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摘要A therapeutic medical device is described that is comprised of a dried hydrogel of a hydrophilic-hygroscopic polymer, such as an unmodified or modified polymeric carbohydrate, in the form of a solid foam. The dried hydrogel is prepared by preferably freeze-drying a hydrogel of this polymer in a liquid medium, such as water. The dried hydrogel can be sterilized by radiation or other means so that the sterilized product has a relatively indefinite shelf-life without refrigeration. The resultant dried hydrogel can be transformed into a hydrogel upon absorption of addition liquid medium. The described therapeutic device can serve as a dressing for a wound or lesion, drug delivery system, a hemostatic agent and a biologic response modifier. The described therapeutic device enhances the wound healing rate.