Patent Description:
Negative pressure wound therapy has been used in the treatment of wounds, and in many cases can improve the rate of healing while also removing exudates and other deleterious substances from the wound site.

Abdominal compartment syndrome is caused by fluid accumulation in the peritoneal space due to edema and other such causes, and results in greatly increased intra-abdominal pressure that may cause organ failure eventually resulting in death. Causes may include sepsis or severe trauma. Treatment of abdominal compartment syndrome may require an abdominal incision to permit decompression of the abdominal space, and as such, a large wound may be created onto the patient. Closure of this wound, while minimizing the risk of secondary infections and other complications, and after the underlying edema has subsided, then becomes a priority. However, acute open abdominal conditions may be caused by other reasons in addition to compartment syndrome, as described further below.

Other large or incisional wounds, either as a result of surgery, trauma, or other conditions, may also require closure. For example, wounds resulting from stemiotomies, fasciotomies, and other abdominal wounds may require closure. Wound dehiscence of existing wounds is another complication that may arise, possibly due to incomplete underlying fascial closure, or secondary factors such as infection.

Existing negative pressure treatment systems, while permitting eventual wound closure, still require lengthy closure times. Although these may be combined with other tissue securement means, such as sutures, there is also a risk that underlying muscular and fascial tissue is not appropriately reapproximated so as to permit complete wound closure. Further, when foam or other wound fillers are inserted into the wound, the application of negative pressure to the wound and the foam may cause atmospheric pressure to bear down onto the wound, compressing the foam downward and outward against the margins of the wound. This downward compression of the wound filler slows the healing process and slows or prevents the joining of wound margins. Additionally, inflammation of the fascia in the form of certain types of fasciitis can lead to rapid and excessive tissue loss, potentially meriting the need for more advanced negative pressure treatment systems. Accordingly, there is a need to provide for an improved apparatus, method, and system for the treatment and closure of wounds. Relevant prior art is disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to negative pressure wound closure devices, methods, and systems that facilitate closure of a wound. It will be understood by one of skill in the art that the wounds described herein this specification may encompass any wound, and are not limited to a particular location or type of wound. The devices, methods, and systems may operate to reduce the need for repetitive replacement of wound filler material currently employed and can advance the rate of healing. The devices, methods (not claimed), and systems are simultaneously used with negative pressure to remove wound fluids.

In certain (not claimed) embodiments, an apparatus for treating a wound with negative pressure wound therapy is provided. The apparatus comprises a stabilizing structure for insertion into a wound. The stabilizing structure comprises a length corresponding to a y-direction and extending along a central longitudinal axis of the stabilizing structure between a first end and a second end of the stabilizing structure, a width corresponding to an x-direction, the width being transverse to the length and extending along a central transverse axis of the stabilizing structure between a first side and a second side of the stabilizing structure, and a height corresponding to a z-direction, the height being transverse to the length and the width and extending between a top surface and a bottom surface of the stabilizing structure. The length and width of the stabilizing structure may each be greater than the height. The stabilizing structure may further comprise a plurality of cells defined by one or more walls, the cells being provided side-by-side in a horizontal plane parallel to the x-direction and the y-direction, wherein each of the cells has a top end and a bottom end with an opening extending through the top and bottom ends in the z-direction. The stabilizing structure may also be configured such that upon application of negative pressure to the wound when the stabilizing structure is inserted into the wound, the stabilizing structure collapses more in the horizontal plane than in the z-direction, and the stabilizing structure collapses more in the x-direction than in the y-direction.

