Patent Grant
11964095
This disclosure relates generally to medical treatment systems and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to absorbent dressings, systems, and methods for treating a tissue site with reduced pressure.
Depending on the medical circumstances, reduced pressure may be used for, among other things, reduced-pressure therapy to encourage granulation at a tissue site, draining fluids at a tissue site, closing a wound, reducing edema, promoting perfusion, and fluid management. Common dressings, systems, and methods may be susceptible to leaks and blockage that can cause a reduction in the efficiency of the therapy or a complete loss of therapy. Such a situation can occur, for example, if the amount of fluid in the dressing or system exceeds the fluid capacity of the dressing or system. Further, the formation of condensate in the dressing or system may create similar concerns. Leaks, blockages, and condensate in the dressing or system may also be perceptible by a user and may lack visual appeal. Prevention of leaks and blockages may be particularly important when only a limited power supply to the reduced pressure source and other components is available. Thus, improvements to dressings, systems, and methods that enhance the management of fluid extracted from a tissue site for increasing reliability, efficiency, visual appeal, and the useable life of the dressing and system are desirable.
Shortcomings with certain aspects of tissue treatment dressings, systems, and methods are addressed as shown and described in a variety of illustrative, non-limiting embodiments herein.
In some embodiments, a system for treating a tissue site may include a tissue interface, a dressing, a reduced-pressure source, and a conduit. The tissue interface may be adapted to be positioned proximate to the tissue site. The dressing may include a base layer, an adhesive, a sealing member, a first wicking layer, a second wicking layer, an absorbent layer, and a conduit interface. The base layer may have a periphery surrounding a central portion and a plurality of apertures disposed through the periphery and the central portion. Further, the base layer may be adapted to cover the tissue interface and tissue surrounding the tissue site. The adhesive may be in fluid communication with the apertures at least in the periphery of the base layer. The sealing member may have a periphery and a central portion. The periphery of the sealing member may be positioned proximate to the periphery of the base layer such that the central portion of the sealing member and the central portion of the base layer define an enclosure. The first wicking layer and the second wicking layer may each be disposed in the enclosure. The absorbent layer may be disposed between the first wicking layer and the second wicking layer. The conduit interface may be positioned proximate to the sealing member and in fluid communication with the enclosure. The reduced-pressure source may be adapted to be coupled in fluid communication with the conduit interface to provide reduced pressure to the dressing. The conduit may have an internal lumen coupled in fluid communication between the conduit interface and the reduced-pressure source. The conduit may be comprised of an absorbent material that is vapor permeable and liquid impermeable.
In other embodiments, a dressing for treating a tissue site may include a base layer, an adhesive, a sealing member, a first wicking layer, a second wicking layer, an absorbent layer, and a conduit interface. The base layer may have a periphery surrounding a central portion and a plurality of apertures disposed through the periphery and the central portion. The base layer may be adapted to cover the tissue site and tissue surrounding the tissue site. The adhesive may be in fluid communication with the apertures in the base layer. The sealing member may have a periphery and a central portion. The periphery of the sealing member may be positioned proximate to the periphery of the base layer such that the central portion of the sealing member and the central portion of the base layer define an enclosure. The first wicking layer and the second wicking layer may each be disposed in the enclosure. The absorbent layer may be positioned in fluid communication between the first wicking layer and the second wicking layer. A peripheral portion of the first wicking layer may be coupled to a peripheral portion of the second wicking layer providing a wicking layer enclosure surrounding the absorbent layer between the first and the second wicking layer. The conduit interface may be positioned proximate to the sealing member and in fluid communication with the enclosure. The conduit interface may comprise an absorbent material that is vapor permeable and liquid impermeable.
