Importance

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Abstract

Disclosed is a novel wound dressing which applies ionizing radiation to the surface of the wound as soon after the wound is created as is possible. Optimally, the radiation has a range which extends to the bottom surface of the skin but not significantly beyond that depth. An example of a radioactive source that can apply this type of radiation dosing is a beta particle emitting radioisotope such as phosphorous-32 which has a range of approximately 3.5 mm for 90% of the electrons that it emits. Even very small amounts of phosphorous-32 can provide a sufficiently high level of irradiation to significantly diminish scar tissue formation. The radioactive bandage would typically be an elongated flexible structure which can be applied along a wound or surgical incision. Typically, the radioactive bandage would extend for approximately 1 to 5 mm beyond the cut in all directions. The radioactive bandage would include a shield structure which surrounds the thin, elongated radioactive portion thus disallowing stray radiation outward from the patient's skin. A radiation dose applied to the top of the incision of between 500 and 2000 cGy can substantially reduce scar tissue formation for most patients.

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First Claim