 kg for two minutes, followed by a cool down period of two minutes to 65.5° C. The press was opened and the embossed sample was removed from the press. The resulting embossed article had a base thickness range of about 0.36-0.99 mm; strand width ranges of about 0.27-1.3 mm; openings with width ranges of about 0.10-1.10 mm and length ranges of about 2.50-2.70 mm; features with width at base of about 0.5 mm and height ranges of about 0.19-0.22 mm; and feature spacing ranges of about 0.70-0.77 mm. 
     Example 6 
     The polyurethane net described in Example 2 was embossed by stacking from top to bottom a steel plate, a square pattern polypropylene film that served as the mold (inner dimension of a square being approximately 0.5 mm), the polyolefin net sample, a release liner, and a second steel plate. The stack was placed in a Carver Auto Series NE Automatic Hydraulic Press (Model 3895.4NE1000, Carver Inc.) with the bottom platen of the press set at 176.6° C. and the top platen set at 21° C. The stack was warmed on the apparatus for two minutes. The press was then closed and the sample was held at a set force of 907 kg for four minutes, followed by a cool down period of three minutes to 93.3° C. The press was opened and the embossed sample was removed from the press. The resulting embossed article had a base thickness range of about 0.41-0.52 mm; strand width ranges of about 0.37-0.96 mm; openings with width ranges of about 0.13-0.46 mm and length ranges of about 0.92-1.60 mm; features with width at base of about 0.5 mm and height ranges of about 0.21-0.40 mm; and feature spacing ranges of about 0.77-0.86 mm. 
     Example 7 
     Mechanical Property Tests 
     The mechanical properties of the embossed articles of Example 5 and Example 6 were determined by testing individual embossed article samples with an INSTRON Model 5943 Mechanical Testing Apparatus (INSTRON Corporation, Norwood, Mass.). The tests were conducted at ambient conditions using a 100 N load cell. Samples were held with pneumatic grips. The rate of grip separation was 50 mm/minute. Measurements of samples in the direction of the interconnected strands (x-direction of  FIG. 2 ) were conducted using a dog-bone punch pattern with an approximately 6 mm width at center. Measurements of samples in the cross-direction from the direction of the interconnected strands (y-direction of  FIG. 2 ) were conducted using a rectangular block pattern (25 mm by 75-100 mm). Sample dimensions were measured for each test sample in order to calculate cross-sectional area. The mean measured values of ultimate tensile strength (MPa), Young&#39;s modulus (MPa), and percent strain are reported in Table 3. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Ultimate 
                 Young&#39;s 
                   
               
               
                 Article of 
                 Number of 
                 Test 
                 Tensile 
                 Modulus 
                 Percent 
               
               
                 Example 
                 Replicates 
                 Direction 
                 Strength (MPa) 
                 (MPa) 
                 Strain 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 5 
                 2 
                 x-direction 
                 2.38 
                 4.63 
                 212.9 
               
               
                   
                 3 
                 y-direction 
                 0.34 
                 0.36 
                 119.8 
               
               
                 6 
                 1 
                 x-direction 
                 2.02 
                 2.86 
                 226.2 
               
               
                   
                 3 
                 y-direction 
                 0.16 
                 1.37 
                 24.5 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     All references and publications cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety into this disclosure. Illustrative embodiments of this invention are discussed and reference has been made to possible variations within the scope of this invention. For example, features depicted in connection with one illustrative embodiment may be used in connection with other embodiments of the invention. These and other variations and modifications in the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, and it should be understood that this invention is not limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the claims provided below and equivalents thereof.