Apparatus 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 wound healing device for applying within an incision or wound, said wound healing device comprising:
 at least one fluid absorbent material formed into a strand having a first end that is configured to be positioned within the incision or wound in the subcutaneous skin layer, said at least one strand further comprising a second free end that is configured to protrude out of the incision or wound, said at least one strand being a removable component.   
     
     
         2 . The wound healing device of  claim 1  further comprises a dressing portion that is configured to be placed in contact with said second free end of said at least one fluid absorbent strand, said dressing portion being a removable component. 
     
     
         3 . The wound healing device of  claim 1  wherein the incision or wound is a closed incision or wound and wherein said second free end that is configured to protrude out of the closed incision or closed wound is configured to protrude out from in between sutures or staples of the closed incision. 
     
     
         4 . The wound healing device of  claim 3  further comprises a dressing portion that is configured to be placed in contact with said second free end of said at least one fluid absorbent strand. 
     
     
         5 . The wound healing device of  claim 1  wherein said at least one strand comprises a packing strip. 
     
     
         6 . The wound healing device of  claim 1  wherein said at least one strand comprises a loop. 
     
     
         7 . The wound healing device of  claim 1  further comprising an anti-microbial composition applied to said at least one strand. 
     
     
         8 . The wound healing device of  claim 2  further comprising an anti-microbial composition applied to either or both of said at least one strand and said dressing portion. 
     
     
         9 . The wound healing device of  claim 2  wherein said dressing portion comprises an edge having a cutaway therein, said cutaway configured to permit 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. 
     
     
         10 . The wound healing device of  claim 2  wherein said dressing portion comprises an aperture therein, said aperture configured to permit 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. 
     
     
         11 . The wound healing device of  claim 2  wherein said at least one strand comprises a packing strip. 
     
     
         12 . The wound healing device of  claim 2  wherein said at least one strand comprises a loop.