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Publication Number
US-11878108-B2
Publication Date
2024-01-23
Expiration Date
Abstract
An apparatus (1) for negative pressure wound therapy comprises a source of reduced pressure (10) and first (22a) and second (26a) chambers, the first chamber being in fluid communication with the source of reduced pressure such that a negative pressure may be generated in the first chamber, the negative pressure being prevented from exceeding a predetermined value by way of a pressure release means (30), and the second chamber comprising means (28) for establishing a fluid connection with a wound. A valve (24) between the first and second chambers permits the negative pressure in the second chamber to increase in response to an increase in the negative pressure in the first chamber and prevents the negative pressure in the second chamber from dropping in response to a drop in the negative pressure in the first chamber.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an apparatus for negative pressure therapy of a topical wound. The apparatus includes a vacuum pump configured to generate a negative pressure in a first chamber, and a second chamber establishing fluid communication between the second chamber and a wound. The vacuum pump occupies a volume of less than 10 cm3.
To manage vacuum behavior on the pump side, a pressure release means is provided in communication between the first chamber and ambient surroundings. The pressure release means prevents the negative pressure in the first chamber from exceeding a predetermined maximum negative pressure value by permitting the entry of ambient gas into the first chamber when pressure in the first chamber reaches the predetermined maximum negative pressure value.
A valve is located between the first chamber and the second chamber. The valve permits the negative pressure in the second chamber to increase in response to an increase in the negative pressure in the first chamber, and prevents the negative pressure in the second chamber from dropping in response to a drop in the negative pressure in the first chamber. The first and second chambers are each defined by housings that are structurally identical and each housing defines a single chamber.
Claims Coverage
The partial content identifies one independent claim (clm-00001) directed to an apparatus for negative pressure therapy of a topical wound. The remaining listed claims are dependent/refining claims that add further structural and functional limitations to the apparatus of clm-00001.
Compact vacuum pump with two-chamber negative pressure architecture
A negative pressure therapy apparatus for a topical wound having a vacuum pump (occupying a volume of less than 10 cm3) generating a negative pressure in a first chamber, and a second chamber that establishes fluid communication between the second chamber and a wound.
Pressure release means limiting first-chamber maximum negative pressure
A pressure release means in communication between the first chamber and ambient surroundings that prevents the negative pressure in the first chamber from exceeding a predetermined maximum negative pressure value by permitting entry of ambient gas into the first chamber when the pressure in the first chamber reaches the predetermined maximum negative pressure value.
Valve between chambers that increases but prevents decreases in wound-chamber negative pressure
A valve located between the first chamber and the second chamber, the valve permitting the negative pressure in the second chamber to increase in response to an increase in the negative pressure in the first chamber, and preventing the negative pressure in the second chamber from dropping in response to a drop in the negative pressure in the first chamber.
Structurally identical single-chamber housings for first and second chambers
The first and second chambers are defined by housings, wherein the housing of the first chamber and the housing of the second chamber are structurally identical and each housing defines a single chamber.
Overall, the claim coverage centers on an NPWT apparatus using a compact vacuum pump driving a first chamber, a pressure-release means limiting the pump-side maximum negative pressure, and a valve that allows the wound-connected (second) chamber negative pressure to increase while preventing it from decreasing when the first chamber pressure drops, with structurally identical single-chamber housings.
Stated Advantages
Prevents the negative pressure in the first chamber from exceeding a predetermined maximum negative pressure value.
Permits the negative pressure in the second chamber to increase in response to an increase in the negative pressure in the first chamber.
Prevents the negative pressure in the second chamber from dropping in response to a drop in the negative pressure in the first chamber.
The first and second chambers are defined by housings that are structurally identical and each defines a single chamber.
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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