U.S. patent application number 16/540235 was filed with the patent office on 2019-12-05 for system and method for interfacing with a reduced pressure dressing.
The applicant listed for this patent is KCI Licensing, Inc.. Invention is credited to Christopher Brian LOCKE, Justin Alexander LONG, Larry Tab RANDOLPH, Aidan Marcus TOUT.
Application Number | 20190365968 16/540235 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44513139 |
Filed Date | 2019-12-05 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190365968 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LONG; Justin Alexander ; et
al. |
December 5, 2019 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTERFACING WITH A REDUCED PRESSURE
DRESSING
Abstract
Systems, devices, and methods for treating a tissue site on a
patient with reduced pressure are presented. In one instance, a
reduced-pressure interface includes a conduit housing having a
cavity divided by a dividing wall into a
reduced-pressure-application region and a pressure-detection
region. The reduced-pressure interface further includes a
reduced-pressure port disposed within the
reduced-pressure-application region, a pressure-detection port
disposed within the pressure-detection region, and a base connected
to the conduit housing, the base having a manifold-contacting
surface. The dividing wall includes a surface substantially
coplanar with the manifold-contacting surface.
Inventors: |
LONG; Justin Alexander;
(Lago Vista, TX) ; TOUT; Aidan Marcus; (Alderbury,
GB) ; RANDOLPH; Larry Tab; (San Antonio, TX) ;
LOCKE; Christopher Brian; (Bournemouth, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KCI Licensing, Inc. |
San Antonio |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
44513139 |
Appl. No.: |
16/540235 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14185326 |
Feb 20, 2014 |
10420868 |
|
|
16540235 |
|
|
|
|
13183929 |
Jul 15, 2011 |
8690845 |
|
|
14185326 |
|
|
|
|
61365252 |
Jul 16, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 1/0094 20140204;
A61M 1/0088 20130101; A61M 2205/3344 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61M 1/00 20060101
A61M001/00 |
Claims
1. A reduced-pressure treatment interface, comprising: a housing
having a first cavity separated from a second cavity by a wall; a
reduced-pressure port in the wall facing the first cavity; a
pressure-detection port within the second cavity; a flange
connected to the housing; and at least one channel fluidly coupling
the first cavity to the second cavity.
2. The reduced-pressure treatment interface of claim 1, further
comprising a fluid-trap within the second cavity.
3. The reduced-pressure treatment interface of claim 2, wherein the
fluid-trap further comprises a flow-concentration region.
4. The reduced-pressure treatment interface of claim 3, wherein the
flow-concentration region is fluidly coupled to the at least one
channel.
5. The reduced-pressure treatment interface of claim 4, wherein the
fluid-trap is partially recessed within the second cavity.
6. The reduced-pressure treatment interface of claim 5, wherein the
fluid trap forms a basin.
7. The reduced-pressure treatment interface of claim 6, wherein the
basin is at least partially surrounded by a first basin wall and a
second basin wall.
8. The reduced-pressure treatment interface of claim 7, wherein the
first basin wall and the second basin wall converge at an apex.
9. The reduced-pressure treatment interface of claim 8, wherein the
first basin wall and the second basin wall form an acute angle at
the apex.
10. The reduced-pressure treatment interface of claim 9, wherein
the flow-concentration region is configured to concentrate a flow
of fluids into the apex.
11. The reduced-pressure treatment interface of claim 1, wherein
the at least one channel is disposed in a manifold contacting
surface of the flange.
12. A system for treating a tissue site, comprising: a manifold
proximate the tissue site; a sealing member placed over the
manifold; a reduced-pressure interface in fluid communication with
the manifold, the reduced-pressure interface comprising: a housing
having a first cavity separated from a second cavity by a wall, a
reduced-pressure port located within a surface of the wall facing
the first cavity, a pressure-detection port within the second
cavity, a flange connected to the housing, the flange having a
manifold-contacting surface, and at least one channel disposed in
the manifold-contacting surface of the flange fluidly coupling the
first cavity to the second cavity; and a reduced-pressure source
fluidly coupled to the reduced-pressure port.
