EP2320844A1

EP2320844A1 - Wound care article, comprising a portion of modified natural fibers or synthetic fibers

Info

Publication number: EP2320844A1
Application number: EP09782710A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Birgit Riesinger
Original assignee: Riesinger Birgit
Current assignee: Riesinger Birgit
Priority date: 2008-09-05
Filing date: 2009-09-07
Publication date: 2011-05-18
Also published as: US20110213286A1; WO2010026251A1; US20130096524A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a wound care article, comprising a portion of modified natural fibers or synthetic fibers having a high capacity to shed water.

Description

Wound care article comprising a proportion of modified natural fibers or on

synthetic fibers

The invention relates to a wound care article comprising a proportion of modified natural fibers or of synthetic fibers which have a high dewatering capacity.

Conventional wound care articles, in particular wound dressings, consist for the most part of fibers of natural origin, in particular cellulose and cellulose derivatives, since these are capable of absorbing fluids, in particular blood and exudate. Frequently, such wound care articles additionally contain synthetic polymers or fibers which impart special properties to the articles. This can e.g. a one-sided wrapping of a water-impermeable film acting as a laundry protector, or a wound-facing film of a non-wound-adherent polymer. By incorporating superabsorbent polymers in the core of the wound dressing, the wound dressing also receives special properties, such as increasing the absorption capacity of wound fluids.

Such conventional wound dressings are known, for example, from DE 10059439, DE20207356, DE102007036758, DE102007036757, DE 102007049430, DE 102007049429 and DE102007 049428 by the applicant of the present invention, the disclosure content of which is to be regarded as added to the present application. Now, in particular natural fibers have a number of disadvantages. Natural fibers are wettable and usually absorb moisture (water absorption capacity), but they do not last forever. This behavior may, for example, lead to wound marginal maceration (softening and inflammation of the surrounding skin through prolonged contact with a fluid) and also accelerate the growth of bacteria as they find the required moist (and often warm) microclimate in appropriate wound care articles. Likewise, when wetting, natural fibers often lose their structural integrity and thus their cushioning and possibly heat-insulating properties.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a wound care article which does not have the mentioned disadvantages of the products of the prior art. This object is achieved with a wound care article according to the present main claim; the dependent claims indicate preferred embodiments. In this case, ranges of values which are limited by numerical values are always to be understood as including the stated numerical values.

Accordingly, a wound care article is provided which has a proportion of modified natural fibers or synthetic fibers, which have a high dewatering capacity.

The modified natural fibers used for the wound care article are preferably chemically or physically modified natural fibers, such as cotton. The fibers are usually made of cellulose (cellulose). Cellulose is an unbranched polymer of 1-4-ß-glycosidically linked glucose molecules with a chain length between one hundred and ten thousand monomers. In general, the chemically modified fibers are fibers that have a high dewatering capacity, ie a high dewatering capacity, and that have a good water absorption capacity. Accordingly, very particular preference is given to fibers whose dewatering capacity (= dewatering capacity) combined with good water absorption capacity is very high, ie the ability to absorb moisture quickly and release it immediately is very high.

Of course, then the proportion of fibers used may also be a mixture of synthetic and natural fibers. In particular, extracted chemical cellulose is suitable, which can be prepared by digestion of wood via the acid sulfite process, since this has a low content of hemicellulose and resin and thus an excellent whiteness due to its very low yellow content , whereby their use in the hygiene sector is preferred. An example of a natural fiber modified via a sulfite process is, for example, PLACETATE-F from Rayonier Performance Fibers, which has an extremely high degree of whiteness. Further possible modified natural fibers for use in the wound care article according to the invention are HPZ, HPZ-III and HPZ-XS from woodpulp, as well as the bleached chemical cellulose known under the name SULFATATE-HJ modified natural fibers from PLACETATE-F company.

In general, the fibers may also be microfibers if their

Individual threads are finer than 1 dtex, so have a maximum weight of 1 gram per 10,000 meters.

The term "as a fraction", as claimed, is to be understood to mean that the proportion of fibers 100

Wt .-% of the wound care article corresponds, or that the proportion of fibers in a range of 0.1 to 99 wt .-% of the total content of the wound care article is.

In a preferred embodiment, the proportion of fibers is in a range of 5-20% by weight of the total content of the wound care article, whereby such a proportion of fibers for a wound care article is suitable for the treatment of aqueous wounds.

In another preferred embodiment, the proportion of the fibers according to the invention is in a range of 90-100% by weight of the total portion of the wound care article, whereby such a proportion of fibers for a wound care article is suitable for the treatment of dry wounds with little exudation.

In a further preferred embodiment, the proportion of fibers in a range of 11-89 wt .-% of the total proportion of the wound care article, whereby such a proportion of fibers is particularly suitable for a wound care article for the treatment of wounds and to be padded wounds.

However, the proportion of fibers can also be understood as meaning that the fiber is present in a homogeneous, all-fiber layer at a weight proportion of 100%, or this layer is proportionally mixed with other fibers / substances, in which case the proportion of the fibers according to the invention is less than 100% by weight. A fiber content of 100 wt .-% is particularly suitable for a wound care article according to the invention, which can be added under one of the wound dressings known in the market. In a particularly preferred manner, a wound care article according to the invention is provided which has a recess in the area of the wound, and in its dimensions corresponds to the dimensions of the wound dressing to be applied so that the wound care article according to the invention lies as a frame below the wound dressing, effectively keeping the wound edges dry and thus providing protection against wound edge maceration. In addition, the size of the wound dressing allows it to retain its unrestricted contact with the wound.

Fibers with increased drainability, as you will be understood with the present application are known from the hygiene sector, household and partly also from the textile sector. A use in wound care articles has not yet been proposed, since it was to be assumed at the time of this application that the natural fibers modified mostly by chemical processes, such as the mercerization or the sulfite process, exhibit toxicity to the cells and in particular have a toxic effect on contact with a wound would.

The inventor of the present invention has now discovered for the first time that the modified natural fibers have some excellent physical properties as compared with conventional natural fibers, making them suitable for use in wound care articles. Thus, the modified natural fibers are characterized by a good moisture absorption with simultaneous ability to dissipate moisture quickly, with adjacent layers are dried out, kept dry or back-dried. The toxicity test also showed that there is no increased toxicity of the modified natural fibers to cells.

It is particularly advantageous that the fibers have said properties both in the wetted and in the unwetted state. It is the essence of the present invention that it is proposed for the first time to make the outstanding physical properties of chemically modified natural fibers usable for wound care.

Despite the long-standing reputation of modified natural fibers, such as mercerized fibers, which were already known since the mid-19th century, in addition to their suitability for household and sanitary purposes has not been proposed, these fibers, as well as other chemically modified fibers (for example also known as "curled fibers" or the cellulose which has been converted by the sulfite process from cellulose, can also be used for the treatment of wounds, due in part to the fact that experts in the field of wound care have so far always been concerned with wound care the category of swelling and / or moisture-absorbing materials, such as cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose or alginates. Recently, intensive thought has been given to the use of superabsorbent polymers, an idea to which the assignee of the present invention has, moreover, done pioneering work.

The use of modified natural fiber with high drainage capacity in wound care now proposed for the first time violates this category of thinking, and only overcoming this thinking - as the applicant of the present invention has done - leaves the specific advantages of using the modified natural fiber with high dewatering capacity become recognizable in the wound care.

The fact that the modified natural fibers have a low moisture absorption reduces e.g. the aforementioned wound edge maceration, since the wound edges in contact with the sections have low moisture.

The moisture wicking properties are particularly advantageous when the modified fibers are placed in combination with a fluid absorbent portion in a wound care article, preferably such that the fibers directly contact the wound while absorbing in a second layer the liquids Section is arranged. In this way, exudate exiting the fiber section (which acts like a kind of transit layer, similar to sports underwear) passes quickly and is transported into the absorbent section; the wound-contacting portion containing fibers thus remains dry.