In other embodiments, a system for treating a tissue site may include a tissue interface, a dressing, a reduced-pressure source, and a conduit. The tissue interface may be adapted to be positioned proximate to the tissue site and to distribute reduced pressure to the tissue site. The dressing may be adapted to provide reduced pressure to the tissue interface and to store fluid extracted from the tissue site through the tissue interface. The dressing may include a base layer, an adhesive, a sealing member, a first wicking layer, a second wicking layer, an absorbent layer, and a conduit interface. The base layer may have a periphery surrounding a central portion and a plurality of apertures disposed through the periphery and the central portion. The central portion of the base layer may be adapted to be positioned proximate to the tissue interface and the periphery of the base layer may be adapted to be positioned proximate to tissue surrounding the tissue site. Further, the periphery of the base layer may be adapted to surround the tissue interface, and the apertures in the base layer may be adapted to be in fluid communication with the tissue interface and the tissue surrounding the tissue site. The adhesive may be in fluid communication with the apertures in the base layer. Further, the adhesive may be adapted to be in fluid communication with the tissue surrounding the tissue site through the apertures in the base layer. The sealing member may have a periphery and a central portion. The periphery of the sealing member may be positioned proximate to the periphery of the base layer such that the central portion of the sealing member and the central portion of the base layer define an enclosure. The first wicking layer and the second wicking layer may each be disposed in the enclosure. The absorbent layer may be positioned in fluid communication between the first wicking layer and the second wicking layer. The conduit interface may positioned proximate to the sealing member and in fluid communication with the enclosure. The reduced-pressure source may be adapted to be coupled in fluid communication with the conduit interface to provide reduced pressure to the dressing. The conduit may have an internal lumen coupled in fluid communication between the conduit interface and the reduced-pressure source. The conduit may have a wall comprised of a hydrophilic polymer that is vapor permeable and liquid impermeable.
Other aspects, features, and advantages of the illustrative embodiments will become apparent with reference to the drawings and detailed description that follow.
In the following detailed description of non-limiting, illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof. Other embodiments may be utilized, and logical, structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments described herein, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is non-limiting, and the scope of the illustrative embodiments are defined by the appended claims. As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, “or” does not require mutual exclusivity.
Referring to the drawings,
Further, the tissue site 104 may be the bodily tissue of any human, animal, or other organism, including bone tissue, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, dermal tissue, vascular tissue, connective tissue, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, or any other tissue. Treatment of tissue site 104 may include removal of fluids, e.g., exudate or ascites.
Continuing with
A material with a higher or lower density than GranuFoam® material may be desirable for the interface manifold 120 depending on the application. Among the many possible materials, the following may be used: GranuFoam® material, Foamex® technical foam (www.foamex.com), a molded bed of nails structures, a patterned grid material such as those manufactured by Sercol Industrial Fabrics, 3D textiles such as those manufactured by Baltex of Derby, U.K., a gauze, a flexible channel-containing member, a graft, etc. In some instances, ionic silver may be added to the interface manifold 120 by, for example, a micro bonding process. Other substances, such as anti-microbial agents, may be added to the interface manifold 120 as well.
In some embodiments, the interface manifold 120 may comprise a porous, hydrophobic material. The hydrophobic characteristics of the interface manifold 120 may prevent the interface manifold 120 from directly absorbing fluid, such as exudate, from the tissue site 104, but allow the fluid to pass through.
Continuing with
Referring to
The apertures 160 in the base layer 132 may have any shape, such as, for example, circles, squares, stars, ovals, polygons, slits, complex curves, rectilinear shapes, triangles, or other shapes. The apertures 160 may be formed by cutting, by application of local RF energy, or other suitable techniques for forming an opening. As shown in
Referring to
As shown in
The base layer 132 may be a soft, pliable material suitable for providing a fluid seal with the tissue site 104 as described herein. For example, the base layer 132 may comprise a silicone gel, a soft silicone, hydrocolloid, hydrogel, polyurethane gel, polyolefin gel, hydrogenated styrenic copolymer gels, a foamed gel, a soft closed cell foam such as polyurethanes and polyolefins coated with an adhesive described below, polyurethane, polyolefin, or hydrogenated styrenic copolymers. The base layer 132 may have a thickness between about 500 microns (μm) and about 1000 microns (μm). In some embodiments, the base layer 132 has a stiffness between about 5 Shore OO and about 80 Shore OO. The base layer 132 may be comprised of hydrophobic or hydrophilic materials.
In some embodiments (not shown), the base layer 132 may be a hydrophobic-coated material. For example, the base layer 132 may be formed by coating a spaced material, such as, for example, woven, nonwoven, molded, or extruded mesh with a hydrophobic material. The hydrophobic material for the coating may be a soft silicone, for example. In this manner, the adhesive 136 may extend through openings in the spaced material analogous to the apertures 160 described below.
