JPWO2020245721A5

JPWO2020245721A5 -

Info

Publication number: JPWO2020245721A5
Application number: JP2021571672A
Authority: JP
Publication date: 2023-06-16

Description

本明細書で言及した全ての参考文献及び刊行物は、これらが本開示に直接矛盾し得る場合を除き、これらの全体が参照により本開示に明示的に組み込まれる。具体的な実施形態を本明細書において記述したが、様々な代替及び／又は等価な実施により、図示及び記載した具体的な実施形態を、本開示の範囲を逸脱することなく置き換え可能であることが、当業者により理解されるであろう。本開示は、本明細書に記載される実施形態及び実施例によって不当に制限されるものではないこと、並びにそのような実施例及び実施形態は、特許請求の範囲によってのみ制限されることが意図される本開示の範囲内の単なる例示として示されることを理解されたい。
なお、以上の各実施形態に加えて以下の態様について付記する。
（付記１）
第１主面と、第２主面と、前記第１主面及び前記第２主面のそれぞれの上にバッキング領域を画定する周辺部と、を含むバッキング層と、
前記バッキング層の前記第１主面の少なくとも一部分上の接着剤であって、前記バッキング層及び前記接着剤が、実質的な接触透明バッキング層／接着剤複合体を形成している、接着剤と、
前記バッキング層に固定的に取り付けられた補剛システムであって、前記補剛システムが、前記バッキング層の選択された領域内に収容され、前記選択された領域が、領域周辺部を画定している、補剛システムと、
を備え、
前記補剛システムが、前記選択された領域の前記領域周辺部内に収容された複数の細長い補剛要素を含み、前記複数の補剛要素の各補剛要素は、第１端部から第２端部までの長さに沿って延びており、前記複数の補剛要素の各補剛要素の前記第１端部が、前記第２端部よりも前記選択された領域の中心に近接して配置され、前記複数の補剛要素の各補剛要素の前記第２端部が、前記第１端部よりも前記領域周辺部に近接して配置され、更に、前記補剛システムによって占有されていない前記選択された領域は、任意選択的に、実質的な接触透明性を有する、医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記２）
前記補剛システムの前記補剛要素のうちの１つ以上が、透明な補剛要素を含み、前記透明な補剛要素は、白色光に曝露されたときに前記透明な補剛要素が選択された色を呈するように着色剤を任意選択的に含む、付記１に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記３）
前記補剛システムの前記補剛要素のうちの１つ以上が、不透明な補剛要素を含み、前記不透明な補剛要素は、白色光に曝露されたときに前記不透明な補剛要素が選択された色を呈するように、任意選択的に着色剤を含む、付記１に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記４）
前記領域周辺部の少なくとも一部分が、前記バッキング層の前記周辺部から内方に離間されている、付記１～３のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記５）
前記領域周辺部の少なくとも一部分が、前記バッキング層の前記周辺部と一致している、付記１～３のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記６）
前記領域周辺部及び前記バッキング層の前記周辺部が、前記領域周辺部と前記バッキング層の前記周辺部との間の境界を画定するように、前記領域周辺部が、前記バッキング層の前記周辺部から内方に離間されている、付記１～３のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記７）
前記選択された領域が、前記バッキング層の中心に置かれている、付記１～６のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記８）
前記複数の補剛要素の各補剛要素の前記第２端部が、前記バッキング層の前記周辺部から内方に離間されており、前記バッキング層によって完全に囲まれている、付記１～７のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記９）
前記バッキング層が幾何学的中心を含み、前記選択された領域が幾何学的中心を含み、更に、前記バッキング層の前記幾何学的中心と前記選択された領域の前記幾何学的中心とが互いに一致している、付記１～８のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記１０）
前記バッキング層が幾何学的中心を含み、前記選択された領域が幾何学的中心を含み、更に、前記バッキング層の前記幾何学的中心と前記選択された領域の前記幾何学的中心とが互いにオフセットされている、付記１～８のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記１１）
前記複数の補剛要素のうちの２つ以上の補剛要素の幅が、前記補剛要素の長さに沿って均一である、付記１～１０のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記１２）
前記複数の補剛要素の前記第２端部が補剛システム周辺部を画定し、前記バッキング層の前記幾何学的中心が前記補剛システム周辺部内に位置する、付記１～１１のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記１３）
前記選択された領域が、前記バッキング領域の５０％以上を占有している、付記１～１２のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記１４）
前記補剛システムが、前記選択された領域の５０％以下を占有している、付記１～１２のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記１５）
前記複数の補剛要素のうちの２つ以上の補剛要素の前記第２端部が、前記バッキング層の前記周辺部まで延びている、付記１～１４のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記１６）
前記複数の補剛要素の全ての補剛要素の前記第２端部が前記バッキング層によって囲まれるように、前記複数の補剛要素の全ての補剛要素の前記第２端部が前記バッキング層周辺部から内方に離間されている、付記１～１５のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記１７）
前記複数の補剛要素のうちの２つ以上の補剛要素の前記第１端部が互いに取り付けられている、付記１～１６のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記１８）
前記補剛システムが、前記幾何学的中心の近傍に中央支持部を備え、前記複数の補剛要素のうちの２つ以上の補剛要素の前記第１端部が、前記中央支持部に取り付けられている、付記１～１７のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記１９）
前記中央支持部がリングを含み、前記リングが、前記リング内に位置する中央支持開口部を画定する、付記１８に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記２０）
前記複数の補剛要素のうちの２つ以上の補剛要素が、前記２つ以上の補剛要素の前記第２端部の補剛軸から離れて外方に延びる複数の分岐部を含む、付記１～１９のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記２１）
前記複数の補剛要素のうちの２つ以上の補剛要素が、前記２つ以上の補剛要素の前記第２端部の前記補剛軸から離れて外方に延びる複数の分岐部を含み、前記複数の分岐部の各分岐部が、前記補剛要素の前記補剛軸から、前記バッキング層の前記周辺部に向かって延びている、付記１～１９のいずれか一項に記載の方法。
（付記２２）
前記バッキング層が、バッキング層弾性率を有し、前記補剛システムが、補剛システム弾性率を有し、前記補剛システム弾性率が前記バッキング層弾性率よりも高い、付記１～２１のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記２３）
前記複数の補剛要素の各補剛要素が、前記補剛要素が固定的に取り付けられた前記バッキング層の部分のバッキング層曲げ剛性よりも大きい補剛要素曲げ剛性を有する、付記１～２２のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記２４）
前記補剛システムが、ポリマーフィルム又は硬化ポリマーを含む、付記１～２３のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記２５）
前記医療用ドレッシング材が、前記選択された領域を画定する内側周辺部を有する支持材料を備え、前記支持材料が、前記選択された領域の外側で前記バッキング層に取り付けられている、付記１～２４のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記２６）
第１主面と、第２主面と、前記バッキング層の幾何学的中心を画定する周辺部と、を含むバッキング層と、
前記バッキング層の前記第１主面の少なくとも一部分上の接着剤であって、前記バッキング層及び前記接着剤が、接触透明接着剤複合体を提供する、接着剤と、
前記バッキング層に固定的に取り付けられた補剛システムであって、複数の補剛要素のアレイを含む、補剛システムと、
を備え、前記複数の補剛要素の各補剛要素が、
第１端部と、前記第１端部から遠位に位置する第２端部とであって、前記第１端部が、前記第２端部よりも前記バッキング層の前記幾何学的中心に近接して配置され、前記第２端部が、前記第１端部よりも前記バッキング層の前記周辺部に近接して配置されている、第１端部及び第２端部と、
前記補剛要素の前記第１端部から前記第２端部まで延びる補剛軸を画定する長さと、前記長さよりも短い、前記長さを横断して測定される前記補剛要素の幅と、を含み、
前記補剛軸が、前記第１端部から離れて、前記バッキング層の前記周辺部に向かって延びている、医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記２７）
前記補剛システムの前記補剛要素のうちの１つ以上が、透明な補剛要素又は不透明な補剛要素を含む、付記２６に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記２８）
前記複数の補剛要素のうちの２つ以上の補剛要素の前記幅が、前記補剛要素の前記長さに沿って均一である、付記２６又は２７に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記２９）
前記複数の補剛要素の前記第２端部が補剛システム周辺部を画定し、前記バッキング層の前記幾何学的中心が前記補剛システム周辺部内に位置する、付記２６～２８のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記３０）
前記複数の補剛要素の前記第２端部が補剛システム周辺部を画定し、前記補剛システム周辺部が、前記バッキング層の前記幾何学的中心の近傍の補剛システム幾何学的中心を画定する、付記２６～２９のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記３１）
前記複数の補剛要素の前記第２端部が補剛システム周辺部を画定し、前記補剛システム周辺部が、前記バッキング層の前記第１主面によって画定されるバッキング領域の５０％以上を占有する補剛システム領域を画定する、付記２６～３０のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記３２）
前記複数の補剛要素の前記第２端部が補剛システム周辺部を画定し、前記補剛システム周辺部が補剛システム領域を画定し、前記補剛システム領域が、前記バッキング層の前記バッキング領域の９５％以下を占有している、付記２６～３１のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記３３）
前記複数の補剛要素の前記第２端部が前記バッキング層によって囲まれるように、前記複数の補剛要素の前記第２端部が、前記バッキング層周辺部から内方に離間されている、付記２６～３２のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記３４）
前記複数の補剛要素のうちの２つ以上の補剛要素の前記第１端部が互いに取り付けられている、付記２６～３３のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記３５）
前記補剛システムが、前記幾何学的中心に近接する中央支持部を備え、前記複数の補剛要素のうちの２つ以上の補剛要素の前記第１端部が、前記中央支持部に取り付けられている、付記２６～３４のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記３６）
前記中央支持部がリングを含み、前記リングが、前記リング内に位置する中央支持開口部を画定する、付記３５に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記３７）