In addition, because of the rapid wicking in the sections containing the modified fibers, a wound care article, as opposed to wound care articles, can be treated with e.g. moisture-absorbing cellulose fibers does not collapse or collapse when in contact with liquid, and thus preserves the structural integrity of the wound care article, or recovers it through rapid drying, which in particular brings about cushioning and heat-insulating properties.

Furthermore, the rapid wicking prevents lateral diffusion of moisture within the wound care article, which could otherwise result in maceration of the healthy skin surrounding the wound. Thus, for the first time it could be established that, due to the synergy effects between the Applicant developed absorbent body and the modified fibers, a vertical alignment of the fibers to the absorbent body is no longer necessary, since the absorbent body takes over the targeted guidance of the liquid. This means that with the modified fibers according to the invention, the lateral diffusion of the moisture can be prevented even more effectively than has already been described, for example, for microfibers.

Furthermore, the rapid passage of moisture prevents the formation of a moist environment promoting the growth of microorganisms, in particular bacteria, within the wound care article.

As already described for wound care articles with microfiber layers, the wound care article according to the invention is also suitable for breaking up biofilms on the wound.

The mentioned biofilms consist of a thin layer of mucus (film) in which microorganisms (eg bacteria, algae, fungi, protozoa) are embedded. Biofilms are formed when microorganisms settle at interfaces. They form predominantly in aqueous systems, either on the water surface or at an interface to a solid phase, e.g. of the skin. In particular, biofilms play a major role in chronic and acutely infected wounds, as they reduce the metabolic exchange with the environment, make it difficult to cleanse wounds and jeopardize wound healing through their proteolytic properties and excreted endotoxins.

The inventor has found that biofilms in the wound usually can not be treated with antibiotics or disinfecting agents. Thus, at most, said agents kill the bacteria of the uppermost layer of the biofilm, while the underlying layers remain unimpaired, the latter possibly being unaffected. still benefit from the remnants of killed bacteria.

Drying or dehydration of the layers adjacent to the modified fibers causes the biofilm to dry out, which, among other things, ruptures the biofilm, but much more will produce the effect of inhibiting communication between the microorganisms embedded in the biofilm. This leads in particular to the fact that resistance can be prevented with simultaneous antibiosis. By degrading the biofilm, the metabolic exchange of the wound with the environment can be improved, it is generally wound healing agents, in particular antibacterial, nutritive or protease inhibiting agents, as disclosed for example in the application DE 102007030931 the assignee of the present invention, introduced into the wound and so promote wound healing.

In addition, in addition, an absorbent body may be provided which is capable of absorbing the released bacteria of the biofilm or its released components (especially endotoxins). This will be discussed later.

The treated patient perceives the desiccation or drying of the layers applied to the modified fibers, which may also be directly skin layers of the patient, as extremely pleasant, since, as already described above, maceration of the intact skin layers is effectively prevented for the first time ,

As also described for the microfibers, the low tendency to adhesion of modified fibers with increased dewatering capacity or wound care articles made therefrom at the wound surface leads to a reduction of the pain-intensive wound impairment during dressing changes and thus enables almost atraumatic dressing changes.

In principle, it can furthermore be provided that the modified fibers are present in the wound care article according to the invention in the form of a wadding, a fleece, a pile, a terry cloth, a terry velor, a fabric or a knitted fabric.

Said nonwovens can be present, for example, in the form of a nonwoven swirl fleece. Likewise, such a nonwoven also consist of a simple carded fiber wadding. It is preferably provided that the fibers form a nonwoven with a density between 5.0 and 50.0 g / cm ² . Most preferably, the fibers form a nonwoven having a density between 6.0 and 20.0 g / cm ² .

Said piles consist of a microfine fiber material which has been flocked onto a carrier material, but they can likewise consist of a matrix fabric or knitted fabrics into which pile threads are incorporated.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the modified fibers are formed as a monofilament in a composite with absorbent threads, wherein the absorbent threads and the monofilaments in are essentially the same length and anchored in a textile base fabric, knitted fabric, knitted or a rigid back plate by welding or gluing. The proportion of monofilaments may be 5 to 50%, usually between 10 and 40%, of the total number of absorbent threads and monofins. For the production in textile technology is primarily the double-plush process into consideration; The monofilaments are incorporated together with the absorbent threads as a pole in a base fabric. They should be anchored in the base fabric by welding, for which z. B. in a conventional manner in the material of the basic fabric weldable fibers may be included. In the welded fabric, the monofilaments are firmly held. They can not push themselves out backwards, despite the considerable force with which they support themselves in the tissue due to their rigidity. The welding also surrounds the monofilaments without gaps over their entire circumference, so that bending moments are transferred completely into the fabric and the monofilaments can not bend off due to angling relative to the base fabric. The backing fabric can be made stiff enough to hold the bending forces.

Said advantages of the modified fibers in connection with the use according to the invention in a wound care article are evident in any of the mentioned embodiments.

Basically, the modified natural fibers in hydrophobic and hydrophilic design are conceivable.

While hydrophilic fibers, like hydrophilic fibers, do not absorb liquid on water (i.e., do not swell), they are wettable and, therefore, can buffer liquid in a three-dimensional fiber structure. However, unlike swelling fibers, they quickly release the liquid, e.g. if they have an actively absorbing wound dressing, such as the Sorbion Sachet is highlighted.

In this embodiment as well, the fibers have moisture-conducting properties and, in particular, prevent the formation of a microclimate that promotes bacterial growth.

In particular, a mixture of hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers can be provided here. In this way, for example, dedicated drainage areas can be formed in the wound care article, which have hydrophilic microfibers, while surrounding areas having hydrophobic areas convey exudate to said drainage areas. In this case, it can also be provided, in particular, that the modified natural fibers are twisted or twisted into yarns or multifilaments before they are processed, for example, into a pile or a fabric.

It is preferably provided that the wound care article is a wound dressing. Thus, said wound dressing may e.g. be formed flat and have a round, elliptical, rectangular or polygonal shape. Likewise, the wound care article may also be a wound-care cloth, a swab, a tampon, a wound tamponade or the like. These may have absorbent and non-absorbent properties. In addition, the wound care article according to the invention with proportion of chemically and / or physically modified fibers can be cut and present in the form of a tubular dressing.

On the other hand, it is particularly preferred that the wound care article has at least one body which absorbs wound exudates and a shell which is arranged at least in sections around this body.

In this case, the wound exudate absorbing body preferably comprises a material which is selected from the group comprising a mat, in particular from an airlaid having superabsorbent polymers, and / or a loose filling of superabsorbent polymers. Said airlaid mat may preferably have a substantially flat material portion of absorbent material, the z. B. consists of an absorbent fleece with superabsorbent polymers distributed therein.

This wound exudate absorbing body may correspond to the absorbent pad contained in a wound dressing of the assignee of the present invention, as disclosed, for example, in WO03094813, WO2007051599 and WO0152780, and sold under the trade name "sorbion sachet." The disclosure of U.S. Pat mentioned writings is fully attached to the disclosure of this document.

In another embodiment, the wound-absorbent body can likewise form a core which-optionally flake-like-has fibers or yarns of superabsorbent polymers and superabsorbent polymers in granular form, the granules being adhesively bonded or welded to the fibers or yarns at several heights , and the granules are distributed over more than 50% of the total height of at least a portion of the core, wherein there are mixed areas of granules and fibers. The proportion by weight of the superabsorbent polymers may preferably be in the range between 10 and 25% by weight for use as a wound compress.

The wound exudate absorbing body, in another embodiment, may also include at least one flat layer comprising fibers or yarns of superabsorbent polymers to which superabsorbent polymers in granular form are adhered. This results in a preferred embodiment, a structure of the body having at least three layers, wherein two cover layers surrounding a layer having superabsorbent polymers.

There are no mixtures of fibers and superabsorbent polymers in the plane; but only fixed announcements of both materials. The optionally provided multiple layers can be physically compacted together by rolling, pressing, calendering or similar processes in a preferred embodiment. Moreover, the body may have repetitive patterns or grains such as e.g. a check pattern, a stamping pattern, a company logo or the like.

