U.S. patent application number 17/195330 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-24 for evaporative fluid pouch and systems for use with body fluids.
The applicant listed for this patent is KCI Licensing, Inc.. Invention is credited to Richard Daniel John COULTHARD, Christopher Brian LOCKE.
Application Number | 20210186764 17/195330 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005444267 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210186764 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
COULTHARD; Richard Daniel John ;
et al. |
June 24, 2021 |
EVAPORATIVE FLUID POUCH AND SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH BODY FLUIDS
Abstract
An inline storage-and-liquid-processing pouch for use with body
fluids from a patient is presented that involves introducing body
fluids into a first chamber in the storage-and-liquid-processing
pouch and flowing air through a second chamber. The chambers are
separated by a high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member. The air
flow in the second chamber enhances liquid removal from the first
chamber across the high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member. Other
systems, devices, and methods are disclosed herein.
Inventors: |
COULTHARD; Richard Daniel John;
(Verwood, GB) ; LOCKE; Christopher Brian;
(Bournemouth, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KCI Licensing, Inc. |
San Antonio |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005444267 |
Appl. No.: |
17/195330 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15845269 |
Dec 18, 2017 |
10966870 |
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17195330 |
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14860165 |
Sep 21, 2015 |
9877873 |
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15845269 |
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13442567 |
Apr 9, 2012 |
9314377 |
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14860165 |
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13084813 |
Apr 12, 2011 |
8604265 |
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13442567 |
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61529709 |
Aug 31, 2011 |
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61529722 |
Aug 31, 2011 |
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61529735 |
Aug 31, 2011 |
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61529751 |
Aug 31, 2011 |
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61359181 |
Jun 28, 2010 |
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61359205 |
Jun 28, 2010 |
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61325115 |
Apr 16, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 1/90 20210501; A61M
1/962 20210501; A61M 1/0023 20130101; A61F 13/00055 20130101; A61F
13/0216 20130101; A61M 1/0058 20130101; A61M 27/00 20130101; Y10T
29/49826 20150115 |
International
Class: |
A61F 13/00 20060101
A61F013/00; A61F 13/02 20060101 A61F013/02; A61M 1/00 20060101
A61M001/00; A61M 27/00 20060101 A61M027/00 |
Claims
1. An inline pouch for delivering reduced-pressure to a
reduced-pressure dressing, comprising: a pouch body; a dividing
member disposed within the pouch body, the dividing member
partitioning the pouch body into a first chamber and a second
chamber; a wicking member disposed within the first chamber; a
manifold member disposed within the second chamber; a first port
disposed on the pouch body, the first port being in fluid
communication with the first chamber, the first port adapted to
fluidly couple the first chamber to a reduced-pressure source; and
a second port disposed on the pouch body, the second port being in
fluid communication with the second chamber.
2. The inline pouch of claim 1, wherein the dividing member is
adapted to permit vapor transfer between the first chamber and the
second chamber.
3. The inline pouch of claim 1, wherein the second port is
configured to allow air to enter the second chamber from an
external environment.
4. The inline pouch of claim 1, wherein: the second port is located
at an end of the pouch body; and the second port is configured to
allow air to enter the second chamber from an external environment
and flow along a length of the second chamber.
5. The inline pouch of claim 1, further comprising a third port in
fluid communication with the second chamber.
6. The inline pouch of claim 5, wherein: the second port is located
at an end of the pouch body; and the second port is configured to
allow air to enter the second chamber from an external environment
and flow along a length of the second chamber to exit the second
chamber through the third port.
7. The inline pouch of claim 5, further comprising a fourth port in
fluid communication with the first chamber.
8. The inline pouch of claim 7, wherein: the first port is disposed
at an end of the pouch body; the first port is configured to allow
reduced-pressure to enter the first chamber from the
reduced-pressure source; and the fourth port is configured to allow
reduced-pressure to be communicated from the first chamber to the
dressing.
9. The inline pouch of claim 1, wherein the pouch body comprises is
formed with exterior walls having an interior portion.
10. The inline pouch of claim 9, wherein the dividing member
divides the interior portion into the first chamber and the second
chamber.
11. The inline pouch of claim 9, wherein the exterior walls are
formed by a first sealing member and a second sealing member.
