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:
 forming at least one strand of a fluid absorbing material;   inserting a first end of said at least one strand inside the wound or incision;   positioning a second free end of said at least one strand to be positioned external of the patient; and   maintaining said first end of said at least one strand within the wound for approximately 1-3 days for conveying fluid out of the wound and into said strand.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of removing said at least one strand after said approximately 1-3 days. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of applying a separate fluid absorbing material against said second free end of said at least one strand to convey said fluid absorbed into said at least one strand into said separate fluid absorbing material. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  further comprising the step of removing said at least one strand and said separate fluid absorbing material after said approximately 1-3 days. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said incision or wound is a closed wound or incision and wherein said step of inserting a first end of said at least one strand comprises inserting a first end of said at least one strand inside the wound or incision in between sutures or staples of the closed wound or incision. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  further comprising the step of applying a separate fluid absorbing material against said second free end of said at least one strand to convey said fluid absorbed into said at least one strand into said separate fluid absorbing material. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising the step of removing said at least one strand and said separate fluid absorbing material after said approximately 1-3 days. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said at least one strand comprises a packing strip. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said at least one strand comprises a loop. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 3  wherein said step of positioning said separate fluid absorbing material against said second free end of said at least one strand to convey said fluid comprises using an adhesive to releasably secure said separate fluid absorbent material over the wound or incision and against the skin surface of the patient. 
     
     
         11 . 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. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 3  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. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of applying an anti-microbial composition to said at least one strand prior to positioning a second free end of said at least one strand inside the wound or incision. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 3  further comprising the step of applying an anti-microbial composition to said separate fluid absorbing material prior to said step of applying said separate fluid absorbing material against said second free end of said at least one strand. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 3  wherein said step of applying a separate fluid absorbing material against said second free end of said at least one strand also comprises forming a cutaway in an edge of said separate fluid absorbing material, said cutaway permitting said separate fluid absorbent material to be located adjacent an item positioned in or on the skin of the patient while allowing said edge of said separate fluid absorbing material in its entirety to make good contact with the skin surface. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 3  wherein said step of applying a separate fluid absorbing material against said second free end of said at least one strand also comprises forming an aperture within said separate fluid absorbing material, said aperture permitting said separate fluid absorbing material 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 separate fluid absorbing material.