Patent Application
20120059294
Not Applicable.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to devices and methods for manipulating circulation in the circulatory system of the body of a subject.
2. Description of the Related Art
Chronic lower extremity ulcers affect approximately 2.5 million to 4.5 million people in the United States. In addition to pressure ulcers, this growing clinical problem is most prominent among the elderly. Non-healing or slow healing wounds represent a major health burden and a drain on resources, and are sources of substantial disability, morbidity, and costs.
Multiple factors have been identified as contributors to impaired wound healing, such as ischemia, infection, advanced age, malnutrition, diabetes, and renal disease. Other conditions, such as cardiac and lung disease, decreased cognitive function, endocrine disease, gastrointestinal disease, hematologic disorders, incontinence, musculoskeletal problems, neurological disease, alcohol/drug abuse, immunosuppressives, chemotherapy, steroids, smoking, surgery as well as inadequate wound care have been implicated as well.
Wound healing involves a complex interaction between epidermal and dermal cells, the extracellular matrix, controlled angiogenesis, and plasma derived proteins, all coordinated by an array of cytokines and growth factors. This dynamic process is divided into three overlapping phases, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling. Thrombus formation which requires interaction between endothelial cells, platelets, and coagulation factors achieves haemostasis after tissue injury. Trapped cells within the clot, predominantly platelets, trigger an inflammatory response by the release of vasodilators and chemoattractants and activation of the complement cascade.
Inflammation—In the early phase of inflammation, neutrophils predominate, removing bacteria and other foreign material from the wound by releasing enzymes and by phagocytosis. Later in the inflammatory phase, neutrophils reduce in number and are replaced by macrophages. Macrophages play a role in coordinating the transition from inflammation to proliferation through the release of soluble mediators, which include platelet-derived growth factor, tumor necrosis factor α, transforming growth factor β, and insulin growth factor 1.
Proliferation—Fibroblasts are the key cells involved in the production of the extracellular matrix. In addition to producing collagen, they produce tenascin, fibronectin, and proteoglycans such as hyaluronic acid resulting in the formation of granulation tissue. The combination of new tissue and contraction of surrounding tissues is essential for the healing of ulcers. While new matrix is synthesized, existing matrix in and around the wound margin is degraded by several enzyme systems such as matrix metalloproteinases and plasminogen activators. While some keratinocytes at the wound edge proliferate, others undergo a marked transformation to enable them to phagocytose debris and migrate across the wound bed. Keratinocyte migration coupled with wound contraction results in re-epithelialisation and wound closure.
Remodelling—Once closure of the wound has been achieved, remodelling of the resulting scar takes places over months or years, with a reduction of both cell content and blood flow in the scar tissue.
Restricted blood supply to a living tissue (ischemia) may result in failure of the tissue to function normally. Although ischemia may be the result of many different conditions, the underlining mechanism generally involves vascular dysfunction. Increasing blood flow (perfusion) to an ischemic tissue may facilitate the restoration of tissues functionality. One condition known to be effected by ischemia is chronic wounds. Insufficient circulation in the wound area results in impaired trafficking of effector cells and molecules to and from the wound area, leading to delayed healing or non-healing wounds. Increasing blood flow to the wound area may therefore enhance the healing of ischemic wounds.
Various devices have been proposed for placement on the skin for healing or drug delivery. U.S. Pat. No. 3,853,121 describes a method for imparting vibration to the legs of a patient. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0069728 discloses a therapeutic device for treatment of blood flow disorders. U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2004/0077978 and 2009/0234258 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,615,018 and PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO 02/065973 describe a treatment device that delivers mechanical vibrations to the limb of an animal or human. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0167461 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,643,874 disclose a dermal patch for transdermal or intradermal delivery of a substance. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0234616 describes an inflatable compression dressing.
Still, there is a need for a method and an apparatus for manipulating local and/or regional blood circulation such that the wound healing process can be enhanced.
In one aspect, the present invention satisfies the foregoing needs by providing a method and apparatus for manipulating local and/or regional circulation, such as inducing vasodilation or vasoconstriction, by means of vibrational stimuli.