Around this core may be disposed a shell which is overlapped in areas, and e.g. an adhesive seam is covered or part of the same.

Likewise, a portion of a hydrophobic and / or water-repellent or water-impermeable material may be provided within the envelope, which acts as a soaking or laundry protection.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that said shell has the modified natural fibers, which are preferably prepared in the form of a fabric, a knitted fabric, a nonwovens or a nonwoven.

In this way, the mentioned direct contact between fibers and wound, which leads to the positive effects mentioned, is particularly well ensured. Likewise, it may preferably be provided that within the envelope a section comprising the modified Natural fibers, is arranged. The inside of the sheath fiber section then serves well for the re-drying of the shell.

For the reasons mentioned above, said section is preferably arranged on the wound-facing side of the wound care article and can consist, for example, of a three-dimensional nonwoven web.

Nevertheless, since the modified natural fibers or the synthetic fibers can also be made into woven or knitted fabrics, such a section may e.g. also consist of a three-dimensional knitted fabric, woven or knitted fabric. On the one hand, such a so-called spacer knitted fabric has highly cushioning properties and, on the other hand, has a high respiratory activity and moisture-wicking properties, so that it is guaranteed that the wound will remain open even in the event of heat and / or perspiration to a certain degree, not exceeding the wound-healing moist environment, dries.

An embodiment of such woven, knitted or crocheted fabrics or even tufted fabrics made of chemically and / or physically modified fibers may have a dissimilarity or blending of two different fabrics, one of which is hydrophobic and the other is hydrophilic.

For example, an interruption of the layer forming the modified natural fibers by webs or wicks of carboxymethyl cellulose or polyurethane is conceivable, which derive the male wound fluid targeted, similar to a chimney effect. In particular, if no absorption body, as developed by the applicant, is underlaid.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the modified natural fibers consist of biodegradable materials which, as known from surgical suture materials, can be coated with a biodegradable magnesium alloy, which supports the biocompatibility and the body's own healing and defense mechanisms in wound healing. In particular, it can also be provided that the shell has a pattern of different, modified natural fibers containing materials. For example, the sheath may have a stripe or check pattern, with individual sections each dissipating more moisture than other sections.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, moreover, it is provided that the wound care article also has superabsorbent polymers.

Superabsorbent polymers (SAP) are plastics that are able to absorb many times their own weight - up to 1000 times - in liquids. Chemically, this is a copolymer of acrylic acid (propionic acid, C3H4O2) and sodium acrylate (sodium salt of acrylic acid, NaCsHsO ₂ ), wherein the ratio of the two monomers may vary. In addition, a so-called core crosslinker (core cross-linker, CXL) is added to the monomer solution, which connects the long-chain polymer molecules formed in places with each other by chemical bridges (they "crosslinked"). These bridges make the polymer water insoluble. When water or aqueous salt solutions penetrate into the polymer particles, it swells up and tightens this network at the molecular level so that the water can no longer escape without help.

The use of SAP in wound dressings for receiving exudate is already known from WO0152780 and WO03094813 of the assignee of the present invention, the contents of which are said to be fully incorporated in the disclosure of the present application. The term "exudate" refers to a wound fluid derived from the blood plasma via the inflammatory processes of wound edema. Just as the blood is responsible for the transport of nutrients and other messengers, and thus for the supply of various parts of the body, the exudate serves in a similar way the supply of the wound bed and the healing processes occurring therein. To cope with this multitude of functions, it contains a wide range of components, resulting in a specific weight that is slightly above that of water. This is also different from the transudate, which is derived from non-inflammatory processes and has a significantly lower specific gravity with a low cell and protein content. In addition to providing nutrients to the fibroblasts and epithelial cells, exudate coordinates the various processes of wound healing both temporally and spatially through its high content of growth factors and cytokines. These are mainly through Platelets, keratinocytes, macrophages and fibroblasts formed. They influence the motility, migration and proliferation of the various cells involved in wound healing. Thus, the infiltration of cells into the wound base is promoted as well as the supply of the newly formed granulation tissue by angiogenesis. The wound cleansing is also supported by the exudate. It contains several serine, cysteine and aspartate proteases as well as matrix metalloproteases, which are tightly regulated in their activity and degrade both existing and newly formed collagen in the wound.

Components of the physiological exudate are in particular salts, glucose, cytokines and growth factors, plasma proteins, proteases (in particular matrix metalloproteases), granulocytes and macrophages.

If it does not occur within a few weeks to a significant progression of the wound healing process according to the different stages of wound healing, it is called a chronic wound. However, exudative episodes lasting more than three days are considered to be a complication, suggesting a pathological exudation that may contribute to chronic wound healing. The underlying causes are usually complex and may well be systemic. However, due to the above-mentioned importance of the exudate for wound healing, it is not surprising that complications of wound healing are reflected in a significantly altered composition and effect of the exudate.

Among other things, by a shift in concentration of the individual constituents of the exudate, the normally healing-promoting exudate loses its positive effect in chronic wounds. In particular, the content of inflammatory cytokines and proteases is significantly increased in pathological exudate. The content of growth factors, however, is reduced. A particularly serious difference arises with regard to the activity of the previously mentioned matrix metalloproteases. In addition to the preparation of the wound bed, they are also involved in the subsequent remodeling of the granulation to the scar tissue. These enzymes are normally formed as an inactive pre-enzyme and are regulated in their activation by appropriate inhibitors (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases, TIMPs), which at the same time have a positive effect on cell growth. In chronic exudate, the activity of the proteases appears to increase due to disturbances in this regulatory system, possibly leading to a Regression of wound healing contributes. The pathological exudate has come in terms of the content of its components from the sac progressional balance. This results in various complications that contribute to further deterioration and chronicity of the wound.

In connection with the drying properties of the modified natural fibers or synthetic fibers of the wound care article according to the invention, which are able to dry out and thereby break up biofilms arranged in the wound, the said component comprising SAP is of particular importance. Thus, the intended share of SAP serves to absorb the fragments and remnants of the biofilm. The destruction of the biofilm may also release endotoxins and bacterial pathogenicity factors (especially bacterial hemolysin and leucocidin) that can cause inflammation, allergies, shock (especially anaphylactic shock and / or toxic shock syndrome) and fever in the patient (Herxheimer reaction ). Said endotoxins and pathogenicity factors are taken up by the proportion of SAP, so that the said consequences can be avoided.

In DE 102007054127 of the applicant of the present invention, whose disclosure content is to be added to the disclosure of the present application, these conditions are discussed in detail; In particular, it is shown that SAP is able to bind bacteria and bacterial endotoxins.

Preferably, the superabsorbent polymers are polymers in powder or granular form.

Superabsorbent polymers in this dosage form have a variety of advantages, e.g. from WOO 152780 and WO03094813 of the applicant of the present invention.

Particularly preferably, the superabsorbent polymers are polymers in fiber, yarn, cotton, nonwoven or fabric form. Reference is made here to the DE 102007049429 of the applicant of the present invention, the disclosure content of which is to be considered as being added to the present application. The proposed use of superabsorbent polymers in fiber or yarn form has a number of advantages over particulate superabsorbent polymers:

i) Thus, said fibers or yarns have a wicking effect. In this way, upon contact with a liquid, they can absorb and bind this liquid much faster than particulate superabsorbent polymers can. ii) Moreover, the liquid streams can direct. In this way, for example, a wound edge maceration can be prevented. iii) Unlike particulate superabsorbent polymers, they can be made into nonwovens, fabrics or the like. In this way, for example, the casing of a wound dressing can be made of these fibers or yarns, and the superabsorbent properties can be brought much closer to the wound base. iv) The risk of superabsorbent materials remaining in the wound is much lower for a web of superabsorbent yarns than for particulate superabsorbent polymers. This also contributes to the fact that the superabsorbent properties can be brought so much closer to the wound base. V) Since in many cases a separate carrier material can be dispensed with, the proportion of superabsorbent materials in a hygiene or care article, in particular a wound care article be increased significantly; in extreme cases, it can even assume a weight percentage of 100%. vi) Said fibers or yarns or the products made therefrom have a much higher softness and a lower abrasiveness than the corresponding particulate superabsorbent polymers. vii) Said fibers or yarns can be processed into a structure, without the need - as is the case with particulate superabsorbent polymers - an adhesive or a welding process must be used. This has significant advantages in terms of product purity as well as pharmacology and potential allergenicity. viii) In contrast to particulate superabsorbent polymers, the dimensioning of said fibers or yarns can be controlled and controlled much more accurately, which on the one hand leads to the prevention of dusts, as in Use of particulate superabsorbent polymers often arise, and what, on the other hand, significantly increases product quality (homogeneity and reproducibility). ix) Due to the lack of formation of dusts may possibly be dispensed with the use of a separate shell. x) Said yarns or fibers, in prior art airlaids containing particulate superabsorbent polymers, can replace the carrier fibers of the airlaid, thus reducing the proportion of superabsorbent materials in a sanitary or personal care article, especially a wound care article, and hence the total absorbent capacity - increase.