The adhesive 136 may be in fluid communication with the apertures 160 in at least the periphery 152 of the base layer 132. In this manner, the adhesive 136 may be in fluid communication with the tissue surrounding the tissue site 104 through the apertures 160 in the base layer 132. As described below and shown in
At least one of the apertures 160a in the periphery 152 of the base layer 132 may be positioned at the edges 159 of the periphery 152 and may have an interior cut open or exposed at the edges 159 that is in fluid communication in a lateral direction with the edges 159. The lateral direction may refer to a direction toward the edges 159 and in the same plane as the base layer 132. As shown in
Continuing with
Similar to the apertures 160b in the corners 158, any of the apertures 160 may be adjusted in size and number to maximize the surface area of the adhesive 136 in fluid communication through the apertures 160 for a particular application or geometry of the base layer 132. For example, in some embodiments (not shown) the apertures 160b, or apertures of another size, may be positioned in the periphery 152 and at the border 161. Similarly, the apertures 160b, or apertures of another size, may be positioned as described above in other locations of the base layer 132 that may have a complex geometry or shape.
The adhesive 136 may be a medically-acceptable adhesive. The adhesive 136 may also be flowable. For example, the adhesive 136 may comprise an acrylic adhesive, rubber adhesive, high-tack silicone adhesive, polyurethane, or other adhesive substance. In some embodiments, the adhesive 136 may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive comprising an acrylic adhesive with coating weight of 15 grams/m2 (gsm) to 70 grams/m2 (gsm). The adhesive 136 may be a layer having substantially the same shape as the periphery 152 of the base layer 132 as shown in
Factors that may be utilized to control the adhesion strength of the dressing 124 may include the diameter and number of the apertures 160 in the base layer 132, the thickness of the base layer 132, the thickness and amount of the adhesive 136, and the tackiness of the adhesive 136. An increase in the amount of the adhesive 136 extending through the apertures 160 generally corresponds to an increase in the adhesion strength of the dressing 124. A decrease in the thickness of the base layer 132 generally corresponds to an increase in the amount of adhesive 136 extending through the apertures 160. Thus, the diameter and configuration of the apertures 160, the thickness of the base layer 132, and the amount and tackiness of the adhesive utilized may be varied to provide a desired adhesion strength for the dressing 124. For example, the thickness of the base layer 132 may be about 200 microns, the adhesive layer 136 may have a thickness of about 30 microns and a tackiness of 2000 grams per 25 centimeter wide strip, and the diameter of the apertures 160a in the base layer 132 may be about 10 millimeters.
In some embodiments, the tackiness of the adhesive 136 may vary in different locations of the base layer 132. For example, in locations of the base layer 132 where the apertures 160 are comparatively large, such as the apertures 160a, the adhesive 136 may have a lower tackiness than other locations of the base layer 132 where the apertures 160 are smaller, such as the apertures 160b and 160c. In this manner, locations of the base layer 132 having larger apertures 160 and lower tackiness adhesive 136 may have an adhesion strength comparable to locations having smaller apertures 160 and higher tackiness adhesive 136.
Clinical studies have shown that the configuration described herein for the base layer 132 and the adhesive 136 may reduce the occurrence of blistering, erythema, and leakage when in use. Such a configuration may provide, for example, increased patient comfort and increased durability of the dressing 124.
Referring to the embodiment of
Continuing with
The sealing member 140 may be formed from any material that allows for a fluid seal. A fluid seal is a seal adequate to maintain reduced pressure at a desired site given the particular reduced pressure source or system involved. The sealing member 140 may comprise, for example, one or more of the following materials: hydrophilic polyurethane; cellulosics; hydrophilic polyamides; polyvinyl alcohol; polyvinyl pyrrolidone; hydrophilic acrylics; hydrophilic silicone elastomers; an INSPIRE 2301 material from Expopack Advanced Coatings of Wrexham, United Kingdom having, for example, an MVTR (inverted cup technique) of 14400 g/m2/24 hours and a thickness of about 30 microns; a thin, uncoated polymer drape; natural rubbers; polyisoprene; styrene butadiene rubber; chloroprene rubber; polybutadiene; nitrile rubber; butyl rubber; ethylene propylene rubber; ethylene propylene diene monomer; chlorosulfonated polyethylene; polysulfide rubber; polyurethane (PU); EVA film; co-polyester; silicones; a silicone drape; a 3M Tegaderm® drape; a polyurethane (PU) drape such as one available from Avery Dennison Corporation of Pasadena, California; polyether block polyamide copolymer (PEBAX), for example, from Arkema, France; Expopack 2327; or other appropriate material.