An increase in blood trafficking at the site of an ischemic wound can result in better mobilization of cells and molecules important for the wound healing process. Better trafficking of cells and biomolecules in the wound area may enhance the healing process resulting in improvement of non healing wounds and reduced healing time in slow healing wounds. The present invention provides a device, preferably designed as a stand alone unit, containing an adhesive flexible substrate containing a controller, a power source and one or more vibration actuators that can comprise one unit to be applied at the wound area. The device results in increased blood circulation at the wound area. The unit is designed to be flexible so it will fit around or near the wound area and will not require additional involvement such as an external power supply. By applying the unit around or next to the wound, the device will stimulate blood flow by applying vibration stimuli to the skin surrounding the wound. The vibrations from the device stimulate the tissue and can result in vasodilatation and in increased blood flow.
In another aspect, the present invention satisfies the foregoing needs by providing an apparatus for the local enhancement of blood circulation. The device includes a dermal patch having a porous layer and a fluid (e.g., air) sealed outer layer with a vacuum tube connector. Hence, negative pressure can be customized for application to different body locations by attaching the porous layer to a body location and connecting a source of negative pressure to the vacuum tube connector.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood upon consideration of the following detailed description, drawings and appended claims.
Like reference numerals will be used to refer to like parts from Figure to Figure in the following description of the drawings.
In one example embodiment, the invention provides a method and an apparatus for manipulating local and/or regional circulation in a subject comprising delivery of at least one signal of vibrational stimulus to at least one area of the body of the subject. By delivering the vibrational stimuli to an area that is adjacent to a wound in accordance with this method, the circulation to certain body parts, preferably surrounding the wound, is changed. Vasodilation or vasoconstriction is induced in target organs (although the target organ is not necessarily the site of stimulation) or the wound area, resulting in increased or decreased blood perfusion in the target tissue or wound area. Clinical benefits effectuated using the method of the present invention include, but are not limited to: improved perfusion for limb ischemia, improved perfusion for ischemic wounds and pressure wounds (decubitus ulcers), improved perfusion for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) patients and restricted blood flow to inflamed or injured body parts, improved perfusion to diabetic foot ulcers, improved perfusion to ischemic tissues resulting from surgery, including but not limited to plastic surgery and flap surgery, and improved perfusion to injured or inflamed muscle tissue.
In addition to chronic wounds, peripheral ischemia may lead to the development of other conditions including neuropathy characterized by progressive loss of nerve fibers. Enhancement of local perfusion by delivering the vibrational stimuli to an area in or adjacent to a neuropathic tissue with this method may be used for the treatment of neuropathy by increasing perfusion to ischemic nerves resulting in reduced nerve fiber loss and improved nerve function.
The vibrational stimulus signal can be comprised of a single or multiple waveforms, and it can change over time. The preferred amplitude of the vibrational stimulus signal is from about 1 μm to about 15 millimeters, and more preferred is an amplitude of the vibrations ranging between 0.001 millimeters and 2.5 millimeters. The preferred waveform is sinusoidal. The frequency of the vibrational stimulus signal is preferably in the range of about 1 Hz to about 15,000 Hz. The force of the vibrational stimulus is preferably in the range of about 0.001 Newtons to 100 Newtons. These ranges of vibrational stimuli can have vasoconstrictive and/or vasodilative effect.
In another example embodiment of the invention, the vibrational stimulus signal is delivered by a wearable system. The system can be worn directly on the body of the subject, or over one or more layers of clothing. The term “wearable system” as used herein refers to any structure capable of holding in place some or all of the components described hereafter, in a desired location on the subject's body.
In yet another example embodiment of the invention, the vibrational stimulus signal is delivered by attaching the device directly to the patient's body at the wound location by gluing the device with adhesive or adhesive patches such as polyurethane and fabric based patches. In other embodiments, the device is held pressed against the skin by other mechanisms, for example: one or more elastic bands, Velcro™ hook and loop fasteners, tape, clips, or bandaging.
Different embodiments can be designed as to be capable of adhering some or all components of the system in place on the upper body of an individual including torso, shoulder, arm, elbow, neck, wrist and hand, as well as on the lower body including waist, hip, leg, knee, ankle and foot. As shown in the block diagram of
In another example embodiment of the invention, all of the components 12, 14, 16, 18 and 19 are embedded within one system employed topically, locally or regionally, adjacent to or surrounding the wound area. In alternative embodiments one or more of the components, for example, the power supply 18 or the controller 16, can be external to the wearable substrate. For example, in a bed-side console and electrically connected via wire(s) or wirelessly to the wearable substrate.
The components of the device can include an adhesive substrate comprising a flexible material such as silicone, polyurethane, nylon, fabric, paper, or other polymer material for use as the substrate. With at least one of its sides carrying adhesive, the substrate can attach to the skin or to other bandaging materials or tight clothing and remain attached unless removed. The device components are located on or within the substrate and include the vibration actuators, controller and power sources.
In one example embodiment, the output devices can be of an electro-mechanical nature such as linear electro-magnetic actuators, magnetostrictive actuators (DMA), hydro-pressure, asymmetric mass motors, voice coils, electro-active polymers (EPAM) or piezo-electric actuators, or other such devices.
In another embodiment, the output devices can be of pneumatic or hydraulic nature. These can include gas-containing resonating elements or fluid-containing resonating elements that will create and sustain the mechanical vibrational stimuli; or they can include gas-containing pouches or fluid-containing pouches or chambers that will deliver the vibrational stimuli to the subject's body surface in combination with electro-mechanical elements that will create the vibrational stimuli and deliver them to the pouches.
In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a method and apparatus for manipulating local and/or regional circulation in a subject comprising delivery of thermal stimuli such as heat or cold combined with delivery of at least one signal of vibrational stimulus to at least one area of the subject's body. In one embodiment, the application of heat or cold is performed by means of electrical and electronic components such as heating coils and thermoelectric coolers. In other embodiments, thermal stimuli can be achieved by other means, such as mechanical, chemical or other methods of heating and cooling surfaces.
A device according to the invention can be designed for single use, or for repeated use, for example by employing rechargeable or external power sources, or by using the same electronic apparatus while replacing the skin attachable element (adhesive substrate).
In one example method of using the invention, the system is designed to be used while the subject is in rest (e.g., seating or laying), or in motion, performing mild physical activities such as walking. The device is placed in proximity to the location where increased circulation is desired with the vibration actuator or actuators in direct contact with the skin, in close proximity to the skin or over a reasonably thin layer of bandaging or tight clothing. The device will operate for defined periods of time defined by the specific needs of the subject. For example, the device will be used for fifteen minutes with inactive intervals of fifteen minutes.
The apparatus used for performing the method of the present invention provides multiple improvements over known units used for manipulating local circulation by means of vibratory stimuli. For example, the present invention provides the ability of the specific design and specification to serve as a therapeutic instrument for targeted indications such as peripheral artery disease and chronic wounds. Current units are not wearable, most commonly they are hand-held and applied by hand to a specific area of the body; they are designed for use on a particular body area—and on it alone—such as the calf or the foot; they employ large vibrating surfaces resulting in large-area or even whole-body vibration; alternatively they employ very small applicators for highly localized stimuli; they typically require AC power supply limiting their use and portability, and they are not designed for continuous treatment—only for short sessions once or more a day; finally, known units do not include feedback loops (physiological or mechanical), and do not combine other types of stimulus together with the vibratory stimulus.
The current invention provides a system that is fully wearable and portable, is battery-operated, and can be easily applied to any part of the body. Furthermore, the current invention has a local/regional effect and provides continuous therapy over any desired period of time (e.g., from minutes to hours to weeks to months), not limited to short repetitive sessions.
For all of the above reasons, the current invention provides significant improvements over existing devices, and is particularly suitable for the therapeutic purposes described herein.
From an application point of view, the study of vibrations effect on circulation is in most cases focused on the damaging effect of vibrations induced by industrial machinery, or on the effect of vibrations on growth of bone mass. Current studies focus on short term application of vibrations (seconds to minutes). The current invention and the research that has lead to it are geared towards continuous application of vibrations and their specific therapeutic purposes as described herein.
The substrate 22 can be formed, for example, from a material selected from silicone, synthetic foam, polyethylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, plastic, nylon, thermoplastic polyurethane, polypropylene, fabric, hydrogel, collagen, alginate, gelatin, or combinations thereof. The adhesive layer can comprise, for example, a compound selected from urethanes, epoxies, urea, melamine, polyamides, polyesters, polyethers, polyolefins, polyvinyls, sulfonates, acrylates, methacrylates, and combinations thereof.
The substrate 22 can be of an area size and shape designed based on the location of ischemic ulcers. For example, a foot ulcer will require a different design compared with facial or back wounds. While the opening 26 of the embodiment of
The device 20 includes an electrical power source such as batteries 32, which can be non-rechargeable or rechargeable. The batteries 32 are connected via electrical lines 34,35 to a controller 36, which can be a programmable microprocessor. The device 20 includes wide range frequency vibration energy generators 38 which are in electrical communication with the controller 36 via electrical line 39. The vibration generators 38 can transmit vasodilating or vasoconstricting frequencies to the tissue (e.g., foot sole or lower leg) surrounding the ischemic wound resulting in enhancement of local circulation. The vibration generators 38 can be an actuator such as a piezo electric actuator. The controller 36 executes an internally or externally stored program for providing electrical signals to the vibration generators 38 for adjusting vibrational stimulus frequency, amplitude, force, and/or timing of the vibration energy generators 38.
The vibrational stimulus signal in the device 20 of
Optionally, a vibration sensor or a perfusion sensor can be applied to tissue adjacent the substrate 22. The vibration or perfusion sensor monitors the physiological response to specific frequency and power of stimulus. The vibration or perfusion sensor is in electrical communication with the controller 36, which can execute a stored program for adjusting vibrational stimulus frequency and power based on electrical signals representing readings taken by the vibration or perfusion sensor. The controller 36 can integrate data collected by the vibration or perfusion sensor to adjust the vibration frequency and energy transmitted by the vibration generators 38. The vibration feedback can be a skin sensor, or a sensor that is embedded within the vibration inducing element, or a sensor that is attached to the vibration inducing element, or software and/or hardware within the controller 36 that detects current and/or voltage draw by the vibration inducing elements and can infer on the element's performance based on that.
The controller 36 can be programmed with various algorithms to control the vibration generators 38. In one non-limiting example algorithm, the controller 36 executes an internally or externally stored program to provide a first electrical signal for a first time duration to the vibration inducing element. The first electrical signal controls the frequency and/or amplitude and/or force of vibrations of the vibration inducing element. After the first time duration ends, the controller 36 either ceases providing the first electrical signal to the vibration inducing element or decreases or increases the intensity of the first electrical signal provided to the vibration inducing element for a second time duration. After the second time duration ends, the controller 36 resumes providing the first electrical signal to the vibration inducing element or increases or decreases the intensity of the first electrical signal provided to the vibration inducing element for a third time duration. Optionally, one or more of the frequency and the amplitude and force of vibrations of the vibration inducing element during the third time duration can be different than the frequency and the amplitude of vibrations of the vibration inducing element during the first time duration.
In another non-limiting example algorithm, the controller 36 ceases providing the first electrical signal to the vibration inducing element or decreases or increases the intensity of the first electrical signal provided to the vibration inducing element for a fourth time duration, and thereafter resumes providing the first electrical signal to the vibration inducing element or increases or decreases intensity of the first electrical signal provided to the vibration inducing element for a fifth time duration.
In still another non-limiting example algorithm, the controller 36 provides a first electrical signal to the vibration inducing element wherein the first electrical signal controls the frequency and amplitude and force of vibrations of the vibration inducing element, and varies the first electrical signal to the vibration inducing element such that at least one of the frequency or amplitude or force of vibrations of the vibration inducing element is varied.
In yet another non-limiting example algorithm, the controller 36 provides a first electrical signal for a first time duration to the vibration inducing element for controlling the frequency and/or amplitude and/or force of vibrations of the vibration inducing element, and can vary the first electrical signal provided to the vibration inducing element based on a second electrical feedback signals received from the perfusion sensor or the vibration sensor applied to tissue adjacent the substrate 22.
In still another non-limiting example algorithm, the controller 36 provides a first electrical signal for a first time duration to a first vibration inducing element for controlling the frequency and/or amplitude and/or force of vibrations of the first vibration inducing element, ceases providing the first electrical signal to the first vibration inducing element for a second time duration, and thereafter provides a second electrical signal to the second vibration inducing element for a third time duration for controlling the frequency and amplitude and force of vibrations of the second vibration inducing element.