12. The inline pouch of claim 11, wherein the first sealing member
is bonded to the second sealing member at a periphery of the first
sealing member and the second sealing member.
13. The inline pouch of claim 12, wherein the dividing member is
disposed between the first sealing member and the second sealing
member.
14. The inline pouch of claim 1, wherein the wicking member
comprises a non-woven fabric.
15. The inline pouch of claim 1, wherein the wicking member
comprises a 3D spacer fabric.
16. The inline pouch of claim 1, wherein the wicking member
comprises a textile.
17. The inline pouch of claim 1, wherein the wicking member
comprises an open-cell foam.
18. The inline pouch of claim 1, wherein the wicking member
comprises a fabric layer.
19. The inline pouch of claim 1, wherein the wicking member is
configured to allow fluid to flow in the first chamber.
20. The inline pouch of claim 1, wherein the manifold member is
configured to allow air to flow in the second chamber.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/845,269, entitled "EVAPORATIVE FLUID POUCH
AND SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH BODY FLUIDS," filed Dec. 18, 2017, which
is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/860,165,
entitled "EVAPORATIVE FLUID POUCH AND SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH BODY
FLUIDS," filed Sep. 21, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,877,873, which is
a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/442,567,
entitled "EVAPORATIVE FLUID POUCH AND SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH BODY
FLUIDS," filed Apr. 9, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,314,377, which is
a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/084,813, entitled "DRESSINGS AND METHODS FOR TREATING A TISSUE
SITE ON A PATIENT," filed on Apr. 12, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No.
8,604,265, and incorporated herein by reference, which claims the
benefit, under 35 USC .sctn. 119(e), of the filings of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/359,181, entitled "DRESSINGS AND
METHODS FOR TREATING A TISSUE SITE ON A PATIENT," filed Jun. 28,
2010; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61,359,205, entitled
"EVAPORATIVE BODY FLUID CONTAINERS AND METHODS," filed Jun. 28,
2010; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/325,115, entitled
"REDUCED-PRESSURE SOURCES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS EMPLOYING A
POLYMERIC, POROUS, HYDROPHOBIC MATERIALS," filed Apr. 16, 2010, all
of which are incorporated herein by reference. U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/442,567 also claims the benefit, under 35
USC .sctn. 119(e), of the filings of: U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/529,709, entitled "EVAPORATIVE FLUID POUCH
AND SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH BODY FLUIDS," filed Aug. 31, 2011, which
is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes; U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/529,722, entitled
"REDUCED-PRESSURE DRESSINGS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS WITH EVAPORATIVE
DEVICES," filed Aug. 31, 2011, which is incorporated herein by
reference for all purposes; U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 61/529,735, entitled "ABSORBENT POLYMER DRESSINGS,
SYSTEMS, AND METHODS EMPLOYING EVAPORATIVE DEVICES," filed Aug. 31,
2011, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes;
and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/529,751,
entitled "REDUCED-PRESSURE INTERFACES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS
EMPLOYING A COANDA DEVICE," filed Aug. 31, 2011, all of which are
incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to medical
treatment systems for treating wounds that produce liquids, such as
exudate, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to
reduced-pressure medical dressings, systems, and methods with
evaporative devices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Caring for wounds is important in the healing process.
Wounds often produce considerable liquids, e.g., exudate. Medical
dressings are often used in wound care to address the production of
liquids from the wound. If not properly addressed, liquids at the
wound can lead to infection or maceration of the periwound area. As
used throughout this document, "or" does not require mutual
exclusivity. Wound dressings may be used alone or as an aspect of
applying reduced pressure to a tissue site.
[0004] Clinical studies and practice have shown that providing
reduced pressure in proximity to a tissue site augments and
accelerates the growth of new tissue at the tissue site. The
applications of this phenomenon are numerous, but application of
reduced pressure has been particularly successful in treating
wounds. This treatment (frequently referred to in the medical
community as "negative pressure wound therapy," "reduced pressure
therapy," or "vacuum therapy") provides a number of benefits, which
may include faster healing and increased formulation of granulation
tissue.
SUMMARY
[0005] According to an illustrative embodiment, an inline
storage-and-liquid-processing pouch for use with body fluids from a
patient is presented that involves introducing body fluids into a
first chamber in the pouch and flowing air through a second chamber
where the chambers are separated by a
high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member. The air flow in the
second chamber enhances liquid removal from the first chamber
across the high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member.
