GB2596842A

GB2596842A - Medical dressing

Info

Publication number: GB2596842A
Application number: GB2010504.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jaques Stephen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-07-08
Filing date: 2020-07-08
Publication date: 2022-01-12
Also published as: GB202010504D0

Abstract

A medical dressing 100 comprises: a first, deformable layer 104 having inner and outer faces, wherein the first layer 104 is configured to retain moisture at the site of a wound; and a second, water-resistant non-elastically conformable or mouldable layer 106 having inner and outer faces, wherein the inner face of the second layer 106 is in contact with the outer face of the first layer 104. Preferably the first layer 104 comprises a hydrocolloid dressing or hydrogel, and the second layer 106 comprises a composite polysulphide polymer and hardener. There may also be a third, water-resistant non-elastically conformable or mouldable layer 102 having inner and outer faces, wherein the inner face of the third layer 102 is in contact with the outer face of the second, water-resistant non-elastically conformable or mouldable layer 106. The medical dressing 100 may be in the shape of a glove, finger stall, sock, cap, trousers or vest. There is also a method of applying the medical dressing 100 wherein the dressing 100 is conformable by pressing.

Description

MEDICAL DRESSING

The present invention relates to medical dressings for covering a wound.

Cuts, abrasions and burns are typically treated using well-known first aid techniques, i.e. cleaning the wound, treating with an antiseptic and covering with a dressing.

More serious wounds which require attention from a medical professional will often require immediate and effective attention.

In both cases, it would be beneficial to provide a medical dressing that may be applied quickly and accurately in a simple manner.

Many existing medical dressings use an adhesive to secure the dressing to the skin around the affected area. It is not uncommon for this to cause an adverse or allergic reaction for the patient. In addition, it is common for the adhesive on these types of dressings to fail when wet, causing the dressing to become displaced.

Therefore, it is often necessary to restrict movement when using a dressing with adhesive to reduce the risk of the dressing becoming displaced.

It is typically beneficial to keep wounds such as burns and abrasions moist, in order to expedite the healing process.

Some dressings may be covered by bandages which are both difficult and time consuming to apply effectively for an untrained person. Moreover, bandages are typically not impervious to water, which means that whilst the wound will be moist, the surrounding skin will also be wet, and regular replacement of the dressing will be necessary.

Some existing dressings have been designed to solve some of these problems. However, such dressings are commonly made from latex which can potentially cause an anaphylactic reaction for some users.

Many of these dressings are elasticated or stretchable and so require an applicator to ensure correct application. Further, these dressings usually exert pressure on the injured area due to their elasticity, which is not appropriate treatment for all types of wound.

It would therefore be an advantage to provide a medical dressing which is suitable for use to cover a wound on a part of the body, and which alleviates the problems associated with existing dressings.

In accordance with the present invention, medical dressing comprises: a first, deformable layer having inner and outer faces, wherein the first layer is configured to retain moisture at the site of a wound; and a second, water-resistant non-elastically conformable or mouldable layer having inner and outer faces, wherein the inner face of the second layer is in contact with the outer face of the first layer.

The term "non-elastically conformable" is intended to mean that the second layer is capable of being deformed without the layer resuming its original shape when the deforming force has been removed.

The present invention therefore provides a non-elastically conformable or mouldable dressing which requires no adhesive to be in contact with the skin of a patient. The dressing also does not use latex or the like, which eliminates the possibility of an anaphylactic reaction to the patient.

The dressing is non-elastically conformable or mouldable and so can be shaped to fit around the required area, without the need for adhesive, pins, ties or additional securing means to retain the dressing over a wound. The flexibility of the dressing also allows for movement of the injured area without the dressing becoming displaced.

The dressing can be quickly and effectively applied by an untrained person, without the need for an applicator or specific first aid knowledge. Once applied, the dressing does not exert any inappropriate pressure onto the affected area, which might otherwise cause further 10 damage to the wound.

The dressing is particularly useful in medical triage systems (such as accident and emergency departments in hospitals, or in a battlefield situation), as the dressing can be rapidly and straightforwardly applied to a patient by a first responder to prevent deterioration of the patient's condition whilst the patient awaits more thorough medical attention. After application of the dressing to a patient, the first responder can then quickly move on to attend to other patients in the triage system.

