Gradient wound treatment system and method
First Claim
1. An osmotic transducer system, which includes:
- a base element including a transducer component adapted for fluidic communication with a wound and a cover adapted for placement over the transducer component;
a central space formed by the cover and patient tissue structure, said transducer component being located in said central space; and
an osmotic gradient formed with said base element and adapted for manipulating fluid elements whereby a pressure gradient is formed to produce useful fluid flow.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A wound therapy and tissue management system utilizes fluid differentiation. Fluid is differentiated by establishing a gradient within the system. A gradient can be established with matter or energy. Patient interfaces for establishing, maintaining and varying one or more gradients include transfer elements with first and second zones having different flow coefficients. The transfer elements exchange fluid with a patient, generally through a wound site, and with external components of the system. Osmotic solution gradients are controlled by a methodology involving the present invention for extracting solutions, which can include toxins, from patients and for introducing fluids and sumping air to wound sites.
365 Citations
25 Claims
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1. An osmotic transducer system, which includes:
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a base element including a transducer component adapted for fluidic communication with a wound and a cover adapted for placement over the transducer component;
a central space formed by the cover and patient tissue structure, said transducer component being located in said central space; and
an osmotic gradient formed with said base element and adapted for manipulating fluid elements whereby a pressure gradient is formed to produce useful fluid flow. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A gradient system for treating a wound, which system includes:
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an inner pressure transducer including first and second flexible sheets positioned in generally overlying relation and forming longitudinal and transverse inner pressure transducer edges;
multiple spot connections fixedly interconnecting said first and second sheets and each including multiple perforations extending through said first and second sheets;
said sheets forming multiple, interconnected pockets therebetween whereat said sheets are adapted for separation under positive fluid pressure and said pockets define a fluid passage interstitial space between said sheets;
first and second manifolds attached to said first and second sheets along respective inner pressure transducer edges, said manifolds fluidically communicating with said pockets along respective said inner pressure transducer edges and each including an inlet/outlet port;
an outer pressure transducer comprising a porous foam material forming capillary, osmotic and atmospheric pressure gradients;
said outer pressure transducer being located over said inner pressure transducer in fluidic communication therewith;
a flexible cover placed over said outer pressure transducer and including a perimeter adapted for a adhesively securing to a patient around said wound;
said inner and outer pressure transducers and said cover forming a base element with a central space generally enclosed by said cover and patient tissue;
said manifolds extending through said central space and terminating externally of said cover; and
an external pressure source connected to said manifolds and adapted for providing positive and negative pressure to said base element through said manifolds.
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15. A wound treatment and closure method, which comprises the steps of:
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providing a base element with a transducer component and a cover;
placing said transducer component in communication with tissue in said wound;
placing said cover over said transducer component in contact with skin surface around said wound;
establishing a gradient with respect to said wound, said transducer component and said cover; and
directing fluid flow to or from said tissue by controlling pressures associated with said gradient. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification