US20210393868A1 - Fluid container with pressure regulation - Google Patents
Fluid container with pressure regulation Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210393868A1 US20210393868A1 US17/466,745 US202117466745A US2021393868A1 US 20210393868 A1 US20210393868 A1 US 20210393868A1 US 202117466745 A US202117466745 A US 202117466745A US 2021393868 A1 US2021393868 A1 US 2021393868A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- regulator
- passage
- pressure
- negative
- chamber
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 66
- 230000033228 biological regulation Effects 0.000 title description 7
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 claims description 26
- 238000002560 therapeutic procedure Methods 0.000 claims description 25
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 208000036366 Sensation of pressure Diseases 0.000 claims 1
- 210000001519 tissue Anatomy 0.000 description 84
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 14
- 206010052428 Wound Diseases 0.000 description 12
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 12
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 12
- 230000001225 therapeutic effect Effects 0.000 description 12
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 description 11
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 11
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 9
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 7
- 210000000416 exudates and transudate Anatomy 0.000 description 7
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000010261 cell growth Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000036541 health Effects 0.000 description 4
- 229920000954 Polyglycolide Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 208000025865 Ulcer Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004633 polyglycolic acid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 3
- 231100000397 ulcer Toxicity 0.000 description 3
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 210000002615 epidermis Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 239000000499 gel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005469 granulation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003179 granulation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000012010 growth Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002209 hydrophobic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920002529 medical grade silicone Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004626 polylactic acid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000699 topical effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008733 trauma Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000014653 Carica parviflora Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241000243321 Cnidaria Species 0.000 description 1
- 102000008186 Collagen Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 108010035532 Collagen Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 206010063560 Excessive granulation tissue Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000004721 Polyphenylene oxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005830 Polyurethane Foam Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004372 Polyvinyl alcohol Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004820 Pressure-sensitive adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001247 Reticulated foam Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 208000002847 Surgical Wound Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000003522 acrylic cement Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000000577 adipose tissue Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000001580 bacterial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000017531 blood circulation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000000988 bone and bone Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 229910000389 calcium phosphate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001506 calcium phosphate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000011010 calcium phosphates Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 150000004649 carbonic acid derivatives Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 210000000845 cartilage Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000001413 cellular effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012412 chemical coupling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001684 chronic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001436 collagen Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000002808 connective tissue Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000007547 defect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002950 deficient Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 206010012601 diabetes mellitus Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000002500 effect on skin Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000000981 epithelium Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000006261 foam material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000001126 granulation tissue Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000035876 healing Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000416 hydrocolloid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000017 hydrogel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002706 hydrostatic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 125000002887 hydroxy group Chemical group [H]O* 0.000 description 1
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003041 ligament Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000005012 migration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013508 migration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003205 muscle Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000009581 negative-pressure wound therapy Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001537 neural effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 206010033675 panniculitis Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000006072 paste Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035699 permeability Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920000747 poly(lactic acid) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000570 polyether Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920006264 polyurethane film Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011496 polyurethane foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002451 polyvinyl alcohol Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000004304 subcutaneous tissue Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000001356 surgical procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000002435 tendon Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000000472 traumatic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- QORWJWZARLRLPR-UHFFFAOYSA-H tricalcium bis(phosphate) Chemical compound [Ca+2].[Ca+2].[Ca+2].[O-]P([O-])([O-])=O.[O-]P([O-])([O-])=O QORWJWZARLRLPR-UHFFFAOYSA-H 0.000 description 1
- 230000002792 vascular Effects 0.000 description 1
- 201000002282 venous insufficiency Diseases 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Chemical compound O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
- A61M1/71—Suction drainage systems
- A61M1/74—Suction control
- A61M1/743—Suction control by changing the cross-section of the line, e.g. flow regulating valves
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
- A61M1/60—Containers for suction drainage, adapted to be used with an external suction source
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
- A61M1/60—Containers for suction drainage, adapted to be used with an external suction source
- A61M1/604—Bag or liner in a rigid container, with suction applied to both
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
- A61M1/80—Suction pumps
- A61M1/82—Membrane pumps, e.g. bulbs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
- A61M1/90—Negative pressure wound therapy devices, i.e. devices for applying suction to a wound to promote healing, e.g. including a vacuum dressing
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
- A61M1/90—Negative pressure wound therapy devices, i.e. devices for applying suction to a wound to promote healing, e.g. including a vacuum dressing
- A61M1/96—Suction control thereof
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
- A61M1/90—Negative pressure wound therapy devices, i.e. devices for applying suction to a wound to promote healing, e.g. including a vacuum dressing
- A61M1/98—Containers specifically adapted for negative pressure wound therapy
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
- A61M2205/16—General characteristics of the apparatus with back-up system in case of failure
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
- A61M2205/33—Controlling, regulating or measuring
- A61M2205/3331—Pressure; Flow
Definitions
- the invention set forth in the appended claims relates generally to tissue treatment systems and more particularly, but without limitation, to fluid containers with pressure regulation.
- Negative-pressure therapy may provide a number of benefits, including migration of epithelial and subcutaneous tissues, improved blood flow, and micro-deformation of tissue at a wound site. Together, these benefits can increase development of granulation tissue and reduce healing times.
- the system or apparatus may include a container configured to collect a fluid from a tissue site and regulate negative-pressure from a negative-pressure source.
- the container may include a regulator that receives negative pressure directly from an unregulated negative-pressure source, such as a wall-suction outlet. The regulator may regulate down the pressure delivered to a collection chamber in the container, which may in turn be connected to a tissue site.
- a container may include a lid or other apparatus for enclosing a canister.
- the apparatus may comprise a rim configured to sealingly engage the fluid canister to form a collection chamber.
- the apparatus may further include a regulator adapted to regulate negative pressure in the collection chamber.
- the regulator may generally comprise a regulator chamber, a first passage fluidly coupled to the regulator chamber, a second passage fluidly coupled to the regulator chamber, and a regulator valve.
- a downstream connector may be fluidly coupled to the first passage, and an upstream connector may be fluidly coupled to the second passage.
- the downstream connector may be fluidly coupled to a negative-pressure source, for example, and the upstream connector may be fluidly coupled to a dressing or other distribution component.
- the regulator valve may be configured to regulate fluid flow through the first passage based on changes to negative pressure in the regulator chamber. For example, if the downstream connector is coupled to a source of unregulated negative pressure, such as a wall-suction port, the regulator can regulate the negative pressure as it passes through the container to the dressing. In some embodiments, the regulator valve may be configured to close the first passage if negative pressure in the regulator chamber is greater than a target negative pressure, and to open the first passage if negative pressure in the regulator chamber is less than the target negative pressure.
- a negative-pressure treatment system may have a container having a collection volume configured to collect fluid from a tissue site.
- the system may further have a regulator having a regulator chamber that is integrated into the container configured to regulate negative pressure in the container from a reduced pressure provided by a primary negative-pressure source.
- a first passage from the regulator chamber may form a first fluid pathway between the regulator chamber and the tissue site and a second passage from the regulator chamber may form a second fluid pathway to the container.
- the system or apparatus may further have an auxiliary or secondary negative-pressure source within the container, such as a collapsible internal reservoir within a canister lid.
- the reservoir may be inflated by one or more springs, if not under negative pressure.
- the springs may be designed or selected to collapse under a threshold negative pressure.
- the reservoir may be fluidly coupled to a regulator chamber through the second passage.
- the reservoir may comprise or be defined by a flexible membrane, and a spring may be configured to bias the flexible membrane away from the regulator chamber.
- the reservoir may provide continued delivery of therapy if the container is removed from a primary negative-pressure source, such as a facility wall-suction port.
- a charge indicator may be incorporated into some embodiments of the container to indicate the state of the reservoir.
- pressure regulation may be mechanical, and pressure feedback or indicators may be electronic.
- a method of forming a reduced pressure treatment system through a container to a tissue site to remove fluid from the tissue site into a collection volume of the container may comprise connecting a dressing at the tissue site to an upstream flow connection of the container and connecting a primary negative-pressure source to a downstream flow connection of the container.
- a regulator may be integrated into the container between the upstream flow connection and the downstream flow connection to regulate a first reduced pressure in the waste volume of the container from a second reduced pressure formed by the primary negative-pressure source.
- a regulator system for a low pressure line or vacuum system The regulator may be incorporated into a disposable unit, such as a container system. The regulator may regulate a vacuum source to a selected pressure.
- the regulator may be incorporated into a container system that may be interconnected between an unregulated vacuum source and a tissue site.
- the regulator may be placed between an unregulated vacuum source and a dressing.
- the dressing may cover a portion of a wound, such as an ulcer, surgical incision site, or the like.
- the regulator may be included in a canister or in a lid of a container system to assist in ensuring removal of the regulator to maintain proper operation of the regulator through appropriate duty cycles to maintain a regulated pressure.
- a disposable regulator may ensure that the regulator does not become clogged during use and reduce or eliminate the regulated pressure. Therefore, the regulator may be incorporated into a container to allow the container to be disposed once full to allow replacement with a new container system having a new regulator that is clean.
- FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an example embodiment of a therapy system that can remove waste in accordance with this specification;
- FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram illustrating additional details of the container system that may be associated with an example embodiment of therapy system of FIG. 1 , according to various embodiments;
- FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 2A along line 2 B- 2 B;
- FIG. 2C is a detail of the container taken from Rectangle 2 C of FIG. 2B ;
- FIG. 3 is a detail cross-sectional view of a regulator in an open position
- FIG. 4 is a detail cross-sectional view of a regulator in a closed position
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a container of FIG. 1 , according to various embodiments.
- FIG. 1 is a simplified functional block diagram of an example embodiment of a therapy system 100 that can provide negative-pressure therapy to a tissue site in accordance with this specification.
- tissue site in this context broadly refers to a wound, defect, or other treatment target located on or within tissue, including but not limited to, bone tissue, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, neural tissue, dermal tissue, vascular tissue, connective tissue, cartilage, tendons, or ligaments.
- a wound may include chronic, acute, traumatic, subacute, and dehisced wounds, partial-thickness burns, ulcers (such as diabetic, pressure, or venous insufficiency ulcers), flaps, and grafts, for example.
- tissue site may also refer to areas of any tissue that are not necessarily wounded or defective, but are instead areas in which it may be desirable to add or promote the growth of additional tissue. For example, negative pressure may be applied to a tissue site to grow additional tissue that may be harvested and transplanted.
- the therapy system 100 may include negative-pressure supply, and may include or be configured to be coupled to a distribution component, such as a dressing.
- a distribution component may refer to any complementary or ancillary component configured to be fluidly coupled to a negative-pressure supply in a fluid path between a negative-pressure supply and a tissue site.
- a distribution component is preferably detachable, and may be disposable, reusable, or recyclable. Distribution components may include dressings, containers, and fluid conductors, for example.
- a dressing 102 is illustrative of a distribution component, which may be fluidly coupled to a negative-pressure source 104 .
- a dressing may include a cover, a tissue interface, or both in some embodiments.
- the dressing 102 for example, may include a cover 106 and a tissue interface 108 .
- a regulator or a controller, such as a regulator 110 may also be coupled to the negative-pressure source 104 .
- the regulator 110 may be fluidly coupled to the negative-pressure source 104 and to a fluid container, such as a container 112 .
- the therapy system 100 may optionally include sensors to measure operating parameters and provide feedback signals indicative of the operating parameters.
- the negative-pressure source 104 may be electrically coupled to the regulator 110 to provide feedback signals or indicators.
- a dressing interface may facilitate coupling the negative-pressure source 104 to the dressing 102 .
- a dressing interface may be a T.R.A.C.® Pad or Sensa T.R.A.C.® Pad available from KCI of San Antonio, Tex.
- the therapy system 100 may also include a fluid container, such as the container 112 , coupled to the dressing 102 and to the negative-pressure source 104 .
- Components may be fluidly coupled to each other to provide a path for transferring fluids (i.e., liquid and/or gas) between the components.
- components may be fluidly coupled through a fluid conductor, such as a tube.
- a tube is an elongated, cylindrical structure with some flexibility, but the geometry and rigidity may vary.
- components may also be coupled by virtue of physical proximity, being integral to a single structure, or being formed from the same piece of material.
- some fluid conductors may be molded into or otherwise integrally combined with other components. Coupling may also include mechanical, thermal, electrical, or chemical coupling (such as a chemical bond) in some contexts.
- a tube may mechanically and fluidly couple the dressing 102 to the container 112 in some embodiments.
- components of the therapy system 100 may be coupled directly or indirectly.
- the negative-pressure source 104 may be directly coupled to the regulator 110 , and may be indirectly coupled to the dressing 102 through the regulator 110 .
- the fluid mechanics of using a negative-pressure source to reduce pressure in another component or location, such as within a sealed therapeutic environment, can be mathematically complex.
- the basic principles of fluid mechanics applicable to negative-pressure therapy are generally well-known to those skilled in the art, and the process of reducing pressure may be described illustratively herein as “delivering,” “distributing,” or “generating” negative pressure, for example.
- exudates and other fluids flow toward lower pressure along a fluid path.
- downstream typically implies something in a fluid path relatively closer to a source of negative pressure or further away from a source of positive pressure.
- upstream implies something relatively further away from a source of negative pressure or closer to a source of positive pressure.
- outlet or outlet in such a frame of reference. This orientation is generally presumed for purposes of describing various features and components herein.
- the fluid path may also be reversed in some applications (such as by substituting a positive-pressure source for a negative-pressure source) and this descriptive convention should not be construed as a limiting convention.
- Negative pressure generally refers to a pressure less than a local ambient pressure, such as the ambient pressure in a local environment external to a sealed therapeutic environment provided by the dressing 102 .
- the local ambient pressure may also be the atmospheric pressure at which a tissue site is located.
- the pressure may be less than a hydrostatic pressure associated with tissue at the tissue site. Unless otherwise indicated, values of pressure stated herein are gauge pressures.
- references to increases in negative pressure typically refer to a decrease in absolute pressure, while decreases in negative pressure typically refer to an increase in absolute pressure.
- the pressure is generally a low vacuum, also commonly referred to as a rough vacuum, between ⁇ 5 mm Hg ( ⁇ 667 Pa) and ⁇ 500 mm Hg ( ⁇ 66.7 kPa).
- a rough vacuum between ⁇ 5 mm Hg ( ⁇ 667 Pa) and ⁇ 500 mm Hg ( ⁇ 66.7 kPa).
- Common therapeutic ranges are between ⁇ 75 mm Hg ( ⁇ 9.9 kPa) and ⁇ 300 mm Hg ( ⁇ 39.9 kPa).
- a negative-pressure supply such as the negative-pressure source 104
- a negative-pressure supply may be housed within or used in conjunction with other components, such as sensors, processing units, alarm indicators, memory, databases, software, display devices, or user interfaces that further facilitate therapy.
- the negative-pressure source 104 may be combined with other components into a therapy unit.
- a negative-pressure supply may also have one or more supply ports configured to facilitate coupling and de-coupling the negative-pressure supply to one or more distribution components.
- the tissue interface 108 can be generally adapted to contact a tissue site.
- the tissue interface 108 may be partially or fully in contact with the tissue site. If the tissue site is a wound, for example, the tissue interface 108 may partially or completely fill the wound, or may be placed over the wound.
- the tissue interface 108 may take many forms, and may have many sizes, shapes, or thicknesses depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of treatment being implemented or the nature and size of a tissue site. For example, the size and shape of the tissue interface 108 may be adapted to the contours of deep and irregular shaped tissue sites. Moreover, any or all of the surfaces of the tissue interface 108 may have projections or an uneven, course, or jagged profile that can induce strains and stresses on a tissue site, which can promote granulation at the tissue site.
- the tissue interface 108 may be a manifold.
- a “manifold” in this context generally includes any substance or structure providing a plurality of pathways adapted to collect or distribute fluid across a tissue site under pressure.
- a manifold may be adapted to receive negative pressure from a source and distribute negative pressure through multiple apertures across a tissue site, which may have the effect of collecting fluid from across a tissue site and drawing the fluid toward the source.
- the fluid path may be reversed or a secondary fluid path may be provided to facilitate delivering fluid across a tissue site.
- a manifold may be a porous foam material having interconnected cells or pores.
- cellular foam, open-cell foam, reticulated foam, porous tissue collections, and other porous material such as gauze or felted mat generally include pores, edges, and/or walls adapted to form interconnected fluid channels.
- Liquids, gels, and other foams may also include or be cured to include apertures and fluid pathways.
- a manifold may additionally or alternatively comprise projections that form interconnected fluid pathways.
- a manifold may be molded to provide surface projections that define interconnected fluid pathways.
- the average pore size of a foam may vary according to needs of a prescribed therapy.
- the tissue interface 108 may be a foam having pore sizes in a range of 400-600 microns.
- the tensile strength of the tissue interface 108 may also vary according to needs of a prescribed therapy.
- the tensile strength of a foam may be increased for instillation of topical treatment solutions.
- the tissue interface 108 may be an open-cell, reticulated polyurethane foam such as GranuFoam® dressing or VeraFlo® foam, both available from Kinetic Concepts, Inc. of San Antonio, Tex.
- the tissue interface 108 may be either hydrophobic or hydrophilic.
- the tissue interface 108 may also wick fluid away from a tissue site, while continuing to distribute negative pressure to the tissue site.
- the wicking properties of the tissue interface 108 may draw fluid away from a tissue site by capillary flow or other wicking mechanisms.
- An example of a hydrophilic foam is a polyvinyl alcohol, open-cell foam such as V.A.C. WhiteFoam® dressing available from Kinetic Concepts, Inc. of San Antonio, Tex.
- Other hydrophilic foams may include those made from polyether.
- Other foams that may exhibit hydrophilic characteristics include hydrophobic foams that have been treated or coated to provide hydrophilicity.
- the tissue interface 108 may further promote granulation at a tissue site when pressure within the sealed therapeutic environment is reduced.
- any or all of the surfaces of the tissue interface 108 may have an uneven, coarse, or jagged profile that can induce microstrains and stresses at a tissue site if negative pressure is applied through the tissue interface 108 .
- the tissue interface 108 may be constructed from bioresorbable materials. Suitable bioresorbable materials may include, without limitation, a polymeric blend of polylactic acid (PLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA). The polymeric blend may also include without limitation polycarbonates, polyfumarates, and capralactones.
- the tissue interface 108 may further serve as a scaffold for new cell-growth, or a scaffold material may be used in conjunction with the tissue interface 108 to promote cell-growth.
- a scaffold is generally a substance or structure used to enhance or promote the growth of cells or formation of tissue, such as a three-dimensional porous structure that provides a template for cell growth.
- Illustrative examples of scaffold materials include calcium phosphate, collagen, PLA/PGA, coral hydroxy apatites, carbonates, or processed allograft materials.
- the cover 106 may provide a bacterial barrier and protection from physical trauma.
- the cover 106 may also be constructed from a material that can reduce evaporative losses and provide a fluid seal between two components or two environments, such as between a therapeutic environment and a local external environment.
- the cover 106 may be, for example, an elastomeric film or membrane that can provide a seal adequate to maintain a negative pressure at a tissue site for a given negative-pressure source.
- the cover 106 may have a high moisture-vapor transmission rate (MVTR) in some applications.
- the MVTR may be at least 300 g/m ⁇ circumflex over ( ) ⁇ 2 per twenty-four hours in some embodiments.
- the cover 106 may be a polymer drape, such as a polyurethane film, that is permeable to water vapor but impermeable to liquid.
- a polymer drape such as a polyurethane film
- Such drapes typically have a thickness in the range of 25-50 microns.
- the permeability generally should be low enough that a desired negative pressure may be maintained.
- An attachment device may be used to attach the cover 106 to an attachment surface, such as undamaged epidermis, a gasket, or another cover.
- the attachment device may take many forms.
- an attachment device may be a medically-acceptable, pressure-sensitive adhesive that extends about a periphery, a portion, or an entire sealing member.
- some or all of the cover 106 may be coated with an acrylic adhesive having a coating weight between 25-65 grams per square meter (g.s.m.). Thicker adhesives, or combinations of adhesives, may be applied in some embodiments to improve the seal and reduce leaks.
- Other example embodiments of an attachment device may include a double-sided tape, paste, hydrocolloid, hydrogel, silicone gel, or organogel.
- the container 112 is representative of a container, canister, pouch, or other storage component, which can be used to manage exudates and other fluids withdrawn from a tissue site.
- a rigid container may be preferred or required for collecting, storing, and disposing of fluids.
- fluids may be properly disposed of without rigid container storage, and a re-usable container could reduce waste and costs associated with negative-pressure therapy.
- the tissue interface 108 may be placed within, over, on, or otherwise proximate to a tissue site.
- the cover 106 may be placed over the tissue interface 108 and sealed to an attachment surface near the tissue site.
- the cover 106 may be sealed to undamaged epidermis peripheral to a tissue site.
- the dressing 102 can provide a sealed therapeutic environment proximate to a tissue site, substantially isolated from the external environment, and the negative-pressure source 104 can reduce the pressure in the sealed therapeutic environment. Negative pressure applied across the tissue site through the tissue interface 108 in the sealed therapeutic environment can induce macrostrain and microstrain in the tissue site, as well as remove exudates and other fluids from the tissue site, which can be collected in container 112 .
- FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate additional details that may be associated with some embodiments of the container 112 .
- some embodiments of the container 112 may comprise a canister lid 152 and a canister 154 .
- the canister 154 may be formed of various materials, including metals and/or polymers. Further, the canister 154 may be opaque, transparent, or semi-transparent.
- the canister 154 may be any of a variety of suction canisters commonly found in health care facilities, such as suction canisters offered by BEMIS Health Care Products. Assembled as illustrated in the example of FIG. 2A , the canister lid 152 may be connected to the canister 154 with an air tight seal.
- the canister 154 can include an external wall 156 that extends from a base wall 158 to an upper edge or rim, such as the rim 160 .
- the rim 160 can sealingly engage the canister lid 152 .
- the canister lid 152 can include a lid connection portion or ledge 164 and the canister 154 can include a canister connection portion or ledge 166 .
- the ledge 164 and the ledge 166 may form a snap fit, threaded connection, adhesive connection, or other appropriate connections.
- the canister lid 152 may be coupled to the canister 154 to form a collection chamber 170 .
- the collection chamber 170 is preferably sealed relative to ambient environment.
- the seal, such as formed by the ledge 164 and the ledge 166 is preferably an air-tight seal such that a negative pressure within the collection chamber 170 may be maintained for a selected period of time.
- the canister lid 152 may include a first fluid port, such as a downstream connector 180 .
- the downstream connector 180 may be adapted for coupling with a tube or other fluid conductor, which can provide a fluid path between the negative-pressure source 104 and the container 112 as illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- the canister lid 152 may further include a second fluid port, such as an upstream connector 182 .
- the upstream connector 182 may be fluidly coupled to the dressing 102 , as illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- the negative-pressure source 104 may provide substantially unregulated negative pressure, such as commonly available through wall ports in many health care facilities.
- the canister lid 152 may include various features to regulate pressure within the collection chamber 170 .
- the canister lid 152 may include a regulator 190 , which may be an example embodiment of the regulator 110 of FIG. 1 .
- the regulator 190 may be integrated into the lid 152 , or may be connected to the lid 152 .
- the regulator 190 may regulate the pressure from the negative-pressure source 104 to provide a pressure within a target range, such as a prescribed therapy range.
- the regulator 190 can include various portions and generally may include an upper wall or cap 194 , and a lower wall or base 196 .
- the cap 194 may also have a vent 197 .
- the regulator 190 may also generally comprise a fluid pathway between the downstream connector 180 and the upstream connector 182 .
- the fluid pathway may comprise a series of fluidly coupled passages.
- the base 196 may include a first passage 198 fluidly coupled to the downstream connector 180 , and a second passage 200 , which may be fluidly coupled to the collection chamber 170 .
- the regulator 190 can include various portions to regulate distribution of negative pressure through the container 112 . If the negative-pressure source 104 is unregulated, for example, the pressure within the collection chamber 170 may be regulated by the regulator 190 .
- the regulated pressure from the regulator 190 can be a regulated pressure that is a within a therapeutically acceptable range of pressure, for example, and may be substantially independent of the pressure provided by the negative-pressure source 104 . Therefore, the regulator 190 can be interconnected between the negative-pressure source 104 and the dressing 102 to provide a target pressure to the dressing 102 . Further, the regulator 190 can be substantially interconnected or included with the container 112 to provide regulated pressure through the tubing to the dressing 102 from an unregulated pressure source, such as the negative-pressure source 104 .
- FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating additional details that may be associated with some embodiments of the regulator 190 .
- the regulator 190 may include a regulator chamber 210 and a regulator valve 215 disposed between the cap 194 and the base 196 .
- the regulator valve 215 may be a diaphragm valve having a regulator seal 220 and a regulator spring 260 .
- the regulator seal 220 may be a flexible membrane or partition, such as a thin flexible disk.
- the regulator seal 220 may engage the base 196 at an outer edge 224 .
- the regulator seal 220 can be generally annular or circular, and configured to engage a similarly shaped portion of the base 196 .
