U.S. patent application number 17/587395 was filed with the patent office on 2022-05-19 for autonomous fluid instillation system and method with tissue site pressure monitoring.
The applicant listed for this patent is KCI Licensing, Inc.. Invention is credited to Christopher Brian LOCKE, Benjamin Andrew PRATT.
Application Number | 20220152370 17/587395 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006108173 |
Filed Date | 2022-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220152370 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PRATT; Benjamin Andrew ; et
al. |
May 19, 2022 |
AUTONOMOUS FLUID INSTILLATION SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH TISSUE SITE
PRESSURE MONITORING
Abstract
A system and method for providing fluid to a tissue site is
described. The method fluidly couples an instillation therapy
system to the tissue site and monitors a pressure supplied to the
tissue site by a reduced-pressure source with the instillation
therapy system for a time period. The method provides fluid to the
tissue site with the instillation therapy system in response to the
pressure at the tissue site during the time period. The system
includes a pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the tissue site to
measure a pressure proximate the tissue site. A valve and a flow
meter are fluidly between a fluid reservoir and the tissue site. A
controller is communicatively coupled to the pressure sensor and
the valve and configured to monitor the pressure at the tissue site
and a volume of fluid flow to the tissue and, in response, operate
the valve.
Inventors: |
PRATT; Benjamin Andrew;
(Poole, GB) ; LOCKE; Christopher Brian;
(Bournemouth, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KCI Licensing, Inc. |
San Antonio |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006108173 |
Appl. No.: |
17/587395 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15874749 |
Jan 18, 2018 |
11266821 |
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17587395 |
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14561718 |
Dec 5, 2014 |
9907940 |
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15874749 |
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61917773 |
Dec 18, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 ; 604/305;
604/317 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 39/22 20130101;
A61M 2039/226 20130101; A61F 13/00068 20130101; A61M 2205/3334
20130101; A61M 37/00 20130101; A61M 1/90 20210501; A61M 1/85
20210501; A61M 3/022 20140204; A61M 2205/3344 20130101; A61M 1/0062
20130101; A61M 3/0283 20130101; A61M 3/0258 20130101; A61M
2037/0007 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61M 37/00 20060101
A61M037/00; A61M 39/22 20060101 A61M039/22; A61F 13/00 20060101
A61F013/00; A61M 3/02 20060101 A61M003/02; A61M 1/00 20060101
A61M001/00 |
Claims
1. A method for providing fluid to a tissue site, the method
comprising: fluidly coupling an instillation therapy system to the
tissue site; monitoring a pressure supplied to the tissue site by a
reduced-pressure source with the instillation therapy system for a
time period; and providing fluid to the tissue site with the
instillation therapy system in response to the pressure at the
tissue site during the time period.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein providing fluid to the tissue
site comprises opening a valve fluidly coupled between the tissue
site and a fluid reservoir.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising operating a pump
fluidly coupled between the valve and the fluid reservoir.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein providing fluid to the tissue
site comprises operating a pump fluidly coupled between the tissue
site and a fluid reservoir.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein monitoring a pressure at the
tissue site for a time period comprises: operating the
reduced-pressure source fluidly coupled to the tissue site in an
intermittent mode; monitoring the pressure at the tissue site to
determine a pressure profile; and determining one or more operating
parameters of a reduced-pressure treatment from the pressure
profile.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the one or more operating
parameters comprise one or more of a maximum reduced pressure, a
minimum reduced pressure, a trigger pressure, and an on period and
an off period for the reduced-pressure source.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein providing fluid to the tissue
site comprises opening a valve fluidly coupled between the tissue
site and a fluid reservoir in response to the one or more operating
parameters.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein opening the valve in response to
the one or more operating parameters comprises opening the valve
when the pressure at the tissue site reaches a trigger
pressure.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein opening the valve in response to
the one or more operating parameters comprises opening the valve
during an off period of the reduced-pressure source.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein opening the valve in response to
the one or more operating parameters comprises opening the valve
during an on period of the reduced-pressure source.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: monitoring a
reduced-pressure ramp-down period while providing fluids; and
reporting that a fluid reservoir is empty in response to a
deviation of the reduced-pressure ramp-down period from an expected
reduced-pressure ramp-down period.
12. A method for providing fluid to a tissue site, the method
comprising: fluidly coupling an instillation therapy system to the
tissue site; operating a reduced-pressure treatment system fluidly
coupled to the tissue site to provide reduced-pressure therapy in
an intermittent mode; monitoring a pressure at the tissue site;
determining a pressure profile of the reduced-pressure therapy at
the tissue site; and opening a valve fluidly coupled between the
tissue site and a fluid reservoir in response to the pressure
profile.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising operating a pump
fluidly coupled between the valve and the fluid reservoir.
14. The method of claim 12, further comprising determining one or
more operating parameters of the reduced-pressure therapy from the
pressure profile.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the one or more operating
parameters comprise one or more of a maximum reduced pressure, a
minimum reduced pressure, a trigger pressure, and an on period and
an off period for a reduced-pressure source of the reduced-pressure
treatment system.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein opening a valve fluidly coupled
between the tissue site and a fluid reservoir comprises opening the
valve in response to the one or more operating parameters.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein opening the valve in response
to the one or more operating parameters comprises opening the valve
when the pressure at the tissue site reaches the trigger
pressure.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein opening the valve in response
to the one or more operating parameters comprises opening the valve
during the off period of the reduced-pressure source.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein opening the valve in response
to the one or more operating parameters comprises opening the valve
during the on period of the reduced-pressure source.
20. The method of claim 12, further comprising: determining an
expected reduced-pressure ramp-down period from the pressure
profile; monitoring the reduced-pressure ramp-down period when the
valve is open; and reporting that a fluid reservoir is empty in
response to a deviation of the reduced-pressure ramp-down period
from the expected reduced-pressure ramp-down period.
21.-39. (canceled)
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/874,749, filed Jan. 18, 2018, which is a continuation
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/561,718, filed Dec. 5, 2014,
now U.S. Pat. No. 9,907,940, which claims the benefit, under 35 USC
.sctn. 119(e), of the filing of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
No. 61/917,773, entitled "Autonomous Fluid Instillation System and
Method with Tissue Site Pressure Monitoring," filed Dec. 18, 2013,
which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to tissue treatment
systems and more particularly, but without limitation, to a system
and method for providing instillation therapy to a tissue site.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Clinical studies and practice have shown that reducing
pressure in proximity to a tissue site can augment and accelerate
growth of new tissue at the tissue site. The applications of this
phenomenon are numerous, but it has proven particularly
advantageous for treating wounds. Regardless of the etiology of a
wound, whether trauma, surgery, or another cause, proper care of
the wound is important to the outcome. Treatment of wounds with
reduced pressure may be commonly referred to as "reduced-pressure
therapy," but is also known by other names, including
"negative-pressure therapy," "negative-pressure wound therapy,"
"reduced-pressure wound therapy," "vacuum therapy," and
"vacuum-assisted closure," for example. Reduced-pressure therapy
may provide a number of benefits, including migration of epithelial
and subcutaneous tissues, improved blood flow, and
micro-deformation of tissue at a tissue site. Together, these
benefits can increase development of granulation tissue and reduce
healing times.
[0004] In addition, the delivery of therapeutic fluids (e.g. saline
or antibiotic fluids) to the tissue site can also provide benefits
to healing of a tissue site. Treatment of tissue sites with the
delivery of therapeutic fluids may also be referred to as
"instillation therapy." Instillation therapy may assist in cleaning
the tissue site by aiding in the removal of infectious agents or
necrotic tissue. The therapeutic fluids used in instillation
therapy may also provide medicinal fluids, such as antibiotics,
anti-fungals, antiseptics, analgesics, or other similar substances,
to aid in the treatment of a tissue site.
[0005] While the clinical benefits of reduced-pressure therapy and
instillation therapy are widely known, the cost and complexity of
reduced-pressure therapy and instillation therapy can be a limiting
factor in its application, and the development and operation of
reduced-pressure systems, components, and processes continues to
present significant challenges to manufacturers, healthcare
providers, and patients.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] In one example embodiment, a method for providing fluid to a
tissue site may be described. An instillation therapy system may be
fluidly coupled to the tissue site, and a pressure supplied to the
tissue site by a reduced-pressure source may be monitored with the
instillation therapy system for a time period. Fluid may be
provided to the tissue site with the instillation therapy system in
response to the pressure at the tissue site during the time
period.
[0007] In another example embodiment, a method for providing fluid
to a tissue site may be described. An instillation therapy system
may be fluidly coupled to the tissue site. A reduced-pressure
treatment system fluidly coupled to the tissue site may be operated
to provide reduced-pressure therapy in an intermittent mode, and
the instillation therapy system may monitor a pressure at the
tissue site. A pressure profile of the reduced-pressure therapy at
the tissue site may be determined. A valve fluidly coupled between
the tissue site and a fluid reservoir may be opened in response to
the pressure profile.
[0008] In still another embodiment, a system for providing
instillation therapy to a tissue site may be described. The system
may include a fluid interface configured to be fluidly coupled to
the tissue site and a pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the fluid
interface and configured to measure a pressure proximate the tissue
site. The system may also include a valve fluidly coupled to the
fluid interface. The valve may have an open position configured to
permit fluid communication through the valve and a closed position
configured to prevent fluid communication through the valve. The
system may have a flow meter configured to be fluidly coupled
between the valve and the fluid interface and a fluid reservoir
fluidly coupled to the valve. The system may include a controller
communicatively coupled to the pressure sensor and the valve. The
controller may be configured to monitor the pressure measured by
the pressure sensor and a volume of fluid flow through the flow
meter and, in response, operate the valve.
[0009] In yet another example embodiment, a method for providing
fluid to a tissue site may be described. An instillation therapy
system may be fluidly coupled to the tissue site and operated in a
training mode. A pressure profile of a reduced pressure source
fluidly coupled to the tissue site may be determined in response to
the training mode. In response to the pressure profile, the
instillation therapy system may deliver fluid to the tissue
site.
[0010] In yet still another example embodiment, a method for
delivering fluid to a tissue site may be described. An instillation
therapy system may be coupled to the tissue site, and the
instillation therapy system may monitor a pressure at the tissue
site. Fluids may be delivered to the tissue site if the pressure at
the tissue site is about a trigger pressure, and the instillation
therapy system may continue to monitor the pressure at the tissue
site if the pressure at the tissue site is not about the trigger
pressure. A fluid flow to the tissue site may be monitored in
response to delivering fluids to the tissue site, and the
instillation therapy system may determine if the fluid flow is
about a dosage of fluids. If the fluid flow is about the dosage of
fluids, the fluid flow may be stopped. And if the fluid flow is not
about the dosage of fluids, the instillation therapy system may
determine if a reduced-pressure source fluidly coupled to the
tissue site is about to start an on period. If the reduced-pressure
source is not about to start the on period, fluids may continue to
be delivered. If the reduced-pressure source is about to enter the
on period, fluid may stop being delivered, and the trigger pressure
may be incremented if the reduced-pressure source is about to start
the on period.
[0011] Other objects, features, and advantages of the embodiments
described herein will become apparent with reference to the
drawings and detailed description that follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a partial sectional view of a reduced-pressure
therapy system and an instillation therapy system for treating a
tissue site in accordance with this specification;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of another embodiment of
the reduced-pressure therapy system and the instillation therapy
system for treating a tissue site in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a tube for fluidly coupling a
reduced-pressure source to a reduced-pressure interface in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the reduced-pressure
therapy system and the instillation therapy system in accordance
with an illustrative embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a graphical depiction of the operation of the
reduced-pressure therapy system of FIG. 4 in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 6A is a graphical depiction of a pressure profile of
reduced-pressure provided to the tissue site by the
reduced-pressure therapy system of FIG. 4 in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 6B is a graphical depiction of the pressure profile of
FIG. 6A illustrating a training mode of the instillation therapy
system of FIG. 4;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a graphical depiction of the operation of a valve
of the fluid source of FIG. 4 in accordance with an illustrative
embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a graphical depiction of the operation of the
valve of the fluid source of FIG. 4 in accordance with another
illustrative embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating operative steps of
the fluid source of FIG. 4;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating operative steps of
an intermittent mode of operation of the fluid source of FIG.
4;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating operative steps of a
training mode of operation of the fluid source of FIG. 4;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating operative steps of a
dynamic mode of operation of the fluid source of FIG. 4; and
[0025] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating additional operative
steps of the dynamic mode of operation of the fluid source of FIG.
4.
DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0026] New and useful systems and methods for providing
instillation therapy in a reduced-pressure therapy environment are
set forth in the appended claims. Objectives, advantages, and a
preferred mode of making and using the systems and methods may be
understood best by reference to the following detailed description
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The description
provides information that enables a person skilled in the art to
make and use the claimed subject matter, but may omit certain
details already well-known in the art. Moreover, descriptions of
various alternatives using terms such as "or" do not necessarily
require mutual exclusivity unless clearly required by the context.
The claimed subject matter may also encompass alternative
embodiments not specifically described in detail. The following
detailed description is, therefore, to be taken as illustrative and
not limiting.
[0027] The example embodiments may also be described herein with
reference to spatial relationships between various elements or to
the spatial orientations of various elements depicted in the
attached drawings. In general, such relationships or orientation
assume a frame of reference consistent with or relative to a
patient in a position to receive treatment. However, as should be
recognized by those skilled in the art, this frame of reference is
merely a descriptive expedient rather than a strict
prescription.
[0028] FIG. 1 is a partial sectional view of a therapy system 100
that may include a reduced-pressure therapy system 101 and an
instillation therapy system 116 fluidly coupled to a tissue site
114 in accordance with some embodiments. In an illustrative
embodiment, the therapy system 100 may also include a dressing 102
coupled to a tissue site 114. The dressing 102 may include a drape,
such as a drape 108, and a tissue interface, such as a manifold
110. The reduced-pressure therapy system 101 may include a
reduced-pressure source 104 fluidly coupled to the dressing 102.
The reduced-pressure therapy system 101 may also include a fluid
container, such as a container 112, fluidly coupled to the dressing
102 and the reduced-pressure source 104 by a reduced-pressure
interface 105, a tube 107, and a tube 109. The instillation therapy
system 116 may include a fluid source 118 and a fluid interface
120. The fluid source 118 may be fluidly coupled to the fluid
interface 120 with a fluid connector 122 and one or more tubes,
such as a tube 123 and a tube 124.
[0029] A tissue interface, such as the manifold 110, may be placed
within, over, on, or otherwise proximate a tissue site, such as the
tissue site 114. For example, the manifold 110 may be placed
against the tissue site 114, and the drape 108 may be placed over
the manifold 110 and sealed to tissue proximate the tissue site
114. Tissue proximate a tissue site is often undamaged epidermis
peripheral to the tissue site. Thus, the dressing 102 can provide a
sealed therapeutic environment 103 proximate a tissue site. The
sealed therapeutic environment 103 may be substantially isolated
from the external environment, and the reduced-pressure source 104
can reduce the pressure in the sealed therapeutic environment 103.
Reduced pressure applied uniformly through a tissue interface in
the sealed therapeutic environment 103 can induce macrostrain and
microstrain in a tissue site, as well as remove exudates and other
fluids from the tissue site. The removed exudates and other fluids
can be collected in the container 112 and disposed of properly.
[0030] A "tissue site," such as the tissue site 114, may refer to a
wound or defect located on or within tissue including, but not
limited to, bone tissue, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, neural
tissue, dermal tissue, vascular tissue, connective tissue,
cartilage, tendons, or ligaments. A wound may include chronic,
acute, traumatic, subacute, and dehisced wounds, partial-thickness
burns, ulcers (such as diabetic, pressure, or venous insufficiency
ulcers), flaps, and grafts, for example. The term "tissue site" may
also refer to areas of any tissue that are not necessarily wounded
or defective, but are instead areas in which it may be desirable to
add or promote the growth of additional tissue. For example,
reduced pressure may be used in certain tissue areas to grow
additional tissue that may be harvested and transplanted to another
tissue location.
[0031] "Reduced pressure" generally refers to a pressure less than
a local ambient pressure, such as the ambient pressure in a local
environment external to the sealed therapeutic environment 103
provided by the dressing 102. In many cases, the local ambient
pressure may also be the atmospheric pressure at which a patient is
located. Alternatively, the pressure may be less than a hydrostatic
pressure associated with tissue at a tissue site. Unless otherwise
indicated, values of pressure stated herein are gauge pressures.
Similarly, references to increases in reduced pressure typically
refer to a decrease in absolute pressure, while decreases in
reduced pressure typically refer to an increase in absolute
pressure.
[0032] The fluid mechanics of using a reduced-pressure source to
reduce pressure in another component or location, such as within
the sealed therapeutic environment 103, can be mathematically
complex. However, the basic principles of fluid mechanics
applicable to reduced-pressure therapy are generally well-known to
those skilled in the art, and the process of reducing pressure may
be described illustratively herein as "delivering," "distributing,"
or "generating" reduced pressure, for example.
[0033] In general, exudates and other fluids flow toward lower
pressure along a fluid path. Thus, the term "downstream" typically
implies a position in a fluid path relatively closer to a
reduced-pressure source, and conversely, the term "upstream"
implies a position relatively further away from a reduced-pressure
source. Similarly, it may be convenient to describe certain
features in terms of fluid "inlet" or "outlet" in such a frame of
reference. This orientation is generally presumed for purposes of
describing various features and components of reduced-pressure
therapy systems herein. However, the fluid path may also be
reversed in some applications (such as by substituting a
positive-pressure source for a reduced-pressure source) and this
descriptive convention should not be construed as a limiting
convention.
[0034] A tissue interface, such as the manifold 110, can generally
be adapted to contact a tissue site or other layers of a dressing,
such as the dressing 102. A tissue interface may be partially or
fully in contact with a tissue site. If a tissue site is a wound,
for example, a tissue interface may partially or completely fill
the wound, or may be placed over the wound. A tissue interface may
take many forms, and may have many sizes, shapes, or thicknesses
depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of treatment
being implemented or the nature and size of a tissue site. For
example, the size and shape of a tissue interface may be adapted to
the contours of deep and irregular shaped tissue sites.
[0035] Generally, a manifold, such as the manifold 110, for
example, is a substance or structure adapted to distribute or
remove fluids from a tissue site. A manifold may include flow
channels or pathways that can distribute fluids provided to and
removed from a tissue site. In one illustrative embodiment, the
flow channels or pathways may be interconnected to improve
distribution of fluids provided to or removed from a tissue site.
For example, a manifold may be an open-cell, porous tissue
collection, or other porous material such as gauze or felted mat
that generally includes structural elements arranged to form flow
channels. Liquids, gels, and other foams may also include or be
cured to include flow channels.
[0036] In one illustrative embodiment, the manifold 110 may be a
porous foam pad having interconnected cells adapted to distribute
reduced pressure across a tissue site. The foam material may be
either hydrophobic or hydrophilic. In one non-limiting example, the
manifold 110 may be reticulated polyurethane foam, such as
GranuFoam.RTM. dressing available from Kinetic Concepts, Inc. of
San Antonio, Tex.
[0037] In some embodiments, the manifold 110 may be made from a
hydrophilic material, and the manifold 110 may also wick fluid away
from a tissue site, while continuing to distribute reduced pressure
to the tissue site. The wicking properties of the manifold 110 may
draw fluid away from a tissue site 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.
[0038] A tissue interface may further promote granulation at a
tissue site if pressure within a sealed therapeutic environment is
reduced. For example, any or all of the surfaces of the manifold
110 may have an uneven, coarse, or jagged profile that can induce
microstrains and stresses at the tissue site 114 if reduced
pressure is applied to the sealed therapeutic environment 103
through the manifold 110.
[0039] In some example embodiments, a tissue interface may be
constructed from bioresorbable materials. Suitable bioresorbable
materials may include, without limitation, a polymeric blend of
polylactic acid (PLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA). The polymeric
blend may also include without limitation polycarbonates,
polyfumarates, and capralactones. A tissue interface may further
serve as a scaffold for new cell-growth, or a scaffold material may
be used in conjunction with the tissue interface to promote
cell-growth. In general, a scaffold material may be a biocompatible
or biodegradable 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.
[0040] The drape 108 is an example of a sealing member. A sealing
member may be constructed from a material that can provide a fluid
seal between two components or two environments, such as between a
therapeutic environment and a local external environment. A sealing
member may be, for example, an impermeable or semi-permeable,
elastomeric material that can provide a seal adequate to maintain a
reduced pressure at a tissue site for a given reduced-pressure
source. For semi-permeable materials, the permeability generally
should be low enough that a desired reduced pressure may be
maintained. An attachment device may be used to attach a sealing
member to an attachment surface, such as undamaged epidermis, a
gasket, or another sealing member. An attachment device may take
many forms. For example, an attachment device may be a
medically-acceptable, pressure-sensitive adhesive that extends
about a periphery, a portion, or an entire sealing member. Other
example embodiments of an attachment device may include a
double-sided tape, paste, hydrocolloid, hydrogel, silicone gel,
organogel, or an acrylic adhesive.
[0041] In general, components of the reduced-pressure therapy
system 101 may be coupled directly or indirectly to each other. For
example, the reduced-pressure source 104 may be directly coupled to
the container 112 by the tube 107 and indirectly coupled to the
dressing 102 through the container 112 and the tube 109. Components
may be fluidly coupled to each other to provide a path for
transferring fluids (i.e., liquid and/or gas) between the
components. In some embodiments, components may be fluidly coupled
with a tube, such as the tube 107 or the tube 109, for example. A
"tube," as used herein, broadly refers to a tube, pipe, hose,
conduit, or other structure with one or more lumina adapted to
convey fluids between two ends. Typically, a tube is an elongated,
cylindrical structure with some flexibility, but the geometry and
rigidity may vary. In some embodiments, components may additionally
or alternatively be coupled by virtue of physical proximity, being
integral to a single structure, or being formed from the same piece
of material. Coupling may also include mechanical, thermal,
electrical, or chemical coupling (such as a chemical bond) in some
contexts.
[0042] A reduced-pressure interface, such as the reduced-pressure
interface 105 may be a device or component operable to fluidly
couple the reduced-pressure source 104 to the dressing 102. In one
illustrative embodiment, the reduced-pressure interface 105 may be
a T.R.A.C..RTM. Pad or Sensa T.R.A.C..RTM. Pad available from KCl
of San Antonio, Tex., modified as described in more detail below.
The reduced-pressure interface 105 may fluidly couple the reduced
pressure provided by the reduced-pressure source 104 to the
manifold 110 through the drape 108. The manifold 110 may distribute
the fluid to the sealed therapeutic environment 103. Thus, the
reduced-pressure interface 105 allows reduced pressure to be
delivered to the sealed therapeutic environment 103. The
reduced-pressure interface 105 may be made of a semi-rigid
material. In some embodiments, the reduced-pressure interface 105
may be made from a plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
polyurethane, cyclic olefin copolymer elastomer, thermoplastic
elastomer, poly acrylic, silicone polymer, or polyether block amide
copolymer.
[0043] A reduced-pressure source, such as the reduced-pressure
source 104, may be a reservoir of air at a reduced pressure, or may
be a manual or electrically-powered device that can reduce the
pressure in a sealed volume, such as a vacuum pump, a suction pump,
a wall suction port available at many healthcare facilities, or a
micro-pump, for example. The reduced-pressure source may be housed
within or used in conjunction with other components, such as
sensors, processing units, alarm indicators, memory, databases,
software, display devices, or user interfaces that further
facilitate reduced-pressure therapy. While the amount and nature of
reduced pressure applied to a tissue site may vary according to
therapeutic requirements, the pressure typically ranges between
about -5 mm Hg (-667 Pa) and about -500 mm Hg (-66.7 kPa). Common
therapeutic ranges are between about -75 mm Hg (-9.9 kPa) and about
-300 mm Hg (-39.9 kPa).
[0044] A "container," such as the container 112, may broadly
include a canister, pouch, bottle, vial, or other fluid collection
apparatus. A container can be used to manage exudates and other
fluids withdrawn from a tissue site. In many environments, a rigid
container may be preferred or required for collecting, storing, and
disposing of fluids. In other environments, fluids may be properly
disposed of without rigid container storage, and a re-usable
container could reduce waste and costs associated with
reduced-pressure therapy.
[0045] A fluid source, such as the fluid source 118, may be a
reservoir of fluid at an atmospheric or greater pressure, or may be
a manual or electrically-powered device, such as a pump, that can
convey fluid to a sealed volume, such as the sealed therapeutic
environment 103, for example. A fluid source may be housed within
or used in conjunction with other components, such as sensors,
processing units, alarm indicators, memory, databases, software,
display devices, or user interfaces that further facilitate
instillation therapy. The amount and nature of the fluid applied to
a tissue site may vary according to therapeutic requirements, which
may include the size of the sealed therapeutic environment, the
type of fluid, and any additives to the fluid. In some embodiments,
the fluid may include: hypochlorite based solutions, such as
hypochlorous acid and sodium hypochlorite; silver nitrate; sulfur
based solutions, such as sulfonamides; biguanides, such as
polyhexanide; cationic solutions, such as octenidine and
benzalkonium chloride; and isotonic solutions.
[0046] A fluid interface, such as the fluid interface 120 may be a
device or component operable to fluidly couple the fluid source 118
to the dressing 102. The fluid interface 120 may fluidly couple the
fluid provided by the fluid source 118 to the manifold 110 through
the drape 108. The manifold 110 may distribute the fluid to the
sealed therapeutic environment 103. Thus, the fluid interface 120
allows fluid to be delivered to the sealed therapeutic environment
103. In some embodiments, the fluid interface 120 may also fluidly
couple the fluid source 118 to the manifold 110 to determine a
pressure at the tissue site 114. In some embodiments, the fluid
interface 120 may couple two tubes, such as the tube 124 and the
tube 123 to the manifold 110. The fluid interface 120 may be made
of a semi-rigid material. In some embodiments, the fluid interface
120 may be made from a plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
polyurethane, cyclic olefin copolymer elastomer, thermoplastic
elastomer, poly acrylic, silicone polymer, or polyether block amide
copolymer.
[0047] A fluid connector, such as the fluid connector 122, may be a
device or component configured to couple the tube 124 and the tube
123 to the fluid source 118. A fluid connector may fluidly couple
one or more tubes to one or more components of a fluid source. In
some embodiments, a fluid connector may fluidly couple a
multi-lumen tube to one or more components of a fluid source. In
some embodiments, a fluid connector may also be releasably coupled
to a fluid source so that the fluid connector may be discarded
after use of the fluid connector 122. In some embodiments, a fluid
connector may be a device permanently attached to a fluid
source.
[0048] In general, components of the instillation therapy system
116 may be coupled directly or indirectly to each other. For
example, the fluid source 118 may be directly coupled to the fluid
interface 120 and indirectly coupled to the dressing 102 through
the fluid interface 120. Components may be fluidly coupled to each
other to provide a path for transferring fluids (i.e., liquid
and/or gas) between the components. In some embodiments, components
may be fluidly coupled with a tube, for example the tube 123 or the
tube 124. In some embodiments, the tube 123 and the tube 124 may be
single-lumen conduits having a central flow passage extending
through each tube.
[0049] In operation, the reduced-pressure therapy system 101 may
provide reduced pressure to the sealed therapeutic environment 103
through the reduced-pressure interface 105. Fluid, including
exudates and other liquids, may be drawn from the tissue site 114
through the manifold 110 and into the reduced-pressure interface
105. Similarly, the instillation therapy system 116 may provide
fluids to the sealed therapeutic environment 103 through the fluid
interface 120. Fluid, including therapeutic liquids, may flow from
the fluid source 118, through the tube 124 and into the sealed
therapeutic environment 103 through the fluid interface 120. The
fluids may be distributed to the tissue site 114 by the manifold
110.
[0050] In some embodiments, the reduced-pressure therapy system 101
and the instillation therapy system 116 may operate concurrently.
If the reduced-pressure therapy system 101 and the instillation
therapy system 116 operate concurrently, the fluid interface 120
and the reduced-pressure interface 105 may be positioned to
maximize the distance between them. For example, if the tissue site
114 is elongated and includes two opposing ends, the fluid
interface 120 and the reduced-pressure interface 105 may be
positioned proximate the opposing ends. If the tissue site 114 is
generally circular, the fluid interface 120 and the
reduced-pressure interface 105 may be placed proximate opposing
ends of a diameter of the tissue site 114. Fluid may flow from the
fluid interface 120 through the sealed therapeutic environment 103
to the reduced-pressure interface 105. In some embodiments, the
reduced pressure supplied through the reduced-pressure interface
105 may aid in the distribution of fluids provided through the
fluid interface 120.
[0051] In some embodiments, the reduced-pressure therapy system 101
and the instillation therapy system 116 may not operate
concurrently. In these embodiments, the instillation therapy system
116 may provide fluid to the sealed therapeutic environment 103
while the reduced-pressure therapy system 101 is not providing
reduced pressure. The fluid source 118 may include a pump that may
move the fluid to the manifold 110 for distribution to the tissue
site 114. The fluid may remain in the sealed therapeutic
environment 103 until the operation of the reduced-pressure therapy
system 101. If the reduced-pressure therapy system 101 provides
reduced pressure, the reduced-pressure therapy system 101 may draw
the fluid from the sealed therapeutic environment 103 into the
container 112.
[0052] FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of the reduced-pressure
therapy system 101 and the instillation therapy system 116
illustrating additional details that may be associated with some
embodiments. In some embodiments, the fluid interface 120 and the
reduced-pressure interface 105 may be combined into a dressing
interface 121. As shown in FIG. 2, the dressing interface 121 maybe
coupled to the dressing in a manner similar to the fluid interface
120 and the reduced-pressure interface 105. The dressing interface
121 may be configured to receive the tube 123, the tube 124, and
the tube 109 and provide a fluid coupling through the drape 108 to
the tissue site 114 and the sealed therapeutic environment 103.
[0053] In some embodiments, the dressing interface 121 may be
similar to and operate as described in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 13/009,220, by Locke, et al., entitled "Wound-Connection Pads
for Fluid Instillation and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy, and
Systems and Methods," filed Jan. 19, 2011, which is incorporated by
reference herein for all purposes. The dressing interface 121 may
fluidly couple the fluid provided by the fluid source 118 and the
reduced pressure provided by the reduced-pressure source 104 to the
manifold 110 through the drape 108. The dressing interface 121 may
be made of a semi-rigid material. In some embodiments, the dressing
interface 121 may be made from a plasticized polyvinyl chloride
(PVC), polyurethane, cyclic olefin copolymer elastomer,
thermoplastic elastomer, poly acrylic, silicone polymer, or
polyether block amide copolymer. In the embodiment of FIG. 2,
operation of the instillation therapy system 116 and the
reduced-pressure therapy system 101 may alternate. The instillation
therapy system 116 may provide fluid through the dressing interface
121 while the reduced-pressure therapy system 101 is not operating,
and the reduced-pressure therapy system 101 may provide
reduced-pressure through the dressing interface 121 while the
instillation therapy system 116 is not operating.
[0054] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the tube 109 illustrating
additional details that may be associated with some embodiments of
the reduced-pressure therapy system 101. As shown, the tube 109 may
be a multi-lumen tube. In the illustrative embodiment, the tube 109
may include at least one primary lumen 126 and one or more
secondary lumens 128. In some embodiments, the tube 109 includes
four secondary lumens 128. The tube 109 may have different shapes
and include more or fewer primary lumens 126 and secondary lumens
128. The primary lumen 126 may provide a path between the
reduced-pressure source 104 and the reduced-pressure interface 105
for delivery of reduced pressure. The secondary lumens 128 may
function as sensing lumens. In some embodiments, the secondary
lumens 128 may fluidly communicate pressure at a terminal end of
the tube 109 within the reduced-pressure interface 105 to the
reduced-pressure source 104. The secondary lumens 128 may be
fluidly isolated from the primary lumen 126 so as not to interfere
with the process of sensing the pressure. The pressure communicated
by the secondary lumens 128 may be representative of the pressure
at the tissue site 114. Referring back to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the
tube 123 and the tube 124 may be combined into a multi-lumen tube,
similar to the tube 109, each having at least one primary lumen,
similar to the primary lumens 126 of the tube 109, and one or more
secondary lumens, similar to the secondary lumens 128 of the tube
109. If the tube 123 and the tube 124 are combined into a
multi-lumen tube, the secondary lumens may be fluidly coupled
between the tissue site 114 and the fluid source 118 to sense
pressure at the tissue site 114. The primary lumens would deliver
instillation fluid to the tissue site 114. Referring more
specifically to FIG. 2, the pressure being sensed by the tube 123
may be replaced by the secondary lumens 128 if the tube 124 is a
multi-lumen tube.
[0055] Reduced-pressure therapy has been shown to improve healing
of tissue sites. Similarly, instillation therapy has been shown to
improve the healing of tissue sites. Furthermore, tissue sites
treated with both reduced-pressure therapy and instillation therapy
have been shown to have improved healing over the use of
reduced-pressure therapy or instillation therapy alone. Current
systems providing both reduced-pressure therapy and instillation
therapy are complex and difficult to properly administer to a
tissue site. In addition, the systems may be quite expensive, which
may pose problems for the use of such systems in some locations, in
particular, in locations where health care services may not be
readily available. Some systems provide both reduced-pressure
therapy and instillation therapy without the complexity and cost
involved in combined systems; however, these systems may be labor
intensive and require significant clinician involvement for the
proper administration of therapy. For example, in some systems
providing both reduced-pressure therapy and instillation therapy,
the reduced-pressure therapy system may be coupled to the tissue
site, and a clinician may use a syringe to administer fluids to the
tissue site through the dressing. Administering fluids with a
syringe requires the clinician to actively monitor the dressing and
the fluid application to prevent inadvertent over application of
fluids. As it may be difficult to see the tissue site through the
sealing member, a clinician may find it difficult to accurately
determine the appropriate initiation and termination of
instillation therapy.
[0056] As disclosed herein, the instillation therapy system 116 can
overcome these shortcomings and others by providing an instillation
therapy system that may monitor the delivery of reduced pressure to
a tissue site by a reduced-pressure system, and in response, the
instillation therapy system may provide fluids in response to the
reduced-pressure therapy. For example, in some embodiments of the
instillation therapy system 116, the instillation therapy system
116 may monitor a pressure in the sealed therapeutic environment
103 and, in response, administer fluids in accordance with the
administration of reduced pressure by the reduced-pressure therapy
system 101.
[0057] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the therapy system 100
illustrating additional details that may be associated with some
embodiments of the instillation therapy system 116. In some
embodiments, the fluid source 118 may include a controller 202, a
user interface 204, and a sensor 206. The user interface 204 and
the sensor 206 may each be communicatively coupled to the
controller 202. As used herein, communicative coupling may refer to
a coupling between components that permits the transmission of
signals between the components. In some embodiments, the signals
may be discrete or continuous signals. A discrete signal may be a
signal representing a value at a particular instance in a time
period. A plurality of discrete signals may be used to represent a
changing value over a time period. A continuous signal may be a
signal that provides a value for each instance in a time period.
The signals may also be analog signals or digital signals. An
analog signal may be a continuous signal that includes a time
varying feature that represents another time varying quantity. A
digital signal may be a signal composed of a sequence of discrete
values.
[0058] In some embodiments, the communicative coupling between the
controller 202, the user interface 204, and the sensor 206 may be
one-way communication. In one-way communication, signals may only
be sent in one direction. For example, the sensor 206 may generate
a signal that may be communicated to the controller 202, but the
controller 202 may not be capable of sending a signal to the sensor
206. In some embodiments, the communicative coupling between the
controller 202, the user interface 204, and the sensor 206 may be
two-way communication. In two-way communication, signals may be
sent in both directions. For example, the controller 202 and the
user interface 204 may be communicatively coupled so that the
controller 202 may send and receive signals from the user interface
204. Similarly, the user interface 204 may send and receive signals
from the controller 202. In some embodiments, signal transmission
between the controller 202 and another device, such as the user
interface 204, may be referred to as the controller 202 operating
the device.
[0059] The controller 202 may be a computing device or system, such
as a programmable logic controller, a data processing system, or
the like. In other embodiments, the controller 202 may be
configured to receive input from the sensor 206. In some
embodiments, the controller 202 is configured to receive input from
both the user interface 204 and the sensor 206. In some
embodiments, the controller 202 may receive input, such as an
electrical signal, from an alternative source, such as through an
electrical port, for example. In some embodiments, the controller
202 may be a data processing system. A data processing system
suitable for storing and/or executing program code may include at
least one processor coupled directly or indirectly to memory
elements through a system bus. The memory elements can include
local memory employed during actual execution of the program code,
bulk storage, and cache memories which provide temporary storage of
at least some program code in order to reduce the number of times
code is retrieved from bulk storage during execution.
[0060] In some embodiments, the controller 202 may be a
programmable logic controller ("PLC"). A PLC may be a digital
computer configured to receive one or more inputs and send one or
more outputs in response to the one or more inputs. A PLC may
include a non-volatile memory configured to store programs or
operational instructions. In some embodiments, the non-volatile
memory may be operationally coupled to a battery-back up so that
the non-volatile memory retains the programs or operational
instructions if the PLC otherwise loses power. In some embodiments,
a PLC may be configured to receive discrete signals and continuous
signals and produce discrete and continuous signals in
response.
[0061] A user interface, such as the user interface 204, may be a
device configured to allow communication between the controller 202
and an environment external (external environment) to the fluid
source 118. In some embodiments, an external environment may
include an operator or a computer system configured to interface
with the fluid source 118, for example. In some embodiments, a user
interface may receive a signal from a controller and present the
signal in a manner that may be understood by an external
environment. In some embodiments, a user interface may receive
signals from an external environment and, in response, send signals
to a controller. A controller may process the signals received from
a user interface and take further action. In some embodiments, a
user interface may be a graphical user interface, a touchscreen, or
one or more motion tracking devices. A user interface may also
include one or more display screens, such as a liquid crystal
display ("LCD"), lighting devices, such as light emitting diodes
("LED") of various colors, and audible indicators, such as a
whistle, configured to emit a sound that may be heard by an
operator. A user interface may further include one or more devices,
such as knobs, buttons, keyboards, remotes, touchscreens, ports
that may be configured to receive a discrete or continuous signal
from another device, or other similar devices; these devices may be
configured to permit the external environment to interact with the
user interface 204.
[0062] A pressure sensor, such as the sensor 206, may be a
piezoresistive strain gauge, a capacitive sensor, an
electromagnetic sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, an optical sensor,
or a potentiometric sensor, for example. In some embodiments, a
pressure sensor can measure a strain caused by an applied pressure.
A pressure sensor may be calibrated by relating a known amount of
strain to a known pressure applied. The known relationship may be
used to determine an unknown applied pressure based on a measured
amount of strain. In some embodiments, a pressure sensor may
include a receptacle configured to receive an applied pressure. In
an illustrative embodiment, the sensor 206 may be fluidly coupled
to the fluid interface 120 by the tube 123 to receive a pressure
from the tube 123.
