Systems and methods for applying reduced pressure therapy
Inventors
Adams, Eric Edward • Bendele, Kevin • Husz, Aaron Michael • Lee, David Edward • Quintanar, Felix Clarence • Rush, Lee Michael • Upton, David Ronald • Ward, William Jacob
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12357746-B2
Publication Date
2025-07-15
Expiration Date
2036-08-12
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Abstract
Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods for operating the systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system includes a negative pressure source, a wound dressing configured to be positioned over a wound, and optionally a canister configured to store fluid aspirated from the wound. The negative pressure source, wound dressing, and canister (when present) can be fluidically connected to facilitate delivery of negative pressure to the wound. The system can be configured to automatically detect whether the canister is positioned in the fluid flow path between the negative pressure source and the dressing while negative pressure source provides negative pressure to the wound dressing. Operation of the system can be adjusted based on whether presence of the canister has been detected. For example, a value of an operational parameter can be set to indicate that the canister is present.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to systems and methods for wound treatment using topical negative pressure (TNP) therapy. Specifically, it involves an apparatus comprising a negative pressure source and a controller that detect whether a canister is positioned in the fluid flow path between the negative pressure source and the wound dressing. This detection allows the apparatus to adjust its operation accordingly by setting a parameter that indicates the presence or absence of the canister in the fluid flow path.
The system addresses the problem of operating a negative pressure wound therapy system with or without an exudate canister in the fluid flow path. Traditional systems require manual identification or user input to determine whether a canister is present, which can be error-prone or inconvenient. This invention solves this by automatically detecting the presence of the canister based on parameters such as the level of activity of the negative pressure source and changes in negative pressure, enabling the system to adjust operational parameters and alarm thresholds accordingly without requiring user intervention.
Claims Coverage
The patent comprises one independent claim directed to a negative pressure wound therapy system and one independent method claim for controlling such a system. These claim inventive features are focused on detection of dressing types and corresponding operation modes of the negative pressure source.
Detection of dressing type in fluid flow path
A controller configured to detect whether a first type of dressing or a second type of dressing is present in the fluid flow path connecting the negative pressure source to the wound.
Mode selection based on dressing type
The system causes the negative pressure source to provide negative pressure to the wound in accordance with a first mode of operation when the first dressing is detected, and a second mode of operation when the second dressing is detected.
Differential fluid flow paths for dressing types
The first and second types of dressing are configured to be coupled to the negative pressure source via separate first and second fluid flow paths, respectively.
Use of sensors or switches to indicate canister presence
The system may include a switch or sensor (such as proximity or pressure sensors) that indicate whether a canister is present in the fluid flow path, including detection of canister securing tabs engaged with the housing.
Control of negative pressure source differently based on mode
The controller controls operations of the negative pressure source differently depending on whether it is operating in the first mode or second mode.
Single vacuum pump negative pressure source
The negative pressure source comprises a single vacuum pump configured to provide negative pressure through the defined fluid flow paths.
The claims collectively cover a negative pressure wound therapy system and method with automatic detection of dressing type in the fluid flow path and corresponding adaptive control modes of operation of the negative pressure source, optionally using sensors or switches to identify canister presence, enhancing system adaptability to different wound dressing configurations.
Stated Advantages
Enables automatic detection of the presence or absence of a canister in the fluid flow path without requiring user input, reducing user errors and improving ease of use.
Allows the negative pressure wound therapy system to adapt its operational parameters and alarm thresholds based on whether it is operating with or without a canister, enhancing accuracy and safety.
Supports operation with multiple different types of wound dressing, including foam or gauze dressings with canisters and absorbent dressings without canisters, allowing usage throughout different stages of wound healing.
Improves accuracy of blockage and leak detection by adjusting thresholds according to canister presence, reducing false alarms and improving therapy reliability.
Documented Applications
Treatment of wounds with topical negative pressure therapy using negative pressure sources coupled to wound dressings.
Use with first type of dressing such as foam or gauze dressings.
Use with second type of dressing such as absorbent dressings.
Operation of negative pressure wound therapy apparatus with or without a canister configured to store fluid removed from the wound.
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