[0006] According to another illustrative embodiment, a system for
treating a tissue site on a patient with reduced-pressure includes
a reduced-pressure dressing for disposing proximate to the tissue
site, a first reduced-pressure conduit fluidly coupled to the
reduced-pressure dressing for delivery reduced pressure thereto,
and an inline storage-and-liquid-processing pouch having a first
chamber and a second chamber. The first reduced-pressure conduit is
fluidly coupled to the first chamber. The system further includes a
reduced-pressure source fluidly coupled to the first chamber and a
pressure source fluidly coupled to the second chamber at a first
evaporation port. The system also includes a second evaporation
port formed on the inline storage-and-liquid-processing pouch. The
pressure source is configured to move air within the second
chamber.
[0007] According to another illustrative embodiment, an inline
storage-and-liquid-processing pouch for use with body fluids from a
patient includes a pouch body having an interior portion divided
into two parts by a first high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member
to form a first chamber and a second chamber. The inline
storage-and-liquid-processing pouch also includes a storage
material disposed within the first chamber and an air-movement
manifold disposed within the second chamber. The inline
storage-and-liquid-processing pouch also includes a first port
formed on the pouch body and fluidly coupled to the first chamber;
a second port formed on the pouch body and fluidly coupled to the
first chamber; a first evaporation port formed on the pouch body
and fluidly coupled to the second chamber; and a second evaporation
port formed on the pouch body and fluidly coupled to the second
chamber.
[0008] According to another illustrative embodiment, a method for
temporarily storing and processing body fluids outside of a patient
includes providing an inline storage-and-liquid-processing pouch.
The inline storage-and-liquid-processing pouch includes a pouch
body having an interior portion divided into two parts by a first
high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member to form a first chamber
and a second chamber. The inline storage-and-liquid-processing
pouch further includes a storage material disposed within the first
chamber and an air-movement manifold disposed within the second
chamber. The inline storage-and-liquid-processing pouch further
includes a first port formed on the pouch body and fluidly coupled
to the first chamber; a second port formed on the pouch body and
fluidly coupled to the first chamber; a first evaporation port
formed on the pouch body and fluidly coupled to the second chamber;
and a second evaporation port formed on the pouch body and fluidly
coupled to the second chamber. The method further includes
delivering the body fluids, which include liquids, to the first
port and into the first chamber and developing an airflow in the
second chamber through the air-movement manifold. As a result, a
humidity gradient is maintained across the first
high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member to evaporate liquids from
the first chamber.
[0009] According to still another illustrative embodiment, an
inline storage-and-liquid-processing pouch for use with body fluids
from a patient includes a pouch body having an interior portion
divided into three parts by a first
high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member and a second
high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member to form a first chamber, a
second chamber, and a third chamber. The first chamber is between
the second and third chambers. The inline
storage-and-liquid-processing pouch further includes a storage
material disposed within the first chamber, a first air-movement
manifold disposed within the second chamber, and a second
air-movement manifold disposed within the second chamber. The
inline storage-and-liquid-processing pouch also includes a first
port formed on the pouch body and fluidly coupled to the first
chamber; a second port formed on the pouch body and fluidly coupled
to the first chamber; a first evaporation port formed on the pouch
body and fluidly coupled to the second chamber; a second
evaporation port formed on the pouch body and fluidly coupled to
the second chamber; a third evaporation port formed on the pouch
body and fluidly coupled to the third chamber; and a fourth
evaporation port formed on the pouch body and fluidly coupled to
the third chamber proximate to the second end.