前記複数の補剛要素のうちの２つ以上の補剛要素が、前記２つ以上の補剛要素の前記第２端部の前記補剛軸から離れて外方に延びる複数の分岐部を含む、付記２６～３６のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記３８）
前記バッキング層が、バッキング層弾性率を有し、前記補剛システムが、補剛システム弾性率を有し、前記補剛システム弾性率が前記バッキング層弾性率よりも高い、付記２６～３７のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記３９）
前記補剛システムの補剛要素が、前記補剛要素が固定的に取り付けられた前記バッキング層の部分のバッキング層曲げ剛性よりも大きい補剛要素曲げ剛性を有する、付記２６～３８のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記４０）
前記補剛システムが、ポリマーフィルム又は硬化ポリマーから本質的になる、付記２６～３９のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記４１）
第１主面と、第２主面と、前記バッキング層の幾何学的中心を画定する周辺部と、を含むバッキング層と、
前記バッキング層の前記第１主面の少なくとも一部分上の接着剤であって、前記バッキング層及び前記接着剤が、接触透明接着剤複合体を提供する、接着剤と、
前記バッキング層に固定的に取り付けられた補剛システムであって、前記バッキング層上に配置された複数の入れ子型補剛要素を含み、前記複数の入れ子型補剛要素の各補剛要素が、リング長よりも小さい径方向幅を有するリングを画定し、前記径方向幅が、前記リングの中心から外方に延びる径方向軸に沿って画定され、前記リング長が、前記径方向幅の中心に従う線に沿って画定される、補剛システムと、
を備える、医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記４２）
前記複数の入れ子型補剛要素の隣接する補剛要素の対の間の径方向間隔が、前記補剛要素のうちの１つの中心から径方向外方に移動するときに均一である、付記４１に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記４３）
前記複数の入れ子型補剛要素のうちの２つ以上の補剛要素が、不連続リングを含む、付記４１又は４２に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記４４）
前記複数の入れ子型補剛要素の最外補剛要素が、前記最外補剛要素が前記バッキング層によって囲まれるように、前記バッキング層周辺部から内方に離間されている、付記４１～４３のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記４５）
第１主面と、第２主面と、前記バッキング層の幾何学的中心を画定する周辺部と、を含むバッキング層と、
前記バッキング層の前記第１主面の少なくとも一部分上の接着剤であって、前記バッキング層及び前記接着剤が、接触透明接着剤複合体を提供する、接着剤と、
前記バッキング層に固定的に取り付けられた補剛システムであって、前記補剛システムが、前記バッキング層にわたって選択された方向に延びる補剛軸を画定し、前記補剛システムが、前記バッキング層上に複数の補剛要素を含む、補剛システムと、
を備え、
前記複数の補剛要素の各補剛要素が、
第１端部及び第２端部であって、前記第１端部及び前記第２端部を通って延びる長手軸に沿った長さと、前記長手軸を横断して測定される幅と、を画定する第１端部と第２端部を含み、前記第１端部及び前記第２端部が、前記バッキング層の前記周辺部から内方に離間されており、前記長手軸が、前記補剛システムの前記補剛軸と整合されている、医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記４６）
前記複数の補剛要素のうちの１つ以上の補剛要素が、前記１つ以上の補剛要素の前記第１端部と前記第２端部との間で直線状に延びている、付記４５に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記４７）
前記複数の補剛要素のうちの１つ以上の補剛要素が、前記１つ以上の補剛要素の前記第１端部から前記第２端部まで連続的に延びている、付記４５又は４６に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記４８）
前記複数の補剛要素のうちの２つ以上の補剛要素が、複数の個別セグメントを含む不連続な補剛要素を含み、前記２つ以上の補剛要素内の前記複数の個別セグメントの隣接セグメントが、間隙によって互いに分離されて、前記２つ以上の補剛要素のそれぞれが複数の間隙を含む、付記４５～４７のいずれか一項に記載の装置。
（付記４９）
前記２つ以上の補剛要素の前記間隙が、前記補剛軸を横断する方向に整合されていない、付記４８に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記５０）
前記複数の補剛要素の前記第１端部及び前記第２端部が、前記複数の補剛要素の前記第１端部及び前記第２端部が前記バッキング層によって囲まれるように、前記バッキング層周辺部から内方に離間されている、付記４５～４９のいずれか一項に記載の医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記５１）
第１主面と、第２主面と、前記第１主面及び前記第２主面のそれぞれの上にバッキング領域を画定する周辺部と、を含むバッキング層と、
前記バッキング層の前記第１主面の少なくとも一部分上の接着剤であって、前記バッキング層及び前記接着剤が、実質的な接触透明バッキング層／接着剤複合体を形成する、接着剤と、
前記バッキング層に固定的に取り付けられた補剛システムであって、前記補剛システムが、前記バッキング層の選択された領域内に収容され、前記選択された領域が、領域周辺部を画定する、補剛システムと、
を備え、
前記補剛システムが、前記選択された領域の前記領域周辺部内に収容された複数の細長い補剛要素を含み、前記複数の補剛要素の各補剛要素が、第１端部から第２端部までの長さに沿って延び、前記複数の補剛要素の各補剛要素の前記第１端部が、前記第２端部よりも前記選択された領域の中心に近接して配置され、前記複数の補剛要素の各補剛要素の前記第２端部が、前記第１端部よりも前記領域周辺部に近接して配置され、更に、前記補剛システムによって占有されていない前記選択された領域が、実質的な接触透明性を有する、医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記５２）
第１主面と、第２主面と、周辺部と、を含むバッキング層と、
前記バッキング層の前記第１主面の少なくとも一部分上の接着剤と、
前記バッキング層に固定的に取り付けられた補剛システムであって、前記補剛システムが、前記バッキング層の選択された内部領域内に収容され、前記選択された内部領域が、前記バッキング層の前記周辺部から内方に離間されている、補剛システムと、
を備え、
前記補剛システムが、前記選択された内部領域内に収容された複数の補剛要素を含み、前記複数の補剛要素が、複数の入れ子型補剛要素を含み、前記複数の入れ子型補剛要素の各補剛要素が、前記選択された内部領域内に配置されたリングを画定し、更に、前記複数の入れ子型補剛要素のうちの最外補剛要素が、前記バッキング層周辺部から内方に離間されており、前記バッキング層によって完全に囲まれている、医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記５３）
第１主面と、第２主面と、周辺部と、を含むバッキング層と、
前記バッキング層の前記第１主面の少なくとも一部分上の接着剤と、
前記バッキング層に固定的に取り付けられた補剛システムであって、前記補剛システムが、前記バッキング層の選択された内部領域内に収容され、前記選択された内部領域が、前記バッキング層の前記周辺部から内方に離間されている、補剛システムと、
を備え、
前記補剛システムが、前記選択された内部領域にわたって選択された方向に延びる補剛軸を画定し、前記補剛システムが、複数の補剛要素を含み、
前記複数の補剛要素の各補剛要素が、
第１端部及び第２端部であって、前記第１端部及び前記第２端部を通って延びる長手軸に沿った長さと、前記長手軸を横断して測定される幅と、を画定する第１端部及び第２端部を含み、
前記第１端部及び前記第２端部が、前記選択された内部領域内に配置され、前記第１及び第２端部が前記バッキング層によって完全に囲まれるように、前記バッキング層の前記周辺部から内方に離間されており、
前記長手軸が、前記補剛システムの前記補剛軸と整合されている、医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記５４）
第１主面と、第２主面と、中央領域を囲む周辺部と、を含むバッキング層と、
前記バッキング層の前記第１主面の少なくとも一部分上の接着剤と、
前記バッキング層に固定的に取り付けられた補剛システムと、
を備え、
前記補剛システムが複数の補剛要素を備え、前記複数の補剛要素の各補剛要素が、前記中央領域にある第１端部と、前記第１端部から遠位に位置し、前記周辺部の近傍だが前記周辺部にはない第２端部とを含み、
各補剛要素第２端部が、接着剤を含む前記バッキング層によって囲まれている、医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記５５）
基材上のデバイスを覆うための医療用ドレッシング材であって、
第１主面と、第２主面と、中央領域を囲む周辺部と、を含むバッキング層と、
前記バッキング層の前記第１主面の少なくとも一部分上の接着剤と、
前記バッキング層に固定的に取り付けられた補剛システムと、
を備え、
前記補剛システムが複数の補剛要素を備え、前記複数の補剛要素の各補剛要素が、前記中央領域にある第１端部と、前記第１端部から遠位に位置し、前記周辺部の近傍だが前記周辺部にはない第２端部とを含み、
各補剛要素第２端部が、接着剤を含む前記バッキング層によって囲まれており、
前記補剛システムの少なくとも一部分が前記デバイスの上に適用され、前記補剛要素の前記第２端部が前記基材に適用される、医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記５６）
第１主面と、第２主面と、中央領域を囲む周辺部と、を含むバッキング層と、
前記バッキング層の前記第１主面の少なくとも一部分上の接着剤と、
前記バッキング層上の補剛システムと、
を備え、
前記補剛システムが、
前記中央領域内に位置する第１リング状補剛要素と、
前記第１リング状補剛要素を囲む第２リング状補剛要素であって、前記バッキング層の前記周辺部から内方に離間された第２リング状補剛要素と、
を備え、
各リング状補剛要素が、接着剤を含む前記バッキング層によって囲まれている、医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記５７）
基材の上のデバイスを覆うための医療用ドレッシング材であって、
第１主面と、第２主面と、中央領域を囲む周辺部と、を含むバッキング層と、
前記バッキング層の前記第１主面の少なくとも一部分上の接着剤と、
前記バッキング層上の補剛システムと、
を備え、
前記補剛システムが、
前記中央領域における第１径方向延在補剛要素と、
前記周辺部の近傍だが前記周辺部にはない第２径方向延在補剛要素と、
を備え、
各補剛要素が、接着剤を含む前記バッキング層によって囲まれており、
前記補剛システムの少なくとも一部分が前記デバイスの上に適用され、前記第２補剛要素が前記基材に適用される、医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記５８）
第１主面と、第２主面と、周辺部と、を含むバッキング層と、
前記バッキング層の前記第１主面の少なくとも一部分上の接着剤と、
前記バッキング層に固定的に取り付けられた補剛システムであって、先行する付記のいずれか一項に記載の補剛システムの任意の１つ以上の特徴部を備える補剛システムと、
を備える、医療用ドレッシング材。
（付記５９）
カテーテル挿入部位の近傍の血管の開通性を向上させる方法であって、
カテーテル挿入部位の上に、付記１～５８のいずれか一項に記載の補剛システムを備える医療用ドレッシング材を位置決めすることと、
前記補剛システムの一対の補剛要素が前記カテーテル挿入部位の両側に位置するように、前記医療用ドレッシング材を前記挿入部位の近傍の皮膚に接着的に取り付けることと、を含む、方法。 All references and publications mentioned herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety into this disclosure, except to the extent they may directly contradict this disclosure. While specific embodiments have been described herein, various alternatives and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the disclosure. will be understood by those skilled in the art. The present disclosure should not be unduly limited by the embodiments and examples described herein, and such examples and embodiments are intended to be limited only by the claims. It should be understood that this is provided merely as an example within the scope of the present disclosure.
In addition to the above embodiments, the following aspects will be added.
(Appendix 1)
a backing layer comprising a first major surface, a second major surface, and a perimeter defining a backing region on each of said first and second major surfaces;
an adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the backing layer, wherein the backing layer and the adhesive form a substantially contacting transparent backing layer/adhesive composite; ,
A stiffening system fixedly attached to the backing layer, the stiffening system contained within a selected area of the backing layer, the selected area defining an area perimeter. a stiffening system, and
with
The stiffening system includes a plurality of elongated stiffening elements housed within the area perimeter of the selected area, each stiffening element of the plurality of stiffening elements extending from a first end to a second end. and the first end of each stiffening element of the plurality of stiffening elements is located closer to the center of the selected area than the second end. and the second end of each stiffening element of the plurality of stiffening elements is positioned closer to the region perimeter than the first end, and is not occupied by the stiffening system. A medical dressing, wherein the selected areas optionally have substantial contact transparency.
(Appendix 2)
one or more of the stiffening elements of the stiffening system comprise transparent stiffening elements, wherein the transparent stiffening elements are selected when exposed to white light; 10. The medical dressing of paragraph 1, optionally comprising a coloring agent to provide a different color.
(Appendix 3)
one or more of the stiffening elements of the stiffening system comprise opaque stiffening elements, wherein the opaque stiffening elements are selected when exposed to white light; 10. The medical dressing of paragraph 1, optionally comprising a coloring agent so as to provide a different color.
(Appendix 4)
4. The medical dressing of any one of Appendixes 1-3, wherein at least a portion of the region perimeter is spaced inwardly from the perimeter of the backing layer.
(Appendix 5)
4. The medical dressing according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, wherein at least a portion of the area perimeter coincides with the perimeter of the backing layer.
(Appendix 6)
The area perimeter is aligned with the perimeter of the backing layer such that the area perimeter and the perimeter of the backing layer define a boundary between the area perimeter and the perimeter of the backing layer. 4. The medical dressing of any one of clauses 1-3, wherein the dressing is inwardly spaced from.
(Appendix 7)
7. The medical dressing of any one of clauses 1-6, wherein the selected area is centered on the backing layer.
(Appendix 8)
Clauses 1-7, wherein said second end of each stiffening element of said plurality of stiffening elements is spaced inwardly from said perimeter of said backing layer and is completely surrounded by said backing layer Medical dressing material according to any one of.
(Appendix 9)
wherein the backing layer includes a geometric center, the selected area includes a geometric center, and the geometric center of the backing layer and the geometric center of the selected area are relative to each other; A medical dressing according to any one of appendices 1 to 8, which is consistent.
(Appendix 10)
wherein the backing layer includes a geometric center, the selected area includes a geometric center, and the geometric center of the backing layer and the geometric center of the selected area are relative to each other; The medical dressing according to any one of appendices 1 to 8, which is offset.
(Appendix 11)
11. The medical dressing according to any one of the appendices 1 to 10, wherein widths of two or more stiffening elements of the plurality of stiffening elements are uniform along the length of the stiffening elements. .
(Appendix 12)
12. Any one of Clauses 1-11, wherein the second ends of the plurality of stiffening elements define a stiffening system perimeter, and wherein the geometric center of the backing layer is located within the stiffening system perimeter. Medical dressing material according to the paragraph.
(Appendix 13)
13. The medical dressing according to any one of the appendices 1-12, wherein the selected area occupies 50% or more of the backing area.
(Appendix 14)
13. A medical dressing according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein said stiffening system occupies no more than 50% of said selected area.
(Appendix 15)
15. The medical device according to any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the second ends of two or more stiffening elements of the plurality of stiffening elements extend to the perimeter of the backing layer. dressing material.
(Appendix 16)
The second ends of all stiffening elements of the plurality of stiffening elements are bounded by the backing layer such that the second ends of all stiffening elements of the plurality of stiffening elements are surrounded by the backing layer. 16. The medical dressing of any one of clauses 1-15, spaced inwardly from the perimeter.
(Appendix 17)
17. The medical dressing of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first ends of two or more stiffening elements of the plurality of stiffening elements are attached to each other.
(Appendix 18)
The stiffening system comprises a central support near the geometric center, and the first ends of two or more stiffening elements of the plurality of stiffening elements are attached to the central support. The medical dressing material according to any one of appendices 1 to 17, wherein
(Appendix 19)
19. The medical dressing of paragraph 18, wherein the central support includes a ring, the ring defining a central support opening located within the ring.
(Appendix 20)
