Systems and methods for reducing contaminants in a portion of a patient
Inventors
Brown, Spencer • Liden, Brock • Rhodes, Tanya • Almasy, Joe • Harrison, Steven V. • Morgan, Douglas J.
Assignees
Clyra Medical Technologies Inc
Publication Number
US-11103657-B2
Publication Date
2021-08-31
Expiration Date
2039-12-13
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Abstract
Systems and methods for reducing pathogens near an implant are discussed. In some cases, the methods include reducing contaminants in a portion of a patient that has an implant and that is disposed interior to a closed surface of skin of the patient. The method can further include placing a conduit in the closed surface of skin and flowing an antimicrobial fluid into that portion of the patient to contact the antimicrobial fluid with a surface of the implant and tissue adjacent to the implant. In some cases, the antimicrobial fluid is then removed from the portion of the patient having the implant. As part of this method, biofilm near the implant can be mechanically, ultrasonically, electrically, chemically, enzymatically, or otherwise disrupted. Other implementations are described.
Core Innovation
The invention provides systems and methods for reducing pathogens, infections, and other contaminants in a portion of a patient that has an implant disposed interior to a closed skin surface. The method involves placing one or more relatively small openings into the closed surface of skin and introducing an antimicrobial material into that portion, contacting the antimicrobial with the implant surface and surrounding tissue. The antimicrobial can flow into the portion faster than out, inflating the internal space and flushing contaminants while maintaining inflation. After treatment, the antimicrobial can be removed. Additionally, biofilm and other contaminants near the implant can be disrupted mechanically, ultrasonically, electrically, chemically, enzymatically or by other means, facilitating less invasive treatment of infections near implants.
The problem addressed by the invention arises from infections near implants, which can cause serious complications and often require invasive surgical procedures for treatment, including implant removal or replacement. Existing treatments involve large incisions, extensive tissue debridement, prolonged hospitalization, and rehabilitation, leading to significant pain, scarring, costs, and risk of reinfection. The invention aims to provide an improved, relatively non-invasive method to reduce contaminants near implants without exposing or removing the implant, thus mitigating the drawbacks associated with conventional invasive techniques.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes three independent claims focusing on methods for reducing contaminants near an implant in a patient using inlets and outlets in the closed skin surface to deliver an antimicrobial solution and associated detection and disruption techniques.
Antimicrobial flow through inlet and outlet conduits with differential flow causing inflation
Flowing a copper-iodine-complex antimicrobial solution through inlet conduits into an inlet portion of the patient to contact the implant or adjacent tissue, and out through outlet conduits, with the antimicrobial flowing into the inlet portion faster than out, causing inflation by controlling diameters, conduit numbers, and valves.
Use of arthroscopic camera with contaminant detection including marker application
Inserting an arthroscopic camera via an inlet conduit configured to detect bacteria or biofilm not visible to the naked eye, assisted by adding a marker to highlight the bacteria or biofilm for detection.
Mechanical disruption of contaminants through a tool via a conduit
Inserting a tool through a conduit and applying mechanical disruption to internal surfaces of the patient portion containing the implant while in contact with the antimicrobial, including ultrasonic vibration or brushing, scouring, and scraping techniques.
Application of varied pressure and sonic vibrations to antimicrobial in treatment space
Applying varied pressure and/or sonic vibrations to the antimicrobial within the internal space to excite the antimicrobial and assist in breaking up contaminants during treatment.
Control of inflow and outflow rates to inflate and maintain flushing of the patient portion
Varying the inflow and outflow rates of the antimicrobial solution through inlet and outlet conduits to cause inflation of the portion of the patient and maintaining these rates similarly to sustain flushing while maintaining inflation.
The independent claims cover methods of applying antimicrobial solutions with controlled flow to inflate portions of a patient's body containing implants, using advanced detection methods to identify contaminants, and employing mechanical disruption techniques to enhance contaminant removal, thereby enabling effective, minimally invasive treatment of infections.
Stated Advantages
The methods are relatively non-invasive, avoiding large incisions and implant removal, thereby reducing trauma, pain, hospitalization, recovery time, and cost.
They reduce the risk of reinfection and extensive tissue damage associated with conventional treatments.
They allow effective treatment of biofilm and hard-to-reach contaminants near implants by combining chemical, mechanical, electrical, ultrasonic, and enzymatic disruption methods.
The antimicrobial application under pressure and controlled flow ensures thorough contact with implants and surrounding tissue, increasing efficacy.
The use of cameras and markers enables real-time detection and targeting of contaminants.
The system may be automated and portable, enabling treatments in care facilities or at home.
Documented Applications
Treatment of infections and contaminants near various types of implants, including orthopedic implants, cosmetic implants, dental implants, pacemakers, plates, bolts, mesh implants, and other medical devices.
Treatment of contaminated or potentially contaminated portions of a patient without an implant, by placing openings near the contaminated site to flow antimicrobials and disrupt contaminants.
Reduction of contaminants in closed portions of the body accessible via natural orifices, such as the larynx, trachea, bronchi, tear duct, nostrils, anus, colon, esophagus, mouth, urethra, bladder, kidney, arteries, and veins.
Use during a single surgical procedure of less than about eight hours to reduce pathogens without implant removal or extensive surgery.
Use of implants comprising or coated with slow-release antimicrobials and resorbable materials to provide extended infection prevention.
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