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Publication Number
US-11197953-B2
Publication Date
2021-12-14
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention provides an apparatus comprising a wound dressing connected to a fluid container via a pump, wherein the wound dressing is in communication with a mechanical pressure control valve, the fluid container is provided with an inlet and an outlet. Also provided are (i) flexible fluid containers comprising of at least two layers of film with an integrated vent, (ii) wound dressings and (iii) a multi-compartment wound fluid container comprising at least two internal compartments and provided with an outlet and an inlet, in which the container comprises a microporous fluid separator which divides the at least two internal compartments, wherein the microporous fluid separator permits gas flow between the compartments and prevents fluid flow to the outlet of the container. Other apparatus provided comprises a means for detecting the level of fluid within a multi-compartment wound fluid container as described. The invention also provides a system for applying a sub-atmospheric pressure to a wound dressing on a patient using devices and apparatus of the invention and methods of treatment of wounds using such apparatus, devices and systems of the invention.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a portable negative pressure wound therapy apparatus that applies sub-atmospheric pressure to a wound dressing by interconnecting the wound dressing and a fluid container through tubing forming a fluid flow path. A mechanically automatic pressure control valve is disposed on the fluid flow path between the wound dressing and the pump and is arranged upstream of a filter. The apparatus maintains wound-site sub-atmospheric pressure and encourages flow away from the wound site through its mechanical operation.
The apparatus uses a fluid container having an inlet and an outlet, with embodiments including a multi-layer container and an integrated vent. A filter is positioned downstream of the inlet on the fluid flow path to manage fluid versus gas flow, including a microporous fluid separator or hydrophobic membrane filter that permits gas flow while inhibiting liquid egress. The peristaltic pump accommodates the tubing so as to be isolated from the fluid flow path.
The disclosure includes embodiments that support portability and system integration, including a flexible strap constrained fluid container with fluid-level detecting means such as a pressure pad and micro-switch or a proximity switch. Further embodiments include multi-compartment fluid containers with microporous separators and disposable closed-loop components. The portable system promotes airflow/aeration that reduces fluid pooling.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim recites 5 inventive features centered on a wound dressing connected by tubing to a fluid container, with a downstream filter, a peristaltic pump isolated from the fluid flow path, and a mechanically automatic pressure control valve interposed between the wound dressing and the peristaltic pump upstream of the filter.
Mechanically automatic pressure control valve upstream of the filter
A mechanically automatic pressure control valve is interposed between the wound dressing and the peristaltic pump on the fluid flow path to encourage flow away from the wound site, wherein the mechanically automatic pressure control valve is upstream of the filter.
Peristaltic pump isolated from the fluid flow path
A peristaltic pump accommodates the tubing so as to be isolated from the fluid flow path.
Downstream filter on the fluid flow path
A filter is provided on the fluid flow path downstream of the inlet.
Tubing forming a fluid flow path between wound dressing and fluid container
Tubing interconnects the wound dressing and the fluid container and forms a fluid flow path therebetween.
Wound dressing with interconnected fluid container having inlet and outlet
The apparatus includes a wound dressing and a fluid container having an inlet and an outlet.
Overall, the claim coverage centers on a wound dressing connected by tubing to a fluid container where a downstream filter manages fluid flow behavior, while a peristaltic pump is isolated from the flow path and a mechanically automatic pressure control valve upstream of the filter encourages flow away from the wound site under controlled sub-atmospheric pressure conditions.
Stated Advantages
Maintains wound-site sub-atmospheric pressure.
Promotes airflow/aeration that reduces fluid pooling.
Allows gas flow while preventing liquid egress/breach through the microporous hydrophobic/oleophobic fluid separator or hydrophobic membrane filter.
Enables stable operation under stressed conditions while limiting fluid passage through the filter barrier.
Documented Applications
Portable negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) applying sub-atmospheric pressure to a wound dressing on a patient.
Use of a portable NPWT apparatus with flexible strap-constrained fluid containers including fluid-level detection.
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