It can be appreciated that the programmable controller 36 allows for an infinite number of programs that provide for various time periods of operation or non-operation at various frequencies and amplitudes and forces for the vibration generators 38, either individually or as a group of vibration generators. For example, during a first time duration the vibration generators 38 may operate for one minute to two hours in which the vibration generators 38 transmit vibrations to the skin at a first frequency and amplitude and force, and then during a second time duration of one minute to six hours the vibration generators 38 do not transmit vibrations to the skin. The timing of operation (e.g., a sequence of time durations) can be repeated, for example. over a number of days, weeks, or months.
A kit according to the invention can include one or more of the following: the batteries 32, the electrical lines 34,35, the controller 36, vibration generators 38, the electrical line 39, the substrate 22, a perfusion sensor, a vibration sensor, and instructions for use. The batteries 32, electrical lines 34,35, controller 36, vibration generators 38, and electrical line 39 can be attached to the upper surface 28 of the substrate 22 with suitable attachment means such as an adhesive, fasteners such as Velcro™ hook and loop fasteners, or a designated pouch. Alternatively, the batteries 32, electrical lines 34, 35, controller 36, vibration generators 38, and electrical line 39 can be embedded between the upper surface 28 of the substrate 22 and a second substrate (not shown). Alternatively, the batteries 32, electrical lines 34, 35, controller 36, vibration generators 38, and electrical line 39 can be encased in a hard or soft shell, which is in turn attached to the upper surface 28 of the substrate 22 or embedded between the upper surface 28 of the substrate 22 and a second outer substrate. By removably attaching (such as with Velcro™ hook and loop fasteners) the batteries 32, electrical lines 34,35, controller 36, vibration generators 38, and electrical line 39 to the upper surface 28 of the substrate 22, it is possible to reuse the electrical components on disposable substrates that can be changed at various intervals (e.g., every day). Alternatively, the batteries 32 and controller 36 can be placed in a suitable housing and an electrical line can be plugged into a suitable plug on the substrate 22 for electrical connection with the vibration generators 38. The housing can be attached to a bed support, a belt or a body part (e.g., arm, leg), or placed in a container such as a pocket or a hand bag.
The device 20 can be used at the same time with other treatments. For example, the device 20 can be used at the same time with hydrogel matrices (which can be separately) applied over the wound wherein the hydrogel comprises one or more of polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, other polyhydroxy acids, copolymers of two or more polyhydroxy acids, polyorthoesters, polyanhydrides, gelatin, collagen, cellulose, derivatized cellulose, chitosan, alginate, thiol modified hyaluronan, and combinations or copolymers thereof. The hydrogel can also be made of synthetic material such as silicone plastic or fabric. The other treatment can include growth factors like vascular endothelial growth factor of platelet derived growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, cell therapies like stem cells, progenitor cells, fibroblasts or any other cell, gene therapies, and combinations thereof. The hydrogel matrix can include a bioactive agent selected from growth factors, stem cells, progenitor cells, fibroblasts, gene therapies, and combinations thereof. The substrate 22 can include a bioactive agent selected from cells, precursors, drugs, enzymes, organic catalysts, ribozymes, organometallics, proteins, glycoproteins, peptides, polyamino acids, antibodies, nucleic acids, steroidal molecules, antibiotics, antimycotics, cytokines, growth factors, carbohydrates, oleophobics, lipids, pharmaceuticals, therapeutics, and mixtures thereof. The substrate 22 can include a cosmetic for cosmetic uses in the enhancement of skin appearance. The other treatment can be selected from negative pressure, hyperbaric oxygen, compression devices, shock wave and ultrasound devices, and electric current stimulation.
The device 20 can be used in combination with other devices such as devices for applying negative pressure below the support, hyperbaric oxygen devices, compression devices, shock wave devices, heating devices, cooling devices, light emitting devices, ultrasound devices, and electric current stimulation devices. The device can be used in combination with wound negative pressure therapy, a skin system, a skin implant, a biological or bioactive wound dressing, a drug delivery wound dressing, a wound drainage system, and combinations thereof.
