Inflatable bladder dressings, systems, and methods
Inventors
Kazala, JR., Richard Marvin • Long, Justin Alexander • Wilkes, Robert Peyton • Kauffman, Carrie Ann
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-8409156-B2
Publication Date
2013-04-02
Expiration Date
Abstract
A system for providing reduced-pressure treatment to a tissue site of a patient includes a reduced-pressure source for supplying reduced pressure, a fluid source for supplying a fluid, and a plurality of inflatable bladders for placing adjacent the tissue site. The inflatable bladders are operable to receive the fluid to expand from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The system also includes a plurality of chambers that are compressible. At least one of the plurality of chambers is disposed between a first inflatable bladder and a second inflatable bladder of the plurality of inflatable bladders.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a multi-compartment reduced-pressure treatment system for a tissue site of a patient that uses a plurality of inflatable bladders positioned adjacent the tissue site. The bladders are operable to receive a fluid and expand from an un-inflated position to an inflated position.
A plurality of compressible chambers are coupled to the inflatable bladders such that reduced pressure is transferred to the chambers via a reduced-pressure source and an interface. When reduced pressure is applied, the compressible chambers collapse and move the inflatable bladders closer together to generate inward force and compressive force at the tissue site.
The system includes a distribution conduit that provides fluid communication between the inflatable bladders, including corrugated distribution conduit and multi-lumen conduit configurations. In some embodiments, the treatment system includes a first sheet and a second sheet coupled together to form the inflatable bladders, compressible chambers, and the distribution conduit, including welded construction along weld lines.
Claims Coverage
The provided independent claims include method claim clm-00001 and system/apparatus claims clm-00006 and clm-00013. Across these independent claims, the inventive subject matter centers on plural inflatable bladders and compressible chambers, a dual-lumen conduit and interface for reduced pressure and fluid transfer, and a distribution conduit providing fluid communication between the bladders.
Multi-compartment inflatable bladder and chamber apparatus with distribution conduit
The apparatus comprises a first sheet and a second sheet coupled to form a plurality of inflatable bladders, a plurality of compressible chambers, and a distribution conduit providing fluid communication between the inflatable bladders.
Dual-lumen conduit transferring reduced pressure and fluid to interface
A dual-lumen conduit fluidly couples to a reduced-pressure source and a fluid source, the dual-lumen conduit having a first lumen for transferring reduced pressure and a second lumen for transferring fluid.
Interface transferring reduced pressure and fluid to compressible chambers and bladders
An interface is fluidly coupled to the plurality of compressible chambers and the reduced-pressure source and to the fluid source and the plurality of inflatable bladders, and the interface is operable to transfer the reduced pressure and the fluid.
Method forming plural inflatable bladders and coupled chambers and fluidly coupling via distribution conduit
A method for manufacturing an apparatus includes forming a plurality of inflatable bladders and forming a plurality of chambers coupled to the inflatable bladders, and providing a distribution conduit that fluidly couples the inflatable bladders to one another.
System architecture with reduced-pressure source, fluid source, sheet-formed bladders and chambers, and interface
A system comprises a reduced-pressure source for supplying reduced pressure, a fluid source for supplying a fluid, a first sheet and a second sheet coupled to form a plurality of inflatable bladders, a plurality of compressible chambers and a distribution conduit for providing fluid communication between the inflatable bladders, a dual-lumen conduit fluidly coupled to the reduced-pressure source and the fluid source with a first lumen transferring reduced pressure and a second lumen transferring the fluid, and an interface operable to transfer the reduced pressure and the fluid.
The independent claims cover plural inflatable bladders and coupled compressible chambers arranged as a multi-compartment reduced-pressure treatment system, with reduced pressure and fluid transferred through a dual-lumen conduit and an interface. The claims further require a distribution conduit that provides fluid communication between the inflatable bladders, and in the system/apparatus claims the inflatable bladders and related regions are formed by a first sheet and a second sheet.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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