Any two- or three-dimensional arrangement of the fibers or yarns is conceivable here. Thus, the fibers or yarns may be directional or non-directional (Wirr-Warr), in multiple layers or otherwise.

Superabsorbent fibers of polyacrylates are e.g. offered by the company Technical Absorbents under the trade name "Oasis Super Absorbent Fiber" and, like all superabsorbent polyacrylates, have a very high absorption capacity for liquids such as nonwoven, airlaid, fabric, airlaid and Such fibers are known, for example, from DE 69807337

The said fibers of superabsorbent material are, however, usually very brittle, since the polyacrylate material used has a high brittleness. For this reason, the fibers can not exceed a certain length and therefore can not be easily processed into a yarn.

On the other hand, WO 106047 describes yarns comprising superabsorbent polymers. These yarns are based on a special manufacturing process in which the abovementioned superabsorbent fibers are mixed with supporting fibers of a stronger material and then spun into a yarn. For example, said supporting fibers are fibers of polyester, polypropylene, nylon, cotton, viscose or similar material. The yarn thus produced can then be made into a fabric, Scrim, knit and / or knitted fabric are processed. Likewise, the fibers can also be processed with elastic fibers, such as spandex.

However, so far only the use of such yarns for cables, in particular underwater cables, is described, e.g. in EP 1072698, by the same Applicant as WOO 106047 discussed above.

It is preferably provided that the superabsorbent polymers present in fiber form are present at least partially in the form of a wadding, a fleece, an airlaid and / or a nonwoven.

For this purpose, preferably fibers are used with average lengths of 5 - 50 mm. The preparation is carried out by known methods, e.g. carding or airlaid. The superabsorbent fibers may be the sole constituent of the respective material. Preferably, however, it is provided that the hygiene or care article also has a proportion of supporting fibers that ensure the integrity of the wound dressing even when wet, said fibers are selected from the group containing

a) cellulose fibers, b) viscose fibers, c) alginate fibers, and / or d) polyester, polyolefm, polyurethane, polyvinyl alcohol or polymaid fibers, or mixtures or copolymers thereof.

In this way, the absorption properties of the material in question, but also other properties such. Extensibility, tear resistance, wetting behavior and the like, exactly control.

It can be provided in particular that a fabric is provided, in which, for example, the warp threads are made of superabsorbent yarns, while the weft threads consist of other yarns containing, for example, supporting fibers according to the above list. Such a fabric has directional hydroactive properties, ie it takes up liquid in one direction and passes it on. The fibers may preferably be present at least partially in the form of a nonwoven, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, an airlaid and / or a nonwoven.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the modified natural fibers are present at least in sections in a composite with other materials, in particular fibers.

This may be e.g. contains cotton wool, fluff pulp, medical cotton wool, viscose staple, pulp fluff, regenerated cellulose, snippets, rayon, viscose, modal and / or tencel.

The term "snippets" is to be understood in the following as meaning particles obtained from rupture, punching or cutting of a cellulosic material Such snippets may be made, for example, from an airlaid which optionally contains superabsorbent polymers and in the latter form in the applicant's WO03094813 Present invention is described.

The term "cell wool" is to be understood in the following text consisting of a pulp, cotton wool-like material.

The term "pulp flakes" is to be understood below as fluffy pulp particles, as used in the diaper technology.

Regenerated cellulose generally refers to fibers such as viscose, lyocell, modal, rayon or copper silk.

"Fluff pulp" is a standardized product made of wood, which is produced, for example, from cellulosic material supplied in sheets or webs, so-called wood pulp cardboards, which are usually comminuted in hammer mills or spiked and frayed with scratching apparatus before use a cotton-like product of cellulose fibers has arisen.The resulting material is preferably bleached without chlorine.

Such a mixture can have a wicking effect, thus improving the moisture-conducting properties of the wound care article according to the invention. Furthermore, here also fibers of superabsorbent polymers and / or fibers of modified cellulose, in particular carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), thought. However, such a composite would lose the said positive properties of the modified natural fibers (fast moisture transfer).

A blend of CMC or superabsorbent polymer fibers and the modified natural fibers partially transforms into a gel upon moisture uptake while preserving its structural integrity. Reference is hereby made to the patent applications DE102007049429 and DE102007049430 by the applicant of the present invention, the content of which is to be added to the disclosure content of the present application.

Overall, the mixing ratios between the modified natural fibers and other fibers, or between hydrophilic and hydrophobic fiber types, can be used to precisely control the moisture-conducting or moisture-binding properties of the wound care article according to the invention. In this case, e.g. be provided that over the depth of the wound care article or a portion thereof, there is a gradient in the fiber blend ratio.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the material of the shell has at least one hydrophobic and / or non-bonded with the wound portion.

Such a material effectively prevents the wound dressing from sticking to the wound, thereby reducing trauma to dressing changes. These are particularly preferably mercerized cotton, but there are also regenerated cellulose such as viscose, lyocell, modal, rayon or copper silk, polyamide (nylon), polyethylene, polypropylene, PTFE (Teflon), siliconized fibers or similar materials conceivable. In particular, it may also be straight, wavy, crimped and / or mercerized fibers, in particular fibers of natural materials are preferred.

In another preferred embodiment, the shell may comprise a layer containing superabsorbent polymers in fibrous form. Such a shell is eg in the DE 102007036758 the applicant of the present invention is described, the contents of which are fully referenced here.

In this case, the material particularly preferably has a three-dimensional pore structure, as described, for example, in US Pat. is described in the WO2007118652 the assignee of the present invention, the contents of which are fully referenced here.

Said shell may preferably consist of a nonwoven polypropylene or polyethylene having a weight per unit area of> 10 to <100 g / m ² , preferably of> 20 to <40 g / m ² .

Likewise, a portion of a hydrophobic and / or water-repellent or water-impermeable material may be provided within the shell, which acts as Durchnässungs- or laundry protection.

It is preferably provided in particular that the superabsorbent polymers used are immobilized within the wound dressing. This is important to prevent trickling of the polymers from the wound dressing into the wound.

Said immobilization can be done in different ways. Thus it can be provided that

a) the superabsorbent polymers are glued to fibers of the wound dressing, eg with a hotmelt adhesive; b) the superabsorbent polymers are compressed with fibers of the wound dressing; c) the superabsorbent polymers are firmly embedded in a three-dimensional fiber matrix; d) the section of the wound dressing containing the superabsorbent polymers is surrounded by a shell which, for example by selecting a suitable pore size or by omitting pores, is impermeable to the polymers (this may be the outer cover of the wound dressing, but also um an inner shell disposed within the outer shell); e) the superabsorbent polymers are in the form of fibers, wherein the fibers are present in the form of a fiber composite and possibly even form a bond with the cellulose fibers of the wound dressing. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the shell on no intentionally introduced pores, here are pores in the material possibly given by the mesh size of the fabric or the fiber spacing of the web. In another preferred embodiment, the material of the shell intentionally introduced pores, the pore size depends on the size of the superabsorbent particles used, and may assume values of <50 to <5000 microns, preferably <100 to <3000 microns.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the wound dressing further comprises

a) a section comprising flexible foam b) a section end modified C ellulo se, in particular Carboxymethylcellulose, and / or c) a section comprising alginates, and / or d) a section comprising a nonwoven and / or an airlaid mat, or Snippets of the same.

