Opinion ID: 806478
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Zamierowski Reference

Text: The Zamierowski reference is a Patent Cooperation Treaty Application filed on April 3, 1990. J.A. 10057. The reference describes a “fluidic connection system . . . for draining liquids from and introducing liquids to patients.” J.A. 10059. As described by the reference, the system, which amounts to a wound dressing, consists of: [A] semipermeable membrane including a pair of panels each having a perimeter and an edge strip. The membrane is formed by connecting the panel edge strips together to form a seam extending transversely across the membrane. The panels and the membrane include inner and outer sur- faces. A tube opening extends through the seam between the panel edge strips and between the membrane inner and outer surfaces. The mem- brane inner surface is coated with an adhesive for attachment to the skin of a patient. A tube or sheath includes a proximate end extending through the tube opening and a distal end posi- tioned in spaced relation from the membrane outer surface. . . . A passage extend[s] through the KINETIC CONCEPTS v. SMITH & NEPHEW 10 sheath between its ends. An inner conduit can be placed in the sheath passage and can include a connection seal assembly for forming a fluid-tight seal with the sheath. . . . When the fluidic connec- tion system is used as a wound dressing, an in- termediate layer of material can be applied between the wound and the cover membrane in- ner surface. Furthermore, the fluidic connection system of the present invention can be used to se- cure a percutaneous drainage tube within a pa- tient, e.g. by inserting the percutanious tube through the sheath passage. . . . The cover mem- brane can be releasably, adhesively fastened to the skin around a periphery thereof. A tube flu- idically communicates with the wound through an opening in the membrane. Fluids from a draining wound can be evacuated through the tube and liquid medication and irrigation can be introduced through the tube to the wound site. The fluid evacuation and introduction steps of the method can each be accomplished both actively and pas- sively . . . . J.A. 10061–63. The reference indicates that this wound dressing “promotes healing.” J.A. 10063.