13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a fluid-trap within
the second cavity.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the fluid-trap further
comprises a flow-concentration region.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the flow-concentration region
is fluidly coupled to the at least one channel.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the fluid-trap is partially
recessed within the second cavity.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the fluid-trap forms a
basin.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the basin is at least partially
surrounded by a first basin wall and a second basin wall.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the first basin wall and the
second basin wall converge at an apex.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the first basin wall and the
second basin wall form an acute angle at the basin.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the flow-concentration region
is configured to concentrate a flow of fluids into the apex.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/185,326, filed Feb. 20, 2014, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/183,929, filed
Jul. 15, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,690,845, which claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/365,252, filed Jul.
16, 2010, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to medical treatment
systems, and more particularly, to reduced-pressure treatment
systems, apparatuses, and methods for applying reduced pressure to
a tissue site.
2. Description of Related Art
[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,
including faster healing and increased formulation of granulation
tissue. Typically, reduced pressure is applied to tissue through a
porous pad or other manifolding 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.
The porous pad often is incorporated into a dressing having other
components that facilitate treatment.
SUMMARY
[0004] The problems presented by existing reduced-pressure systems
are solved by the systems, apparatuses, and methods of the
illustrative embodiments described herein. In one embodiment, a
reduced-pressure interface for connecting a reduced-pressure source
to a manifold pad to treat a tissue site on a patient with reduced
pressure is provided and includes a conduit housing having a cavity
divided by a dividing wall into a reduced-pressure-application
region and a pressure-detection region. The reduced-pressure
interface further includes a reduced-pressure port disposed within
the reduced-pressure-application region, a pressure-detection port
disposed within the pressure-detection region, and a base connected
to the conduit housing, the base having a manifold-contacting
surface. The dividing wall includes a surface substantially
coplanar with the manifold-contacting surface.
[0005] In another illustrative embodiment, a reduced-pressure
interface for connecting a reduced-pressure source to a manifold
pad to treat a tissue site on a patient with reduced pressure
includes a conduit housing having a first cavity and a second
cavity, the first cavity separated from the second cavity by a
wall. The reduced-pressure interface further includes a
reduced-pressure port within the first cavity, a pressure-detection
port within the second cavity, a flange connected to the conduit
housing, the flange having a manifold-contacting surface, and at
least one channel disposed in the manifold-contacting surface of
the flange to transmit reduced pressure from the first cavity to
the second cavity.
[0006] In another illustrative embodiment, a reduced-pressure
interface for connecting a reduced-pressure source to a manifold
pad to treat a tissue site on a patient with reduced pressure
includes a conduit housing having a cavity divided by a dividing
wall into a reduced-pressure-application region and a
pressure-detection region. The reduced-pressure source further
includes a pressure-detection lumen disposed within the
pressure-detection region, at least one fluid trap within the
pressure-detection region proximate the pressure-detection lumen,
and a base connected to the conduit housing, the base having a
manifold-contacting surface.
[0007] In another illustrative embodiment, a method of providing
reduced-pressure treatment to a tissue site of a patient includes
positioning a reduced-pressure interface proximate a manifold pad
positioned at the tissue site. A portion of the manifold pad is
drawn into a first cavity of the reduced-pressure interface by
delivering a reduced pressure to the first cavity, and a fluid
flows between a cavity surface of the first cavity and the manifold
pad.
[0008] In another illustrative embodiment, a reduced-pressure
treatment system for treating a tissue site on a patient includes a
manifold pad for placing proximate the tissue site and a
reduced-pressure interface fluidly coupled to the manifold pad. The
reduced-pressure interface includes a conduit housing having a
cavity divided by a dividing wall into a
reduced-pressure-application region and a pressure-detection
region. The reduced-pressure interface further includes a
reduced-pressure port disposed within the
reduced-pressure-application region, a pressure-detection port
disposed within the pressure-detection region, a base connected to
the conduit housing, the base having a manifold-contacting surface,
and wherein the dividing wall includes a surface substantially
coplanar with the manifold-contacting surface. The reduced-pressure
treatment system further includes a reduced-pressure source fluidly
coupled to the reduced-pressure interface and operable to supply
reduced pressure to the manifold pad.