The term "airlaid" refers to a special nonwoven fabric made of pulp and polyolefin fibers, in which possibly superabsorbent polymers are embedded. This may be, for example. to the airlaid mat contained in the product "Sorbion Sachet", which is described in WO03094813 the assignee of the present invention act.

The airlaid may be over or underlaid with a proportion of pulp, e.g. a proportion of cotton wool, fluff pulp, medical cotton wool, viscose staple, pulp fluff, regenerated cellulose, snippets, rayon, viscose, modal and / or tencel, said portion containing in addition to the airlaid or exclusively a proportion of superabsorbent polymers.

The term "nonwoven" refers to a textile fabric of individual fibers which, unlike woven fabrics, knitted fabrics and knitted fabrics, is not made of yarns Nonwovens tend to retain their structural integrity as a result of the adhesion of the individual fibers and are referred to as "nonwovens". and eg made by swaging the fibers

For example, said foam may be a material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic flexible foams, such as polyurethane, polyamide or Polyether foam, silicone foam and cellulose foam or natural sponge is. Said foam may preferably have dimensionally stable properties.

Natural sponges, for example, the class of Hornkieselschwämme (Demospongiae), similar to technical foams have an absorbency for liquids. In addition, they have growth-inhibiting properties against microorganisms to protect against the settling of sessile organisms. These properties may also be useful in the context of wound care to prevent bacterial growth in the wound dressing and / or wound. Likewise, these sponges have growth-inhibiting properties against fungi and unicellulars. In addition, such sponges are able to absorb liquids and are therefore highly suitable for the absorption of exudates.

Said natural sponge can in thin slices, the z. B. generated by thermal cutting, be placed on the wound.

The flexible foam may optionally be configured in multiple layers, wherein the individual layers may preferably have thicknesses between 0.5 mm and 10 mm.

The flexible foam may be open-celled and closed-celled. In particular, in the latter case can be provided that the material has punches and / or perforations, which accelerate the liquid inlet and passage in or through the flexible foam. Moreover, the flexible foam can also be designed as integral foam.

Alginates are extracted from brown algae and woven into a fibrous web. Chemically, they are polysaccharides, calcium and / or sodium salts of alginic acids. Alginates can absorb up to 20 times their own weight of liquid, while the wound exudate is stored in the cavities. The Ca ²⁺ ions contained in the alginate lattice are exchanged for the Na ⁺ ions from the exudate until the degree of saturation of Na ions in the alginate is reached. This leads to a swelling of the wound dressing and the conversion of the alginate fiber into a gel body by swelling of the fibers. Carboxymethylcellulose is present in particular in the form of sodium carboxymethylcellulose and is commercially available under the name "hydrofibre". In hygiene and wound products, the fibers are converted into a planar matrix. By absorbing fluid from the wound exudate, the fibers are gradually transformed into a gel pad that holds the fluid and does not release it again. The fibers are constructed so that the wound exudate is absorbed only in the vertical direction. This means that, as long as the capacity is sufficient, the exudate does not flow over the edge of the wound. In this way, wound edge maceration can be effectively prevented.

All of the materials or sections mentioned above under points a-d may be sandwiched on or under said wound exudate absorbing body comprising a proportion of pulp. However, it may also be provided that the former are integrated in the form of an insert in said wound exudate absorbing body, e.g. in the form of a strip, a round section or a cross-shaped section. Here, the wound exudate absorbing body forms a correspondingly shaped window or at least a one-sided recess. Conversely, it can be provided that one of the sections mentioned under points a-d forms a window or at least a one-sided recess in which the wound body absorbs absorbent bodies comprising a proportion of pulp.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that at least one liquid-impermeable laundry protection film section is arranged between the casing and the wound exudate absorbing body. This can preferably be arranged so that it covers only the central region of the wound care article.

Furthermore, a kit for acute, emergency or military medical or chronic care is preferably provided, comprising a wound care article according to one of the preceding claims.

Preferably, such a kit is provided for wound compression and / or for the assessment of surgically applied hose exhausts

The invention further provides for the use of a wound care article as a wound compress, for the padding of a wound, for the transfer of surgically applied Hose evacuation, destruction of Biofϊlms and / or protection of the edge skin against maceration.

Likewise provided according to the invention is the use of a wound care article or a kit for the treatment of chronic, acute and / or bleeding wounds, burn wounds, traumatically produced wounds, as wound filler and / or surgical or postoperative care or for military purposes.

Mention should be made here, in particular, of the outstanding suitability of chemically and / or physically modified fibers as wound fillers. Often, chronic wounds are associated with significant temporary tissue loss, which should be filled to allow, on the one hand, the transmission of wound exudate on the wound floor to, for example, an overlying absorbent pad (wicking) and, on the other hand, the wound, which is extremely sensitive to pressure and pain. soft padding. The latter is particularly important for psychological reasons, as said tissue loss represents a significant burden for the patient. Such a wound filler can therefore also be understood as a short-term prosthesis which gives the patient the feeling that the tissue loss has been repaired - at least in the short term. The inventively proposed chemically and / or physically modified fibers, which are preferably used for this purpose in the form of a cotton wool or a cotton fleece, are ideal for this purpose.

Further provided is a method for treating wounds comprising the use of a kit or a wound care article.

variants

Preferably, a possibly provided sheath consists at least partially of a hydrophobic material, for example polypropylene, polyethylene or a hydrophobically finished natural material, such as cotton. The hydrophobic properties of the sheath prevent it from sticking to the wound surface and help the wound exudate to reach the inside of the sheath more quickly. In a preferred embodiment, the sheath consists of a perforated sheet material, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, and is additionally provided with a layer consisting of Sheeting material such as polypropylene or polyethylene lined. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the film material used for backing is laminated under the perforated film material, wherein the underlaid film material preferably has a thickness of l, 5g / qm, more preferably 2g / qm and particularly preferably 3g / qm.

The casing may also be made of another plastic, in particular a polyurethane or polyethylene film or of artificial spider silk film.

The material of the sheath may be structured such that the sheath has a rough inner surface and a smooth outer surface. Preferably, the rough inner surface of the shell is formed by funnel-shaped perforations, each tapering towards the inner surface and terminating in a free opening edge ("protrusion"), this rough inner surface counteracting the displacements of the contents of the shell, so as to provide adhesion with adhesive dots Accordingly, the smooth outer surface of the sheath material may be formed by curved portions of material extending between the perforations, such sheath material may be referred to as "three-dimensional" as opposed to a bilaterally planar one, and is made of, for example: from the DE102006017194 the applicant of the present application, the disclosure content of which is fully referenced here.

In addition, it is preferably provided that the casing of a wound dressing according to the invention has, at least in sections, an adhesive coating, preferably on the side facing away from the wound, with the aid of which it can be used, for example. with a bandage - can be fixed in the wound area.

Furthermore, it can also be provided that the sheath has a region projecting beyond the actual wound, which region is provided with adhesive strips for fixing.

Moreover, a flat material section can also be provided on the side of the wound dressing which faces away from the wound, and has at least in its edge regions an adhesive coating facing the skin, eg in the form of adhesive strips or surfaces (so-called "Iceland Dressing"). Said areal section of material may in particular have semi-occlusive or semipermeable properties, ie it may be permeable to moisture, for example, but not to bacteria.

The permeability for water vapor is preferably in the range between> 500 g to <16000 g In ² Ii- ¹ (24 h).

Adhesive materials for the above purposes are preferably physiologically acceptable adhesive agents such as e.g. Hydrocolloid or medically acceptable adhesives, such as solvent-free, biocompatible silicone adhesive or Po lycrylatkleb he be, which have good B eständigkeit against all current sterilization methods.

