METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROMOTING SOFT TISSUE ENLARGEMENT AND WOUND HEALING

摘要

An apparatus and method for healing open wounds through enlargement of soft tissue surrounding said wound is comprised of a dome (12) configured to fit over the wound and at least a portion of the surrounding soft tissue. The dome (12) has a rim (14) with a surface area equal to or greater than the normal area of the dome opening to prevent medical complications caused by excessive pressure to the skin. A gasket (46) or other cushioning material may be provided about the periphery of the dome (12) for patient comfort and improved seal. The dome (12) also includes a vacuum pump (20) with a power source (22), pressure sensor (24), and servomechanism (26) for regulating the pressure within the dome (12) to any one of several protocols using pressures which might temporarily exceed non-damaging levels.