U.S. patent application number 16/373836 was filed with the patent office on 2019-07-25 for reduced-pressure systems and methods employing an ultraviolet light source for reducing bioburden.
The applicant listed for this patent is KCI Licensing, Inc.. Invention is credited to Christopher Brian LOCKE, Timothy Mark ROBINSON.
Application Number | 20190224388 16/373836 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44993951 |
Filed Date | 2019-07-25 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190224388 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LOCKE; Christopher Brian ;
et al. |
July 25, 2019 |
REDUCED-PRESSURE SYSTEMS AND METHODS EMPLOYING AN ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT
SOURCE FOR REDUCING BIOBURDEN
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for moving fluids from a
patient to a canister and lowering or eliminating the bio-burden of
the canister. In one instance, a method for removing fluids from a
patient includes using reduced pressure to remove fluids from a
patient, delivering the fluids into a reduced-pressure conduit and
into a fluid reservoir, exposing the fluids removed from the
patient to a UV light source to kill pathogens to create disposable
fluids, and disposing of the disposable fluids. Other systems,
devices, and methods are presented.
Inventors: |
LOCKE; Christopher Brian;
(Bournemouth, GB) ; ROBINSON; Timothy Mark;
(Shillingstone, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KCI Licensing, Inc. |
San Antonio |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
44993951 |
Appl. No.: |
16/373836 |
Filed: |
April 3, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14059069 |
Oct 21, 2013 |
10293088 |
|
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16373836 |
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13292857 |
Nov 9, 2011 |
8591486 |
|
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14059069 |
|
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61414664 |
Nov 17, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 1/0094 20140204;
A61M 1/0052 20140204; Y10T 29/49826 20150115; A61M 1/0088 20130101;
A61M 1/0023 20130101; A61M 2205/7572 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61M 1/00 20060101
A61M001/00 |
Claims
1. A system for removing fluids from a patient using reduced
pressure, the system comprising: a reduced-pressure source for
providing reduced pressure; a canister housing; a fluid reservoir
at least partially positioned in the canister housing and
configured to be fluidly coupled to the reduced-pressure source,
the fluid reservoir comprising at least one wall having a
UV-transparent portion defining at least a portion of the fluid
reservoir; and a UV-light source positioned adjacent to the fluid
reservoir to expose fluids in the fluid reservoir to UV light
through the UV-transparent portion.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a liquid receptor for
removing fluids from the patient under the influence of reduced
pressure, the liquid receptor fluidly coupled to the fluid
reservoir.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the liquid receptor comprises a
manifold and a sealing member covering the manifold, the sealing
member forming a fluid seal.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the UV-light source is positioned
to transmit UV light through the UV-transparent portion.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the UV-light source is configured
to kill at least 95% of pathogens in the fluids within the fluid
reservoir.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the UV-light source is coupled to
the fluid reservoir.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the UV-light source is configured
to expose fluids within the fluid reservoir to pulsed UV light.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the UV-light source is configured
to expose fluids within the fluid reservoir to continuous UV
light.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid reservoir is configured
to be disengaged from the canister housing.
10. A system for removing fluids from a patient using reduced
pressure, the system comprising: a reduced-pressure source for
providing reduced pressure; a canister housing; a fluid reservoir
at least partially positioned within the canister housing and
configured to be fluidly coupled to the reduced-pressure source,
the fluid reservoir comprising a plurality of walls with a
plurality of UV-transparent portions; and a plurality of UV-light
sources positioned adjacent to the fluid reservoir to expose the
fluids in the fluid reservoir to UV light through at least one of
the plurality of UV-transparent portions.
11. The system of claim 10, further comprising a liquid receptor
for removing fluids from the patient under the influence of reduced
pressure, the liquid receptor fluidly coupled to the fluid
reservoir.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the liquid receptor comprises a
manifold and a sealing member covering the manifold, the sealing
member forming a fluid seal.
13. The system of claim 10, wherein at least one of the plurality
of UV-light sources is positioned to transmit UV light through at
least one of the plurality of UV-transparent portions.
14. The system of claim 10, wherein at least one of the plurality
of UV-light sources is positioned proximate at least one of the
plurality of UV-transparent portions.
15. The system of claim 10, wherein at least one of the plurality
of UV-light sources comprises a tube driver and at least one UV
tube.
