The present invention relates to the field of bandages comprising a sealing member and a wound dressing.

The present invention further relates to the field of wound care devices comprising a vacuum pump and a bandage.

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a technique to promote wound healing using sub- atmospheric pressure applied to a wound. The continued application of negative (sub- atmospheric) pressure draws out edema from the wound and increases blood flow through the area of the wound. It further manages exudate stemming from the wound, i. e. removes excessive exudate. In summary NPWT reduces the frequency of changes of a bandage applied to the wound, reduces a bacterial burden on the wound due to clearance of exudate and promotes faster healing and wound closure.

In order to apply a sub-atmospheric pressure a specialized occlusion bandage is required com- prising a wound dressing and a sealing member. The wound dressing during application of the device is fitted to the contour of a wound and it is sealed with the sealing member against the patient's skin. A sub-atmospheric pressure may then be applied to the occlusive bandage by connecting a vacuum pump to an outlet opening of the sealing member. The wound dressings are typically dressings made of open-cell foam, gauze or honeycombed textiles are used.

The wound dressings used in occlusive bandages according to the prior art are passive devices for storing exudate extracted from the wound without actively promoting the flow of exudate from the wound.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an occlusive bandage promoting flow of exudate from the wound and thus enhancing healing and wound closure. At least one of the above objects is solved by a bandage comprising a sealing member and a wound dressing, wherein the wound dressing comprises a pouch having a facing layer which is permeable for wound exudate and blood and which when in use is in contact with the wound, and an absorbent core, wherein the absorbent core is located within the pouch, wherein the absor- bent core comprises at least a first and a second layer, wherein the first layer is located closer to the facing layer than the second layer, wherein the first layer, is arranged such that when in use it provides a flow of liquid predominantly in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the facing layer, and wherein the second layer is arranged such that when in use it provides a flow of liquid predominantly in a direction parallel to the extension of the facing layer.

During operation of the bandage the wound dressing is located between the sealing member and the patient's skin and wound. This in particular allows for a sub-atmospheric pressure (also denoted as a negative pressure) to be applied to the wound dressing and thus to the patient's wound.

Usage of a wound dressing as described below in detail not only promotes the flow of exudate from the wound allowing a control of moisture in the wound but also provides protection from bacteria due to the removal of any impurities from the wound. Under aspect of the invention the bandage does not comprise any outlet opening for actively applying a sub-atmospheric pressure to the bandage but relies on the flow enhancing properties of the wound dressing according to the invention only. This embodiment provides freedom from a tube and battery and thus may enhance quality of life of the patient. In an embodiment of the invention the sealing member and the facing layer of the pouch are joint together forming the pouch, wherein the sealing member forms a backing layer of the pouch.

In this embodiment one is only dealing with a single dressing, which can be fixed, to a patient's body by a compression bandage or any comparable means. It is however not necessary to pro- vide any additional sealing membrane as for example in typical occlusive bandages.

Furthermore in an embodiment, wherein the pouch is partly formed by the sealing membrane and which provides the possibility to actively pump the bandage to a sub-atmospheric pressure the wound dressing according to the invention has the additional advantage that it gives flow proper- ties which are similar to an actively pumped device even when the device is disconnected from the pump. In an alternative embodiment the pouch comprises a backing layer being distinct from the sealing member, wherein the backing layer and the facing layer are joint together forming the pouch.

This embodiment of the invention corresponds to the typical arrangement of an occlusive ban- dage, while the properties of the bandage are improved by the design of the wound dressing according to the invention.

In another embodiment the sealing member comprises an outlet opening being connectable to a vacuum pump for applying a sub-atmospheric pressure to the occlusive badge when in use.

In order to be able to further apply a sub-atmospheric pressure to the volume occluded by the sealing member and the skin during operation of the bandage in an embodiment of the invention a tube is connected to the outlet opening of the sealing member and a negative pressure at a sub-atmospheric pressure level is applied to the tube.

In a further embodiment the bandage comprises a tube having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the tube is located in or at the first layer of the wound dressing and wherein the second end of the tube is connectable to a vacuum pump allowing to apply a sub- atmospheric pressure to the first layer of the wound dressing.

This is particular useful in an embodiment, wherein the sealing member forms the backing layer of the wound dressing itself as it offers an integrated solution for vacuum therapy by providing a wound dressing which is ready to be operated under sub-atmospheric pressure. In an embodiment the first end of the tube may be connected to a manifold providing multiple ports, which are integrated into the first layer of the wound dressing.

The tube of the wound dressing in an embodiment extends essentially parallel to the extension of the facing layer.

It is further advantageous if in an embodiment of the invention the tube extends through a backing layer of the pouch at an edge of the pouch.

In an embodiment its is advantageous if the bandage comprises a plurality of tubes, each having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the tube is located in the first layer of the wound dressing and wherein the second end of the tube is connectable to a vacuum pump allowing to apply a sub-atmospheric pressure to the first layer of the wound dressing. In an embodiment the tube is in sealing engagement with the backing layer of the pouch.

In an embodiment of the invention the sealing member is a flexible film made of plastic material. Furthermore, in an embodiment of the invention the sealing member is essentially airtight.

In another embodiment the sealing member is made of a nonwoven material having a low permeability for gas. This is particular useful in an embodiment in which the sealing member forms the backing layer of the pouch.

The sealing member in an embodiment of the invention is attachable to a patient's skin in an essentially airtight manner in order to provide an occluded volume between the sealing member and the patient's skin and wound, respectively. In an embodiment the sealing member then may comprise a self-adhesive section, which is surrounding the wound dressing.

The above features of the sealing member are in principle features of the sealing member in an embodiment in which the sealing member and the backing layer of the pouch are distinct from each other as well as in an embodiment in which the sealing member forms the backing layer of the pouch.

In an embodiment of the invention comprising distinct backing layer and sealing member the backing layer may be made of a breathable non-woven fabric or perforated film.

