U.S. patent application number 16/997521 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-03 for fluid pouch, system, and method for storing fluid from a tissue site.
The applicant listed for this patent is KCI Licensing, Inc.. Invention is credited to Richard Daniel John COULTHARD, Christopher Brian LOCKE, Timothy Mark ROBINSON, Aidan Marcus TOUT.
Application Number | 20200376178 16/997521 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005030724 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-03 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200376178 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
COULTHARD; Richard Daniel John ;
et al. |
December 3, 2020 |
FLUID POUCH, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR STORING FLUID FROM A TISSUE
SITE
Abstract
The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to an
apparatus, system, and method for storing liquid from a tissue
site. The apparatus may include a drape having an aperture, and a
fluid pouch coupled to the drape such that the fluid pouch is in
fluid communication with the aperture. In one embodiment, the fluid
pouch is operable to transfer reduced pressure to the aperture such
that the liquid from the tissue site is drawn into the fluid pouch.
The fluid pouch may have a cavity that stores the liquid that is
drawn from the tissue site. In another embodiment, the fluid pouch
may include at least one baffle. The fluid pouch may also include a
fluid channel at least partially defined by the at least one
baffle. The fluid channel may be operable to store liquid from the
tissue site when reduced pressure is applied through the fluid
channel.
Inventors: |
COULTHARD; Richard Daniel John;
(Verwood, GB) ; ROBINSON; Timothy Mark;
(Shillingstone, GB) ; LOCKE; Christopher Brian;
(Bournemouth, GB) ; TOUT; Aidan Marcus;
(Alderbury, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KCI Licensing, Inc. |
San Antonio |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005030724 |
Appl. No.: |
16/997521 |
Filed: |
August 19, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15648143 |
Jul 12, 2017 |
10780203 |
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16997521 |
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14229457 |
Mar 28, 2014 |
9737650 |
|
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15648143 |
|
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|
|
12617792 |
Nov 13, 2009 |
8728044 |
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14229457 |
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61114827 |
Nov 14, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/022 20130101;
A61M 2205/3331 20130101; A61M 2205/3368 20130101; A61M 1/0096
20140204; A61F 13/0203 20130101; A61M 1/0001 20130101; A61M 1/0088
20130101; A61M 2205/3389 20130101; A61M 1/0094 20140204 |
International
Class: |
A61M 1/00 20060101
A61M001/00; A61F 13/02 20060101 A61F013/02 |
Claims
1.-68. (canceled)
69. An apparatus for storing fluid from a tissue site, the
apparatus comprising: a pouch; at least one baffle disposed in the
pouch; a first fluid channel portion formed by the at least one
baffle; a second fluid channel portion formed by the at least one
baffle, wherein a direction of fluid flow in the first channel
portion is in a substantially opposite direction from a direction
of fluid flow in the second channel portion; and an absorbent
material disposed in both the first fluid channel portion and the
second fluid channel portion and adapted to store liquid from the
tissue site.
70. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein the absorbent material
covers at least a portion of the first fluid channel portion and
the second fluid channel portion.
71. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein the first fluid channel
portion and the second fluid channel portion include a passageway
through which reduced pressure is transferable if the absorbent
material is saturated with liquid from the tissue site.
72. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein the pouch comprises: a first
sheet having a perimeter portion; a second sheet having a perimeter
portion; and wherein the perimeter portion of the first sheet is
coupled to the perimeter portion of the second sheet.
73. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the at least one baffle
comprises at least one inner portion of the first sheet adhered to
at least one inner portion of the second sheet.
74. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein the baffle forms a wall of
the first fluid channel portion and the second fluid channel
portion, the wall having a gap to permit fluid communication
between the first fluid channel portion and the second fluid
channel portion.
75. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein: the at least one baffle is
a plurality of baffles; and the first fluid channel portion and the
second fluid channel portion are a plurality of fluid channel
portions.
76. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein the at least one baffle is a
spiraling baffle, and the first fluid channel portion and the
second fluid channel portion form a spiraling fluid channel.
77. An apparatus for storing fluid from a tissue site, the
apparatus comprising: a first sheet having a perimeter portion; a
second sheet having a perimeter portion, wherein the perimeter
portion of the first sheet is coupled to the perimeter portion of
the second sheet to form a pouch; at least one baffle disposed in
the pouch to form a first fluid channel portion and a second fluid
channel portion so that a direction of fluid flow in the first
channel portion is in a substantially opposite direction from a
direction of fluid flow in the second channel portion, both the
first fluid channel portion and the second fluid channel portion
adapted to store liquid from the tissue site.
78. The apparatus of claim 77, further comprising an absorbent
material disposed in at least one of the first fluid channel
portion and the second fluid channel portion.
79. The apparatus of claim 78, wherein the absorbent is disposed in
at least a portion of the first fluid channel portion and the
second fluid channel portion.
80. The apparatus of claim 78, wherein the absorbent is disposed in
the first fluid channel portion and the second fluid channel
portion so that if the absorbent is saturated with liquid, the
first fluid channel portion and the second fluid channel portion
include a passageway through which reduced pressure is
transferable.
81. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the baffle forms a wall of
the first fluid channel portion and the second fluid channel
portion, the wall having a gap to permit fluid communication
between the first fluid channel portion and the second fluid
channel portion.
82. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the at least one baffle
comprises at least one inner portion of the first sheet adhered to
at least one inner portion of the second sheet.
83. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein: the at least one baffle is
a plurality of baffles; and the first fluid channel portion and the
second fluid channel portion are a plurality of fluid channel
portions.
84. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the at least one baffle is a
spiraling baffle, and the first fluid channel portion and the
second fluid channel portion form a spiraling fluid channel.
85. A fluid pouch for transferring reduced pressure to a manifold
positioned adjacent a tissue site and sealed by a drape covering
the manifold and the tissue site, comprising: a first manifolding
layer comprising an open-cell foam and having an inlet for
receiving fluids; and a second manifolding layer comprising a
non-woven material and fluidly coupled to the first manifolding
layer, the second manifolding layer having an outlet adapted to be
fluidly coupled to a source of reduced pressure; wherein the inlet
and the first manifolding layer are adapted to be fluidly coupled
to the to the manifold through an aperture in the drape.
86. The fluid pouch of claim 85, further comprising an absorbent
material disposed between the first manifolding layer and the
second manifolding layer.
87. The fluid pouch of claim 86, wherein the absorbent material
immobilizes liquid from the tissue site.
88. The fluid pouch of claim 85, wherein the fluid pouch comprises
an envelope formed from at least two sheets coupled to each other
at a perimeter of each sheet.
89. The fluid pouch of claim 85, wherein first manifolding layer is
disposed over the second manifolding layer.
90. The fluid pouch of claim 85, further comprising a liquid-air
separator positioned between an outlet of the fluid pouch and a
reduced-pressure source.
91. The fluid pouch of claim 90, wherein the liquid-air separator
is one of a hydrophobic filter and an oleophobic filter.
92. The fluid pouch of claim 85, wherein the drape is
transparent.
93. The fluid pouch of claim 85, wherein the fluid pouch is adhered
to a remote tissue site via an adhesive layer.
94. A method of manufacturing a fluid pouch for transferring
reduced pressure to a manifold positioned adjacent a tissue site
and sealed by a drape covering the manifold and the tissue site,
the method comprising: providing a first manifolding layer
comprising an open-cell foam and having an inlet for receiving
fluids; and providing a second manifolding layer comprising a
non-woven material and fluidly coupled to the first manifolding
layer, the second manifolding layer having an outlet adapted to be
fluidly coupled to a source of reduced pressure; wherein the inlet
and the first manifolding layer are adapted to be fluidly coupled
to the to the manifold through an aperture in the drape.
95. The method of claim 94, wherein the method further comprises
disposing the first manifolding layer over the second manifolding
layer.
96. A system for storing fluid removed from a tissue site, the
system comprising: a manifold adapted to distribute reduced
pressure; a drape covering the manifold, the drape having an
aperture through which liquid from the tissue site is transferred;
and a flexible fluid pouch in fluid communication with the aperture
and positioned adjacent to the drape, the fluid pouch comprising:
at least one baffle, and a fluid channel at least partially defined
by the at least one baffle.
97. The system of claim 96, wherein the fluid pouch further
comprises: an inlet, wherein the liquid enters the fluid channel
via the inlet; and an outlet, wherein the reduced-pressure source
causes a gas to exit the outlet such that reduced pressure is
transferred through the fluid channel.
98. The system of claim 96, wherein the at least one baffle defines
a first fluid channel portion and a second fluid channel
portion.
99. The system of claim 98, wherein the first fluid channel portion
and the second fluid channel portion are substantially
parallel.
100. The system of claim 98, wherein the first fluid channel
portion and the second fluid channel portion are adjacent.
101. The system of claim 100, wherein the first fluid channel
portion is in fluid communication with the second fluid channel
portion.
102. The system of claim 101, further comprising a gap between the
at least one baffle and a wall of the fluid pouch, the gap
providing fluid communication between the first fluid channel
portion and the second fluid channel portion.
103. The system of claim 96, wherein the flexible fluid pouch is
configured to deliver reduced pressure to the manifold.
104. The system of claim 96, wherein the flexible fluid pouch is
configured to deliver reduced pressure to the manifold through the
fluid channel.
105. The system of claim 96, wherein the flexible fluid pouch is
configured to remove wound fluids from the manifold.
106. The system of claim 96, wherein the flexible fluid pouch is
configured to remove wound fluids from the manifold through the
fluid channel.
107. The system of claim 96, wherein the flexible fluid pouch is
configured to deliver reduced pressure to the tissue site and
remove wound fluids from the tissue site.
108. The system of claim 96, wherein the flexible fluid pouch is
configured to deliver reduced pressure to the tissue site through
the fluid channel and remove wound fluids from the tissue site
through the fluid channel.
109. The system of claim 97, wherein the flexible fluid pouch is
configured to permit a gas to enter the inlet, pass through the
fluid channel, and exit the outlet when reduced pressure is
supplied to the flexible fluid pouch.
110. The system of claim 96, wherein the drape comprises a
substantially silicone base.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/648,143, filed Jul. 12, 2017, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/229,457, filed
Mar. 28, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,737,650, which is a continuation
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/617,792, filed Nov. 13,
2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,728,044, which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/114,827, filed Nov. 14, 2008, which
are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present application relates generally to medical
treatment systems, and more particular, to a fluid pouch, system,
and method for storing fluid from 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 one particular
application of reduced pressure involves 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
migration of epithelial and subcutaneous tissues, improved blood
flow, and micro-deformation of tissue at the wound site. Together
these benefits result in increased development of granulation
tissue and faster healing times. Typically, reduced pressure is
applied by a reduced pressure source to tissue through a porous pad
or other manifold device. In many instances, wound exudate and
other liquids from the tissue site are collected within a canister
to prevent the liquids from reaching the reduced pressure
source.
SUMMARY
[0004] The problems presented by existing reduced pressure systems
are solved by the systems and methods of the illustrative
embodiments described herein. In one embodiment, a system for
storing fluid removed from a tissue site includes a
reduced-pressure source operable to supply reduced pressure and a
manifold adapted to distribute the reduced pressure. A drape is
provided for covering the manifold, and the drape includes an
aperture through which liquid from the tissue site is transferred.
A flexible fluid pouch is provided in fluid communication with the
aperture and is positioned adjacent the drape. The fluid pouch
includes at least one baffle and a fluid channel at least partially
defined by the at least one baffle. The fluid channel is operable
to store liquid from the tissue site when the reduced pressure is
applied through the fluid channel.
[0005] In another embodiment, an apparatus for storing liquid from
a tissue site includes a drape having an aperture and a fluid pouch
in fluid communication with the aperture. The fluid pouch includes
at least one baffle and a fluid channel at least partially defined
by the at least one baffle. The fluid channel is operable to store
liquid from the tissue site when reduced pressure is applied
through the fluid channel.
[0006] In still another embodiment, an apparatus for storing liquid
from a tissue site is provided. The apparatus includes a drape
having an aperture and an expandable fluid pouch coupled to the
drape such that the fluid pouch is in fluid communication with the
aperture. The fluid pouch is operable to transfer reduced pressure
to the aperture such that the liquid from the tissue site is drawn
into the fluid pouch. The fluid pouch includes a cavity that stores
the liquid that is drawn from the tissue site.
[0007] In yet another embodiment, a method for storing liquid from
a tissue site includes applying a drape and a fluid pouch to the
tissue site, the drape having an aperture. The fluid pouch includes
at least one baffle and a fluid channel at least partially defined
by the at least one baffle. The fluid channel is operable to store
liquid from the tissue site. The method further includes supplying
a reduced pressure to the fluid pouch and storing the liquid in the
fluid channel.
[0008] In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing an
apparatus for storing liquid from a tissue site includes forming a
flexible fluid pouch. The fluid pouch includes at least one baffle
and a fluid channel at least partially defined by the at least one
baffle. The fluid channel is operable to store liquid from the
tissue site.
[0009] 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
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a
system for storing fluid from a tissue site in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional bottom view of a cover
and a fluid pouch of the system of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2;
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional top view of a fluid
pouch for storing fluid from a tissue site in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional top view of the fluid
pouch of FIG. 3 partially filled with liquid from the tissue
site;
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a fluid pouch for
storing fluid from a tissue site in accordance with an illustrative
embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a portion
of the fluid pouch of FIG. 4 taken at 6-6;
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a portion
of a fluid pouch for storing fluid from a tissue site in accordance
with an illustrative embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a portion
of a fluid pouch for storing fluid from a tissue site in accordance
with an illustrative embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a fluid
pouch for storing fluid from a tissue site in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fluid pouch
for storing fluid from a tissue site in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment; and
[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a
system for storing fluid from a tissue site in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] In the following detailed description of several
illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying
drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of
illustration specific preferred embodiments in which the invention
may be practiced. 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] The term "tissue site" as used herein refers 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.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, a reduced pressure treatment system 100
for applying a reduced pressure to a tissue site 105 of a patient
according to an illustrative embodiment includes a reduced pressure
source 110 and a reduced pressure dressing 115 that is positioned
at the tissue site 105. In one embodiment, the reduced pressure
dressing 115 may include a distribution manifold 120, a cover 125,
and a fluid pouch 130, each of which is described in more detail
below. The reduced pressure dressing 115 is fluidly connected the
reduced pressure source 110 by a conduit 118. The conduit 118 may
be any tube through which a gas, liquid, gel, or other fluid may
flow. The possible embodiments of the conduit 118 are numerous, and
non-limiting examples follow. In addition, the conduit 118 may be
made from any material, and may be either flexible or
inflexible.
[0025] The conduit 118 may include one or more paths or lumens
through which fluid may flow. For example, the conduit 118 may
include two or more lumens, one of which may be used to deliver
reduced pressure to the tissue site and one of which may be used to
determine the level of reduced pressure at the tissue site 105.
Alternatively, one of the lumens may be used to deliver fluids,
such as air, antibacterial agents, antiviral agents, cell-growth
promotion agents, irrigation fluids, or other chemically active
agents, to the tissue site 105. If fluid delivery is provided by
one of the lumens, that particular lumen will likely be configured
to bypass the fluid pouch 130.
[0026] The conduit 118 may fluidly communicate with the reduced
pressure dressing 115 through a tubing adapter 145. The tubing
adapter 145 permits the passage of fluid, such as air, from the
manifold 120 to the conduit 118, and vice versa. In another
embodiment, the reduced-pressure treatment system 100 does not
include the tubing adaptor 145. In this embodiment, the conduit 118
may be inserted directly into a component of the dressing 115. The
tubing adaptor 145 may be located anywhere relative to the dressing
115. For example, although FIG. 1 shows the tubing adaptor 145 as
centrally located relative to the dressing 115, the tubing adaptor
145 may be located at a peripheral portion of the dressing 115.
[0027] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the reduced
pressure source 110 is an electrically-driven vacuum pump. In
another implementation, the reduced pressure source 110 may instead
be a manually-actuated or manually-charged pump that does not
require electrical power. The reduced pressure source 110 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 110 may be housed
within or used in conjunction with a reduced pressure treatment
unit 119, which may also contain sensors, processing units, alarm
indicators, memory, databases, soft ware, display units, and user
interfaces 121 that further facilitate the application of reduced
pressure treatment to the tissue site 105. In one example, a sensor
or switch (not shown) may be disposed at or near the reduced
pressure source 110 to determine a source pressure generated by the
reduced pressure source 110. The sensor may communicate with a
processing unit that monitors and controls the reduced pressure
that is delivered by the reduced pressure source 110.
[0028] The reduced-pressure treatment system 100 may include a
reduced pressure feedback system 155 operably associated with the
other components of the reduced-pressure treatment system 100 to
provide information to a user of the reduced-pressure treatment
system 100 indicating a relative or absolute amount of pressure
that is being delivered to the tissue site 105 or that is being
generated by the reduced-pressure source 110. Examples of feedback
systems include, without limitation, pop valves that activate when
the reduced pressure rises above a selected value and deflection
pop valves.
[0029] The reduced-pressure treatment system 100 may include a
volume detection system 157 to detect the amount of fluid present
in the fluid pouch 130, a blood detection system 159 to detect the
presence of blood in exudate drawn from the tissue site 105
(including the exudate that is present in the fluid pouch 130), a
temperature monitoring system 162 to monitor the temperature of the
tissue site 105, an infection detection system 165 to detect the
presence of infection at the tissue site 105, and/or a flow rate
monitoring system 167 to monitor the flow rate of fluids drawn from
tissue site 105. The infection detection system 165 may include a
foam or other substance that changes color in the presence of
bacteria. The foam or other substance may be operably associated
with the dressing 115 or the conduit 118 such that the color
changing material is exposed to exudate from the tissue site 105.
In addition to the above-mentioned components and systems, the
reduced-pressure treatment system 100 may include valves,
regulators, switches, and other electrical, mechanical, and fluid
components to facilitate administration of reduced-pressure
treatment to the tissue site 105.
[0030] The distribution manifold 120 is adapted to be positioned at
the tissue site 105, and the cover 125, or drape, is positioned
over the distribution manifold 120 to maintain reduced pressure
beneath the cover 125 at the tissue site 105. The distribution
manifold 120 of the reduced pressure dressing 115 is adapted to
contact the tissue site 105. The distribution manifold 120 may be
partially or fully in contact with the tissue site 105 being
treated by the reduced pressure dressing 115. When the tissue site
105 is a wound, the distribution manifold 120 may partially or
fully fill the wound.
[0031] The distribution manifold 120 may be any size, shape, or
thickness depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of
treatment being implemented or the nature and size of the tissue
site 105. For example, the size and shape of the distribution
manifold 120 may be customized by a user to cover a particular
portion of the tissue site 105, or to fill or partially fill the
tissue site 105. The distribution manifold 120 may have, for
example, a square shape, or may be shaped as a circle, oval,
polygon, an irregular shape, or any other shape.
[0032] In one illustrative embodiment, the distribution manifold
120 is a foam material that distributes reduced pressure to the
tissue site 105 when the distribution manifold 120 is in contact
with or near the tissue site 105. The foam material may be either
hydrophobic or hydrophilic. In one non-limiting example, the
distribution manifold 120 is an open-cell, reticulated polyurethane
foam such as GranuFoam.RTM. dressing available from Kinetic
Concepts, Inc. of San Antonio, Tex. If an open-cell foam is used,
the porosity may vary, but is preferably about 400 to 600 microns.
The flow channels allow fluid communication throughout the portion
of the manifold 120 having open cells. The cells and flow channels
may be uniform in shape and size, or may include patterned or
random variations in shape and size. Variations in shape and size
of the cells of manifold result in variations in the flow channels,
and such characteristics may be used to alter the flow
characteristics of fluid through the manifold 120.
[0033] In the example in which the distribution manifold 120 is
made from a hydrophilic material, the distribution manifold 120
also functions to wick fluid away from the tissue site 105, while
continuing to provide reduced pressure to the tissue site 105 as a
manifold. The wicking properties of the distribution manifold 120
draw fluid away from the tissue site 105 by capillary flow or other
wicking mechanisms. An example of a hydrophilic foam is 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.
[0034] The distribution manifold 120 may further promote
granulation at the tissue site 105 when a reduced pressure is
applied through the reduced pressure dressing 115. For example, any
or all of the surfaces of the distribution manifold 120 may have an
uneven, coarse, or jagged profile that causes microstrains and
stresses at the tissue site 105 when reduced pressure is applied
through the distribution manifold 120. These microstrains and
stresses have been shown to increase new tissue growth.
[0035] In one embodiment, the distribution manifold 120 may be
constructed from bioresorbable materials that do not have to be
removed from a patient's body following use of the reduced pressure
dressing 115. 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 distribution manifold 120 may further serve as a
scaffold for new cell-growth, or a scaffold material may be used in
conjunction with the distribution manifold 120 to promote
cell-growth. A scaffold is a substance or structure used to enhance
or promote the growth of cells or formation of tissue, such as a
three-dimensional porous structure that provides a template for
cell growth. Illustrative examples of scaffold materials include
calcium phosphate, collagen, PLA/PGA, coral hydroxy apatites,
carbonates, or processed allograft materials.
[0036] Referring still to FIG. 1, but also to FIG. 2, the cover 125
covers at least a portion of the manifold 120. As used herein, the
term "cover" includes partially or fully covering. Also, a first
object that covers a second object may directly or indirectly touch
the second object, or may not touch the second object at all. The
manifold 120 may be secured to the tissue site 105 using the cover
125. The possible embodiments of the cover 125 are numerous, and
non-limiting examples follow. While the cover 125 may be
impermeable or semi-permeable, in one example the cover 125 is
capable of maintaining a reduced pressure at the tissue site 105
after installation of the cover 125 over the manifold 120. The
cover 125 may be a flexible drape or film made from a silicone
based compound, acrylic, polyurethane, hydrogel or hydrogel-forming
material, or any other biocompatible material that includes the
impermeability or permeability characteristics desired for the
tissue site 105. The cover 125 may be formed of a hydrophobic
material to prevent moisture absorption by the cover 125.
[0037] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the cover 125 has a
square shape. However, the cover 125 may have any shape, such as an
elliptical, elongated, irregular, polygonal, or human-customized
shape. The cover 125 may be provided in "sheet" form, or in a
pourable or sprayable form that is applied over the manifold 120
after placement of the manifold 120 in contact with the tissue site
105. The cover 125 may include a device that is placed over the
manifold 120 and the tissue site 105 to provide sealing
functionality, including but not limited to, a suction cup, a
molded cast, and a bell jar.
[0038] In one embodiment, the cover 125 is configured to provide a
sealed connection with the tissue surrounding the manifold 120 and
the tissue site 105. The sealed connection may be provided by an
adhesive layer positioned along a perimeter of the cover 125, or on
any portion of the cover 125, to secure the cover 125 to the
manifold 120 or the tissue surrounding the tissue site 105. The
adhesive may be pre-positioned on the cover 125 or may be sprayed
or otherwise applied to the cover 125 immediately prior to
installing the cover 125. Prior to the application of the cover 125
to the tissue site 105, the adhesive may also be covered by an
adhesive support layer or removable backing. The adhesive support
layer may provide rigidity to the drape prior to application and
may also aid in the actual application of the cover 125 onto the
tissue site 105. The adhesive support layer may be peeled off or
otherwise removed before applying the cover 125 to the tissue site
105.
[0039] In one embodiment, the cover 125 has an aperture 127.
Liquid, such as exudate, from the tissue site 105 may pass through
the cover 125 via the aperture 127. In some instances, the liquid
may also contain solid particles. Although the aperture 127 is
shown to have a circular cross-sectional shape in FIG. 2, the
aperture 127 may have any cross-sectional shape, such as an
elliptical, elongated slit, irregular, polygonal, or
human-customized cross-sectional shape. In addition, the aperture
127 is shown to be substantially centered on the cover 125.
However, the aperture 127 may be located anywhere on the cover 125,
including the peripheral portions of the cover 125.
[0040] The dressing 115 also includes the fluid pouch 130, which
may be used to store liquid, such as exudate, from the tissue site
105. The fluid pouch 130 may be coupled to the cover 125 such that
the fluid pouch 130 is in fluid communication with the aperture
127. In one embodiment, liquid from the tissue site 105 may pass
through the aperture 127 and into the fluid pouch 130 as a result
of reduced pressure being applied to the dressing 115. A one-way
valve may be located at or near the inlet to the fluid pouch 130 so
that fluid in the fluid pouch 130 is restrained from entering the
aperture 127. As used herein, the term "coupled" includes coupling
via a separate object, and also includes direct coupling. In the
case of direct coupling, the two coupled objects touch each other
in some way. The term "coupled" also encompasses two or more
components that are continuous with one another by virtue of each
of the components being formed from the same piece of material.
Also, the term "coupled" includes chemical coupling, such as via a
chemical bond. The term "coupled" may also include mechanical,
thermal, or electrical coupling. The term "coupled" may also
include fluidly coupled, in which case a first object that is
coupled to a second object is in fluid communication with that
second object.
[0041] In another embodiment, the fluid pouch 130 may be positioned
adjacent or in contact with the cover 125. The term "adjacent" as
used herein refers to the positional relationship of two or more
objects. Two objects that are adjacent includes two objects that
are close to one another and that may, but do not necessarily have
to, contact one another. An object that is adjacent to another
object may be immediately adjacent with no intervening structure
between the two objects, or alternatively, may include two objects
that have intervening structures or objects between the two
objects.
[0042] The fluid pouch 130 may include baffles, which help define
fluid channels, for directing fluid flow as will be described
further below. Numerous illustrative embodiments of the fluid pouch
130 are possible and a number of illustrative embodiments
follow.
[0043] In an embodiment, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1, the
fluid pouch 130 includes a first sheet 132 and a second sheet 133.
In another example, the first sheet 132 and the second sheet 133
may be a first wall and a second wall, respectively. In this
embodiment, a perimeter portion of the first sheet 132 may be
coupled to a perimeter portion of the second sheet 133. An example
of the width of the perimeter portion of either or both of the
first sheet 132 and the second sheet 133 is represented by
indicator 131 (shown in FIG. 2). However, the perimeter portion 131
may be any size that is able to facilitate the coupling between the
first sheet 132 and the second sheet 133. Areas 136 and 138
represent the areas at which the first sheet 132 is coupled to the
second sheet 133, as shown in the schematic view of FIG. 1. In one
embodiment, non-peripheral portions of the first sheet 132 may also
be coupled to non-peripheral portions of the second sheet 133. In
another embodiment, at least a portion of each of the first sheet
132 and the second sheet 133 are formed from a single piece of
continuous material; in this embodiment, all of the first sheet 132
and the second sheet 133 may be formed from a single piece of
continuous material. The first sheet 132 may be coupled to the
cover 125.
[0044] In one embodiment, either or both of the first sheet 132 and
the second sheet 133 is transparent. The transparency of either or
both of the first sheet 132 and the second sheet 133 exposes the
amount of liquid from the tissue site 105 that is stored in the
fluid pouch 130. Thus, a person is made aware of the remaining
liquid capacity of the fluid pouch 130 and the possible need to
replace or empty the fluid pouch 130.
[0045] In another embodiment, the fluid pouch 130 is an expandable
fluid pouch that expands as liquid from the tissue site 105 fills
the fluid pouch 130. In one non-limiting example, the fluid pouch
130 may expand in either or both of the directions indicated by
bi-directional arrow 149 as liquid from the tissue site 105 fills
the fluid pouch 130. However, the fluid pouch 130 may expand in
other directions as well. The edges of the fluid pouch 130 may also
have a pleated construction to facilitate the expansion of the
fluid pouch 130.
[0046] The fluid pouch 130 may be made from any material, such as a
flexible, stretchable, expandable, and/or rigid material.
Non-limiting examples of the materials from which the fluid pouch
130 may be made include polymer films of various thicknesses
including polyurethane, polypropylene, PVC, polyethylene, and/or
polyamides, as well as coated fabrics or laminations of any one or
combination of the above.
[0047] In one embodiment, a method for storing liquid from the
tissue site 105 may include applying the manifold 120 to the tissue
site 105 and at least partially covering the manifold 120 with the
cover 125. In another embodiment, the cover 125 may be applied
directly to the tissue site 105 without the manifold 120. In
another embodiment, the method may include applying the cover 125
and a fluid pouch to the tissue site; in this embodiment, either or
both of the cover 125 and the fluid pouch may or may not directly
touch the tissue site. In another embodiment, the method may also
include coupling a fluid pouch as in any of the illustrative
embodiment disclosed herein to the cover 125 such that the fluid
pouch is in fluid communication with the aperture 127. The method
may also include supplying a reduced pressure from the
reduced-pressure source 110. The reduced pressure may be supplied
to the tissue site 105, the manifold 120, and/or the fluid pouch
130. The reduced pressure may also cause liquid, such as exudate,
from the tissue site 105 to enter the fluid pouch 130. The liquid
may be stored in the fluid pouch 130.
[0048] In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing an
apparatus for storing liquid from the tissue site 105 may include
forming a fluid pouch as in any of the illustrative embodiments
disclosed herein, including the fluid pouch 130. In another
embodiment, the method may also include providing the cover 125 and
coupling the fluid pouch 130 to the cover 125 such that the fluid
pouch 130 is in fluid communication with the aperture 127. In
another embodiment, the method may also include providing the
manifold 120, and covering at least a portion of the manifold 120
with the cover 125.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 3, a fluid pouch 330, which is a
non-limiting example of the fluid pouch 130 in FIG. 1, is shown
according to an illustrative embodiment. The fluid pouch 330
includes a plurality of baffles 370 that partially defines a fluid
channel 375. Reduced pressure from a reduced-pressure source, such
as reduced-pressure source 110 in FIG. 1, as well as liquid from
the tissue site 105, may move along the fluid channel 375 in a
direction indicated by arrows 378. The baffles 370 may direct the
flow of liquid through the fluid channel 375. The fluid channel 375
may also store the liquid from the tissue site 105. The baffles
370, as well as the fluid channel 375 formed therefrom, may help
prevent liquid from a tissue site from traveling past the fluid
pouch 330 and into other components in a reduced-pressure treatment
system, such as the tubing adaptor 145 or the delivery tube 135 in
FIG. 1.
[0050] All of the baffles 370 are substantially parallel to one
another to form a plurality of fluid channel portions 390-396 of
fluid channel 375. Each of the fluid channel portions 390-396 are
in fluid communication with an adjacent fluid channel portion. Such
fluid communication is facilitated by gaps 382 between the baffles
370 and a wall of the fluid pouch 330.
[0051] The fluid pouch 330 may include any number of baffles and
any number of fluid channel portions. For example, the number of
baffles and fluid channel portions may be varied to increase or
decrease the liquid storage capacity of the fluid pouch 330. The
length of the fluid channel 375 or the fluid channel portions
390-396 may also be increased or decreased to vary the liquid
storage capacity of the fluid pouch 330.
[0052] All of the fluid channel portions 390-396 may be
substantially parallel to one another to form a plurality of rows.
The fluid pouch 330 includes such a row-like structure. At least
two of the fluid channel portions 390-396 are at least partially
defined by a same baffle, including any one of baffles 370. For
example, both of fluid channel portions 390 and 391 are partially
defined by the same baffle because one side of the shared baffle
defines a wall of the fluid channel portion 390 and an opposite
side of the shared baffle defines a wall of the fluid channel
portion 391. Similarly, each of fluid channel portions 393 and 394
are partially defined by the same baffle because one side of the
shared baffle defines a wall of the fluid channel portion 393 and
an opposite side of the shared baffle defines a wall of the fluid
channel portion 394.
[0053] For any two fluid channel portions that share a same baffle,
a direction of fluid flow in a first of the fluid channel portions
may be in an opposite direction than a direction of fluid flow for
a second of the fluid channel portions. For example, fluid channel
portions 390 and 391, which are partially defined by a same baffle,
have fluid flow directions that are opposite from one another, as
indicated by arrows 378. Similarly, fluid channel portions 393 and
394, which are partially defined by a same baffle, have fluid flow
directions that are opposite from one another, as indicated by
arrows 378.
[0054] The fluid pouch 330 also includes an inlet 398 and an outlet
399. Liquid from the tissue site 105 enters the fluid channel 375
via the inlet 398. In one embodiment, a reduced-pressure source
causes a gas, such as air, to enter the inlet 398, pass through the
fluid channel 375, and exit the outlet 399 to cause a reduced
pressure to be transferred though the fluid channel 375 and applied
to a tissue site. As a result of this reduced pressure, liquid from
the tissue site may pass through an aperture in a drape and enter
the fluid pouch 330 via the inlet 398. The inlet 398 may also
include a one-way valve that allows gas and/or liquid to enter the
fluid pouch 330, but does not allow gas and/or liquid to exit the
fluid pouch 330 via the inlet 398. In addition, the outlet 399 may
include a one-way valve that allows gas to exit the fluid pouch
300, but does not allow gas to enter the fluid pouch 330 via the
outlet 399. The outlet 399 may include a liquid-air separator, such
as a hydrophobic filter or oleophobic filter, to prevent liquids
from exiting the fluid pouch 330.
[0055] In one embodiment, the fluid pouch 330 may also include a
tube that fluidly couples the aperture (e.g., aperture 127 in FIG.
2) in a drape to the inlet 398. Thus, liquid from the tissue site
may pass through the aperture, through the tube, and into the inlet
398. The fluid pouch may also include a tube that fluid couples the
outlet 399 to either or both of the tubing adaptor 145 or the
conduit 118 in FIG. 1. Providing such tubes may allow the fluid
pouch to have any orientation relative to other components in the
reduced-pressure treatment system, such as reduced-pressure
treatment system 100 in FIG. 1.
[0056] The fluid channel 375 may also store liquid from the tissue
site, including any liquid that enters the fluid channel 375 via
the inlet 398. In one embodiment, the fluid pouch 330 includes an
absorbent material 372 in the fluid channel 375. The absorbent
material 372 stores, or immobilizes, the liquid from a tissue
site.
[0057] The absorbent material 372 may be any substance capable of
storing a liquid, such as exudate. For example, the absorbent
material 372 may form a chemical bond with exudate from the tissue
site. Non-limiting examples of the absorbent material 372 include
super absorbent fiber/particulates, hydrofibre, sodium
carboxymethyl cellulose, and/or alginates. In addition, the fluid
channel 375 may include any amount of absorbent material 372. For
example, the amount of absorbent material 372 may be varied to
increase or decrease the liquid storage capacity of the fluid pouch
330. The presence of the absorbent material 372 may also help to
minimize fluid loss or reflux.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 4, the fluid pouch 330 is shown according
to another illustrative embodiment. In particular, FIG. 4 shows the
fluid pouch 330 having liquid 412 from a tissue site stored in the
fluid channel 375. The fluid channel 375 is partially filled with
the liquid 412 from the tissue site.
[0059] Reduced pressure that is introduced into the fluid channel
375 via the outlet 399 causes the liquid 412 to enter the fluid
channel 375 via the inlet 398. The liquid 412 at least partially
occupies fluid channel portions 390-393, while fluid channel
portions 394-396 contain little or none of the liquid 412.
[0060] In another embodiment, the absorbent material 372 may
occlude the fluid channel 375 when all of the absorbent material
372 in the fluid channel 375 is saturated with the liquid 412.
Occluding the fluid channel 375 in this manner prevents reduced
pressure from being transferred through the fluid pouch 330, and
may possibly prevent spillage or overflow of the liquid 412 from
the fluid pouch 330.
[0061] In another embodiment, the fluid pouch 330 may have multiple
fluid channels that may or may not be in fluid communication with
one another. In addition, the fluid pouch 330 may have more than
one inlet and/or outlet. In the embodiment in which the fluid pouch
330 has more than one fluid channel, each of the fluid channels may
have a respective inlet and/or outlet.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 5, a fluid pouch 530 is shown according to
an illustrative embodiment. In contrast to the fluid pouch 330 in
FIGS. 3 and 4, the fluid pouch 530 has a circular shape. In other
embodiments, the fluid pouch may also have any other shape, such as
an elliptical, polygonal, irregular, or user-customized shape.
[0063] A baffle 572 of fluid pouch 530 is a spiraling baffle that
emanates from a central portion of the fluid pouch 530. In
addition, a fluid channel 575 emanates from a central inlet 598 to
form a spiraling fluid channel that is at least partially defined
by the spiraling baffle 572. The central inlet 598 is functionally
analogous to the inlet 398 in FIGS. 3 and 4. The central inlet 598
may be adjacent, abutting, or otherwise in fluid communication with
an aperture in a drape, such as the aperture 127 in the cover 125
in FIG. 1, such that liquid from a tissue site passes through the
aperture and enters the fluid channel 575 of the fluid pouch 530
via the central inlet 598. A coupling member might also be used in
coupling the inlet 598 and the aperture.
[0064] Although no absorbent material, such as absorbent material
372, is shown in the fluid pouch 530, the fluid channel 575 may
include an absorbent material as described in any of the
illustrative embodiments herein. Also, the number of revolutions of
the fluid channel 575 around the central inlet 598 may be varied to
increase or decrease the liquid storage capacity of the fluid pouch
530.
[0065] Outlet 599 is functionally analogous to the outlet 399 in
FIGS. 3 and 4. The outlet 599 may be located at an end of the fluid
channel 575 in a periphery portion of the fluid pouch 530. In one
embodiment, a reduced-pressure source causes a gas, such as air, to
enter the central inlet 598, pass through the fluid channel 575,
and exit the outlet 599 to cause a reduced pressure to be
transferred though the fluid channel 575 and applied to a tissue
site. As a result of this reduced pressure, liquid from the tissue
site may pass through an aperture in a drape and enter the fluid
pouch 530 via the central inlet 598. In one embodiment, the
position of the central inlet 598 and the outlet 599 may be
reversed such that the outlet 599 is at a central portion of the
fluid pouch 530 and the central inlet 598 is at a peripheral
portion of the fluid pouch 530.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 6, a cross-sectional view of the fluid
pouch 330 taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 4 is shown. In particular,
FIG. 6 shows fluid channel portions 392 and 393, each of which
includes absorbent material 372. The fluid channel portion 392
includes a covered portion 651 that is covered by a saturated
absorbent material 615. The saturated absorbent material 615 is the
absorbent material 372, such as that shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, which
is saturated with liquid, such as exudate, from a tissue site. The
fluid channel portion 392 also includes an uncovered portion 653
that is uncovered by an absorbent material. The fluid channel
portion 393 includes a covered portion 655 that is covered by the
absorbent material 372 and an uncovered portion 657 that is
uncovered by the absorbent material 372. The thickness of the
absorbent material 372 on the covered portions 651 and 655 may be
varied to increase or decrease the storage capacity of the fluid
pouch.
[0067] The fluid channel portions 392 and 393 are formed by
coupling portions of sheet 633 to sheet 632. The sheet 632 is
substantially flat and the sheet 633 includes curved portions over
the fluid channel portions 392 and 393. In one embodiment, the
absorbent material 372 covers at least a portion of the sheet 632.
The sheet 633 may be uncovered by the absorbent material 372. In
addition, an inner portion of the sheet 633 is adhered to an inner
portion of the sheet 632 to form the baffle 370. An inner portion
of the sheet 633 may be adhered to an inner portion of the sheet
632 in a variety of ways. For example, an inner portion of the
sheet 633 may be welded, glued, sewed, pinned, snapped, or
otherwise bonded onto an inner portion of the sheet 632. In the
example in which an inner portion of the sheet 633 is welded onto
an inner portion of the sheet 632, the welding may be achieved
using heat, ultrasonics, radio frequencies, a solvent, and/or other
welding methods.
[0068] In one embodiment, the fluid channel portion 392 includes a
passageway 618 through which reduced pressure is transferable when
the absorbent material 615 is saturated with liquid from the tissue
site. In this embodiment, the passageway 618 is present in the
fluid channel portion 392 when the absorbent material 615 is
partially or fully saturated with liquid. By maintaining the
passageway 618 when the absorbent material 615 is saturated with
liquid, reduced pressure from a reduced-pressure source may
continue to be transferred to a tissue site via the fluid
pouch.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 7, a cross-sectional view of fluid channel
portions 792 and 793 of a fluid pouch is shown according to an
illustrative embodiment. The fluid channel portions 792 and 793
include absorbent material 772, which covers a portion of the sheet
732. In contrast to the sheet 632 in FIG. 6, the sheet 732 is
curved at the fluid channel portions 792 and 793. Thus, the walls
of each of the fluid channel portions 792 and 793 formed by each of
the sheets 732 and 733 are curved.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 8, a cross-sectional view of fluid channel
portions 892 and 893 of a fluid pouch is shown according to an
illustrative embodiment. In FIG. 8, the inner surfaces of both
sheets 832 and 833 are covered with the absorbent material 872. In
this embodiment, an entire inner surface of the fluid channel may
be covered with the absorbent material 872. The thickness of the
absorbent material 872 on the inner surface of the fluid channel
may be varied to increase or decrease the storage capacity of the
fluid pouch.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 9, a fluid pouch 930 is shown according to
an illustrative embodiment. The fluid pouch 930 does not contain
baffles. The fluid pouch 930 is operable to transfer reduced
pressure to an aperture, such as aperture 127 in FIG. 1, such that
the liquid from a tissue site is drawn into the fluid pouch 930.
The aperture would be proximate inlet 998. A gas, such as air, may
be drawn from the fluid pouch 930 via outlet 999 such that reduced
pressure is transferred to a tissue site via the aperture. The
movement of gas that may be drawn by a reduced-pressure source is
represented by arrow 949. The fluid pouch 930 has a cavity 980 that
stores the liquid that is drawn from the tissue site.
[0072] In one embodiment, no absorbent material is contained in the
cavity 980. In another embodiment, the cavity 980 includes
absorbent material 982. The absorbent material 982 is analogous to
the absorbent material 372 in FIG. 3, and may be composed of a same
or similar material. As the liquid from a tissue site passes
through the inlet 998 and enters the cavity 980, the absorbent
material 982 may absorb and store the liquid. The movement of
liquid from the tissue site into the inlet 998 is represented by
arrow 950. The fluid pouch 930, and particularly cavity 980, may
expand as liquid fills the cavity 980.
[0073] The fluid pouch 930 may be formed with an envelope 984 that
at least partially encloses the cavity 980. In one embodiment, the
envelope 984 fully encloses the cavity 980. The envelope 984 may be
composed of any of a variety of materials. In one embodiment, the
envelope 984 may be composed of a same or similar material as fluid
pouch 130 in FIG. 1.
[0074] In one embodiment, the envelope 984 may be a manifolding
envelope that may be composed of a material that is operable to
distribute and/or transfer a liquid, including exudate from a
tissue site. For example, the envelope 984 may be composed of an
open-cell foam. In this example, the open-cell foam may be
reticulated or non-reticulated, and may be hydrophobic or
hydrophilic. In another example, the envelope 984 may be made from
a non-woven material, including a non-woven material manufactured
by Libeltex, Dupont, Freudenberg, or Ahlstrom. In another example,
the envelope 984 may be composed of a three dimensional material,
including Supracor.RTM. fusion bonded honeycomb or XD spacer fabric
manufactured by Baltex. In another example, the envelope 984 may be
composed of a molded matrix.
[0075] The envelope 984 may be composed of layers 986 and 988. In
the embodiment in which the envelope 984 is a manifolding envelope,
the layers 986 and 988 may be manifolding layers. A perimeter of
the layer 986 may be bonded to a perimeter of the layer 988 at
bonding sites 990 and 991. Any bonding method may be used,
including those previously mentioned for welding.
[0076] Turning now to FIG. 10, a fluid pouch 930 is shown according
to an illustrative embodiment. The fluid pouch 930 includes a
manifolding envelope 1084 that distributes liquid 1092 from a
tissue site along at least a portion of the perimeter of the cavity
980. The absorbent material 982 absorbs the liquid 1092, which is
stored in the cavity 980. The movement of the liquid 1092 through
the absorbent material 982 in the cavity 980 is represented by
arrows 1062.
[0077] In addition, the manifolding envelope 1084 distributes
liquid 1092 along a perimeter of the cavity 980 in a direction
indicated by arrows 1060. Without the manifolding envelope 1084, in
some circumstances the absorbent material 982 may swell in the
immediate area of liquid entry into the cavity 980, and possibly
cause a restriction in flow before much of the absorbent material
982 is used. The manifolding envelope 1084 helps to ensure that a
greater portion of the absorbent material 982 is exposed to the
liquid 1092, thereby facilitating larger and more efficient liquid
storage.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 11, a reduced-pressure treatment system
1100 is shown according to an illustrative embodiment. Manifold 120
has been applied to the tissue site 105, and the cover 125 covers
the manifold 120. The reduced-pressure treatment system 1100 also
includes fluid pouch 1130.
[0079] The reduced-pressure treatment system 1100 includes a
connection tube 1112. The cover 125 is coupled to the fluid pouch
1130 via the connection tube 1112 such that the connection tube
1112 facilitates fluid communication between the aperture 127 and
the fluid pouch 1130. One end of the connection tube 1112 is
fluidly coupled to the aperture 127, and another end of the
connection tube 1112 is fluidly coupled to an inlet of a fluid
pouch 1130. In one embodiment, the connection tube 1112 allows the
fluid pouch 1130 to be remotely located from the manifold 120
and/or the cover 125. Fluid may exit the fluid pouch 1130 via an
outlet connector 1135, which is functionally analogous to the
tubing adaptor 145 in FIG. 1.
[0080] In one example, the fluid pouch 1130 may be located on a
patient's skin at a site that is adjacent or remote from the
manifold 120 and/or the cover 125. In this example, the fluid pouch
1130 may be adhered to the patient's skin and/or clothing using
adhesive layer 1142 and/or a mechanical connection (e.g., strap).
In another example, the fluid pouch 1120 may be connected to or
mated with any object that is remote from the manifold 120 and/or
the cover 125. For example, the fluid pouch may mate with a
hospital bed, wheel chair, and/or walking boot. The fluid pouch
1130 may be adhered to an object or person using any means of
adherence.
[0081] 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.
* * * * *