Method and system for therapeutic use of ultra-violet light
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10149927-B2
Publication Date
2018-12-11
Expiration Date
Abstract
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a wound care system. The wound care system includes a power unit and a processor coupled to the power unit. An ultra-violet light-emitting diode array is electrically coupled to the processor. A thermoelectric element is thermally exposed to the ultra-violet light-emitting diode array. A probe is optically coupled to the ultra-violet light-emitting diode array. The thermoelectric element cools the ultra-violet light emitting diode array thereby optimizing the ultra-violet light emitting diode array.
Core Innovation
A wound care system includes a power unit and a processor that controls an ultra-violet light-emitting diode array electrically coupled to the processor. A probe is optically coupled to the ultra-violet light-emitting diode array to provide ultra-violet light to a wound area, and a thermoelectric element is thermally exposed to the ultra-violet light-emitting diode array to absorb excess heat and transfer the excess heat to an exhaust to optimize the ultra-violet light emitting diode array.
The system applies vacuum pressure to the wound area via a pump that is fluidly coupled to the probe, with an exudate bottle fluidly coupled to the pump. A probe solenoid disposed between and fluidly coupled to the pump and the exudate bottle isolates the probe and the exudate bottle for pressure testing via a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor to ensure that a seal is present between the probe and the wound area.
In a method for treating a wound area, a probe is coupled to a control unit via a control fiber port and is applied to the wound area. Ultra-violet light is generated by an ultra-violet light-emitting diode array and provided to the wound area via the probe, the ultra-violet light-emitting diode array is cooled via the thermoelectric element, and vacuum pressure is applied to the wound area via a pump while isolating the probe from the pump with a probe solenoid disposed between the pump and an exudate bottle.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides two independent claims. The inventive features focus on a wound care system architecture combining a UV LED array delivered through a probe with thermoelectric cooling, and a vacuum therapy subsystem with probe isolation and pressure-test sealing verification using two pressure sensors, plus a corresponding treatment method workflow that integrates UV delivery, cooling, vacuum application, and seal pressure testing.
Thermoelectric cooling of a UV LED array
A thermoelectric element thermally exposed to the ultra-violet light-emitting diode array that absorbs excess heat from the ultra-violet light-emitting diode array and transfers the excess heat to an exhaust thereby optimizing the ultra-violet light emitting diode array.
Probe-coupled UV LED array delivering UV light to a wound area
An ultra-violet light-emitting diode array electrically coupled to the processor and a probe optically coupled to the ultra-violet light-emitting diode array.
Vacuum pressure wound treatment with pump and exudate bottle
A pump electrically coupled to the processor and fluidly coupled to the probe, the pump applying vacuum pressure to a wound area via the probe, and an exudate bottle fluidly coupled to the pump.
Probe solenoid isolation with two pressure sensors for seal verification
A probe solenoid disposed between, and fluidly coupled, to the pump and the exudate bottle, with a first pressure sensor disposed between the probe solenoid and the pump and a second pressure sensor disposed between the probe solenoid and the exudate bottle, wherein when closed, the probe solenoid isolates the probe and the exudate bottle for pressure testing via the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor to ensure that a seal is present between the probe and the wound area.
Coupling probe via control fiber port and providing UV through the probe
Coupling a probe to a control unit via a control fiber port; applying the probe to a wound area; generating ultra-violet light via an ultra-violet light-emitting diode array; and providing the ultra-violet light to the wound area via the probe.
Cooling the UV LED array with a thermoelectric element
Cooling the ultra-violet light-emitting diode array via a thermoelectric element that is thermally exposed to the light-emitting diode array.
Applying vacuum pressure and isolating the probe from the pump
Applying vacuum pressure to the wound area via a pump; and isolating the probe from the pump via a probe solenoid disposed between the pump and an exudate bottle.
Pressure testing with first and second pressure sensors to ensure a seal
Pressure testing the probe to ensure that a seal is present between the probe and the wound area via a first pressure sensor disposed between the pump and the probe solenoid and a second pressure sensor disposed between the probe solenoid and the exudate bottle.
Across the independent claims, the core coverage centers on a UV LED array optically coupled to a probe for wound UV delivery, a thermoelectric element that transfers excess heat to an exhaust to optimize the UV LED array, and vacuum pressure treatment using a pump and exudate bottle with a probe solenoid that isolates for pressure testing and seal verification using first and second pressure sensors; the method claim integrates these elements into a treatment workflow.
Stated Advantages
Optimizing the ultra-violet light emitting diode array by transferring excess heat to an exhaust.
Ensuring that a seal is present between the probe and the wound area via pressure testing using first and second pressure sensors.
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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