two or more stiffening elements of the plurality of stiffening elements include a plurality of branches extending outwardly away from a stiffening axis of the second ends of the two or more stiffening elements; The medical dressing material according to any one of Appendices 1 to 19.
(Appendix 21)
Two or more stiffening elements of the plurality of stiffening elements include a plurality of branches extending outwardly away from the stiffening axis of the second ends of the two or more stiffening elements. 20. A method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein each branch of said plurality of branches extends from said stiffening axis of said stiffening element towards said periphery of said backing layer. .
(Appendix 22)
22. Any of Clauses 1-21, wherein the backing layer has a backing layer modulus, the stiffening system has a stiffening system modulus, and the stiffening system modulus is higher than the backing layer modulus. or the medical dressing material according to item 1.
(Appendix 23)
Claims 1-22, wherein each stiffening element of the plurality of stiffening elements has a stiffening element bending stiffness greater than the backing layer bending stiffness of the portion of the backing layer to which the stiffening element is fixedly attached. Medical dressing material according to any one of the paragraphs.
(Appendix 24)
24. A medical dressing according to any one of the clauses 1-23, wherein the stiffening system comprises a polymer film or a cured polymer.
(Appendix 25)
Clauses 1-, wherein said medical dressing comprises a support material having an inner perimeter defining said selected area, said support material being attached to said backing layer outside said selected area 25. The medical dressing according to any one of 24.
(Appendix 26)
a backing layer comprising a first major surface, a second major surface, and a perimeter defining the geometric center of said backing layer;
an adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the backing layer, wherein the backing layer and the adhesive provide a contact transparent adhesive composite;
a stiffening system fixedly attached to the backing layer, the stiffening system comprising an array of stiffening elements;
each stiffening element of the plurality of stiffening elements comprising:
a first end and a second end distal from the first end, the first end being closer to the geometric center of the backing layer than the second end; a first end and a second end positioned in close proximity, the second end positioned closer to the perimeter of the backing layer than the first end;
a length defining a stiffening axis extending from said first end to said second end of said stiffening element; and a width of said stiffening element measured across said length less than said length. , including
A medical dressing, wherein the stiffening axis extends away from the first end toward the perimeter of the backing layer.
(Appendix 27)
27. The medical dressing of paragraph 26, wherein one or more of the stiffening elements of the stiffening system comprise transparent stiffening elements or opaque stiffening elements.
(Appendix 28)
28. The medical dressing of clause 26 or 27, wherein the width of two or more stiffening elements of the plurality of stiffening elements is uniform along the length of the stiffening elements.
(Appendix 29)
29. Any one of Clauses 26-28, wherein the second ends of the plurality of stiffening elements define a stiffening system perimeter, and the geometric center of the backing layer is located within the stiffening system perimeter. Medical dressing material according to the paragraph.
(Appendix 30)
said second ends of said plurality of stiffening elements defining a stiffening system perimeter, said stiffening system perimeter having a stiffening system geometric center proximate said geometric center of said backing layer; 30. A medical dressing according to any one of clauses 26-29, defining:
(Appendix 31)
said second ends of said plurality of stiffening elements defining a stiffening system perimeter, said stiffening system perimeter covering 50% or more of a backing area defined by said first major surface of said backing layer; 31. A medical dressing according to any one of clauses 26-30, defining a occupied stiffening system area.
(Appendix 32)
said second ends of said plurality of stiffening elements defining a stiffening system perimeter, said stiffening system perimeter defining a stiffening system area, said stiffening system area defining said backing of said backing layer; 32. A medical dressing according to any one of appendices 26 to 31, occupying 95% or less of the area.
(Appendix 33)
said second ends of said plurality of stiffening elements are spaced inwardly from said backing layer periphery such that said second ends of said plurality of stiffening elements are surrounded by said backing layer; The medical dressing material according to any one of Appendices 26-32.
(Appendix 34)
34. The medical dressing of any one of clauses 26-33, wherein the first ends of two or more stiffening elements of the plurality of stiffening elements are attached to each other.
(Appendix 35)
The stiffening system comprises a central support proximate the geometric center, and the first ends of two or more stiffening elements of the plurality of stiffening elements are attached to the central support. The medical dressing according to any one of appendices 26 to 34, wherein
(Appendix 36)
36. The medical dressing of Clause 35, wherein the central support includes a ring, the ring defining a central support opening located within the ring.
(Appendix 37)
Two or more stiffening elements of the plurality of stiffening elements include a plurality of branches extending outwardly away from the stiffening axis of the second ends of the two or more stiffening elements. , the medical dressing material according to any one of Appendices 26 to 36.
(Appendix 38)
38. Any of Clauses 26-37, wherein the backing layer has a backing layer modulus, the stiffening system has a stiffening system modulus, and the stiffening system modulus is higher than the backing layer modulus. or the medical dressing material according to item 1.