- a projection or a protrusion 226 may engage an annular depression or groove 228 formed into the base 196 .
- the cap 194 can assist in holding the protrusion 226 into the groove 228 to assist in operation of the seal 220 .
- the regulator seal 220 may comprise a central portion 222 , and a valve body 240 may extend from the central portion 222 .
- the valve body 240 may be adapted to engage a valve seat 242 adjacent to the first passage 198 to seal the first passage 198 .
- an exterior wall or surface 246 of the valve body 240 can engage one or more surfaces of the valve seat 242 to close the first passage 198 .
- the valve body 240 may include an apex 244 to sealingly engage the valve seat 242 .
- the valve body 240 may be formed integrally and as one piece with the central portion 222 .
- the valve body 240 may be formed as a separate piece from the central portion 222 and may be connected to the central portion 222 .
- the seal 220 and the valve body 240 may be formed of a flexible or an elastomeric material, which may include without limitation medical grade silicone.
- the regulator spring 260 may be operatively engaged with the regulator seal 220 to bias the valve body 240 away from the first passage 198 , providing an open fluid path between the first passage 198 and the second passage 200 .
- one end of the regulator spring 260 may be positioned concentrically around the valve seat 242 while the other end of the regulator spring 260 may be positioned around the valve body 240 .
- the spring may be formed of various materials such as medical grade stainless steel, or other appropriate materials.
- the regulator spring 260 may provide a biasing force against ambient pressure provided through the vent 197 , urging the valve body toward an open position (as illustrated in FIG. 3 ) and allowing fluid communication through the first passage 198 .
- the central portion 222 may be moved into a depression, hollow area, or recess, such as a recess 264 formed by the cap 194 .
- FIG. 4 illustrates additional details that may be associated with some embodiments of the regulator 190 in a closed position.
- the valve body 240 In a closed position, the valve body 240 is at least moved partially out of the recess 264 of the cap 194 to close the first passage 198 .
- the valve body 240 may sealingly engage the valve seat 242 to substantially reduce or block fluid communication through the first passage 198 .
- the seal 220 may be moved as an entirety away from the valve seat 242 by the regulator spring 260 . Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , the movement of the valve body 240 alone away from the valve seat 242 is merely exemplary. Further, the central portion 222 may be formed of a flexible material to allow movement of the valve body 240 relative to the valve seat 242 as discussed above.
- the valve body 240 can move from an open position, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , spaced away from the valve seat 242 , to a closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 4 , engaging the valve seat 242 .
- the regulator spring 260 has a biasing force that may be selected to actuate the regulator valve 215 at a target pressure within the regulator chamber 210 , which can also be maintained in the collection chamber 170 through the second passage 200 .
- the biasing force of regulator spring 260 may be selected based upon various features and therapeutic requirements so that the regulator valve 215 is actuated at a target pressure.
- the regulator spring 260 may be formed of a selected material, have a selected diameter, turn frequency, or the like to achieve closure of the regulator valve 215 at a target pressure within the regulator chamber 210 .
- some embodiments of the regulator 190 may include a pressure selector to adjust the regulation pressure.
- the cap 194 and the base 196 may be threaded, and may be rotated to vary compression of the regulator spring 260 , or a twist button or other member may engage the seal 220 , including the valve body 240 , to apply additional biasing force or to overcome a part of the biasing force of the regulator spring 260 to allow calibration of the regulated pressure in the regulator chamber 210 .
- the regulator 190 can regulate negative pressure to be about 75 mm Hg to about 200 mm Hg.
- the regulator 190 may be normally open, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , until the negative-pressure source 104 is connected and activated to distribute negative pressure through the first passage 198 .
- the absolute pressure within the regulator chamber 210 may be reduced as the seal between the protrusion 226 and the groove 228 is maintained and the central portion 222 of the seal 220 does not allow gases to pass from an exterior atmosphere into the regulator chamber 210 .
- the regulator chamber 210 may become charged as the negative-pressure source 104 continues to draw gases through the first passage 198 . Further, negative pressure can be distributed through the second passage 200 to the collection chamber 170 and to the dressing 102 if the regulator 190 is open.
- the biasing force of the regulator spring 260 may be overcome and the valve body 240 may move to the closed position and seal against the valve seat 242 , as illustrated in FIG. 4 .
- the reduced pressure in the regulator chamber 210 caused by removal of air and gases from the regulator chamber 210 due to the negative-pressure source 104 can be maintained by the seal 220 until the biasing force of the regulator spring 260 is overcome and the valve body 240 engages the valve seat 242 .
- the negative-pressure source 104 can provide unregulated negative pressure to the regulator chamber 210 , and the regulator 190 can ensure that the negative pressure distributed to the collection chamber 170 does not exceed a target negative pressure.
- the valve body 240 may be actuated by changes in negative pressure within the regulator chamber 210 . For example, leaks in the system can cause the negative pressure within the collection chamber 170 to decrease over time. Because the collection chamber 170 is fluidly coupled to the regulator chamber 210 , changes in the regulator chamber 210 may also be reflected in the collection chamber 170 . The valve body 240 may open if the negative pressure in the collection chamber 170 decreases enough to allow the biasing force of the regulator spring 260 to move the valve body 240 from the valve seat 242 .
- the regulator 190 can maintain a target pressure within the collection chamber 170 , and the dressing 102 , that may be different from negative pressure provided by the negative-pressure source 104 .
- the regulator 190 may provide a regulated pressure to the dressing 102 , particularly if a negative pressure from the negative-pressure source 104 is greater than the target regulated pressure.
- FIG. 5 illustrates details that may be associated with another example embodiment of the container 112 .
- the container 112 may include the canister 154 and a lid 310 .
- the lid 310 may be similar in many aspects to the canister lid 152 .
- the lid 310 may include the regulator 190 , substantially as illustrated in FIG. 5 .
- the lid 310 may also include a sealed connection to the canister 154 , including a snap-fit or other appropriate fit at the rim 160 of the canister 154 , including a lid connection portion (including a finger 312 ) and the canister connection portion 166 .
- the connection of the lid 310 to the canister 154 can be substantially gas-tight to maintain a negative pressure.
- the lid 310 may further include the downstream connector 180 , which can be fluidly coupled to a primary negative-pressure source such as the negative-pressure source 104 .
- a check valve 314 may be coupled to the downstream connector 180 .
- the lid 310 may include the upstream connector 182 that allows for a connection to the dressing 102 .
- the lid 310 may additionally comprise a secondary negative-pressure source, such as a reservoir 300 .
- the reservoir 300 may include a piston, flexible wall, bellows, or membrane, such as a membrane 320 , defining a negative-pressure chamber 304 .
- the membrane 320 may be formed out of an appropriate material that is sufficiently flexible and substantially fluid impermeable, such as a medical grade silicone.
- the membrane 320 may further be formed to include a color that contrasts with the canister 154 or the lid 310 for viewing a position of the flexible membrane 320 .
- One or more springs 324 may bias the membrane 320 to a discharged position 320 b .
- the springs 324 may be disposed in the negative-pressure chamber to expand the membrane to the discharged position 320 b .
- Negative pressure in the reservoir 300 may overcome the biasing force of the springs 324 to allow the membrane 320 to contract to a charged position 320 a.
- the volume of the negative-pressure chamber 304 generally increases as the membrane 320 moves from the charged position 320 a to the discharged position.
- the volume of the negative-pressure chamber 304 in the discharged state may vary to according to therapeutic requirements, but a volume in a range of about 100 milliliters to about 200 milliliters may be suitable for some applications.
- the canister 154 may be transparent or may include a window through which the positon of the membrane 320 may be viewed to determine whether the reservoir 300 is charged. Graduation marks may provide additional indications of the state of the reservoir 300 .
- the flexible membrane may be coupled to one or more supports 326 extending into the collection chamber 170 .
- the membrane 320 may be sealingly engaged to the supports 326 to maintain a seal between the reservoir 300 and the ambient environment.
- the membrane 320 may be welded, molded, or adhered to the supports 326 .
- a separate mechanical fixation member such as a spring or locking member, may be used to engage the flexible member against the supports 326 .
- the reservoir 300 may maintain a negative-pressure charge relative to the atmosphere.
- the negative-pressure source 104 can reduce the absolute pressure within the negative-pressure chamber 304 of the reservoir 300 formed by the flexible membrane 320 and the supports 326 of the lid 310 . As the negative-pressure source 104 continues to reduce the absolute pressure within the negative-pressure chamber 304 , the pressure within the negative-pressure chamber 304 is reduced relative to the collection chamber 170 , and the flexible membrane 320 moves to compress the springs 324 , as illustrated by the solid line indicating the flexible member charged position 320 a and the solid compressed spring line 324 . When compressed, the negative-pressure chamber 304 has a reduced absolute pressure relative to an atmospheric pressure.
- the check valve 314 may fluidly seal the negative-pressure chamber 304 , and the springs 324 can expand the flexible membrane 320 and increase the volume of the negative-pressure chamber 304 so that the auxiliary reservoir 300 can maintain a negative pressure relative to the dressing 102 .
- the biasing by the springs 324 to the discharged position 320 b can continue to generate negative-pressure in the negative-pressure chamber 304 through the second passage 200 relative to the upstream connector 182 through the regulator 190 .
- the first passage 198 may be fluidly coupled to the upstream connector 182 through the regulator chamber 210 , the second passage 200 , and the collection chamber 170 .
- the second passage 200 and the collection chamber 170 may be fluidly isolated from the first passage 198 .
- the lid 310 may differ from the lid 152 by including a baffle 330 adapted to direct exudate away from the first passage 198 and into the collection chamber 170 . In such an example configuration, exudate may move along fluid pathway 332 into the collection chamber 170 , separating exudate from gas movement along a fluid pathway 334 .
- Negative pressure from the reservoir 300 can maintain or ensure reduced pressure within the collection chamber 170 such that a negative pressure may be maintained in the dressing 102 , at least temporarily, if the negative-pressure source 104 is disconnected from the container 112 . Further, the regulator 190 can ensure that the pressure within the collection chamber 170 is regulated, regardless of whether the reduced pressure is directly from the negative-pressure source 104 or from the reservoir 300 .
- a regulator may be integrated into a fluid collection container, which can be used in a negative-pressure therapy system to regulate pressure applied to a tissue site.
- a regulator may be integrated or coupled to a lid adapted to fit generic canisters commonly available in health care environments, and may be particularly advantageous in facilities where unregulated wall suction is the primary source of negative pressure.
- the lid and regulator may be removable and re-usable, but it may be advantageous in some embodiments to weld or otherwise securely couple the lid to a canister.
- securely coupling the lid to the canister can simplify proper disposal of exudate.
- a container may additionally or alternatively include a secondary negative-pressure source, which can continue to provide therapeutic negative pressure to a tissue site if a primary negative-pressure source is disconnected or interrupted.
Abstract
A system or apparatus may include a container configured to collect fluid from a tissue site and regulate negative-pressure from a negative-pressure source. In some embodiments, the container may include a regulator that receives negative pressure directly from an unregulated negative-pressure source, such as a wall-suction outlet. The regulator may regulate down the pressure delivered to a collection chamber in the container, which may in turn be connected to a tissue site.
Description
- This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/073,226, entitled “Fluid Container With Pressure Regulation,” filed Jul. 26, 2018, which is the National Stage of International Application No. PCT/US2017/014832, entitled “Fluid Container With Pressure Regulation,” filed Jan. 25, 2017 and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/288,142, entitled “Fluid Container With Pressure Regulation,” filed Jan. 28, 2016, all of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
- The invention set forth in the appended claims relates generally to tissue treatment systems and more particularly, but without limitation, to fluid containers with pressure regulation.
- Clinical studies and practice have shown that reducing pressure in proximity to a tissue site can augment and accelerate growth of new tissue at the tissue site. The applications of this phenomenon are numerous, but it has proven particularly advantageous for treating wounds. Regardless of the etiology of a wound, whether trauma, surgery, or another cause, proper care of the wound is important to the outcome. Treatment of wounds or other tissue with reduced pressure may be commonly referred to as “negative-pressure therapy,” but is also known by other names, including “negative-pressure wound therapy,” “reduced-pressure therapy,” “vacuum therapy,” “vacuum-assisted closure,” and “topical negative-pressure,” for example. Negative-pressure therapy may provide a number of benefits, including migration of epithelial and subcutaneous tissues, improved blood flow, and micro-deformation of tissue at a wound site. Together, these benefits can increase development of granulation tissue and reduce healing times.
- While the clinical benefits of negative-pressure therapy are widely known, improvements to therapy systems, components, and processes may benefit healthcare providers and patients.