The pouch made of the facing layer and the backing layer or of the facing layer and the sealing member forming the backing layer can be fabricated in different ways.

If the facing layer and the backing layer consist of an identical material a single sheet of material can be used, folded and sealed together at its edges in order to form the pouch. This is particularly useful in embodiments in which a sealing member is provided in addition to the backing layer.

Alternatively, two single sheets, one forming the facing layer, one forming the backing layer can be connected to each other at their edges in order to form the pouch accommodating the absorbent core. This is useful in particular in embodiments, wherein a facing layer and the sealing member form the pouch.

Alternatively, the facing layer and the backing layer may be connected to each other in order to form a tubular structure. Therefore to opposite edges of the facing layer are folded, such that in its cross section a C-shaped structure is formed and the backing layer is connected to the two folded ends of the facing layer. This is useful in particular in embodiments, wherein a facing layer and the sealing member form the pouch. In order to enhance the flow of exudate from the wound, in particular from the ground of the wound which during use of the occlusive bandage in an embodiment is promoted by the applied sub-atmospheric pressure, a wound dressing with the below features is used.

It is assumed that at least the facing layer is a laminar structure whose thickness is small com- pared to its length and width. As such, the extension of the facing layer denotes its laminar extension. A direction parallel to the extension of the facing layer is essentially parallel to a plane defined by the width and length of the facing layer. A direction perpendicular to the extension of the facing layer is essentially parallel to the thickness of the facing layer. The basic concept of the design of the absorbent core according to the present invention having two distinct layers is to allow for a quick and effective transport of liquid, in particular exudate and blood, from the wound while storage of liquids is established in a predetermined distance from the actual wound surface. In order to achieve such functionality the absorbent core is formed by at least two layers. The first layer is arranged such that it predominantly provides a transport of liquid in a direction perpendicular to the facing layer, i.e. in a direction away from the wound.

The first layer also serves as a distance element. It provides a distance between the actual wound and the second layer, which serves as a storage for liquid sucked out of the wound. Thus, the stored liquid does not contribute to maceration of the skin surrounding the wound.

In order to achieve a flow of liquid predominantly in a direction perpendicular to the facing layer in a first embodiment the first layer consists of synthetic material only.

A particular example for a synthetic material for forming the first layer is dry polyester textile made of hydrophilic PET and bicomponent fibers bonded to form a web as it is for example available from Libeltex of Meulebeke, Belgium under the tradename DRY WEB T1. In particular in such an embodiment, in which the first layer consists of synthetic material only it is advantageous once the first layer is free of any superabsorbent substance. In an alternative embodiment the first layer may contain a small content of superabsorbent material having weight in a range from 10 g/m ² to 40 g/m ² . In an embodiment in which the first layer is made of synthetic material only and being free of superabsorbent materials or only having a low content of superabsorbent material the first layer provides a moisture balancing of the wound and a distribution of exudates from the wound.

If however, it is preferred to have some absorption capability of the first layer as well it will be advantageous once the first layer is either made of a mixture of synthetic fibres and cellulose based material or of cellulose based material only. Whenever the term cellulose based material is used within this application it particularly refers to for example cellulose, tissue paper, cotton, viscose or a mixture of virgin defibrated cellulose and tissue paper. However, other materials based on cellulose are well included by the term cellulose based material. In an embodiment of the invention it is preferable once the first layer in its unwetted state has a weight in a range from 12 g/m ² to 400 g/m ² and preferably in a range from 40 g/m ² to 300 g/m ² .

Furthermore, in an embodiment the first layer in its unwetted state has a density in a range from 0.01 g/m ² to 0.4 g/m ² .

In order to achieve a flow of liquid predominantly in a direction perpendicular to the facing layer in an alternative embodiment the first layer may comprise a superabsorbent substance.

When entering the first layer water or more general the liquid parts of the secretions absorbed from the wound is trapped by the superabsorbent substance contained in the first layer. This trapping in the superabsorbent substance will lead to an effective blocking of liquid transport in a direction parallel to the facing layer, i.e. in the plane of the first layer of the absorbent core.

In order to avoid an entire blocking of liquid transport not only in a direction parallel to the facing layer, but also in a direction perpendicular to the facing layer, i.e. in a direction in which effective transport of liquid sucked from the wound is required in order to maintain the functionality of the wound dressing, the first layer in an embodiment contains cellulose or viscose or a mixture of cellulose and viscose. To establish a flow of liquid predominantly in a direction perpendicular to the facing layer in an embodiment of the invention the superabsorbent substance in the fibres of the first layer can be particularly distributed to establish at least a section of the first layer having a lower density of the superabsorbent substance than the adjacent sections of the first layer such that a channel per- pendicular to the extension of the facing layer is formed. In the channel the density of the superabsorbent substance may be zero.

In a further embodiment the first layer comprises a tissue paper or defibrated virgin cellulose fi- bres or a mixtures of both and a superabsorbent substance, wherein the weight of the tissue paper or the defibrated virgin cellulose fibres or a mixture of both in its unwetted state is in a range from 20 g/m ² to 300 g/m ² , preferable in a range from 40 g/m ² to 100 g/m ² , and wherein the weight of the superabsorbent substance in its unwetted state is in a range from 10 g/m ² to 100 g/m ² , preferable in a range from 20 g/m ² to 60 g/m ² . The contents of cellulose or viscose in the first layer enables a liquid transport in direction perpendicular to the facing layer even if the superabsorbent polymers contained in the first layer are already saturated. I.e. the cellulose or viscose avoids a blocking of liquid transport in a direction perpendicular to the facing layer.

In an embodiment the first layer in addition contains a fraction of synthetic fibres, preferably 0.1 % by weight to 10 % by weight, and most preferred 1 % by weight to 5 % by weight, of synthetic fibres. Adding synthetic fibres to a tissue paper or defibrated virgin cellulose fibres or a mixture of both does stabilise the first layer.