(Appendix 39)
39. Any one of clauses 26 to 38, wherein the stiffening element of the stiffening system has a stiffening element bending stiffness greater than the backing layer bending stiffness of the portion of the backing layer to which the stiffening element is fixedly attached. Medical dressing material according to the paragraph.
(Appendix 40)
40. A medical dressing according to any one of clauses 26-39, wherein said stiffening system consists essentially of a polymer film or a cured polymer.
(Appendix 41)
a backing layer comprising a first major surface, a second major surface, and a perimeter defining the geometric center of said backing layer;
an adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the backing layer, wherein the backing layer and the adhesive provide a contact transparent adhesive composite;
A stiffening system fixedly attached to the backing layer, comprising a plurality of nested stiffening elements disposed on the backing layer, each stiffening element of the plurality of nested stiffening elements comprising: defining a ring having a radial width less than a ring length, said radial width being defined along a radial axis extending outwardly from a center of said ring, said ring length being the center of said radial width; a stiffening system defined along a line following
A medical dressing comprising:
(Appendix 42)
Clause 41, wherein the radial spacing between pairs of adjacent stiffening elements of said plurality of nested stiffening elements is uniform when moving radially outward from the center of one of said stiffening elements Medical dressing material according to.
(Appendix 43)
43. The medical dressing of paragraph 41 or 42, wherein two or more stiffening elements of the plurality of nested stiffening elements comprise discontinuous rings.
(Appendix 44)
Clauses 41-43, wherein an outermost stiffening element of said plurality of nested stiffening elements is spaced inwardly from said backing layer periphery such that said outermost stiffening element is surrounded by said backing layer Medical dressing material according to any one of.
(Appendix 45)
a backing layer comprising a first major surface, a second major surface, and a perimeter defining the geometric center of said backing layer;
an adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the backing layer, wherein the backing layer and the adhesive provide a contact transparent adhesive composite;
A stiffening system fixedly attached to the backing layer, the stiffening system defining a stiffening axis extending in a selected direction across the backing layer, the stiffening system extending over the backing layer. a stiffening system including a plurality of stiffening elements in
with
each stiffening element of the plurality of stiffening elements,
a first end and a second end, a length along a longitudinal axis extending through the first end and the second end, and a width measured across the longitudinal axis; defining a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end being spaced inwardly from the perimeter of the backing layer; A medical dressing aligned with the stiffening axis of the stiffening system.
(Appendix 46)
Note that one or more stiffening elements of said plurality of stiffening elements extend linearly between said first end and said second end of said one or more stiffening elements. 45. Medical dressing material according to 45.
(Appendix 47)
Clause 45 or 46, wherein one or more stiffening elements of said plurality of stiffening elements extend continuously from said first end to said second end of said one or more stiffening elements Medical dressing material according to.
(Appendix 48)
two or more stiffening elements of said plurality of stiffening elements comprise discontinuous stiffening elements comprising a plurality of individual segments, and adjacency of said plurality of individual segments within said two or more stiffening elements; 48. Apparatus according to any one of clauses 45 to 47, wherein the segments are separated from each other by gaps and each of said two or more stiffening elements comprises a plurality of gaps.
(Appendix 49)
49. The medical dressing of paragraph 48, wherein the gaps of the two or more stiffening elements are not aligned transversely to the stiffening axis.
(Appendix 50)
The backing layer such that the first and second ends of the plurality of stiffening elements are surrounded by the backing layer such that the first and second ends of the plurality of stiffening elements are surrounded by the backing layer. 49. The medical dressing of any one of clauses 45-49, spaced inwardly from the layer perimeter.
(Appendix 51)
a backing layer comprising a first major surface, a second major surface, and a perimeter defining a backing region on each of said first and second major surfaces;
an adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the backing layer, wherein the backing layer and the adhesive form a substantially contacting transparent backing layer/adhesive composite;
a stiffening system fixedly attached to the backing layer, the stiffening system contained within a selected area of the backing layer, the selected area defining an area perimeter; a stiffening system;
with
The stiffening system includes a plurality of elongated stiffening elements housed within the area perimeter of the selected area, each stiffening element of the plurality of stiffening elements extending from a first end to a second end. the first end of each stiffening element of the plurality of stiffening elements being positioned closer to the center of the selected area than the second end; said second end of each stiffening element of said plurality of stiffening elements being positioned closer to said area perimeter than said first end, and said selection not being occupied by said stiffening system; A medical dressing, wherein the coated area has substantial contact transparency.
(Appendix 52)
a backing layer including a first major surface, a second major surface, and a peripheral portion;
an adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the backing layer;
A stiffening system fixedly attached to the backing layer, the stiffening system being housed within a selected interior region of the backing layer, the selected interior region of the backing layer a stiffening system spaced inwardly from the perimeter;
with
The stiffening system comprises a plurality of stiffening elements housed within the selected interior region, the plurality of stiffening elements comprising a plurality of nested stiffening elements, the plurality of nested stiffening elements. Each stiffening element of the element defines a ring disposed within the selected interior region, and further, an outermost stiffening element of the plurality of nested stiffening elements extend from the backing layer periphery. A medical dressing spaced inwardly and completely surrounded by said backing layer.
(Appendix 53)
a backing layer including a first major surface, a second major surface, and a peripheral portion;
an adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the backing layer;
A stiffening system fixedly attached to the backing layer, the stiffening system being housed within a selected interior region of the backing layer, the selected interior region of the backing layer a stiffening system spaced inwardly from the perimeter;
with
said stiffening system defining a stiffening axis extending in a selected direction across said selected interior region, said stiffening system comprising a plurality of stiffening elements;
each stiffening element of the plurality of stiffening elements,
a first end and a second end, a length along a longitudinal axis extending through the first end and the second end, and a width measured across the longitudinal axis; including a first end and a second end that define
the periphery of the backing layer such that the first end and the second end are positioned within the selected interior region and the first and second ends are completely surrounded by the backing layer; spaced inwardly from the
A medical dressing, wherein the longitudinal axis is aligned with the stiffening axis of the stiffening system.
(Appendix 54)
a backing layer including a first major surface, a second major surface, and a peripheral portion surrounding a central region;
an adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the backing layer;
a stiffening system fixedly attached to the backing layer;
with
said stiffening system comprising a plurality of stiffening elements, each stiffening element of said plurality of stiffening elements having a first end located at said central region and distal from said first end; a second end near the perimeter but not at the perimeter;
A medical dressing, wherein each stiffening element second end is surrounded by said backing layer comprising an adhesive.
(Appendix 55)
A medical dressing for covering a device on a substrate, comprising:
a backing layer including a first major surface, a second major surface, and a peripheral portion surrounding a central region;
an adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the backing layer;
a stiffening system fixedly attached to the backing layer;
with
said stiffening system comprising a plurality of stiffening elements, each stiffening element of said plurality of stiffening elements having a first end located at said central region and distal from said first end; a second end near the perimeter but not at the perimeter;
each stiffening element second end is surrounded by said backing layer comprising an adhesive;
A medical dressing, wherein at least a portion of said stiffening system is applied over said device and said second end of said stiffening element is applied to said substrate.
(Appendix 56)
a backing layer including a first major surface, a second major surface, and a peripheral portion surrounding a central region;
an adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the backing layer;
a stiffening system on the backing layer;
with
The stiffening system comprises:
a first ring-shaped stiffening element located within the central region;
a second ring-shaped stiffening element surrounding the first ring-shaped stiffening element, the second ring-shaped stiffening element being spaced inwardly from the perimeter of the backing layer;
with
A medical dressing, wherein each ring-shaped stiffening element is surrounded by said backing layer comprising an adhesive.
(Appendix 57)
A medical dressing for covering a device on a substrate, comprising:
a backing layer including a first major surface, a second major surface, and a peripheral portion surrounding a central region;
an adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the backing layer;
a stiffening system on the backing layer;
with
The stiffening system comprises:
a first radially extending stiffening element in the central region;
a second radially extending stiffening element near the perimeter but not at the perimeter;
with
each stiffening element is surrounded by said backing layer comprising an adhesive;
A medical dressing, wherein at least a portion of said stiffening system is applied over said device and said second stiffening element is applied to said substrate.
(Appendix 58)
a backing layer including a first major surface, a second major surface, and a peripheral portion;
an adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the backing layer;
a stiffening system fixedly attached to the backing layer, the stiffening system comprising any one or more features of a stiffening system according to any one of the preceding appendices;
A medical dressing comprising:
(Appendix 59)
A method for improving the patency of blood vessels near a catheter insertion site, comprising:
positioning a medical dressing comprising a stiffening system according to any one of clauses 1-58 over the catheter insertion site;
adhesively attaching the medical dressing to the skin near the insertion site such that a pair of stiffening elements of the stiffening system flank the catheter insertion site.