16. The system of claim 10, wherein at least one of the plurality
of UV-light sources is positioned within the canister housing.
17. The system of claim 10, wherein at least one of the UV-light
sources is configured to expose the fluids within the fluid
reservoir to pulsed UV-light.
18. The system of claim 10, wherein at least one of the UV-light
sources is configured to expose the fluids within the fluid
reservoir to continuous UV-light.
19. The system of claim 10, wherein at least one of the UV-light
sources is configured to emit UV light in a C-band.
20. The system of claim 10, wherein at least one of the UV-light
sources is configured to emit UV light at a power of about 100
microwatts per cm.sup.2 to about 300 microwatts per cm.sup.2.
21. The system of claim 10, wherein the fluid reservoir is
configured to be disengaged from the canister housing.
22. An apparatus for treating fluids removed from a patient
comprising: a canister housing; a fluid reservoir at least
partially positioned in the canister housing; a reduced-pressure
conduit having a UV-transparent portion fluidly coupled to the
fluid reservoir, wherein the UV-transparent portion is positioned
within the canister housing; and a UV-light source positioned
adjacent to the fluid reservoir to expose fluids in the
reduced-pressure conduit to UV light through the UV-transparent
portion.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising a reflector
positioned within the canister housing to direct UV light through
the UV-transparent portion.
24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the UV-light source
comprises a tube driver and at least one UV tube.
25. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the UV-light source is
configured to kill at least 95% of pathogens in the fluids within
the reduced-pressure conduit.
26. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the UV-light source is
positioned within the canister housing.
27. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the UV-light source is
configured to expose the fluids within the reduced-pressure conduit
to pulsed UV light.
28. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the UV-light source is
configured to expose the fluids within the reduced-pressure conduit
to continuous UV light.
29. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the fluid reservoir is
configured to be disengaged from the canister housing.
30. An apparatus for treating fluids removed from a patient
comprising: a canister housing; a fluid reservoir at least
partially positioned in the canister housing, the fluid reservoir
comprising at least one wall having a UV-transparent portion
defining at least a portion of the fluid reservoir; a UV-light
source positioned adjacent to the fluid reservoir to expose the
fluids in the fluid reservoir to UV light through the
UV-transparent portion.
31. The apparatus of claim 30, further comprising a reflector
positioned within the canister housing to direct UV light through
the UV-transparent portion.
32. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the UV-light source
comprises a tube driver and at least one UV tube.
33. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the UV-light source is
configured to kill at least 95% of pathogens in the fluids within
the fluid reservoir.
34. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the UV-light source is
positioned within the canister housing.
35. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the UV-light source is
configured to expose the fluids within the fluid reservoir to
pulsed UV light.
36. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the UV-light source is
configured to expose the fluids within the fluid reservoir to
continuous UV light.
37. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the fluid reservoir is
configured to be disengaged from the canister housing.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/059,069, entitled "Reduced-Pressure Systems
and Methods Employing An Ultraviolet Light Source for Reducing
Bioburden," filed Oct. 21, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/292,857, entitled "Reduced-Pressure
Systems and Methods Employing An Ultraviolet Light Source for
Reducing Bioburden," filed Nov. 9, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No.
8,591,486, which claims the benefit, under 35 USC .sctn. 119(e), of
the filing of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/414,664,
entitled "Reduced-Pressure Systems and Methods Employing An
Ultraviolet Light Source for Reducing Bioburden," filed Nov. 17,
2010. Each of the above applications are incorporated herein by
reference for all purposes.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to medical
treatment systems and, more particularly, but not by way of
limitation, to reduced-pressure systems and methods employing an
ultraviolet (UV) light source for reducing bioburden or pathogen
colonization.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Clinical studies and practice have shown that providing a
reduced pressure in proximity to a tissue site augments and
accelerates the growth of new tissue at the tissue site. The
applications of this phenomenon are numerous, but application of
reduced pressure has been particularly successful in treating
wounds. This treatment (frequently referred to in the medical
community as "negative pressure wound therapy," "reduced pressure
therapy," or "vacuum therapy") provides a number of benefits, which
may include faster healing and increased formulation of granulation
tissue. Typically, reduced pressure is applied to tissue through a
porous pad or other manifold device. The porous pad contains cells
or pores that are capable of distributing reduced pressure to the
tissue and channeling fluids that are drawn from the tissue.
