Reduced-Pressure, Deep-Tissue Closure Systems And Methods

Abstract

A reduced-pressure, deep-tissue closure device for applying a closing force on a deep tissue includes a contractible matrix that is formed with a first plurality of apertures and which has a first side and a second, inward-facing side. The contractible matrix is for disposing proximate to the deep tissue. A reduced-pressure source is fluidly coupled to the contractible matrix and operable to deliver reduced pressure to the contractible matrix. When under reduced pressure, the contractible matrix grips the deep tissue adjacent the contractible matrix and provides a closing force on the deep tissue. A system and method are also presented.

1 .- 37 . (canceled) 
     
     
         38 . A contractible matrix adapted to be disposed proximate to a tissue site, comprising:
 a plurality of cells defined by a plurality of interconnected cell walls, wherein each cell of the plurality of cells comprises a hollow space;   a plurality of apertures on a first side of the contractible matrix, wherein each aperture of the plurality of apertures is positioned on at least one cell of the plurality of cells; and   a plurality of intercellular apertures, wherein each intercellular aperture of the plurality of intercellular apertures extends through one interconnected cell wall of the plurality of interconnected cell walls.   
     
     
         39 . The contractible matrix of  claim 38 , wherein the contractible matrix is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of: a thermal plastic elastomer and a thermoplastic urethane. 
     
     
         40 . The contractible matrix of  claim 38 , wherein each of the cells is centered around one of the plurality of apertures. 
     
     
         41 . The contractible matrix of  claim 38 , wherein the contractible matrix is operable to develop a gripping force on tissue adjacent to the first side and to move from an uncontracted position to a contracted position. 
     
     
         42 . The contractible matrix of  claim 38 , wherein the contractible matrix comprises a honeycomb matrix of thermoplastic elastomers. 
     
     
         43 . The contractible matrix of  claim 38 , wherein the plurality of cells comprise a plurality of gear-shaped cells. 
     
     
         44 . The contractible matrix of  claim 38 , wherein the contractible matrix has a central opening. 
     
     
         45 . A contractible matrix for applying a closing force proximate to a deep tissue, the contractible matrix comprising:
 a first side and a second side;   a first plurality of apertures on the first side; and   a plurality of cells each comprising an open cell portion in fluid communication with at least one aperture of the first plurality of apertures;   wherein the plurality of cells have a first volume when not under reduced pressure and a second volume when under reduced pressure, wherein the first volume is greater than the second volume.   
     
     
         46 . The contractible matrix of  claim 45 , wherein the plurality of cells further comprise a second plurality of apertures that fluidly couple the plurality of cells. 
     
     
         47 . The contractible matrix of  claim 45 , wherein the contractible matrix is operable to develop a gripping force on the deep tissue adjacent to the first side of the contractible matrix and to move from an uncontracted position to a contracted position. 
     
     
         48 . The contractible matrix of  claim 45 , wherein the contractible matrix comprises a honeycomb matrix of thermoplastic elastomers. 
     
     
         49 . The contractible matrix of  claim 45 , wherein the open cells are configured to collapse laterally and to contract. 
     
     
         50 . The contractible matrix of  claim 45 , wherein the plurality of cells are formed by a plurality of interconnected cell walls. 
     
     
         51 . The contractible matrix of  claim 45 , wherein the contractible matrix is formed from a thermal plastic elastomer (TPE) that allows for expansion and contraction in an xy-plane and maintains a nearly constant dimension in a z-plane. 
     
     
         52 . The contractible matrix of  claim 51 , further comprising strengthening members added to the contractible matrix in the direction of the z-plane to avoid collapse in that direction. 
     
     
         53 . A dressing for applying a closing force proximate to a deep tissue, the dressing comprising:
 a contractible matrix adapted to be disposed proximate to the deep tissue;   a drape having a plurality of leg members; and   an encapsulated manifold member disposed between the contractible matrix and the drape.   
     
     
         54 . The dressing of  claim 53 , wherein the contractible matrix is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of: a thermal plastic elastomer and a thermoplastic urethane. 
     
     
         55 . The dressing of  claim 53 , wherein the contractible matrix further comprises a plurality of cells, wherein each cell of the plurality of cells comprises a hollow space. 
     
     
         56 . The dressing of  claim 55 , wherein the contractible matrix further comprises a plurality of apertures, wherein each aperture of the plurality of apertures is positioned on at least one cell of the plurality of cells. 
     
     
         57 . The dressing of  claim 55 , wherein the plurality of cells comprises a honeycomb matrix of thermoplastic elastomers. 
     
     
         58 . A contractible matrix for applying a closing force to a deep tissue, comprising:
 a plurality of cells, wherein each of the plurality of cells defines a hollow space; and   a first plurality of apertures, wherein each of the plurality of cells comprises at least one of the first plurality of apertures;   wherein at least one of the plurality of cells has a honeycomb shape.   
     
     
         59 . The contractible matrix of  claim 58 , further comprising a thermoplastic elastomer. 
     
     
         60 . The contractible matrix of  claim 58 , wherein each of the plurality of cells is defined by a wall extending from a first side of the contractible matrix to a second side of the contractible matrix. 
     
     
         61 . A method of providing a closing force to a tissue in a body cavity of a patient, comprising:
 placing a contractible matrix in the body cavity adjacent the tissue, wherein the contractible matrix is formed with a first plurality of apertures, and has a first side and a second side, and having a plurality of cells, and further being formed with a second plurality of apertures for fluidly coupling the plurality of cells; and   fluidly coupling a reduced-pressure source to the contractible matrix.   
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 61 , further comprising providing reduced pressure to the contractible matrix. 
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 61 , wherein the plurality of cells have a first volume (V1) when not under reduced pressure and a second volume (V2) when under reduced pressure, and wherein V1>V2. 
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 61 , further comprising disposing a manifold member within the body cavity prior to fluidly coupling the reduced-pressure source to the contractible matrix. 
     
     
         65 . The method of  claim 61 , wherein the contractible matrix is operable to develop a gripping force on the tissue adjacent to the first side of the contractible matrix and to move from an uncontracted position to a contracted position. 
     
     
         66 . The method of  claim 61 , wherein the contractible matrix comprises a honeycomb matrix. 
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 61 , wherein the plurality of cells comprise a plurality of gear-shaped cells.