STRESS SHIELD AND INFECTION CONTROL FOR A SKIN-IMPLANT INTERFACE

摘要

Embodiments for superficial tissue compliance modulation and negative pressure wound therapy for stabilization of a chronic percutaneous implant are disclosed. An external cap is coupled to a compliance gradient of progressively decreasing stiffness. Together the external cap and compliance gradient act as a stress shield that allows forces that would otherwise act on the skin at the skin-implant interface to be dissipated over a larger area. In addition, negative pressure and fluids may be applied through negative pressure and fluid adapters, respectively, to the skin-implant interface, the status of which may be further monitored through the use of one or more sensors.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
an external cap configured to surround a percutaneous implant; and a compliance gradient positioned adjacent to the external cap, the compliance gradient defining a center aperture that is configured to surround the percutaneous implant and a peripheral edge that forms the periphery of the compliance gradient, wherein the stiffness of the compliance gradient along the center aperture is greater than the stiffness of the compliant gradient along the peripheral edge.