TISSUE CLOSURE TREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH EXTERNALLY-APPLIED PATIENT INTERFACE

摘要

A tissue closure treatment system (2) and method are provided with an extern al patient interface. A first fluid transfer component (FTC.1) comprises a stri p of porous material, such as rayon, with liquid wicking properties. (FTC.1) c an be placed directly on a suture line (8) for transferring fluid exuded therethrough. An underdrape (20) is placed over (FTC.1) and includes a slot (20a) exposing a portion of same. (FTC.2) comprises a suitable hydrophobic foam material, such as polyurethane ether, and is placed over the underdrape slot (20a) in communication with (FTC.1). Negative pressure is applied to (FTC.2) through a connecting fluid transfer component (FTC.3). A negative pressure source (28) can comprises a manual device or a power-operated sucti on device. The tissue closure method includes a manual operating mode using a manual suction device with an automatic shut off for discontinuing suction when a predetermined volume of fluid has been drained.