Wound packing device and method
View Patent ↗Embodiments of the invention include wound packing devices and methods of making and using the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a wound packing device including a plurality of spacing elements capable of absorbing exudate, wherein the surface of the spacing elements resist colonization by microorganisms. The wound packing device can also include a connector connecting the plurality of spacing elements to one another. Other embodiments are also included herein.
1. A wound packing device comprising:
a plurality of spacing elements, wherein a surface of the spacing elements resists colonization by microorganisms; and
wherein the spacing elements are hollow;
a connector connecting the plurality of spacing elements to one another; and
wherein the plurality of spacing elements are capable of absorbing exudate.
2. The wound packing device of claim 1 , the surface of the spacing elements exhibiting antimicrobial activity.
3. The wound packing device of claim 1 , the surface of the spacing elements comprising one or more of silver ions, quaternary amines, and tobramycin.
4. The wound packing device of claim 1 , wherein the spacing elements are swellable.
5. The wound packing device of claim 1 , the spacing elements comprising a core and an outer layer disposed on the outside surface of the core, the outer layer comprising a water permeable material.
6. The wound packing device of claim 1 , the spacing element comprising a plurality of pores.
7. The wound packing device of claim 1 , the spacing element comprising a fluid sequestering agent.
8. The wound packing device of claim 1 , further comprising a lubricious coating disposed on the spacing elements.
9. The wound packing device of claim 1 , further comprising a lubricious coating disposed on the connector.
10. The wound packing device of claim 1 , further comprising an RFID device.
11. The wound packing device of claim 1 , wherein the spacing elements are inflatable.
12. The wound packing device of claim 11 , wherein an antimicrobial agent is disposed within the inflatable spacing elements.
13. The wound packing device of claim 1 , wherein the spacing elements are colored, including at least two different colors amongst the spacing elements.
14. The wound packing device of claim 13 , wherein the color of the spacing elements changes according to the amount of exudate absorbed.
15. The wound packing device of claim 1 , further comprising a radiopaque material.
16. A wound packing device comprising:
a plurality of spacing elements, wherein a surface of the spacing elements resists colonization by microorganisms;
a connector connecting the plurality of spacing elements to one another, the connector comprising a plurality of segments that are interconnected to one another through a friction fit mechanism; and
wherein the plurality of spacing elements are capable of absorbing exudate.
17. A wound packing device comprising:
a plurality of spacing elements, wherein a surface of the spacing elements resists colonization by microorganisms;
a plurality of hollow fibers disposed within the spacing elements;
a connector connecting the plurality of spacing elements to one another; and
wherein the plurality of spacing elements are capable of absorbing exudate.
18. A wound packing device comprising:
a plurality of spacing elements, wherein a surface of the spacing elements resists colonization by microorganisms;
a connector connecting the plurality of spacing elements to one another;
a metal disposed within the spacing elements or the connector, the metal comprising a ferrous metal; and
wherein the plurality of spacing elements are capable of absorbing exudate.