U.S. patent application number 14/980368 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-23 for transport and storage apparatus for wound care exudate.
The applicant listed for this patent is NEOGENIX, LLC. Invention is credited to Lawrence J. Cali, Srinivasan Sarangapani.
Application Number | 20160175500 14/980368 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56128243 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160175500 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cali; Lawrence J. ; et
al. |
June 23, 2016 |
Transport and Storage Apparatus for Wound Care Exudate
Abstract
A device for transporting waste gases and liquid exudates from a
wound. The device may include a multi lumen tubing and a connector
for securing the multi lumen tubing to a fitting. The multi lumen
tubing may include a double wall containment structure with a first
lumen and a second lumen. The connector may include a body with a
first cavity on one side, a second cavity on another side, and an
interior wall located between the first cavity and the second
cavity. The interior wall may form a projection in the second
cavity. The projection may include an outer surface and a ledge
adjacent the outer surface. The projection may cooperate with the
multi lumen tubing to form a liquid-gas separator. The ledge may
include a bore extending between the first cavity and the second
cavity. The bore may house a gas permeable and a liquid impermeable
barrier.
Inventors: |
Cali; Lawrence J.; (East
Falmouth, MA) ; Sarangapani; Srinivasan; (Walpole,
MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NEOGENIX, LLC |
FT. LAUDERDALE |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56128243 |
Appl. No.: |
14/980368 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62095750 |
Dec 22, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/319 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 16/0808 20130101;
A61M 2205/7536 20130101; A61F 13/00068 20130101; A61M 1/0052
20140204; A61M 1/0086 20140204; A61M 1/0001 20130101; A61M
2205/3344 20130101; A61M 1/0084 20130101; A61M 35/30 20190501; A61F
13/00042 20130101; A61M 2205/02 20130101; A61M 1/0094 20140204;
A61M 1/0088 20130101; A61M 27/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61M 1/00 20060101
A61M001/00; A61F 13/00 20060101 A61F013/00 |
Claims
1. A device for transporting waste gases and liquid exudates from a
wound comprising: a multi lumen tubing comprising, a double wall
containment structure which comprises a first wall which forms an
outer containment structure for a first lumen, the outer
containment structure including a first end portion, a second end
portion, and a first longitudinal axis extending from the first end
portion to the second end portion, and a second wall which forms a
tube that defines a second lumen, the tube being spaced from the
first wall such that the first and second walls are concentrically
aligned about the first longitudinal axis, and such that the first
wall and the second wall define the first lumen; a connector for
securing the multi lumen tubing to a fitting, the connector
comprising a body having a second longitudinal axis such that the
body comprises a first end surface which comprises a first cavity
extending into the body from the first end surface, the first
cavity being bounded radially about the second longitudinal axis by
a first cavity side wall, a second end surface spaced from the
first end surface along the second longitudinal axis, the second
end surface comprises a second cavity extending into the body from
the second end surface, the second cavity being bounded radially
about the second longitudinal axis by a second cavity side wall, an
interior wall located between the first cavity and the second
cavity, the interior wall forming a projection in the second
cavity, the projection comprising an outer surface facing the
second cavity side wall, and a ledge adjacent the outer surface,
the ledge comprising a bore extending between the first cavity and
the second cavity, and a hydrophobic filter positioned in the bore
such that the hydrophobic filter forms a gas permeable and a liquid
impermeable barrier between the second cavity and the first
cavity.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the second cavity and the second
cavity side wall are configured and dimensioned to connect the
multi lumen tubing to the connector.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the second cavity and the second
cavity side wall are configured and dimensioned to telescopically
receive the first wall of the outer containment structure.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the outer surface of the
projection, the first wall of the double wall containment
structure, and the second wall of the double wall containment
structure cooperate to form a passage that fluidly connects the
first lumen, the second lumen and the bore extending between the
first cavity and the second cavity.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the passage that fluidly connects
the first lumen, the second lumen, and the bore extending between
the first cavity and the second cavity is configured and
dimensioned to form a liquid-gas separator such that a liquid-gas
mixture being conveyed from the first lumen to the second lumen
changes flow direction abruptly to separate liquid from the
liquid-gas mixture.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the ledge extends into the second
lumen.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the second lumen comprises a
blind end.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the second lumen houses absorbent
material.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the absorbent material comprises
one or more superabsorbent polymers.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the multi lumen tubing is
flexible.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the multi lumen tubing is
designed to convey gases under negative pressure.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein the multi lumen tubing is
designed to convey a waste gas liquid mixture from a wound.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein the first lumen has a first
cross-section perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis, the
first cross-section having annular shape.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein the second lumen has a second
cross-section perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis, the
second cross-section being of different shape than the first
cross-section.
