System and method for applying reduced pressure at a tissue site
Inventors
Heaton, Keith Patrick • Hardman, Ian James
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-8535283-B2
Publication Date
2013-09-17
Expiration Date
2028-02-08
Abstract
The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to a manually-actuated pump and method for applying reduced pressure at a tissue site. The manually-actuated pump includes at least one variable volume chamber that is manually compressible into a plurality of positions. The manually-actuated pump includes a fixed volume chamber in communication with the at least one variable volume chamber. The manually-actuated pump also includes a filter housing having a hydrophobic filter that prevents liquid from entering the at least one variable volume chamber. The fixed volume chamber is coupled to the at least one variable volume chamber via the filter housing. The filter housing is located in between the at least one variable volume chamber and the fixed volume chamber. The fixed volume chamber has reduced pressure that is applied to the tissue site in response to a movement of the at least one variable volume chamber from a compressed position in the plurality of positions to an uncompressed position in the plurality of positions.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a manually-actuated pump and method for applying reduced pressure at a tissue site. The pump includes at least one variable volume chamber that can be manually compressed into multiple positions, coupled via a filter housing containing a hydrophobic filter to a fixed volume chamber. The hydrophobic filter prevents liquid from entering the variable volume chamber while permitting gas flow, enabling reduced pressure in the fixed volume chamber to be applied to the tissue site when the variable volume chamber expands from a compressed to an uncompressed position.
The system solves limitations of existing reduced pressure treatment systems, which are complex, costly, immobile, non-disposable, and require specialized medical personnel. Current systems are not viable or affordable for treating low-severity, low-exudate wounds due to monitoring needs, electrical power demands, and high cost. The invention addresses the need for a simple, compact, inexpensive, and manually operable system that can consistently apply reduced pressure without specialized training or power consumption, allowing mobility and potential disposability.
Claims Coverage
The patent claims three main independent claims covering manually-actuated pumps incorporating variable and fixed volume chambers, filter housings, valves, and casing structures for applying reduced pressure at tissue sites.
Manually-actuated pump with a casing and coupled chambers
The pump comprises a casing having sliding top and bottom portions, at least one variable volume chamber manually compressible into multiple positions, a fixed volume chamber in communication with the variable volume chamber, and a filter housing between them containing a hydrophobic filter that prevents liquid from entering the variable volume chamber. Reduced pressure in the fixed volume chamber is generated by movement of the variable volume chamber from compressed to uncompressed positions.
Manually-actuated pump featuring compressible bellows and specific valves
The pump includes at least one compressible bellows with corrugated elastic resilient side walls providing an expansion force causing movement from compressed to uncompressed positions. It features a fixed volume chamber with a centered inlet valve preventing exudate from exiting, a filter housing with hydrophobic and carbon odor filters situated between chambers, and at least one outlet valve permitting gas exit from the bellows but preventing gas ingress, all within a casing with sliding portions.
Manually-actuated pump with directly coupled chambers enclosed in a sliding casing
The pump includes at least one variable volume chamber and a fixed volume chamber directly coupled to a filter housing containing a hydrophobic filter positioned between the chambers. The chambers and filter housing are enclosed in a casing having two portions configured to slide relative to each other as the variable volume chamber moves between compressed and uncompressed positions. The variable volume chamber includes at least one outlet valve allowing gas exit while preventing gas entry, and a pressure feedback system indicating the level of reduced pressure applied.
These inventive features collectively disclose a compact, manually-operable pump system with sliding casing, variable and fixed volume chambers separated by filter housing with hydrophobic and odor filters, valves controlling fluid flow and gas venting, and pressure feedback, enabling controlled reduced pressure application at tissue sites without electrical power or specialized training.
Stated Advantages
The pump can be manually operated without specialized medical training.
The system uses little or no power and is compact, allowing user mobility and participation in normal activities.
The pump can deliver a measured and consistent amount of pressure during each treatment cycle, regardless of liquid volume in the fixed chamber.
The invention provides an inexpensive, disposable treatment option for reduced pressure therapy, suitable for low-severity wounds.
It maintains reduced pressure even as exudate collects in the fixed volume chamber, with a configuration that permits pump compression regardless of liquid presence.
Documented Applications
Applying reduced pressure (vacuum therapy) to tissue sites for promoting drainage of exudate and stimulating growth of additional tissue.
Treatment of wounds, including low-severity and low-exudate wounds, to accelerate healing and granulation tissue formation.
Application of reduced pressure to non-wounded or healthy tissue to promote growth for harvesting and transplantation.
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