Systems, methods, and devices for restoring lymphatic flow associated with a subcutaneous defect in a patients body

摘要

Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed that help to restore lymphatic flow associated with a subcutaneous defect in a patient's body by approximating portions of the subcutaneous defect using reduced pressure and a tissue-approximating device. The tissue approximating device may include a curved member that is formed from a semi-rigid material and defines a concave space that goes over the subcutaneous defect. A flange portion is formed on the curved member. A reduced-pressure aperture is formed on the curved member for providing reduced pressure to the concave space. The tissue-approximating device also includes a spacer member disposed on a tissue-facing side of the curved member and aligned substantially with the reduced-pressure aperture. Other systems, devices, and methods are disclosed.

主权项

1. A method for tissue approximation for a subcutaneous tissue defect which is associated with a surface wound, the method comprising the steps of:
deploying a tissue-approximating device over the subcutaneous tissue and the surface wound, wherein the tissue-approximating device comprises:
a curved member formed from a semi-rigid material and having a first side terminating at an outer perimeter, a tissue-facing side terminating at an inner perimeter, and wherein the tissue-facing side of the curved member defines a concave space extending from the inner perimeter to an apex,a reduced-pressure aperture extending through the curved member in fluid communication with the concave space for receiving reduced pressure from a source of reduced pressure,a flange portion formed by the thickness of the curved member between the inner perimeter and the outer perimeter, and configured to be disposed adjacent intact epidermis,an attachment device coupled to the tissue-facing side of the curved member proximate the reduced-pressure aperture, anda spacer member coupled to the attachment device to form a breathable space between the apex, attachment device, and spacer member, the spacer member having a plurality of flow channels in fluid communication with the reduced-pressure aperture to distribute reduced pressure to the concave space; fluidly coupling a reduced-pressure source to the concave space; and causing the reduced-pressure source to deliver reduced pressure to the concave space whereby portions of the subcutaneous tissue are approximated.