Preferably, the medical dressing may comprise a third, water-resistant non-elastically conformable or mouldable layer having inner and outer faces, wherein the inner face of the third layer is in contact with the outer face of the second, non-elastically conformable or mouldable layer.

Preferably, the third layer may comprise water-resistant material.

Preferably, the third layer may comprise breathable material.

Preferably, the layers may be deformable manually.

Preferably, the layers may be bonded using an adhesive.

Preferably, the second, water-resistant non-elastically conformable or mouldable layer may comprise a plastic polymer material or a metal foil material.

Preferably, the third, water-resistant non-elastically conformable or mouldable layer may comprise a metal foil material.

Alternatively, the second, water-resistant non-elastically conformable or mouldable layer and/or the third, water resistant non-elastically conformable or mouldable layer may comprise a composite polysulphide-based material. In one aspect, the second, water-resistant non-elastically conformable layer, may comprise a composite polysulphide-based material. In another aspect, the third, water resistant non-elastically conformable or mouldable layer, may comprise a composite polysulphide-based material. In a further aspect, the second, water-resistant non-elastically conformable or mouldable layer, and the third, water resistant non-elastically conformable or mouldable layer, may comprise a composite polysulphide-based material.

Preferably, the composite polysulphide-based material may comprise a polysulphide polymer and a hardener. The ratio of the polysulphide polymer to hardener may be any suitable weight ratio such that the polysulphide-based material retain its flexibility and shape upon deformation (Le, non-elastically conformable). For example, the weight ratio of polysulphide polymer to hardener may be from 80:20 to 95:5 by weight or from 85:15 to 90:10. In another aspect, the weight ratio of polysulphide polymer to hardener may be selected from 80:20, 85:15, 90:10, and 95:5, preferably from 85:15 or 90:10, even more preferably from 90:10 by weight.

Preferably, the first, deformable moisture-retaining layer may comprise a hydrocolloid dressing.

Alternatively, the first, deformable moisture-retaining layer may comprise a hydrogel.

Preferably, the first, deformable moisture-retaining layer may be impregnated with antiseptic and/or analgesic substances.

Preferably, the first, deformable moisture-retaining layer may extend over the whole of the inner face of the second, water-resistant non-elastically conformable or mouldable layer.

Alternatively, the first, deformable moisture-retaining layer may extend over part of the inner face of the second, water-resistant non-elastically conformable or mouldable layer.

Preferably, the second, water-resistant non-elastically deformable or mouldable layer may comprise a breathable material.

The dressing may be of any suitable shape. In one arrangement, the dressing may be tubular. In another arrangement, the tubular dressing may comprise one closed end.

Alternatively, the dressing may be the shape of: (a) a glove; or (b) a finger stall; or (c) a sock; or (d) a cap; or (e) trousers; or (f) a vest.

Preferably, the dressing may be conformable by pressing.

Figure la is a perspective view of an embodiment of medical dressing in accordance with the present invention; Figure lb is an exploded assembly view of the medical dressing of Figure la: Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of medical dressing in accordance with the present invention; Figure 3a is a plan view of a third embodiment of medical dressing in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 3b is an exploded assembly view of the medical dressing of Figure 3a.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, medical dressing 100 has a laminate structure having an outer water-resistant layer 102 which is non-elastically conformable, an inner layer 104 which is configured to cause moisture to be retained at the site of a wound, and an additional non-elastically conformable, water-resistant central layer 106 positioned between the outer layer 102 and inner layer 104. The medical dressing is obround in shape, and the shape and dimensions of all three layers are identical.

The outer, non-elastically conformable, water-resistant layer 102 is made of a water-resistant or splash-proof material such as a metal foil (e.g. aluminium foil) and has a thickness of around 20 microns (0.02mm). The central, non-elastically conformable, water-resistant layer 106 is made of a plastic polymer material such as polyvinyl chloride (e.g. cling film), having a thickness of around 10 microns (0.01mm). Both of these layers 102, 106 can be deformed and can hold their deformed shape.