- New and useful systems, apparatuses, and methods for regulating pressure in a negative-pressure therapy environment are set forth in the appended claims. Illustrative embodiments are also provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the claimed subject matter.
- Various embodiments of a system or apparatus for negative-pressure treatment are described. The system or apparatus may include a container configured to collect a fluid from a tissue site and regulate negative-pressure from a negative-pressure source. In some embodiments, for example, the container may include a regulator that receives negative pressure directly from an unregulated negative-pressure source, such as a wall-suction outlet. The regulator may regulate down the pressure delivered to a collection chamber in the container, which may in turn be connected to a tissue site.
- In some embodiments, a container may include a lid or other apparatus for enclosing a canister. In general, the apparatus may comprise a rim configured to sealingly engage the fluid canister to form a collection chamber. The apparatus may further include a regulator adapted to regulate negative pressure in the collection chamber. In some embodiments, the regulator may generally comprise a regulator chamber, a first passage fluidly coupled to the regulator chamber, a second passage fluidly coupled to the regulator chamber, and a regulator valve. A downstream connector may be fluidly coupled to the first passage, and an upstream connector may be fluidly coupled to the second passage. In operation, the downstream connector may be fluidly coupled to a negative-pressure source, for example, and the upstream connector may be fluidly coupled to a dressing or other distribution component. The regulator valve may be configured to regulate fluid flow through the first passage based on changes to negative pressure in the regulator chamber. For example, if the downstream connector is coupled to a source of unregulated negative pressure, such as a wall-suction port, the regulator can regulate the negative pressure as it passes through the container to the dressing. In some embodiments, the regulator valve may be configured to close the first passage if negative pressure in the regulator chamber is greater than a target negative pressure, and to open the first passage if negative pressure in the regulator chamber is less than the target negative pressure.
- In various embodiments, a negative-pressure treatment system is also described. The system may have a container having a collection volume configured to collect fluid from a tissue site. The system may further have a regulator having a regulator chamber that is integrated into the container configured to regulate negative pressure in the container from a reduced pressure provided by a primary negative-pressure source. A first passage from the regulator chamber may form a first fluid pathway between the regulator chamber and the tissue site and a second passage from the regulator chamber may form a second fluid pathway to the container.
- The system or apparatus may further have an auxiliary or secondary negative-pressure source within the container, such as a collapsible internal reservoir within a canister lid. The reservoir may be inflated by one or more springs, if not under negative pressure. The springs may be designed or selected to collapse under a threshold negative pressure. The reservoir may be fluidly coupled to a regulator chamber through the second passage. In some embodiments, the reservoir may comprise or be defined by a flexible membrane, and a spring may be configured to bias the flexible membrane away from the regulator chamber. The reservoir may provide continued delivery of therapy if the container is removed from a primary negative-pressure source, such as a facility wall-suction port. A charge indicator may be incorporated into some embodiments of the container to indicate the state of the reservoir. In some embodiments, pressure regulation may be mechanical, and pressure feedback or indicators may be electronic.
- In various embodiments, a method of forming a reduced pressure treatment system through a container to a tissue site to remove fluid from the tissue site into a collection volume of the container is disclosed. The method may comprise connecting a dressing at the tissue site to an upstream flow connection of the container and connecting a primary negative-pressure source to a downstream flow connection of the container. A regulator may be integrated into the container between the upstream flow connection and the downstream flow connection to regulate a first reduced pressure in the waste volume of the container from a second reduced pressure formed by the primary negative-pressure source. Disclosed is a regulator system for a low pressure line or vacuum system. The regulator may be incorporated into a disposable unit, such as a container system. The regulator may regulate a vacuum source to a selected pressure.
- The regulator may be incorporated into a container system that may be interconnected between an unregulated vacuum source and a tissue site. In particular, the regulator may be placed between an unregulated vacuum source and a dressing. The dressing may cover a portion of a wound, such as an ulcer, surgical incision site, or the like.
- The regulator may be included in a canister or in a lid of a container system to assist in ensuring removal of the regulator to maintain proper operation of the regulator through appropriate duty cycles to maintain a regulated pressure. For example, a disposable regulator may ensure that the regulator does not become clogged during use and reduce or eliminate the regulated pressure. Therefore, the regulator may be incorporated into a container to allow the container to be disposed once full to allow replacement with a new container system having a new regulator that is clean.
- Objectives, advantages, and a preferred mode of making and using the claimed subject matter may be understood best by reference to the accompanying drawings in conjunction with the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments.
-
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an example embodiment of a therapy system that can remove waste in accordance with this specification; -
FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram illustrating additional details of the container system that may be associated with an example embodiment of therapy system ofFIG. 1 , according to various embodiments; -
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the container ofFIG. 2A alongline 2B-2B; -
FIG. 2C is a detail of the container taken from Rectangle 2C ofFIG. 2B ; -
FIG. 3 is a detail cross-sectional view of a regulator in an open position; -
FIG. 4 is a detail cross-sectional view of a regulator in a closed position; and -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a container ofFIG. 1 , according to various embodiments. - The following description of example embodiments provides information that enables a person skilled in the art to make and use the subject matter set forth in the appended claims, but may omit certain details already well-known in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, to be taken as illustrative and not limiting.
- The example embodiments may also be described herein with reference to spatial relationships between various elements or to the spatial orientation of various elements depicted in the attached drawings. In general, such relationships or orientation assume a frame of reference consistent with or relative to a patient in a position to receive treatment. As should be recognized by those skilled in the art, however, this frame of reference is merely a descriptive expedient rather than a strict prescription.
-
FIG. 1 is a simplified functional block diagram of an example embodiment of atherapy system 100 that can provide negative-pressure therapy to a tissue site in accordance with this specification. - The term “tissue site” in this context broadly refers to a wound, defect, or other treatment target located on or within tissue, including but not limited to, bone tissue, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, neural tissue, dermal tissue, vascular tissue, connective tissue, cartilage, tendons, or ligaments. A wound may include chronic, acute, traumatic, subacute, and dehisced wounds, partial-thickness burns, ulcers (such as diabetic, pressure, or venous insufficiency ulcers), flaps, and grafts, for example. The term “tissue site” may also refer to areas of any tissue that are not necessarily wounded or defective, but are instead areas in which it may be desirable to add or promote the growth of additional tissue. For example, negative pressure may be applied to a tissue site to grow additional tissue that may be harvested and transplanted.
- The
therapy system 100 may include negative-pressure supply, and may include or be configured to be coupled to a distribution component, such as a dressing. In general, a distribution component may refer to any complementary or ancillary component configured to be fluidly coupled to a negative-pressure supply in a fluid path between a negative-pressure supply and a tissue site. A distribution component is preferably detachable, and may be disposable, reusable, or recyclable. Distribution components may include dressings, containers, and fluid conductors, for example. InFIG. 1 , a dressing 102 is illustrative of a distribution component, which may be fluidly coupled to a negative-pressure source 104. A dressing may include a cover, a tissue interface, or both in some embodiments. The dressing 102, for example, may include acover 106 and atissue interface 108. - A regulator or a controller, such as a
regulator 110, may also be coupled to the negative-pressure source 104. As illustrated in the example ofFIG. 1 , theregulator 110 may be fluidly coupled to the negative-pressure source 104 and to a fluid container, such as acontainer 112. In some embodiments, thetherapy system 100 may optionally include sensors to measure operating parameters and provide feedback signals indicative of the operating parameters. For example, the negative-pressure source 104 may be electrically coupled to theregulator 110 to provide feedback signals or indicators. - In some embodiments, a dressing interface may facilitate coupling the negative-
pressure source 104 to thedressing 102. For example, such a dressing interface may be a T.R.A.C.® Pad or Sensa T.R.A.C.® Pad available from KCI of San Antonio, Tex. Thetherapy system 100 may also include a fluid container, such as thecontainer 112, coupled to the dressing 102 and to the negative-pressure source 104. - Components may be fluidly coupled to each other to provide a path for transferring fluids (i.e., liquid and/or gas) between the components. For example, components may be fluidly coupled through a fluid conductor, such as a tube. A “tube,” as used herein, broadly includes a tube, pipe, hose, conduit, or other structure with one or more lumina adapted to convey a fluid between two ends. Typically, a tube is an elongated, cylindrical structure with some flexibility, but the geometry and rigidity may vary. In some embodiments, components may also be coupled by virtue of physical proximity, being integral to a single structure, or being formed from the same piece of material. Moreover, some fluid conductors may be molded into or otherwise integrally combined with other components. Coupling may also include mechanical, thermal, electrical, or chemical coupling (such as a chemical bond) in some contexts. For example, a tube may mechanically and fluidly couple the dressing 102 to the
container 112 in some embodiments. - In general, components of the
therapy system 100 may be coupled directly or indirectly. For example, the negative-pressure source 104 may be directly coupled to theregulator 110, and may be indirectly coupled to the dressing 102 through theregulator 110. - The fluid mechanics of using a negative-pressure source to reduce pressure in another component or location, such as within a sealed therapeutic environment, can be mathematically complex. However, the basic principles of fluid mechanics applicable to negative-pressure therapy are generally well-known to those skilled in the art, and the process of reducing pressure may be described illustratively herein as “delivering,” “distributing,” or “generating” negative pressure, for example.
- In general, exudates and other fluids flow toward lower pressure along a fluid path. Thus, the term “downstream” typically implies something in a fluid path relatively closer to a source of negative pressure or further away from a source of positive pressure. Conversely, the term “upstream” implies something relatively further away from a source of negative pressure or closer to a source of positive pressure. Similarly, it may be convenient to describe certain features in terms of fluid “inlet” or “outlet” in such a frame of reference. This orientation is generally presumed for purposes of describing various features and components herein. However, the fluid path may also be reversed in some applications (such as by substituting a positive-pressure source for a negative-pressure source) and this descriptive convention should not be construed as a limiting convention.
- “Negative pressure” generally refers to a pressure less than a local ambient pressure, such as the ambient pressure in a local environment external to a sealed therapeutic environment provided by the dressing 102. In many cases, the local ambient pressure may also be the atmospheric pressure at which a tissue site is located. Alternatively, the pressure may be less than a hydrostatic pressure associated with tissue at the tissue site. Unless otherwise indicated, values of pressure stated herein are gauge pressures. Similarly, references to increases in negative pressure typically refer to a decrease in absolute pressure, while decreases in negative pressure typically refer to an increase in absolute pressure. While the amount and nature of negative pressure applied to a tissue site may vary according to therapeutic requirements, the pressure is generally a low vacuum, also commonly referred to as a rough vacuum, between −5 mm Hg (−667 Pa) and −500 mm Hg (−66.7 kPa). Common therapeutic ranges are between −75 mm Hg (−9.9 kPa) and −300 mm Hg (−39.9 kPa).
- A negative-pressure supply, such as the negative-
pressure source 104, may be a reservoir of air at a negative pressure, or may be a manual or electrically-powered device that can reduce the pressure in a sealed volume, such as a vacuum pump, a suction pump, a wall suction port available at many healthcare facilities, or a micro-pump, for example. A negative-pressure supply may be housed within or used in conjunction with other components, such as sensors, processing units, alarm indicators, memory, databases, software, display devices, or user interfaces that further facilitate therapy. For example, in some embodiments, the negative-pressure source 104 may be combined with other components into a therapy unit. A negative-pressure supply may also have one or more supply ports configured to facilitate coupling and de-coupling the negative-pressure supply to one or more distribution components. - The
tissue interface 108 can be generally adapted to contact a tissue site. Thetissue interface 108 may be partially or fully in contact with the tissue site. If the tissue site is a wound, for example, thetissue interface 108 may partially or completely fill the wound, or may be placed over the wound. Thetissue interface 108 may take many forms, and may have many sizes, shapes, or thicknesses depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of treatment being implemented or the nature and size of a tissue site. For example, the size and shape of thetissue interface 108 may be adapted to the contours of deep and irregular shaped tissue sites. Moreover, any or all of the surfaces of thetissue interface 108 may have projections or an uneven, course, or jagged profile that can induce strains and stresses on a tissue site, which can promote granulation at the tissue site. - In some embodiments, the
tissue interface 108 may be a manifold. A “manifold” in this context generally includes any substance or structure providing a plurality of pathways adapted to collect or distribute fluid across a tissue site under pressure. For example, a manifold may be adapted to receive negative pressure from a source and distribute negative pressure through multiple apertures across a tissue site, which may have the effect of collecting fluid from across a tissue site and drawing the fluid toward the source. In some embodiments, the fluid path may be reversed or a secondary fluid path may be provided to facilitate delivering fluid across a tissue site. - In some illustrative embodiments, the pathways of a manifold may be interconnected to improve distribution or collection of fluids across a tissue site. In some illustrative embodiments, a manifold may be a porous foam material having interconnected cells or pores. For example, cellular foam, open-cell foam, reticulated foam, porous tissue collections, and other porous material such as gauze or felted mat generally include pores, edges, and/or walls adapted to form interconnected fluid channels. Liquids, gels, and other foams may also include or be cured to include apertures and fluid pathways. In some embodiments, a manifold may additionally or alternatively comprise projections that form interconnected fluid pathways. For example, a manifold may be molded to provide surface projections that define interconnected fluid pathways.
