Removable applicator nozzle for ultrasound wound therapy device
Inventors
Babaev, Eilaz • Peterson, Michael T. • Van Houten, Alan • Doten, Greg
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-7713218-B2
Publication Date
2010-05-11
Expiration Date
Abstract
A removable applicator nozzle for use in treating a wound is provided. The removable applicator nozzle includes a nozzle, a valve and a cup. The nozzle includes a proximal portion, a distal opening and a valve interface. The proximal portion of the nozzle is engagable with a portion of a transducer of an ultrasound wound therapy device. The distal opening of the nozzle allows at least a portion of a tip of the transducer to pass therethrough. The valve is engagable with the valve interface of the nozzle and the valve selectively allows fluid to flow therethrough. The cup includes an aperture and a puncturing device. The aperture is engagable with the valve and the puncturing device is able to puncture a bottle that is inserted on the cup. Fluid flows from the bottle, through the aperture and the valve and onto a tip of the transducer. The fluid is then moved to the distal opening of the nozzle by a vacuum effect.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method for promoting wound healing using an ultrasound wound therapy device. The method provides a transducer that emits ultrasonic energy, and an applicator including a nozzle, a valve, and a cup with an aperture.
The nozzle includes a proximal portion engageable with a portion of the ultrasound wound therapy device and a distal opening allowing at least a portion of a transducer tip to pass therethrough. The applicator further includes a valve comprising a valve opening, an upper portion, and a lower portion, with the upper and lower portions rotatable with respect to each other and the lower portion selectively engageable with the valve interface of the nozzle.
The upper portion is in fluid communication with a fluid source, and the valve opening selectively allows fluid to flow therethrough into fluid communication with the cup aperture, towards a portion of the transducer. The method includes activating the transducer to emit ultrasonic energy and turning the cup to selectively allow fluid to flow from the fluid source through the valve opening towards a portion of the transducer.
Following activation of the transducer and contact of the portion of the transducer with the fluid, a spray is generated, and the emitted ultrasonic energy is delivered to the wound through the spray to decrease the healing time of the wound.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides one independent claim. It covers a wound-healing method with an ultrasonic transducer, a removable applicator nozzle with a rotatable valve and cup aperture, and delivery of ultrasonic energy to the wound through a spray generated from fluid contact with the transducer tip, to decrease healing time.
Ultrasonic wound healing delivered through transducer-tip spray
A method for promoting wound healing including providing a transducer that emits ultrasonic energy, activating the transducer, generating a spray following contact of a transducer portion with fluid, and delivering the emitted ultrasonic energy to the wound through the spray to decrease the healing time of the wound.
Nozzle with transducer-tip distal opening and valve interface
Providing an applicator nozzle including a proximal portion engageable with a portion of an ultrasound wound therapy device, a distal opening allowing at least a portion of a transducer tip to pass therethrough, and a valve interface for selectively engaging a lower valve portion.
Rotatable valve selectively passing fluid to a cup aperture
Providing a valve comprising a valve opening, an upper portion, and a lower portion, with the upper and lower portions rotatable relative to each other, the lower portion selectively engageable with the nozzle valve interface, the upper portion in fluid communication with a fluid source, and the valve opening selectively allowing fluid to flow therethrough.
Cup aperture with turn-controlled fluid delivery to the transducer
Providing a cup including an aperture in fluid communication with at least the upper portion of the valve, and turning the cup to selectively allow fluid to flow from the fluid source through the valve opening towards a portion of the transducer.
Overall, the independent claim is directed to delivering ultrasonic energy to a wound via a spray generated when fluid contacts a transducer tip, using an applicator with a nozzle distal opening, a rotatable valve selectively passing fluid, and a cup aperture that is actuated by turning to control fluid flow to the transducer.
Stated Advantages
Decrease the healing time of the wound.
Documented Applications
Promoting wound healing by delivering emitted ultrasonic energy to a wound through a spray generated from fluid contact with a transducer tip.
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