Combination SIS and vacuum bandage and method

1. A wound care bandage for use with a vacuum source, the wound care bandage comprising:

a collagen matrix configured to be placed on a wound of a patient for integration into the wound;

a semi-rigid dome including an upper portion configured for placement over the collagen matrix in a spaced-apart relationship to provide a vacuum space formed by the upper portion and the collagen matrix for receiving negative pressure from the vacuum source;

a cover configured to be disposed over the semi-rigid dome and the wound to provide a sealed environment for the vacuum space over the wound; and

wherein the semi-rigid dome further includes a lower member adapted to be disposed adjacent skin surrounding the wound before negative pressure is applied to the vacuum space, and wherein the upper portion is sufficiently rigid to maintain a spaced-apart relationship with the collagen matrix when negative pressure is applied to the vacuum space.

2. The bandage of claim 1 , wherein the upper member includes an inner wall that defines the vacuum space with the collagen matrix.

3. The bandage of claim 1 , wherein the collagen matrix comprises a submucosa layer.

4. The bandage of claim 1 , wherein the bandage further includes a biological glue for positioning between the wound and the collagen matrix for holding the collagen matrix stationary relative to the wound.

5. The bandage of claim 4 , wherein the glue is a fibrin sealant.

6. The bandage of claim 1 , wherein the cover includes a first surface and a second surface and the first surface includes an adhesive for adhering to skin adjacent the wound.

7. The bandage of claim 1 , wherein the wound care bandage further comprises a porous filler within the vacuum space.

8. The bandage of claim 7 , wherein the porous filler comprises airflow passages permitting airflow between the collagen matrix and the semi-rigid dome.

9. The wound care bandage of claim 1 , wherein the collagen matrix is a sheet of collagen matrix material having a three-dimensional structure configured to support tissue remodeling when positioned on the wound.

10. The wound care bandage of claim 9 , wherein the collagen matrix is selected from the group consisting of submucosa, lamina propria, and stratum compactum.

11. A method for promoting wound healing using a vacuum source, the method comprising:

applying a collagen matrix to a wound surface;

positioning a semi-rigid dome including an upper portion configured for placement over the collagen matrix in a spaced-apart relationship to provide a vacuum space formed by the upper portion and the collagen matrix for receiving negative pressure from the vacuum source;

placing a cover over the wound and the upper member to provide a sealed environment for the vacuum space over the wound;

disposing a lower member of the semi-rigid dome adjacent skin surrounding the wound before negative pressure is applied to the vacuum space; and

providing negative pressure to the vacuum space from the vacuum source wherein the upper portion is sufficiently rigid to maintain a spaced-apart relationship with the collagen matrix when negative pressure is applied to the vacuum space.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the collagen matrix comprises a submucosa layer.

13. The method of claim 11 , wherein the wound care bandage further comprises a porous filler within the vacuum space.

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the porous filler comprises airflow passages permitting airflow between the collagen matrix and the semi-rigid dome.

15. The method of claim 11 , wherein the upper member includes an inner wall that defines the vacuum space with the collagen matrix.

16. The method of claim 11 , wherein the vacuum is applied intermittently by cycling the vacuum source on and off at intervals over the duration period to controllably draw fluid from the wound into the collagen matrix.

17. The method of claim 11 , wherein the vacuum is applied by turning the vacuum source on at a constant rate and turning the vacuum source off after the duration period to controllably draw blood from the wound into the collagen matrix.

18. A wound care bandage for use with a vacuum source, the wound care bandage comprising:

a collagen matrix configured to be placed on a wound of a patient for integration into the wound;

a pad structure having a thickness of approximately 1-2 cm and airflow passageways extending throughout the pad structure and configured for placement over the collagen matrix to provide a vacuum space formed by the pad structure and the collagen matrix for receiving negative pressure from the vacuum source;

a cover configured to be disposed over the pad structure and the wound to provide a sealed environment for the vacuum space over the wound and adjacent skin surrounding the wound before negative pressure is applied to the vacuum space; and

wherein the pad structure is sufficiently rigid to maintain a spaced-apart relationship with the collagen matrix and continue providing airflow through the airflow passageways when negative pressure is applied to the vacuum space.

19. The bandage of claim 18 , wherein the pad structure is reticulated foam.

20. The bandage of claim 18 , wherein the pad structure is semi-rigid foam material.

21. The bandage of claim 18 , wherein the pad structure is gauze.

22. The bandage of claim 1 , wherein the upper portion of the semi-rigid dome extends down to the lower member.

23. The bandage of claim 1 , wherein the upper portion of the semi-rigid dome comprises an upper member and a middle member.

24. The bandage of claim 11 , wherein the upper portion of the semi-rigid dome extends down to the lower member.

25. The bandage of claim 11 , wherein the upper portion of the semi-rigid dome comprises an upper member and a middle member.