[0004] Fluids removed during treatment with reduced pressure should
be carefully handled. The fluids are typically collected in a fluid
canister. The fluids in the canister may include bacteria that
grows, and accordingly the bioburden can be significant. The fluids
in the canister typically cannot be discarded as domestic waste and
must be discarded as a biohazard.
SUMMARY
[0005] According to an illustrative embodiment, a system for
removing fluids from a patient using reduced pressure includes a
reduced-pressure source for providing reduced pressure, a liquid
receptor for removing fluids from the patient under the influence
of reduced pressure, a canister having a fluid reservoir fluidly
coupled to the reduced-pressure source, and a reduced-pressure
conduit fluidly coupled between the canister and the fluid
receptor. The reduced-pressure conduit has at least a
UV-transparent portion. The system further includes a UV light
source positioned to expose fluids traveling through the
UV-transparent portion of the reduced-pressure conduit with UV
light.
[0006] According to another illustrative embodiment, a method for
removing fluids from a patient includes using reduced pressure to
remove fluids from a patient, delivering the fluids into a
reduced-pressure conduit and into a fluid reservoir, exposing the
fluids removed from the patient to a UV light source to kill
pathogens, and disposing of the fluids.
[0007] According to another illustrative embodiment, a method of
manufacturing a system for removing fluids from a patient using
reduced pressure includes providing a reduced-pressure source,
forming a canister with a fluid reservoir, providing a liquid
receptor for removing fluids from the patient using reduced
pressure, fluidly coupling a reduced-pressure conduit between the
canister and the liquid receptor. The method further includes
associating a UV light source with the canister and positioning the
UV light source to expose fluids from the patient to UV light.
[0008] Other features and advantages of the illustrative
embodiments will become apparent with reference to the drawings and
detailed description that follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram, with a portion in cross
section, of an illustrative embodiment of a system for removing
fluids from a patient using reduced pressure and involving a UV
light source;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative embodiment
of a portion of a system for removing fluids from a patient using
reduced pressure and involving a UV light source; and
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of another illustrative
embodiment of a portion of a system for removing fluids from a
patient using reduced pressure and involving a UV light source.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0012] In the following detailed description of the illustrative,
non-limiting embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying
drawings that form a part hereof. These embodiments are described
in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be
utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and
chemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or
scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable
those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments described
herein, the description may omit certain information known to those
skilled in the art. The following detailed description is,
therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of
the illustrative embodiments are defined only by the appended
claims.
[0013] Referring now to the drawings and initially to FIG. 1, an
illustrative embodiment of a system 100 for removing fluids 102
from a patient 104 using reduced pressure is presented. The system
100 receives liquids through a liquid receptor 117, which may be,
for example, a reduced-pressure dressing 105, a fluid suction
subsystem, or other device or subsystem for receiving body fluids.
In the illustrative embodiment, the system 100 includes the
reduced-pressure dressing 105. The reduced-pressure dressing 105 is
placed proximate a tissue site 108. The reduced-pressure dressing
105 may include a manifold 106, which is placed proximate the
tissue site 108.
[0014] The tissue site 108 may be the bodily tissue of any human,
animal, or other organism, including bone tissue, adipose tissue,
muscle tissue, dermal tissue, vascular tissue, connective tissue,
cartilage, tendons, ligaments, or any other tissue. Treatment of
the tissue site 108 may include removal of fluids, e.g., ascites or
exudate. The tissue site 108 may be a wound, such as a wound 110
extending through epidermis 112. In another embodiment, the tissue
site 108 may be an abdominal cavity, and the liquid receptor 117
may be a suction subsystem.
[0015] The term "manifold" as used herein generally refers to a
substance or structure that is provided to assist in applying
reduced pressure to, delivering fluids to, or removing fluids from
a tissue site 108. The manifold 106 typically includes a plurality
of flow channels or pathways that distribute fluids provided to and
removed from the tissue site 108 around the manifold 106. In one
illustrative embodiment, the flow channels or pathways are
interconnected to improve distribution of fluids provided or
removed from the tissue site 108. The manifold 106 comprises one or
more of the following: a biocompatible material that is capable of
being placed in contact with the tissue site 108 and distributing
reduced pressure to the tissue site 108; devices that have
structural elements arranged to form flow channels, such as,
cellular foam, open-cell foam, porous tissue collections, liquids,
gels, and foams that include, or cure to include, flow channels;
porous materials (e.g., foam, gauze, felted mat); bioresorbable
material; scaffold material; or any other material suited to a
particular biological application. In one embodiment, the manifold
106 is a porous foam and includes a plurality of interconnected
cells or pores that act as flow channels. The porous foam may be a
polyurethane, open-cell, reticulated foam such as GranuFoam.RTM.
material manufactured by Kinetic Concepts, Incorporated of San
Antonio, Tex. In some situations, the manifold 106 may also be used
to distribute fluids such as medications, antibacterials, growth
factors, and various solutions to the tissue site 108. Other layers
may be included in or on the manifold 106, such as absorptive
materials, wicking materials, hydrophobic materials, and
hydrophilic materials.
[0016] In one illustrative embodiment, the manifold 106 may be
constructed from bioresorbable materials that do not have to be
removed from a patient's body following use. Suitable bioresorbable
materials may include, without limitation, a polymeric blend of
polylactic acid (PLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA). The polymeric
blend may also include, without limitation, polycarbonates,
polyfumarates, and capralactones. The manifold 106 may further
serve as a scaffold for new cell-growth, or a scaffold material may
be used in conjunction with the manifold 106 to promote
cell-growth. A scaffold is a substance or structure used to enhance
or promote the growth of cells or formation of tissue, such as a
three-dimensional porous structure that provides a template for
cell growth. Illustrative examples of scaffold materials include
calcium phosphate, collagen, PLA/PGA, coral hydroxy apatites,
carbonates, or processed allograft materials.
[0017] The manifold 106 is covered with a sealing member 114 to
provide a sealed space for the manifold 106. The sealing member 114
may be any material that provides a fluid seal. A fluid seal is a
seal adequate to maintain reduced pressure at a desired site given
the particular reduced-pressure source involved. The sealing member
114 may be attached to an intact portion of the patient's epidermis
112 using an attachment device 116. The attachment device 116 may
be used to secure the sealing member 114 against the patient's
epidermis 112 or another layer, such as a gasket or additional
sealing member. The attachment device 116 may take numerous forms.
For example, the attachment device 116 may be a medically
acceptable, pressure-sensitive adhesive that extends about a
periphery of the sealing member 114.
[0018] The sealing member 114 may, for example, be an impermeable
or semi-permeable, elastomeric material. Examples of elastomers may
include, but are not limited to, natural rubbers, polyisoprene,
styrene butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, polybutadiene,
nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene
propylene diene monomer, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, polysulfide
rubber, polyurethane (PU), EVA film, co-polyester, and silicones.
Additional, specific examples of sealing member materials include a
silicone drape, a 3M Tegaderm.RTM. drape, or a polyurethane (PU)
drape such as one available from Avery Dennison Corporation of
Pasadena, Calif.
[0019] A reduced-pressure interface 118 may be coupled to the
sealing member 114 to provide fluid communication to the sealed
space created under the sealing member 114 and in which the
manifold 106 is positioned. The reduced-pressure interface 118 is
fluidly coupled to a reduced-pressure conduit 120 that transports
the fluids 102 to a canister 122. A reduced-pressure source 124,
such as a vacuum pump, provides reduced pressure to the
reduced-pressure conduit 120. The reduced pressure is delivered by
the reduced-pressure interface 118 to the manifold 106 and
ultimately to the tissue site 108. In one illustrative embodiment,
the reduced-pressure interface 118 is a T.R.A.C..RTM. Pad or Sensa
T.R.A.C..RTM. Pad available from KCl of San Antonio, Tex. The
reduced-pressure interface 118 may be any device or arrangement
allowing the reduced pressure to be delivered to the manifold
106.
[0020] The reduced-pressure source 124 provides reduced pressure.