- The average pore size of a foam may vary according to needs of a prescribed therapy. For example, in some embodiments, the
tissue interface 108 may be a foam having pore sizes in a range of 400-600 microns. The tensile strength of thetissue interface 108 may also vary according to needs of a prescribed therapy. For example, the tensile strength of a foam may be increased for instillation of topical treatment solutions. In one non-limiting example, thetissue interface 108 may be an open-cell, reticulated polyurethane foam such as GranuFoam® dressing or VeraFlo® foam, both available from Kinetic Concepts, Inc. of San Antonio, Tex. - The
tissue interface 108 may be either hydrophobic or hydrophilic. In an example in which thetissue interface 108 may be hydrophilic, thetissue interface 108 may also wick fluid away from a tissue site, while continuing to distribute negative pressure to the tissue site. The wicking properties of thetissue interface 108 may draw fluid away from a tissue site by capillary flow or other wicking mechanisms. An example of a hydrophilic foam is a polyvinyl alcohol, open-cell foam such as V.A.C. WhiteFoam® dressing available from Kinetic Concepts, Inc. of San Antonio, Tex. Other hydrophilic foams may include those made from polyether. Other foams that may exhibit hydrophilic characteristics include hydrophobic foams that have been treated or coated to provide hydrophilicity. - The
tissue interface 108 may further promote granulation at a tissue site when pressure within the sealed therapeutic environment is reduced. For example, any or all of the surfaces of thetissue interface 108 may have an uneven, coarse, or jagged profile that can induce microstrains and stresses at a tissue site if negative pressure is applied through thetissue interface 108. - In some embodiments, the
tissue interface 108 may be constructed from bioresorbable materials. Suitable bioresorbable materials may include, without limitation, a polymeric blend of polylactic acid (PLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA). The polymeric blend may also include without limitation polycarbonates, polyfumarates, and capralactones. Thetissue interface 108 may further serve as a scaffold for new cell-growth, or a scaffold material may be used in conjunction with thetissue interface 108 to promote cell-growth. A scaffold is generally a substance or structure used to enhance or promote the growth of cells or formation of tissue, such as a three-dimensional porous structure that provides a template for cell growth. Illustrative examples of scaffold materials include calcium phosphate, collagen, PLA/PGA, coral hydroxy apatites, carbonates, or processed allograft materials. - In some embodiments, the
cover 106 may provide a bacterial barrier and protection from physical trauma. Thecover 106 may also be constructed from a material that can reduce evaporative losses and provide a fluid seal between two components or two environments, such as between a therapeutic environment and a local external environment. Thecover 106 may be, for example, an elastomeric film or membrane that can provide a seal adequate to maintain a negative pressure at a tissue site for a given negative-pressure source. Thecover 106 may have a high moisture-vapor transmission rate (MVTR) in some applications. For example, the MVTR may be at least 300 g/m{circumflex over ( )}2 per twenty-four hours in some embodiments. In some example embodiments, thecover 106 may be a polymer drape, such as a polyurethane film, that is permeable to water vapor but impermeable to liquid. Such drapes typically have a thickness in the range of 25-50 microns. For permeable materials, the permeability generally should be low enough that a desired negative pressure may be maintained. - An attachment device may be used to attach the
cover 106 to an attachment surface, such as undamaged epidermis, a gasket, or another cover. The attachment device may take many forms. For example, an attachment device may be a medically-acceptable, pressure-sensitive adhesive that extends about a periphery, a portion, or an entire sealing member. In some embodiments, for example, some or all of thecover 106 may be coated with an acrylic adhesive having a coating weight between 25-65 grams per square meter (g.s.m.). Thicker adhesives, or combinations of adhesives, may be applied in some embodiments to improve the seal and reduce leaks. Other example embodiments of an attachment device may include a double-sided tape, paste, hydrocolloid, hydrogel, silicone gel, or organogel. - The
container 112 is representative of a container, canister, pouch, or other storage component, which can be used to manage exudates and other fluids withdrawn from a tissue site. In many environments, a rigid container may be preferred or required for collecting, storing, and disposing of fluids. In other environments, fluids may be properly disposed of without rigid container storage, and a re-usable container could reduce waste and costs associated with negative-pressure therapy. - In operation, the
tissue interface 108 may be placed within, over, on, or otherwise proximate to a tissue site. Thecover 106 may be placed over thetissue interface 108 and sealed to an attachment surface near the tissue site. For example, thecover 106 may be sealed to undamaged epidermis peripheral to a tissue site. Thus, the dressing 102 can provide a sealed therapeutic environment proximate to a tissue site, substantially isolated from the external environment, and the negative-pressure source 104 can reduce the pressure in the sealed therapeutic environment. Negative pressure applied across the tissue site through thetissue interface 108 in the sealed therapeutic environment can induce macrostrain and microstrain in the tissue site, as well as remove exudates and other fluids from the tissue site, which can be collected incontainer 112. -
FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate additional details that may be associated with some embodiments of thecontainer 112. With reference toFIG. 2A , some embodiments of thecontainer 112 may comprise acanister lid 152 and acanister 154. Thecanister 154 may be formed of various materials, including metals and/or polymers. Further, thecanister 154 may be opaque, transparent, or semi-transparent. For example, thecanister 154 may be any of a variety of suction canisters commonly found in health care facilities, such as suction canisters offered by BEMIS Health Care Products. Assembled as illustrated in the example ofFIG. 2A , thecanister lid 152 may be connected to thecanister 154 with an air tight seal. - With continuing reference to
FIG. 2A and additional reference toFIG. 2B , thecanister 154 can include anexternal wall 156 that extends from abase wall 158 to an upper edge or rim, such as therim 160. Therim 160 can sealingly engage thecanister lid 152. For example, thecanister lid 152 can include a lid connection portion orledge 164 and thecanister 154 can include a canister connection portion orledge 166. Theledge 164 and theledge 166 may form a snap fit, threaded connection, adhesive connection, or other appropriate connections. Generally, thecanister lid 152 may be coupled to thecanister 154 to form acollection chamber 170. Thecollection chamber 170 is preferably sealed relative to ambient environment. Further, the seal, such as formed by theledge 164 and theledge 166 is preferably an air-tight seal such that a negative pressure within thecollection chamber 170 may be maintained for a selected period of time. - The
canister lid 152 may include a first fluid port, such as adownstream connector 180. For example, thedownstream connector 180 may be adapted for coupling with a tube or other fluid conductor, which can provide a fluid path between the negative-pressure source 104 and thecontainer 112 as illustrated inFIG. 1 . Thecanister lid 152 may further include a second fluid port, such as anupstream connector 182. For example, theupstream connector 182 may be fluidly coupled to the dressing 102, as illustrated inFIG. 1 . - In various embodiments, the negative-
pressure source 104 may provide substantially unregulated negative pressure, such as commonly available through wall ports in many health care facilities. Thecanister lid 152 may include various features to regulate pressure within thecollection chamber 170. For example, in some embodiments, thecanister lid 152 may include aregulator 190, which may be an example embodiment of theregulator 110 ofFIG. 1 . In various embodiments, theregulator 190 may be integrated into thelid 152, or may be connected to thelid 152. Theregulator 190 may regulate the pressure from the negative-pressure source 104 to provide a pressure within a target range, such as a prescribed therapy range. - The
regulator 190 can include various portions and generally may include an upper wall orcap 194, and a lower wall orbase 196. Thecap 194 may also have avent 197. Theregulator 190 may also generally comprise a fluid pathway between thedownstream connector 180 and theupstream connector 182. In some embodiments, the fluid pathway may comprise a series of fluidly coupled passages. For example, as illustrated in the embodiment ofFIG. 2C , thebase 196 may include afirst passage 198 fluidly coupled to thedownstream connector 180, and asecond passage 200, which may be fluidly coupled to thecollection chamber 170. - The
regulator 190 can include various portions to regulate distribution of negative pressure through thecontainer 112. If the negative-pressure source 104 is unregulated, for example, the pressure within thecollection chamber 170 may be regulated by theregulator 190. - The regulated pressure from the
regulator 190 can be a regulated pressure that is a within a therapeutically acceptable range of pressure, for example, and may be substantially independent of the pressure provided by the negative-pressure source 104. Therefore, theregulator 190 can be interconnected between the negative-pressure source 104 and the dressing 102 to provide a target pressure to thedressing 102. Further, theregulator 190 can be substantially interconnected or included with thecontainer 112 to provide regulated pressure through the tubing to the dressing 102 from an unregulated pressure source, such as the negative-pressure source 104. -
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating additional details that may be associated with some embodiments of theregulator 190. As illustrated inFIG. 3 , theregulator 190 may include aregulator chamber 210 and aregulator valve 215 disposed between thecap 194 and thebase 196. For example, as shown in the illustrative embodiment ofFIG. 3 , theregulator valve 215 may be a diaphragm valve having aregulator seal 220 and aregulator spring 260. Theregulator seal 220 may be a flexible membrane or partition, such as a thin flexible disk. Theregulator seal 220 may engage the base 196 at anouter edge 224. For example, theregulator seal 220 can be generally annular or circular, and configured to engage a similarly shaped portion of thebase 196. In some embodiments, a projection or aprotrusion 226 may engage an annular depression or groove 228 formed into thebase 196. Thecap 194 can assist in holding theprotrusion 226 into thegroove 228 to assist in operation of theseal 220. - In some embodiments, the
regulator seal 220 may comprise acentral portion 222, and avalve body 240 may extend from thecentral portion 222. Thevalve body 240 may be adapted to engage avalve seat 242 adjacent to thefirst passage 198 to seal thefirst passage 198. For example, an exterior wall orsurface 246 of thevalve body 240 can engage one or more surfaces of thevalve seat 242 to close thefirst passage 198. As illustrated inFIG. 3 , thevalve body 240 may include an apex 244 to sealingly engage thevalve seat 242. - The
valve body 240 may be formed integrally and as one piece with thecentral portion 222. Alternatively, thevalve body 240 may be formed as a separate piece from thecentral portion 222 and may be connected to thecentral portion 222. In various embodiments, theseal 220 and thevalve body 240 may be formed of a flexible or an elastomeric material, which may include without limitation medical grade silicone. - The
regulator spring 260 may be operatively engaged with theregulator seal 220 to bias thevalve body 240 away from thefirst passage 198, providing an open fluid path between thefirst passage 198 and thesecond passage 200. For example, one end of theregulator spring 260 may be positioned concentrically around thevalve seat 242 while the other end of theregulator spring 260 may be positioned around thevalve body 240. The spring may be formed of various materials such as medical grade stainless steel, or other appropriate materials. - For example, the
regulator spring 260 may provide a biasing force against ambient pressure provided through thevent 197, urging the valve body toward an open position (as illustrated inFIG. 3 ) and allowing fluid communication through thefirst passage 198. In the open position, thecentral portion 222 may be moved into a depression, hollow area, or recess, such as arecess 264 formed by thecap 194. -
FIG. 4 illustrates additional details that may be associated with some embodiments of theregulator 190 in a closed position. In a closed position, thevalve body 240 is at least moved partially out of therecess 264 of thecap 194 to close thefirst passage 198. For example, as illustrated in the embodiment ofFIG. 4 , thevalve body 240 may sealingly engage thevalve seat 242 to substantially reduce or block fluid communication through thefirst passage 198. - According to various embodiments, the
seal 220 may be moved as an entirety away from thevalve seat 242 by theregulator spring 260. Accordingly, as illustrated inFIG. 3 , the movement of thevalve body 240 alone away from thevalve seat 242 is merely exemplary. Further, thecentral portion 222 may be formed of a flexible material to allow movement of thevalve body 240 relative to thevalve seat 242 as discussed above. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , thevalve body 240 can move from an open position, as illustrated inFIG. 3 , spaced away from thevalve seat 242, to a closed position, as illustrated inFIG. 4 , engaging thevalve seat 242. Theregulator spring 260 has a biasing force that may be selected to actuate theregulator valve 215 at a target pressure within theregulator chamber 210, which can also be maintained in thecollection chamber 170 through thesecond passage 200. The biasing force ofregulator spring 260 may be selected based upon various features and therapeutic requirements so that theregulator valve 215 is actuated at a target pressure. For example, theregulator spring 260 may be formed of a selected material, have a selected diameter, turn frequency, or the like to achieve closure of theregulator valve 215 at a target pressure within theregulator chamber 210. Further, some embodiments of theregulator 190 may include a pressure selector to adjust the regulation pressure. For example, thecap 194 and the base 196 may be threaded, and may be rotated to vary compression of theregulator spring 260, or a twist button or other member may engage theseal 220, including thevalve body 240, to apply additional biasing force or to overcome a part of the biasing force of theregulator spring 260 to allow calibration of the regulated pressure in theregulator chamber 210. Accordingly, in some embodiments, theregulator 190 can regulate negative pressure to be about 75 mm Hg to about 200 mm Hg. - In operation, the