15. The device of claim 14, wherein the second cross-section has
circular shape.
16. The device of claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic filter comprises
a plug of filter media.
17. The device of claim 16, wherein the filter media is a POREX
filter media.
18. The device of claim 1, wherein the body is configured and
dimensioned to mate with a standardized fluid fitting.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/095,750 filed on Dec. 22, 2014, which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to wound care. More
particularly, this invention relates to transport and storage
devices for waste gases and exudates related to wound care such as,
negative pressure wound therapy and other treatments, including
continuous topical oxygen therapy.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) may be used to treat
wounds, including acute wounds, chronic wounds, pressure ulcers,
and diabetic foot ulcers. For example, a dressing may be applied to
a chronic wound to form an airtight seal, and a pump may be
connected via a tube to the dressing to evacuate air from the
dressing and draw drainage from the wound. NPWT may accelerate
wound healing by various mechanisms including: removal of exudate,
reduction of edema, contraction of wound edges, stimulation of
angiogenesis, changes in the wound edges, and production of
granulation tissue. Nevertheless, wound treatment with NPWT may
provide limited efficacy should the healing process stall or
contraindications, such as advancing infection in the wound,
develop. Although oxygen delivery therapies may be used to
successfully treat wounds, including wounds that have failed NPWT,
a need exists for new devices and systems that may improve patient
outcomes and expand access to patients with limited mobility or
clinical support.
SUMMARY
[0004] Hence, the present invention is directed to devices for the
collection, transport and storage of exudate wastes from wound
care. A device for transporting waste gases and liquid exudates
from a wound may include a multi lumen tubing. The multi lumen
tubing may comprise a double wall containment structure. The double
wall containment structure may include a first wall which forms an
outer containment structure for a first lumen, the outer
containment structure including a first end portion, a second end
portion, and a first longitudinal axis extending from the first end
portion to the second end portion. The double wall containment
structure further may include a second wall which forms a tube that
defines a second lumen, the tube being spaced from the first wall
such that the first and second walls are concentrically aligned
about the first longitudinal axis, and such that the first wall and
the second wall define the first lumen. Additionally, the device
may include a connector for securing the multi lumen tubing to a
fitting. The connector may comprise a body having a second
longitudinal axis such that the body incudes a first end surface
with a first cavity extending into the body from the first end
surface, the first cavity being bounded radially about the second
longitudinal axis by a first cavity side wall. Also, the body may
include a second end surface spaced from the first end surface
along the second longitudinal axis. The second end surface may
include a second cavity extending into the body from the second end
surface, the second cavity being bounded radially about the second
longitudinal axis by a second cavity side wall. Moreover, the body
may include an interior wall located between the first cavity and
the second cavity, the interior wall forming a projection in the
second cavity. The projection may comprise an outer surface facing
the second cavity side wall, and a ledge adjacent the baffle
surface. The ledge may include a bore extending between the first
cavity and the second cavity. A hydrophobic filter may be
positioned in the bore such that the hydrophobic filter forms a gas
permeable and a liquid impermeable barrier between the second
cavity and the first cavity.