[0010] Other aspects, 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
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic, cross sectional view of an
illustrative embodiment of a system for treating a tissue site on a
patient with reduced pressure that includes an inline
storage-and-liquid-processing pouch;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic, lateral cross sectional view of the
inline storage-and-liquid-processing pouch of FIG. 1 taken along
line 2-2 and made into a whole cross section;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a schematic, lateral cross sectional view of an
illustrative embodiment of an inline storage-and-liquid-processing
pouch;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic, longitudinal cross sectional view of
an illustrative embodiment of an inline
storage-and-liquid-processing pouch;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a schematic, plan view of an illustrative
embodiment of an inline storage-and-liquid-processing pouch;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a schematic, perspective view, with a portion in
cross section (lateral), of an illustrative embodiment of an inline
storage-and-liquid-processing pouch; and
[0017] FIG. 7 is a schematic, longitudinal cross sectional view of
the inline storage-and-liquid-processing pouch of FIG. 6 with some
alterations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0018] In the following detailed description of the illustrative,
non-limiting embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying
drawings that form a part hereof. These embodiments are described
in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be
utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and
chemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or
scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable
those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments described
herein, the description may omit certain information known to those
skilled in the art. The following detailed description is not to be
taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the illustrative
embodiments are defined only by the appended claims.
[0019] Referring now to the figures and primarily to FIG. 1-2, a
system 100 for treating a tissue site 102, such as a wound 103, on
a patient 104 with reduced-pressure is presented. The system 100
includes an illustrative embodiment of an inline
storage-and-liquid-processing pouch 106 that allows the system 100
to process more liquids from the tissue site 102 than would
otherwise be possible as well as offering other potential
benefits.
[0020] The depicted wound 103 at tissue site 102 is through
epidermis 108 and into dermis 110. A reduced-pressure dressing 112
is disposed on the tissue site 102 and is operable to receive
fluids from the tissue site 102. The reduced-pressure dressing 112
may be any type of dressing for receiving fluids from the patient,
but is shown as a dressing with a wound-interface manifold 113 and
a drape 115. Indeed, the reduced-pressure dressing 112 may involve
only removing fluids from a body-fluid container, such as an ostomy
bag. Fluids, including liquids, from the tissue site 102 are
delivered through a reduced-pressure interface 114 to a first
reduced-pressure conduit 116 that is fluidly coupled to the inline
storage-and-liquid-processing pouch 106.
[0021] As an overview of the illustrative embodiment of the inline
storage-and-liquid-processing pouch 106, the inline
storage-and-liquid-processing pouch 106 includes a pouch body 118
formed with exterior walls 119 and having an interior portion 120
that divided into two parts by a first
high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member 122. The exterior walls
119 and first high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member 122 form a
first chamber 124 and a second chamber 126. A storage material 128
is disposed within the first chamber 124. An air-movement manifold
130 is disposed in the second chamber 126. These aspects of the
inline storage-and-liquid-processing pouch 106 and others will be
further described.
[0022] A first port 132 is formed on the pouch body 118 and fluidly
coupled to the first chamber 124. A second port 134 is formed on
the pouch body 118 and fluidly coupled to the first chamber 124. A
first evaporation port 136 is formed on the pouch body 118 and is
fluidly coupled to the second chamber 126. A second evaporation
port 138 is formed on the pouch body 118 and fluidly coupled to the
second chamber 126. Reduced pressure is applied to the second port
directly by a reduced-pressure source, e.g., a micro-pump (see FIG.
4), or by a second reduced-pressure conduit 140 (FIG. 1). The first
evaporation port 136, which is the outlet to the second chamber
126, may have a bacteria filter over the first evaporation port 136
to filter the air before the air exits the second chamber 126.
[0023] Thus, liquids are pulled into the first chamber 124 as
suggested by arrows 142 from the reduced-pressure dressing 112. A
hydrophobic filter 135 or other device may be placed at the
downstream port, i.e., the second port 134 in FIG. 1, to prevent
liquids from exiting through the downstream port. As suggested by
arrows 144, air is caused to flow in the second chamber 126 that
helps create or maintain a relative humidity gradient across the
first high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member 122 and that helps
remove liquids from the inline storage-and-liquid-processing pouch
106 and more generally the system 100. While air is mentioned
throughout this document, it should be understood that another
working gas could be used and that air is being used in a broad
sense to reference a gas that creates the humidity gradient across
the first high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member 122.
[0024] The first high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member 122 may
be formed from any material that allows vapor to egress but not
liquids. "Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate" or "MVTR" represents
the amount of moisture that can pass through a material in a given
period of time. The first high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member
122 typically has a moisture vapor transmission rate greater than
300 g/m.sup.2/24 hours and more typically 1000 g/m.sup.2/24 hours
or more. The first high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member 122
allows vapor to egress or diffuse from the first chamber 124 to the
second chamber 126, but not liquids.
[0025] The first high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member 122 may
comprise one or more of the following: hydrophilic polyurethane,
cellulosics, hydrophilic polyamides, an INSPIRE 2301 material from
Exopack Advanced Coatings of Wrexham, United Kingdom; a thin,
uncoated polymer drape; or polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl
pyrrolidone, hydrophilic acrylics, hydrophilic silicone elastomers
and copolymers of these. The INSPIRE 2301 illustrative film has an
MVTR (inverted cup technique) of 14500-14600 g/m.sup.2/24 hours.
See www.exopackadvancedcoatings.com. The first
high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member 122 may have various
thicknesses, such as 10 to 40 microns (.mu.m), e.g., 15, 20, 25,
30, 35, 40 microns (inclusive of all numbers in the stated
range).
[0026] A patient-facing side 123 of the first
high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member 122 may be coupled by an
attachment device (not shown), e.g., adhesive or cement, to the top
side (for the orientation shown in FIG. 1) of the storage material
128, e.g., top of the second wicking member 162. In such an
embodiment, the performance of the first
high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member 122 with respect to MVTR
may be enhanced by only covering a limited surface area of the
patient-facing side 123 with the attachment device. For example,
according to one illustrative embodiment, only 30 to 60 percent of
the surface area of the patient-facing side 123 is covered with the
attachment device. The limited coverage by the attachment device on
the patient-facing side 123 may be accomplished by applying the
attachment device in a pattern, e.g., grid, spaced dots, swirls, or
other patterns. In another embodiment, the first
high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member 122 may be coupled by
welding (e.g., ultrasonic or RF welding), bonding, stitching,
staples, or another coupling device to the storage material 128. In
other embodiments, there is no attachment device.
[0027] The air flow in the second chamber 126 may be achieved in
either direction and is shown in FIG. 1 flowing in a direction
opposite the reduced pressure flow of the first chamber 124. In the
embodiment shown, a positive pressure is applied to the second
evaporation port 138. The positive pressure may be applied directly
by a micro-pump or other device (see FIG. 4) or by positive
pressure delivered by a pressure conduit 146. When configured to
apply positive pressure to the second evaporation port 138, the
first evaporation port 136 functions as an outlet for flowing air
to exit the second chamber 126. Alternatively, reduced pressure may
be applied either directly or through pressure conduit 146 to the
second evaporation port 138. In that instance, the first
evaporation port 136 functions as an intake for allowing air to
enter the second chamber 126.
[0028] The pouch body 118 may be formed in numerous ways. According
to one illustrative embodiment, the exterior walls 119 are formed
by a first sealing member 148 and a second sealing member 150. The
first sealing member 148 is bonded by bond 149 to the second
sealing member 150 at peripheral ends 152. The first
high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member 122 is disposed between
the first sealing member 148 and second sealing member 150 and may
be bonded with bonds 149 as well. The first
high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member 122 thereby forms two
parts or bisects (not necessarily equal parts) the interior portion
120 to form the first chamber 124 and the second chamber 126.
[0029] The first sealing member 148 is formed from any material
that inhibits air flow through the first sealing member 148 and
typically that is liquid impermeable as well. In some embodiments,
the first sealing member 148 may be a
high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate material to allow additional
liquid to egress the second chamber 126. The second sealing member
150 is formed from any liquid-impermeable material. Typically, the
first sealing member 148 and second sealing member 150 are formed
from one or more of the following: natural rubbers, polyisoprene,
styrene butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, polybutadiene,
nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene
propylene diene monomer, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, polysulfide
rubber, polyurethane (PU), EVA film, co-polyester, silicones,
silicone drape, a 3M Tegaderm.RTM. drape, or a polyurethane (PU)
drape such as one available from Avery Dennison Corporation of
Pasadena, Calif., or any material mentioned for the first
high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member 122, or other appropriate
material. The first sealing member 148 need not be liquid
impermeable and could also be formed from a woven or non-woven
material as long as the material is coated or constructed to
contain the air flow.