regulator 190 may be normally open, as illustrated inFIG. 3 , until the negative-pressure source 104 is connected and activated to distribute negative pressure through thefirst passage 198. After the negative-pressure source 104 has been activated, the absolute pressure within theregulator chamber 210 may be reduced as the seal between theprotrusion 226 and thegroove 228 is maintained and thecentral portion 222 of theseal 220 does not allow gases to pass from an exterior atmosphere into theregulator chamber 210. Theregulator chamber 210 may become charged as the negative-pressure source 104 continues to draw gases through thefirst passage 198. Further, negative pressure can be distributed through thesecond passage 200 to thecollection chamber 170 and to the dressing 102 if theregulator 190 is open. - If the target pressure is achieved in the
regulator chamber 210, the biasing force of theregulator spring 260 may be overcome and thevalve body 240 may move to the closed position and seal against thevalve seat 242, as illustrated inFIG. 4 . - Accordingly, the reduced pressure in the
regulator chamber 210 caused by removal of air and gases from theregulator chamber 210 due to the negative-pressure source 104 can be maintained by theseal 220 until the biasing force of theregulator spring 260 is overcome and thevalve body 240 engages thevalve seat 242. The negative-pressure source 104 can provide unregulated negative pressure to theregulator chamber 210, and theregulator 190 can ensure that the negative pressure distributed to thecollection chamber 170 does not exceed a target negative pressure. - The
valve body 240 may be actuated by changes in negative pressure within theregulator chamber 210. For example, leaks in the system can cause the negative pressure within thecollection chamber 170 to decrease over time. Because thecollection chamber 170 is fluidly coupled to theregulator chamber 210, changes in theregulator chamber 210 may also be reflected in thecollection chamber 170. Thevalve body 240 may open if the negative pressure in thecollection chamber 170 decreases enough to allow the biasing force of theregulator spring 260 to move thevalve body 240 from thevalve seat 242. - Accordingly, the
regulator 190, including thevalve body 240, thevalve seat 242, and theregulator spring 260, can maintain a target pressure within thecollection chamber 170, and the dressing 102, that may be different from negative pressure provided by the negative-pressure source 104. In particular, if the negative-pressure source 104 is unregulated, theregulator 190 may provide a regulated pressure to the dressing 102, particularly if a negative pressure from the negative-pressure source 104 is greater than the target regulated pressure. -
FIG. 5 illustrates details that may be associated with another example embodiment of thecontainer 112. In the embodiment ofFIG. 5 , thecontainer 112 may include thecanister 154 and alid 310. Thelid 310 may be similar in many aspects to thecanister lid 152. For example, thelid 310 may include theregulator 190, substantially as illustrated inFIG. 5 . Thelid 310 may also include a sealed connection to thecanister 154, including a snap-fit or other appropriate fit at therim 160 of thecanister 154, including a lid connection portion (including a finger 312) and thecanister connection portion 166. The connection of thelid 310 to thecanister 154 can be substantially gas-tight to maintain a negative pressure. - The
lid 310 may further include thedownstream connector 180, which can be fluidly coupled to a primary negative-pressure source such as the negative-pressure source 104. Acheck valve 314 may be coupled to thedownstream connector 180. Further, thelid 310 may include theupstream connector 182 that allows for a connection to thedressing 102. - The
lid 310 may additionally comprise a secondary negative-pressure source, such as areservoir 300. Thereservoir 300 may include a piston, flexible wall, bellows, or membrane, such as amembrane 320, defining a negative-pressure chamber 304. Themembrane 320 may be formed out of an appropriate material that is sufficiently flexible and substantially fluid impermeable, such as a medical grade silicone. Themembrane 320 may further be formed to include a color that contrasts with thecanister 154 or thelid 310 for viewing a position of theflexible membrane 320. - One or
more springs 324 may bias themembrane 320 to a dischargedposition 320 b. For example, in some embodiments, thesprings 324 may be disposed in the negative-pressure chamber to expand the membrane to the dischargedposition 320 b. Negative pressure in thereservoir 300 may overcome the biasing force of thesprings 324 to allow themembrane 320 to contract to a chargedposition 320 a. - The volume of the negative-
pressure chamber 304 generally increases as themembrane 320 moves from the chargedposition 320 a to the discharged position. The volume of the negative-pressure chamber 304 in the discharged state may vary to according to therapeutic requirements, but a volume in a range of about 100 milliliters to about 200 milliliters may be suitable for some applications. In some embodiments, thecanister 154 may be transparent or may include a window through which the positon of themembrane 320 may be viewed to determine whether thereservoir 300 is charged. Graduation marks may provide additional indications of the state of thereservoir 300. - In some embodiments, the flexible membrane may be coupled to one or
more supports 326 extending into thecollection chamber 170. Themembrane 320 may be sealingly engaged to thesupports 326 to maintain a seal between thereservoir 300 and the ambient environment. In various embodiments, themembrane 320 may be welded, molded, or adhered to thesupports 326. Further, a separate mechanical fixation member, such as a spring or locking member, may be used to engage the flexible member against thesupports 326. Thus, thereservoir 300 may maintain a negative-pressure charge relative to the atmosphere. - The negative-
pressure source 104 can reduce the absolute pressure within the negative-pressure chamber 304 of thereservoir 300 formed by theflexible membrane 320 and thesupports 326 of thelid 310. As the negative-pressure source 104 continues to reduce the absolute pressure within the negative-pressure chamber 304, the pressure within the negative-pressure chamber 304 is reduced relative to thecollection chamber 170, and theflexible membrane 320 moves to compress thesprings 324, as illustrated by the solid line indicating the flexible member chargedposition 320 a and the solidcompressed spring line 324. When compressed, the negative-pressure chamber 304 has a reduced absolute pressure relative to an atmospheric pressure. Accordingly, if the negative-pressure source 104 is disconnected from thedownstream connector 180 or thecontainer 112, such as for movement of the patient on which the dressing 102 is placed, thecheck valve 314 may fluidly seal the negative-pressure chamber 304, and thesprings 324 can expand theflexible membrane 320 and increase the volume of the negative-pressure chamber 304 so that theauxiliary reservoir 300 can maintain a negative pressure relative to thedressing 102. The biasing by thesprings 324 to the dischargedposition 320 b can continue to generate negative-pressure in the negative-pressure chamber 304 through thesecond passage 200 relative to theupstream connector 182 through theregulator 190. - In an open state of the
regulator 190, thefirst passage 198 may be fluidly coupled to theupstream connector 182 through theregulator chamber 210, thesecond passage 200, and thecollection chamber 170. In a closed state ofregulator 190, thesecond passage 200 and thecollection chamber 170 may be fluidly isolated from thefirst passage 198. As illustrated inFIG. 5 , thelid 310 may differ from thelid 152 by including abaffle 330 adapted to direct exudate away from thefirst passage 198 and into thecollection chamber 170. In such an example configuration, exudate may move alongfluid pathway 332 into thecollection chamber 170, separating exudate from gas movement along afluid pathway 334. Negative pressure from thereservoir 300 can maintain or ensure reduced pressure within thecollection chamber 170 such that a negative pressure may be maintained in the dressing 102, at least temporarily, if the negative-pressure source 104 is disconnected from thecontainer 112. Further, theregulator 190 can ensure that the pressure within thecollection chamber 170 is regulated, regardless of whether the reduced pressure is directly from the negative-pressure source 104 or from thereservoir 300. - The systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein may provide significant advantages. For example, a regulator may be integrated into a fluid collection container, which can be used in a negative-pressure therapy system to regulate pressure applied to a tissue site. Such a regulator may be integrated or coupled to a lid adapted to fit generic canisters commonly available in health care environments, and may be particularly advantageous in facilities where unregulated wall suction is the primary source of negative pressure. The lid and regulator may be removable and re-usable, but it may be advantageous in some embodiments to weld or otherwise securely couple the lid to a canister. For example, securely coupling the lid to the canister can simplify proper disposal of exudate. Further, a container may additionally or alternatively include a secondary negative-pressure source, which can continue to provide therapeutic negative pressure to a tissue site if a primary negative-pressure source is disconnected or interrupted.
- While shown in a few illustrative embodiments, a person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein are susceptible to various changes and modifications. Moreover, descriptions of various alternatives using terms such as “or” do not require mutual exclusivity unless clearly required by the context, and the indefinite articles “a” or “an” do not limit the subject to a single instance unless clearly required by the context. Components may be also be combined or eliminated in various configurations for purposes of sale, manufacture, assembly, or use. For example, in some configurations the dressing 102, the negative-
pressure source 104, or both may be eliminated or separated from other components for manufacture or sale. In other example configurations, thecanister lid 152 and theregulator 190 may also be manufactured, configured, assembled, or sold independently of other components. - The appended claims set forth novel and inventive aspects of the subject matter described above, but the claims may also encompass additional subject matter not specifically recited in detail. For example, certain features, elements, or aspects may be omitted from the claims if not necessary to distinguish the novel and inventive features from what is already known to a person having ordinary skill in the art. Features, elements, and aspects described herein may also be combined or replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.
Claims (23)
1. An apparatus for enclosing a fluid canister, the apparatus comprising:
a rim configured to sealingly engage the fluid canister;
a regulator comprising a regulator chamber, a first passage fluidly coupled to the regulator chamber, a second passage fluidly coupled to the regulator chamber, and a regulator valve configured to regulate fluid flow through the first passage based on changes to negative pressure in the regulator chamber;
a downstream connector fluidly coupled to the first passage; and
an upstream connector fluidly coupled to the second passage.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the regulator valve is disposed in the regulator chamber.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the regulator comprises a cap and a base coupled to the cap to define the regulator chamber.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:
the regulator comprises a cap and a base coupled to the cap to define the regulator chamber; and
the first passage is a first passage through the base and the second passage is a second passage through the base.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the regulator valve is configured to close the first passage if negative pressure in the regulator chamber is greater than a target negative pressure, and to open the first passage if negative pressure in the regulator chamber is less than the target negative pressure.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the regulator valve comprises a regulator seal and a regulator spring operatively engaged with the regulator seal to bias the regulator valve away from the first passage.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein:
the regulator further comprises a valve seat adjacent to the first passage;
the regulator seal comprises a valve body adapted to sealingly engage the valve seat; and
the regulator spring is operatively engaged with the valve body to bias the valve body away from the valve seat.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a reservoir in fluid communication with the downstream connector and the first passage.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
a membrane defining a negative-pressure chamber fluidly coupled to the downstream connector and to the first passage; and
a spring disposed in the negative-pressure chamber against the membrane to bias the membrane to a discharged position.
10. An apparatus for collecting fluid from a tissue site, the apparatus comprising:
a canister; and
a lid coupled to the canister to form a collection chamber;
an upstream connector fluidly coupled to the collection chamber;
a regulator coupled to the lid, the regulator comprising a regulator chamber, a first passage fluidly coupled to the regulator chamber, a second passage fluidly coupled to the regulator chamber and to the collection chamber, and a regulator valve configured to regulate fluid flow through the first passage based on changes to negative pressure in the regulator chamber; and
a downstream connector fluidly coupled to the first passage.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the regulator is integral to the lid.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the upstream connector and the downstream connector are integral to the lid.
13. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the regulator valve is disposed in the regulator chamber.
14. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the regulator comprises a cap and a base coupled to the cap to define the regulator chamber.
15. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein:
the regulator comprises a cap and a base coupled to the cap to define the regulator chamber; and
the first passage is a first passage through the base and the second passage is a second passage through the base.
16. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the regulator valve is configured to close the first passage if negative pressure in the regulator chamber is greater than a target negative pressure, and to open the first passage if negative pressure in the regulator chamber is less than the target negative pressure.
17. The apparatus of claim 10 , further comprising a reservoir in fluid communication with the downstream connector and the first passage.