The reduced-pressure source 124 may be any device for supplying a
reduced pressure, such as a vacuum pump, wall suction, micro-pump,
or other source. While the amount and nature of reduced pressure
applied to a tissue site 108 will typically vary according to the
application, the reduced pressure will typically be between -5 mm
Hg (-667 Pa) and -500 mm Hg (-66.7 kPa) and more typically between
-75 mm Hg (-9.9 kPa) and -300 mm Hg (-39.9 kPa). For example, and
not by way of limitation, the pressure may be -12, -12.5, -13,
-13.5, -14, -14.5, -15, -15.5, -16, -16.5, -17, -17.5, -18, -18.5,
-19, -19.5, -20, -20.5, -21, -21.5, -22, -22.5, -23, -23.5, -24,
-24.5, -25, -25.5, -26, -26.5 kPa or another pressure. Exhaust 125
from the reduced-pressure source 124 exits the canister housing
126.
[0021] Reduced pressure is typically a pressure less than the
ambient pressure at a tissue site that is being subjected to
treatment. In most cases, this reduced pressure will be less than
the atmospheric pressure at which the patient 104 is located.
Alternatively, the reduced pressure may be less than a hydrostatic
pressure at the tissue site. Unless otherwise indicated,
quantitative values of pressure stated herein are gauge pressures.
The reduced pressure delivered may be constant or varied (patterned
or random) and may be delivered continuously or intermittently.
Although the terms "vacuum" and "negative pressure" may be used to
describe the pressure applied to the tissue site, the actual
pressure applied to the tissue site may be more than the pressure
normally associated with a complete vacuum. Consistent with the use
herein, an increase in reduced pressure or vacuum pressure
typically refers to a relative reduction in absolute pressure.
[0022] The reduced-pressure source 124 may be within a portion of
the canister 122 or may be separate. It should be noted that the
embodiment of FIG. 1 for removing fluids from the tissue site 108
is illustrative only. Other liquid receptors 117 or fluid removal
devices or techniques that use reduced pressure may be used, and
tissue sites other than open wounds may be treated. For example,
fluids may be removed from an open abdominal cavity or may be from
an ostomy bag or other source. Because fluids may be collected
using other devices and techniques, the more general term "liquid
receptor" 117 has been used. The liquid receptor 117 may be any
device or subsystem for removing fluids 102 from a patient 104.
[0023] The canister 122 may be positioned within or be defined at
least in part by the canister housing 126. The canister 122 has a
plurality of walls 128, 130, 132 that form a fluid reservoir 138
for receiving and retaining the fluids 102 from the patient 104.
The walls 128, 130, 132 may be orthogonal, tapered, curved, or
other shapes. The canister 122 may include a first port 134 and a
second port 136. In the illustrative embodiment shown, the
reduced-pressure conduit 120 is fluidly coupled to the first port
134 for delivering the fluids 102 into the fluid reservoir 138. A
reduced-pressure supply conduit 140 may fluidly couple the
reduced-pressure source 124 and the second port 136. The
reduced-pressure source 124 thereby provides reduced pressure into
the fluid reservoir 138. A hydrophobic filter 142 may be associated
with the second port 136 to prevent fluids 102, particularly
liquids, from entering a reduced-pressure supply conduit 140 and
arriving at the reduced-pressure source 124.
[0024] A UV-transparent portion 144 of the reduced-pressure conduit
120 is transparent to UV light. A UV light source 146 is positioned
proximate to the UV-transparent portion 144 to expose at least the
UV-transparent portion 144 of the reduced-pressure conduit 120 to
UV light. For example, the UV transparent portion 144 may be
positioned within the canister housing 126 and the UV light source
146 may be positioned in the canister housing 126 to expose the
UV-transparent portion 144 to UV light. Thus, the UV light waves
from the UV light source 146 enter the reduced-pressure conduit 120
through the UV-transparent portion 144 and expose the fluids
therein as the fluids pass through the reduced-pressure conduit
120. It should be apparent that the UV light source 146 may be
associated with the reduced-pressure canister 122 or
reduced-pressure conduit 120 in many ways, such as by securing the
UV light source 146 to a portion of the canister housing 126 or by
securing the UV light source 146 to the reduced-pressure conduit
120.