[0009] In another illustrative embodiment, a reduced-pressure
treatment system for treating a tissue site on a patient includes a
manifold pad for placing proximate the tissue site and a
reduced-pressure interface fluidly coupled to the manifold pad. The
reduced-pressure interface includes a conduit housing having a
first cavity and a second cavity, and a wall for separating the
first cavity from the second cavity. The reduced-pressure interface
further includes a reduced-pressure port within the first cavity, a
pressure-detection port within the second cavity, a flange
connected to the conduit housing, the flange having a
manifold-contacting surface, and at least one channel disposed in
the manifold-contacting surface of the flange to transmit reduced
pressure from the first cavity to the second cavity. The
reduced-pressure treatment system further includes a
reduced-pressure source fluidly coupled to the reduced-pressure
interface and operable to supply reduced pressure to the manifold
pad.
[0010] In another illustrative embodiment, a reduced-pressure
treatment system for treating a tissue site on a patient includes a
manifold pad for placing proximate the tissue site and a
reduced-pressure interface fluidly coupled to the manifold pad. The
reduced-pressure interface includes a conduit housing having a
cavity divided by a dividing wall into a
reduced-pressure-application region and a pressure-detection
region. The reduced-pressure interface further includes a
pressure-detection lumen disposed within the pressure-detection
region, at least one fluid trap within the pressure-detection
region proximate the pressure-detection lumen, and a base connected
to the conduit housing having a manifold-contacting surface. The
reduced-pressure treatment system further includes a
reduced-pressure source fluidly coupled to the reduced-pressure
interface and operable to supply reduced pressure to the manifold
pad.
[0011] Other objects, 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
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram, in perspective view
with a portion in cross-section, of a reduced-pressure treatment
system for applying reduced pressure to a tissue site, according to
an illustrative embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a reduced-pressure
interface of the reduced-pressure treatment system of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the reduced-pressure
interface of FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom, perspective view of the
reduced-pressure interface of FIG. 2;
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the reduced-pressure
interface of FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 5A illustrates a detailed view of a portion or the
reduced-pressure interface of FIG. 5;
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional, side view of the
reduced-pressure interface of FIG. 5 taken at line 6-6;
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional, side view of the
reduced-pressure interface of FIG. 5 taken at line 7-7;
[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom view of the reduced-pressure
interface of FIG. 2; and
[0021] FIG. 8A illustrates a detailed view of a portion of the
reduced-pressure interface of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0022] In the following detailed description of the illustrative
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. Unless otherwise indicated, as used herein, "or" does not
require mutual exclusivity.
[0023] The term "reduced pressure" as used herein generally refers
to 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 is located. Alternatively, the reduced pressure may be less
than a hydrostatic pressure associated with tissue at the tissue
site. Although the terms "vacuum" and "negative pressure" may be
used to describe the pressure applied to the tissue site, the
actual pressure reduction applied to the tissue site may be
significantly less than the pressure reduction normally associated
with a complete vacuum. Reduced pressure may initially generate
fluid flow in the area of the tissue site. As the hydrostatic
pressure around the tissue site approaches the desired reduced
pressure, the flow may subside, and the reduced pressure is then
maintained. Unless otherwise indicated, values of pressure stated
herein are gauge pressures. Similarly, references to increases in
reduced pressure typically refer to a decrease in absolute
pressure, while decreases in reduced pressure typically refer to an
increase in absolute pressure.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, an illustrative embodiment of a
reduced-pressure treatment system 100 for treating a tissue site
101 on a patient with reduced pressure includes a dressing 102
placed proximate to the tissue site 101, and a reduced-pressure
treatment device 104 fluidly coupled to the dressing 102. As used
herein, the term "tissue site" may refer to a wound or defect
located on or within any tissue, including but not limited to, bone
tissue, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, neural tissue, dermal
tissue, vascular tissue, connective tissue, cartilage, tendons, or
ligaments. The term "tissue site" may further refer to areas of any
tissue that are not necessarily wounded or defective, but are
instead areas in which it is desired to add or promote the growth
of additional tissue. For example, reduced pressure tissue
treatment may be used in certain tissue areas to grow additional
tissue that may be harvested and transplanted to another tissue
location.