18. The apparatus of claim 10 , further comprising:
a membrane defining a negative-pressure chamber fluidly coupled to the downstream connector and to the first passage; and
a spring disposed in the negative-pressure chamber against the membrane to bias the membrane to a discharged position.
19.-29. (canceled)
30. A method of applying negative-pressure therapy to a tissue site, the method comprising:
applying a dressing to the tissue site;
fluidly coupling the dressing to a collection chamber of a container having a regulator; and
fluidly coupling the collection chamber to a negative-pressure source through the regulator.
31. The method of claim 30 , further comprising disposing of the container with the regulator.
32. The method of claim 30 , further comprising charging a secondary negative-pres sure source within the container.
33. The method of claim 32 , further comprising disconnecting the negative-pressure source from the collection chamber and maintaining negative pressure with the secondary negative-pressure source.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/466,745 US20210393868A1 (en) | 2016-01-28 | 2021-09-03 | Fluid container with pressure regulation |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201662288142P | 2016-01-28 | 2016-01-28 | |
PCT/US2017/014832 WO2017132199A1 (en) | 2016-01-28 | 2017-01-25 | Fluid container with pressure regulation |
US201816073226A | 2018-07-26 | 2018-07-26 | |
US17/466,745 US20210393868A1 (en) | 2016-01-28 | 2021-09-03 | Fluid container with pressure regulation |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2017/014832 Division WO2017132199A1 (en) | 2016-01-28 | 2017-01-25 | Fluid container with pressure regulation |
US16/073,226 Division US11141513B2 (en) | 2016-01-28 | 2017-01-25 | Fluid container with pressure regulation |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20210393868A1 true US20210393868A1 (en) | 2021-12-23 |
Family
ID=58016825
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/073,226 Active 2038-03-05 US11141513B2 (en) | 2016-01-28 | 2017-01-25 | Fluid container with pressure regulation |
US17/466,745 Abandoned US20210393868A1 (en) | 2016-01-28 | 2021-09-03 | Fluid container with pressure regulation |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/073,226 Active 2038-03-05 US11141513B2 (en) | 2016-01-28 | 2017-01-25 | Fluid container with pressure regulation |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US11141513B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3407928B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN108472420B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2017132199A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN107812260B (en) * | 2017-11-07 | 2023-08-01 | 新绎健康科技有限公司 | Pressure regulating mechanism and negative pressure tank with same |
US20210023279A1 (en) * | 2019-07-23 | 2021-01-28 | Boehringer Technologies, Lp | Systems including external catheter for automatically collecting urine from a female patient and methods of use |
DE102019005532A1 (en) | 2019-08-07 | 2021-02-11 | Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA | Arrangement and method with a non-return valve for collecting suctioned secretion |
AU2021387822A1 (en) * | 2020-11-27 | 2023-06-22 | J&M Shuler Medical Inc. | Wound therapy systems |
TWI774149B (en) * | 2020-12-08 | 2022-08-11 | 古豐愿 | Safety vacuum supply gas cylinder |
CN113144299B (en) * | 2021-03-11 | 2022-04-15 | 深圳市第二人民医院(深圳市转化医学研究院) | Automatic urine collecting device for sterile urine culture |
USD993401S1 (en) * | 2021-06-18 | 2023-07-25 | Jigsaw Medical, LLC | High pressure vacuum bottle |
USD987815S1 (en) * | 2021-08-31 | 2023-05-30 | Jigsaw Medical, LLC | High pressure vacuum bottle |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070118096A1 (en) * | 2005-11-21 | 2007-05-24 | Smith Joshua D | Wound care system |
Family Cites Families (147)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1355846A (en) | 1920-02-06 | 1920-10-19 | David A Rannells | Medical appliance |
US2547758A (en) | 1949-01-05 | 1951-04-03 | Wilmer B Keeling | Instrument for treating the male urethra |
US2632443A (en) | 1949-04-18 | 1953-03-24 | Eleanor P Lesher | Surgical dressing |
GB692578A (en) | 1949-09-13 | 1953-06-10 | Minnesota Mining & Mfg | Improvements in or relating to drape sheets for surgical use |
US2682873A (en) | 1952-07-30 | 1954-07-06 | Johnson & Johnson | General purpose protective dressing |
NL189176B (en) | 1956-07-13 | 1900-01-01 | Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co | PLASTER BASED ON A SYNTHETIC RUBBER. |
US2969057A (en) | 1957-11-04 | 1961-01-24 | Brady Co W H | Nematodic swab |
US3066672A (en) | 1960-09-27 | 1962-12-04 | Jr William H Crosby | Method and apparatus for serial sampling of intestinal juice |
US3367332A (en) | 1965-08-27 | 1968-02-06 | Gen Electric | Product and process for establishing a sterile area of skin |
US3520300A (en) | 1967-03-15 | 1970-07-14 | Amp Inc | Surgical sponge and suction device |
US3568675A (en) | 1968-08-30 | 1971-03-09 | Clyde B Harvey | Fistula and penetrating wound dressing |
US3682180A (en) | 1970-06-08 | 1972-08-08 | Coilform Co Inc | Drain clip for surgical drain |
BE789293Q (en) | 1970-12-07 | 1973-01-15 | Parke Davis & Co | MEDICO-SURGICAL DRESSING FOR BURNS AND SIMILAR LESIONS |
US3826254A (en) | 1973-02-26 | 1974-07-30 | Verco Ind | Needle or catheter retaining appliance |
DE2527706A1 (en) | 1975-06-21 | 1976-12-30 | Hanfried Dr Med Weigand | DEVICE FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF CONTRAST AGENTS INTO AN ARTIFICIAL INTESTINAL OUTLET |
DE2640413C3 (en) | 1976-09-08 | 1980-03-27 | Richard Wolf Gmbh, 7134 Knittlingen | Catheter monitor |
NL7710909A (en) | 1976-10-08 | 1978-04-11 | Smith & Nephew | COMPOSITE STRAPS. |
GB1562244A (en) | 1976-11-11 | 1980-03-05 | Lock P M | Wound dressing materials |
US4080970A (en) | 1976-11-17 | 1978-03-28 | Miller Thomas J | Post-operative combination dressing and internal drain tube with external shield and tube connector |
US4139004A (en) | 1977-02-17 | 1979-02-13 | Gonzalez Jr Harry | Bandage apparatus for treating burns |
US4184510A (en) | 1977-03-15 | 1980-01-22 | Fibra-Sonics, Inc. | Valued device for controlling vacuum in surgery |
US4165748A (en) | 1977-11-07 | 1979-08-28 | Johnson Melissa C | Catheter tube holder |
US4245637A (en) | 1978-07-10 | 1981-01-20 | Nichols Robert L | Shutoff valve sleeve |
SE414994B (en) | 1978-11-28 | 1980-09-01 | Landstingens Inkopscentral | VENKATETERFORBAND |
BR7908937A (en) | 1978-12-06 | 1981-06-30 | Svedman Paul | DEVICE FOR TREATING FABRICS, FOR EXAMPLE, SKIN |
US4266545A (en) | 1979-04-06 | 1981-05-12 | Moss James P | Portable suction device for collecting fluids from a closed wound |
US4284079A (en) | 1979-06-28 | 1981-08-18 | Adair Edwin Lloyd | Method for applying a male incontinence device |
US4261363A (en) | 1979-11-09 | 1981-04-14 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Retention clips for body fluid drains |
US4569348A (en) | 1980-02-22 | 1986-02-11 | Velcro Usa Inc. | Catheter tube holder strap |
EP0035583B1 (en) | 1980-03-11 | 1985-08-14 | Schmid, Eduard, Dr.Dr.med. | Skin graft pressure bandage |
US4297995A (en) | 1980-06-03 | 1981-11-03 | Key Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | Bandage containing attachment post |
US4333468A (en) | 1980-08-18 | 1982-06-08 | Geist Robert W | Mesentery tube holder apparatus |
US4465485A (en) | 1981-03-06 | 1984-08-14 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Suction canister with unitary shut-off valve and filter features |
US4392853A (en) | 1981-03-16 | 1983-07-12 | Rudolph Muto | Sterile assembly for protecting and fastening an indwelling device |
US4373519A (en) | 1981-06-26 | 1983-02-15 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Composite wound dressing |
US4392858A (en) | 1981-07-16 | 1983-07-12 | Sherwood Medical Company | Wound drainage device |
US4419097A (en) | 1981-07-31 | 1983-12-06 | Rexar Industries, Inc. | Attachment for catheter tube |
AU550575B2 (en) | 1981-08-07 | 1986-03-27 | Richard Christian Wright | Wound drainage device |
SE429197B (en) | 1981-10-14 | 1983-08-22 | Frese Nielsen | SAR TREATMENT DEVICE |
DE3146266A1 (en) | 1981-11-21 | 1983-06-01 | B. Braun Melsungen Ag, 3508 Melsungen | COMBINED DEVICE FOR A MEDICAL SUCTION DRAINAGE |
US4551139A (en) | 1982-02-08 | 1985-11-05 | Marion Laboratories, Inc. | Method and apparatus for burn wound treatment |
US4475909A (en) | 1982-05-06 | 1984-10-09 | Eisenberg Melvin I | Male urinary device and method for applying the device |
DE3361779D1 (en) | 1982-07-06 | 1986-02-20 | Dow Corning | Medical-surgical dressing and a process for the production thereof |
NZ206837A (en) | 1983-01-27 | 1986-08-08 | Johnson & Johnson Prod Inc | Thin film adhesive dressing:backing material in three sections |
US4548202A (en) | 1983-06-20 | 1985-10-22 | Ethicon, Inc. | Mesh tissue fasteners |
US4540412A (en) | 1983-07-14 | 1985-09-10 | The Kendall Company | Device for moist heat therapy |
US4543100A (en) | 1983-11-01 | 1985-09-24 | Brodsky Stuart A | Catheter and drain tube retainer |
US4525374A (en) | 1984-02-27 | 1985-06-25 | Manresa, Inc. | Treating hydrophobic filters to render them hydrophilic |
GB2157958A (en) | 1984-05-03 | 1985-11-06 | Ernest Edward Austen Bedding | Ball game net support |
US4897081A (en) | 1984-05-25 | 1990-01-30 | Thermedics Inc. | Percutaneous access device |
US5215522A (en) | 1984-07-23 | 1993-06-01 | Ballard Medical Products | Single use medical aspirating device and method |
GB8419745D0 (en) | 1984-08-02 | 1984-09-05 | Smith & Nephew Ass | Wound dressing |
US4872450A (en) | 1984-08-17 | 1989-10-10 | Austad Eric D | Wound dressing and method of forming same |
US4826494A (en) | 1984-11-09 | 1989-05-02 | Stryker Corporation | Vacuum wound drainage system |
US4655754A (en) | 1984-11-09 | 1987-04-07 | Stryker Corporation | Vacuum wound drainage system and lipids baffle therefor |
US4605399A (en) | 1984-12-04 | 1986-08-12 | Complex, Inc. | Transdermal infusion device |
US5037397A (en) | 1985-05-03 | 1991-08-06 | Medical Distributors, Inc. | Universal clamp |
US4640688A (en) | 1985-08-23 | 1987-02-03 | Mentor Corporation | Urine collection catheter |
US4710165A (en) | 1985-09-16 | 1987-12-01 | Mcneil Charles B | Wearable, variable rate suction/collection device |
US4758220A (en) | 1985-09-26 | 1988-07-19 | Alcon Laboratories, Inc. | Surgical cassette proximity sensing and latching apparatus |
US4733659A (en) | 1986-01-17 | 1988-03-29 | Seton Company | Foam bandage |
WO1987004626A1 (en) | 1986-01-31 | 1987-08-13 | Osmond, Roger, L., W. | Suction system for wound and gastro-intestinal drainage |
US4838883A (en) | 1986-03-07 | 1989-06-13 | Nissho Corporation | Urine-collecting device |
JPS62281965A (en) | 1986-05-29 | 1987-12-07 | テルモ株式会社 | Catheter and catheter fixing member |
GB8621884D0 (en) | 1986-09-11 | 1986-10-15 | Bard Ltd | Catheter applicator |
GB2195255B (en) | 1986-09-30 | 1991-05-01 | Vacutec Uk Limited | Apparatus for vacuum treatment of an epidermal surface |