Claims

a backing layer comprising a first major surface, a second major surface, and a perimeter defining a backing region on each of said first and second major surfaces;
an adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the backing layer, wherein the backing layer and the adhesive form a substantially contacting transparent backing layer/adhesive composite; ,
A stiffening system fixedly attached to the backing layer, the stiffening system contained within a selected area of the backing layer, the selected area defining an area perimeter. a stiffening system, and
with
The stiffening system includes a plurality of elongated stiffening elements housed within the area perimeter of the selected area, each stiffening element of the plurality of stiffening elements extending from a first end to a second end. and the first end of each stiffening element of the plurality of stiffening elements is located closer to the center of the selected area than the second end. and the second end of each stiffening element of the plurality of stiffening elements is positioned closer to the region perimeter than the first end, and is not occupied by the stiffening system. A medical dressing, wherein the selected areas optionally have substantial contact transparency .

a backing layer comprising a first major surface, a second major surface, and a perimeter defining the geometric center of said backing layer;
an adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the backing layer, wherein the backing layer and the adhesive provide a contact transparent adhesive composite;
a stiffening system fixedly attached to the backing layer, the stiffening system comprising an array of stiffening elements;
each stiffening element of the plurality of stiffening elements comprising:
a first end and a second end distal from the first end, the first end being closer to the geometric center of the backing layer than the second end; a first end and a second end positioned in close proximity, the second end positioned closer to the perimeter of the backing layer than the first end;
a length defining a stiffening axis extending from said first end to said second end of said stiffening element; and a width of said stiffening element measured across said length less than said length. , including
A medical dressing, wherein the stiffening axis extends away from the first end toward the perimeter of the backing layer .

a backing layer comprising a first major surface, a second major surface, and a perimeter defining the geometric center of said backing layer;
an adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the backing layer, wherein the backing layer and the adhesive provide a contact transparent adhesive composite;
A stiffening system fixedly attached to the backing layer, comprising a plurality of nested stiffening elements disposed on the backing layer, each stiffening element of the plurality of nested stiffening elements comprising: defining a ring having a radial width less than a ring length, said radial width being defined along a radial axis extending outwardly from a center of said ring, said ring length being the center of said radial width; a stiffening system defined along a line following
A medical dressing comprising :

a backing layer comprising a first major surface, a second major surface, and a perimeter defining the geometric center of said backing layer;
an adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the backing layer, wherein the backing layer and the adhesive provide a contact transparent adhesive composite;
A stiffening system fixedly attached to the backing layer, the stiffening system defining a stiffening axis extending in a selected direction across the backing layer, the stiffening system extending over the backing layer. a stiffening system including a plurality of stiffening elements in
with
each stiffening element of the plurality of stiffening elements,
a first end and a second end, a length along a longitudinal axis extending through the first end and the second end, and a width measured across the longitudinal axis; defining a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end being spaced inwardly from the perimeter of the backing layer; A medical dressing aligned with the stiffening axis of the stiffening system .

a backing layer comprising a first major surface, a second major surface, and a perimeter defining a backing region on each of said first and second major surfaces;
an adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the backing layer, wherein the backing layer and the adhesive form a substantially contacting transparent backing layer/adhesive composite;
a stiffening system fixedly attached to the backing layer, the stiffening system contained within a selected area of the backing layer, the selected area defining an area perimeter; a stiffening system;
with
The stiffening system includes a plurality of elongated stiffening elements housed within the area perimeter of the selected area, each stiffening element of the plurality of stiffening elements extending from a first end to a second end. the first end of each stiffening element of the plurality of stiffening elements being positioned closer to the center of the selected area than the second end; said second end of each stiffening element of said plurality of stiffening elements being positioned closer to said area perimeter than said first end, and said selection not being occupied by said stiffening system; A medical dressing, wherein the coated area has substantial contact transparency.

a backing layer including a first major surface, a second major surface, and a peripheral portion;
an adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the backing layer;
A stiffening system fixedly attached to the backing layer, the stiffening system being housed within a selected interior region of the backing layer, the selected interior region of the backing layer a stiffening system spaced inwardly from the perimeter;
with
The stiffening system comprises a plurality of stiffening elements housed within the selected interior region, the plurality of stiffening elements comprising a plurality of nested stiffening elements, the plurality of nested stiffening elements. Each stiffening element of the element defines a ring disposed within the selected interior region, and further, an outermost stiffening element of the plurality of nested stiffening elements extend from the backing layer periphery. A medical dressing spaced inwardly and completely surrounded by said backing layer.

a backing layer including a first major surface, a second major surface, and a peripheral portion;
an adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the backing layer;
A stiffening system fixedly attached to the backing layer, the stiffening system being housed within a selected interior region of the backing layer, the selected interior region of the backing layer a stiffening system spaced inwardly from the perimeter;
with
said stiffening system defining a stiffening axis extending in a selected direction across said selected interior region, said stiffening system comprising a plurality of stiffening elements;
each stiffening element of the plurality of stiffening elements,
a first end and a second end, a length along a longitudinal axis extending through the first end and the second end, and a width measured across the longitudinal axis; including a first end and a second end that define
the periphery of the backing layer such that the first end and the second end are positioned within the selected interior region and the first and second ends are completely surrounded by the backing layer; spaced inwardly from the
A medical dressing, wherein the longitudinal axis is aligned with the stiffening axis of the stiffening system.

a backing layer including a first major surface, a second major surface, and a peripheral portion surrounding a central region;
an adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the backing layer;
a stiffening system fixedly attached to the backing layer;
with
said stiffening system comprising a plurality of stiffening elements, each stiffening element of said plurality of stiffening elements having a first end located at said central region and distal from said first end; a second end near the perimeter but not at the perimeter;
A medical dressing, wherein each stiffening element second end is surrounded by said backing layer comprising an adhesive.

A medical dressing for covering a device on a substrate, comprising:
a backing layer including a first major surface, a second major surface, and a peripheral portion surrounding a central region;
an adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the backing layer;
a stiffening system fixedly attached to the backing layer;
with
said stiffening system comprising a plurality of stiffening elements, each stiffening element of said plurality of stiffening elements having a first end located at said central region and distal from said first end; a second end near the perimeter but not at the perimeter;
each stiffening element second end is surrounded by said backing layer comprising an adhesive;
A medical dressing, wherein at least a portion of said stiffening system is applied over said device and said second end of said stiffening element is applied to said substrate.

a backing layer including a first major surface, a second major surface, and a peripheral portion surrounding a central region;
an adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the backing layer;
a stiffening system on the backing layer;
with
The stiffening system comprises:
a first ring-shaped stiffening element located within the central region;
a second ring-shaped stiffening element surrounding the first ring-shaped stiffening element, the second ring-shaped stiffening element being spaced inwardly from the perimeter of the backing layer;
with
A medical dressing, wherein each ring-shaped stiffening element is surrounded by said backing layer comprising an adhesive.

A medical dressing for covering a device on a substrate, comprising:
a backing layer including a first major surface, a second major surface, and a peripheral portion surrounding a central region;
an adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the backing layer;
a stiffening system on the backing layer;
with
The stiffening system comprises:
a first radially extending stiffening element in the central region;
a second radially extending stiffening element near the perimeter but not at the perimeter;
with
each stiffening element is surrounded by said backing layer comprising an adhesive;
A medical dressing, wherein at least a portion of said stiffening system is applied over said device and said second stiffening element is applied to said substrate.

a backing layer including a first major surface, a second major surface, and a peripheral portion;
an adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the backing layer;
a stiffening system fixedly attached to the backing layer, the stiffening system comprising any one or more features of a stiffening system according to any one of the preceding claims;
A medical dressing comprising:

A method for improving the patency of blood vessels near a catheter insertion site, comprising:
positioning a medical dressing comprising the stiffening system of claim 1 over a catheter insertion site;
adhesively attaching the medical dressing to the skin near the insertion site such that a pair of stiffening elements of the stiffening system flank the catheter insertion site.