[0063] The fluid source 118 may also include a valve 208, a flow
meter 209, and a fluid reservoir 210. In some embodiments, the
valve 208 may be communicatively coupled to the controller 202, and
the valve 208 may be further fluidly coupled between the fluid
reservoir 210 and the fluid interface 120. A valve, such as the
valve 208, may be a device configured to selectively permit fluid
flow through the valve. A valve may be a ball valve, a gate valve,
a butterfly valve, or other valve type that may be operated to
prevent or permit fluid flow through the valve. Generally, a valve
may include a valve body having a flow passage, a valve member
disposed in the flow passage and operable to selectively block the
flow passage, and an actuator configured to operate the valve
member. An actuator may be configured to position the valve member
in a closed position, preventing fluid flow through the flow
passage of the valve, an open position, permitting fluid flow
through the fluid passage of the valve, or a metering position,
permitting fluid flow through the flow passage of the valve at a
selected flow rate. In some embodiments, the actuator may be a
mechanical actuator configured to be operated by an operator. In
some embodiments, the actuator may be an electromechanical actuator
configured to be operated in response to the receipt of a signal
input. For example, the actuator may include an electrical motor
configured to receive a signal from a controller, such as the
controller 202. In response to the signal, the electrical motor of
the actuator may move the valve member of the valve. In some
embodiments, the valve 208 may be configured to selectively permit
fluid communication between the fluid reservoir 210 and the fluid
interface 120 in response to a signal from the controller 202. In
this context, the controller 202 may be referred to as: operating
the valve; placing the valve 208 in an open position, a closed
position, or a metering position; and opening the valve 208,
closing the valve 208, or metering the valve 208.
[0064] In some embodiments, the flow meter 209 may be
communicatively coupled to the controller 202, and the flow meter
209 may be further fluidly coupled between the valve 208 and the
fluid interface 120. A flow meter, such as the flow meter 209, may
be a device configured to determine a fluid flow rate. A flow meter
may include a mechanical flow meter, a pressure based flow meter,
an optical flow meter, an open channel flow meter, a thermal mass
flow meter, a vortex flow meter, electromagnetic, ultrasonic and
coriolis flow meters, and laser doppler flow meters. The flow meter
209 may determine a rate of fluid flow through the valve 208 and
transmit a signal to the controller 202 corresponding to the
determined flow rate. The controller 202 may receive the determined
flow rate and determine a total volume of fluid delivered in
response.
[0065] A fluid reservoir, such as the fluid reservoir 210, may be a
container for storing or holding fluid. A fluid reservoir may
broadly include a canister, pouch, bottle, vial, or other fluid
storage apparatus. A fluid reservoir can be used to manage fluid to
be delivered to a tissue site. In many environments, a rigid fluid
reservoir may be preferred or required for storing and delivering
of fluids. In other environments, fluids may be properly stored and
delivered without a rigid fluid reservoir. In some embodiments, a
fluid reservoir may be a device that is integrated into a fluid
source. For example, the fluid reservoir 210 may be an integral
component of the fluid source 118. In other embodiments, a fluid
reservoir may be a removable component of a fluid source. For
example, the fluid reservoir 210 may be removable from the fluid
source 118. In still other embodiments, a fluid reservoir may be a
separate component from a fluid source that may be fluidly coupled
to the fluid source. For example, the fluid reservoir 210 may be a
separate device that may be fluidly coupled by a tube to the fluid
source 118.
[0066] In some embodiments, the valve 208 may be fluidly coupled to
the fluid interface 120 through the tube 124. Operation of the
valve 208 may permit fluid to flow from the fluid reservoir 210
through the tube 124 into the fluid interface 120, where the fluid
may be distributed by the manifold 110.
[0067] In some embodiments, the sensor 206 may be fluidly coupled
to the fluid interface 120 through the tube 123. In some
embodiments, the tube 123 may fluidly communicate a pressure at the
fluid interface 120 to the sensor 206. In some embodiments, the
pressure at the fluid interface 120 may be representative of a
pressure in the sealed therapeutic environment 103. In some
embodiments, the sensor 206 may be an electronic strain gauge
sensor that is incorporated into the fluid interface 120. The
strain gauge may have a thin piezoresistive film on the drape of
the pad which deforms under pressure. The deformation may indicate
the pressure in the sealed therapeutic environment 103. In some
embodiments, the fluid interface 120 may be communicatively coupled
to the controller 202 so that the controller 202 may receive a
signal from the strain gauge.
[0068] In some embodiments, the fluid source 118 may include an
instillation pump 212. The instillation pump 212 may be fluidly
coupled between the valve 208 and the fluid interface 120 and
communicatively coupled to the controller 202. The instillation
pump 212 may be operated by the controller 202 in a manner similar
to the operation of the valve 208 to provide fluid to the fluid
interface 120 and the sealed therapeutic environment 103. In other
embodiments, the instillation pump 212 may replace the valve 208.
In some embodiments, the instillation pump 212 may be configured to
pre-charge a dosage of fluid for delivery to the tissue site 114.
For example, the instillation pump 212 may be configured to
pressurize a dosage of fluid prior to delivery of fluids so that
the fluids may be delivered to the tissue site 114. A dosage of
fluid may be the volume of fluid prescribed by a caregiver to treat
the tissue site 114 during a cycle of instillation therapy.
[0069] In some embodiments, the fluid source 118 may also include
an instillation sensor 214. The instillation sensor 214 may be
fluidly coupled to the tube 124 and communicatively coupled to the
controller 202. In some embodiments, the controller 202 may monitor
pressure in the tube 124 with the instillation sensor 214. In the
event that the instillation sensor 214 sends a signal that deviates
from the signal received from the sensor 206, the controller 202
may operate the user interface 204 to indicate a blockage or a leak
condition.
[0070] In operation, the sensor 206 may determine the pressure in
the fluid interface 120. As previously described, the pressure in
the fluid interface 120 may be representative of the pressure in
the sealed therapeutic environment 103. The controller 202 may
receive the signal sent by the sensor 206, and in response, the
controller 202 may operate the valve 208 and the user interface
204. In some embodiments, the controller 202 may determine that the
valve 208 should be in the open position in response to the signal
received from the sensor 206. The controller 202 may transmit a
signal to the valve 208 to cause the valve 208 to actuate and move
from the metering or the closed position to the open position. If
the valve 208 is positioned in the open position, fluid may flow
from the fluid reservoir 210 into the sealed therapeutic
environment through the valve 208, the tube 124, and the fluid
interface 120.
[0071] In some embodiments, the controller 202 may also generate
and send a signal to the user interface 204 in response to the
signal from the sensor 206. For example, the controller 202 may
receive a signal from the sensor 206 corresponding to a particular
pressure in the fluid interface 120. In response, the controller
202 may generate and send a signal to the user interface 204. The
user interface 204 may receive the signal and, in response, provide
a visual or auditory output that may be understood by the external
environment. For example, in some embodiments, the user interface
204 may be an LCD. The user interface 204 may receive a signal
corresponding to a particular pressure in the fluid interface 120
from the controller 202. The user interface 204 may display the
signal on the LCD as a numerical representation of the particular
pressure at the fluid interface 120.
[0072] In some embodiments, the controller 202 may include
operational instructions permitting the controller 202 to operate
the valve 208 to provide instillation therapy. In some embodiments,
the controller 202 may operate the valve 208 in a constant mode. In
the constant mode, the fluid source 118 may deliver fluids to the
fluid interface 120 without adjustment in response to conditions
external to the fluid source 118. For example, the controller 202
may receive a signal from the user interface 204 that corresponds
to a selection of the constant mode. In response, the controller
202 may send a signal to the valve 208, placing the valve 208 in
the open position. Fluid may flow freely from the fluid reservoir
210 to the fluid interface 120. In some embodiments, the controller
202 may receive a signal from the user interface 204 that
corresponds to a selection of the constant mode at a selected flow
rate. In response, the controller 202 may send a signal to the
valve 208 instructing the valve 208 to move to a metering position
corresponding to the selected flow rate. Fluid may flow from the
fluid reservoir 210 to the fluid interface 120 at the selected flow
rate.
[0073] In some embodiments, the controller 202 may operate the
valve 208 in an intermittent mode. In the intermittent mode, the
fluid source 118 may deliver fluid to the tissue site 114 in
discrete time periods independent of conditions external to the
fluid source 118. For example, the fluid source 118 may provide
fluids for a period of one minute followed by a period of one
minute where the fluid source 118 provides no fluids. In some
embodiments, the controller 202 may receive a signal from the user
interface 204 corresponding to a selection of the intermittent
mode. In some embodiments, the controller 202 may include
pre-determined time periods for a duration of fluid delivery and an
interval between fluid delivery for the intermittent mode. In some
embodiments, the signal from the user interface 204 may also
provide a duration of fluid delivery and a duration of no delivery.
In response, the controller 202 may send a signal to the valve 208
to move the valve 208 to the open position, providing fluids and
initiating the duration of fluid delivery. When the duration of
fluid delivery ends, the controller 202 may send a signal to the
valve 208 to move the valve 208 to the closed position, blocking
fluid flow and initiating the interval between fluid delivery. When
the interval between fluid delivery ends, the controller 202 may
send a signal to the valve 208 to move the valve 208 to the open
position, providing fluid and initiating the duration of fluid
delivery. Opening and closing of the valve 208 may repeat until the
instillation therapy concludes. In some embodiments, the controller
202 may receive a signal from the user interface 204 corresponding
to a selection of the intermittent mode and a selected flow rate.
In response, the controller 202 may send a signal to the valve 208
to move the valve to a metering position corresponding to the
selected flow rate during the duration of fluid delivery. In other
embodiments, the controller 202 may operate the instillation pump
212 to control the delivery of fluids during the duration of fluid
delivery and the interval between fluid delivery.
[0074] In some embodiments of the intermittent mode, the controller
202 may monitor the flow rate through the valve 208 with the flow
meter 209. The controller 202 may operate the valve 208 in response
to a total volume of fluid flow through the valve 208. For example,
the controller 202 may operate the valve 208, placing the valve 208
in an open position. The controller 202 my monitor the flow rate
with the flow meter 209, determining the total volume of fluid
delivered while the valve 208 is in the open position. If the total
volume of fluid delivered reaches a predetermined total volume of
fluid to be delivered, also referred to as a dosage of fluid, the
controller 202 may operate the valve 208, moving the valve 208 to
the closed position.
[0075] In some embodiments, the controller 202 may operate the
valve 208 in a dynamic mode. During the dynamic mode, the
controller 202 may coordinate the delivery of instillation fluid
with the delivery of reduced pressure by a reduced-pressure source.
For example, the controller 202 may open the valve 208 when reduced
pressure is still present in the sealed therapeutic environment
103, which draws fluid from the fluid reservoir 210, through the
valve 208 and into the sealed therapeutic environment 103. Using
the reduced pressure in a sealed therapeutic environment to draw
fluid from the fluid reservoir 210 may simultaneously decrease the
reduced pressure in the sealed therapeutic environment 103. As the
reduced pressure decreases in the sealed therapeutic environment
103, the rate of fluid flow from the fluid reservoir 210 may also
slow down. If the pressure in the sealed therapeutic environment
103 and the ambient pressure proximate the fluid reservoir 210 are
approximately the same, fluid flow from the fluid reservoir 210 may
stop, thereby avoiding over-pressurizing the sealed therapeutic
environment 103 with the instillation fluids. In some embodiments,
the controller 202 may monitor the volume of fluid flow through the
valve 208 with the flow meter 209. If a predetermined dosage of
fluid has been delivered prior to the sealed therapeutic
environment 103 reaching ambient pressure, the controller 202 may
close the valve 208.
[0076] In the dynamic mode, the fluid source 118 may provide fluids
to the fluid interface 120 in response to operation of the
reduced-pressure therapy source 104. In some embodiments, the
controller 202 may be programmed to open the valve 208 in response
to a particular pressure that may be detected by the sensor 206. In
some embodiments, the particular pressure may also be referred to
as a trigger pressure (P.sub.t). Generally, if the signal from the
sensor 206 corresponds with a pressure that is about equal to the
trigger pressure (P.sub.t) following a period of generally static
or steady-state reduced pressure, the controller 202 may open the
valve 208 in response. If the trigger pressure (P.sub.t) is less
than an ambient pressure proximate the fluid reservoir 210, (that
is, the trigger pressure (P.sub.t) is a greater reduced-pressure
than the ambient pressure), that reduced pressure draws
instillation fluid from the fluid reservoir 210 through the valve
208 to the fluid interface 120. In some embodiments, the controller
202 may position the valve 208 in a metering position in response
to the trigger pressure (P.sub.t), permitting fluid flow at
predefined flow rates.
[0077] Further detailed operation of the dynamic mode may be
described with respect to FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6A, FIG. 7, and FIG.
8. FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of the operation of the
reduced-pressure therapy system 101 that may be associated with
some embodiments. In FIG. 5, the y-axis represents the operating
state of the reduced-pressure therapy system 101, which may be
either in an "on-state" or an "off-state," and the x-axis
represents time. FIG. 6A is a graphical representation of a
pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s) of the sealed therapeutic
environment 103 as measured at the sensor 206 that may be
associated with some embodiments. In FIG. 6A, the y-axis represents
the absolute value of the reduced pressure measured by the sensor
206 at the fluid interface 120, and the x-axis represents time. As
previously described, the reduced pressure measured at the fluid
interface 120 may be representative of the reduced pressure in the
sealed therapeutic environment 103 formed by the tissue site 114
and the drape 108. FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of the
operation of the valve 208 that may be associated with some
embodiments. In FIG. 7, the y-axis represents the position of a
valve member of the valve 208, which may be in an open position or
a closed position in response to the pressure profile 301
(P.sub.s), and the x-axis represents time. FIG. 8 is a graphical
representation of the operation of the valve 208 that may be
associated with other embodiments. In FIG. 8, the y-axis represents
the position of a valve member of the valve 208, which may be in an
open position or a closed position in response to the pressure
profile 301 (P.sub.s), and the x-axis represents time.
[0078] Some or all of FIGS. 5, 6A, 7, and 8 include a reference
line 302, a reference line 304, a reference line 306, a reference
line 308, a reference line 310, a reference line 312, and a
reference line 314. The reference lines 302-314 are positioned at
the same location of the x-axis in each figure in which the
reference lines appear. Thus, the reference lines 302, 304, 306,
308, 310, 312, and 314 align FIG. 5, FIG. 6A, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8 to
relate the operation of the reduced-pressure source 104 and the
fluid source 118 based on the conditions in the sealed therapeutic
environment 103.
[0079] In some embodiments, the reduced-pressure therapy system 101
may be operating in an intermittent mode so that reduced-pressure
may be supplied to the sealed therapeutic environment 103 in
discrete time increments. As shown in FIG. 5, in the intermittent
mode of operation, the reduced-pressure source 104 may have a time
period in which the reduced-pressure source 104 is operating to
provide reduced pressure, such as during "on-state." The
reduced-pressure source 104 may also have a time period in which
the reduced-pressure source 104 is not providing reduced pressure,
such as during an "off-state." As described with respect to FIG. 5,
the on-state represents operation of a pump or other device in the
reduced-pressure source 104 to provide reduced pressure to the
sealed therapeutic environment 103. The off-state represents a time
period in which the reduced-pressure source 104 may be powered on,
but it is not providing reduced-pressure to the sealed therapeutic
environment 103.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 5, the reduced-pressure source 104 may be
turned on at the reference line 302. The reduced-pressure source
104 may be turned off at the reference line 304. Thus, the
reduced-pressure source 104 is in an "on-state" 320 between the
reference line 302 and the reference line 304 and in an "off-state"
322 between the reference line 304 and the reference line 312. The
reduced-pressure source 104 may be turned on at the reference line
312. The reduced-pressure source 104 may be turned off at the
reference line 314. Thus, the reduced-pressure source 104 is in an
"on-state" 324 between the reference line 312 and the reference
line 314 and in an "off-state" 326 after the reference line 314. In
FIG. 5, the graph representing operation of the reduced-pressure
source 104 forms a square wave having a duty cycle represented as
the ratio between the off-state 322 and the on-state 320. In some
embodiments, the off-state 322 may be twice as long as the on-state
320, that is, a duty cycle or ratio of the off-state 322 to the
on-state 320 is 2/1. In other embodiments, the duty cycle may be
1/1, 3/1, 4/1, or other similar ratios.
[0081] FIG. 6A may illustrate the pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s)
associated with the pressure at the fluid interface 120. In an
illustrative embodiment, the absolute value of the pressure may
range from about 0 mm Hg to about 120 mm Hg gauge pressure. As
described herein, pressure at about 0 mm Hg may be referred to as
an atmospheric pressure or minimum pressure (P.sub.min), as shown
by the dashed line 329. Reduced-pressure at about 120 mm Hg may be
referred to as a therapy pressure. The therapy pressure may be set
by a caregiver for a maximum pressure (P.sub.max), as shown by the
dashed line 327. At reference line 302, when the reduced-pressure
source 104 begins the on-state 320, the pressure profile 301
(P.sub.s) may be about 0 mm Hg. The pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s)
increases to a value of about 120 mm Hg during the on-state 320. A
slope of the pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s) between the reference
line 302 and the reference line 304 as the pressure profile 301
(P.sub.s) increases from about 0 mm Hg to about 120 mm Hg may be
referred to as a reduced-pressure ramp-up period 328. The
reduced-pressure ramp-up period 328 corresponds to a time interval
during which the pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s) increases within
the sealed therapeutic environment 103 from an ambient pressure
(P.sub.min) at an inflection point 303 to the maximum pressure
(P.sub.max) at an inflection point 305. The inflection point 303 is
located at the intersection of the reference line 302, the dashed
line 329, and pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s). The inflection point
305 is located at the intersection of the pressure profile 301
(P.sub.s) and the dashed line 327 between the reference line 302
and the reference line 304.
[0082] When the sealed therapeutic environment 103 reaches the
therapy pressure (P.sub.max), the reduced-pressure therapy system
101 may be programmed to maintain the therapy pressure (P.sub.max)
for a predetermined period of time. While the reduced-pressure
therapy system 101 maintains the therapy pressure (P.sub.max), the
pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s) may have a substantially flat slope
for a reduced-pressure therapy period 330. The reduced-pressure
therapy period 330 may continue until the reduced-pressure source
104 switches to the off-state 322 at the reference line 304. The
reduced-pressure therapy period 330 may be a time interval of
steady-state reduced pressure in the sealed therapeutic environment
103. As shown, the reduced-pressure therapy period 330 may extend
from the inflection point 305 to the inflection point 307. The
inflection point 307 is located at the intersection of the
reference line 304, the dashed line 327, and the pressure profile
301 (P.sub.s). In the reduced-pressure therapy period 330, the
reduced-pressure source 104 may be operating to maintain the
reduced-pressure at about the therapy pressure (P.sub.max), for
example, at about 120 mm Hg.
[0083] When the reduced-pressure source 104 switches from the
on-state 320 to the off-state 322, as shown at the reference line
304 in FIG. 5, the pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s) may enter a
reduced-pressure ramp-down period 332, as shown in FIG. 6A. The
reduced-pressure ramp-down period 332 corresponds to a time
interval during which the pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s) decreases
within the sealed therapeutic environment 103 from the maximum
pressure (P.sub.max) to the minimum pressure (P.sub.min). As shown
in FIG. 6A, the reduced-pressure ramp-down period 332 is a portion
of the pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s) beginning at the inflection
point 307 and ending at an inflection point 309. The inflection
point 309 is located at the intersection of the pressure profile
301 (P.sub.s) and the dashed line 329. As the reduced pressure
profile 301 (P.sub.s) decreases during the reduced-pressure
ramp-down period 332, the pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s) may reach
the trigger pressure (P.sub.t). The trigger pressure (P.sub.t)
represented by the dashed line 334. If the pressure profile 301
(P.sub.s) reaches the trigger pressure (P.sub.t), instillation of
fluids may commence as shown by the reference line 306. In some
embodiments, the trigger pressure (P.sub.t) may be set during the
manufacturing process.
[0084] When the pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s) reaches about 0 mm
Hg, the slope of the pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s) may remain
substantially flat in a soak period 336. The soak period 336 may
correspond with a time interval during which there is no
reduced-pressure therapy. The soak period 336 extends from the
inflection point 309 to an inflection point 311. The inflection
point 311 is located at the intersection of the reference line 312,
the dashed line 329 and the pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s).
Eventually, the reduced-pressure therapy may resume at the
inflection point 311 when the reduced-pressure source 104 returns
to the on-state 324. Instillation of fluids, which commenced at the
reference line 306 may continue to the reference line 308 as
described below with respect to FIG. 7.
[0085] Continued operation of the reduced-pressure source 104 may
cause the pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s) illustrated in FIG. 6A to
cyclically repeat. A second cycle may commence with the on-state
324 of the reduced-pressure source 104 initiating a
reduced-pressure ramp-up period 341 and a reduced-pressure therapy
period 343. The second cycle may have an off-state 326, initiating
a reduced-pressure ramp-down period 345 and concluding at the end
of a soak period 349. As further illustrated, the pressure profile
301 (P.sub.s) of FIG. 6A appears to lag relative to the operation
of the reduce-pressure source 104 illustrated in FIG. 5. The lag
may occur due to a period of time required for the pressure in the
sealed therapeutic environment 103 to respond to the operation of
the reduced-pressure source 104. In other embodiments, the pressure
profile 301 (P.sub.s) of FIG. 6A may not lag the operation of the
reduced-pressure source 104.
[0086] As described with respect to FIG. 6A and FIG. 7, the dynamic
mode of the instillation therapy system 116 and the fluid source
118 may be configured to operate in coordination with the operation
of the reduced-pressure therapy system 101 and the reduced-pressure
source 104. In the dynamic mode, the controller 202 may know the
pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s) and the trigger pressure (P.sub.t)
as illustrated in FIG. 6A. In some embodiments, the controller 202
may determine the pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s) and the trigger
pressure (P.sub.t) in a training mode. In some embodiments, a
caregiver may provide the pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s) and the
trigger pressure (P.sub.t) through the user interface 204.
[0087] In an illustrative embodiment, the controller 202 may
monitor the pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s) through the sensor 206
to provide instillation therapy. In some embodiments, the
controller 202 may close the valve 208 until the pressure profile
301 (P.sub.s) reaches the trigger pressure (P.sub.t) following the
reduced-pressure therapy period 330. When the pressure profile 301
(P.sub.s) reaches the trigger pressure (P.sub.t) the controller 202
may open the valve 208, as shown by reference line 306. The
controller 202 may then monitor the fluid flow through the valve
208 with the flow meter 209. When the dosage has passed through the
valve 208, the controller 202 may close the valve 208 as shown at
the reference line 308. The dosage of fluid may remain within the
sealed therapeutic environment 103 until the reduced-pressure
ramp-up period 341 begins at the inflection point 309. As the
on-state 324 of the reduced-pressure source 104 causes the pressure
profile 301 (P.sub.s) to increase, the fluid delivered during the
instillation of fluids may be removed through the tube 109 to the
container 112.
[0088] In some embodiments, the flow rate through the valve 208 may
not be sufficient to deliver the dosage of fluid prior to the
repetition of the duty cycle of the reduced-pressure source 104. In
response, the controller 202 may close the valve 208 prior to the
repetition of the duty cycle of the reduced-pressure source 104.
For example, if the valve 208 is still open, the controller 202 may
close the valve 208 at the reference line 312. If the dosage of
fluid is not fully delivered based on the initial trigger pressure
(P.sub.t), the controller 202 may adjust the trigger pressure
(P.sub.t) to increase the time for fluid flow. For example, if the
initial trigger pressure (P.sub.t) is about 75 mm Hg reduced
pressure and the controller 202 determines that the full dosage of
fluid could not be delivered prior to the inflection point 311, the
controller 202 may reset the trigger pressure (P.sub.t) to 80 mm Hg
reduced pressure as indicated by the dashed line 334a. The pressure
profile 301 (P.sub.s) reaches the trigger pressure (P.sub.t) 334a
sooner than the trigger pressure (P.sub.t) 334. In response, the
controller 202 may open the valve 208 sooner as indicated by the
reference line 310, increasing the dosage period. In this manner,
the controller 202 may adjust instillation to provide a complete
dosage of fluid to the sealed therapeutic environment 103.
[0089] FIG. 6B is a graphical representation of the pressure
profile 301 (P.sub.s) of the sealed therapeutic environment 103
that may be associated with some embodiments. In FIG. 6B, the
y-axis represents the absolute value of the reduced pressure
measured by the sensor 206 at the fluid interface 120, and the
x-axis represents time. In some embodiments, the controller 202 may
operate in a training mode to determine the pressure profile 301
(P.sub.s) and the duty cycle of the reduced-pressure source 104. In
the training mode, the controller 202 may send a signal to the
valve 208 to move the valve 208 to the closed position. The
controller 202 may monitor a signal received from the sensor 206.
In some embodiments, the sensor 206 may send a continuing signal
that corresponds to an instantaneous pressure in the sealed
therapeutic environment 103. An instantaneous pressure may refer to
a pressure at the moment at which the pressure is measured. In some
embodiments, the signal sent by the sensor 206 may reflect the
pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s) displayed graphically in FIG. 6B.
The controller 202 may monitor the signal from the sensor 206 for
at least one duty cycle of the reduced-pressure source 104.
[0090] The controller 202 may store the signal received from the
sensor 206 at the initiation of the dynamic mode. The controller
202 may monitor the signal from the sensor 206 and compare
pressures to determine the pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s). For
example, the controller 202 may record a reduced pressure received
from the sensor 206 at a first instant in time, such as a time 402.
The controller 202 may then record a reduced pressure received from
the sensor 206 at a second instant in time, such as a time 404. The
controller 202 may compare the reduced pressure at the time 402 and
the time 404. If the reduced pressure at the time 404 is greater
than the reduced pressure at the time 402, the controller 202 may
store the reduced pressure at time 404 as the maximum reduced
pressure (P.sub.max). The reduced pressure at the time 404, may
then be compared to a reduced pressure at a third instant in time,
for example, a time 406. The process may repeat until a reduced
pressure at a later instant in time is not greater than the reduced
pressure at the previous instant in time. If a subsequent reduced
pressure is greater than an immediately prior reduced pressure, the
controller 202 may determine that the pressure profile 301
(P.sub.s) is in the reduced-pressure ramp-up period 328 of FIG. 6B.
In some embodiments, comparisons between pressures may occur at
multiple instances between each time shown.
[0091] If the reduced pressure at the second instant in time is
about the same as the reduced pressure at the first instant in
time, such as at the time 406 and a time 408, the controller 202
may determine that the pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s) is in the
reduced-pressure therapy period 330 or the soak period 336. The
reduced pressure at the time 406 and the time 408 may then be
compared to the maximum reduced pressure (P.sub.max), and if the
reduced pressure at the time 406 and the time 408 is about the same
as the maximum reduced pressure (P.sub.max), the controller 202 may
determine that the reduced pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s) is in the
reduced-pressure therapy period 330.
[0092] If the reduced pressure at the second instant in time is
less than the reduced pressure at the first instant in time, such
as at the time 408 and a time 410, the controller 202 may store the
reduced pressure at the time 410 as the minimum reduced pressure
(P.sub.min). The reduced pressure at the time 410 may then be
compared to a reduced pressure at a third instant in time,
repeating the process until a reduced pressure at a later instant
in time is not less than the reduced pressure at the previous
instant in time. If a subsequent reduced pressure is less than an
immediately prior reduced pressure, such as at the time 410 and a
time 412, the controller 202 may determine that the pressure
profile 301 (P.sub.s) is in the reduced-pressure ramp-down period
332 of FIG. 6B.
[0093] If the reduced pressure at the second instant in time is
about the same as the reduced pressure at the first instant in
time, such as at a time 414 and a time 416, the controller 202 may
determine that the pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s) is in the
reduced-pressure therapy period 330 or the soak period 336. The
reduced pressure at the time 414 and the time 416 may then be
compared to the minimum reduced pressure (P.sub.min), and if the
reduced pressure at the time 414 and the time 416 is about the same
as the minimum reduced pressure (P.sub.min), the controller 202 may
determine that the pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s) is in the soak
period 336 of FIG. 6B.
[0094] The controller 202 may continue to monitor the signal from
the sensor 206, following the process previously described. If the
controller 202 determines that the pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s)
is repeating, for example, the controller 202 repeatedly identifies
the same maximum reduced pressure (P.sub.max) and minimum reduced
pressure (P.sub.min) at about the same time intervals, the
controller 202 may exit the training mode.
[0095] During the time in which the controller 202 monitors the
signal from the sensor 206, the controller 202 may store the
pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s) in a memory of the controller 202.
The controller 202 may also store time intervals between the
maximum reduced pressure (P.sub.max) and minimum reduced pressure
(P.sub.min) to determine the on-state 320, the on-state 324, the
off state 322, and the off-state 326 of the reduced-pressure source
104. The controller 202 may then determine one or more parameters
of the reduced-pressure therapy as described above. In some
embodiments, the parameters may include the maximum pressure
(P.sub.max) in the sealed therapeutic environment 103 and the
minimum pressure (P.sub.min) in the sealed therapeutic environment
103. In some embodiments, the controller 202 may calculate an
expected trigger pressure (P.sub.t) based on the measured time
intervals between the on-states 320/324 of the reduced-pressure
source 104 and an expected flow rate through the valve 208. In some
embodiments, the controller 202 may provide a signal to the user
interface 204 so that the parameters may be displayed on the user
interface 204. In some embodiments, the external environment may
interact with the user interface 204 to override and replace the
parameters determined from the training mode.
[0096] In some embodiments, the controller 202 may store an
expected reduced-pressure ramp-down period 332. For example, the
controller 202 may determine an expected slope of the pressure
profile 301 (P.sub.s) during the reduced-pressure ramp-down period
332 when fluid is being supplied to the sealed therapeutic
environment 103. The controller 202 may monitor the signal from the
sensor 206 during the reduced-pressure ramp-down period 332. During
instillation therapy, the actual reduced-pressure ramp-down period
332 may deviate from the expected reduced-pressure ramp-down period
332 while providing a dosage of fluid. A deviation of the
reduced-pressure ramp-down period 332 may indicate that the fluid
flow through the fluid interface 120 consists of an unexpected
fluid, for example a gas rather than an instillation fluid. If a
gas is flowing through the fluid interface 120, the fluid reservoir
210 may be empty. If the actual reduced-pressure ramp-down period
332 deviates from the expected reduced-pressure ramp-down period
332, the controller 202 may signal the user interface 204 to
display an alarm indicating that the fluid reservoir 210 may be
empty.
[0097] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart 900 that depicts logical
operational steps performed by, for example, the instillation
therapy system 116 of FIG. 1, which may be implemented in
accordance with an embodiment. The system receives a signal from a
user interface at block 902. For example, the controller 202 may
receive a signal from the user interface 204. Next, at block 904,
the system may determine whether the signal represents a selection
of a constant mode. Illustratively, the controller 202 may
determine if the signal represents a selection of the constant
mode. If the system determines that the signal represents a
selection of the constant mode at block 904 (YES), the system
operates in the constant mode to deliver fluids for a predetermined
period of time at block 906. For example, the controller 202 may
open the valve 208, permitting fluid flow from the fluid reservoir
210 to the sealed therapeutic environment 103.
[0098] If the system determines that the signal does not represent
a selection of the constant mode at block 904 (NO), the system
determines if the signal represents a selection of the intermittent
mode. For example, the controller 202 determines if the signal
represents a selection of the intermittent mode. If the system
determines that the signal represents a selection of the
intermittent mode at block 908 (YES), the system operates in the
intermittent mode such that a predetermined number of dosages may
be delivered to the sealed therapeutic environment 103 over a
predetermined period of time at block 909. If the system determines
that the signal does not represent a selection of the intermittent
mode at block 908 (NO), the system determines if the signal
represents a selection of the dynamic mode at block 910. If the
system determines the signal represents a selection of the dynamic
mode at block 910 (YES), the system operates in the training mode
at block 912 after which the system operates in the dynamic mode to
deliver fluids at block 914 for a predetermined period of time. For
example, the controller 202 may operate in the training mode and
then the controller 202 may deliver fluids in accordance with the
pressure profile 301 (P.sub.s) determined in the training mode of
block 912.
[0099] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart 1000 that depicts logical
operational steps performed by, for example, the instillation
therapy system 116 of FIG. 1 during the intermittent mode, which
may be implemented in accordance with an embodiment. In an
illustrative embodiment, the system determines if the system
received a selection of a duration of fluid delivery at block 1002.
For example, the controller 202 may determine if the user interface
204 received a selection of a duration of fluid delivery. If the
system determines that no duration of fluid delivery was selected
at block 1002, the system delivers fluids for a pre-determined
duration of fluid delivery at block 1004. For example, the
controller 202 may open the valve 208 for a predetermined duration
of fluid delivery, such as one minute. The system stops delivering
fluids for a predetermined interval between fluid delivery at block
1006. For example, the controller 202 may close the valve 208 for a
predetermined interval between fluid delivery, such as 1 minute.
The system then determines whether a predetermined number of on-off
cycles has occurred at block 1007. If a predetermined number of
on-off cycles has not occurred at block 1007 (NO), the system
repeats beginning at block 1004. If a predetermined number of
on-off cycles has occurred at block 1007 (YES), the intermittent
mode ends.
[0100] If the system determines that a duration of fluid delivery
was selected at block 1002 (YES), the system determines if an
interval between fluid delivery was selected at block 1008. If the
system determines that an interval between fluid delivery was
selected at block 1008 (YES), the system delivers fluids for the
selected duration of fluid delivery at block 1010 and stops
delivering fluids for the interval between fluid delivery at block
1012. For example, the controller 202 may open the valve 208 for a
selected duration of fluid delivery received through the user
interface 204, such as two minutes and the controller 202 may close
the valve 208 for a selected interval between fluid delivery, such
as three minutes. The system then determines whether a
predetermined number of on-off cycles has occurred at block 1014.
If a predetermined number of on-off cycles has not occurred at
block 1014 (NO), the system repeats beginning at block 1010. If a
predetermined number of on-off cycles has occurred at block 1014
(YES), the intermittent mode ends.
[0101] If the system determines that no interval between fluid
delivery was selected at block 1008 (NO), the system delivers
fluids for the selected duration of fluid delivery at block 1016
and stops delivering fluids for a predetermined interval between
fluid delivery at block 1018. For example, the controller 202 may
open the valve 208 for a selected duration of fluid delivery
received through the user interface 204, such as two minutes, and
the controller 202 may close the valve 208 for a predetermined
interval between fluid delivery, such as two minutes. The system
then determines whether a predetermined number of on-off cycles has
occurred at block 1020. If a predetermined number of on-off cycles
has not occurred at block 1020 (NO), the system repeats beginning
at block 1016. If a predetermined number of on-off cycles has
occurred at block 1020 (YES), the intermittent mode ends.
[0102] FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart 1100 that depicts logical
operational steps performed by, for example, the instillation
therapy system 116 of FIG. 1 during the training mode, which may be
implemented in accordance with an embodiment. The system closes a
valve at block 1102. For example, the controller 202 may close the
valve 208. The system monitors the pressure at the tissue site at
block 1104. For example, the controller 202 monitors the signal
representing the pressure from the sensor 206. The system
determines a cyclical pressure profile at the tissue site at block
1106. For example, the controller 202 may determine the pressure
profile 301. The system may determine a maximum pressure, a minimum
pressure, and the time intervals for the on period and the off
period of the duty cycle of the reduced-pressure source at block
1108. For example, the controller 202 may determine a maximum
pressure (P.sub.max), a minimum pressure (P.sub.min), and the time
interval of the on-states 320/324 and the off-states 322/326 of the
reduced-pressure source 104.
[0103] FIG. 12 illustrates a flow chart 1200 that depicts logical
operational steps performed by, for example, the instillation
therapy system 116 of FIG. 1 during fluid delivery in the dynamic
mode, which may be implemented in accordance with an embodiment.
The system monitors the pressure at the tissue site at block 1202.
For example, the controller 202 monitors the signal from the sensor
206 representing the pressure in the sealed therapeutic environment
103. The system determines if the trigger pressure has been reached
at block 1204. For example, the controller 202 may determine if the
trigger pressure 334 (P.sub.t) has been reached by the pressure
profile 301 (P.sub.s). If the system determines that the trigger
pressure has not been reached at block 1204 (NO), the system
continues to monitor the pressure at the tissue site.
[0104] If the system determines that the trigger pressure has been
reached at block 1204 (YES), the system delivers fluids at block
1206. For example, the controller 202 opens the valve 208 to permit
fluid flow to the sealed therapeutic environment 103. The system
monitors fluid flow at block 1208. For example, the controller 202
monitors the signal from the flow meter 209 representing the fluid
flow through the valve 208. The system determines if a full fluid
dosage has been delivered at block 1209. For example, the
controller 202 determines if the full dosage of fluid has passed
through the valve 208.
[0105] If the system determines that the full fluid dosage has not
been delivered at block 1209 (NO), the system determines whether
the reduced-pressure source is entering an on period at block 1210.
For example, the controller 202 may monitor how long the
reduced-pressure source 104 has been in the off-state 322 to
determine if the reduced-pressure source 104 is about to enter the
on-state 324. If the system determines that the reduced-pressure
source is not entering an on-state at block 1210 (NO), the system
continues delivering fluids at block 1206. If the system determines
that the reduced-pressure source is entering an on-state at block
1210 (YES), the system increments the trigger pressure at block
1211, and the system stops delivering fluids at block 1212. For
example, the controller 202 may adjust the trigger pressure to
begin fluid delivery at a higher reduced pressure and close the
valve 208.
[0106] If the system determines that the full dosage of fluid has
been delivered at block 1209 (YES), the system stops delivering
fluids at block 1212. For example, the controller 202 may close the
valve 208, stopping fluid delivery. The system determines whether a
predetermined number of on-off cycles of fluid delivery has been
completed at block 1214. If the system determines that a
predetermined number of on-off cycles of fluid delivery has been
completed at block 1214 (YES), the process ends. If the system
determines that a predetermined number of on-off cycles of fluid
delivery has not been completed at block 1214 (NO), the system
repeats beginning at block 1202.
[0107] FIG. 13 illustrates a flow chart 1300 that depicts logical
operational steps performed by, for example, the instillation
therapy system 116 of FIG. 1 during fluid delivery, which may be
implemented in accordance with an embodiment. In the illustrated
flow chart, the instillation therapy system 116 may determine if
the fluid reservoir 210 is empty. The system monitors the pressure
at the tissue site at block 1302. For example, the controller 202
monitors the signal from the sensor 206 representing the pressure
in the sealed therapeutic environment 103. The system determines if
a reduced-pressure ramp-down period is the expected
reduced-pressure ramp-down period at block 1304. For example, the
controller 202 may determine if a reduced-pressure ramp-down period
is the expected reduced-pressure ramp-down period 332. If the
system determines that the reduced-pressure ramp-down period is the
expected reduced-pressure ramp-down period at block 1304 (YES), the
system repeats at block 1302. If the system determines that the
reduced-pressure ramp-down period is not the expected
reduced-pressure ramp-down period 332, the system indicates an
empty fluid reservoir at block 1306 and ends. For example, the
controller 202 may activate an alarm on the user interface 204
indicating an empty fluid reservoir 210.
[0108] The systems and methods described herein may provide
significant advantages, some of which have already been mentioned.
For example, the instillation therapy system may provide a combined
reduced-pressure therapy and instillation therapy system that may
be simple to set-up. The instillation therapy system may also
provide an instillation system that may be used with an independent
reduced-pressure system that may be capable of intermittent
therapy. The instillation therapy system may also use the
reduced-pressure source as the mechanism to draw the fluid to the
sealed therapeutic environment, allowing the instillation therapy
system to use simpler components. The instillation therapy system
may also overcome a head pressure differential. The instillation
therapy system may provide feedback on critical parameters related
to the performance of a reduced-pressure source regarding the level
of reduced-pressure delivered to a sealed therapeutic environment.
The instillation therapy system may be configured manually, or
through a training mode. The instillation therapy system can also
deliver fluid in sync with an intermittent reduced-pressure cycle
or in a continuous manner or variations in between.
[0109] It should be apparent from the foregoing that an invention
having significant advantages has been provided. While shown in
only a few forms, the systems and methods illustrated are
susceptible to various changes and modifications without departing
from the spirit thereof.
* * * * *