Wound dressing and method of treatment

Abstract

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to negative pressure treatment systems and wound dressing systems, apparatuses, and methods that may be used for the treatment of wounds. In particular, some embodiments are directed to improved wound dressings comprising an obscuring layer that may hide fluid contained therein. Some embodiments may further comprise one or more viewing windows disposed therethrough so as to enable monitoring or examination of fluids contained therein.

1 .- 95 . (canceled) 
     
     
         96 . An apparatus for dressing a wound for the application of topical negative pressure at a wound site, comprising:
 an absorbent layer having one or more slits configured to enhance conformability when the apparatus is applied to a non-planar or contoured wound area, the one or more slits extending at least partially across the width of the absorbent layer;   a backing layer above the absorbent layer, the backing layer having an orifice for communicating negative pressure to the wound site, wherein the orifice is positioned over a portion of the absorbent layer having no slits; and   a transmission layer configured to allow for the passage of fluid therethrough.   
     
     
         97 .- 113 . (canceled) 
     
     
         114 . The apparatus of  claim 96 , wherein each of the slits do not extend entirely across the width of the dressing. 
     
     
         115 . The apparatus of  claim 96 , wherein the slits are distributed concentrically. 
     
     
         116 . The apparatus of  claim 96 , wherein the one or more slits are arc-shaped. 
     
     
         117 . The apparatus of  claim 96 , wherein one of the at least one or more slits has a different size with another of said at least one or more slits. 
     
     
         118 . The apparatus of  claim 96 , wherein the one or more slits have an alternating pattern. 
     
     
         119 . The apparatus of  claim 96 , wherein the one or more slits comprise a cut centered adjacent an edge of the absorbent layer. 
     
     
         120 . An apparatus for dressing a wound comprising:
 an absorbent layer having one or more slits configured to enhance conformability when the apparatus is applied to a non-planar or contoured wound area, the one or more slits extending at least partially across the width of the absorbent layer;   a backing layer above the absorbent layer; and   a transmission layer configured to allow for the passage of fluid therethrough.   
     
     
         121 . The apparatus of  claim 120 , wherein each of the slits do not extend entirely across the width of the dressing. 
     
     
         122 . The apparatus of  claim 120 , wherein the slits are distributed concentrically. 
     
     
         123 . The apparatus of  claim 120 , wherein the one or more slits are arc-shaped. 
     
     
         124 . The apparatus of  claim 120 , wherein one of the at least one or more slits has a different size with another of said at least one or more slits. 
     
     
         125 . The apparatus of  claim 120 , wherein at least one slit has a different size with another slit. 
     
     
         126 . The apparatus of  claim 120 , wherein the one or more slits have an alternating pattern. 
     
     
         127 . The apparatus of  claim 120 , wherein the one or more slits comprise a cut centered adjacent an edge of the absorbent layer. 
     
     
         128 . The apparatus of  claim 120 , wherein the backing layer is moisture vapor permeable. 
     
     
         129 . The apparatus of  claim 120 , wherein the absorbent layer comprises a super absorbent material. 
     
     
         130 . The apparatus of  claim 120 , further comprising a wound contact layer below the transmission layer, wherein the wound contact layer is adhered to the backing layer, and wherein the backing layer and the wound contact layer have the same size and shape. 
     
     
         131 . The apparatus of  claim 120 , wherein the transmission layer comprises a porous material or a non-woven fabric material. 
     
     
         132 . The apparatus of  claim 120 , wherein the transmission layer is below the absorbent layer. 
     
     
         133 . The apparatus of  claim 120 , further comprising an acquisition distribution layer below the absorbent layer, wherein the acquisition distribution layer is configured to allow distribution of fluid. 
     
     
         134 . The apparatus of  claim 120 , wherein the absorbent layer is in contact with the backing layer. 
     
     
         135 . An apparatus for dressing a wound comprising:
 an absorbent layer having one or more slits configured to enhance conformability when the apparatus is applied to a non-planar or contoured wound area, the one or more slits extending at least partially across the width of the absorbent layer;   a backing layer above the absorbent layer; and   a wicking layer below the absorbent layer, the wicking layer configured to horizontally wick fluid as it is absorbed upward through to the absorbent layer.