[0030] The ports 132, 134, 136, and 138 are formed through the
pouch body 118. Typically, the respective pairs of ports (132 and
132; 136 and 138) are displaced as far as possible from each other
to maximize distribution of liquids or evaporation. Thus for
example, typically the first port 132 is positioned on a first end
154 of the pouch body 118 and the second port 134 is positioned on
the second end 156. Likewise, the first evaporation port 136 is on
the first end 154 and the second evaporation port 138 is on the
second end 156.
[0031] The storage material 128 is disposed in the first chamber
124. The storage material 128 is any material that receives fluids,
including liquids, and retains the fluids. For example, without
limitation, the storage material 128 may be formed from one or more
of the following: an absorbent member 158, a first wicking member
160, a second wicking member 162. In the illustrative embodiment of
FIG. 2, the storage material 128 comprises the absorbent layer 158
and two wicking members 160, 162. In the illustrative embodiment of
FIG. 3, the storage material 128 is only an absorbent member
158.
[0032] The absorbent member 158 may be any material that retains
liquids and may comprise one or more of the following: BASF 402c,
Technical Absorbents 2317, sodium polyacrylate super absorbers,
cellulosics (carboxy methyl cellulose and salts such as sodium
CMC), or alginates. The first wicking member 160 and second wicking
member 162 may be formed from one or more of the following:
non-woven fabrics such as Libeltex TDL2, woven fabrics including 3D
spacer fabrics and Textiles (Baltex, Ilkeston, Derby, UK),
open-cell foam, or sintered polymers.
[0033] In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 1-2, the storage
material 128 includes a first wicking member 160, an absorbent
member 158, and a second wicking member 162, which is proximate to
the first high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member 122. The first
wicking member 160 and the second wicking member 162 may be coupled
at their peripheral edges 165 as shown by a coupling 163. The
coupling 163 may be formed using any known technique, including
without limitation welding (e.g., ultrasonic or RF welding),
bonding, adhesives, cements, stitching, staples, or another
coupling device. Alternatively, the first wicking member 160 and
the second wicking member 162 may be disposed adjacent to one
another at least at their peripheral ends (overlapping portions)
and held in contact with one another to allow fluid communication
therebetween. The wicking layers 160, 162 may thus be in fluid
communication with each other to allow fluid flow between the
wicking layers 160, 162 and along the wicking layers 160, 162 at
times when the flow of fluid in the absorbent layer 158 is
inhibited or blocked.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 4, another illustrative embodiment of
an inline storage-and-liquid-processing pouch 106 for use with body
fluids from a patient is presented. The inline
storage-and-liquid-processing pouch 106 is analogous in many
respects to the inline storage-and-liquid-processing pouch 106 of
FIGS. 1-3, and accordingly, some parts are labeled but not further
discussed. The inline storage-and-liquid-processing pouch 106
includes a first micro-pump 164 coupled to the pouch body 118 and
fluidly coupled to the second port 134. The first micro-pump 164 is
operable to produce reduced pressure that is delivered to the
second port 134. The first micro-pump may be any pump capable of
producing reduced pressure and small and light weight enough to be
attached directly to the pouch body 118. For example, and not by
way of limitation, the micro-pump shown in United States Patent
Publication 2009/0240185 (application Ser. No. 12/398,904; filed 5
Mar. 2009), entitled, "Dressing and Method for Applying Reduced
Pressure To and Collecting And Storing Fluid from a Tissue Site,"
which is incorporated herein for all purposes, may be used.
[0035] Similarly, a second micro-pump 166 is coupled to the pouch
body 118 and fluidly coupled to the second evaporation port 138.
The second micro-pump 166 is operable to produce air flow in the
second chamber 126 between the first evaporation port 136 and the
second evaporation port 138. The second micro-pump 166 is analogous
to the first micro-pump but may configured to either pull air as
shown and suggested by arrows 168 or to push air. In the latter
situation, air goes from the second evaporation port 138 through
the second chamber 126 to the first evaporation port 136. The
inline storage-and-liquid-processing pouch 106 may be formed with
one or both of the micro-pumps 164, 166 or with one or more
conduits 140, 146 as shown in FIG. 1. A first reduced-pressure
conduit 116 is fluidly coupled to a wound dressing (not shown),
such as the reduced-pressure dressing 112 in FIG. 1, and to the
first port 132. As shown in FIG. 5, the reduced-pressure dressing
may also be directly coupled to the first port 132.
