US 12,082,998 B2
Collapsible structure for wound closure and method of use
Allan Kenneth Frazer Grugeon Hunt, Beverley (GB)
Assigned to Smith & Nephew PLC, Watford (GB)
Filed by Smith & Nephew PLC, Watford (GB)
Filed on Feb. 14, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/109,749.
Application 18/109,749 is a continuation of application No. 16/622,809, granted, now 11,583,623, previously published as PCT/EP2018/065399, filed on Jun. 11, 2018.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/519,768, filed on Jun. 14, 2017.
Prior Publication US 2023/0190532 A1, Jun. 22, 2023
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. A61F 13/05 (2024.01); A61M 1/00 (2006.01)
CPC A61F 13/05 (2024.01) [A61M 1/90 (2021.05); A61M 1/913 (2021.05); A61M 1/915 (2021.05); A61M 1/916 (2021.05); A61M 1/92 (2021.05)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of treating a wound, comprising:
placing a collapsible structure in or over the wound so that a length of the collapsible structure is aligned with a length of the wound, wherein the collapsible structure comprises:
a top portion and a bottom portion;
a volume between the top portion and the bottom portion; and
a plurality of elongate cells each having a length and a width;
wherein:
at least one of the cells is inflatable and deflatable; and
placing the collapsible structure in or over the wound so that the length of the collapsible structure is aligned with the length of the wound comprises aligning the length of the plurality of elongate cells with the length of the wound;
creating a sealed space over the wound;
providing a negative pressure to the sealed space; and
drawing edges of the wound closer together along a width of the collapsible structure by deflating at least one of the plurality of elongate cells, wherein the collapsible structure is configured for use without any conduits in communication with the plurality of elongate cells.