The sealing member 140 may be vapor permeable and liquid impermeable, thereby allowing vapor and inhibiting liquids from exiting the sealed space 174 provided by the dressing 124. In some embodiments, the sealing member 140 may be a flexible, breathable film, membrane, or sheet having a high MVTR of, for example, at least about 300 g/m2 per 24 hours. In other embodiments, a low or no vapor transfer drape might be used. The sealing member 140 may comprise a range of medically suitable films having a thickness between about 15 microns (μm) to about 50 microns (μm).
The fluid management assembly 144 may be disposed in the enclosure 172 and may include a first wicking layer 176, a second wicking layer 180, and an absorbent layer 184. The absorbent layer 184 may be positioned in fluid communication between the first wicking layer 176 and the second wicking layer 180. The first wicking layer 176 may have a grain structure (not shown) adapted to wick fluid along a surface of the first wicking layer 176. Similarly, the second wicking layer 180 may have a grain structure (not shown) adapted to wick fluid along a surface of the second wicking layer 180. For example, the first wicking layer 176 and the second wicking layer 180 may wick or otherwise transport fluid in a lateral direction along the surfaces of the first wicking layer 176 and the second wicking layer 180, respectively. The surfaces of the first wicking layer 176 and the second wicking layer 180 may be normal relative to the thickness of each of the first wicking layer 176 and the second wicking layer 180. The wicking of fluid along the first wicking layer 176 and the second wicking layer 180 may enhance the distribution of the fluid over a surface area of the absorbent layer 184 that may increase absorbent efficiency and resist fluid blockages. Fluid blockages may be caused by, for example, fluid pooling in a particular location in the absorbent layer 184 rather than being distributed more uniformly across the absorbent layer 184. The laminate combination of the first wicking layer 176, the second wicking layer 180, and the absorbent layer 184 may be adapted as described above to maintain an open structure, resistant to blockage, capable of maintaining fluid communication with, for example, the tissue site 104.
Referring to the embodiments of the fluid management assembly 144 depicted in
Referring specifically to
In the embodiments of
In some embodiments, the absorbent layer 184 may be a hydrophilic material adapted to absorb fluid from, for example, the tissue site 104. Materials suitable for the absorbent layer 184 may include Luquafleece® material, Texsus FP2326, BASF 402C, Technical Absorbents 2317 available from Technical Absorbents (www.techabsorbents.com), sodium polyacrylate super absorbers, cellulosics (carboxy methyl cellulose and salts such as sodium CMC), or alginates. Materials suitable for the first wicking layer 176 and the second wicking layer 180 may include any material having a grain structure capable of wicking fluid as described herein, such as, for example, Libeltex TDL2 80 gsm.
The fluid management assembly 144 may be a pre-laminated structure manufactured at a single location or individual layers of material stacked upon one another as described above. Individual layers of the fluid management assembly 144 may be bonded or otherwise secured to one another without adversely affecting fluid management by, for example, utilizing a solvent or non-solvent adhesive, or by thermal welding. Further, the fluid management assembly 144 may be coupled to the border 161 of the base layer 132 in any suitable manner, such as, for example, by a weld or an adhesive. The border 161 being free of the apertures 160 as described above may provide a flexible barrier between the fluid management assembly 144 and the tissue site 104 for enhancing comfort.
In some embodiments, the enclosure 172 defined by the base layer 132 and the sealing member 140 may include an anti-microbial layer 190. The addition of the anti-microbial layer 190 may reduce the probability of excessive bacterial growth within the dressing 124 to permit the dressing 124 to remain in place for an extended period. The anti-microbial layer 190 may be, for example, an additional layer included as a part of the fluid management assembly 144 as depicted in
Referring to
The conduit interface 148 may comprise a medical-grade, soft polymer or other pliable material. As non-limiting examples, the conduit interface 148 may be formed from polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), fluorosilicone, or ethylene-propylene, etc. In some illustrative, non-limiting embodiments, conduit interface 148 may be molded from DEHP-free PVC. The conduit interface 148 may be formed in any suitable manner such as by molding, casting, machining, or extruding. Further, the conduit interface 148 may be formed as an integral unit or as individual components and may be coupled to the dressing 124 by, for example, adhesive or welding.