Whenever in the context of the present application a weight is given in grammes per square me- ter (g/m ² ) it means that a square meter of the respective material weights to the amount of grammes given. This weight in the paper industry is commonly denoted as paper weight, wherein the units grammes per square meter is identical to gsm. It is commonly named an area weight. When within this application a weight of superabsorbent polymers is given in grammes per square meter (g/m ² ) it denotes the area weight of the superabsorbent polymers when taken on their own without fibres. Whenever a weight is given in the context of this application it is given for the material in its unwetted state.

Superabsorbent substances in the sense of the present application are materials that have the ability to absorb and retain large volumes of water and aqueous solutions. Superabsorbent sub- stances falling into this category are for example modified starch, polymer like polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene oxide (PEO) which are all hydrophilic and have a high affinity for water. When lightly chemically or physically cross-linked, these polymers are water-swellable but not water-soluble. The afore-mentioned superabsorbents have been known for a long time. In a more preferred embodiment the superabsorbent substance in the sense of the present application is a superabsorbent polymer made from partially neutralised, lightly cross-linked polyacrylic acid, which has been proven to give the best performance vs. cost ratio. Those superabsorbent polymers in an embodiment are manufactured at low solids levels for quality economic reasons and are dried and milled into granular white solids. In water they swell to a rubbery gel. Superab- sorbent polymers may absorb up to 500 times their weight of water.

In an alternative embodiment the different functionalities of the first and second layer with respect to their predominant liquid transport properties may be achieved by choosing the material for the first layer such that it has a lower density than the material of the second layer. In such an embodiment the first layer may alternatively contain or not contain a superabsorbent substance.

Alternately the first and second layer can be integrally formed having a gradient of density with the lowest density close to the facing layer and a higher density at the bottom furthest away from the facing layer.

In an embodiment in which the first layer of the absorbent core does not comprise a superabsorbent polymer the weight of the cellulose based material used to form the first layer in its unwetted state is in a range from 20 g/m ² to 400 g/m ² , preferable in a range from 80 g/m ² to 200 g/m ² .

Although the core must comprise of at least two layers differing from each other with respect to their liquid transport properties this does not exclude the presence of further layers. In particular the core may in an embodiment have four or six layers in order to create an improved fluid distri- bution. Moreover the first and second layers in an embodiment may be formed of a plurality of sub-layers.

The second layer does provide a transport of fluid over the whole core surface in a direction predominantly parallel to the extension of the facing layer and serves as a storage for the fluid.

In order to achieve that the second layer of the absorbent core provides a flow of liquid predominantly in a direction parallel to the facing layer the second layer in a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a first sub-layer and a second sub-layer, wherein the first sub-layer of the second layer is closer to the first layer than the second sub-layer of the second layer, wherein the first sub-layer comprises a cellulose based material, and wherein the second sub-layer comprises a cellulose based material, preferably a fibrous material based on cellulose, and a superabsorbent material.

In such a design it is particularly useful once the first sub-layer in its unwetted state has a weight in a range from 40 g/m ² to 400 g/m ² , wherein the superabsorbent material of the second sublayer (6b) in its unwetted state has a weight in a range from 40 g/m ² to 500 g/m ² , preferably 50 g/m ² to 200 g/m ² and wherein second sub-layer including the superabsorbent material in its un- wetted state has a weight in a range from 100 g/m ² to 800 g/m ² , preferably in a range from 200 g/m ² to 500 g/m ² .

The term sub-layer in the sense of the present application denotes a layer, which together with one or more other sub-layers, provides a functional or manufacturing unit. In particular the at least two sub-layers of the second layer do together provide the functionality of a flow of liquid in a direction predominantly parallel to the extension of the facing layer. Furthermore the first and the second sub-layer of the second layer may be manufactured as a unit. I.e. the first and second sub-layers may be premanufactured and introduced into the actual production line together. However, from a physical point of view the sub-layers of the second layer are independent layers and the first and second layers in this embodiment of the invention could alternatively be described as three different layers. Thus any device will fall into the scope of protection as claimed once it provides three different layers with the claimed design and functionality. In addition the first and second sub-layers of the second layer may in an embodiment comprise at least one further sub-layer. Once the second layer comprises a further sub-layer it is preferred if in an embodiment the third sub-layer has identical properties and design as the second sub-layer. By providing further sub-layers an anti-slumping effect is provided as well as an enhancement of the flow properties of the second layer in a direction parallel to the extension of the facing layer.

In an embodiment having n sub-layers, the second to n-th sub-layers are chosen such that together they do provide the properties of a second sub-layer of an embodiment just having two sub-layers in the second layer. Thus in an embodiment the superabsorbent material in the second to n-th sub-layers in its unwetted state has a weight in a range from 40 g/m ² to 500 g/m ² , preferably 50 g/m ² to 200 g/m ² and wherein second sub-layer to n-th sub-layer including the superabsorbent material in its unwetted state have a weight in a range from 100 g/m ² to 800 g/m ² , preferably in a range from 200 g/m ² to 500 g/m ² .

In a further embodiment the first layer is perforated by a plurality of holes. Those holes preferably do have a diameter in a range from 1.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably in a range from 2 mm to 4 mm. In an embodiment the surface area of each hole is in a range form 1.8 mm ² to 20 mm ² , preferably in a range from 3.14 mm ² to 13 mm ² . This enhances the fluid transport in the first layer in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the layer. In addition or alternatively the moisture balance layer and/or the facing layer is perforated by a plurality of holes, wherein the holes preferably do have a diameter in a range from 1.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably in a range from 2 mm to 4 mm. Cellulose, viscose, or a combination of both can be used either to manufacture paper tissue or to manufacture a non-woven fabric.

A non-woven fabric in the sense of the present application is a material made of at least one layer of long fibres, which have been formed, to a web and in a next step consolidated. In particular the consolidation of a non-woven fabric may be achieved by friction and/or cohesion and/or adhesion, for example by needling, felting, spun lacing or melting.

