Wound treatment apparatus

Abstract

A therapeutic apparatus for stimulating the healing of a wound site includes a polyurethane foam positioned at the wound site and a connector having a disc-like cup and an elbow-shaped spout. The connector is positioned in contact with the polyurethane foam, and the elbow-shaped spout is configured for connection to a tube that is capable of delivering negative pressure through the elbow-shaped spout and to the polyurethane foam. The therapeutic apparatus further includes a drape having a hole, the drape being positioned over the connector such that the elbow-shaped spout extends through the hole in the drape.

1 .- 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A method for securing a suction device to a wound site, the method comprising:
 applying a connector to an open-celled polymer foam positioned at the wound site such that a flange of the connector contacts the open-celled polymer foam, the connector having a centrally-positioned spout configured to receive a suction tube; and   sealing the connector at the wound site with a drape such that the centrally-positioned spout extends through a hole of the drape.   
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23  further comprising:
 prior to applying the suction head, positioning the open-celled polymer foam at the wound site. 
 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein sealing the connector at the wound site further comprises:
 adhesively securing the drape to the flange of the connector, the open-celled polymer foam, and skin surrounding the wound site.   
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein sealing the connector at the wound site further comprises:
 stretching the drape over the connector and the open-celled polymer foam; and   adhesively securing the drape to skin surrounding the wound site.   
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the open-celled polymer foam is a reticulated, polyurethane foam. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the open-celled polymer foam is a polyvinyl alcohol foam. 
     
     
         29 . A method for administering negative pressure wound site therapy to a wound site, the method comprising:
 positioning an open-celled polymer foam at the wound site;   applying a connector having a flange and a centrally-positioned spout to the open-celled polymer foam such that a flange of the connector contacts the open-celled polymer foam;   securing the connector at the wound site with a drape such that the centrally-positioned spout extends through a hole of the drape; and   applying a negative pressure to the wound site through the centrally-positioned spout and open-celled polymer foam.   
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29  further comprising:
 maintaining the negative pressure at the wound site with the drape positioned over the connector. 
 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein sealing the suction head at the wound site further comprises:
 adhesively securing the drape to the flange of the connector, the open-celled polymer foam, and skin surrounding the wound site.   
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein sealing the connector at the wound site further comprises:
 stretching the drape over the connector and the open-celled polymer foam; and   adhesively securing the drape to skin surrounding the wound site.   
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the open-celled polymer foam is a reticulated, polyurethane foam. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the open-celled polymer foam is a polyvinyl alcohol foam.