U.S. patent application number 16/704837 was filed with the patent office on 2020-04-16 for negative pressure therapy with dynamic profile capability.
The applicant listed for this patent is KCI Licensing, Inc.. Invention is credited to Christopher Brian LOCKE, Benjamin Andrew PRATT.
Application Number | 20200114051 16/704837 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50240042 |
Filed Date | 2020-04-16 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200114051 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PRATT; Benjamin Andrew ; et
al. |
April 16, 2020 |
NEGATIVE PRESSURE THERAPY WITH DYNAMIC PROFILE CAPABILITY
Abstract
An apparatus and system for fluidly connecting a
reduced-pressure source to a dressing and a method for
manufacturing and using the same include a base having an aperture
and a wall having a peripheral portion coupled to the base. The
wall may form a cavity in fluid communication with the aperture.
The apparatus also may include a conduit port fluidly coupled to
the cavity and adapted to receive a conduit. The base may be
adapted to couple to the dressing, and the wall may be adapted to
collapse from a first position to a second position in response to
a supply of reduced pressure from the reduced-pressure source.
Inventors: |
PRATT; Benjamin Andrew;
(Poole, GB) ; LOCKE; Christopher Brian;
(Bournemouth, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KCI Licensing, Inc. |
San Antonio |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50240042 |
Appl. No.: |
16/704837 |
Filed: |
December 5, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15495151 |
Apr 24, 2017 |
10532137 |
|
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16704837 |
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|
14186534 |
Feb 21, 2014 |
9662429 |
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15495151 |
|
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|
61784797 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/0216 20130101;
A61M 1/0096 20140204; A61M 39/1011 20130101; A61M 39/12 20130101;
A61F 13/0206 20130101; A61F 13/00068 20130101; Y10T 156/10
20150115; A61M 1/0009 20130101; A61M 1/0084 20130101; A61M 1/0023
20130101; A61M 1/0086 20140204; A61F 2013/0017 20130101; A61M
2205/3344 20130101; A61M 1/009 20140204; A61M 2205/52 20130101;
A61F 2013/00174 20130101; A61M 1/0066 20130101; A61M 2205/18
20130101; A61M 1/0031 20130101; A61M 2205/7536 20130101; A61M
1/0027 20140204; A61M 1/0088 20130101; A61M 2207/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61M 1/00 20060101
A61M001/00; A61F 13/02 20060101 A61F013/02; A61M 39/12 20060101
A61M039/12; A61M 39/10 20060101 A61M039/10; A61F 13/00 20060101
A61F013/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for fluidly connecting a reduced-pressure source to
a dressing, the apparatus comprising: a base having an aperture; a
wall having a peripheral portion coupled to the base, the wall
forming a cavity in fluid communication with the aperture; and a
conduit port fluidly coupled to the cavity and adapted to receive a
conduit; wherein the base is adapted to couple to the dressing and
the wall is adapted to collapse from a first position to a second
position in response to a supply of reduced pressure from the
reduced-pressure source, and wherein when the wall is in the second
position, a maximum height of the apparatus is equal to a height of
the conduit port.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wall has a thickness in a
range of about 0.60 mm to about 2.00 mm.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wall comprises a polymer
having a durometer in a range of about 25 Shore A to about 100
Shore A.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wall comprises a polymer
having a durometer in a range of about 25 Shore A to about 100
Shore A and a thickness in a range of about 0.60 mm to about 2.00
mm.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wall has a sloping profile
when the wall is in the second position.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the sloping profile has a
height of about 1.25 mm to a height of about 4.25 mm.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cavity has a first volume
when the wall is in the first position, a second volume when the
wall is in the second position, and the first volume is greater
than the second volume.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cavity has a height from a
top of the base to a top of the wall of about 3 mm.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a conduit having a
diameter of about 2 mm, a first end adapted to be inserted into the
conduit port, and a second end adapted to be inserted into a larger
conduit.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a filter disposed
within the aperture.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the filter has a thickness
less than the thickness of the base.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the filter is welded to the
base.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pressure sensor
coupled to the cavity.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pressure sensing
lumen disposed in the conduit port and adapted to be coupled to the
reduced pressure source.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the wall is in the first
position, the first position extends vertically from the base and
slopes horizontally toward an apex of the wall.
16. A system for treating a tissue site with reduced pressure, the
system comprising: a manifold adapted to be placed proximate to the
tissue site; a sealing member adapted to cover the manifold to form
a sealed space; a reduced-pressure source adapted to supply reduced
pressure to the manifold; and a connector comprising: a base having
an aperture and adapted to be coupled to the sealing member; a wall
having a peripheral portion coupled to the base, the wall forming a
cavity in fluid communication with the aperture; and a conduit port
fluidly coupled to the cavity and adapted to receive a conduit;
wherein the wall is adapted to collapse from a first position to a
second position in response to a supply of reduced pressure from
the reduced-pressure source, and wherein when the wall is in the
second position, a maximum height of the apparatus is equal to a
height of the conduit port.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the wall has a thickness in
a range of about 0.60 mm to about 2.00 mm.
18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the wall comprises a polymer
having a durometer in a range of about 25 Shore A to about 100
Shore A.
19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the wall comprises a polymer
having a durometer in a range of about 25 Shore A to about 100
Shore A and a thickness in a range of about 0.60 mm to about 2.00
mm.
20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the wall has a sloping
profile when the wall is in the second position.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the sloping profile has a
height of about 1.25 mm to a height of about 4.25 mm.
22. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the cavity has a first
volume when the wall is in the first position, a second volume when
the wall is in the second position, and the first volume is greater
than the second volume.
23. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the cavity has a height from
a top of the base to a top of the wall of about 3 mm.
24. The system of claim 16, wherein the conduit comprises a
diameter of about 2 mm, a first end inserted into the conduit port,
and a second end adapted to be inserted into a lumen of a tube
fluidly coupling the reduced-pressure source to the connector.
25. The system of claim 16, further comprising an adhesive coupled
to the base and adapted to couple the base to the sealing member,
the adhesive adapted to create a fluid seal between the base and
the sealing member.
26. The system of claim 16, further comprising an instillation
module adapted to be coupled to the connector to supply
instillation fluid to the tissue site through the cavity.
27. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a filter disposed
within the aperture.
28. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a pressure
sensing lumen disposed in the conduit port and adapted to be
coupled to the reduced pressure source.
29. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein when the wall is in the
first position, the first position extends vertically from the base
and slopes horizontally toward an apex of the wall.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/495,151, filed Apr. 24, 2017, which is a
division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/186,534, filed Feb.
21, 2014, which claims benefit, under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e), of
the filing of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/784,797
filed Mar. 14, 2013, the disclosures of which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to systems,
apparatuses, and methods for providing negative pressure therapy to
a tissue site. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the
present disclosure relates to a dressing connector having a dynamic
profile.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Clinical studies and practice have shown that reducing
pressure in proximity to a tissue site can augment and accelerate
growth of new tissue at the tissue site. The applications of this
phenomenon are numerous, but is has proven particularly
advantageous for treating wounds. Regardless of the etiology of a
wound, whether trauma, surgery, or another cause, proper care of
the wound is important to the outcome. Treatment of wounds with
reduced pressure may be commonly referred to as "reduced-pressure
wound therapy," but is also known by other names, including
"negative-pressure therapy," "negative pressure wound therapy," and
"vacuum therapy," for example. Reduced-pressure therapy may provide
a number of benefits, including migration of epithelial and
subcutaneous tissues, improved blood flow, and micro-deformation of
tissue at a wound site. Together, these benefits can increase
development of granulation tissue and reduce healing times.
[0004] While the clinical benefits of reduced-pressure therapy are
widely known, the profile of a dressing can be a limiting factor in
its application to some tissue sites. For example, many dressings
are coupled to a reduced-pressure source through a connection pad.
The profile of a dressing and connection pad can cause significant
discomfort or secondary damage to a tissue site if the tissue site
bears any weight of a patient, such as on a foot, a sacrum, or the
back of a bed-ridden patient. Thus, the development and operation
of reduced-pressure systems, components, and processes continues to
present significant challenges to manufacturers, healthcare
providers, and patients.
SUMMARY
[0005] According to an illustrative exemplary embodiment, an
apparatus for fluidly connecting a reduced-pressure source to a
dressing is described. The apparatus may include a base having an
aperture and a wall having a peripheral portion coupled to the
base. The wall forms a cavity in fluid communication with the
aperture. The apparatus also may include a conduit port fluidly
coupled to the cavity and adapted to receive a conduit. The base
may be adapted to couple to the dressing, and the wall may be
adapted to collapse from a first position to a second position in
response to a supply of reduced pressure from the reduced-pressure
source.
[0006] According to another illustrative exemplary embodiment, a
system for treating a tissue site with reduced pressure is
described. The system may include a manifold adapted to be placed
proximate to the tissue site and a sealing member adapted to cover
the manifold and a portion of intact epidermis to form a sealed
space. The system also may include a reduced-pressure source
adapted to supply reduced pressure to the manifold and a connector
adapted to fluidly couple the reduced pressure source to the
manifold through the sealing member. The connector may include a
wall forming a cavity. The wall may be adapted to transition
between a first position and a second position in response to a
supply of reduced pressure. The connector also may include a
conduit port adapted to fluidly couple the cavity to a conduit. The
connector further may include a base extending from a peripheral
portion of the wall and adapted to be coupled to the sealing
member.
[0007] According to yet another illustrative exemplary embodiment,
a method of manufacturing an apparatus for fluidly connecting a
reduced-pressure source to a dressing is described. A base having
an aperture may be formed and a wall having a peripheral portion
may be coupled to the base. The wall may form a cavity in fluid
communication with the aperture. A conduit port may be fluidly
coupled to the cavity. The conduit port may be adapted to receive a
conduit. The base may be adapted to couple to the dressing, and the
wall may be adapted to collapse from a first position to a second
position in response to a supply of reduced pressure from the
reduced-pressure source.
[0008] According to still another embodiment, a method of treating
a tissue site with reduced pressure is described. A manifold may be
disposed proximate to the tissue site, and a sealing member may be
secured over the manifold and a portion of intact epidermis to form
a sealed space. The sealing member may have an opening formed
therein. A connector may be coupled to the sealing member proximate
to the opening. A reduced-pressure source may be fluidly coupled to
the connector to supply reduced pressure to the manifold. The
connector may include a base having an aperture and a wall having a
peripheral portion coupled to the base. The wall may form a cavity
in fluid communication with the aperture. The connector may further
include a conduit port fluidly coupled to the cavity and adapted to
receive a conduit. The wall may be adapted to collapse from a first
position to a second position in response to a supply of reduced
pressure from the reduced-pressure source. Reduced pressure may be
supplied to the manifold through the connector. At least a portion
of the wall may be collapsed from the first position to the second
position when a therapeutic reduced pressure may be reached in the
sealed space.
[0009] Other aspects, features, and advantages of the illustrative
exemplary embodiments will become apparent with reference to the
drawings and detailed description that follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a reduced-pressure system for
application of reduced pressure to a tissue site;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a top view of a connector of the reduced-pressure
therapy system of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the connector of FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the connector taken along line
5-5 of FIG. 2 in a first position;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the connector having a
connector conduit fluidly coupled thereto;
[0016] FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the connector of FIG.
2;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the connector of the
reduced-pressure therapy system of FIG. 2 in a second position;
and
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0019] New and useful systems, methods, and apparatuses for
supplying reduced-pressure to a tissue site with a low profile
dressing are set forth in the appended claims. Objectives,
advantages, and a preferred mode of making and using the systems,
methods, and apparatuses may be understood best by reference to the
following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. The description provides information that enables a
person skilled in the art to make and use the claimed subject
matter, but may omit certain details already well-known in the art.
Moreover, descriptions of various alternatives using terms such as
"or" do not necessarily require mutual exclusivity unless clearly
required by the context. Reference to "an" item refers to one or
more of those items. The claimed subject matter may also encompass
alternative exemplary embodiments, variations, and equivalents not
specifically described in detail. The following detailed
description should therefore be taken as illustrative and not
limiting.
[0020] The example embodiments may also be described herein in the
context of reduced-pressure therapy applications, but many of the
features and advantages are readily applicable to other
environments and industries. Spatial relationships between various
elements or to the spatial orientation of various elements may be
described as depicted in the attached drawings. In general, such
relationships or orientations assume a frame of reference
consistent with or relative to a patient in a position to receive
reduced-pressure therapy. However, as should be recognized by those
skilled in the art, this frame of reference is merely a descriptive
expedient rather than a strict prescription.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of one exemplary embodiment of a
therapy system 100 for supplying reduced pressure to a tissue site
102 having a low profile in accordance with this specification. As
illustrated, the therapy system 100 may include a dressing 104
fluidly coupled to a reduced-pressure source 106. A regulator or
controller may also be fluidly coupled to the dressing 104 and the
reduced-pressure source 106.
[0022] The term "tissue site" in this context broadly refers to a
wound or defect located on or within tissue, including but not
limited to, bone tissue, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, neural
tissue, dermal tissue, vascular tissue, connective tissue,
cartilage, tendons, or ligaments. A wound may include chronic,
acute, traumatic, subacute, and dehisced wounds, partial-thickness
burns, ulcers (such as diabetic, pressure, or venous insufficiency
ulcers), flaps, and grafts, for example. The term "tissue site" may
also refer to areas of any tissue that are not necessarily wounded
or defective, but are instead areas in which it may be desirable to
add or promote the growth of additional tissue. For example,
reduced pressure may be used in certain tissue areas to grow
additional tissue that may be harvested and transplanted to another
tissue location.
[0023] The fluid mechanics of using a reduced-pressure source to
reduce pressure in another component or location, such as within a
sealed therapeutic environment, can be mathematically complex.
However, the basic principles of fluid mechanics applicable to
reduced-pressure therapy are generally well-known to those skilled
in the art, and the process of reducing pressure may be described
illustratively herein as "delivering," "distributing," or
"generating" reduced pressure, for example.
[0024] In general, exudates and other fluid flow toward lower
pressure along a fluid path. This orientation may generally be
presumed for purposes of describing various features and components
of reduced-pressure therapy systems herein. Thus, the term
"downstream" typically implies something in a fluid path relatively
closer to a reduced-pressure source, and conversely, the term
"upstream" implies something relatively further away from a
reduced-pressure source. Similarly, it may be convenient to
describe certain features in terms of fluid "inlet" or "outlet" in
such a frame of reference. However, the fluid path may also be
reversed in some applications (such as by substituting a
positive-pressure source for a reduced-pressure source) and this
descriptive convention should not be construed as a limiting
convention.
[0025] A reduced-pressure source, such as the reduced-pressure
source 106, may be a reservoir of air at a reduced pressure, or may
be a manually or electrically-powered device that can reduce the
pressure in a sealed volume, such as a vacuum pump, a suction pump,
a wall suction port available at many healthcare facilities, or a
micro-pump, for example. The reduced-pressure source may be housed
within or used in conjunction with other components, such as
sensors, processing units, alarm indicators, memory, databases,
software, display devices, or user interfaces that further
facilitate reduced-pressure therapy. While the amount and nature of
reduced pressure applied to a tissue site may vary according to
therapeutic requirements, the pressure typically ranges between -5
mm Hg (-667 Pa) and -500 mm Hg (-66.7 kPa). Common therapeutic
ranges are between -75 mm Hg (-9.9 kPa) and -300 mm Hg (-39.9
kPa).
[0026] In general, components of the therapy system 100 may be
coupled directly or indirectly. For example, reduced-pressure
source 106 may be directly coupled to the regulator and indirectly
coupled to the dressing 104 through the regulator. Components may
be fluidly coupled to each other to provide a path for transferring
fluid (i.e., liquid and/or gas) between the components. In some
exemplary embodiments, components may be fluidly coupled with a
tube 108, for example. A "tube," as used herein, broadly refers to
a tube, pipe, hose, conduit, or other structure with one or more
lumina adapted to convey fluid between two ends. Typically, a tube
is an elongated, cylindrical structure with some flexibility, but
the geometry and rigidity may vary. In some exemplary embodiments,
components may additionally or alternatively be coupled by virtue
of physical proximity, being integral to a single structure, or
being formed from the same piece of material. Coupling may also
include mechanical, thermal, electrical, or chemical coupling (such
as a chemical bond) in some contexts.
[0027] The dressing 104 generally may include a cover, such as a
drape 110, and a tissue interface, such as a manifold 112. The
drape 110 may be an example of a sealing member. A sealing member
may be constructed from a material that can provide a fluid seal
between two components or two environments, such as between a
therapeutic environment and a local external environment. The
sealing member may be, for example, an impermeable or
semi-permeable, elastomeric material that can provide a seal
adequate to maintain a reduced pressure at a tissue site for a
given reduced-pressure source. For semi-permeable materials, the
permeability generally should be low enough that a desired reduced
pressure may be maintained to create a sealed therapeutic
environment. An attachment device may be used to attach a sealing
member to an attachment surface, such as an undamaged epidermis, a
gasket, or another sealing member. The attachment device may take
many forms. For example, an attachment device may be a medically
acceptable, pressure-sensitive adhesive that extends about a
periphery, a portion of, or an entirety of the sealing member.
Other exemplary embodiments of an attachment device may include a
double-sided tape, paste, hydrocolloid, hydrogel, silicone gel,
organogel, or an acrylic adhesive.
[0028] The manifold 112 can be generally adapted to contact the
tissue site 102. The manifold may be partially or fully in contact
with the tissue site 102. If the tissue site 102 is a wound, for
example, the manifold 112 may partially or completely fill the
wound, or may be placed over the wound. The manifold 112 may take
many forms, and may have many sizes, shapes, or thicknesses
depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of treatment
being implemented or the nature and size of the tissue site 102.
For example, the size and shape of the manifold 112 may be adapted
to the contours of deep and irregular shaped tissue sites.
[0029] More generally, a manifold may be a substance or structure
adapted to distribute reduced pressure across a tissue site, remove
fluid from a tissue site, or both. In some exemplary embodiments,
though, a manifold may also facilitate delivering fluid across a
tissue site, if the fluid path is reversed or a secondary fluid
path is provided, for example. A manifold may include flow channels
or pathways that distribute fluid provided to and removed from a
tissue site around the manifold. In one exemplary embodiment, the
flow channels or pathways may be interconnected to improve
distribution of fluid provided to or removed from a tissue site.
For example, cellular foam, open-cell foam, porous tissue
collections, and other porous material, such as gauze or felted
mat, generally include structural elements arranged to form flow
channels. Liquids, gels, and other foams may also include or be
cured to include flow channels.
[0030] In one exemplary embodiment, the manifold 112 may be a
porous foam material having interconnected cells or pores adapted
to uniformly (or quasi-uniformly) distribute reduced pressure to
the tissue site 102. The foam material may be either hydrophobic or
hydrophilic. In one non-limiting example, the manifold 112 can be
an open-cell, reticulated polyurethane foam such as GranuFoam.RTM.
dressing available from Kinetic Concepts, Inc. of San Antonio,
Tex.
[0031] In an example in which the manifold 112 may be made from a
hydrophilic material, the manifold 112 may also wick fluid away
from the tissue site 102, while continuing to distribute reduced
pressure to the tissue site 102. The wicking properties of the
manifold 112 may draw fluid away from the tissue site 102 by
capillary flow or other wicking mechanisms. An example of a
hydrophilic foam may be a polyvinyl alcohol, open-cell foam such as
V.A.C. WhiteFoam.RTM. dressing available from Kinetic Concepts,
Inc. of San Antonio, Tex. Other hydrophilic foams may include those
made from polyether. Other foams that may exhibit hydrophilic
characteristics include hydrophobic foams that have been treated or
coated to provide hydrophilicity.
[0032] The manifold 112 may further promote granulation at the
tissue site 102 when pressure within the sealed therapeutic
environment is reduced. For example, any or all of the surfaces of
the manifold 112 may have an uneven, coarse, or jagged profile that
can induce microstrains and stresses at the tissue site 102 if
reduced pressure is applied through the manifold 112.
[0033] In one exemplary embodiment, the manifold may be constructed
from bioresorable materials. 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 112 may further serve as a scaffold for
new cell-growth, or a scaffold material may be used in conjunction
with the manifold 112 to promote cell-growth. A scaffold may
generally be 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.
[0034] In operation, the manifold 112 may be placed within, over,
on, or otherwise proximate to a tissue site, for example the tissue
site 102. The drape 110 may be placed over the manifold 112 and
sealed to tissue proximate to the tissue site 102. The tissue
proximate to the tissue site 102 may often be undamaged epidermis
peripheral to the tissue site 102. Thus, the dressing 104 can
provide the sealed therapeutic environment proximate to the tissue
site 102, substantially isolated from the external environment, and
the reduced-pressure source 106 can reduce the pressure in the
sealed therapeutic environment. An opening may be formed in the
drape 110 so that the reduced pressure source 106 may be fluidly
coupled to the sealed therapeutic environment. Reduced pressure
applied uniformly through the manifold 112 in the sealed
therapeutic environment can induce macrostrain and microstrain in
the tissue site 102, as well as remove exudates and other fluid
from the tissue site 102, which can be collected in the container
112 and disposed of properly. In an exemplary embodiment, a filter
133 may be disposed proximate to the opening to limit movement of
liquid out of the sealed therapeutic environment.
[0035] "Reduced pressure" generally refers to a pressure less than
a local ambient pressure, such as the ambient pressure in a local
environment external to a sealed therapeutic environment provided
by the dressing 104. In many cases, the local ambient pressure may
also be the atmospheric pressure at which a tissue site is located.
Alternatively, the pressure may be less than a hydrostatic pressure
associated with tissue at the tissue site. 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.
[0036] The therapy system 100 may also include a container 114. The
container 114 may be representative of a container, canister,
pouch, or other storage component that can be used to manage
exudates and other fluid withdrawn from a tissue site. In many
environments, a rigid container may be preferred or required for
collecting, storing, and disposing of fluid. In other environments,
fluid may be properly disposed of without rigid container storage,
and a re-usable container could reduce waste and costs associated
with reduced-pressure therapy. In an exemplary embodiment, the
container 114 may include an absorbent member 116, a first layer,
such as a downstream layer 118, and a second layer, such as an
upstream layer 120. The upstream layer 120 and the downstream layer
118 envelop or enclose the absorbent member 116, which can absorb
body fluid drawn by the reduced pressure through the upstream layer
120.
[0037] The absorbent member 116 may be formed of or include an
absorbent material. The absorbent material can hold, stabilize,
and/or solidify fluid that may be collected from the tissue site
102. The absorbent material may be of the type referred to as
"hydrogels," "super-absorbents," or "hydrocolloids." When disposed
within the dressing 104, the absorbent material may be formed into
fibers or spheres to manifold reduced pressure until the absorbent
member 116 becomes saturated. Spaces or voids between the fibers or
spheres may allow a reduced pressure that is supplied to the
dressing 104 to be transferred within and through the absorbent
member 116 to the manifold 112 and the tissue site 102. In some
exemplary embodiments, the absorbent material may be Texsus FP2325
having a material density of 800 grams per square meter (gsm). In
other exemplary embodiments, the absorbent material may be BASF
402C, TAL 2317 available from Technical Absorbents Limited, sodium
polyacrylate super absorbers, cellulosics (carboxy methyl cellulose
and salts such as sodium CMC), or alginates.
[0038] In some exemplary embodiments, the upstream layer 120 and
the downstream layer 118 have perimeter dimensions that are larger
than the perimeter dimensions of the absorbent member 116. When the
absorbent member 116 is positioned between the upstream layer 120
and the downstream layer 118 and the center portions of the
absorbent member 116, the upstream layer 120 and the downstream
layer 118 are aligned, the upstream layer 120 and the downstream
layer 118 extend beyond the perimeter of the absorbent member 116.
In some exemplary embodiments, the upstream layer 120, and the
downstream layer 118 surround the absorbent member 116. Peripheral
portions of the upstream layer 120 and the downstream layer 118 are
coupled so that the upstream layer 120 and the downstream layer 118
enclose the absorbent member 116. The upstream layer 120 and the
downstream layer 118 may be coupled by high frequency welding,
ultrasonic welding, heat welding, or impulse welding, for example.
In other exemplary embodiments, the upstream layer 120 and the
downstream layer 118 may be coupled by bonding or folding, for
example.
[0039] The upstream layer 120 and the downstream layer 118 may each
have a first side and a second side. In some exemplary embodiments,
the first side and the second side may have different relative
liquid affinities so that one side may be considered hydrophilic
and the other side may be considered hydrophobic. The upstream
layer 120 and the downstream layer 118 may be formed of non-woven
material having a thickness. In some exemplary embodiments, the
upstream layer 120 and the downstream layer 118 have a polyester
fibrous porous structure. The upstream layer 120 and the downstream
layer 118 may preferably be non-perforated. The upstream layer 120
and the downstream layer 118 may be formed of Libeltex TDL2 or TL4,
for example.
[0040] The hydrophobic side of the upstream layer 120 and the
downstream layer 118 are configured to distribute body fluid. The
hydrophobic side may also be referred to as a wicking side, wicking
surface, distribution surface, distribution side, or fluid
distribution surface. The hydrophobic side may be a smooth
distribution surface configured to move fluid through the upstream
layer 120 and the downstream layer 118 along a grain of the
upstream layer 120 and the downstream layer 118, respectively,
distributing fluid throughout the upstream layer 120 and the
downstream layer 118. The hydrophilic side may be configured to
acquire fluid from the hydrophobic side to aid in fluid movement
into the absorbent member 116. The hydrophilic side may also be
referred to as a fluid acquisition surface, fluid acquisition side,
hydrophilic acquisition surface, or hydrophilic acquisition side.
The hydrophilic side may be a fibrous surface and be configured to
draw fluid into the upstream layer 120 and the downstream layer
118.
[0041] In some exemplary embodiments, the hydrophobic side may be
disposed adjacent to the absorbent member 116. In other exemplary
embodiments, the hydrophilic side may be disposed adjacent to the
absorbent member 116. In still other exemplary embodiments, the
downstream layer 118 may have the hydrophilic side disposed
adjacent to the absorbent member 116 and the upstream side 120 may
have the hydrophobic side adjacent to the absorbent member 116. In
yet other exemplary embodiments, the downstream layer 118 may have
the hydrophobic side disposed adjacent to the absorbent member 116
and the upstream side 120 may have the hydrophilic side adjacent to
the absorbent member 116.
[0042] A reduced-pressure therapy system may also include a
connector or adapter configured to fluidly couple a tube, such as
the tube 108, to a dressing, such as the dressing 104. A connector
may include a flange portion that couples to a dressing, and a port
portion that fluidly couples to a tube. The flange portion may
fluidly couple the connector to the dressing 104, for example, and
the port portion may fluidly couple the connector to the reduced
pressure source. In this manner, the connector may prevent fluid
communication between the sealed therapeutic environment and the
ambient environment, while allowing fluid communication between a
tissue site and a reduced-pressure source through the dressing. A
connector may also include a primary filter disposed within a fluid
channel. The primary filter may comprise a hydrophobic material
substantially filling the fluid channel through the connector and
be adapted to limit passage of liquids through the connector into a
tube.
[0043] A connector may have an open area, such as a cavity, bounded
by a flange portion and fluidly coupled to a port portion. If the
connector is disposed on a dressing, the cavity may be aligned with
an opening in the drape so that fluid communication may occur
between the tissue site and the connector through the aperture. The
cavity may provide the primary fluid connection between a tube and
a dressing, transitioning fluid flow between a manifold and an
internal diameter of the tube.
[0044] Often, a manifold may be significantly larger than the
diameter of a tube. A connector, and specifically a cavity in the
connector, can operate to transition reduced pressure from a tube
to a manifold, and transition fluid drawn into the manifold to the
tube. Preferably, the fluid transition occurs with as little
restriction as possible so that the application of therapeutic
reduced pressure is not undesirably terminated. Consequently,
reduced pressure supplied to a tissue site should be accommodated
by a cavity, and the fluid removed from the tissue site should also
be accommodated by the cavity.
[0045] For example, a cavity of a connector can channel a large
volume of fluid from a tissue site that produces a large amount of
fluid into a tube and at a flow rate high enough to avoid loss of
reduced pressure. In addition, a cavity may have to accommodate
movement of solids from a tissue site into a container, again
without causing a loss of reduced pressure at the tissue site. If
fluid is retained in a dressing, for example in the container 114,
the portion of a cavity in fluid communication with a tissue site
must have a sufficient surface area to ensure that the therapeutic
reduced pressure can be supplied to the tissue site. A cavity
should also be able to accommodate sufficient flow to manage leaks,
for example, between the drape 108 and the intact epidermis
surrounding the tissue site 102. A cavity can provide these
functions with as little restriction to fluid flow between a tube
and a tissue site as possible to avoid undesired cessation of the
application of reduced-pressure therapy.
[0046] As a cavity may be the fluid connection means between a tube
and a dressing, the cavity should be sufficiently large to avoid
restricting the flow of fluid between a tissue site and a
reduced-pressure source. Having a sufficiently sized cavity becomes
more imperative where the flow of fluid, both of liquids from a
tissue site to a reduced-pressure source and of reduced pressure
from the reduced-pressure source to the tissue site is
continuous.
[0047] To provide an effective transition between a manifold and a
tube, a cavity may transition from a relatively large aperture
disposed proximate to a manifold to a relatively small lumen of a
tube. Such an aperture typically may have a diameter larger than
the diameter of a lumen but smaller than the exposed surface area
of a manifold. In an exemplary embodiment, an aperture may have a
diameter substantially similar to the diameter of an opening formed
in a drape that allows a reduced-pressure source to be fluidly
coupled to a sealed therapeutic environment. A cavity may have a
shape that transitions an aperture to a port portion so that fluid
may be encouraged to flow toward a lumen. Some connectors may have
a domed-shape cavity, for example, which can extend greater than 5
mm in a vertical direction from a flange portion. In addition, a
profile of a cavity may have a sharp change in profile height from
a flange portion of a connector to a wall of the connector forming
the cavity.
[0048] For low acuity systems, a container may be disposed adjacent
a tissue site between a manifold and a drape. Flow of fluid past
such a container during reduced-pressure therapy may represent a
failure of a connector. For example, if a continuous application of
reduced pressure is required during therapy, a drape may not be
sealed to the undamaged epidermis proximate to a tissue site. In
another example, if fluid, including liquid, are moved through a
connector during the application of reduced pressure, a filter
disposed between the connector and a container may not be retaining
fluid in the container. In these situations, the fluid flow rate at
the initiation of reduced pressure therapy may be significantly
higher than the flow rate once the sealed therapeutic environment
may have reached a therapeutic reduced pressure.
[0049] A connector may have a profile that presents significant
challenges to treating tissue sites located where a patient may
rest upon the tissue site, or that may be a weight-bearing tissue
site, such as a pressure ulcer on the foot, the back of a leg, a
hip, or a buttock area, for example. Relatively tall features of a
connector on a dressing may cause discomfort if a patient places
weight on a tissue site. The discomfort may be caused in part by a
connector being pressed into a tissue site by a patient's weight,
for example. The discomfort may also be caused by the application
of compression therapy in addition to reduced-pressure therapy, for
example, for a patient with venous leg disease. In extreme cases, a
patient may experience secondary damage to a tissue site, for
example, where the pressure of a connector on the tissue site may
cause an ulcer, damage newly formed tissue, or create a pressure
sore.
[0050] The potential for discomfort or secondary damage may
discourage the use of beneficial reduced-pressure therapy if a
tissue site is in a weight-bearing location. In other scenarios, a
patient may request discontinuation of reduced-pressure therapy
because of the discomfort. Consequently, a significant group of
patients that could benefit from reduced-pressure therapy may be
excluded. For example, in the PUPPS3 Pressure Ulcer Survey in
Australia in 2006, 25.2% of pressure ulcers were on the heel, and
24.8% were on the sacrum, both examples of weight-bearing
locations. Clinicians and patients were reportedly not inclined to
use reduced-pressure therapy in these weight-bearing locations
where a connector was expected to be uncomfortable and
unconformable.
[0051] Generally, connectors have also been designed to resist
collapse under reduced-pressure, which can ensure that a cavity
continues to provide a transition between a tube and a manifold. In
addition, a connector may still have a profile that exhibits sudden
sharp changes in height to accommodate a cavity, for example, at
locations of the connector where a flange portion transitions to a
cavity portion. Thus, these connectors may still cause patient
discomfort and potential pressure ulcers due to the sudden sharp
changes in profile height and material hardness.
[0052] As disclosed herein, the therapy system 100 can overcome
these shortcomings and others by providing a connector with a
dynamic profile. For example, as illustrated in the exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 1, the therapy system 100 may include a
connector 122. The connector 122 may be molded such that an open
cavity is provided if there is no pressure differential across the
connector 122, but the cavity can collapse and assume a lower
profile as therapeutic pressure is applied and increases the
pressure differential. In more particular exemplary embodiments,
the connector 122 may have a wall adapted to change the geometric
profile of the connector 122 in response to the application of
reduced-pressure. The profile of the connector 122 may also revert
back to the original profile if the differential pressure is
equalized, such as if therapy is terminated. In general, the
connector 122 may have a low profile with a dynamic cavity wall to
reduce the risk of patient discomfort or secondary damage.
[0053] FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating additional details that
may be associated with some embodiments of the connector 122. The
connector 122 may include a base 124, a wall 126, and a conduit
port 128. FIG. 3 is a bottom view illustrating additional details
that may be associated with some embodiments of the connector 122.
The base 124 may couple to the wall 126 as shown in the example
embodiments of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. The wall 126 may include an
interior surface that defines a cavity 130. The based 124 may have
an aperture 132, and a peripheral portion of the wall 126 may be
coupled to the base 124 adjacent to the aperture 132 so that the
cavity 130 is in fluid communication with the aperture 132. FIG. 4
is a perspective view illustrating additional details that may be
associated with some embodiments of the connector 122. As shown in
FIG. 4, the wall 126 may be a generally semi-spherical structure
having an exterior surface. The conduit port 128 protrudes from the
exterior surface of the wall 126 and may include a lumen 134. The
conduit port 128 may be narrower proximate to the apex of the wall
126 and broader proximate to the base 124 so that the conduit port
may have a slightly pyramidal shape. Sides of the conduit port 128
may slope to the apex of the wall 126 from a first end 127 to a
second end 129 so that the conduit port 128 may protrude from the
wall 126 proximate to the base 124. The sides of the conduit port
128 may taper as the sides of the conduit port 128 extend between
the base 124 and the apex of the wall 126.
[0054] FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating additional details
that may be associated with some embodiments of the connector 122.
As shown in FIG. 5, the base 124 may be a flange having at least a
portion that is substantially planar and adapted to couple to the
dressing 104. In some exemplary embodiments, the base 124 may have
a diameter of about 42 mm. In other exemplary embodiments, the base
124 may have a larger or smaller diameter. In some exemplary
embodiments, the base 124 may have a thickness of about 1.25 mm. In
some exemplary embodiments, the base 124 may have a thickness in
the range of about 0.60 mm to about 2.00 mm. In still other
exemplary embodiments, the thickness of the base 124 may be greater
than about 2.00 mm or less than about 0.60 mm. The base 124 may
include an adhesive or other attachment device on a lower surface
of the base 124 so that the base 124 may be coupled to the drape
110.
[0055] The wall 126 may include peripheral portions that can be
coupled to the base 124 so that the base 124 extends outwardly away
from the wall 126. The wall 126 may have a height relative to an
upper surface of the base 124 of about 3 mm. For example, the wall
126 may protrude about 3 mm from the upper surface of the base 124
to an apex of the wall 126. The wall 126 may have a thickness of
about 1.25 mm. In some exemplary embodiments, the wall 126 may have
a thickness in the range of about 0.60 mm to about 2.00 mm. In
still other exemplary embodiments, the thickness of the wall 126
may be greater than about 2.00 mm or less than about 0.60 mm. The
thickness of the wall 126 may be substantially the same from the
peripheral portions where the wall 126 joins the base 124 to the
apex of the wall 126. In other exemplary embodiments, the thickness
of the wall 126 may vary from the peripheral portions where the
wall 126 joins the base 124 to the apex.
[0056] The aperture 132 in the base 124 may permit fluid
communication into the cavity 130. The aperture 132 may be located
proximate to the peripheral portions of the wall 126 and adjacent
to the base 124. In some exemplary embodiments, the aperture 132
may have a diameter of about 34 mm. In other exemplary embodiments,
the aperture 132 may have a diameter in the range of about 26 mm to
about 34 mm. In still other exemplary embodiments, the aperture 132
may have a diameter greater than about 34 mm and less than about 26
mm. The filter 133 may be disposed within the aperture 132. The
filter 133 may be a hydrophobic filter adapted to limit movement of
liquid into the cavity 130. The filter 133 may have a thickness
less than the thickness of the base 124. In some exemplary
embodiments, the filter 133 may be welded to the base 124.
[0057] The conduit port 128 may be fluidly coupled to the cavity
130 to provide fluid communication with the cavity 130 through the
wall 126. The conduit port 128 may have the first end 127 proximate
to a center portion of the cavity 130 and the apex of the wall 126
and the second end 129 that terminates at the wall 126 and
proximate to the base 124. The illustrative conduit port 128 may
include the lumen 134 extending from the first end 127 to the
second end 219 of the conduit port 128 and permits fluid
communication with the cavity 130 through the wall 126. For
example, the tube 108 may be fluidly coupled to the cavity 130
through the conduit port 128 so that reduced pressure may be
supplied to the cavity 130 through the lumen 134 of the conduit
port 128. In some exemplary embodiments, the lumen 134 may have a
diameter of about 2 mm and tapers from the second end 129 to the
first end 127. In other exemplary embodiments, the lumen 134 may
have a diameter greater than or less than 2 mm and may not
taper.
[0058] In some exemplary embodiments, the connector 122 may include
one or more channels formed on portions of the inside surfaces of
the wall 126 within the cavity 130 extending between the base 124
and the conduit port 128. These channels may direct the flow of
fluid and exudates from the tissue site 102 and the manifold 112 to
the conduit port 128.
[0059] The connector 122 may be made of a semi-rigid material
capable of collapsing under a force. In some exemplary embodiments,
the connector 122 may be formed of a material having a durometer of
about 68 Shore A. In other exemplary embodiments, the connector 122
may have a durometer larger or smaller then 68 Shore A, for
example, in the range of about 25 Shore A to about 100 Shore A. In
a non-limiting example, the connector 122 may be made from a
plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that is bis(2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate (DEHP) free, for example Colorite P/N 6877G-015. In
another exemplary embodiment, the connector 122 may be formed of
0.007% plasticized PVC. In still other exemplary embodiments, the
connector 122 may be made from polyurethane, cyclic olefin
copolymer elastomer, thermoplastic elastomer, poly acrylic,
silicone polymer, or polyether block amide copolymer.
[0060] The thickness of the wall 126 and the durometer of the wall
126 are selected so that the wall 126 may be a dynamic component of
the connector 122. For example, the thickness of the wall 126 and
the durometer of the wall 126 are selected so that the wall 126 may
have a first position having a first profile as shown in FIG. 5. As
shown in FIG. 5, the first position may form the cavity 130 having
a first volume that may be adapted to permit a fluid flow rate
sufficient to provide the therapeutic reduced pressure at the
manifold 112 if the connector 122 is disposed proximate to the
dressing 104. The process of reducing pressure within the sealed
therapeutic environment may be commonly referred to as "drawing
down" a dressing. The first profile may extend vertically from the
base 124 then slope horizontally toward the apex of the wall 126
proximate to the conduit port 128.
[0061] FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating additional details
that may be associated with some embodiments of the connector 122.
As shown in FIG. 6, the connector 122 may include a connector
conduit 136. The connector conduit 136 may be a tube similar to the
tube 108 having a first end adapted to be inserted into the lumen
134 of the conduit port 128 and a second end adapted to be inserted
into a lumen of the tube 108. The connector conduit 136 may be more
rigid than the tube 108 to limit bending of the connector conduit
136 proximate to the port 128 and to reduce instances of
restriction proximate to the connector 122. In addition, the
connector conduit 136 may have a smaller outer diameter than the
tube 108. In an exemplary embodiment, the connector conduit 136 may
have a diameter of about 2 mm. The diameter of the connector
conduit 136 may be selected to reduce patient discomfort if the
connector conduit 136 is disposed proximate to a tissue site at a
weight-bearing location. In some exemplary embodiments, the
diameter of the connector conduit 136 may be about the same as the
height of the connector 122 from the top of the base 124 to the
apex of the wall 126.
[0062] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating additional details
that may be associated with some embodiments of the connector 122.
As shown in FIG. 7, the wall 126 may be in the first position so
that the cavity 130 has the first volume that permits fluid flow
between a tissue site and a reduced pressure source. The connector
122 provides the cavity 130 having the first volume permitting a
first flow rate if a reduced-pressure less than the therapeutic
reduced pressure is applied. The first volume may permit flow of
fluid and reduced pressure in a relatively unrestricted manner so
that the dressing 104 may be drawn down.
[0063] FIG. 8 is a sectional view illustrating additional details
that may be associated with some embodiments of the connector 122.
The wall 126 is shown in a second position having a second profile.
Once the dressing is drawn down, as described above, the wall 126
can collapse, at least partially, to the second position. If the
dressing is drawn down and the wall 126 at least partially
collapses, at least a portion of the wall 126 may be proximate to
the aperture 132. In some exemplary embodiments, at least a portion
of the interior surface of the wall 126 in the second position may
be located in a same horizontal plane as the lower surface of the
base 124. Collapse of the wall 126 to the second position reduces
the volume of the cavity 130. The second profile of the wall 126
may extend horizontally from the base 124, sloping toward the
conduit port 128. Generally, if the wall 126 is in the second
position a substantial portion of the profile of the connector 122
may have a height the same as the thickness of the wall 126. In
some exemplary embodiments, the profile slopes from a height of
about 1.25 mm to a height of about 4.25 mm. In some exemplary
embodiments, the fluid connection between the manifold 112 and the
reduced-pressure source 106 may be severed when the wall 126 is in
the second position.
[0064] The durometer and the thickness of the wall 126 may be
selected so that the wall 126 collapses from the first position to
the second position at desired levels of therapeutic reduced
pressure. In an exemplary embodiment, the durometer may be about 68
Shore A and the thickness of the wall 126 may be about 1.25 mm. In
another exemplary embodiment, the connector 122 may be formed of a
0.007% plasticized PVC; thus, the durometer of the connector 122
may be held constant. The thickness of the wall 126 may then be
selected based on the desired profile height reduction under a
therapeutic reduced pressure, for example 125 mmHg. In some
exemplary embodiments, if a profile height reduction between the
first position and the second position of about 5.25 mm is desired,
the thickness of the wall 126 may be about 0.6 mm. In other
exemplary embodiments, if a profile height reduction between the
first position and the second position of about 1.25 mm is desired,
the thickness of the wall 126 may be about 1.25 mm. In still other
exemplary embodiments, if a profile height reduction between the
first position and the second position of about 0.75 mm is desired,
the thickness of the wall 126 may be about 1.85 mm.
[0065] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating additional details
that may be associated with some embodiments of the connector 122.
As shown in FIG. 9, the wall 126 may have collapsed to the second
position so that the cavity 130 has the second volume,
substantially reducing the profile of the connector 122. If the
dressing 104 has been drawn down and the sealed therapeutic
environment has reached the therapeutic reduced pressure, the wall
126 may collapse to the second position having the second profile,
reducing the volume of the cavity 130. If the therapeutic reduced
pressure has been reached in the sealed therapeutic environment,
the flow rate of fluid through the connector 122 can significantly
decrease; consequently, the reduced volume of the cavity 130 with
the wall 126 in the second position may not restrict fluid flow.
The connector 122 may have a lower profile than conventional
connectors, while permitting unrestricted fluid communication
during the application of reduced pressure. In addition, the
connector 122 may have a profile that reduces sudden changes in
profile elevation, decreasing discomfort for a patient. If the
application of reduced pressure ceases, or there is a need to
supply additional reduced pressure, the connector 122 may return to
the first position of FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7. For example, if
the amount of reduced pressure supplied to the connector 122
decreases, or if a leaking drape 110 raises the absolute pressure
in the sealed therapeutic environment, the wall 126 may expand to
the first position. This expansion returns the connector 122 to the
first profile to provide a large volume cavity 130 for the
unrestricted flow of reduced pressure. The supply of reduced
pressure may then be increased to re-pressurize the sealed
therapeutic environment. In some exemplary embodiments, the wall
126 may be in the second position during approximately 90% of its
use.
[0066] In some exemplary embodiments, the connector 122 may provide
an indication that the therapeutic reduced pressure has been
reached. For example, as the thickness and the durometer of the
wall 126 may be selected so that the wall 126 collapses at a known
therapeutic reduced pressure, the connector 122 may be visually
monitored during the draw-down process. An operator or user can
observe that the therapeutic reduced pressure has been reached by
the collapse of the wall 126. Similarly, the wall 126 may be
visually monitored to determine if the wall 126 is in the first
position or the second position to determine whether the tissue
site 102 is being provided with therapeutic reduced pressure.
[0067] In other exemplary embodiments, a pressure sensor may be
included in the connector 122 to measure the pressure provided to
the cavity 130. In some exemplary embodiments, the pressure sensor
may include a pressure sensing lumen routed through the conduit
port 128 and fluidly coupled to the reduced pressure source
106.
[0068] In some exemplary embodiments, the connector 122 may be used
with instillation therapy. For example, the connector 122 may
permit an unrestricted flow of fluid during the application of
instilling fluid, an unrestricted flow of fluid during withdrawal
of the instilling fluid, and then a restricted flow following
removal of all instilling fluid.
[0069] The systems and methods described herein may provide
significant advantages, some of which have already been mentioned.
For example, the therapy system 100 may be particularly
advantageous for low-acuity wounds, which typically have sustained
fluid flow at the beginning of therapy when a dressing is
evacuated. Thereafter, only minimal fluid flow may be anticipated
for low-acuity wounds. Thus, a low-acuity wound typically may have
two different and contradictory flow conditions during the course
of therapy. Initially, a low-acuity wound may need a connector that
may be relatively large and open to flow during draw-down, but may
benefit significantly from a connector with a reduced profile when
flow is reduced after draw down. The therapy system 100 provides a
connector with a dynamic profile that can satisfy both of these
flow conditions, and may be used on a tissue site at weight-bearing
locations while reducing or substantially eliminating discomfort
and secondary damage to the tissue site. The operating principle of
the therapy system 100 may be extended to connectors which provide
active fluid removal such as with connectors configured to have a
canister for collecting fluid between the connector and the reduced
pressure source. The connector may be fluidly coupled to the
manifold and the amount of profile height reduction may be selected
to maintain a fluid flow when the pad collapses. Similarly, the
connector durometer and thickness may be selected to allow for use
with instillation systems to both supply and withdraw instilling
fluid.
[0070] It should be apparent from the foregoing that an invention
having significant advantages has been provided. Any feature that
is described in connection to any one exemplary embodiment may also
be applicable to any other exemplary embodiment, and the benefits
and advantages described above may relate to one exemplary
embodiment or may relate to several exemplary embodiments. While
shown in only a few forms, the systems and methods illustrated are
susceptible to various changes and modifications without departing
from the scope of the claims.
* * * * *