It is envisaged that alternative materials with different thicknesses could be used for both the outer layer 102 and the central layer 106, provided that these materials are non-elastically conformable and water-resistant. For example, a metal foil (e.g. aluminium foil) could also be used for the central layer 106, if required.

Alternatively, either or both of the outer layer 102 and the central layer 106 could be formed of a composite polysulphide-based material, comprising a polysulphide polymer and a hardener. The exact weight ratio of polysulphide polymer to hardener may be chosen based on a user's specific requirements, although a range of from 80:20 to 95:5 (polysulphide polymer to hardener) would be suitable. Further, a range of from 85:15 to 90:10 would be preferable, and a ratio of 90:10 polysulphide polymer to hardener would be more preferable again.

In the ratios defined above, the composite polysulphide-based material would be flexible and would retain its shape (i.e. non-elastically conformable) upon deformation (for example, when pressing the dressing around a patient's finger).

The inner, moisture-retaining layer 104 is made of a material such as a conventional hydrocolloid dressing, to ensure that moisture from the wound remains at the wound site.

The outer surface of the central layer 106 is bonded to the inner surface of the outer layer 102 using an adhesive. Alternatively, and depending on the particular materials used (for example, cling film), the central layer 106 may electrostatically bond to the outer water-resistant layer 102, without the need for additional adhesive.

The outer water-resistant layer 102 covers the whole outer surface of the central, non-elastically conformable layer 106 so that the outer surface of the dressing 100 is water-resistant.

The inner surface of the central, non-elastically conformable layer 106 is also bonded to the outer surface of the inner moisture-retaining layer 104, to create a laminate structure of three layers, with the non-elastically conformable central layer 106 positioned between the outer water-resistant layer 102 and the inner moisture-retaining layer 104. The dressing 100 is malleable and can retain its deformed shape when applied to a surface, or to an injury on a patient, due to the flexibility of the inner moisture-retaining layer 104 in combination with the non-elastic conformability of the central layer 106 and the outer water-resistant layer 102.

Dressing 100 will therefore be retained in position when deformed around a body part, for example a finger to be dressed.

Although the embodiment described herein has both a central water-resistant layer 106 and an outer water-resistant layer 102, it is envisaged that the medical dressing could be configured with a single water-resistant layer, if required. In one alternative configuration, the central layer 106 may be removed, so that the inner surface of the outer water-resistant layer 102 is bonded to the outer surface of the inner moisture-retaining layer 104. In another alternative configuration, the outer layer 102 may instead be removed, leaving a dressing formed from the inner layer 104 and the central water-resistant layer 106.

In the second embodiment shown in Figure 2, medical dressing 200 has a laminate structure which is identical to that of medical dressing 100 shown in Figure 1.

The medical dressing 200 is tubular, and comprises two open ends 208a, 208b. The outer diameter of dressing 200 is approximately 30mm, and dressing 200 is approximately 85mm in length, so that dressing 200 is suitable for covering a wound on an injured finger of a patient.

The patient's injured finger is inserted through first open end 208a of the dressing such that the dressing is positioned around the finger. The dressing 200 is then manually pressed or squeezed into position, so that the central, non-elastically conformable layer 206 and the outer water-resistant layer 202 conform to the size and shape of the patient's finger. The dressing 200 is then moulded to the correct shape of the finger and will be retained in position around the finger. No additional securing means are required to keep the dressing in place.

The inner moisture-retaining layer 204 of dressing 200 is in direct contact with the wound or injury. The second open end 208b of the dressing 200 is pressed over the distal end of the finger so that the dressing 200 is sealed.

The non-elastically conformable central and outer layers retain the dressing 200 in its deformed shape after being manually pressed into position. However, the dressing 200 is also flexible, and conforms to movement of the finger without the becoming displaced. Once the deforming force has been removed, dressing 200 does not exert additional pressure on the injured finger, thus avoiding further damage to the wound.

In an alternative configuration, a medical dressing may have an identical laminate structure to that of dressing 100, similar to tubular medical dressing 200. However, in this alternative configuration an open end 208b of the dressing may instead be closed. The injured finger of a patient is inserted into the opposite open end 208a, and the dressing is pressed into position such that the central, non-elastically conformable layer 206 conforms to the shape and size of the patient's finger. A tubular medical dressing with a closed end may be used to treat injuries on the end of the patient's finger. It is also envisaged that a tubular medical dressing with a closed end may be configured in the shape of a finger stall.

Figure 3a shows a plan view of the glove 300, including the glove-shaped enclosure 302. The dashed line displays the position of the non-elastically conformable layer 306 and the inner moisture-retaining layer 304 within the glove shaped enclosure 302. Figure 3b shows an exploded view of the glove 300, in which the configuration of the non-elastically conformable layer 306 and the inner moisture-retaining layer 304 is more clearly displayed.

In an alternative configuration, the medical dressing is a glove shaped dressing having a similar structure to glove 300, although both the non-elastically conformable central layer and the outer, non-elastically conformable water-resistant layer are in the shape of a glove. In this alternative configuration, one or more pieces of moisture-retaining layer extend over part of the inner face of the non-elastically conformable central layer in the finger portions of the glove shaped dressing. The exact positions of the pieces of inner moisture-retaining layer may be altered in order to suit a particular purpose. Alternatively, the inner moisture-retaining layer extends over the whole of the inner surface of the central layer. In use, these dressings will be pulled over the hand, and the fingers of the dressing are pressed into place such that the central layer and the outer water-resistant layer conform to the shape of the patient's hand, to retain the dressing in position.

Although Figure 3a shows a glove shaped dressing 300 with closed ends for each of a patient's fingers, it is alternatively envisaged that a glove shaped dressing may have open ends. Additionally, the glove shaped dressing may be provided with an extended gauntlet or sleeve section.

Similarly, a dressing with a similar structure to the glove shaped dressing 300 may be provided to fit a patient's foot. Such a dressing may be configured as a sock that covers a patient's foot and extends up the patient's leg to a desired position. This sock-type dressing may have a closed end or an open end, as required.

It is further envisaged that a medical dressing similar to tubular medical dressing 200 but with a larger diameter may be used, with this larger dressing being suitable for covering a patient's wounded arm or leg. In use, a dressing is selected with a diameter appropriate to the limb to which the dressing is to be applied. In particular a dressing is selected with a diameter which is slightly larger than the diameter of the largest region of the limb to which the dressing is to be applied. The dressing is then slidably disposed over the limb and pressed into position.

Furthermore, it is envisaged that a medical dressing with a laminate structure as described above could be configured in the shape of a cap, for application to a patient's head.

Alternatively, a medical dressing with this laminate structure could be configured in the shape of trousers or a vest, for application to a patient's legs or torso respectively.

In all of the described embodiments, the medical dressing can typically be applied manually and without requiring assistance from another person. The deformable layer of the dressing means that the dressing can be applied and retained over the wounded area without requiring any additional retaining means or any adhesive to be in contact with the patient's skin.

The non-elastically conformable central and outer layers of the dressing conform to the contours of the patient's limb to provide a firm seal. After being pressed into position, the dressing does not exert any additional pressure onto the affected area. The outer water-resistant layer of the dressing protects the wound from dirt and liquids or other materials to which the wounded limb may be exposed. The inner moisture-retaining layer is in contact with the wound, in order to ensure that the wound remains moist.

It is envisaged that the moisture-retaining layer may not cover the whole inner surface of the central, non-elastically conformable layer, provided that the moisture-retaining layer is disposed on at least part the inner surface of the central, non-elastically conformable layer and can be in contact with a desired area when applied.

For example, in the embodiment which shows tubular medical dressing 200, the moisture-retaining layer may be provided around the circumference of the inner surface of the central, non-elastically conformable layer 206, proximate to open end 208b. In an embodiment where the dressing is shaped as a glove, the moisture-retaining layer may be disposed only on the inner surface of the central, non-elastically conformable layer at the finger portions of the glove, or alternatively only on the hand portion Either of these configurations may be selected, depending on the needs of the patient.

While the embodiments describe an inner moisture-retaining layer which is made from a hydrocolloid dressing, it is envisaged that alternative materials may be used, provided that they support the retention of moisture at the site of a wound. The inner layer may also have a thin porous polymer coating to minimise the possibility of the inner layer sticking to the wound. The inner layer may alternatively be formed from a hydrogel type product.

One, more than one, or all of the layers may be formed from a water-resistant material.

One, more than one, or all of the layers may be formed from a breathable material.

Additionally, it is envisaged that the moisture-retaining layer may be impregnated with anti-septic and/or analgesic substances.

While the embodiments describe a separate water-resistant or splash-proof layer that is adhered to the central, non-elastically conformable layer by means of an adhesive, it is envisaged that the outer waterproof layer may consist of a water-resistant or splash-proof coating to cover the outer surface of the central, non-elastically conformable layer.

It is also envisaged that the dressing will be suitable for uses other than covering wounds, such as holding a cannula in place on the back of a patient's hand, or as an additional cover over a traditional bandage.

It is further envisaged that the medical dressing will be packaged in a sterile packaging.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A medical dressing comprising: a first, deformable layer having inner and outer faces, wherein the first layer is configured to retain moisture at the site of a wound; and a second, water-resistant non-elastically conformable or mouldable layer having inner and outer faces, wherein the inner face of the second layer is in contact with the outer face of the first layer.
2. A medical dressing as claimed in claim 1, comprising a third, water-resistant non-elastically conformable or mouldable layer having inner and outer faces, wherein the inner face of the third layer is in contact with the outer face of the second, non-elastically conformable or mouldable layer.
3. A medical dressing as claimed in claim 2, wherein the third layer comprises water-resistant material.
4. A medical dressing as claimed in claim 2, wherein the third layer comprises breathable material A medical dressing as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the layers are deformable manually.6 A medical dressing as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the layers are bonded using an adhesive.7 A medical dressing as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the second, water-resistant non-elastically conformable or mouldable layer comprises a plastic polymer material or a metal foil material.8. A medical dressing as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the third, water-resistant non-elastically conformable or mouldable layer comprises a metal foil material.9 A medical dressing as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second, water-resistant non-elastically conformable or mouldable layer and/or the third, water resistant non-elastically conformable or mouldable layer comprises a composite polysulphide-based material.A medical dressing as claimed in claim 9, wherein the composite polysulphide-based material comprises a polysulphide polymer and a hardener.11. A medical dressing as claimed in claim 10, wherein the weight ratio of polysulphide polymer to hardener is from 80:20 to 95:5.12. A medical dressing as claimed in any one of claims 10 and 11, wherein the weight ratio of polysulphide polymer to hardener is between 85:15 to 90:10.13. A medical dressing as claimed in any one of claims 10-12, wherein the weight ratio of polysulphide polymer to hardener is 90:10 by weight.14. A medical dressing as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first, deformable moisture-retaining layer comprises a hydrocolloid dressing.A medical dressing as claimed in any of claims 1-13, wherein the first, deformable moisture-retaining layer comprises hydrogel.16. A medical dressing as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first, deformable moisture-retaining layer is impregnated with antiseptic and/or analgesic substances.17. A medical dressing as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first, deformable moisture-retaining layer extends over the whole of the inner face of the second, water-resistant non-elastically conformable or mouldable layer.18 A medical dressing as claimed in any of claims 1 to 16, wherein the first, deformable moisture-retaining layer extends over part of the inner face of the second, water-resistant non-elastically conformable or mouldable layer.19. A medical dressing as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the second, water-resistant non-elastically deformable or mouldable layer comprises breathable material.20. A medical dressing as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the dressing is tubular.21 A medical dressing as claimed in claim 20, wherein the tubular dressing comprises one closed end.22. A medical dressing as claimed in any of claims 1 to 19, wherein the dressing is the shape of: (a) a glove; or (b) a finger stall; or (c) a sock; or (d) a cap, or (e) trousers; or (f) a vest 23 A method for applying the medical dressing of any of the preceding claims, wherein the dressing is conformable by pressing.