[0025] The dressing 102 may include a manifold pad 106 place
proximate the tissue site 101, a reduced-pressure interface 108
fluidly coupled to the manifold pad 106, and a sealing member 110.
The sealing member 110, or drape, may be placed over the manifold
pad 106 and a portion of a patient's epidermis 103 to create a
fluid seal between the sealing member 110 and the epidermis 103.
The sealing member 110 may include an adhesive 109 or bonding agent
to secure the sealing member 110 to the epidermis 103. In one
embodiment, the adhesive 109 may be used to create a seal between
the sealing member 110 and the epidermis 103 to prevent leakage of
reduced pressure from the tissue site 101. In another embodiment, a
seal layer (not shown) such as, for example, a hydrogel or other
material may be disposed between the sealing member 110 and the
epidermis 103 to augment or substitute for the sealing properties
of the adhesive 109. As used herein, "fluid seal" means a seal
adequate to maintain reduced pressure at a desired site given the
particular reduced-pressure source involved.
[0026] 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
the tissue site 101. The manifold pad 106 typically includes a
plurality of flow channels or pathways that distribute fluids
provided to and removed from the tissue site around the manifold
pad 106. In one illustrative embodiment, the flow channels or
pathways are interconnected to improve distribution of fluids
provided or removed from the tissue site 101. Examples of manifold
pads 106 may include, for example, without limitation, devices that
have structural elements arranged to form flow channels, such as,
for example, cellular foam, open-cell foam, porous tissue
collections, liquids, gels, and foams that include, or cure to
include, flow channels. In one embodiment, the manifold pad 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. Other embodiments may include closed cells.
[0027] The reduced-pressure interface 108 may be positioned
adjacent to or coupled to the sealing member 110 to provide fluid
access to the manifold pad 106. In one embodiment, the sealing
member 110 is placed over the reduced-pressure interface 108 and a
portion of the patient's epidermis 103 to create a fluid seal
between the sealing member 110 and the epidermis 103. The sealing
member 110 has an aperture (not shown) for providing fluid access
between the reduced-pressure interface 108 and the manifold pad
106. The sealing member 110 is placed adjacent to the manifold pad
106 to create a fluid seal between the sealing member 110 and the
epidermis 103. The reduced-pressure interface 108 is placed on top
of and fluidly sealed to the sealing member 110. A reduced-pressure
delivery conduit 112 fluidly couples the reduced-pressure treatment
device 104 and the reduced-pressure interface 108. The
reduced-pressure interface 108 allows the reduced pressure to be
delivered to the tissue site 101. While the amount and nature of
reduced pressure applied to the tissue site 101 will typically vary
according to the application, the reduced-pressure treatment device
104 will typically provide reduced pressure between -5 mm Hg and
-500 mm Hg and more typically between -100 mm Hg and -300 mm
Hg.
[0028] The reduced-pressure treatment device 104 may include a
collection canister 114 in fluid communication with a
reduced-pressure source 116. The reduced-pressure delivery conduit
112 may be a multi-lumen tube that provides a continuous conduit
between the reduced-pressure interface 108 and an inlet 120
positioned on the collection canister 114. Liquids or exudates
communicated from the manifold pad 106 through the reduced-pressure
delivery conduit 112 are removed from the reduced-pressure delivery
conduit 112 and retained within the collection canister 114.
[0029] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the
reduced-pressure source 116 is an electrically-driven vacuum pump.
In another implementation, the reduced-pressure source 116 may
instead be a manually-actuated or manually-charged pump that does
not require electrical power. The reduced-pressure source 116
instead may be any other type of reduced pressure pump, or
alternatively a wall suction port such as those available in
hospitals and other medical facilities. The reduced-pressure source
116 may be housed within or used in conjunction with the
reduced-pressure treatment device 104, which may also contain
sensors, processing units, alarm indicators, memory, databases,
software, display units, and user interfaces 111 that further
facilitate the application of reduced pressure treatment to the
tissue site 101. In one example, pressure-detection sensors (not
shown) may be disposed at or near the reduced-pressure source 116.
The pressure-detection sensors may be fluidly connected to one or
more lumens in the reduced-pressure delivery conduit 112 such that
a pressure reading identical to or approximating the pressure at
the tissue site may be ascertained. The pressure-detection sensors
may communicate with a processing unit that monitors and controls
the reduced pressure that is delivered by the reduced-pressure
source 116.
[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 2-8A, an illustrative embodiment of
the reduced-pressure interface 108 is presented in more detail. The
reduced-pressure interface 108 includes a conduit housing 126 and a
base 128. The conduit housing 126 includes a cavity 130 that may be
"dome" shaped. The cavity 130 may be divided by a wall or dividing
wall 132 into a first cavity 134 and a second cavity 136. The first
cavity 134 is a reduced-pressure-application region 138 and the
second cavity 136 is a pressure-detection region 140.
[0031] The reduced-pressure-application region 138 includes a
reduced-pressure port 142 connected to a reduced-pressure lumen
144. The reduced-pressure port 142 and the reduced-pressure lumen
144 are operable to deliver reduced pressure to, and remove fluids
from, the manifold pad 106 (see FIG. 1). The
reduced-pressure-application region 138 may further include ridges
146. In an alternative embodiment, (not shown) the ridges 146 may
be combined with, or substituted for, channels. Since the manifold
pad 106 may be drawn into the first cavity 134 when reduced
pressure is applied, the ridges 146 (or channels) may help prevent
the manifold pad 106 from creating a seal against a cavity surface
148 of the reduced-pressure-application region 138.
[0032] Referring primarily to FIG. 5A, but also with reference to
FIGS. 2-8A, the pressure-detection region 140 includes a first
pressure-detection port 150 connected to a first pressure-detection
lumen 152 and in one embodiment may further include a second
pressure-detection port 154 connected to a second
pressure-detection lumen 156. The pressure-detection ports 150, 154
and the respective pressure-detection lumens 152, 156 may permit
fluid communication with the pressure-detection sensors located in
the reduced-pressure treatment device 104 (see FIG. 1) such that
the pressure or pressure fluctuations at the tissue site may be
ascertained. As previously noted, information regarding pressure
data and fluctuations may be communicated via reduced-pressure
delivery conduit 112 (see FIG. 1). In the embodiments in which two
pressure detection ports 150, 154 are provided, the first
pressure-detection port 150 and the first pressure-detection lumen
152 are physically separate from the second pressure-detection port
154 and second pressure-detection lumen 156 to help reduce the
possibility of both pressure-detection lumens 152, 156 being
blocked by exudates or other means of blockage.
[0033] Referring again to FIGS. 2-8A, the first pressure-detection
port and lumen 150 and 152 may be physically separated from the
second pressure-detection port and lumen 154 and 156 by a barrier
157. The barrier 157 includes a surface 172 that may be
substantially coplanar with a surface 170 of the dividing wall 132.
The barrier 157 may include a first portion 186 substantially
perpendicular to a second portion 188. The first portion 186 is
substantially perpendicular to and connected to the dividing wall
132 and separates the first pressure-detection port and lumen 150
and 152 from the second pressure-detection port and lumen 154 and
156. The first portion 186 may be attached to the reduced-pressure
lumen 144 at a first position 179 and a second position 181,
wherein the first position 179 is opposed to the second position
181, to maintain separation between the pressure-detection lumens
152, 156. The second portion 188 of the barrier 157 may be
substantially parallel to the dividing wall 132. The second portion
188 may function to shield the pressure-detection ports 150, 154
from fluids entering the pressure-detection region 140.
[0034] Referring now primarily to FIG. 8A, the pressure-detection
region 140 may further include a first fluid trap 158 proximate the
first pressure-detection port 150 for trapping or discouraging
liquids from entering the first pressure-detection port 150. The
first fluid trap 158 may include a first flow concentration region
160 for diverting fluids trapped in the first fluid trap 158 out of
the pressure-detection region 140. Likewise, the pressure-detection
region 140 may include a second fluid trap 162 proximate the second
pressure-detection port 154 for trapping liquids from entering the
second pressure-detection port 154. The second fluid trap 162 may
include a second flow concentration region 164 for diverting fluids
trapped in the second fluid trap 162 out of the pressure-detection
region 140. The first fluid trap 158 and the second fluid trap 162
may be partially recessed within the pressure-detection region 140.