US4743232A (en) | 1986-10-06 | 1988-05-10 | The Clinipad Corporation | Package assembly for plastic film bandage |
DE3634569A1 (en) | 1986-10-10 | 1988-04-21 | Sachse Hans E | CONDOM CATHETER, A URINE TUBE CATHETER FOR PREVENTING RISING INFECTIONS |
JPS63135179A (en) | 1986-11-26 | 1988-06-07 | 立花 俊郎 | Subcataneous drug administration set |
GB8628564D0 (en) | 1986-11-28 | 1987-01-07 | Smiths Industries Plc | Anti-foaming agent suction apparatus |
GB8706116D0 (en) | 1987-03-14 | 1987-04-15 | Smith & Nephew Ass | Adhesive dressings |
US4787888A (en) | 1987-06-01 | 1988-11-29 | University Of Connecticut | Disposable piezoelectric polymer bandage for percutaneous delivery of drugs and method for such percutaneous delivery (a) |
US4863449A (en) | 1987-07-06 | 1989-09-05 | Hollister Incorporated | Adhesive-lined elastic condom cathether |
US5176663A (en) | 1987-12-02 | 1993-01-05 | Pal Svedman | Dressing having pad with compressibility limiting elements |
US4906240A (en) | 1988-02-01 | 1990-03-06 | Matrix Medica, Inc. | Adhesive-faced porous absorbent sheet and method of making same |
US4985019A (en) | 1988-03-11 | 1991-01-15 | Michelson Gary K | X-ray marker |
GB8812803D0 (en) | 1988-05-28 | 1988-06-29 | Smiths Industries Plc | Medico-surgical containers |
US4919654A (en) | 1988-08-03 | 1990-04-24 | Kalt Medical Corporation | IV clamp with membrane |
US5000741A (en) | 1988-08-22 | 1991-03-19 | Kalt Medical Corporation | Transparent tracheostomy tube dressing |
JPH02270874A (en) | 1989-01-16 | 1990-11-05 | Roussel Uclaf | Azabicyclo compounds and their salts, their production, pharmaceutical compound containing them and their use as remedy |
GB8901692D0 (en) * | 1989-01-26 | 1989-03-15 | Aw Showell Surgicraft Limited | Fluid extractors |
GB8906100D0 (en) | 1989-03-16 | 1989-04-26 | Smith & Nephew | Laminates |
US5100396A (en) | 1989-04-03 | 1992-03-31 | Zamierowski David S | Fluidic connection system and method |
US4969880A (en) | 1989-04-03 | 1990-11-13 | Zamierowski David S | Wound dressing and treatment method |
US5261893A (en) | 1989-04-03 | 1993-11-16 | Zamierowski David S | Fastening system and method |
US5527293A (en) | 1989-04-03 | 1996-06-18 | Kinetic Concepts, Inc. | Fastening system and method |
US5358494A (en) | 1989-07-11 | 1994-10-25 | Svedman Paul | Irrigation dressing |
JP2719671B2 (en) | 1989-07-11 | 1998-02-25 | 日本ゼオン株式会社 | Wound dressing |
US5232453A (en) | 1989-07-14 | 1993-08-03 | E. R. Squibb & Sons, Inc. | Catheter holder |
GB2235877A (en) | 1989-09-18 | 1991-03-20 | Antonio Talluri | Closed wound suction apparatus |
US5134994A (en) | 1990-02-12 | 1992-08-04 | Say Sam L | Field aspirator in a soft pack with externally mounted container |
US5092858A (en) | 1990-03-20 | 1992-03-03 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Liquid gelling agent distributor device |
US5149331A (en) | 1991-05-03 | 1992-09-22 | Ariel Ferdman | Method and device for wound closure |
US5278100A (en) | 1991-11-08 | 1994-01-11 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Chemical vapor deposition technique for depositing titanium silicide on semiconductor wafers |
US5645081A (en) | 1991-11-14 | 1997-07-08 | Wake Forest University | Method of treating tissue damage and apparatus for same |
US5636643A (en) | 1991-11-14 | 1997-06-10 | Wake Forest University | Wound treatment employing reduced pressure |
US5279550A (en) | 1991-12-19 | 1994-01-18 | Gish Biomedical, Inc. | Orthopedic autotransfusion system |
US5167613A (en) | 1992-03-23 | 1992-12-01 | The Kendall Company | Composite vented wound dressing |
FR2690617B1 (en) | 1992-04-29 | 1994-06-24 | Cbh Textile | TRANSPARENT ADHESIVE DRESSING. |
DE4306478A1 (en) | 1993-03-02 | 1994-09-08 | Wolfgang Dr Wagner | Drainage device, in particular pleural drainage device, and drainage method |
US5342376A (en) | 1993-05-03 | 1994-08-30 | Dermagraphics, Inc. | Inserting device for a barbed tissue connector |
US6241747B1 (en) | 1993-05-03 | 2001-06-05 | Quill Medical, Inc. | Barbed Bodily tissue connector |
US5344415A (en) | 1993-06-15 | 1994-09-06 | Deroyal Industries, Inc. | Sterile system for dressing vascular access site |
US5437651A (en) | 1993-09-01 | 1995-08-01 | Research Medical, Inc. | Medical suction apparatus |
JP2571666B2 (en) * | 1993-10-26 | 1997-01-16 | 大研医器株式会社 | Suction liquid collecting device |
US5549584A (en) | 1994-02-14 | 1996-08-27 | The Kendall Company | Apparatus for removing fluid from a wound |
US5556375A (en) | 1994-06-16 | 1996-09-17 | Hercules Incorporated | Wound dressing having a fenestrated base layer |
US5607388A (en) | 1994-06-16 | 1997-03-04 | Hercules Incorporated | Multi-purpose wound dressing |
US5664270A (en) | 1994-07-19 | 1997-09-09 | Kinetic Concepts, Inc. | Patient interface system |
ATE172377T1 (en) | 1994-08-22 | 1998-11-15 | Kinetic Concepts Inc | WOUND DRAINAGE DEVICE |
CN1160359A (en) * | 1994-10-11 | 1997-09-24 | 医药研究有限公司 | Improved wound drainage system |
DE29504378U1 (en) | 1995-03-15 | 1995-09-14 | Mtg Medizinisch Tech Geraeteba | Electronically controlled low-vacuum pump for chest and wound drainage |
DE19517699C2 (en) * | 1995-05-13 | 1999-11-04 | Wilhelm Fleischmann | Device for vacuum sealing a wound |
GB9523253D0 (en) | 1995-11-14 | 1996-01-17 | Mediscus Prod Ltd | Portable wound treatment apparatus |
CN2264002Y (en) * | 1996-09-05 | 1997-10-08 | 郑跃连 | Disposable negative pressure drainage device |
US6135116A (en) | 1997-07-28 | 2000-10-24 | Kci Licensing, Inc. | Therapeutic method for treating ulcers |
AU755496B2 (en) | 1997-09-12 | 2002-12-12 | Kci Licensing, Inc. | Surgical drape and suction head for wound treatment |
GB9719520D0 (en) | 1997-09-12 | 1997-11-19 | Kci Medical Ltd | Surgical drape and suction heads for wound treatment |
US6071267A (en) | 1998-02-06 | 2000-06-06 | Kinetic Concepts, Inc. | Medical patient fluid management interface system and method |
US6488643B1 (en) | 1998-10-08 | 2002-12-03 | Kci Licensing, Inc. | Wound healing foot wrap |
US6287316B1 (en) | 1999-03-26 | 2001-09-11 | Ethicon, Inc. | Knitted surgical mesh |
US6856821B2 (en) | 2000-05-26 | 2005-02-15 | Kci Licensing, Inc. | System for combined transcutaneous blood gas monitoring and vacuum assisted wound closure |
US7799004B2 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2010-09-21 | Kci Licensing, Inc. | Negative pressure wound treatment apparatus and infection identification system and method |
US6991643B2 (en) | 2000-12-20 | 2006-01-31 | Usgi Medical Inc. | Multi-barbed device for retaining tissue in apposition and methods of use |
AU2001241761B2 (en) | 2000-02-24 | 2005-06-23 | Venetec International, Inc. | Universal catheter anchoring system |
US6540705B2 (en) | 2001-02-22 | 2003-04-01 | Core Products International, Inc. | Ankle brace providing upper and lower ankle adjustment |
CN2489781Y (en) * | 2001-08-09 | 2002-05-08 | 郝建民 | Magnetic valve for gastrolavage machine and gastrolavage machine using the magnetic valve |
US7846141B2 (en) | 2002-09-03 | 2010-12-07 | Bluesky Medical Group Incorporated | Reduced pressure treatment system |
GB0224986D0 (en) | 2002-10-28 | 2002-12-04 | Smith & Nephew | Apparatus |
WO2004110523A1 (en) * | 2003-06-19 | 2004-12-23 | Millicore Ab | Chest drainage device |
GB0325126D0 (en) | 2003-10-28 | 2003-12-03 | Smith & Nephew | Apparatus with heat |
GB0325120D0 (en) | 2003-10-28 | 2003-12-03 | Smith & Nephew | Apparatus with actives |
US7909805B2 (en) | 2004-04-05 | 2011-03-22 | Bluesky Medical Group Incorporated | Flexible reduced pressure treatment appliance |
US8529548B2 (en) | 2004-04-27 | 2013-09-10 | Smith & Nephew Plc | Wound treatment apparatus and method |
EP2060281A1 (en) * | 2007-11-13 | 2009-05-20 | Iberhospitex S.A. | A vacuum regulator valve |
US8021347B2 (en) | 2008-07-21 | 2011-09-20 | Tyco Healthcare Group Lp | Thin film wound dressing |
US8007481B2 (en) | 2008-07-17 | 2011-08-30 | Tyco Healthcare Group Lp | Subatmospheric pressure mechanism for wound therapy system |
US8414519B2 (en) * | 2008-05-21 | 2013-04-09 | Covidien Lp | Wound therapy system with portable container apparatus |
US8216198B2 (en) | 2009-01-09 | 2012-07-10 | Tyco Healthcare Group Lp | Canister for receiving wound exudate in a negative pressure therapy system |
US8251979B2 (en) | 2009-05-11 | 2012-08-28 | Tyco Healthcare Group Lp | Orientation independent canister for a negative pressure wound therapy device |
CA2803925C (en) * | 2010-06-29 | 2018-03-13 | Research Medical Pty Ltd | Wound drainage control apparatus |
CA2811777C (en) * | 2010-09-20 | 2015-08-11 | Reapplix Aps | Container for use when making a multi-layered blood product |
EP3124062B1 (en) | 2011-11-23 | 2022-02-09 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Reduced-pressure systems for simultaneously treating a plurality of tissue sites |
CN102698324A (en) * | 2012-04-26 | 2012-10-03 | 深圳市普博科技有限公司 | Negative pressure suction device |
EP2730299B1 (en) * | 2012-11-08 | 2019-09-18 | Flow Meter S.p.a. | Lid for container for collecting organic liquids, adapter for the connection to said lid, kit comprising said lid and said adapter and container for collecting organic liquids comprising said lid |
EP3943131A1 (en) * | 2013-01-03 | 2022-01-26 | 3M Innovative Properties Co. | Recharging negative-pressure wound therapy |
AU2014287714B2 (en) * | 2013-07-10 | 2019-01-31 | Kci Licensing, Inc. | Manually powered, regulated, negative pressure pump with adapter for external pressure source |
-
2017
- 2017-01-25 EP EP17704602.6A patent/EP3407928B1/en active Active
- 2017-01-25 CN CN201780006850.4A patent/CN108472420B/en active Active
- 2017-01-25 WO PCT/US2017/014832 patent/WO2017132199A1/en active Application Filing
- 2017-01-25 US US16/073,226 patent/US11141513B2/en active Active
-
2021
- 2021-09-03 US US17/466,745 patent/US20210393868A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070118096A1 (en) * | 2005-11-21 | 2007-05-24 | Smith Joshua D | Wound care system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3407928A1 (en) | 2018-12-05 |
WO2017132199A1 (en) | 2017-08-03 |
US11141513B2 (en) | 2021-10-12 |
EP3407928B1 (en) | 2020-04-01 |
CN108472420A (en) | 2018-08-31 |
CN108472420B (en) | 2021-06-29 |
US20190030221A1 (en) | 2019-01-31 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20210393868A1 (en) | Fluid container with pressure regulation | |
US11697015B2 (en) | Apparatus for negative-pressure therapy and irrigation | |
EP3473218B1 (en) | Area management of tissue sites on articulating joints | |
US10786608B2 (en) | Dynamic negative-pressure therapy with instillation | |
US20210137745A1 (en) | Dressing bolster with area pressure indicator | |
US20220047798A1 (en) | Negative-pressure therapy with disposable instillation pump chamber | |
US20220001094A1 (en) | Negative-pressure therapy with pneumatically-actuated instillation | |
US20220193324A1 (en) | Negative-pressure source with service timer | |
US20210205143A1 (en) | Dressing Interface, Systems, And Methods | |
US20230293806A1 (en) | Multi-canister module for negative-pressure therapy |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |