APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR NEGATIVE PRESSURE WOUND THERAPY

• US 20150141941A1
• Filed: 05/22/2013
• Published: 05/21/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 05/23/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
• Original Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
• Inventors: Allen, Julie, Askem, Ben Alan, Collinson, Sarah Jenny, Gowans, Philip, Mehta, Steven Carl, Nicolini, Derek, Zagrabski, Carol
• Granted Patent: US 9,907,703 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/319
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/022 having more than one layer with different fluid retention characteristics
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/05 specially adapted for use with sub-pressure or over-pressure therapy, wound drainage or wound irrigation, e.g. for use with negative-pressure wound therapy [NPWT]
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/00238 characterised by way of knitting or weaving
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/64 Containers with integrated suction means containers not adapted for subjection to vacuum A61M1/69
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/79 Filters for solid matter specially adapted for dental use A61C17/065
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/86 Connectors between drainage tube and handpiece, e.g. drainage tubes detachable from handpiece
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/913 having a bridging element for transferring the reduced pressure from the connector to the dressing
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/915 Constructional details of the pressure distribution manifold
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/962 having pumping means on the suction site, e.g. miniature pump on dressing or dressing capable of exerting suction
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/982 with means for detecting level of collected exudate
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/985 the dressing itself forming the collection container
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/583 by visual feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/7536 allowing gas passage, but preventing liquid passage, e.g. liquophobic, hydrophobic, water-repellent membranes

Abstract

Disclosed herein are several embodiments of a negative pressure appliance and methods of using the same in the treatment of wounds. Some embodiments are directed towards wound dressings comprising a liquid and gas permeable transmission layer, an absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate, the absorbent layer overlying the transmission layer, a gas impermeable cover layer overlying the absorbent layer and comprising a first orifice, wherein the cover layer is moisture vapor permeable. Some embodiments are directed to improved fluidic connectors or suction adapters for connecting to a wound site, for example using softer, kink-free conformable suction adapters.

Claims

1. An apparatus to provide suction to a wound site comprising:

a spacer layer comprising a proximal end, an elongate middle portion and a distal end;

a top layer constructed from a liquid impermeable material provided over the spacer layer;

a bottom layer constructed from a liquid impermeable material provided below the spacer layer, wherein the top layer and the bottom layer substantially enclose the spacer layer;

one or more apertures in the bottom layer beneath the distal end of the spacer layer;

a filter positioned below the distal end of the spacer layer adjacent the one or more apertures, wherein the filter is positioned between the distal end of the spacer layer and the bottom layer; and

a conduit in fluid communication with the proximal end of the spacer layer.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the spacer layer is enlarged relative to a width of the elongate middle portion and a width of the proximal end.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the spacer layer comprises one of a 3D knitted or 3D fabric material, foam, a porous material and non-woven material.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the proximal end of spacer layer is folded.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the conduit extends into an opening in the spacer layer.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the opening comprises an elongated slot.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the opening comprises a channel extending to the proximal end of the spacer layer.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the conduit extends proximally from the proximal end of the spacer layer, with a portion of the conduit extending between the top and bottom layers.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the conduit has one or more circumferential ribs to facilitate connection to the top and bottom layers.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a distal end of the bottom layer comprises adhesive.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an elongate middle portion of the bottom layer comprises adhesive.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the bottom layer is adhered to a wound dressing with the aperture in the bottom layer being positioned over an opening in the wound dressing.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an extension conduit configured to be removably connected to the conduit in fluid communication with the proximal end of the spacer layer.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top layer is adhered to the bottom layer to form an elongate channel holding the spacer layer therein.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the filter has a perimeter shape corresponding in shape to the distal end of the spacer layer.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the spacer layer has a circular shape.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the distal ends of the top and bottom layers have an enlarged distal end similar in shape to an enlarged distal end of the spacer layer.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the spacer layer has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional dimension.

21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the spacer layer is adhered to at least one of the top and bottom layers.

3. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

22. A wound treatment apparatus comprising:

a wound dressing comprising;

a wound contact layer configured to carry a pressure sensitive adhesive;

a transmission layer comprising a first 3D fabric material configured to remain open upon application of negative pressure to the wound dressing, the transmission layer overlying the wound contact layer;

an absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate, the absorbent layer overlying the transmission layer and comprising an aperture;

a cover layer overlying the absorbent layer and comprising an orifice,

wherein the cover layer is moisture vapor permeable; and

a suction adapter comprising;

a sealing surface for sealing the suction adapter to the cover layer of the wound dressing, the sealing surface comprising an adhesive or weld;

wherein the sealing surface is positioned over the orifice in the cover layer; and

wherein the aperture in the absorbent layer is configured to permit the suction adapter to be in fluidic communication with the transmission layer; and

a bridge having a proximal end and a distal end, the bridge comprising;

a first fluid passage in fluid communication with a source of negative pressure, the first fluid passage comprising a second 3D fabric material; and

at least one flexible film layer having a proximal and distal end and configured to surround the first fluid passage, the distal end of the flexible film connected to the upper surface of the sealing surface.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising:

a filter configured to substantially prevent wound exudate from entering the bridge; and

one or more spacer elements configured to prevent the suction adapter from contacting the transmission layer.

24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the bridge further comprises a second fluid passage positioned above the first fluid passage, and wherein the at least one flexible film layer is configured to surround the first and second fluid passages.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the second fluid passage is connected to an air leak.

26. (canceled)

27. (canceled)

28. (canceled)