In certain (not claimed) embodiments, an apparatus for treating a wound with negative pressure wound therapy is provided. The apparatus comprises a stabilizing structure for insertion into a wound. The stabilizing structure comprises a length corresponding to a y-direction and extending along a central longitudinal axis of the stabilizing structure between a first end and a second end of the stabilizing structure, a width corresponding to an x-direction, the width being transverse to the length and extending along a central transverse axis of the stabilizing structure between a first side and a second side of the stabilizing structure, and a height corresponding to a z-direction, the height being transverse to the length and the width and extending between a top surface and a bottom surface of the stabilizing structure. The length and width of the stabilizing structure may each be greater than the height. The stabilizing structure may further comprise a plurality of cells defined by one or more walls, the cells being provided side-by-side in a horizontal plane parallel to the x-direction and the y-direction, wherein each of the cells has a top end and a bottom end with an opening extending through the top and bottom ends in the z-direction. The cells may be provided in a plurality of rows extending width-wise across the stabilizing structure, and wherein cells of adjacent rows are staggered relative to each other. The stabilizing structure may also be configured such that upon application of negative pressure to the wound when the stabilizing structure is inserted into the wound, the stabilizing structure collapses more in the horizontal plane than in the z-direction, and the stabilizing structure collapses more in the x-direction than in the y-direction.

In certain (not claimed) embodiments, an apparatus for treating a wound with negative pressure wound therapy is provided. The apparatus comprises a stabilizing structure for insertion into a wound. The stabilizing structure comprises a length corresponding to a y-direction and extending along a central longitudinal axis of the stabilizing structure between a first end and a second end of the stabilizing structure, a width corresponding to an x-direction, the width being transverse to the length and extending along a central transverse axis of the stabilizing structure between a first side and a second side of the stabilizing structure, and a height corresponding to a z-direction, the height being transverse to the length and the width and extending between a top surface and a bottom surface of the stabilizing structure. The length and width of the stabilizing structure may each be greater than the height. The stabilizing structure may further comprise a plurality of cells defined by one or more walls, the cells being provided side-by-side in a horizontal plane parallel to the x-direction and the y-direction, wherein each of the cells has a top end and a bottom end with an opening extending through the top and bottom ends in the z-direction. At least one of the cells may have a hexagon shape. The stabilizing structure may also be configured such that upon application of negative pressure to the wound when the stabilizing structure is inserted into the wound, the stabilizing structure collapses more in the horizontal plane than in the z-direction, and the stabilizing structure collapses more in the x-direction than in the y-direction.

In the claimed embodiment, an apparatus for treating a wound with negative pressure wound therapy is provided. The apparatus comprises a stabilizing structure for insertion into a wound. The stabilizing structure comprises a length corresponding to a y-direction and extending along a central longitudinal axis of the stabilizing structure between a first end and a second end of the stabilizing structure, a width corresponding to an x-direction, the width being transverse to the length and extending along a central transverse axis of the stabilizing structure between a first side and a second side of the stabilizing structure, and a height corresponding to a z-direction, the height being transverse to the length and the width and extending between a top surface and a bottom surface of the stabilizing structure. The length and width of the stabilizing structure are each greater than the height. The stabilizing structure further comprises a plurality of cells defined by one or more walls, the cells being provided side-by-side in a horizontal plane parallel to the x-direction and the y-direction, wherein each of the cells has a top end and a bottom end with an opening extending through the top and bottom ends in the z-direction. The cells are provided in a plurality of rows extending width-wise across the stabilizing structure, and wherein cells of adjacent rows are staggered relative to each other. At least one of the cells has a concave-hexagon shape comprising two parallel sides and two internal angles greater than <NUM> degrees. The stabilizing structure is configured such that upon application of negative pressure to the wound when the stabilizing structure is inserted into the wound, the stabilizing structure collapses more in the horizontal plane than in the z-direction, and the stabilizing structure collapses more in the x-direction than in the y-direction.

In certain embodiments, at least one of the cells, or all of the cells, is or are defined by two straight walls aligned in parallel fashion along the y-direction and at least four side walls extending along the x-direction wherein the side walls connect the two straight walls. In some embodiments, at least two side walls meet to form an inner angle greater than <NUM> degrees. In other embodiments, at least two side walls meet to form an inner angle less than <NUM> degrees.

In certain embodiments, at least one of the cells, or all of the cells, has or have a hexagon shape. The hexagon shape is a concave-hexagon shape or (in a non-claimed embodiment) a convex-hexagon shape. The concave-hexagon shape has two parallel sides and two inner angles greater than <NUM> degrees. In other (not claimed) embodiments, the convex-hexagon shape has all inner angles less than <NUM> degrees.

In certain embodiments, at least one cell having a concave-hexagon shape may be surrounded by and shares a wall with six cells also having a concave-hexagon shape. In certain embodiments, the sum of lengths of said two straight walls is equal to or greater than the sum of lengths of said four side walls. In other embodiments, the convex-hexagon shape has all inner angles less than <NUM> degrees.

In certain embodiments, the stabilizing structure comprises at least one node where three or fewer walls meet. In certain embodiments, at all nodes three or fewer walls meet. In certain embodiments, the stabilizing structure comprises some or all of the cells with the same shape. In certain embodiments, the stabilizing structure comprises some or all of the cells with same size.

In certain embodiments, the cells are configured such that upon collapse, each cell shows zero or substantially no change in dimension in y-direction. In other embodiments, the cells are configured such that upon collapse, each cell increases in dimension in the y-direction.

In certain embodiments, the stabilizing structure is configured to allow portions of the device to separate from the remainder of the device. The stabilizing structure my comprise perforations or detachable sections that allow portions of the structure to separate from the remainder of structure. In certain embodiments, the stabilizing structure further comprises a wound wall liner that surrounds walls of the outermost cells.

Embodiments disclosed in this section or elsewhere in this specification relate to apparatuses and methods of treating a wound with reduced pressure, including pump and wound dressing components and apparatuses. Certain embodiments of stabilizing structures and related apparatuses and methods of treating a wound with reduced pressure, including pump and wound dressing components and apparatuses, have been described in PCT App. No. <CIT> titled "Negative Pressure Wound Closure Device," published as <CIT> which is to be considered a part of this specification. Specifically, <CIT> describes a stabilizing structure for insertion into a wound, which is configured to aid in the closure of large wounds, in conjunction with the administration of negative pressure.

Further, examples of such applications where additional disclosure relating to the preceding descriptions may be found include <CIT> and <CIT>. Other applications that may contain teachings relevant for use with the embodiments described in this section or elsewhere in this specification may include Application Serial No. <CIT>, published as <CIT>; Application Serial No. <CIT>, published as <CIT>; and Application Serial No. <CIT>, published as <CIT>. Still more applications that may contain teachings relevant for use with the embodiments described in this specification are Application Serial No. <CIT>, published as <CIT>; <CIT> titled "Negative Pressure Wound Closure Device," published as <CIT>; PCT App. No. <CIT>, published as <CIT>; PCT App. No. <CIT>, published as <CIT>; PCT App. No. <CIT>, published as <CIT>; and <CIT>, published as <CIT>.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a negative pressure treatment system <NUM> that comprises a wound packer <NUM> inserted into a wound <NUM>. The wound packer <NUM> may comprise porous materials such as foam, and in some embodiments may comprise one or more embodiments of wound closure devices or stabilizing structures described in further detail in this section or elsewhere in this specification. In some embodiments, the perimeter or top of any wound closure device inserted into the wound <NUM> may also be covered with foam or other porous materials. A single drape <NUM> or multiple drapes may be placed over the wound <NUM>, and is preferably adhered or sealed to the skin on the periphery of the wound <NUM> so as to create a fluid-tight seal. An aperture <NUM> may be made through the drape <NUM> which can be manually made or preformed into the drape <NUM> so as to provide a fluidic connection from the wound <NUM> to a source of negative pressure such as a pump <NUM>. Preferably, the fluidic connection between the aperture <NUM> and the pump <NUM> is made via a conduit <NUM>. In some embodiments, the conduit <NUM> may comprise a RENASYS® Soft Port™, manufactured by Smith & Nephew. Of course, in some embodiments, the drape <NUM> may not necessarily comprise an aperture <NUM>, and the fluidic connection to the pump <NUM> may be made by placing the conduit <NUM> below the drape. In some wounds, particularly larger wounds, multiple conduits <NUM> may be used, fluidically connected via one or more apertures <NUM>.

In use, the wound <NUM> is prepared and cleaned. In some cases, such as abdominal wounds, a non- or minimally-adherent organ protection layer (not illustrated) may be applied over any exposed viscera. The wound packer <NUM> is then inserted into the wound, and is covered with the drape <NUM> so as to form a fluid-tight seal. A first end of the conduit <NUM> is then placed in fluidic communication with the wound, for example via the aperture <NUM>. The second end of the conduit <NUM> is connected to the pump <NUM>. The pump <NUM> may then be activated so as to supply negative pressure to the wound <NUM> and evacuate wound exudate from the wound <NUM>. As will be described in additional detail below and in relation to the embodiments of the foregoing wound closure devices, negative pressure may also aid in promoting closure of the wound <NUM>, for example by approximating opposing wound margins.

Any structure or component disclosed herein this section or elsewhere in the specification may comprise a radiopaque material. A radiopaque material advantageously allows a clinician to more easily find pieces of the wound closure device that may have come loose from the structure and become lost in the wound. Some examples of radiopaque materials include barium sulfate, bismuth trioxide, bismuth subcarbonate, bismuth oxychloride, and tungsten.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a stabilizing structure <NUM> inserted into a generally oval-shaped wound <NUM> in a top view, comprising a plurality of cells <NUM> arranged side-by-side. The stabilizing structure may have a longitudinal length that is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the wound, and a width that is perpendicular or transverse to the longitudinal axis. Although not illustrated in <FIG>, the stabilizing structure may have a height defined between a top surface and a bottom surface of the stabilizing structure, wherein the height is less than each of the length and width of the stabilizing structure. In some embodiments, the height may be uniform across the entire width and length of the stabilizing structure. In some embodiments, the top and bottom surfaces of the stabilizing structure may be planar.

As illustrated, each cell may be defined by one or more walls, each cell having a top end and a bottom end with an opening extending through the top and bottom ends. As with the other stabilizing structures described herein this section and elsewhere in the specification, the stabilizing structure <NUM> is configured to collapse by collapsing one or more cells <NUM>. In some embodiments, the cells are all of the same approximate shape and size when in an uncollapsed configuration. However, in other embodiments, the cells may be of different shapes and sizes when in an uncollapsed configuration.

As used in this section or elsewhere in this specification, the x direction, when referring to the stabilizing structure, generally refers to a direction or plane generally parallel to the skin surrounding the wound. The y direction, when referring to the stabilizing structure, generally refers to a direction or plane generally parallel to the skin surrounding the wound and extending perpendicular to the x direction. The z direction, when referring to the stabilizing structure, generally refers to a direction or plane extending perpendicular to the x direction and the y direction. The term "width," when referring to a stabilizing structure, generally refers to a dimension of the stabilizing structure taken in the x direction along which the stabilizing structure is longest. The term "length," when referring to a stabilizing structure, generally refers to a dimension of the stabilizing structure taken in the y direction along which the stabilizing structure is longest. The term "height," when referring to a stabilizing structure, generally refers to a dimension of the stabilizing structure taken in the z direction along which the stabilizing structure is longest. The terms "width," "length," and "height" may also be used to describe the cells within the stabilizing structures and wound closure devices described throughout this specification. When describing these structures or devices, these terms should not be construed to require that the structures or devices necessarily be placed into a wound in a certain orientation, though in certain embodiments, it may be preferable to do so.

In some embodiments, the stabilizing structure <NUM> can collapse in any manner described in this section or elsewhere in this specification with or without the application of negative pressure. For example, the stabilizing structure may collapse significantly more in one plane than in another plane upon application of negative pressure. In some embodiments, the stabilizing structure is configured to collapse more in a horizontal plane parallel to the length and width of the stabilizing structure than in a vertical plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane. In some embodiments, the stabilizing structure may collapse along the width of the stabilizing structure while remaining relatively rigid along the length of the stabilizing structure and in the vertical direction. In some embodiments, the stabilizing structure may collapse along the width of the stabilizing structure while extending along the length of the stabilizing structure and remaining relatively rigid in the vertical direction.

The stabilizing structure may be comprised of any materials described in this section or elsewhere in this specification, including: flexible plastic such as silicone, polyurethane, rigid plastics such as polyvinyl chloride, semi-rigid plastics, semi-flexible plastics, biocompatible materials, composite materials, metals, and foam. In certain embodiments, the stabilizing structure may comprise a radio opaque material, to more readily allow a clinician to find pieces of the stabilizing structure within the wound.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the cells <NUM> of the stabilizing structure may be staggered relative to each other. For example, the stabilizing structure may comprise adjacent rows of cells extending across the width of the stabilizing structure, wherein the cells of one row are not in line with cells of an adjacent row. Further details of the staggering of the cells and cell configurations are described below.

Some embodiments of stabilizing structure <NUM> may have an outer perimeter that defines an at least partially elliptical shape when placed in the wound. In some embodiments, the stabilizing structure <NUM> may have an outer perimeter that defines an at least partially elliptical shape when uncollapsed. In other embodiments, the outer perimeter may not be at least partially elliptical when uncollapsed, and may become elliptical when placed in the wound. In some embodiments, the stabilizing structure <NUM> may have an outer perimeter that defines an at least partially rectangular shape when uncollapsed. In some embodiments, the outer perimeter is defined by the walls of the outermost cells. In other embodiments, the outer perimeter comprises a wound wall liner <NUM> that extends along the height of the stabilizing structure, in addition to surrounding the walls defining outermost cells. The wound wall liner <NUM> may partially or entirely surround the outer perimeter of the stabilizing structure. In some embodiments, the wound wall liner comprises hydrophobic material. In some embodiments, the wound wall liner comprises hydrophilic material.

In some embodiments, the stabilizing structure <NUM> comprises a plurality of cells <NUM> that are sized and configured to collapse inwardly (e.g., toward the central longitudinal axis of the stabilizing structure) with or without the application of negative pressure. This design may provide greater overall closure of the stabilizing structure <NUM> to provide for maximum closure of the wound. The cells may be designed in a manner to facilitate closure of the stabilizing structure <NUM> upon the application of negative pressure. In some embodiments, the stabilizing structure comprises cells that have a hexagon shape. In some embodiments, the stabilizing structure comprises cells that collapse along the width of the stabilizing structure while remaining relatively rigid along the length of the stabilizing structure and in the vertical direction. In some embodiments, the stabilizing structure comprises cells that have a concave-hexagon shape, such as a concave-hexagon shape wherein there are two internal angles greater than <NUM> degrees. In some embodiments, the stabilizing structure <NUM> may contain size variations between cells located within a center portion and cells located within the longitudinal end portions of the stabilizing structure <NUM>. For example, cells at the longitudinal end portions may be larger or smaller than cells in the center portion.

In some embodiments, the stabilizing structure is configured to collapse by more than <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>% or <NUM>% in width upon application of negative pressure to the wound when the stabilizing structure is inserted into the wound.