In some embodiments, the conduit interface 148 may be formed of an absorbent material having absorbent and evaporative properties. The absorbent material may be vapor permeable and liquid impermeable, thereby being configured to permit vapor to be absorbed into and evaporated from the material through permeation while inhibiting permeation of liquids. The absorbent material may be, for example, a hydrophilic polymer such as a hydrophilic polyurethane. Although the term hydrophilic polymer may be used in the illustrative embodiments that follow, any absorbent material having the properties described herein may be suitable for use in the system 102. Further, the absorbent material or hydrophilic polymer may be suitable for use in various components of the system 102 as described herein.
The use of such a hydrophilic polymer for the conduit interface 148 may permit liquids in the conduit interface 148 to evaporate, or otherwise dissipate, during operation. For example, the hydrophilic polymer may allow the liquid to permeate or pass through the conduit interface 148 as vapor, in a gaseous phase, and evaporate into the atmosphere external to the conduit interface 148. Such liquids may be, for example, condensate or other liquids. Condensate may form, for example, as a result of a decrease in temperature within the conduit interface 148, or other components of the system 102, relative to the temperature at the tissue site 104. Removal or dissipation of liquids from the conduit interface 148 may increase visual appeal and prevent odor. Further, such removal of liquids may also increase efficiency and reliability by reducing blockages and other interference with the components of the system 102.
Similar to the conduit interface 148, the liquid trap 192, and other components of the system 102 described herein, may also be formed of an absorbent material or a hydrophilic polymer. The absorptive and evaporative properties of the hydrophilic polymer may also facilitate removal and dissipation of liquids residing in the liquid trap 192, and other components of the system 102, by evaporation. Such evaporation may leave behind a substantially solid or gel-like waste. The substantially solid or gel-like waste may be cheaper to dispose than liquids, providing a cost savings for operation of the system 102. The hydrophilic polymer may be used for other components in the system 102 where the management of liquids is beneficial.
In some embodiments, the absorbent material or hydrophilic polymer may have an absorbent capacity in a saturated state that is substantially equivalent to the mass of the hydrophilic polymer in an unsaturated state. The hydrophilic polymer may be fully saturated with vapor in the saturated state and substantially free of vapor in the unsaturated state. In both the saturated state and the unsaturated state, the hydrophilic polymer may retain substantially the same physical, mechanical, and structural properties. For example, the hydrophilic polymer may have a hardness in the unsaturated state that is substantially the same as a hardness of the hydrophilic polymer in the saturated state. The hydrophilic polymer and the components of the system 102 incorporating the hydrophilic polymer may also have a size that is substantially the same in both the unsaturated state and the saturated state. Further, the hydrophilic polymer may remain dry, cool to the touch, and pneumatically sealed in the saturated state and the unsaturated state. The hydrophilic polymer may also remain substantially the same color in the saturated state and the unsaturated state. In this manner, this hydrophilic polymer may retain sufficient strength and other physical properties to remain suitable for use in the system 102. An example of such a hydrophilic polymer is offered under the trade name Techophilic HP-93A-100, available from The Lubrizol Corporation of Wickliffe, Ohio, United States. Techophilic HP-93A-100 is an absorbent hydrophilic thermoplastic polyurethane capable of absorbing 100% of the unsaturated mass of the polyurethane in water and having a durometer or Shore Hardness of about 83 Shore A.
The conduit interface 148 may carry an odor filter 194 adapted to substantially preclude the passage of odors from the tissue site 104 out of the sealed space 174. Further, the conduit interface 148 may carry a primary hydrophobic filter 195 adapted to substantially preclude the passage of liquids out of the sealed space 174. The odor filter 194 and the primary hydrophobic filter 195 may be disposed in the conduit interface 148 or other suitable location such that fluid communication between the reduced-pressure source 128, or optional therapy unit 130, and the dressing 124 is provided through the odor filter 194 and the primary hydrophobic filter 195. In some embodiments, the odor filter 194 and the primary hydrophobic filter 195 may be secured within the conduit interface 148 in any suitable manner, such as by adhesive or welding. In other embodiments, the odor filter 194 and the primary hydrophobic filter 195 may be positioned in any exit location in the dressing 124 that is in fluid communication with the atmosphere, the reduced-pressure source 128, or the optional therapy unit 130. The odor filter 194 may also be positioned in any suitable location in the system 102 that is in fluid communication with the tissue site 104.
