Reduced-pressure, linear wound closing bolsters and systems

1. A method of applying a closing force to a linear wound on a patient, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a reduced-pressure, linear-wound closing bolster, wherein the reduced-pressure, linear-wound closing bolster comprises a manifold member and a pivotable frame that has an interior space and a first closing member, which has a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, and has a second closing member, which has a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge;

placing the second longitudinal edge of the first closing member proximate a first edge of the linear wound;

placing the second longitudinal edge of the second closing member proximate a second edge of the linear wound;

forming a fluid seal between pivotable frame and the patient's skin; and

providing a reduced pressure to the interior space of the pivotable frame.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of providing the reduced pressure to the interior space comprises the step of providing a cyclical pattern of reduced pressure.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of providing the reduced pressure to the interior space comprises the step of providing a variable pattern of reduced pressure.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the manifold member is coupled to the pivotable frame.

5. A method of manufacturing a reduced-pressure, linear-wound closing bolster, the method comprising the steps of:

forming a pivotable frame having a first closing member, a second closing member, and an interior space, the pivotable frame operable to move between an extended position and a compressed position;

disposing a manifold member within the interior space;

providing a first gripping member operable to transmit a closing force from the first closing member to a first edge of a linear wound; and

providing a second gripping member operable to transmit a closing force from the second closing member to a second edge of the linear wound.

6. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step coupling the manifold member to the pivotable frame such that when a reduced pressure is applied, the pivotable frame is urged from the extended position to the compressed position.

7. The method of claim 5 wherein the step of forming the pivotable frame comprises the steps of:

providing a first closing member;

providing a second closing member;

providing a connecting member;

coupling the first closing member and the connecting member with a first pivot connector; and

coupling a second pivot connector to the second closing member and the connecting member.

8. The method of claim 5 wherein the step of forming the pivotable frame comprises:

providing the first closing member;

providing the second closing member;

coupling the first closing member and second closing member with a pivot connector.

9. The method of claim 5 wherein the step of providing the first gripping member comprises the step of coupling a first adhesive strip to the first closing member; and the step of providing the second gripping member comprises coupling a second adhesive strip to the second closing member.

10. The method of claim 5 wherein the step of providing the first gripping member comprises providing a first high-friction member coupled to the first closing member and the step of providing the second gripping member comprises providing a second high-friction member coupled to the second closing member.

11. A reduced-pressure, linear-wound closing bolster for managing a linear wound, the bolster comprising:

a first closing member;

a second closing member;

a pivot connector coupling the first closing member and second closing member;

and an interior space formed at least in part by the first closing member and the second closing member, and wherein the pivot connector is operable to move between an extended position and a compressed position;

a manifold member disposed within the interior space and coupled to the first closing member and second closing member such that when reduced pressure is applied, the pivotable frame is urged from the extended position to the compressed position;

a first gripping member for transmitting a closing force from the first closing member to a first edge of a linear wound; and

a second gripping member for transmitting a closing force from the second closing member to a second edge of the linear wound.

12. A reduced-pressure, linear wound treatment system comprising:

a closing bolster for placing over the linear wound and operable to move between an extended position and a compressed position, the closing bolster comprising a plurality of manifold members compressible in a first direction perpendicular to the linear wound when positioned thereon and a plurality of reinforcing members coupled between the manifold members non-compressive in a second direction parallel to the linear wound when positioned thereon;

a sealing subsystem for providing a fluid seal between the closing bolster and the linear wound;

a reduced-pressure subsystem for delivering a reduced pressure to the sealing subsystem and the closing bolster;

wherein the closing bolster is motivated between the extended position and the compressed position when a reduced pressure applied thereto for transmitting a closing force to the linear wound in the first direction; and

wherein the plurality of reinforcing members are non-compressible in the first direction.

13. A reduced-pressure, linear wound treatment system comprising:

a closing bolster for placing over the linear wound and operable to move between an extended position and a compressed position, the closing bolster comprising a plurality of manifold members compressible in a first direction perpendicular to the linear wound when positioned thereon and a plurality of reinforcing members coupled between the manifold members non-compressive in a second direction parallel to the linear wound when positioned thereon;

a sealing subsystem for providing a fluid seal between the closing bolster and the linear wound;

a reduced-pressure subsystem for delivering a reduced pressure to the sealing subsystem and the closing bolster;

wherein the closing bolster is motivated between the extended position and the compressed position when a reduced pressure applied thereto for transmitting a closing force to the linear wound in the first direction; and

wherein the closing bolster further comprises a first gripping member coupled thereto for transmitting the closing force from the closing bolster to a first edge of the linear wound and a second gripping member coupled there are two for transmitting the closing force from the closing bolster to a second edge of the linear wound.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein the first gripping member and the second gripping member each comprise an adhesive strip.