If compared to tissue paper a material will be considered a non-woven fabric in the sense of the present application if more than 50% of the mass of its fibres components consists of fibres having a ratio of a lengths to their diameter of more than 300. Alternatively, the material will be considered a non-woven fabric in the sense of the present application if this condition is not fulfilled but if more than 30% of the mass of its fibrous components consist of fibres having a ratio of their lengths to their diameter of more than 300 and its density is lower than 0.4g/cm ³ . This definition corresponds to EN 29 092.

In a further embodiment the wound dressing according to the present invention comprises a moisture balance layer located between the absorbent core and the facing layer, wherein the moisture balance layer comprises a non-woven fabric consisting of synthetic or natural fibres such as cellulose fibres. In an embodiment the fibres of the non-woven fabric in the moisture balance layer are orientated such that they predominantly extent in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the moisture balance layer as well as to the extension of the other layers.

The moisture balance layer is thought to improve the moisture balancing of the wound and can be alternatively used as a blood absorption layer when used in dressings applied to heavily secreting or blooding wounds.

In an embodiment the moisture balance layer in its unwetted state comprise a density in a range from 0.04 g/cm ³ to 0.4 g/cm ³ .

In a further embodiment the fibres of the moisture layer in its unwetted state comprise a weight in a range from 5 g/m ² to 200 g/m ² and preferably in a range from 12 g/m ² to 150 g/m ² .

It is particularly useful if the fibres of the moisture balance layer in its unwetted state comprise a weight in a range from 18 g/m ² to 80 g/m ² and the moisture balance layer further comprises a superabsorbent substance, which in its unwetted state comprises the weight in a range from 10 g/m ² to 30 g/m ² . The moisture balance layer or the blood absorption layer is an additional layer provided in addition to the absorbent core with its first and second layers.

In an embodiment the facing layer is made of a material consisting of one selected of a group comprising a non-woven fabric, a perforated film and a foam based on polyurethane or silicon or a combination thereof.

In a further embodiment the facing layer comprises a non-woven fabric consisting of synthetic or cellulose fibres, wherein the fibres of the non-woven fabric are orientated such that they predomi- nantly extend in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the facing layer. Such orientation of the fibres in the non-woven fabric is achieved by orienting the fibres during the fabrication process, in particular during spun lacing and needling.

In an embodiment of the invention the facing layer comprise a density in a range from 0.1 g/cm ³ to 0.6 g/cm ³ .

In a further embodiment the facing layer in its unwetted state comprise a weight in a range from 12 g/m ² to 100 g/m ² , preferably in a range from 18 g/m ² to 70 g/m ² . It is further useful if in an embodiment the facing layer comprises a hydrophobic or hydrophilic and/or bacteriocidal or bacteriostatic agents.

In an embodiment of the invention the absorbent core comprises active wound healing substances, as for example arnica montana, polyhexanide (PHMB) polyhexamethylene or chitosan, which are released when the wound dressing is applied to a patient's wound.

At least one of the above objects is also solved by a wound care device comprising of a vacuum pump and a bandage according the foregoing description. In an embodiment of the invention the vacuum pump and the sealing member are in fluid communication with each other such that during operation of the wound care device a negative pressure (sub-atmospheric) may be applied to the wound dressing.

In an embodiment of the invention fluid communication between the vacuum pump and the seal- ing member is provided by a tube being attached to an inlet duct of the vacuum pump on one side and to the outlet opening of the sealing member at the other side. In another embodiment of the invention fluid communication between the vacuum pump and the sealing member is provided by a tube being attached to an inlet duct of the vacuum pump and to the second end of the tube of the wound dressing. Further advantages, features and applications of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of embodiments and the related figures.

Figure 1 shows a schematic drawing of a wound dressing according to the present invention. Figure 2 shows a tube design of a wound dressing according to the present invention.

Figure 3 shows an alternative tube design of a wound dressing according to the present invention. Figure 4 shows a sandwich design of a wound dressing according to the present invention.

Figure 5 shows a schematic drawing of a wound dressing according to a first embodiment of the present invention for moderate or slightly secreting wounds. Figure 6 shows a schematic drawing of a wound dressing according to a further embodiment of the present invention for heavily secreting wounds.

Figure 7 shows a schematic drawing of a wound dressing according to a further embodiment of the present invention for secreting and blooding wounds.

Figure 8 shows a schematic drawing of a wound dressing according to a further embodiment of the present invention for heavily secreting wounds.

Figure 9 shows a schematic drawing of a wound dressing according to a further embodiment of the present invention for blooding wounds.

Figure 10 shows a schematic drawing of a wound dressing according to a further embodiment of the invention having a perforated second layer. Figure 1 1 shows a schematic drawing of a further embodiment of a wound dressing according to the invention. Figure 12 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a bandage according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 13 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a bandage according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 14 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a bandage according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 15 shows a schematic top view of a further a bandage according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 16a shows a schematic top view of a bandage according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 16b shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment according to figure 16a.

Figure 17 shows a schematic to view of a bandage according to an embodiment of the invention. In the following description of the figures elements having equivalent functionality are denoted by identical reference numbers.

Figure 12 shows a schematic sectional view of a bandage 20. The bandage 20 comprises a wound dressing 1 which is described in all details and areas in the embodiments below. The wound dressing in the embodiment depicted in figure 12 comprises a pouch formed of a facing layer and a backing layer, wherein the absorbent core is located in the pouch. It is important to note that the backing layer of the pouch and the sealing member 21 of the bandage do form two distinct elements and in an embodiment are separate from each other. The bandage 20 itself further comprises a sealing member 21 , which in the embodiment depicted in figure 12 is made of a thin plastic film, which is airtight. The plastic film at its periphery 22 has a self-adhesive section 23, which may be used to attach the sealing member 21 to the patient's skin 24. The occlusive bandage 20 extends above a wound 25 such that the dressing is slightly larger than the wound and the sealing member 21 covers the wound 25 and is attached with its periphery 22 to healthy tissue surrounding the wound 25.