The odor filter 194 may be comprised of a carbon material in the form of a layer or particulate. For example, the odor filter 194 may comprise a woven carbon cloth filter such as those manufactured by Chemviron Carbon, Ltd. of Lancashire, United Kingdom (www.chemvironcarbon.com). The primary hydrophobic filter 195 may be comprised of a material that is liquid impermeable and vapor permeable. For example, the primary hydrophobic filter 195 may comprise a material manufactured under the designation MMT-314 by W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. of Newark, Delaware, United States, or similar materials. The primary hydrophobic filter 195 may be provided in the form of a membrane or layer.
Continuing with
As used herein, “reduced pressure” generally refers to a pressure less than the ambient pressure at a tissue site being subjected to treatment. Typically, this reduced pressure will be less than the atmospheric pressure. The reduced pressure may also be less than a hydrostatic pressure at a tissue site. Unless otherwise indicated, values of pressure stated herein are gauge pressures. While the amount and nature of reduced pressure applied to a tissue site will typically vary according to the application, the reduced pressure will typically be between −5 mm Hg and −500 mm Hg, and more typically in a therapeutic range between −100 mm Hg and −200 mm Hg.
The reduced pressure delivered may be constant or varied (patterned or random), and may be delivered continuously or intermittently. Although the terms “vacuum” and “negative pressure” may be used to describe the pressure applied to the tissue site, the actual pressure applied to the tissue site may be more than the pressure normally associated with a complete vacuum. Consistent with the use herein, an increase in reduced pressure or vacuum pressure typically refers to a relative reduction in absolute pressure. An increase in reduced pressure corresponds to a reduction in pressure (more negative relative to ambient pressure) and a decrease in reduced pressure corresponds to an increase in pressure (less negative relative to ambient pressure).
As shown in
The conduit 196 may have a secondary hydrophobic filter 199 disposed in the internal lumen 197 such that fluid communication between the reduced-pressure source 128 and the dressing 124 is provided through the secondary hydrophobic filter 199. The secondary hydrophobic filter 199 may be, for example, a porous, sintered polymer cylinder sized to fit the dimensions of the internal lumen 197 to substantially preclude liquid from bypassing the cylinder. The secondary hydrophobic filter 199 may also be treated with an absorbent material adapted to swell when brought into contact with liquid to block the flow of the liquid. The secondary hydrophobic filter 199 may be positioned at any location within the internal lumen 197. However, positioning the secondary hydrophobic filter 199 within the internal lumen 197 closer toward the reduced-pressure source 128, rather than the dressing 124, may allow a user to detect the presence of liquid in the internal lumen 197.
In some embodiments, the conduit 196 and the coupling 198 may be formed of an absorbent material or a hydrophilic polymer as described above for the conduit interface 148. In this manner, the conduit 196 and the coupling 198 may permit liquids in the conduit 196 and the coupling 198 to evaporate, or otherwise dissipate, as described above for the conduit interface 148. The conduit 196 and the coupling 198 may be, for example, molded from the hydrophilic polymer separately, as individual components, or together as an integral component. Further, a wall of the conduit 196 defining the internal lumen 197 may be extruded from the hydrophilic polymer. The conduit 196 may be less than about 1 meter in length, but may have any length to suit a particular application. More specifically, a length of about 1 foot or 304.8 millimeters may provide enough absorbent and evaporative surface area to suit many applications, and may provide a cost savings compared to longer lengths. If an application requires additional length for the conduit 196, the absorbent hydrophilic polymer may be coupled in fluid communication with a length of conduit formed of a non-absorbent hydrophobic polymer to provide additional cost savings.
Referring now to
In the fluid management assembly 244, the second wicking layer 280 may have a peripheral portion 287. The second wicking layer 280 and the peripheral portion 287 of the second wicking layer 280 may be positioned in contact with the sealing member 140. The absorbent layer 284 may have a peripheral portion 285 extending beyond the peripheral portion 287 of the second wicking layer 280. The absorbent layer 284 may be positioned adjacent to or proximate to the second wicking layer 280 such that the peripheral portion 285 of the absorbent layer 284 is in contact with the sealing member 140 surrounding the peripheral portion 287 of the second wicking layer 280. Similarly, the first wicking layer 276 may have a peripheral portion 286 extending beyond the peripheral portion 285 of the absorbent layer 284. The first wicking layer 276 may be positioned adjacent to or proximate to the absorbent layer 284 such that the peripheral portion 286 of the first wicking layer 276 is in contact with the sealing member 140 surrounding the peripheral portion 285 of the absorbent layer 284. Further, the first wicking layer 276 may be positioned adjacent to or proximate to the base layer 132. Thus, at least the peripheral portion 287, the peripheral portion 285, and the peripheral portion 286 in contact with the sealing member 140 may be coupled to the sealing member 140, such as, for example, by an adhesive coating disposed on a surface of the sealing member 140 facing the base layer 132. The adhesive coating may be analogous to the adhesive 136 being applied across the surface of the sealing member 140 facing the base layer 132. The second wicking layer 280, the absorbent layer 284, and the first wicking layer 276 may respectively have increasing surface areas to enhance contact with the adhesive coating described above. In other embodiments, the fluid management assembly 244 may include any number of absorbent layers and wicking layers for treating a particular tissue site.
In operation of the system 102 according to some illustrative embodiments, the interface manifold 120 may be disposed against or proximate to the tissue site 104. The dressing 124 may then be applied over the interface manifold 120 and the tissue site 104 to form the sealed space 174. Specifically, the base layer 132 may be applied covering the interface manifold 120 and the tissue surrounding the tissue site 104. The materials described above for the base layer 132 have a tackiness that may hold the dressing 124 initially in position. The tackiness may be such that if an adjustment is desired, the dressing 124 may be removed and reapplied. Once the dressing 124 is in the desired position, a force may be applied, such as by hand pressing, on a side of the sealing member 140 opposite the tissue site 104. The force applied to the sealing member 140 may cause at least some portion of the adhesive 136 to penetrate or extend through the plurality of apertures 160 and into contact with tissue surrounding the tissue site 104, such as the epidermis 106, to releaseably adhere the dressing 124 about the tissue site 104. In this manner, the configuration of the dressing 124 described above may provide an effective and reliable seal against challenging anatomical surfaces, such as an elbow or heal, at and around the tissue site 104. Further, the dressing 124 permits re-application or re-positioning to, for example, correct air leaks caused by creases and other discontinuities in the dressing 124 and the tissue site 104. The ability to rectify leaks may increase the reliability of the therapy and reduce power consumption.
As the dressing 124 comes into contact with fluid from the tissue site 104, the fluid moves through the apertures 160 toward the fluid management assembly 144, 244. The fluid management assembly 144, 244 wicks or otherwise moves the fluid through the interface manifold 120 and away from the tissue site 104. As described above, the interface manifold 120 may be adapted to communicate fluid from the tissue site 104 rather than store the fluid. Thus, the fluid management assembly 144, 244 may be more absorbent than the interface manifold 120. The fluid management assembly 144, 244 being more absorbent than the interface manifold 120 provides an absorbent gradient through the dressing 124 that attracts fluid from the tissue site 104 or the interface manifold 120 to the fluid management assembly 144, 244. Thus, in some embodiments, the fluid management assembly 144, 244 may be adapted to wick, pull, draw, or otherwise attract fluid from the tissue site 104 through the interface manifold 120. In the fluid management assembly 144, 244, the fluid initially comes into contact with the first wicking layer 176, 276. The first wicking layer 176, 276 may distribute the fluid laterally along the surface of the first wicking layer 176, 276 as described above for absorption and storage within the absorbent layer 184, 284. Similarly, fluid coming into contact with the second wicking layer 180, 280 may be distributed laterally along the surface of the second wicking layer 180, 280 for absorption within the absorbent layer 184, 284.
Referring to
Similar to the internal lumen 197 of the conduit 196, the primary lumen 310 may be coupled in fluid communication between the reduced-pressure source 128 and the dressing 124 as described above. In some embodiments, the primary lumen 310 may be coupled in fluid communication between the conduit interface 148 and the reduced-pressure source 128. Further, analogous to the internal lumen 197, reduced pressure may be provided through the primary lumen 310 from the reduced-pressure source 128 to the dressing 124. In some embodiments, the primary lumen 310 may be configured to extract fluid such as exudate from the tissue site 104. The secondary lumens 318 may be coupled in fluid communication between the therapy unit 130 and the dressing 124. In some embodiments, the at least one secondary lumen 318 may be coupled in fluid communication between the conduit interface 148 and the therapy unit 130. Further, the secondary lumens 318 may be in fluid communication with the primary lumen 310 at the dressing 124 and configured to provide a reduced-pressure feedback signal from the dressing 124 to the therapy unit 130. For example, the secondary lumens 318 may be in fluid communication with the primary lumen 310 at the conduit interface 148 or other component of the dressing 124.
The multi-lumen conduit 302a may be comprised of an absorbent material or hydrophilic polymer, such as, for example, the absorbent material or the hydrophilic polymer described above in connection with the conduit interface 148, the conduit 196, and the coupling 198. The absorbent material or the hydrophilic polymer may be vapor permeable and liquid impermeable. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the wall 314 and the external surface 306 of the multi-lumen conduit 302a may be comprised of the absorbent material or the hydrophilic polymer. In this manner, the multi-lumen conduit 302a may permit liquids, such as condensate, in the multi-lumen conduit 302a to evaporate, or otherwise dissipate, as described above. For example, the absorbent material or the hydrophilic polymer may allow the liquid to pass through the multi-lumen conduit 302a as vapor, in a gaseous phase, and evaporate into the atmosphere external to the multi-lumen conduit 302a. Liquids such as exudate from the tissue site 104 may also be evaporated or dissipated through the multi-lumen conduit 302a in the same manner. This feature may be advantageous when the optional therapy unit 130 is used for monitoring and controlling reduced pressure at the tissue site 104. For example, liquid present in the secondary lumens 318 may interfere with a reduced-pressure feedback signal being transmitted to the therapy unit 130 through the secondary lumens 318. The use of the hydrophilic polymer for the multi-lumen conduit 302a may permit removal of such liquid for enhancing the visual appeal, reliability, and efficiency of the system 102. After evaporation of liquid in the multi-lumen conduit 302a, other blockages from, for example, desiccated exudate, solids, or gel-like substances that were carried by the evaporated liquid may be visible for further remediation. Further, the use of the hydrophilic polymer as described herein may reduce the occurrence of skin damage caused by moisture buildup between components of the system 102, such as the multi-lumen conduit 302a, and the skin of a patient.
Depicted in
Continuing with
The first wall material 314a may be combined with the second wall material 314b to form the wall 314 in various configurations for remediating liquid in the multi-lumen conduit 302 and the at least one secondary lumen 318. For example, referring to
Continuing with
In some embodiments (not shown), the taper 321a of the second wall material 314b may taper from the external surface 306 to a larger dimension toward the primary lumen 310. The taper 321b of the receptor 320 may have a taper opposite the direction of the taper 321a described above such that the taper 321b is configured to receive and engage the taper 321a. In this configuration, with the taper 321a of the second wall material 314b having a larger dimension toward the primary lumen 310, the opposite taper 321b of the receptor 320 may substantially preclude the second wall material 314b from being pulled away from the receptor 320 in the first wall material 314a. The above embodiments for the tapers 321a and 321b are non-limiting. Other shapes and configurations are suitable for engaging the first wall material 314a with the second wall material 314b, such as, for example, interlocking tabs or other mechanical elements.
The multi-lumen conduit 302 may include other materials and configurations for managing liquid in the multi-lumen conduit 302 as described herein. For example, referring to
Continuing with
Continuing with
Referring to
The above features described in connection with the multi-lumen conduits 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d, and 302e may be used in combination with one another to suit a particular application. For example, the external absorbent layer 322 described in the multi-lumen conduit 302d may be used in combination with any of the multi-lumen conduits 302a, 302b, 302c, and 302e. Further, any of the multi-lumen conduits 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d, and 302e may be used with padding (not shown) disposed around the external surface 306, proximate to the dressing 124, for example, to enhance user comfort.
Although this specification discloses advantages in the context of certain illustrative, non-limiting embodiments, various changes, substitutions, permutations, and alterations may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Further, any feature described in connection with any one embodiment may also be applicable to any other embodiment.
This application is a continuation U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/151,005, filed Oct. 3, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/490,886, filed Sep. 19, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,398,814, which claims the benefit, under 35 USC § 119(e), of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/897,651, entitled “CONDENSATE ABSORBING AND DISSIPATING SYSTEM,” filed Oct. 30, 2013. Each of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
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