The first fluid trap 158 may form a first basin 189 at least
partially surrounded by first basin walls 191, and the second fluid
trap 162 may form a second basin 190 at least partially surrounded
by second basin walls 192.
[0035] The first flow concentration region 160 may have a first
apex 161 formed at the divergence of at least two of the first
basin walls 191 to create an acute angle, and the second flow
concentration region 164 may have a second apex 165 formed at the
divergence of at least two of the second basin walls 192 to create
an acute angle. The first apex 161 may be diametrically opposed to
the second apex 165. The flow concentration regions 160, 164
concentrate the flow of fluids into their respective apexes 161,
165. The first apex 161 may help divert fluids from the
pressure-detection region 140 into the base 128 along a flow path
182. Likewise, the second apex 165 may help divert fluids from the
pressure-detection region 140 into the base 128 along a flow path
184.
[0036] Referring again to FIGS. 2-8A, the base 128 of the
reduced-pressure interface 108 may be a flange 166. The base 128 is
connected to the conduit housing 126 and has a manifold-contacting
surface 168. The manifold-contacting surface 168 may be
substantially coplanar with the surfaces 170 of dividing wall 132
and the surfaces 172 of barrier 157.
[0037] The base 128 may include one or more channels 174 disposed
in the manifold-contacting surface 168 for transmitting reduced
pressure and fluids between the reduced-pressure-application region
138 and pressure-detection region 140. For example, the base 128
may include at least one continuous, circumferential channel 175.
If more than one circumferential channels 175 are provided, the
channels may be concentrically arranged. The base 128 may further
include at least one first radial channel 176 or at least one
second radial channel 178 disposed in the manifold-contacting
surface 168. The first radial channel 176 may be in fluid
communication with the reduced-pressure-application region 138 and
the second radial channel 178 may be in fluid communication with
the pressure-detection region 140. The circumferential channel 175
provides fluid communication between the first radial channel 176
and the second radial channel 178 for communicating
reduced-pressure and fluids between the
reduced-pressure-application region 138 and the pressure-detection
region 140.
[0038] In operation, the channels 174 may transmit reduced pressure
from the reduced-pressure-application region 138 to the
pressure-detection region 140. Likewise, the channels 174 may help
divert fluids from the apexes 161, 165 along respective flow paths
182, 184 into the reduced-pressure-application region 138.
[0039] In one embodiment, a method for providing reduced pressure
treatment to a tissue site 101 includes positioning the
reduced-pressure interface 108 proximate the manifold pad 106
positioned at the tissue site 101. The method may also include
drawing a portion of the manifold pad 106 into the first cavity 134
of the reduced-pressure interface 108 by delivering the reduced
pressure to the first cavity 134. The portion of the manifold pad
106 drawn into the first cavity 134 may substantially or completely
fill the first cavity 134 such that the portion of the manifold pad
106 is in physical contact with the cavity surface 148 or the
reduced-pressure port 142. In this embodiment, fluid may flow
between the cavity surface 148 and the manifold pad 106. Fluid may
be directed between the ridges 146 positioned on the cavity surface
148. Additionally, pressure within the second cavity 136 may be
monitored.
[0040] In operation, drawing the portion of the manifold pad 106
into the first cavity 134 may allow the portion of the manifold pad
106 to decompress creating a pressure gradient within the manifold
pad 106. The pressure gradient created within the manifold pad 106
may help encourage fluids towards the reduced-pressure port
142.
[0041] The reduced-pressure interface 108 may be constructed from
materials known in the art that provide the appropriate flexibility
and comfort to the patient while maintaining sufficient rigidity or
resilience to maintain fluid communication pathways, such as ports,
lumens, and channels.
[0042] It should be apparent from the foregoing that an invention
having significant advantages has been provided. While the
invention is shown in only a few of its forms, it is not just
limited but is susceptible to various changes and modifications
without departing from the spirit thereof.
* * * * *