In contrast to other plastics such as polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) and silicone, the polyurethane foam adheres well.

In a particular embodiment, it is provided that the absorbent body within the sleeve is asymmetrical, i. mostly arranged on one side.

Such a wound care article can preferably be used in wound bags in which limited space prevails. In the process, the section of the wound dressing in which the absorbent body is located remains outside the wound bag. Due to the capillary forces exudates that are in such a wound bag, effectively absorbed and promoted wound healing here.

Preferably, it is further provided that the wound dressing has a lateral incision or a wedge-shaped recess, such that the edges of the incision or the recess can be arranged in an overlapping manner.

Preferably, it is further provided that the wound dressing has a wound-filling section. This can for example be designed so that it swells on contact with exudate and fills the wound up to the wound floor. In this way, the wound dressing is three-dimensionally shapeable, so that a concave shape results, for example, to adapt it to rest on a joint, a limb or a curved body part. The overlapping arranged edges of the incision or the recess can be fixed eg by Velcro, printheads, adhesive strips or other suitable fixing means.

In another preferred embodiment, it is provided that the wound dressing is shaped in three dimensions, such that it is adapted to rest on a joint, a limb or a curved body part.

Thus, the wound dressing may be e.g. have a concave shape to make it e.g. adapted to rest on the heel of a foot or on a patient's elbow. The absorbent body, which is arranged in the interior of the wound dressing, can be made removable. This embodiment is particularly advantageous if the absorbent body has been moistened beforehand or moistened by exudate exuding, since a gel forms here on account of the present superabsorbent polymers, which acts as a cushion and thus allows painless storage of said body part. In addition, the wound dressing adapts even better to the anatomical conditions due to moistening.

In addition, it is preferably provided that the wound dressing is present at least partially in a rolled form. Here it can be provided that the originally flat wound dressing is rolled and possibly in its rolled form, e.g. is fixed by sewing, gluing or welding. Such a wound dressing is particularly suitable for use as a tamponade in wound bags; in particular, it has a wicking function for the exudates to be recorded.

In this context, it is also preferably provided that the wound dressing also has at least one nutritive active ingredient and / or active ingredient complex which acts as an inhibitor and has at least one disinfecting or decontaminating and / or at least one protease inhibiting action.

The disinfectant active ingredient and / or active substance complex may be, for example, a composition of at least one vitamin or vitamin derivative, a metal ion and a detergent. It can also be an BLIS (bacteriocin like inhibitory substance), to act an antimicrobial peptide, an antibiotic, a silver preparation or coated magnetic particles. Particular preference is given here to mention quaternary ammonium compounds.

The nutritive active ingredient and / or active ingredient complex may be a composition containing at least the components of an enteral and / or parenteral dietetics. It may also be at least one active element selected from the group containing insulin, recombinant insulin, proinsulin, an insulin-like growth factor (IGF), an insulin mimetic and / or a diabetic-specific, non-glucose or sucrose-based energy carrier ,

Likewise, the nutritive active and / or active complex may be a glycolysis enzyme, e.g. a hexokinase, which converts glucose to glucose-6-phosphate, thus reducing the level of glucose often elevated in diabetics by inducing glycolysis.

The protease-inhibiting active substance and / or active substance complex may be at least one active element selected from the group comprising protease inhibitors, superabsorbent polymers, antibodies against matrix -metallo-proteases (MMP, in particular against MMP 2, 7 and 9), chelators for divalent ones Cations (especially for Ca ²⁺ ), collagen, coated magnetic particles, acids, buffers, non-pathogenic acid-producing microorganisms, probiotics and / or symbiotics act. In particular, it may be provided that a carrier substance is provided in the wound dressing, which binds divalent cations (in particular Ca ²⁺ ).

Further relationships and background to the nutritive, a disinfecting or decontaminating and / or proteases inhibiting agents and / or active substance complexes are described in the DE 102007030931 the applicant of the present application, the contents of which reference is made here in their entirety. DE102007030931 also describes other nutritive, disinfecting or decontaminating and / or protease-inhibiting active substances and / or active substance complexes which are likewise to be regarded as disclosed in this application. Furthermore, the wound dressing may contain a preparation containing phages and / or constituents thereof. Such a wound dressing is described in the DE 102007054127 of the applicant of the present invention, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

It may also be provided that the wound dressing contains necrolytic and / or fibrinolytic enzymes. It may also contain angiogenesis- or epidermogenesis-promoting growth factors (in particular from the group of VEGF and EGF). Likewise, the wound dressing may contain attractants for macrophages, which phagocytize the phages released during phage therapy and bacterial residues (in particular endotoxins).

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that at least one section of the sheath wall of the wound dressing has a reservoir for at least one nutritive, disinfecting or decontaminating, protease inhibiting, hemostatic and / or wound healing promoting active substance and / or active substance complex.

Said reservoir may e.g. consist of an incorporated in the shell wall bag. Likewise, the reservoir can consist of a section of the shell wall impregnated with said active substance and / or active substance complex, or the active substance is pressed into said section.

The wound dressing may be added to substances that can increase the osmotic pressure. The substances include z. B. Osmodiuretics, such as mannitol.

Mineral ion exchangers, such as zeolites, bentonites or montmarylinites, may also be part of the wound dressing, in particular its mat. Zeolites can u. a. Absorb pollutants, such as heavy metals. Moreover, they develop a hemostatic effect.

Likewise, the article may also contain activated carbon. This is preferably dispersed in a thin layer, for example in a nonwoven layer, disposed on the side facing the wound, and in particular serves to absorb unpleasant odors from the wound area. Furthermore, the wound dressing may contain a preparation containing phages and / or constituents thereof. Such a wound dressing is described in the DE 102007054127 of the applicant of the present invention, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Furthermore, the wound dressing according to the invention can also be introduced into a wound care system for wound drainage using negative pressure. Such systems are e.g. in the publications DE202004017052, WO2006048246 and DE202004018245 of the applicant of the present invention, the disclosure content of the present invention should be considered as belonging.

From the former, there is known an under-pressure wound-treating apparatus comprising a gas-tight wound-covering member constituting, in the state applied to the patient's body, a space remaining between the respective wound and the wound-covering member, and at least one terminal in contact with the space and by means of which the air in the room can be evacuated, the wound covering element being underlaid by at least one planar wound dressing receiving the wound exudate, whose volume increases in the course of the absorption process, so that the absorbed wound exudates within the wound dressing and thus below the wound covering element Removal of the wound dressing from the body of the patient remain, the wound dressing is at least one layer of superabsorbent enriched textile section, which is surrounded by a liquid-permeable shell, and the situation in plan view of her e Flat side has an area that is 3% to 90% smaller than that of the shell, so that the wound dressing can approach a circular shape in the vicinity of its entire filling capacity in cross-section.

From the second mentioned is a multi-component dressing for wound treatment of the human or animal body using vacuum known, comprising: a wound covering element for attachment to the skin and mucosal surface, at least one connection point, which is in contact with the wound space and evacuated via which the substances located in the wound space which has superabsorbent polymers, wherein the absorbed wound exudates remain bound to polymers in the wound space until they leave the wound space, the polymers being replaced by their own Binding capacity supports mutual synergies with the subatmospheric pressures.

From the latter, a drainage device for wound treatment using negative pressure is known, comprising a gas-tight, sheet-like material wound covering element which is adhesively attached to the skin surface around the wound area in the body applied to the patient and one between the respective wound and the wound covering element remaining, sealed space forms, at least one drainage tube, which can be used in the space over which the substances in the room can be evacuated, and at least one disposed within the room, the wound exudates absorbing wound dressing, the at least one layer of enriched with superabsorbent textile section which is surrounded by a liquid-permeable sheath, wherein the absorbed wound exudates within the wound dressing and thus below the wound-covering element until removal of the wound dressing from the body of the patient verb body and w w ith the wound covering element has a gastight sealable treatment opening through which the wound dressing can be inserted into the room and removed from the room.

