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 skin layers. 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 staples of a closed incision. Both the first portion and the at least one strip comprise fluid absorbable material for absorbing the wound fluid. The 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 draining wound fluids upward for another 1-2 days.

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 end of said at least one fluid absorbing material to be in fluid communication with another fluid absorbent material that is positioned external of the patient and over top of the incision or wound; and   maintaining said at least one fluid absorbing material and said another fluid absorbent material within and top of the incision or wound respectively, 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  wherein said second portion comprises at least one strip that is physically coupled to said first portion at said second end. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said at least one strip comprises a loop. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  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 at least one fluid absorbing material inside a wound comprises each of said strips being inserted inside the wound via respective gaps between sutures or staples of the wound. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  further comprising the step of extending each one of said plurality of strips. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  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. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the steps of:
 removing said one end of at least one fluid absorbing material inside a wound and removing said another fluid absorbent material from over the wound; and 
 forming type of fistulae in subcutaneous tissue of the wound and up to the exterior skin level, said type of fistulae causing fluid to continue to drain upward from the wound. 
 
     
     
         8 . 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.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  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. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8  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.