Turning now to
Referring now to
Turning now to
The dermal patch 70 can be supplied in an uncut rectangular shape similar to the outer perimeter 65 of the wound map 62. The outer perimeter 65 of the wound map 62 is aligned with the outer perimeter of the uncut dermal patch and the dermal patch is cut to follow the inner edge 64 of the wound map 62 (see
In one form, the sealing tape 82 is a flexible, stretchable tape having a width ranging from 0.1 centimeters to 30 centimeters and more preferably 0.5 centimeters to 5 centimeters. The thickness of the tape 82 can be 0.001 millimeters to 5 millimeters, and more preferably 0.01 millimeters to 2.5 millimeters wherein the tape is coated with adhesive on one side such as when attached to both the perimeter of the dermal patch 70 and the skin, it will result in air sealing of the dermal patch 70. The sealing tape adhesive composition can include urethane, epoxy, urea, melamine, polyamide, polyester, polyether, saturated or unsaturated polyolefin, polyvinyl, sulfonate, acrylate or methacrylate compounds and/or combinations thereof. The substrate of the sealing tape 82 can include a polymer material, latex, rubber, silicone, fabric, cellulose, or combinations thereof.
In another embodiment, the sealing tape can be replaced with an adhesive film fully covering the flexible dermal patch 70 and overlapping the skin to form an air tight chamber. The adhesive film may contain a gas and liquid connector (such as connector 80) to allow connection to a vacuum pump. The thickness of the adhesive film can be 0.001 millimeters to 5 millimeters, and more preferably 0.01 millimeters to 2.5 millimeters wherein the tape is coated with adhesive on one side such as when attached to both the perimeter of the dermal patch 70 and the skin, it will result in air sealing of the dermal patch 70.
The adhesive film adhesive composition can include urethane, epoxy, urea, melamine, polyamide, polyester, polyether, saturated or unsaturated polyolefin, polyvinyl, sulfonate, acrylate or methacrylate compounds and/or combinations thereof. The substrate of the sealing tape 82 can include a polymer material, polyurethane, nylon, latex, rubber, silicone, fabric, cellulose, or combinations thereof.
For example, the products OpSite™ made by Smith and Nephew and Tegaderm™, a nylon film made by 3M, can be used for sealing film. The product OpSite™ is a semi-permeable, adhesive-coated polyurethane film. Sealing film is approximately 0.003 inches (0.076 mm) thick, however, it is within the scope of this disclosure to include any occlusive or semi-occlusive film having another thickness. The sealing film is provided to create a sealed environment below the film and around the dermal patch 70 in which a vacuum or negative pressure can be maintained.
In the embodiment shown in
The combination of the porous layer 72 and outer layer 76 of the device 50 is thin (preferably between 1 and 10 millimeters, but can also be between 10 millimeters and 500 millimeters or more). The porous layer 72 can be made of, for example, an elastic polymeric material such as open-cell polyurethane foam and open-cell polyvinyl alcohol foam, polyethylene, Ether-Like-Ester, polystyrene or other synthetic, biological or biodegradable polymers, fabric, layers of different polymers, layers of fabric and/or combinations thereof, preventing the dermal patch 70 from collapsing under normal negative pressure used during negative pressure treatment, yet allowing flexibility for bending and cutting such that the dermal patch 70 can be adjusted to cover and bind to different shapes and topographies. The porous layer 72 of the dermal patch 70 allows fluid (e.g., air) flow. In one form, the thickness of the porous layer 72 is between 0.1 centimeters and 10 centimeters, and more preferably between 0.2 millimeters and 2 centimeters.
In one embodiment, the base surface (skin contacting side) of the porous layer 72 is at least partially coated by an adhesive layer allowing the attachment of the dermal patch 70 to the skin or tissue. In another embodiment, the base surface of the porous layer 72 is not coated with adhesive. The top side of the outer layer 76 of the dermal patch 70 can be sealed to fluids (e.g., air) by applying a thin layer of air sealing polymer or other material that will prevent fluid from crossing the top barrier. The outer layer 76 can be made of synthetic or natural polymer such as rubber, latex, silicone, nylon or other flexible polymeric material, fabric and/or combination thereof.
