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Publication Number
US-11027109-B2
Publication Date
2021-06-08
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention provides a wound dressing tubing connector, comprising a first unit and a second unit which are releasably connectable and which when connected form a fluid path through the connector, wherein the first unit comprises an inlet and an outlet and wherein the second unit comprises an inlet and an outlet, in which the outlet of the first unit and the inlet of the second unit when connected together define the fluid path, and wherein the first unit and the second unit are connectable to form an air and fluid tight seal and wherein the first unit and/or the second unit comprises a pressure regulator valve in fluid communication with the fluid path. Also provided are systems, kits and methods of treatment.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention relates to a wound dressing tubing connector for negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in which two releasably connectable units form a fluid path through the connector. The first unit comprises an inlet and an outlet, and the second unit comprises an inlet and an outlet, wherein the outlet of the first unit and the inlet of the second unit when connected together define the fluid path. The first and second units are connectable to form an air and fluid tight seal, so that the connector provides an air and fluid tight fluid path between components of the NPWT system.
The connector integrates a non-electrical pressure regulator valve in fluid communication with the fluid path. The pressure regulator valve includes a valve seal and a spring that close a valve bore when the pressure in the fluid path reaches a differential pressure relative to atmospheric pressure greater than or equal to the positive force of the spring. When the pressure in the fluid path is sufficiently low, the spring force is overcome so that atmospheric air enters the valve bore and flows to equalise the pressure in the fluid path.
The disclosed arrangement is configured to regulate wound-site pressure despite differences such as hydrostatic head between the wound site and other components of the NPWT system. The description further provides for valve placement in relation to the fluid flow bore, including configurations in which a second fluid path can be provided, and for connector sealing and latching configurations. The disclosed valve-including connector is described as maintaining pressure limiting and improved tolerances, including reduced sensitivity to dressing height changes, and providing sealing behavior when therapy is paused.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides two independent claims, each centered on a releasably connectable wound dressing tubing connector forming an air- and fluid-tight fluid path and integrating a non-electrical pressure regulator valve that admits atmospheric air when a differential pressure threshold relative to atmospheric pressure is reached or exceeded. The independent claims share the core valve function while differing in structural detail of valve spacing and valve component placement.
Releasably connectable air- and fluid-tight tubing connector forming a defined fluid path
A wound dressing tubing connector comprising first and second releasably connectable units, where the outlet of the first unit and the inlet of the second unit define the fluid path and the units connectable to form an air and fluid tight seal.
Spaced pressure regulator valve with spring and valve seal that admits atmospheric air to equalise pressure
The first unit and/or the second unit comprises a pressure regulator valve with a valve body, a valve bore intersecting with a fluid-flow bore to be in fluid communication with the fluid path, and having a valve seal and a spring configured such that the valve closes when the fluid-path pressure reaches a differential pressure relative to atmospheric pressure greater than or equal to the positive force of the spring, and opens when the differential pressure is sufficiently low so that atmospheric air enters and flows over the spring along the valve bore to equalise the pressure in the fluid path.
Pressure regulator valve with valve seat element, valve seal, and spring located between valve seat element and inlet
The first unit and/or the second unit comprises a pressure regulator valve in fluid communication with the fluid path, the valve having a valve seat element, a valve seal and a spring, with the valve seal and spring located between the valve seat element and an inlet to the fluid path.
Spring-force threshold relative to atmospheric pressure controls opening to admit atmospheric air
The spring is configured to act against the valve seal to close the pressure regulator valve when the pressure in the fluid path reaches a differential pressure relative to atmospheric pressure greater than or equal to the positive force of the spring, and wherein when the pressure in the fluid path is sufficiently low and the spring force is overcome, atmospheric air enters the connector to equalise the pressure in the fluid path.
Across the two independent claims, the inventive coverage is for a connector that releasably mates to create an air- and fluid-tight fluid path and that includes a non-electrical pressure regulator valve using a valve seal and spring (with a valve seat element in the second claim) to close at a defined differential pressure threshold relative to atmospheric pressure and open to admit atmospheric air to equalise pressure in the fluid path.
Stated Advantages
Improved pressure accuracy at the wound despite hydrostatic head differences.
Maintains flow to prevent exudate pooling.
Provides sealing behavior when therapy is paused.
Improved tolerances through pressure limiting with experimental results described in the partial content.
Reduced sensitivity to dressing height changes.
Documented Applications
Used in NPWT systems/kits to provide sub-atmospheric pressure therapy to a wound dressing through a wound dressing tubing connector connected to a vacuum source, including wound dressing tubing and dressing materials such as porous dressing/pad materials.
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