<FIG> illustrate an embodiment of a stabilizing structure <NUM> which has similar configuration with the stabilizing structure <NUM> described in relation to <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the stabilizing structure <NUM>, and <FIG> is a top view of the stabilizing structure <NUM>. In some embodiments, in a natural or uncollapsed state, the stabilizing structure <NUM> comprises cells <NUM> each defined by two straight, longitudinally-extending walls <NUM> aligned in a parallel fashion along the length of the stabilizing structure and four side walls <NUM> extending along the width of the stabilizing structure, from each end of two longitudinally-extending walls <NUM> to nodes <NUM>, wherein two side walls <NUM> meet at node <NUM> to form an inner angle of greater than <NUM> degrees. In some embodiments, in the uncollapsed state, the stabilizing structure comprises cells having a concave-hexagon shape such as shown in <FIG>. Alternatively, in other embodiments, two side walls <NUM> meet at node <NUM> to form an inner angle of smaller than <NUM> degrees, so that the stabilizing structure comprises cells having a convex-hexagon shape. While the embodiments described herein in this section or elsewhere in this specification refer to uniformly sized concave-hexagon shaped cells shown by <FIG> or uniformly sized hexagon shaped cells, it will be understood that the location, shape and relative sizes of the cells <NUM> can be modified for any suitable embodiment and that their relative proportions can differ in various embodiments.

The cells <NUM> of the stabilizing structure of <FIG> are staggered such that cells in one transverse row of cells are not aligned with cells in an adjacent transverse row of cells. For example, the stabilizing structure may comprise adjacent rows of cells extending across the width of the stabilizing structure, wherein the cells of one row are not in line with cells of an adjacent row. In some embodiments, the longitudinally-extending walls <NUM> extend from a node <NUM> where the side walls of another cell in the adjacent row meet, to another node where the side walls of another cell in another adjacent row on the other side meet, wherein the side walls <NUM> of the cell meets at the node <NUM> with the longitudinally-extending walls of another cells in the adjacent row. In some embodiments where the stabilizing structure comprises cells having a hexagon shape, a cell <NUM> shares each of six walls with six adjacent cells, wherein the cell shares two longitudinally-extending walls with cells in a same row along the width and wherein the cell shares four side walls with cells in adjacent rows along the length. In some embodiments, the stabilizing structure comprises at least one node where three walls meet. In some embodiments, the stabilizing structure comprises at least one node where one longitudinally-extending wall and two side walls meet. In some embodiments, no more than three walls meet at any node in the stabilizing structure. In some embodiments, no more than one longitudinally-extending wall and no more than two side walls meet at any node in the stabilizing structure.

<FIG> are illustrations of an embodiment of a stabilizing structure <NUM> which is similar to stabilizing structures as described above in relation to <FIG>, or a portion thereof, wherein the cells have concave-hexagon shape. <FIG> illustrates an embodiment of stabilizing structure <NUM> in a natural, uncollapsed state. <FIG> illustrates an embodiment of stabilizing structure <NUM> in a collapsed state. <FIG> illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the stabilizing structure <NUM> before and after collapse, illustrating the amount that the width of the overall structure decreases. <FIG> illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the stabilizing structure <NUM> before and after collapse, illustrating how there is also a shortening of the overall length of the structure. As shown by <FIG>, in some embodiments, the stabilizing structure comprises cells that each collapse significantly along the width of the stabilizing structure while remaining relatively rigid along the length of the stabilizing structure and in the vertical direction. In some embodiments, the stabilizing structure comprises cells that collapse inwardly, so that cells do not increase dimension in any direction. In such embodiments, accordingly, the stabilizing structure does not increase overall dimension in any direction. In some embodiments, the stabilizing structure comprises cells that comprise longitudinal walls <NUM> and side walls <NUM>, wherein longitudinal walls <NUM> remain parallel with each other both in uncollapsed and collapsed configuration, while side walls <NUM> form greater inner angles closer to <NUM> degrees in the collapsed configuration, as shown by <FIG>.

The shape and length of each sides of cells of a stabilizing structure may be designed to facilitate maximum collapse of the stabilizing structure along its width. <FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a cell <NUM> of a stabilizing structure which has a similar configuration with stabilizing structures described above in relation to <FIG>, wherein the cell has concave-hexagon shape. Among six walls of the cell <NUM>, two longitudinally-extending walls have lengths of a and d, respectively, while four side walls have lengths of b, c, e and f, respectively. In some embodiments, two longitudinally-extending walls have same length, so that a equals d. In some embodiments, two adjacent side wall may have same length, so that b equals c and e equals f. In some embodiments, four side walls have same lengths, so that b equals c, e and f.

To maximize collapse of the cell <NUM>, in some embodiments, the sum of lengths of longitudinal walls is equal to or greater than the sum of lengths of side walls. As shown in <FIG>, side walls and longitudinal walls may meet or gets very close when the stabilizing structure collapses. Turning back to <FIG>, if b+f is greater than a, two side walls having lengths of b and f may have to overlap when the cell collapses. Similarly, if c+e is greater than d, two side walls having lengths of c and e may have to overlap when the cell collapses. If opposing side walls of cells have to overlap with each other upon collapse, the width of each cell in collapsed state will be greater than cells which have opposing side which do not have to overlap with each other upon collapse. Accordingly, to maximize collapse of a stabilizing structure, a may be equal to or greater than b+f, and d may be equal to or greater than c+e. Thus, a+d may be equal or greater than b+c+e+f.

In other embodiments shown by <FIG>, the stabilizing structure <NUM> comprises cells <NUM> having a convex-hexagon shape wherein all interior angles are less than <NUM> degrees. <FIG> and <FIG> are illustrations of an embodiment of a stabilizing structure <NUM> which is similar to stabilizing structures <NUM> of <FIG> or a portion thereof, wherein the cells have convex-hexagon shape. In some embodiments, the convex-hexagon shape comprises longitudinal walls <NUM> and side walls <NUM>, wherein longitudinal walls <NUM> remain parallel with each other both in uncollapsed and collapsed configuration. The side walls <NUM> in the uncollapsed configuration meet at nodes <NUM> to form inner angles less than <NUM> degrees, and these side walls <NUM> form smaller inner angles closer to <NUM> degrees in the collapsed configuration. As illustrated in <FIG>, the stabilizing structure comprises cells that each collapse significantly along the width of the stabilizing structure while increasing in dimension along the length. Thus, a stabilizing structure comprising such cells may decrease in overall width when collapse, while increasing in overall length.

Cells of the stabilizing structure described herein may be designed and configured to promote uniform collapse of the stabilizing structure within both longitudinal end portions of the stabilizing structure and a central portion between the longitudinal end portions. For example, when a stabilizing structure as described herein is positioned within a wound and placed under negative pressure, the collapsed stabilizing structure may have a substantially uniform width along the entire length of the structure, such as shown in <FIG> and 7A-5B.

Claim 1:
An apparatus for treating a wound with negative pressure wound therapy, comprising:
a stabilizing structure for insertion into a wound comprising:
a length corresponding to a y-direction and extending along a central longitudinal axis of the stabilizing structure between a first end and a second end of the stabilizing structure;
a width corresponding to an x-direction, the width being transverse to the length and extending along a central transverse axis of the stabilizing structure between a first side and a second side of the stabilizing structure; and
a height corresponding to a z-direction, the height being transverse to the length and the width and extending between a top surface and a bottom surface of the stabilizing structure;
wherein the length and width are each greater than the height;
wherein the stabilizing structure comprises a plurality of cells defined by one or more walls, the cells being provided side-by-side in a horizontal plane parallel to the x-direction and the y-direction, wherein each of the cells has a top end and a bottom end with an opening extending through the top and bottom ends in the z-direction;
wherein the plurality of cells are provided in a plurality of rows extending width-wise across the stabilizing structure, wherein cells of adjacent rows are staggered relative to each other; and
wherein the stabilizing structure is configured such that upon application of negative pressure to the wound when the stabilizing structure is inserted into the wound, the stabilizing structure collapses more in the horizontal plane than in the z-direction, and the stabilizing structure collapses more in the x-direction than in the y-direction; characterized in that at least one of the cells has a concave-hexagon shape comprising two parallel sides and two internal angles greater than <NUM> degrees.