The flexible sealing tape 82 is used to seal the dermal patch 70 following attachment of the porous layer 72 to the body. The sealing tape 82 can be made of thin elastic polymer such as latex (vinyl acetate, styrene-butadiene, acrylates) coated with adhesive on one side. The sealing tape 82 is designed with maximal elasticity to allow it to conform with the shape and topography of the dermal patch 70 following its attachment to the skin or tissue. The sealing tape 82 is preferably in a width which will allow convenient and safe attachment both to the dermal patch 70 as well as to the skin or tissue. In one example embodiment, the sealing tape 82 may be of a size that will entirely cover the vacuum dressing thereby it can serve as a top sealant for the vacuum dressing.
The dermal patch can be used without modifying its shape (as a pre-shaped design). Looking at
Turning to
The device can be combined with other elements to enhance blood flow. In one embodiment shown in
The controller 95 can be programmed with various algorithms to control the vacuum pump 96. In one non-limiting example algorithm, the controller 95 executes an internally or externally program to provide a first electrical signal for a first time duration to the vacuum pump 96 for running the vacuum pump 96. After the first time duration ends, the controller 95 ceases providing the first electrical signal to the vacuum pump 96 for a second time duration such that the vacuum pump 96 does not operate. After the second time duration ends, the controller 95 resumes providing the first electrical signal to the vacuum pump 96 for a third time duration for running the vacuum pump 96. It can be appreciated that the programmable controller 95 allows for an infinite number of programs that provide for various time periods of operation or non-operation for the vacuum pump 96 and for various pump pressures. The controller 95 can also be programmed with various algorithms in stored programs to control the vibrating unit 92. Example algorithms are detailed above with reference to the controller 36.
The vibrational stimulus signal in the embodiment of
Another embodiment of the dermal patch 70 or the dermal patch 70a includes a vibrating element, such as vibration generators 38 described earlier, and also contains a controller 95 which controls the operation of the vibrating element and a power unit which powers the vibrating element and controller all embedded within the dermal patch 70a.
In another embodiment, the dermal patch 70 or the dermal patch 70a contain a micro vacuum pump such as piezoelectric pump or motorized pump, vacuum controller, and power supply such that the dermal patch 70 or the dermal patch 70a does not need to be connected to an external vacuum pump and controller.
In another embodiment, the dermal patch 70 or the dermal patch 70a including the vibrating element also contain within the dermal patch 70 or the dermal patch 70a both the vacuum pump, controller for the vacuum pump, controller for the vibrating device and power supply for the vacuum pump, vacuum controller, vibration controller and vibrating element.
In another embodiment, the dermal patch 70 or the dermal patch 70a—with or without vibrating element(s)—also contain a heating element to transmit heat to the skin or tissue, or a cooling element to transmit cooling to the skin or tissue.
In another embodiment, the dermal patch 70 or the dermal patch 70a can be combined with an electro stimulation device embedded in the dermal patch 70 or the dermal patch 70a or connected to the dermal patch 70 or the dermal patch 70a. Electric stimulation can be a benefit in wound healing, and the use of both technologies can result in improved efficacy and better outcome. In addition to electric stimulation elements, the dermal patch 70 or the dermal patch 70a can include drug delivery element(s), massaging element(s), compression element(s), vibration element(s) and/or combinations thereof.
A kit according to the invention can include the dermal patch 70 or the dermal patch 70a, sealing film, the vacuum pump 96, the vacuum tubing 84, the vibration controller 95, and instructions for use. The dermal patch 70 or the dermal patch 70a can be used in combination with wound negative pressure therapy, skin system(s), skin implants, biological or bioactive wound dressings, drug delivery wound dressings, wound drainage systems and/or combinations thereof. Among other things, the dermal patch 70 or the dermal patch 70a are suitable for cosmetic use in the enhancement of skin appearance such as in the reduction of wrinkles and cellulites, in the treatment of sport injury such as muscle injuries and muscle inflammation by enhancing healing, in skin conditions by enhancing skin perfusion, in plastic and reconstructive surgery and/or in combinations thereof. The dermal patch 70 or the dermal patch 70a can include a cosmetic for cosmetic uses in the enhancement of skin appearance.
