APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR HEALING WOUNDS

The invention relates to the development of apparatuses and methods for healing wounds that combine use of a high glycerin-content hydrogel dressing with negative pressure for removing exudate from a wound. In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods further include a photon-emitting device that delivers near infrared stimulation to the wound for further accelerating wound healing. The apparatuses and methods described herein can be used to heal a variety of wounds, including acute wounds, severe burns, orthopedic and traumatic wounds (e.g, flap and meshed graft), skin resurfacing procedure wounds, and neuropathic wounds (e.g., diabetic pressure ulcers). The hydrogel dressing is capable of absorbing substantial amounts of fluids from stimulated wet wounds as well as donating substantial amounts of fluids to dry or necrotic wounds, depending upon the moisture content and nature of the substrate to which it is applied. Results indicate wounds treated with the apparatuses described herein experience fewer complaints of pain, a decrease in healing time, and a significant cost savings.