[0025] The UV light source 146 may include a tube driver 150 and at
least one UV light tube 148. The UV light source 146 may be
positioned proximate the UV-transparent portion 144. The UV light
source 146 may be coupled to the canister 122 such that fluids 102
are exposed to UV light when traveling through the UV-transparent
portion 144 of the reduced-pressure conduit 120. The UV light
source 146 may include one or more reflectors 147 to focus or
redirect at least a portion of the UV light. The UV light source
146 may utilize bands A, B, or C to kill pathogens. In one
instance, the UV light source 146 may be a Dymax Blue Wave 50
machine by Dymax Corporation of Torrington, Conn. Unless otherwise
indicated, as used throughout this document, "or" does not require
mutual exclusivity. Any suitable UV light source may be used. In
this embodiment, the UV light tube 148 may be positioned at various
distances from the fluids to be exposed. For example, the UV light
tube 148 may be as close as the thickness of a plastic or glass
wall, e.g., about 0.5 mm, or may be spaced at a distance equal to
the width of the canister 122 or greater. The UV light tube 148
will typically be between about 0.5 mm and about 10 mm from the
fluids or a portion of the fluids.
[0026] The one or more UV light tubes 148 may be electrically
coupled to the tube driver 150. The tube driver 150 provides
energizing power to the one or more UV light tubes 148. A
controller 152 may be coupled to the reduced-pressure source 124 or
the tube driver 150 to provide control. The controller 152 may be a
printed wire assembly (PWA) or an application specific integrated
circuit (ASIC) or other control device.
[0027] In operation, according to one illustrative embodiment, the
liquid receptor 117 receives fluids from the patient 104 and
facilitates delivery of the fluids to the reduced-pressure conduit
120. For example, the reduced-pressure dressing 105, which serves
as a liquid receptor 117, is placed proximate the tissue site 108,
and a first end 154 of the reduced-pressure conduit 120 is fluidly
coupled to the reduced-pressure interface 118. A second end 156 of
the reduced-pressure conduit 120 is fluidly coupled to the fluid
reservoir 138 with the UV-transparent portion 144 proximate to the
UV light source 146. The system 100 is activated such that the
reduced-pressure source 124 delivers reduced pressure to the fluid
reservoir 138. Because of the fluid couplings, the reduced pressure
is delivered to the tissue site 108. The fluids 102 are removed and
delivered to the fluid reservoir 138.
[0028] When the UV light source 146 is activated, the fluids 102
passing at least through the UV-transparent portion 144 of the
reduced-pressure conduit 120 are exposed to UV light from the UV
light source 146. The exposure to UV light may be continuous or may
be pulsed. For example, the UV light source 146 may be pulsed,
e.g., 1-60 seconds, 2 minutes, or some other duration to kill a
desired level of pathogens. The UV light source 146 may include
numerous power options and wavelengths. For example, a C-band
(approximately 254 nm) at a power of 100-300 microwatts per
cm.sup.2 may be used, but numerous other settings are possible. The
exposure of the fluids 102 to the UV light from UV light source 146
kills a majority of pathogens in the fluids 102. For example, 90%,
95%, 98%, 99% or more pathogens in the fluids 102 may be
killed.
[0029] For fluids initially containing pathogens, as the majority
of pathogens in the fluids 102 are killed, disposable fluids are
formed. The disposable fluids may not require handling as a
biohazard or hazardous waste, but may be treated as domestic waste.
As used herein, "disposable fluids" are fluids from which living
pathogens are substantially absent or at acceptable levels. The
disposable fluids formed by killing a majority of the pathogens in
the fluids present a relatively decreased bioburden. In instances
in which a majority of the pathogens in the fluids have been
killed, reflux or spills of the fluids present relatively less risk
than the reflux or spills otherwise would. In some embodiments,
after removing the fluids 102 from a patient 104 using the system
100, the fluid reservoir 138 is disengaged from the canister
housing 126. The fluid reservoir 138, which contains disposable
fluids, may be discarded as non-hazardous waste or domestic waste.
The remaining portions of the canister housing 126 may be
reconditioned, e.g., sterilized, and reused with a new fluid
reservoir 138.
[0030] It should be noted that while the reduced-pressure conduit
120 is shown in FIG. 1 running parallel to UV light tube 148, other
arrangements are contemplated. For example, the reduced-pressure
conduit 120 may be wrapped around the UV light source 146, e.g.,
around the UV light tube 148, in a swirling fashion to provide
additional exposure to UV light. In another embodiment, the UV
light tube 148 of the UV light source 146 may be wrapped around the
UV-transparent portion 144 of the reduced-pressure conduit 120. It
should also be understood that while a single UV light tube 148 is
shown, multiple UV light tubes may be used. Moreover, as shown in
FIG. 3, multiple tubes may be placed around the canister 122 as
will be described.