It can also be provided, in contrast to the embodiments shown in the cited disclosures, that no absorption body comprising superabsorbent polymers is provided in the region of the vacuum device. Rather, it is important here that the microfibers - or a microfiber-containing knitted fabric, spacer knits, knitted or nonwoven fabric - is provided as a padding, which underpins the shell body of the device and thus ensures permanent padding and permeability to liquids. In particular, the dimensionally stable, non-swelling properties of the microfibers are advantageous here, which have sufficiently high restoring forces even when a negative pressure of conventionally 80-250 mm Hg is applied. Thus, the microfibers used according to the invention represent an outstanding substitute for the foams otherwise used here, which are particularly lacking in the said restoring forces. A corresponding inventive embodiment is e.g. shown in Fig. 10.

The wound dressing according to the invention may moreover have a form adapted to anatomical conditions. For this purpose, it may be formed, for example, in the form of a sleeve; which can be slipped over the one arm or a leg or a joint, or in the form of a dressing adapted to the heel, the elbow joint or the like.

The wound dressing according to the invention can be designed in a particularly preferred manner so that it is suitable for levy around a surgically applied line. For this purpose, the wound dressing can e.g. have at least one slot that allows the wound dressing to be transferred around the body of a patient around a conduit (e.g., a drainage conduit or a catheter). Such a wound dressing is e.g. from the DE202006005966 the applicant of the present invention, the contents of which should be fully added to the disclosure of the present description. In this case, in the distal region of the slot, a web, a button, a Kettelnaht, a weld, a perforated bridge or other releasable connection ("breaking point") may be provided, which allows the wound dressing in the usual manner or in the It is of particular importance here that the wound dressing according to the invention does not swell on liquid absorption (lateral distribution) and locally increases in volume, so that this effect prevents the surrounding conduit from being narrowed or blocked the lateral distribution of the liquid a local volume increase in the wound care article (wound dressing) is prevented, the wound dressing according to the invention can also be used excellently for the treatment of sutures (covering) and fistulas (insert).

Likewise, it is preferably provided in this connection that the wound dressing has at least one agent which can restrict the bleeding or the bleeding tendency.

Said agent may be at least one chemically and / or physiologically acting active substance or active substance complex or at least one physically acting active element. Such a wound dressing is e.g. from the DE 102007030931 the applicant of the present application.

For this purpose, the wound dressing, for example

As substantially flat material section comprising absorption material which is formed from an absorbent fleece with superabsorbent polymers distributed therein and at least one chemically and / or physiologically active agent or complex of active substances, • as or in combination with a compression or compression bandage, especially as part of a compression therapy for venous leg ulcers

As a combination of a primary, non-insubstantially or only insubstantially absorbing wound dressing which has at least one chemically and / or physiologically acting active agent or active substance complex, and a secondary wound dressing arranged peripherally of this primary wound dressing, which contains superabsorbent polymers, optionally between both a diffusion barrier is arranged,

In the form of a bandage packet, comprising a primary wound dressing with at least one chemically and / or physiologically acting active substance or complex of active substances and a winding section arranged on the wound dressing, which has superabsorbent polymers at least in sections, and / or

As a material section having a longitudinal extent comprising absorbent material, the material section having elastically deformable properties, and wherein the material section has superabsorbent polymers and optionally at least one chemically and / or physiologically acting active substance or active substance complex

The chemically and / or physiologically acting active ingredient or active substance complex is preferably at least one substance or a composition which has haemostatic properties. These substances are known by the generic term "hemostats".

The physically acting active element is e.g. a binding, a pressure pad, a compression bandage or a compression bandage.

definitions

The term "wound care article", in addition to classical primary and secondary dressings, also includes wound care wipes, swabs, tampons, wound tamponades and the like, which may have absorbent and non-absorbent properties. The term "exudate" refers to a wound fluid derived from the blood plasma via the inflammatory processes of wound edema. Just as the blood is responsible for the transport of nutrients and other messengers, and thus for the supply of various parts of the body, the exudate serves in a similar way the supply of the wound bed and the healing processes occurring therein. To cope with this multitude of functions, it contains a wide range of components, resulting in a specific weight that is slightly above that of water. This is also different from the transudate, which is derived from non-inflammatory processes and has a significantly lower specific gravity with a low cell and protein content. In addition to providing nutrients to the fibroblasts and epithelial cells, exudate coordinates the various processes of wound healing both temporally and spatially through its high content of growth factors and cytokines. These are mainly formed by platelets, keratinocytes, macrophages and fibroblasts. They influence the motility, migration and proliferation of the various cells involved in wound healing. Thus, the infiltration of cells into the wound base is promoted as well as the supply of the newly formed granulation tissue by angiogenesis. The wound cleansing is also supported by the exudate. It contains various serine, cysteine and aspartate proteases as well as matrix metalloproteases, which in their activity severely regulate irreversibly damaged tissue and thus prepare the wound bed for the subsequent phases of healing.

The term "chemically and / or physiologically acting active substance or active substance complex" is to be understood below as meaning those active substances or active ingredient complexes which are capable of limiting the bleeding or tendency to bleed, without having to use physical forces chemical and / or physiological interaction with the wound environment. The term "active ingredient complex" is to be understood below not only a complex in the chemical sense, but in particular a composition synergistically an effect-inducing agents.

The term "physically acting active element" is to be understood in the following to mean an active element which is physically, i. by the exertion of pressure, tension, cold, and the like, to restrict the bleeding or bleeding tendency.

The term "ligation" is to be understood in the following as an emergency medical measure that is capable of controlling the arterial blood flow, e.g. in one limb, to prevent unacceptable blood loss in a wound. Indications for such a ligation are usually traumatic effects that lead to injuries of at least one artery.

The term "chronic wounds" should be understood to mean wounds that are not primarily due to traumatic effects. Although traumatic effects may have been the original cause of such a wound, the chronic wound is characterized mainly by delayed wound healing. Chronic wounds often show only slight bleeding, if at all, and often a strong exudation.

The term "mild hemorrhage" is to be understood as a bleeding that is not of arterial origin, but possibly of venous origin or of interstitial or capillary origin, and which in any case is so mild that it is not directly or indirectly life-threatening.

The term "acute bleeding wounds" should be understood to mean those wounds that lead to large blood losses. As a rule, arterial haemorrhages are responsible for this, e.g. caused by traumatic effects. Acute bleeding wounds may u.U. be directly or life threatening. For this reason bleeding is a very high priority in acute bleeding wounds.

The term "compression bandage" is to be understood in the following the known from emergency medicine pressure bandage, This consists of a not too hard, non-absorbent article (pressure pad) without sharp or hard edges, which is applied to an already covered wound and using a wrap is fastened with a moderate draft. By The pressure exerted reduces the circulation of the affected body part and the traumatically opened blood vessels are closed again.

The term "non-absorbent or only slightly absorbent wound dressing" is intended to mean a wound dressing which has a low absorption capacity for liquids. Overall, the absorption capacity should be less than 60% by weight, preferably less than 20% by weight, of the dry weight of the wound dressing. The primary task of such a wound dressing is therefore not the uptake of blood or exudates, but the delivery of haemostatic agents in the context of the present invention.

By contrast, the term "compression bandage" is generally understood to mean a bandage which acts in a similar way to a compression bandage, but dispenses with said pressure pad. The pressure or the compression on the wound is exerted exclusively by the winding. In this case, the wrapping material can be elastic.

The term mercerisation (mercerization) is understood to mean a cotton finishing process developed by the Englishman John Mercer in the mid-19th century. When Mercerizing cotton is exposed under the action of tensile concentrated sodium hydroxide solution. In this case, the fibers swell, the cross section changes from kidney-shaped to round and the length of the fibers is reduced by up to 25%. These structural changes lead to silk-like, wash-resistant gloss, better dyeability, higher strength, better dimensional stability and to the properties according to the invention. Technically, the achievable properties are determined by the mercerization process used (hot or cold merger, dry-in-wet or wet-in-wet, roll or vacuum impregnation) and the parameters of product tension, residence times and the caustic soda concentration.

The term "modified natural fibers" refers in particular to the fibers known under the terms "mercerized fibers" and "curled fibers" which may be straight, wavy or curled and present as staple fibers or combed fibers Advantageously, a mixture of non-crimped fibers whose staple length is the staple length of the staple fibers fibers with a staple length between 10 mm and 130 mm are considered to be particularly advantageous. The fibers are advantageously suitable in the form of a fiber-air mixture, with or without the addition of adhesives or adhesives Lubricants are added in mist form to the fiber-air mixture in order to be sprayed onto a corresponding wound care article or parts of the wound care article. Of course, these fibers are also suitable for bonding in a calendering process or using hammer mills to the corresponding wound care articles or parts thereof. In addition, fall under the term "modified natural fibers" chemical cellulose or cellulose fibers, which are obtained via the sulfite process, namely the acidic reaction of cellulose with sulfites and bisulfites, as special advantages of modified natural fibers over natural fibers is to mention the low hemicellulose and resin content , whereby a high white content of cellulose is achieved.

In particular, fusible fibers which are bonded to the wound care article or parts thereof by thermal processes are suitable for bonding the fibers to the wound care article.

The term "water holding capacity" (= liquid holding capacity) is understood to mean the ability to absorb liquid in a given quantity and quality, and the quality is quickly understood as meaning that the liquid striking the fibers with good water absorption capacity quickly separates from the fibers Fibers whose water absorption capacity is less than their ability to dispense liquid (dewatering capacity = dewatering capacity) are therefore particularly advantageous for the wound care article according to the invention.

Drawings and examples

The present invention is explained in more detail by the examples shown below and the discussed Figures 1 to 3. It should be noted that the example and the figures have only descriptive character and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

Examples

The following example, which is not restrictive for the present invention, is intended to explain in more detail the term "curled fibers", as understood by those skilled in the art:

example 1

A fibrous cellulosic material containing individualized stiffened crimped cellulosic fibers and a crosslinking agent wherein the crosslinking agent is selected from C ₂ -C 5 -dialdehydes, C ₂ -Cs -dialdehyde acid analogs having at least one aldehyde group and oligomers of these dialdehydes and dialdehydes Acid analogues, wherein said fibers have been chemically stiffened by reaction with from 0.75 mole% to 2.0 mole% of said cross-linking agent based on a cellulose anhydroglucose base, and comprising

a) an average dry fiber twist count of at least 4.5 twist nodes per millimeter, b) an average wet fiber twist count of at least 3.0 twist nodes per millimeter and an average wet fiber twist count of at least 0.5 twist nodes less than the dry fiber Rotation number, c) a mean isopropyl alcohol retention value of less than 30% and d) an average water retention value of 28% to 50%.

In the fibers mentioned, high expansion values are combined in wetting with high wet suspension in absorbent structures. Example 2

The mercerized fiber described in Table 1 on its physical properties is particularly suitable for use in a wound care article as it retains its drainability even after several PFI mill cycles, that is, with ever decreasing and mechanically stressed fiber.

Table 1

Example 3

A modified hardwood natural fiber obtained by a sulfate process and usable in the wound care article of the present invention is shown in Table 2.

Table 2

As compared to the drainability of the modified natural fiber in Table 1 over the PFI cycles, the drainability of the modified ones shown in Table 2 increases Natural fiber over the rounds, but the degree of whiteness is just under 10% above the values in Table 1.

Example 4

A modified natural fiber of softwood retaining its mass and porosity and usable in the wound care article according to the invention is shown in Table 3.

Table 3

The figures show:

Ia and Ib wound care article in a sectional view consisting of layers of mercerized fiber, cellulose and superabsorbent polymers;

Fig. 2 is a wound care article designed as a frame in a schematic representation and

3 shows a wound care article designed as a slit compress in a schematic representation.

FIG. 1a shows a wound care article consisting of two layers 1 and 2 which are surrounded by a common sleeve 3. The first layer 1, which preferably represents the wound-facing layer, consists of modified natural fiber 1.1, here of mercerized fiber. Under the layer 1, a second layer 2 is arranged, which consists of cellulose 2. 1, which is dispersed and immobilized therein Superabsorbent polymers 2.2 interspersed. The layer 2 may be, for example, an airlaid known by the applicant. As can be seen in FIG. 1 a, liquid 4 impinging on the wound care article is laterally distributed over the first layer and then immediately directed vertically into the interior of the layer 2, with the effect that the cover 3 and the layer 1 are characterized by the liquid-absorbing behavior (FIG. Cellulose 2.1) and the absorption of the liquid (superabsorbent polymers 2.2) of layer 2 are back-dried.

FIG. 1 b shows the same effect as described above for FIG. 1 a, but this is reinforced, ie, both the lateral distribution of the impinging liquid 4 and the re-drying of the casing 3 and the layer 1 which bears against the casing reinforced by the double layering of layers 1 and 2. In addition, with the wound care article compared to the wound care article shown in Ia, the absorption capacity of liquids is increased.

FIG. 2 shows a wound care article 300 with a recess 7 and a rim 8, so that a frame 5 is formed. Because the wound care article 100 consists of chemically and / or physically modified fibers, the layers which are applied to the fibers are dried or kept dry. The frame 5 can be placed under the wound dressing in combination with wound dressings to prevent wound edge maceration. In particular, the fibers should be solidified with each other so that they form a knitted fabric or woven or nonwoven, which is stamped or cut.

FIG. 3 shows, by way of example, a wound care article 400 having a slot 9 for the transfer of surgically applied hose exhausts.

Claims

claims:

1. Wound care articles (100, 200, 300, 400), comprising a proportion of modified natural fibers (1.1) or synthetic fibers, but in that the fibers (1.1) have a high dewatering capacity.

2. Wound care article (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fibers (1.1) have a water absorption capacity which is smaller than the dewatering capacity.

3. Wound care article (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 2, characterized in that the fibers (1.1) are extractable from natural substances by means of chemical processes.

4. Wound care article (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 3, characterized in that the natural substances are cotton, cellulose or cellulosic materials.

5. Wound care article (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 4, characterized in that the fibers (1.1) of cellulose or cellulosic materials have a low hemicellulose and resin content.

6. Wound care article (100, 200, 300, 400) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the fibers (1.1) are mercerized.

7. A wound care article (100, 200, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one wound exudate absorbing body (2).

8. Wound care article (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 7, comprising at least one at least partially arranged around the body shell (3).

9. Wound care article (100, 200, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wound care article Superabsorbent polymers (2.1).

10. A wound care article (100, 200, 300, 400) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising i. a section comprising flexible foam ii. a section comprising modified cellulose, in particular

Carboxymethyl cellulose, and / or iii. a section comprising alginates, and / or iv. a section comprising a fleece and / or an airlaid mat, or snippets thereof.

11. A wound care article (100, 200, 400) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the shell (3) and the wound exudate absorbent body (2) at least one liquid-impermeable laundry protection film section is arranged or the laundry protection in the form of a film the wound facing away from the shell (3).

12. Wound care article (300, 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which has at least one slot (9) or a recess (8).

13. Wound care article (300, 400) according to claim 12, characterized in that the recess (8) forms the inner part of a frame (5), which is adaptable in its dimensioning of the size of a wound dressing.

14. A kit for acute, emergency or military medical or chronic care, comprising a wound care article (100, 200, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims.

15. Kit according to claim 14, comprising a wound care article (100, 200, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims for wound compression or for the allocation of surgically applied organ / Schlauchausleitungen.

16. Use of a wound care article (100, 200, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims as a wound compress, for cushioning a wound, for the allocation of surgically created organ / Schlauchausleitungen, for destruction of a biofilm and / or protection of the edge skin against maceration ,

17. Use of a wound care article (100, 200, 300, 400) or a kit according to one of the preceding claims for the treatment of chronic, acute and / or bleeding wounds, burn wounds, traumatically produced wounds, as a wound filler and / or surgical or postoperative Supply or for military purposes.