Method for Wound Infection Prevention

Abstract

A wound healing device and method that greatly reduces the risk of infection of an incision or wound by removing fluid from the subcutaneous layers of the skin. The wound healing device includes a first portion that is positioned external of, and on top of, the wound. At least one strip, cord, finger, member is in fluid communication at one end with the first portion while the second free end of the at least one strip, cord, finger, member is pushed down into the wound, in between the sutures or stapes of a closed incision. Both the first portion and the at least one strip comprise fluid absorbable material for absorbing the wound fluid. The wound healing device remains in place for approximately 1-3 days after which it is removed. Upon removal, natural temporary “type of fistulae” are formed in the subcutaneous skin layers to continue to drain wound fluids upward for another 1-2 days.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for wound healing that greatly reduces the chances for infection of an incision or wound of a patient, said method comprising:
 inserting one end of at least one fluid absorbing material inside the incision or wound;   positioning a second fluid absorbent material external of the patient and over top of the incision or wound against the skin surface and wherein a second end of said at least one fluid absorbent material is coupled to said second fluid absorbent material to be in fluid communication therewith; and   maintaining said at least one fluid absorbing material within the incision or wound and said another fluid absorbent material on top of the incision or wound for approximately 1-3 days for conveying fluid out of the incision or wound and into said another fluid absorbent material.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of removing said at least one fluid absorbing material and said another fluid absorbent material after said approximately 1-3 days. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said second portion comprises at least one strip that is physically coupled to said first portion at said second end. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein said at least one strip is a packing strip. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3  wherein said at least one strip comprises a loop. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the incision or wound is a closed wound or incision via sutures or staples and wherein said at least one strip comprises a plurality of strips, and wherein said step of inserting one end of said at least one fluid absorbing material inside a wound comprises each of said strips being inserted inside the wound or incision via respective gaps between sutures or staples of the wound. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising the step of extending each one of said plurality of strips. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said step of positioning said another fluid absorbent material external of the patient includes using an adhesive to releasably secure said another fluid absorbent material over the wound or incision. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising the step of forming type of fistulae in subcutaneous tissue of the wound or incision and up to the exterior skin level, said type of fistulae causing fluid to continue to drain upward from the wound or incision. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising the step of applying an anti-microbial composition to either or both of said at least one strand and said dressing portion prior to said step of inserting. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said step of positioning a second fluid absorbent material also comprises forming a cutaway in an edge of said second fluid absorbent material, said cutaway permitting said dressing portion to be located adjacent an item positioned in or on the skin of the patient while allowing said edge of said dressing in its entirety to make good contact with the skin surface. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said step of positioning a second fluid absorbent material also comprises forming an aperture within said dressing portion, said aperture permitting said dressing portion to be positioned over the wound or incision while making good contact with the skin surface and while permitting an item also positioned on or in the wound or incision to pass through said dressing portion.