The device 50 and the device 50a have many benefits. For example, negative pressure can be used for the treatment of chronic wounds, as well as surgical incisions and other types of wounds. The technology of the present invention targets the skin surrounding the wound and not particularly the wound itself. The technology described in the present invention provides the care giver more flexibility in optimizing the size and shape of the vacuum applicator by simply cutting the dermal patch to the desired shape and attaching the vacuum dermal patch to the treated area. While vacuum applied over a wound effects blood circulation at the wound edges, the technology described in the present invention allows for more substantial improvement in circulation in the skin and subdermal tissues surrounding the wound, thereby allowing for better perfusion in the wound area and better healing of the wound. The combination of a vibrating element in the dermal patch provides two complementary mechanisms for the induction of blood flow. This can result in higher efficacy due to the dual response, higher response rate to the treatment due to better chances that the patient will positively respond to one of the stimulations.
The device 50 and the device 50a can be used in combination with other devices such as compression devices, shock wave devices, heating devices, cooling devices, light emitting devices, ultrasound devices, and electric current stimulation devices.
The following Examples have been presented in order to further illustrate the invention and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.
Assay method and results: A piezoelectric actuator (1 inch in diameter) was enclosed within a plastic enclosure controlled by a controller unit. The enclosure was attached to the sacrum skin of a human patient by applying adhesive tape over the actuator. After an acclimatization period of 15 to 30 minutes, vibration stimulation was started (20 Hz, 8 mils amplitude) and was continued as intermittent stimulation in 5 minute on/off cycles. THI (total hemoglobin index) was recorded versus time. After 50 minutes, the THI levels reached a plateau and the stimulation was terminated. Following a decline period and a return to baseline levels of THI, stimulation was renewed and a new cycle started at 267 minutes. The blood flow stimulation cycle can be used for the development of a continuous operation algorithm such that the device can be self regulated and increase blood flow over prolonged periods of time. For example, the plot of THI vs. time in
A vibration device as in Example 1 was applied to the ankle of a human patient. The device increased blood flow in the heel and toes (prime location for diabetes and arterial foot ulcers) by over two fold as measured using moorFLPI system, a full-field video frame rate blood flow imaging system which uses a laser Doppler speckle technology.
A vibration device as in Example 1 was applied to the sacrum of a human patient. The vibration device increased tissue oxygenation at the sacrum (lower back, location of 80% of pressure ulcers) by more than 2.5 fold, measured using InSpectra™ StO2 Tissue Oxygenation Monitor with the protocol similar to Example 1. See
A vacuum chamber containing a vibrating piezoelectric element was placed on the sacrum. Following a fifteen minute acclimatization period, vibration stimulation was started (20 Hz, 8 mils amplitude) and was continued as intermittent stimulation in 5 minute on/off cycles. Tissue oxygenation (StO2) (see chart a in
Thus, the invention provides a method and apparatus for manipulating local and/or regional circulation, such as inducing vasodilation or vasoconstriction, by means of vibrational stimuli and/or negative pressure. The devices of the invention can increase blood flow, increase tissue oxygenation, and increase total hemoglobin in a patient. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the devices of the invention can be beneficial in: methods for enhancing skin appearance; methods for the treatment of sport injury and other traumatic injuries by enhancing healing; methods for enhancing healing after surgery (e.g., plastic and reconstructive surgery); methods for treating peripheral artery disease or peripheral vascular disease in a subject; methods for improving wound healing in a subject; methods for increasing tissue oxygenation in a subject; methods for improving healing of a skin ulcer in a subject; methods for improving blood flow to ischemic tissue in a subject; methods for treating erectile dysfunction; methods for treating a migraine; methods for treating hair loss, methods for treating neuropathy, and methods for treating plantar fasciitis.
Although the invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which have been presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein.
The invention provides devices and methods for manipulating circulation in the circulatory system of the body of a subject.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/151,843 filed Feb. 12, 2009, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/158,341 filed Mar. 6, 2009, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/170,107 filed Apr. 17, 2009, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/250,494 filed Oct. 9, 2009, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/266,327 filed Dec. 3, 2009.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US10/23832 | 2/11/2010 | WO | 00 | 11/21/2011 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61151843 | Feb 2009 | US | |
| 61158341 | Mar 2009 | US | |
| 61170107 | Apr 2009 | US | |
| 61250494 | Oct 2009 | US | |
| 61266327 | Dec 2009 | US |
