Vacuum assisted wound treatment apparatus and infection identification system and method

• US 20020143286A1
• Filed: 03/04/2002
• Published: 10/03/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/05/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: KCI Licensing Incorporated (3M Company)
• Original Assignee: KCI Licensing Incorporated (3M Company)
• Inventors: Tumey, David
• Granted Patent: US 7,799,004 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/11
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0059 using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence A61B5/0093, A61B5/1455, A61B5/02416 and A61B5/0261 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14539 for measuring pH
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/445 Evaluating skin irritation or skin trauma, e.g. rash, eczema, wound, bed sore
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/73 comprising sensors or indicators for physical values
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/90 Negative pressure wound therapy devices, i.e. devices for applying suction to a wound to promote healing, e.g. including a vacuum dressing
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/95 with sensors for exudate composition
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3306 Optical measuring means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 27/00 Drainage appliance for wounds or the like , i.e. wound drains, implanted drains negative pressure wound therapy devices A61M1/90; implements for holding wound open A61B17/02 ; middle ear drainage A61F11/202

Abstract

A vacuum assisted wound closure device having a means for identifying infectious agents within a wound site. The vacuum assisted wound closure device includes a screen for placement within a wound site, a sealing means for covering the wound site, and a vacuum source in fluid communication with the screen. A canister may be disposed between the screen and vacuum source, such that fluids or other exudates that may be drawn from the wound during application of negative pressure by the vacuum source are collected in the canister for later disposal. A sensing device, which may be a gas chromatograph, sensor array, or other similar device capable of optically sensing the presence of a bacterial agent or other form of infection being drawn from the wound site, is disposed within the screen or interposed between the screen and the vacuum source.

Claims

4-1. The vacuum assisted wound closure device of claim 1 further comprising a collection canister interposed between said screen means and said sensing device.

5. A vacuum assisted wound closure device, comprising;

a screen means for placement within a wound bed;

a sealing means adhered over said screen means and wound bed;

a vacuum source fluidically communicating with said screen means;

a collection canister interposed between said screen means and said vacuum source; and

a sensing device.

6. The vacuum assisted wound closure device of claim 5 wherein said sensing device is embedded within said screen means.

7. The vacuum assisted wound closure device of claim 5 wherein said sensing device is disposed on said sealing means, such that said sensing device is in contact with said screen means.

8. The vacuum assisted wound closure device of claim 5 wherein said sensing device is disposed within said canister.

9. The vacuum assisted wound closure device of claim 5 further comprising a flexible conduit for communicating between said screen means and said vacuum source.