[0031] In preparing the canister 122 for use in the system 100, the
canister 122 may be sterilized by irradiating the canister 122 with
gamma radiation. The gamma radiation often causes the canister 122
to become relatively darker in tone, e.g., from a white to a dark
yellow in some instances. Thus, at the time treatment using the
system 100 is initiated, the canister 122 may have a darker tone
relative to the pre-sterilized tone. Exposing the canister 122 to
UV light may, however, modify the tone of the canister 122 to a
lighter tone relative to the post-sterilization tone. In some
instances, the tone of the canister 122 lightens such that the tone
is substantially comparable to the original tone, i.e., the
pre-sterilization tone. The change in tone may be useful in
confirming effectiveness of the system 100. By noting a change in
tone of the canister 122 from a relatively darker tone to a
relatively lighter tone, the user may be assured that the UV light
source 146 is functioning and is fully irradiating the canister
122.
[0032] Referring now primarily to FIG. 2, another illustrative
embodiment of a system 100 for removing fluids 102 from a patient
is presented. The system 100 is analogous in most respects to FIG.
1, and accordingly, some parts are labeled but not further
described here. As in previous embodiments, the fluids 102 are
removed from the patient 104 using a liquid receptor 117 and
delivered through a reduced-pressure conduit 120 to a canister 122
formed with a plurality of walls, e.g., walls 128, 130, 132. In
this illustrative embodiment, a portion of the wall 130 includes
UV-transparent portions 160 that allow UV light from a UV light
source 146 to enter into the inside of the canister 122 to kill
pathogens. The UV transparent portions 160 may be used in addition
to or in lieu of the UV-transparent portion 144 of the
reduced-pressure conduit 120. Thus, when included as an addition,
UV light entering the UV transparent portions 160 may kill any
pathogens that may not have been killed as the pathogens traveled
through the reduced-pressure conduit 120 in the UV-transparent
portion 144. An additional reflector 149 may be added to direct UV
light.
[0033] Referring now primarily to FIG. 3, another illustrative
embodiment of a system 100 for removing fluids 102 is presented
that is analogous to the previous illustrative embodiments with two
main exceptions. First, the reduced-pressure conduit 120 may
directly enter the canister 122 without exposure to a UV light
source 146. Alternatively, the reduced-pressure conduit 120 may be
exposed to a UV light before entering the canister 122. Second, the
UV light source 146 comprises a plurality of UV light tubes 148
distributed at numerous locations relative to the canister 122. The
walls 130 and 132 have UV-transparent portions 160 that allow the
UV light from UV light source 146 to enter into the fluid reservoir
138. The UV light tubes 148 are configured to expose fluids within
the canister 122 to UV light at least through the UV-transparent
portions 160. The UV light kills substantially all the pathogens
within the fluid 102 in the fluid reservoir 138. In this
illustrative embodiment, the UV light source 146 may be
continuously powered during operation or may be pulsed or used at
intervals.
[0034] Although the present invention and its advantages have been
disclosed in the context of certain illustrative, non-limiting
embodiments, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions, permutations, and alterations can be made without
departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. It will be appreciated that any feature that is
described in connection to any one embodiment may also be
applicable to any other embodiment. For example, the UV-transparent
portion 144 on reduced-pressure conduit 120 shown in FIG. 1 may be
incorporated with the UV light source 146 entering the canister 122
fort the arrangement shown in FIG. 3.
[0035] It will be understood that the benefits and advantages
described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to
several embodiments. It will further be understood that reference
to "an" item refers to one or more of those items.
[0036] The steps of the methods described herein may be carried out
in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate.
[0037] Where appropriate, aspects of any of the embodiments
described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other
embodiments described to form further examples having comparable or
different properties and addressing the same or different
problems.
[0038] It will be understood that the above description of
preferred embodiments is given by way of example only and that
various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. The
above specification, examples and data provide a complete
description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of
the invention. Although various embodiments of the invention have
been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or
with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled
in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed
embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.
* * * * *