Patent ID: 8241261

Claim:
A reduced-pressure treatment system for treating a wound, the system comprising: a super-absorbent bolster for placing on the patient's epidermis and substantially sized to overlay the wound, the super-absorbent bolster operable to manifold reduced pressure; wherein the super-absorbent bolster comprises: a breathable, fluid-restricted dry layer having a first surface and a second, inward-facing surface, a super-absorbent layer having a first surface and second surface, the second, inward-facing surface of the super-absorbent layer disposed adjacent to the first surface of the breathable dry layer, the super-absorbent layer being configured to become more rigid with the addition of fluid, and a non-breathable layer having a first surface and a second surface, the second, inward-facing surface of the non-breathable layer disposed adjacent to the first surface of the super-absorbent layer; a sealing subsystem for providing a fluid seal between the super-absorbent dressing bolster and the patient; a reduced-pressure subsystem for delivering reduced pressure to the sealing subsystem; wherein the sealing subsystem and reduced-pressure subsystem are operable to deliver reduced pressure to the wound; and wherein the super-absorbent dressing bolster, sealing subsystem, and reduced-pressure subsystem are operable to develop a compressive force.