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-11759583-B2
Publication Date
2023-09-19
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 relates to systems and methods for reducing pathogens, infections, and other contaminants in a portion of a patient that contains an implant beneath a closed surface of the patient's skin. The method includes placing one or more small openings in the closed skin surface, through which an antimicrobial material is flowed into the patient portion to contact both the implant surface and adjacent tissue. The antimicrobial can flow into the patient faster than it flows out, inflating the treated portion and providing flushing action while the antimicrobial dwells in the area. After treatment, the antimicrobial can be flushed or removed. Additionally, biofilm and other contaminants near the implant may be disrupted mechanically, ultrasonically, electrically, chemically, enzymatically, or by other means, allowing treatment of infections in a relatively non-invasive manner.
The background emphasizes that infections near implants can lead to serious complications and that conventional treatments often require invasive procedures, including removal and replacement of the implant, which can result in significant patient morbidity, extended recovery time, higher costs, and other undesirable effects. The invention addresses the need for less invasive, more efficient, and patient-friendly methods to treat contaminants near implants without extensive surgery.
The summary highlights that the invention augments or replaces current implant infection treatments by using small skin openings to introduce antimicrobial fluids and disrupting agents directly near the implant in a closed portion of the patient. The antimicrobial is delivered through conduits and forced into the internal space under pressure to inflate and flush the area. The method may include multiple repeated cycles of fluid inflow and removal, optionally include real-time bacterial detection using specialized cameras, and/or involve moving or manipulating the treated body portion to enhance antimicrobial distribution. Various techniques for contaminant disruption and fluid delivery are disclosed to improve efficacy while minimizing invasiveness and patient trauma.
Claims Coverage
The claims include one independent claim directed to a method for reducing contaminants near an implant beneath a closed skin surface using conduits for antimicrobial flow and detection.
Use of inlet and outlet conduits in closed skin surface
Placing an inlet conduit and outlet conduit in the closed skin surface of the patient portion to direct antimicrobial flow.
Flow of copper-iodine-complex antimicrobial causing inflation
Flowing a copper-iodine-complex antimicrobial solution through the inlet conduit into the patient portion so that it contacts the implant or adjacent tissue and flows out through the outlet conduit, with inflow faster than outflow causing inflation of the treated portion.
Insertion of arthroscopic camera to detect bacteria and biofilm
Inserting an arthroscopic camera through the inlet conduit that detects bacteria or biofilm not visible to the naked eye.
Addition of a marker to enhance detection by the arthroscopic camera
Adding a marker to the patient portion to mark the bacteria and biofilm for detection by the arthroscopic camera.
The independent claim presents a method involving placement of inlet and outlet conduits in the closed skin, controlled flow of an antimicrobial copper-iodine-complex solution to inflate and flush the area near the implant, real-time bacterial detection with an arthroscopic camera, and use of markers to improve detection accuracy.
Stated Advantages
The method is relatively non-invasive compared to conventional implant infection treatments, reducing the need for large incisions and implant removal.
It reduces recovery time, pain, hospitalization, and costs associated with invasive procedures.
It provides effective antimicrobial delivery that penetrates biofilms and inaccessible contaminant areas through controlled pressurized flow and inflation.
Real-time detection of bacteria and biofilm enhances targeted treatment and monitoring.
The method minimizes anatomical destruction and trauma, while preserving implant integrity and improving patient outcomes.
Documented Applications
Treatment of infections and contaminants near implants such as joint replacements, cosmetic implants, pacemakers, dental implants, and mesh implants.
Reduction of contamination in closed portions of a patient's body including joints and closed tissue areas.
Application to patients with or without implants, including treatment of infections located remotely from implants.
Use for applying and removing antimicrobial fluids in body orifices like trachea, urethra, and others.
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