In order to apply a vacuum, i. e. a negative pressure at a sub-atmospheric pressure level to the volume 26 which is occluded by the sealing member 21 on one side and by the patient's skin 24 and the wound 25 itself on the other side, the sealing member 21 has an outlet opening 27 which is attached to a tube 28. The tube 28 in turn is mounted to a pump 29 at the other end thereof. In order to be able to suck exudate not only out of the wound but also out of the occluded volume 26 a liquid trap 30 is provided in the pump housing 31 to collect exudate sucked from the wound and through the tube 28.

Figure 13 shows a schematic sectional view of a further embodiment of an occlusive bandage 50 according to the invention. The occlusive bandage 50 comprises a wound dressing 1 , which is described in all details and areas in the embodiments below.

The bandage 50 itself further comprises a sealing member 51 , which in the embodiment depicted in figure 13 is made of a thin plastic film, which is airtight. The plastic film at its periphery 52 has a self-adhesive section 53, which may be used to attach the sealing member 51 to the patient's skin 24. The occlusive bandage 51 extends above a wound 25 such that the dressing 1 is slightly larger than the wound and the sealing member 51 covers the wound 25 and is attached with its periphery 52 to healthy tissue 24 surrounding the wound 25.

Unlike the embodiment of figure 12 the bandage 50 of figure 13 does not have an outlet opening and the operation of the occlusive bandage 50 entirely relies on the properties of its dressing 1 as described below.

Again as in the embodiment according to figure 12 the backing layer of the wound dressing 1 and the sealing member 21 are two distinct parts. Figure 14 shows an alternative embodiment of a bandage according to the invention. According to this embodiment the wound dressing and the sealing member 103 are integrated in a single device forming the bandage 101.

In particular the sealing member 103 together with the facing layer 102 forms the pouch of the bandage 101. The sealing member is the backing layer of the pouch. The facing layer 102 and the sealing member 103 are joint together by sealing with hotmelt or ultrasonic bonds 109. In the pouch formed of the facing layer 102 and the sealing member 103 an absorbent core having a first layer 105 and a second layer 106 is located. In the embodiment shown the sealing member 103 is made of a nonwoven material having a low permeability for gas. This allows for applying a sub-atmospheric pressure directly in the pouch of the wound dressing 101 . In order to be able to connect the inner volume of the pouch to a vacuum pump the sealing element comprises a through hole 1 10 through which a tube 1 1 1 is fed. The tube 1 1 1 is sealed in the throughhole 1 10. The tube 1 1 1 comprises a first end 1 12, which is located in the first layer 105 of the absorbent core 104 and a second end 1 13 being connectable to a vacuum pump when in use. The tube 1 1 1 enters the pouch through

While in the embodiment of figure 14 the tube 1 1 1 ends at an edge of the first layer 105 of the core 104 figure 15 shows an embodiment in which the tube 1 1 1 extends right to the centre of the dressing 101. What is apparent from the top view of the embodiment according figure 15 is that the tube 1 1 1 enters the pouch from an edge of the sealing member.

In the embodiment of figures 16a and 16b the tube 1 1 1 extends to the centre of the bandage 101 . However, the first layer 105 of the bandage's core is split into two parts 105a and 105b, wherein the tube 1 1 1 extends between the first part 105a and the second part 105b. This is depicted in the cross-sectional view of figure 16b.

Figure 17 shows an embodiment wherein the tube 11 1 leads to the centre of the first layer, where it is connected to a manifold 1 14 having a plurality of ports 1 15 connected to tubular structures 1 16 ending the first layer 105. This tubular structure in the first layer 105 of the core 104 leads to a better distribution of the pressure and allows for a more effective extraction of exudate from the dressing. With reference to figures 1 to 1 1 now the exact design of the wound dressing 1 being part of the occlusive bandage 20 is described for various embodiments.

Figure 1 shows a schematic drawing of a wound dressing 1 according to the present invention. Figure 1 is thought to schematically describe the basic concept of the wound dressing. While the dressing in figure 1 corresponds to a dressing as it may be used in embodiments of the bandage as they are described with reference to figures 12 and 13 it is evident that any wound dressing described below could be used as a bandage according to the embodiments depicted in figures 14 to 17 by replacing the backing layer 3 by a sealing member as defined in the present disclosure. The wound dressing according to figure 1 is formed by a facing layer 2 which when in use is brought into contact with the patient's wound and by a backing layer 3. The facing layer 2 and the backing layer 3 are joint together (not shown in figure 1) in order to form a pouch in which an absorbent core 4 is contained. In order to allow for an effective transport of exudates from the patient's wound the facing layer 2 is made of a non-woven fabric consisting of synthetic fibres with an open structure.

The backing layer 3 in the embodiment depicted in figure 1 is made of a perforated film allowing to keep the moisture in the dressing 1 while being breathable through the perforations of the film. In an alternative design the backing layer may be formed of a breathable film. This makes the wound dressing according to figure 1 in particular applicable for embodiments of the dressing of figures 12 and 13. In order to use the dressing of figure 1 in an embodiment according to figures 14 to 17, the backing layer 3 has to be replaced by a sealing member. The sealing member then forming the backing layer 3 then must be essentially gas-tight or at least provide a low permeability for gas. For example the sealing member may be a low breathable film or a low breathable nonwoven.

The absorbent core 4 consists of a first layer 5 and a second layer 6. The first layer 5 is arranged such that when in use it provides a flow of liquid predominantly in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the layers 2, 3, 5, 6, in particular to the facing layer 2. This is indicated by the arrows 7 in the first layer 5. In contrast the second layer 6 is arranged such that when in use it provides a flow of liquid predominantly in a direction parallel to the layers 2, 3, 5, 6, in particular parallel to the facing layer 2. This is indicated by arrow 8 in layer 6.

In order to achieve the preferred directions for the transport of liquid in the two core layers 5, 6 the first layer 5, which is located closer to the facing layer 2 than the second layer 6, contains a superabsorbent polymer, for example a superabsorbent polymer available under the trademark Favor from Evonik Stockhausen GmbH.

When a certain amount of liquid has been absorbed by the first layer 5 the gel formed by the superabsorbent polymer trapping the liquid effectively blocks a liquid transport in a direction parallel to the extension of the facing layer 2 such that the transport process in the first layer 5 predominantly occurs in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the facing layer 2, i.e. towards the second layer 6.

In contrast the second layer 6 or in particular the first sub-layer in the second layer does not con- tain any superabsorbent material at all such that when in use it provides a liquid flow in a direction essentially parallel to the extension of the facing layer 2. In an alternative design (not shown) the second layer, in particular the first sub-layer in the second layer, may comprise cellulose in a fluff form. In the example depicted in figure 1 the structure of the first layer 5 is made of a tissue paper of cellulose and viscose fibres in which the superabsorbent polymer is embedded. The second layer also consists of a tissue paper. In order to stabilise the first layer 5 it contains 3 % by weight of synthetic fibres.

Figures 2 to 4 do show different types of designs for the pouch formed by the backing layer 3 or sealing member and the facing layer 2. Each of the three wound dressings depicted in figure 2 to 4 do contain an absorbent core 4 having a first layer 5 and a second layer 6. The first and second layers 5, 6 are designed as described in detail with respect to the embodiment depicted in figure 1.

Figure 2 shows a tubular design in which the facing layer 2 has been folded twice at opposing edges such that the facing layer 2 partly extends over the backside of the absorbent core 4. The backing layer 3 has been sealed with seals 9 to the sections of the facing layer extending over the backside of the core 4, wherein the facing layer 2 overlaps the backing layer 3. In the embodiment of figure 2 the backing layer is located below the folded edges of the facing layer 2. Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the tube design as depicted in figure 2. The construction of the dressing has been turned around with respect to the order of the facing layer 2 and the backing layer 3 at the backside of the core in the area of the seals 9. In this particular embodiment the backing layer is located on top of the folded edges of the facing layer 2. Figure 4 shows a sandwich design in which the two sheets forming the facing layer 2 and the backing layer 3 have been laid on top of each other and the seals 9 connecting the edges of the facing layer 2 and the backing layer 3 enclose the core 4.

While not depicted in the figures in any of the embodiments according to the following figures 5 to 10 the backing layer 3 and the facing layer 2 are joint together in order to form a pouch. The design of the pouch may for example be chosen from any of the designs depicted in figures 2 to 4.

Figure 5 shows a wound dressing according to the present invention for modestly or slightly secreting wounds. The backing layer 3 consists of a non-woven fabric comprising a hydrophobic treatment.

The facing layer 2 in the embodiment according to figure 5 consists of a foam based on polyure- thane providing good vertical fluid distribution properties. The facing layer 2 further comprises an anti-bacterial and hydrophobic treatment in order to enhance its liquid transport properties and to avoid any bacterial infections on the wound surface.

Alternatively to what has been shown in figure 5 the facing layer 2 may be formed as a fluid dis- tribution layer comprising a mixture of synthetic, natural and cellulose fibres, wherein the fibres have a predominant orientation, such that the majority of the fibres can be oriented in a direction perpendicular to the facing layer 2. In general the density of the facing layer 2 in this case could be in a range from 0.1 g/cm ³ to 0.6 g/cm ³ having a weight in a range from 12 g/m ² to 100 g/m ² . The absorbent core 4 of the embodiment depicted in figure 5 comprises a first layer 5 and a second layer 6. The second layer 6 consists of defibrated virgin cellulose fibres having a weight per area of 200 g/m ² .

The second layer 6 is designed in order to provide a preliminarily horizontal fluid distribution in the layer. In contrast the first layer 5 in the core 4 consists of defibrated virgin cellulose fibres, commonly denoted as fluff, in their unwetted state having a weight per area of 200 g/m ² . The first surface layer in order to provide a preliminarily vertical, i.e. perpendicular to the extension of the facing layer 2, transport of liquid contains a superabsorbent polymer based on acrylic acid. The absorbent polymer in its unwetted state has weight per area of the surface of the overall layer 5 of 150 g/m ² .

In addition to the absorbent core 4 a moisture balance layer 10 is located between the core 4 and the facing layer 2. The moisture balance layer 10 consists of a mixture of synthetic and natural fibres, wherein in the present case the natural fibres are made of cellulose. In order to allow for moisture balancing the amount of synthetic fibres is about 50% of the overall amount of fibres in the moisture balance layer. The fibre in the moisture balance layer 10 have been oriented vertically, i.e. essentially perpendicular to the extension of the facing layer 2, during the needle punching process of the non-woven fabric forming the moisture balance layer 10. In the embodiment depicted the fibres of the non-woven fabric forming the moisture balance layer 10 do have a den- sity of 0.04 g/cm ³ and the non-woven fabric in its unwetted state has a weight per area of 80 g/m ² .

In an alternative embodiment (not depicted in figure 5) the non-woven fabric of the moisture balance layer 10 may carry a superabsorbent polymer based on acrylic acid having a weight in a range from 10 g/m ² to 30 g/m ² . Alternatively a superabsorbent polymer may be arranged between two of the above mentioned non-woven fabric layers, which then together do form the moisture balance layer. In this case the weight of the superabsorbent polymer in its unwetted state is in a range from 30 g/m ² to 80 g/m ² . In the embodiment shown in figure 5 the facing layer 10 additionally comprises an active substance, in this case Arnica Montana, accelerating the healing process.

Figure 6 shows a design of a wound dressing according to the present invention for application to heavily secreting wounds. As in figure 1 the wound dressing according to figure 6 only shows a pouch formed by a backing layer 3 and a facing layer 2, wherein in the pouch a core 4 comprising a first layer 5 and a second layer 6 is located.

As described before with reference to figure 5 the backing layer 3 consists of a non-woven fabric having a hydrophobic treatment.

The facing layer of 2 of the embodiment shown in figure 6 consists of a hydrophilic layer of foam made of polyurethane, which in its unwetted state comprises a weight per square meter of the area of the facing layer 2 in a range from 100 g/m ² to 600 g/m ² .

While this weight per area of the facing layer has been chosen for the particular embodiment depicted in figure 6 in general a spun bond non-woven used as a facing layer in a dressing as depicted in figure 6 in its unwetted state may have a weight per area in a range from 12 g/m ² to 40 g/m ² . Alternatively the facing layer 2 may be formed of a spundbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS) non-woven having a weight per area in its unwetted state in a range from 12 g/m ² to 30 g/m ² . Even a spundbond-meltblown-spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMSMS) non-woven having a weight per area in its unwetted state in a range from 6 g/m ² to 20 g/m ² could be used for forming the facing layer 2. Alternatively the facing layer 2 of the embodiment depicted in figure 6 could consist of a synthetic fibre which in a needle punching process has been treated to form a non-woven fabric having a density of the layer in a range from 0.2 g/cm ³ to 0.6 g/cm ³ and a weight per area in its unwetted state in a range from 20 g/m ² to 70 g/m ² . In an alternative design the facing layer may comprise an alginate.

The absorbent core 4 again consists of a first layer 5 and a second layer 6. The first layer which provides a predominantly vertical fluid distribution, i.e. in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the facing layer 2, consists of tissue paper having a weight per area of 100 g/m ² , wherein in the tissue paper a superabsorbent polymer based on acrylic acid is integrated having a weight per area of 200 g/m ² . Again the second layer 6 of the core 4 provides a predominantly horizontal, i.e. essentially parallel to the extension of the facing layer 2, fluid transport. The second layer 6 of the core 4 of the embodiment depicted in figure 6 consists of tissue paper having a weight of 200 g/m ² . The embodiment depicted in figure 7 also shows a wound dressing for heavily secreting wounds, which provides an additional blood absorption layer 15. The construction of the other layers of the dressing, i.e. the backing layer 3, the facing layer 2 and the absorbent core 4 with its first layer 5 and its second layer 6 are identical to the embodiment depicted in figure 6. The additional blood absorption layer 15 consists of a mixture of synthetic fibres and cellulose fibres, which have been oriented vertically, i.e. essentially perpendicular to the extension of the facing layer 2, during the spun laced or needle punched process used to manufacture the non- woven fabric forming the blood absorption layer 15. The blood absorption layer 15 in the embodiment depicted in figure 7 does have a density of 0.04 g/cm ³ and in its unwettened state the non-woven fabric of the blood absorption layer 15 has a weight per area in a range from 30 g/m ² to 150 g/m ² . In order to provide effective blood absorption the blood absorption layer 15 has a content of more than 80% of natural fibres, in particular cellulose fibres.

Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment for a wound dressing for heavily secreting wounds. The design is most comparable to what has been with respect to the embodiment of figure 6, i.e. the dressing comprises facing layer 2, a backing layer 3 and a core 4 having a first layer 5 and a second layer 6. No additional moisture balancing or blood absorption layers are present.

While the backing layer 3 and the facing layer 2 have been chosen as in the design according to figure 6 the core layers 5, 6 have been designed not only to provide a predominantly vertical (first layer 5) or predominantly horizontal (second layer 6) fluid transport, absorption and retention but also to provide an anti-slumping effect and to avoid gel blocking in order to create a better fluid distribution. In order to achieve those objects the first layer 5 and the second layer 6 each consist of virgin cellulose fibres having a weight per area of 80 g/m ² . Each of the layers 5, 6 contains super absorbent polymers based on acrylic acid with a weight per area of 170 g/m ² in the virgin cellulose fibres. In order to strengthen the anti-slumping effect and fluid transport the second layer 6 can be divided into a plurality of sub-layers (not depicted tin Figure 8). The number of sublayers forming the second layer 6 may range from two to four sub-layers. Each of the sub-layers may contain a weight ratio between cellulose and superabsorbent polymers in a range from 1.5 to 1. In an em- bodiment the total amount of cellulose when added over all sub-layers is 600 g/m ² and the total amount of superabsorbent polymers when added over all sub-layers is then 500 g/m ² divided over two to four sub-layers. Figure 9 shows a wound dressing designed for the blood absorption in heavily secreting wounds. The backing layer 3 consists of a hydrophobic non-woven fabric.

As before the core 4 is a two-layered structure comprising a second layer 6 formed of superabsorbent fibres integrated into a non-woven fabric of a mixture of cellulose, viscose and synthetic fibres to absorb blood and to create a horizontal fluid transport.

The first layer 5 of the core 4 not only provides the required vertical transport of fluid, but also serves as a blood absorption layer. Therefore the first layer 5 is made of a non-woven fabric comprising more than 70% of natural cellulose and viscose fibres in order to provide the required blood absorption. As before the fibres in the non-woven fabric of the first layer 5 have been oriented essentially vertically during the needling process. The non-woven fabric used has a density of 0.2 g/cm ³ and a weight per area of 150 g/m ² .

The facing layer has a design, which has been described previously with reference to figures 7 and 8.

Figure 10 shows a schematic drawing of a wound dressing according to a further embodiment of the invention. The design is almost identical to the embodiment shown in figure 6. However, the first layer 5 of the core 4 is perforated by a plurality of holes 16 spread all over its surface. In the particular embodiment depicted in figure 10 the holes 16 in average have a surface area of 4 mm ² . The perforation supports the strongly vertically oriented fluid transport properties of the first layer 5.

Figure 1 1 shows a schematic drawing of an embodiment of a wound dressing according to the invention, wherein the first layer 5 serves to provide moisture balancing of the wound and a distribution of exudates from the wound. In order to provide these functionalities the first layer 5 is made of purely synthetic material. In the present example the first layer 5 is made of a dry polyester textile. The dry polyester textile comprises hydrophilic PET and bicomponent fibres bonded to form a web. The weight of the first layer 5 is 80 g/m ² (average value) and its density amounts to 0.3 g/cm ³ . The values chosen for the weight and density of the first layer 5 are such that the required functionalities of the first layer 5 are well supported. The first layer 5 is free of any superabsorbent substances. In a variation of the embodiment depicted in Figure 1 1 (not depicted) the first layer could additionally provide absorption to some extend. In order to do so it should be made of a mixture of a synthetic material and a cellulose based material. As a rule of thump the higher the concentration of the cellulose based material is the better the absorption of the first layer will be. Under some circumstances the first layer of this embodiment could also be made of purely cellulose based material.

In the particular embodiment depicted in Figure 1 1 the second layer 6 is divided into a set of sublayers 6a, 6b as described before with respect to the embodiment of Figure 8. The first sub-layer which is nearest to the first layer 5 consists of 100 % of cellulosed based fibres. In the example shown in Figure 1 1 the first sub-layer 6a of the second layer 6 is made of tissue paper having a weight of 60 g/m ² . Exudates which have passed through the first layer 5 of the embodiment depicted will be distributed by this arrangement of the first sub-layer of the second layer 6 predominantly in a direction parallel to the facing layer. In the first sub-layer 6a absorption occurs to some extend.

The second sub-layer 6b comprises a superabsorbent substance, in the present case superabsorbent particles, having a weight of 400 g/m ² embedded in tissue paper forming a composite material having a weight of 470 g/m ² (superabsorbent particles and tissue paper).

In an embodiment having a design similar to the one shown in Figure 1 1 a further third sub-layer 6c is provided (not shown). The third sub-layer has the furthest distance from the first layer 5. The design of the third sub-layer 6c is identical to that of the second sub-layer 6b. In particular the second and third sub-layers 6b, 6c are designed such that in combination with each other they do provide the same properties as the single second layer 6b of Figure 1 1. Accordingly the second and third sub-layers 6b, 6c comprise a superabsorbent substance, in the present case superabsorbent particles, having a weight of 200 g/m ² each embedded in tissue paper forming a composite material having a weight of 235 g/m ² each (superabsorbent particles and tissue paper). Thus the combination of the second sub-layer 6b and the third sub-layer 6c is such that together they do comprises superabsorbent particles having a weight of 400 g/m ² embedded in tissue paper forming a composite material having a weight of 470 g/m ² .

As described above the purpose of the third sub-layer 6c is to provide an anti-slumping effect. In addition the third sub-layer 6c of the second layer 6 provides an improvement of the absorption properties of the second layer 6 as between the sub-layer 6b, 6c a wicking in a direction parallel to the extension of the facing layer 2 is provided between the faces of the two layers 6b, 6c. As described before the backing layer 3 of the embodiment according to Figure 1 1 consists of a non-woven fabric comprising a hydrophobic treatment, while the facing layer 2 consists of a polypropylene spunbond nonwoven. The core of the wound dressing formed by the first layer 5 and the second layer 6 of Figure 1 1 provides a fluid distribution to avoid maceration and to get a uniform distribution, absorption and retention (lock fluid) into the whole core area 5, 6. The retention or absorption of al exudates with the bio burden included is necessary to extract it from the wound area and lock it inside the core 5, 6.

The retention of exudates is a key feature of superabsorbent substances, in particular of super absorbent particles. While superabsorbent substances have a high absorption of water their absorption of blood is rather poor compared to natural materials as for example cellulose or more generally speaking cellulose based material. In particular the inherently poor absorption proper- ties of the superabsorbent particles with respect to blood and heavy exudates are enhanced by the distribution of the exudates predominantly parallel to the facing layer 2. By providing this transport of the blood and heavy exudates in a direction parallel to the facing layer the same amount of blood/heavy exudates is spread over a larger area of material containing superabsorbent particles. This in turn effectively leads to better absorption properties of the core 5, 6 with respect to blood and heavy exudates.

The softness of the first layer 5 gives a good contact with the wound which enhances a uniform distribution of exudates together with the second layer 6 over the whole surface which in the next stage gives a proper moisture balance such that the wound is not too wet or dry in a specific area depending on the exact design of the dressing and such that the second or even third sub layer in layer 6 lock the bio burden into the core.

A design wherein the first layer provides moisture balancing the first layer 5 will not dry out a low exudation wound. In many constructions, superabsorbent particles themselves dry out the wound, when the moisture balance layer not is there. According to the invention the superabsorbent particles have a distance to the wound and can just retain what is distributed by the moisture balance layer and the sub layer of cellulose based fibres.

The overall shape of the designs described in detail with reference figures 5 to 1 1 are various. The dressings may be square, rectangular or circularly shaped as required for application to different parts of a human or animal body. Slitted designs will be available in order to provide dressings in connection with treatment of patients having a tracheotomy. For purposes of original disclosure it is pointed out that all features which are apparent for a person skilled in the art from the present description, the figures and the claims, even if they have only be described with further features, could be combined on their own or together with other combinations of the features disclosed herein, if not excluded explicitly or technically impossible. A comprehensive explicit description of all possible combinations of features is only omitted in order to provide readability of the description.

Reference numbers:

1 wound dressing

2 facing layer

3 backing layer

4 core

5 first layer of the core

6 second layer of the core

7, 8 arrow

9 seal

10 moisture balance layer

15 blood absorption layer

16 holes

20 bandage

21 sealing member

22 periphery

23 self adhesive section

24 skin

25 wound

26 occluded volume

27 outlet opening

28 tube

29 pump

30 liquid trap

31 pump housing

50 occlusive bandage

51 sealing member

52 periphery

53 self adhesive section

56 occluded volume

101 wound dressing or bandage

102 facing layer

103 sealing member

104 core

105 first layer of the core

105a first sub-layer of the first layer of the core

105b second sub-layer of the first layer of the core 106 second layer of the core 109 bond

110 through hole in the sealing member 110

111 tube

112 first end of the tube

113 second end of the tube

114 manifold

115 port of the manifold 114

116 tubular structure