[0036] Referring now primarily to FIG. 5, a plan view of an
illustrative system 100 for treating a tissue site on a patient
with reduced-pressure that includes an inline
storage-and-liquid-processing pouch 106 is presented. The inline
storage-and-liquid-processing pouch 106 is analogous in most
respects to the inline storage-and-liquid-processing pouch 106 of
FIGS. 1-3, and accordingly, some parts are labeled but not further
discussed. In addition, components referenced but not explicitly
shown are analogous to those previously presented. The embodiment
of FIG. 5 differs primarily in that the pouch body 118 has a main
portion 170 and a neck portion 172 and the first port 132 is
coupled directly to the reduced-pressure dressing 112.
[0037] It should be noted that that the inline
storage-and-liquid-processing pouch 106 may take many different
shapes. Some embodiments of the inline
storage-and-liquid-processing pouch 106 are for wearing on the
patient and others may be for a stationary position near the
patient. In some embodiments, the second chamber 126 may encircle
the first chamber 124 or other configurations may be used. The
pouch body 118 may take different sizes too. In one illustrative
embodiment, the pouch body 118 has surface area in plan view
greater than 200 centimeters.sup.2 and less than 730
centimeters.sup.2.
[0038] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, reduced pressure is developed
into the first chamber and that reduced pressure pulls liquids from
the reduced-pressure dressing 112 directly into the first port 132
and is distributed in the first chamber. A micro-pump 166 pushes or
pulls air into the air-movement manifold. Thus, air will enter or
exit through the first evaporation port 136, which in this
embodiment comprises a plurality of apertures. The movement of air
in the second chamber establishes a strong humidity gradient across
a first high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member and liquid is thus
processed out of the system 100.
[0039] Referring now primarily to FIGS. 6 and 7, another
illustrative embodiment of an inline storage-and-liquid-processing
pouch 106 is presented. The inline storage-and-liquid-processing
pouch 106 is analogous in most respects to the inline
storage-and-liquid-processing pouch 106 of FIGS. 1-3, and
accordingly, some parts are labeled but not further discussed. In
addition, components referenced but not explicitly shown are
analogous to those previously presented. This embodiment differs
primarily in that three chambers are formed in the interior portion
120 in order to provide for evaporation on two sides of the first
chamber 124.
[0040] A pouch body 118 is formed having exterior walls 119. The
pouch body 118 is partitioned by a first
high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member 122 and a second
high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member 174 to form the first
chamber 124, a second chamber 126, and a third chamber 176. The
second high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member 174 may formed from
the same materials as the first high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate
member 122 as previously presented. The first chamber 124 is
between the second chamber 126 and third chamber 176. As with
previous embodiments, a storage material 128 is disposed within the
first chamber 124 and an air-movement manifold 130, which is a
first air-movement manifold 178, is disposed within the second
chamber 126. In addition, a second air-movement manifold 180 is
disposed in the third chamber 176. The first air-movement manifold
178 and second air-movement manifold 180 are formed from one or
more of the same materials previously mentioned for the first
air-movement manifold 130 in FIGS. 1-3.
[0041] The storage material 128 may be any of the materials
previously mentioned. FIGS. 6 and 7 differ from one another
slightly with respect to the storage material 128. The storage
material 128 in FIG. 6 has an absorbent member 158 disposed between
a first wicking member 160 and a second wicking member 162. In
contrast, the storage material of 128 of FIG. 7 is only an
absorbent member 158.
[0042] Referring primarily to FIG. 7, a schematic, longitudinal
cross section of the inline storage-and-liquid-processing pouch 106
of FIG. 6 is presented. The various ports are shown best in this
view. The pouch body 118 is formed with a first port 132 formed on
the pouch body 118 and is fluidly coupled to the first chamber 124.
A second port 134 is also formed on the pouch body 118 and is
fluidly coupled to the first chamber 124. A first evaporation port
136 and a second evaporation port 138 are formed on the pouch body
118 and are fluidly coupled to the second chamber 126. In addition,
a third evaporation port 182 is formed on the pouch body 118 and is
fluidly coupled to the third chamber 176. Likewise, a fourth
evaporation port 184 is formed on the pouch body 118 and is fluidly
coupled to the third chamber 176. To maximize distribution or
evaporation, the pairs of ports are typically remote from each
other and usually one is on the first end 154 and the other on the
second end 156.
[0043] Referring generally to FIGS. 6 and 7, according to one
illustrative embodiment, in operation, the first port 132 is
fluidly coupled to the wound dressing (e.g., reduced-pressure
dressing 112 in FIG. 1) and receives fluids, including liquid,
therefrom. The liquid is pulled through the second port 134 into
the first chamber 124 by reduced pressure applied to the first
chamber 124 through the first port 132. The liquid is distributed
within the storage material 128 from the second port 134 to the
first port 132 as suggested by arrows 142. The liquid in the
storage material 128 interacts with both the first
high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member 122 and the second
high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member 174.
[0044] An air flow is produced in the second chamber 126 as
suggested by arrows 144. Air may flow to or from the first
evaporation port 136 and from or to the second evaporation port
138. The air flow in second chamber 126 is caused by applying
positive or reduced pressure to one of the evaporation ports 136,
138. In addition, an air flow is produced in the third chamber 176
as suggested by arrows 186. Air may flow to or from the third
evaporation port 182 and from or to the fourth evaporation port
184. The flow in third chamber 176 is caused by applying positive
or reduced pressure to one of the evaporation ports 182, 184. In
this way, air flowing on both sides of the first chamber 124
enhances the inline storage-and-liquid-processing pouch 106's
ability to process liquids out of the inline
storage-and-liquid-processing pouch 106.
[0045] In all the embodiments herein, the air movement through the
second chamber 126 (and third chamber 176 when applicable) may be
continuous, intermittent, or actively controlled. In the latter
situation, a saturation sensor may be applied in the first chamber
124 or an outward facing side of the
high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate members 122, 174. The saturation
sensor may be any device that allows monitoring of the saturation
status of the storage material 128. For example, without
limitation, the saturation sensor may be a resistive element that
changes resistance when liquid covers the sensor, a galvanic cell
that creates a voltage when covered with liquid from a wound, a
capacitive sensor that changes properties when saturated liquid is
nearby, or any other electrical saturation sensor. The saturation
sensor is coupled to a controller, and the controller and
saturation sensor determine when the storage material 128 or
high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate members 122, 174 are saturated.
Upon detecting the same, the controller may activate a pressure
source that supplies either reduced pressure or positive pressure
to one of the evacuation ports 136, 138. When the saturation sensor
and controller determine that the storage material 128 is not
saturated, the controller may deactivate the pressure source.
[0046] In another illustrative embodiment, an inline
storage-and-liquid-processing pouch 106 is coupled directly to a
body-fluid bag, e.g., an ostomy bag. The inline
storage-and-liquid-processing pouch 106 may form an outer wall of
the fluid-bag itself.
[0047] The illustrative systems and inline
storage-and-liquid-processing pouches presented herein offer a
number of perceived advantages. These include the ability to manage
a higher volume of fluid than otherwise possible. In this regard,
one may consider that exudate from a wound often has about 88
percent water and 12 percent other materials. With such a device in
use, the system may not need changing for a relatively extended
period of time. In addition, the inline
storage-and-liquid-processing pouch is multi-directional and
involves fewer parts than canisters in use. In addition, the inline
storage-and-liquid-processing pouch has a low profile and is light.
These are only some of the potential advantages.
[0048] Although the present invention and its advantages have been
disclosed in the context of certain illustrative, non-limiting
embodiments, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions, permutations, and alterations can be made without
departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. It will be appreciated that any feature that is
described in connection to any one embodiment may also be
applicable to any other embodiment.
[0049] It will be understood that the benefits and advantages
described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to
several embodiments. It will further be understood that reference
to "an" item refers to one or more of those items.
[0050] The steps of the methods described herein may be carried out
in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate.
[0051] Where appropriate, aspects of any of the embodiments
described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other
embodiments described to form further examples having comparable or
different properties and addressing the same or different
problems.
[0052] It will be understood that the above description of
preferred embodiments is given by way of example only and that
various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. The
above specification, examples and data provide a complete
description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of
the invention. Although various embodiments of the invention have
been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or
with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled
in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed
embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.
* * * * *
References