Patent ID: 8398604

Claim:
A device for treating an incision in a patient's skin, the device comprising: (a) a generally planar tension relief module, comprising: (i) a central structure defining a central conduit at least a portion of which is configured to be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the incision and provides for fluid communication with the incision through the central structure; and (ii) a first adhesive structure coupled to a first portion of the central structure and a second adhesive structure coupled to a second, opposite portion of the central structure, wherein the first and second adhesive structures are configured to be manually stretched along an axis from a relaxed configuration to a first tensile configuration and to return towards the relaxed configuration from the first tensile configuration into a second tensile configuration and impart a contracting force in a direction that is substantially aligned with the axis and towards the opposing adhesive structure to shield the incision from endogenous or exogenous stress, wherein the first and second adhesive structures attach directly to the patient's skin; (b) a contact layer configured to be positioned directly on the patient's skin in fluid communication with the incision and configured to transmit pressure and fluid to the central structure, wherein the contact layer is configured to be positioned on the skin in direct contact with the incision below the central structure; (c) a flexible sealant structure comprising a lower adhesive surface and a size configured to seal entirely over the entire tension relief module and the contact layer such that the flexible sealant structure forms a sealed flow pathway; (d) a vacuum port coupled to the flexible sealant structure and aligned with an opening in the flexible sealant structure so as to be in fluid communication with the sealed flow pathway, wherein the vacuum port is configured to be coupled to a negative pressure source; and (e) an indicator reversibly coupled to an upper surface of the opposing adhesive structures, wherein the indicator comprises opposing pull tabs.