[0005] The second cavity and the second cavity side wall may be
configured and dimensioned to connect the multi lumen tubing to the
connector. The second cavity and the second cavity side wall may be
configured and dimensioned to telescopically receive the first wall
of the outer containment structure. The outer surface of the
projection, the first wall of the double wall containment
structure, and the second wall of the double wall containment
structure may cooperate to form a passage that fluidly connects the
first lumen, the second lumen and the bore extending between the
first cavity and the second cavity. The passage that fluidly
connects the first lumen, the second lumen, and the bore extending
between the first cavity and the second cavity may be configured
and dimensioned to form a liquid-gas separator such that a
liquid-gas mixture being conveyed from the first lumen to the
second lumen changes flow direction abruptly to separate liquid
from the liquid-gas mixture.
[0006] The ledge may extend into the second lumen. The second lumen
may include a blind end. The second lumen may house absorbent
material. The absorbent material may include one or more
superabsorbent polymers.
[0007] The multi lumen tubing may be flexible. The multi lumen
tubing may be designed to convey gases under negative pressure. The
multi lumen tubing may be designed to convey a waste gas liquid
mixture from a wound. The first lumen may have a first
cross-section perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis, the
first cross-section having annular shape. The second lumen may have
a second cross-section perpendicular to the first longitudinal
axis, the second cross-section being of different shape than the
first cross-section. The second cross-section may be of circular
shape.
[0008] The hydrophobic filter may include a plug of filter media.
The filter media may be a POREX filter media. The body may be
configured and dimensioned to mate with a standardized fluid
fitting.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the
specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith and in
which like reference numerals (or designations) are used to
indicate like parts in the various views:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a
dressing assembly for the application of negative pressure wound
therapy, transdermal oxygen delivery, or combinations thereof to a
wound;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
a multi lumen tubing and connector system for transporting waste
gases and exudate from the dressing assembly of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the connector system of FIG.
2;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a connector body and the multi
lumen tubing of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
a multi lumen tubing and NPWT and topical oxygen delivery (TOD)
apparatus for the application of negative pressure wound therapy,
transdermal oxygen delivery, or combinations thereof to a
wound;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the multi lumen tubing of
FIG. 5.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the multi lumen tubing of
FIG. 5 with a turbulence inducing structure; and
[0017] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the multi lumen tubing and
insert of FIG. 7.
DESCRIPTION
[0018] FIG. 1 shows an illustrative wound cavity 6 adjacent to
intact skin 8. The wound cavity 6 includes a wound bed 10 prepared
for NPWT and transdermal oxygen flow therapy with an exemplary
embodiment of a dressing 12 for applying such wound care therapy.
The dressing 12 may include a wicking layer 14 which abuts and
covers the wound bed. The wicking layer 14 may be made from
moisture-wicking synthetic fabric 16 (e.g., Under Armour.RTM. or
similar fabric). The wicking layer 14 may draw exudates away from
the wound and aid in establishing a contiguous flow of oxygen
across the wound bed. The wicking layer 14 may include an oxygen
delivery manifold 18 to encourage topical delivery of oxygen to the
wound. Additionally, the wicking layer 14 may include a mixed gas
and exudates removal manifold 20. This manifold may facilitate
distributed oxygen flow across the wound bed, and may promote waste
gas and exudates removal from the wound. The manifolds may be
placed contralaterally within the wound bed to promote oxygen flow
distribution and enhance contact time. The oxygen delivery manifold
18 may be connected to a first length of flexible tubing 22. The
first length of flexible tubing 22 may include a standardized fluid
fitting 24 (e.g., Luer Lock fitting) for connecting the other end
of the flexible tubing to the oxygen supply port of a wound care
device. Similarly, the waste gas and exudates removal manifold 20
may be connected to a second length of flexible tubing 26. The
second length of flexible tubing 26 may include a standardized
fluid fitting 24 (e.g., Luer Lock fitting) for connecting the other
end of the second length of flexible tubing to an intermediate
waste canister or directly to the vacuum supply port of a wound
care device. The tubing 22, 26 may be made from a polymeric
material suitable for use in hospital applications. Suitable
materials for use in the tubing include, but are not limited to,
silicone, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane and various
other thermoplastics.
[0019] The dressing 12 further may include an absorbent layer 28
above the manifold and wicking layer. The absorbent layer 28 may
hold exudates that are transported through the wicking layer. The
absorbent layer 28 may provide structural support for the wound,
the manifold and the first and second lengths of tubing.
Additionally, the absorbent layer 28 may provide a protective
barrier for the wound bed against physical trauma or
microorganisms. In one embodiment, the absorbent layer 28 may be
gauze. In another embodiment, the absorbent layer 28 may be
polyurethane foam.
[0020] The dressing 12 further may include a semi-occlusive layer
30. The semi-occlusive layer 30 may be a sheet of transparent film.
The sheet of transparent film may include adhesive on one side to
help create an air tight seal around the perimeter of the wound
bed. The semi-occlusive layer 30 may include penetrations 32 for
passage of the first and second lengths of tubing 22, 26. The
penetrations 32 may be located above the dressing manifolds.
Sealant may be applied around the penetration and the flexible
tubing to form air tight seals. In one embodiment, the sheet of
film may be a Tegaderm.RTM. dressing manufactured by 3M.
[0021] During therapy, the oxygen port on the dressing (i.e., the
first length of tubing 22) may be connected via flexible tubing or
other conduit to an oxygen source for delivering oxygen to the
wound. The vacuum port on the dressing (i.e., the second length of
tubing 26) may be connected via flexible tubing or other conduit to
a vacuum source for applying negative pressure to the wound. For
example, oxygen may be delivered to the wound bed at an average
pressure of approximately 760 mmHg; whereas, the applied negative
pressure may range from approximately 50 mmHg to approximately 200
mmHg. The net partial pressure of oxygen on the wound surface may
be in the range of 560 mmHg to 710 mmHg.
[0022] A liquid trap may be disposed between the vacuum source and
the tubing which connects the vacuum source to the vacuum port of
the dressing. The liquid trap may be located inside or outside of
the mechanical pump housing. A liquid trap, however, also may be
situated on the discharge side of the mechanical pump. A liquid
trap further may include baffles, absorbent material, valves,
conduit, and fittings such that the liquid trap contains exudates
that are discharged from the wound dressing without leakage
independent of the orientation of the device. The liquid trap may
operate based on mechanical principles or chemical-mechanical
principles.
[0023] The dressing 12 for applying transdermal oxygen therapy
and/or negative pressure wound therapy to a wound may use a multi
lumen tubing and connector system in addition to or in place of the
tubing. FIG. 2 shows a multi lumen tubing 34 and connector system
36 for use in the dressing assembly of FIG. 1.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the multi lumen tubing 34 may include a
double wall containment structure. A first wall 38 may form an
outer wall of the double wall containment structure. A second wall
40 may form a concentric inner wall of the double wall containment
structure. The double wall containment structure may define two
conduits 42, 44. A first conduit 42 may be bounded by the interior
sidewall of the outer wall and the exterior sidewall of the inner
wall. The first conduit 42 may have a cross section of annular
shape. The second conduit 44 may be bounded by the interior
sidewall of the inner wall, and may possess a cross section of
circular shape. The second conduit 44 further may include an end
wall 46 that seals one end 48 of the second conduit. The opposite
end 50 of the multi lumen tubing 34 may be received in a connector
body.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the connector body
52 may include a first end 54 for mechanically connecting to a
mating port 56, as well as a second end 62 which may be configured
and dimensioned to receive the opposite end 50 of the double wall
containment structure. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the connector
body 52 may be configured and dimensioned to fluidly connect the
opposite end 50 of the double wall containment structure to the
mating port 56. The connector body 54 may include a nozzle 60 which
docks with the mating port 56 to fluidly connect the multi lumen
tubing 34 to the mating port. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the
second end 62 of the connector further may include a liquid-gas
separator 64. The liquid-gas separator 64 may be integral to the
connector body. Alternatively, the liquid gas separator may be
formed in conjunction with the multi lumen tubing or in combination
with other parts.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 2, the liquid-gas separator 64 may connect
the annular conduit 42 to the connector body outlet 58 and the
inner conduit 44 via one or more passages 68 that include at least
one abrupt change in direction. The passage 68 may be configured
and dimensioned to separate waste gases and liquids from the
annular conduit 42 such that when a waste gas and liquid mixture
flows through the one or more passages 68, the direction of flow
changes abruptly, and inertia causes liquids to continue in one
direction of flow (e.g., downward into the inner conduit), but
allows the gas component (which more readily assumes the change of
flow direction) to flow in another direction (e.g., toward the
connector body outlet) away from the liquid mist particles.
[0027] Thus, movement of waste gas liquid mixture 74 within the
second end 62 of the connector body 52 may result in separation of
liquid mist 78 from the gas component 76 because gases may more
readily assume a change of flow direction and will flow away from
the liquid mist particles. The liquid mist 78 may coalesce on a
surface 70 or fall into a liquid containment area 72 (e.g., inner
conduit area). Separation of liquid and gas further may be affected
with either a sudden increase or decrease in gas velocity. For
instance, with a decrease in velocity, the higher inertia of the
liquid mist may carry it forward and away from the gas. The liquid
further may coalesce on some surface and gravitate to the liquid
section of the separator. By contrast, with an increase in gas
velocity, the higher inertia of the liquid generally may cause the
gas to move away from the liquid, and the liquid may fall to the
liquid section of the separator.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the connector body
52 may include a hydrophobic filter 90. The hydrophobic filter 90
may be positioned to intercept the flow of waste gas liquid mixture
74 between the second end 62 and the first end 54 of the connector
body. The hydrophobic filter 90 may be a gas permeable and liquid
impermeable material. For instance, the hydrophobic filter 90 may
be a plug fabricated from fiber or porous materials, such as
polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and
polypropylene (PP)). For example, POREX Pipette Filter Media
manufactured by Porex Technologies, 500 Bohannon Road, Fairburn,
Ga. 30213 may be suitable for use as a hydrophobic filter media in
the connector body. The hydrophobic filter 90 may be positioned in
the outlet 58 and/or the nozzle 60 of the connector body. Indeed,
the connector body 52 may be molded around the hydrophobic filter
90. Accordingly, the connector body 52 may be specifically
configured to enhance gas-liquid separation.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 3, a vacuum source (e.g., a mechanical
pump intake) from a wound care device may be connected to the
mating port 56 of the connector system 36. As shown in FIG. 2, the
first end 54 of the connector may be connected to the mating port
56. The second end 62 of the connector may be connected to the
multi lumen tubing 34. The first conduit 42 of the multi lumen
tubing 34 may be in fluid communication with a wound or dressing
headspace. The second conduit 44 may be closed 46 at the wound end
48 and open at the connector body 52. As suction is applied to the
first conduit 42, waste gases and exudates may be drawn into the
annular conduit 42. When the flow of waste gas and liquid mixture
74 reaches the connector 52, the flow may be forced to change
direction, causing the liquid component 78 of the mixture to fall
into the second conduit 44 where it may be collected and stored.
The second conduit 44 further may contain absorbent material 84 to
help retain the exudate and keep it from being pulled in by the
pump. The absorbent material, without limitation, may be a foam
structure, a sponge, a chemical material that absorbs liquids, or a
combination thereof. For example, the absorbant material may be one
or more superabsorbent polymers (SAPs). The cross sectional area of
the first conduit 42 (e.g., the annular conduit) may be smaller
than the cross sectional area of the second conduit 44 (e.g., the
circular conduit). This general configuration may be advantageous
because a smaller flow area may affect higher waste gases and
exudates flow rates that may promote exudate removal and transport
away from the wound. Conversely, a larger cross sectional area of
the central conduit 44 may be advantageous because a greater volume
for collecting and storing liquid waste may be available and
because the larger diameter may affect lower flow rates of waste
gases which may prevent the vacuum from removing separated exudate.
For example, 40'' of conduit with a 3.6 mm inner diameter would
provide approximately 10 cc of collection volume.
[0030] FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of another multi lumen
tubing 34' and NPWT and topical oxygen delivery (TOD) apparatus 100
for the application of negative pressure wound therapy, transdermal
oxygen delivery, or combinations thereof to a wound. The apparatus
100 may include a wound care device 92 that includes an oxygen
supply port 94 and a vaccum supply port 96. The apparatus 100
further may include a dressing 12. The oxygen delivery manifold 18
of the dressing 12 may be connected to the oxygen supply port 94 by
a first length of tubing 22. The wound exudates removal manifold 20
of the dressing 12 may be connected to the vacuum supply port 96 by
a multi lumen tubing 34'.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the first wall 38 of the
multi lumen tubing 34' may be liquid and gas impermeable, but the
second wall 40 may be porous. For example, the second wall 40 may
be formed from a generally liquid impermeable and gas permeable
material but may include openings 82 which fluidly connect the
second conduit 44 and the first conduit 42. An absorbent material
84 may be placed in or on the first conduit 42. The absorbent
material 84 may be similar to the absorbent materials used in
diapers. A hydrophobic filter 90 may be positioned at the discharge
end 50 of the multi lumen tubing 34' to prevent liquid from
directly exiting the multi lumen tubing. In use, waste gas liquid
mixture 74 may flow through the openings 82 and contact absorbent
material 84 in the first conduit. The absorbent material(s) 84 may
remove liquid 78 from the waste gas liquid mixture flow 74. To
promote phase separation and contact of the waste gas liquid
mixture with the absorbent materials in the first conduit, an
insert 86 may be placed in the second conduit 44 to intercept or
disrupt waste gas liquid mixture flow 74.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, a structure or insert 86 may
be positioned in the second conduit 44 such that the insert 86
changes the flow path of waste gas liquid mixture 74 and directs
the liquid waste 78 toward absorbent material 84 in the first
conduit 42. In one example, the insert 86 may include a spiral
insert or segment. In use, turbulence, such as vortices may be
produced by the interaction of the waste gas liquid flow and insert
may enhance phase separation. The presence of a hydrophobic filter
90 further may enhance phase separation and prevent liquid waste
from leaving the multi lumen tubing. The structure or insert 86 may
be integrally formed as part of the second conduit 44. Accordingly,
a turbulence inducing structure(s), such as a spiral shape and/or
an arrangement of one or more baffles may be molded in as part of
the inner wall of the second conduit. For example, without
limitation, a turbulence inducing structure may be coextruded with
the second conduit or the second conduit may be molded over the
turbulence inducing structure.
[0033] The foregoing devices for the collection, transport and
containment of exudate wastes from wound care may be used with a
wound care device and a wound dressing assembly to provide negative
pressure wound therapy, transdermal oxygen therapy, or combinations
thereof to a wound. These consumables may be replaced on an as
needed basis. Thus, the dressing 12, tubing 22, 26, multi lumen
tubing(s) 34, 34', and connector body 52 described herein may be
available in individually sealed sterile packaging.
[0034] While it has been illustrated and described what at present
are considered to be embodiments of the present invention, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and
modifications may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for
elements thereof without departing from the true scope of the
invention. For example, in some clinical applications it may be
efficacious to place one or more segments of a multi lumen tubing
between the second length of tubing and a third length of tubing
connected to a vacuum source of a wound care device. Similarly, it
may be to useful to place one or more segments of a multi lumen
tubing between the first length of tubing and a fourth length of
tubing connected to a therapeutic gas supply (e.g., oxygen) of a
wound care device. Additionally, features and/or elements from any
embodiment may be used singly or in combination with other
embodiments. Therefore, it is intended that this invention not be
limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein, but that it
have the full scope defined by the language of the following
claims, and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *