Suction Generated By Self-acting Fluid Pressure, Motor-driven Or Mechanical Energy Storing Means (e.g., Spring, Etc.) Patents (Class 604/315)
  • Patent number: 11957638
    Abstract: A suction assembly is described. The suction assembly includes a therapy unit with a body that can apply a supplemental therapy to a skin surface. The suction assembly also includes a cup that can be removably connected to the therapy unit and that can interface with a skin surface to define a chamber within the cup. A pump of the therapy unit can reduce a pressure within the chamber to draw the skin surface into the chamber in a cupping therapy. In response to the skin surface being drawn into the chamber, the body can move in a longitudinal direction to maintain contact with the skin surface. A wall of the cup is translucent and the suction assembly is dimensioned to provide a user with a view into the chamber through the wall of the cup that is substantially unobstructed by the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Therabody, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaime Sanchez Solana, Mandar Deshmukh, Eduardo Merino, Tiki Ho
  • Patent number: 11951070
    Abstract: The massager includes a rigid housing, and a driving element received in the rigid housing. The rigid housing includes a sucking part arranged on the rigid housing and defining a first sucking port, and a receiving part arranged in the rigid housing and separated from the sucking part, the receiving part defines a receiving space, a wall of the sucking part adjacent to the receiving part defines a first through hole, the first through hole is configured to communicate the first sucking port with the receiving space. The driving assembly includes a piston movably received in the receiving space, and a driving element connected with the piston, the driving element is configured to drive the piston to reciprocate in the receiving space to periodically generate a negative pressure and a positive pressure at the first sucking port. The massager of the present disclosure can provide a better adsorption effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Inventors: Dan Zhou, Xuejiang Zhou
  • Patent number: 11944738
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for providing negative pressure and/or instillation fluids to a tissue site. Some embodiments are illustrative of an apparatus or system for delivering negative-pressure and/or therapeutic solution of fluids to a tissue site, which can be used in conjunction with sensing properties of fluids extracted from a tissue site and/or instilled at a tissue site. For example, an apparatus includes a dressing interface or connector that includes a pH sensor, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor and/or a pressure sensor embodied on a single pad within the connector and proximate the tissue site to provide data indicative of acidity, humidity, temperature and pressure. Such apparatus includes algorithms for processing such data for detecting leakage and blockage as well as providing information relating to the progression of healing of wounds at the tissue site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Solventum Intellectual Properties Company
    Inventors: Justin Alexander Long, Benjamin Andrew Pratt, Christopher Brian Locke
  • Patent number: 11896756
    Abstract: A system for delivering reduced pressure and irrigation fluid to a wound site. The system includes a primary pressure source for delivering reduced pressure through a first lumen, a secondary pressure source for delivering secondary pressure through a second lumen, and an irrigation fluid source. A valve system is operable to selectively couple the secondary pressure source to the second lumen for delivering the secondary pressure to a wound site and selectively couple the fluid source to the second lumen for delivering the irrigation fluid to the wound site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: DeRoyal Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Denis Jardret, Jonathan Matthew Cayce, Joe Lowell Smith
  • Patent number: 11766514
    Abstract: A barrier for use in negative pressure wound therapy can include a base layer and surface structures. The barrier can be used to reduce or prevent tissue ingrowth. A method of using a negative pressure wound therapy system can include positioning a perforated barrier in a wound. After positioning the perforated barrier in the wound, positioning a pad in the wound on top of the perforated barrier, positioning a seal on top of the wound to at least partially seal the perforated barrier and the foam in the wound, and applying negative pressure wound therapy to the wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: J&M Shuler Medical Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Simms Shuler
  • Patent number: 11638554
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for monitoring use of an orthopedic device are at least disclosed. In some embodiments, the system can include an orthopedic device, a housing, and a controller. The orthopedic device can provide support to a limb of an individual. The orthopedic device can include a magnet configured to generate a magnetic field. The housing can attach to the individual, and the housing can support a magnetometer configured to generate a signal responsive to the magnetic field. The controller can determine from the signal whether the individual is using the orthopedic device to provide support to the limb and accordingly output usage indications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: T.J.Smith and Nephew, Limited
    Inventors: Edward Yerbury Hartwell, Allan Kenneth Frazer Grugeon Hunt, Felix Clarence Quintanar
  • Patent number: 11389374
    Abstract: A massage device with knocking and sucking functions includes a housing including a driving member, a telescopic member connected with the driving member in a transmission way, and a through-hole formed at an end thereof so that the telescopic member can pass through the through-hole to be exposed outside; a soft massaging member surrounding around the through-hole and connected with the telescopic member; a soft suction nozzle detachably connected with the soft massaging member and formed a chamber with an opening therebetween, when removing the soft suction nozzle, the driving member drives the telescopic member to reciprocate up and down to drive the soft massaging member to reciprocate up and down, to knocking massage the human body; when connecting the soft suction nozzle with the soft massaging member, the soft massaging member reciprocates up and down to squeeze air in the chamber, to sucking massage the human body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: SHENZHEN S-HANDE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jing He
  • Patent number: 11305047
    Abstract: Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a source of negative pressure, a coupling circuit, a driving circuit, and a controller. The driving circuit supplies a driving signal to the source of negative pressure via the coupling circuit to cause the source of negative pressure to provide negative pressure to a wound dressing. The coupling circuit includes an inductive reactance that limits a rate of change over time of the driving signal. The controller controls the driving signal supplied by the driving circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventors: Ben Alan Askem, Victoria Beadle, John Philip Gowans, Mark Hesketh, Allan Kenneth Frazer Grugeon Hunt, William Kelbie, Damyn Musgrave, Joseph William Robinson
  • Patent number: 11090195
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus are disclosed for dressing a wound. The apparatus comprises 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventors: Gordon Campbell Adie, Sarah Jenny Collinson, Christopher John Fryer, Edward Yerbury Hartwell, Derek Nicolini, Yannick Louis Peron
  • Patent number: 10898217
    Abstract: In one example embodiment, an apparatus for treating a tissue site may include a contact layer formed from a compressible material. The contact layer may include a plurality of apertures extending at least partially through the contact layer. The contact layer may be configurable such that at least a portion of the apertures include a first plurality of orifices having a diameter in a first diameter range and such that at least a portion of the apertures include a second plurality of orifices having a diameter in a second diameter range. The first diameter range may be from about 2 mm to about 6 mm. The second diameter range may be from about 8 mm to about 15 mm. The apparatus may include a cover configured to form a sealed space including the contact layer and the tissue site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, Timothy Mark Robinson, Diwi L. Allen, Prathamesh Kharkar, Marisa Schmidt, Justin Rice, Shannon C. Ingram, Kenneth R. Smith, Benjamin Andrew Pratt, Christopher A. Carroll
  • Patent number: 10835937
    Abstract: A surgical drape plume evacuator includes a filter enclosure. An operating aperture disposed in the filter enclosure defines an area within the filter enclosure. A pressure source for creating at least one of a negative and positive air pressure in the filter enclosure. A fluid opening in the operating aperture connects the interior of the operating aperture to the interior of the filter enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Nano 2.0 Business Press, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Michael Hacker
  • Patent number: 10722691
    Abstract: A vaginal insertion portion is disclosed, the vaginal insertion portion including a base portion, a proximal holding portion located on a proximal side of the base portion, and a suction portion located on distal side of the proximal holding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masakatsu Kawaura, Nao Mandai, Nobuo Takahashi, Thomas J. Fogarty, David Willis, Thomas Howell, Peter Carlotto, Shuji Uemura
  • Patent number: 10688228
    Abstract: A breast pump (100) includes a left cup portion (1), a right cup portion (2), a tube (15, 16, 99), a pump (30), a container (14), a first switching valve (V1), a second switching valve (V1), and a control unit (70). The internal space of the tube (99) forms a passage (10). The passage (10) connects a first separator (S1) that communicates with a closed space (51), a second separator (S2) that communicates with a closed space (52), a discharge hole (31) of the pump (30), and a suction hole (32) of the pump (30). The first switching valve (V1) is provided within the tube (99) that is in the middle of the passage (10). The second switching valve (V2) is also provided within the tube (99) that is in the middle of the passage (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Nobuhira Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10492956
    Abstract: A negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) dressing includes a wick configured for placement over an incision. A transfer assembly includes a compressible, porous core with a permeable cover placed over the core. The transfer assembly is positioned on the wick in fluidic contact and is covered by a dressing cover, which is configured for adhesive attachment to the patient around the incision. A drain slip including a proximal end configured for placement in the incision extends through the wick and the transfer assembly and is configured for connection to a negative pressure source. A NPWT method includes steps of draining a closed incision using negative pressure applied to a drain slip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Zamierowski
  • Patent number: 10493185
    Abstract: A wound treatment system comprises a wound-treatment apparatus and a wound dressing coupled to the apparatus. The wound dressing includes a foam structure wound insert having pores with a greater cross-sectional area when viewed from a first direction and a smaller cross-sectional area when viewed from an orthogonal direction. Methods for making such wound inserts may include compressing foam structure material having pores with a substantially uniform cross-sectional area. Methods for treating a wound using a wound insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Stokes, Timothy Mark Robinson
  • Patent number: 10183102
    Abstract: A hands-free breast pump comprises a funnel-shaped adsorption unit having an adsorption surface and a suction tank; a suction chamber having an extension part, the extension part having a connection pipe and a second suction hole formed on the lower portion of the inner peripheral surface, and a first coupling part extended downwardly from the extension part and having a third suction hole formed on the lower portion of the inner peripheral surface thereof; and a storage vessel coupled to the first coupling part in the horizontal direction with the adsorption surface to store the breast milk discharged from the backflow prevention unit therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Inventor: Sang Ha Kim
  • Patent number: 10016546
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a suction device. The suction device comprises an attachment portion adapted to be attached to a wound cover member. The suction device comprises a fluid inlet which is at least partially circumscribed by the attachment portion. The suction device also comprises a fluid outlet. The suction device further comprising a connection portion adapted to, at least during one operation condition of the suction device, provide a fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The connection portion comprises an inspection portion that is transparent to thereby facilitate the positioning of the suction device relative to the wound cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: MÖLNLYCKE HEALTH CARE AB
    Inventors: Bjarne Andersen, Malin Bringsved, Sofia Frantzich, Ulf Johannison, Johan Uveborn, Karsten Videbaek
  • Patent number: 9724453
    Abstract: A breast pump system comprising a solenoid valve includes a power source that is arranged to supply electrical power to the solenoid valve so as enable the solenoid valve to move between first and second positions. The breast pump system also includes a controller configured to detect a change in inductance of the solenoid valve that is indicative of the solenoid valve moving from first to second position and a control action in which the vacuum pump is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Arnold Aalders, Hassan El Barakat, Theodorus Johannes Adrianus Maria Den Bekker, Cornelis Johannes Janson
  • Patent number: 9327065
    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 to improved fluidic connectors or suction adapters for connecting to a wound site, for example using softer, kink-free conformable suction adapters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Albert, Ed Armstrong, Ken Beaudoin, Iain Michael Blackburn, Phil Bussone, Brendan Crawford, Robert Emmerson, Mike Ewaschuk, Stephen Gianelis, Andrew Goddard, Joseph Gordon, Mark Guarraia, Tim Johnson, Darwin Keith-Lucas, Andrew Linton, Dan Nelsen, Michael Salame, Tim Stern, Mark White
  • Patent number: 9265867
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and dressings for providing reduced pressure to a tissue site on a patient are presented that involve wirelessly providing power to a reduced-pressure pump. In one instance, a RFID antenna is used to power a reduced-pressure pump that is fluidly coupled by a conduit to a reduced-pressure dressing. In another instance, a reduced-pressure dressing incorporates a micro-pump and a RFID antenna that is used to power the micro-pump. Other systems, methods, and devices are presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Daniel John Coulthard, Christopher Brian Locke, Benjamin Stokes
  • Patent number: 9028458
    Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to a manually-actuated pump and method for applying reduced pressure at a tissue site. The manually-actuated pump includes at least one variable volume chamber that is manually compressible into a plurality of positions. The manually-actuated pump includes a fixed volume chamber in communication with the at least one variable volume chamber. The manually-actuated pump also includes a filter housing having a hydrophobic filter that prevents liquid from entering the at least one variable volume chamber. The fixed volume chamber is coupled to the at least one variable volume chamber via the filter housing. The filter housing is located in between the at least one variable volume chamber and the fixed volume chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Patrick Heaton, Ian James Hardman
  • Patent number: 8986267
    Abstract: A reduced pressure apparatus includes a first casing portion and a second casing portion slidably coupled to the first casing portion such that the first casing portion is compressible into a plurality of positions relative to the second casing portion. The plurality of positions includes a fully compressed position and a fully uncompressed position. An indicator is disposed on at least one of the first casing portion and the second casing portion, the indicator being exposed when the first casing portion is in the fully uncompressed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Patrick Heaton, Ian James Hardman, Richard Daniel John Coullhard, Timothy Mark Robinson, Christopher Brian Locke, Aidan Marcus Tout, Benjamin Andrew Pratt
  • Publication number: 20150073359
    Abstract: A portable system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a surgical wound, including a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject and a subatmospheric pressure mechanism dimensioned to be carried or worn by the subject. The subatmospheric pressure mechanism includes a housing having a control unit adapted to draw a vacuum and a canister associated with the housing. The canister has a collection bag disposed therein, which is in fluid communication with the wound dressing to receive exudates from the wound bed. The collection bag is adapted to expand upon receipt of the fluids and has means to release gas from within the collection bag in connection with operation of the control unit. With this arrangement, the canister is attitude independent, i.e., the canister may be positioned on edge, on its side or on its end etc. while still maintaining operation of the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Michael D. Hudspeth, Kenneth M. Breitweiser, Ricky A. Sisk, Michael C. Dorsey
  • Publication number: 20150073360
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a vacuum portion being configured for generating a vacuum force for sucking debris. A tube extends a distance from the vacuum portion. The tube is configured for extending the vacuum force for the distance and for carrying the debris sucked by the vacuum force to the vacuum portion for storage therein. An organ engagement portion is joinable to a distal end of the tube. The organ engagement portion is configured for engaging an organ of a user for removal of the debris from a soft tissue of the organ with the vacuum force and without a use of a liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Linwood Cutchins
  • Patent number: 8961448
    Abstract: An implantable drainage device is provided. The device is adapted to move body fluid from one part of the body of a patient to another part of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Peter Forsell
  • Patent number: 8956336
    Abstract: A wound dressing apparatus includes a wound dressing member dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed. The wound dressing member including an internal vacuum reservoir and has a port in communication with the vacuum reservoir for applying subatmospheric pressure to the vacuum reservoir to facilitate removal of fluid from the wound bed. The wound dressing member includes a visual pressure indicator associated therewith for indicating a level of pressure within the vacuum reservoir. The visual pressure indicator includes color indicia having a plurality of colors corresponding to a condition of the pressure within the vacuum reservoir. The wound dressing member includes a lower absorbent member positionable adjacent the wound bed and an upper member which at least partially defines the vacuum reservoir. At least one of the top member and the lower absorbent member has the visual pressure indicator mounted thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Haggstrom, David Fink, Katja Grundmeier
  • Patent number: 8945073
    Abstract: A device (2) for generating a vacuum for vacuum therapy of wounds has a facility for generating a vacuum and a vessel (10) for receiving wound exudates suctioned out of a wound. The vessel (10) can be detachably fastened to the device. A connection (12) is provided for a suction tube, the suction tube leading to the body to establish vacuum communication among the facility generating the vacuum, the vessel (10) and the suction tube. A holding facility (102) provides for detachable fastening of the device (2) onto a strut or bar and comprises an essentially rigid holding part (104), which can be attached to a housing (4) of the device and which has a receptacle (106) for detachable disposition of a flexible holding strap (108). The holding strap (108) can be wrapped around the strut or bar through application of a tensile force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Paul Hartmann AG
    Inventors: Pierre Croizat, Axel Eckstein, Marc Roettger
  • Patent number: 8939949
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a stacked multi-disk pump for the pumping of ocular fluid and/or tissue during ophthalmic surgery. The stacked multi-disk pump includes an inlet port, a stacked multi-disk assembly, a fluid chamber, a central hub, a motor, and an outlet port. The motor and the hub induce the multi-disk assembly to rotate. As the multi-disk assembly rotates, the fluid is propelled into the inlet port, progresses axially, circumferentially, and radially through the stacked multi-disk assembly, and flows out the outlet port. The pump may be incorporated, for example, into the handpiece of an ophthalmic surgical instrument or a surgical console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: John M. Bourne
  • Patent number: 8834434
    Abstract: A surgical tissue therapy device includes a sealant layer and a collection chamber. The sealant layer functions so as to create a sealed enclosure or space between it and the surface of a patient by forming, preferably, an airtight seal around a surgical area of skin trauma. The closed incision tissue therapy device also comprises a collection chamber, which may comprise an elongate tubular chamber with a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings. The collection chamber may be configured to be in fluid communication with the sealant layer and the area of skin trauma and functions as to distribute the negative pressure applied to a surgically closed area of skin trauma. Preferably, the pressure under the sealant layer is reduced by expanding the volume of the enclosure space and thereby decreasing the density of air molecules under the sealant layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Spiracur Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Hu, Moshe Pinto, Kenton Fong, Akshay Mavani, Kenneth Wu
  • Patent number: 8814841
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a volume of a wound are described, the method comprising the steps of: applying a dressing over a wound, the volume of which is to be measured, the dressing including at least a sealing drape over the wound so as to create a sealed wound cavity; creating a vacuum in said wound cavity by vacuum pump means so as to produce a predetermined vacuum in the wound cavity; measuring a volume of air extracted from said wound cavity in producing said predetermined vacuum; and, calculating a volume of said wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventor: Edward Hartwell
  • Patent number: 8795257
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sensing fluid in a dressing on a patient and producing an electrical signal. In one instance, a galvanic cell is used as an electronic detection device. The galvanic cell is placed in the dressing and produces voltage when the dressing is substantially saturated. In one instance, the dressing is a reduced-pressure, absorbent dressing. Other systems, methods, and dressings are presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Daniel John Coulthard, Malcolm Thomson, Rico Jaeger
  • Patent number: 8771244
    Abstract: An attachment device (2) for use in the vacuum therapy of wounds has a vacuum-tight mounting element (6). A conduit is fastening to the upper side of that mounting element in a vacuum-tight manner. The conduit (4) communicates with the wound space through openings (22) in the mounting element (6) and in the vacuum dressing. The conduit (4) is flexible and flat and is connected to the mounting element (6) non-detachably and extensively in a longitudinal section (8) on the wound side over at least 70% of its surface projected perpendicularly onto the mounting means (6). The conduit (4) is made out of a flexible elastomer material of Shore A hardness of no more than 60 and the thickness (D) of the combined conduit (4) and mounting element (6) is no more than 7 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Paul Hartmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Axel Eckstein, Juergen Hofstetter, Pierre Croizat, Klaus Klimenta, Steffen Suess
  • Patent number: 8734409
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus that includes a scaffold with a gel or liquid composition deposed on at least a portion of a luminal surface, the gel or liquid composition adapted to include microbubbles. Also provided is a system that includes a source of reduced pressure, the above scaffold, a manifold adjacent the scaffold, and a conduit for providing fluid communication between the manifold and the source of reduced pressure. Additionally provided is a method that includes implanting the above scaffold at the tissue site and disrupting a substantial portion of the microbubbles to induce fluid flow to the scaffold. Further provided is an apparatus that includes a scaffold that comprises a slowly degradable material and a quickly degradable material. Additionally provided is a system for coupling nerve tissue and a microchip assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry D Swain, Michael E Manwaring, Douglas A. Cornet, Braden K Leung
  • Publication number: 20140039423
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wound treatment device with at least one elastically deformable vacuum-generating element which can be actuated directly by hand and which is arranged on and connected directly to a film-like wound-covering element that covers the wound chamber. The vacuum-generating element is a hollow body whose cavity, in the state with the device applied to the patient's body, communicates directly with the wound chamber via an opening formed on the wound-covering element. At least one absorption body that absorbs the wound secretions is positioned in the wound chamber and is surrounded by a finely porous sleeve that is permeable to liquid. The hollow body is provided with at least one valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Birgit Riesinger
  • Patent number: 8641691
    Abstract: A portable system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a surgical wound, includes a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject, a portable subatmospheric pressure mechanism dimensioned to be carried or worn by the subject and a container for collecting exudates from the wound bed removed under the subatmospheric pressure supplied by the subatmospheric pressure mechanism. The portable subatmospheric pressure mechanism includes a housing, a subatmospheric pressure source disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the wound dressing to supply subatmospheric pressure to the wound dressing and a power source mounted to or within the housing for supplying power to actuate the subatmospheric pressure source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: David Fink, David Heagle, Sharon A. Mulligan
  • Patent number: 8628505
    Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is provided for treating tissue damage, which comprises a fluid impermeable wound cover sealed over a site for purposes of applying a reduced pressure to the site. The apparatus also can include a cover with protrusions on its surface for purposes of monitoring pressure at the site. One or more sensors can be positioned under the cover to provide feedback to a suction pump controller. The apparatus can have a miniature and portable vacuum source connected to the wound cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: BlueSky Medical Group Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard Scott Weston
  • Patent number: 8617101
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for generating a negative pressure in a vacuum chamber (32/132) of a breast pump (10/110), the drive mechanism comprising a housing (12/112), a motor (14/114) coupled to a rotatable drive element within the housing, a resilient membrane (28/128) coupled to the housing and, a flexible strap (50/150) coupled between the drive element and the resilient membrane. Rotation of the drive element causes the flexible strap to pull and resiliently deform the resilient membrane to create the negative pressure in a vacuum chamber of a breast pump. Also, a breast pump including such a drive mechanism together with a vacuum chamber (32/132) coupled to the housing (12/112). The vacuum chamber comprises a receptacle and a breast-receiving funnel (40/140) in fluid communication with the receptacle, wherein when a woman's breast is placed in the breast-receiving funnel, the vacuum chamber is sealed closed such that deformation the resilient membrane (28/128) creates a negative pressure in the vacuum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Willem Tack
  • Patent number: 8613735
    Abstract: A suction device according to the present invention has: an outer tube connected to a fluid supply unit on a base-end side thereof and including an opening edge section; and a suction tube provided in the outer tube and connected to a negative pressure generating unit on a base-end side thereof, the suction tube including an opening edge section, wherein an annular fluid supply passage is formed between an inner peripheral surface of the outer tube and an outer peripheral surface of the suction tube, and the opening edge section of the suction tube is placed inside the opening edge section of the outer tube toward the base-end side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Kyoto University
    Inventors: Hiroo Umeda, Shin-ichi Kanemaru
  • Publication number: 20130338613
    Abstract: A wound dressing apparatus includes a wound dressing member dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed. The wound dressing member including an internal vacuum reservoir and has a port in communication with the vacuum reservoir for applying subatmospheric pressure to the vacuum reservoir to facilitate removal of fluid from the wound bed. The wound dressing member includes a visual pressure indicator associated therewith for indicating a level of pressure within the vacuum reservoir. The visual pressure indicator includes color indicia having a plurality of colors corresponding to a condition of the pressure within the vacuum reservoir. The wound dressing member includes a lower absorbent member positionable adjacent the wound bed and an upper member which at least partially defines the vacuum reservoir. At least one of the top member and the lower absorbent member has the visual pressure indicator mounted thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Kurt Haggstrom, David Fink, Katja Grundmeier
  • Patent number: 8608715
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method to vent gas from a body cavity during an endoscopic procedure. A body cavity is in fluid communication with an exhaust gas inlet of a vacuum break device. The vacuum break device has a chamber in fluid communication with both the inlet and an outlet. The chamber may comprise one or more openings in fluid communication with the atmosphere. A conduit in fluid communication with the exhaust gas outlet may be connected directly or indirectly to a suction source. The suction source may be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Lexion Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Keith A. Roberts, John Henry Burban, Duane E. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 8585665
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating a wound can include a flexible sheet for sealingly engaging a patient's skin around a wound bed, a drain to be located in the wound bed, a vacuum source connected to the drain, and a flow restriction device to control the flow of fluid through an aperture of the flexible sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Prospera Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Hamid Khosrowshahi
  • Patent number: 8562576
    Abstract: A surgical tissue therapy device includes a sealant layer and a collection chamber. The sealant layer functions so as to create a sealed enclosure or space between it and the surface of a patient by forming, preferably, an airtight seal around a surgical area of skin trauma. The closed incision tissue therapy device also comprises a collection chamber, which may comprise an elongate tubular chamber with a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings. The collection chamber may be configured to be in fluid communication with the sealant layer and the area of skin trauma and functions as to distribute the negative pressure applied to a surgically closed area of skin trauma. Preferably, the pressure under the sealant layer is reduced by expanding the volume of the enclosure space and thereby decreasing the density of air molecules under the sealant layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Spiracur, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Hu, Moshe Pinto, Kenton Fong, Akshay Mavani, Kenneth Wu
  • Publication number: 20130274688
    Abstract: A wound treatment appliance is provided for treating all or a portion of a wound. In some embodiments, the appliance comprises a cover or a flexible overlay that covers all or a portion of the wound for purposes of applying a reduced pressure to the covered portion of the wound. In other embodiments, the wound treatment appliance also includes a vacuum system to supply reduced pressure to the site of the wound in the volume under the cover or in the area under the flexible overlay. Methods are provided for using various embodiments of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Richard Scott Weston
  • Patent number: 8551061
    Abstract: Apparatus (130) for use in wound therapy of mammals is described, the apparatus (130) comprising: a dressing covering the wound, the dressing being substantially sealed to prevent ingress of ambient atmospheric air to the wound; aspiration means (132) operably connected to a space between the dressing and the wound by an aspiration conduit (142) sealed to the point of entry between wound and dressing against ingress of ambient atmosphere, said conduit (142) being for aspiration of said wound and for removal of fluid from said space between said wound and said dressing; a waste container (148) for receiving aspirated fluid to be discarded operably connected to said aspiration conduit; and heating means (144) for heating said fluid in order to increase the vapor pressure thereof and to cause evaporation to reduce the volume of the fluid in the waste container (148). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the waste fluid is also provided with a sparge gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventor: Edward Hartwell
  • Patent number: 8551060
    Abstract: A portable system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a surgical wound is provided. The system includes a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject, and a collection canister in fluid communication with the wound dressing. The canister includes a base defining a fluid receiving cavity and having a fluid inlet port and a vacuum port. The fluid inlet port is configured for fluid communication with a wound dressing, The system further includes a cover selectively engageable to the base, e.g., in a snap-fit manner. The cover is configured to receive a control unit and has a vent assembly for exhausting the control unit. A seal member is interposed relative to the base and the cover to establish and maintain a substantial sealed relationship between the two components when assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Schuessler, Ricky A. Sisk
  • Patent number: 8545464
    Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is provided for treating tissue damage, which comprises a fluid impermeable wound cover sealed over a site for purposes of applying a reduced pressure to the site. The apparatus also can include a cover with protrusions on its surface for purposes of monitoring pressure at the site. One or more sensors can be positioned under the cover to provide feedback to a suction pump controller. The apparatus can have a miniature and portable vacuum source connected to the wound cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: BlueSky Medical Group Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard Scott Weston
  • Patent number: 8540688
    Abstract: A portable device (2) to generate a vacuum for the medical treatment of wounds on the bodies of humans or animals has a vacuum-producing suction pump (90) in a first housing part (4) of the device and a vessel (10) for receiving body liquids. Vacuum is applied for vacuum communication between the suction pump (90), the vessel (10) and a suction tube (82) leading to the body. A pressure sensor (94) measures the pressure in a tube section (88) and a programmable electronic control unit (100) controls the suction pump (90) in dependence on pressure values measured by the pressure sensor (94). The electronic control unit (100) deactivates the suction pump (90) if a rate of change in pressure (?p/?t) detected by the pressure sensor (94) exceeds a defined threshold value toward decreasing vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Paul Hartmann AG
    Inventors: Axel Eckstein, Juergen Hofstetter
  • Patent number: 8529526
    Abstract: Dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed in some embodiments that involve treating a tissue site with reduced pressure wherein the dressing includes a dressing reduced-pressure indicator that allows one to ascertain that the reduced pressure applied at the dressing is greater than a threshold reduced pressure. The dressing reduced-pressure indicator may include a moving member that is adapted to move under reduced pressure and a visual indicator associated with the moving member. Another embodiment uses an electro-mechanical indicator to provide a powered visual alert or audible alert or another output signal. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Peyton Wilkes, Justin Alexander Long, Richard Marvin Kazala, Jr., Li Yao, Eric Woodson Barta, Christopher Brian Locke
  • Patent number: 8512302
    Abstract: An aspiration flow control device includes a housing having at least one vacuum port, at least one aspiration port, and an ejection port. The at least one vacuum port is adapted to be connected to a vacuum source, and the aspiration port is adapted to be connected to an aspiration line for receiving fluids from a surgical site. The device further includes a rotating structure having at least three vanes, which structure is configured to rotate within the housing. The at least three vanes divide an enclosed volume within the housing into at least three rotating fluid collection chambers. During rotation of the rotating structure, at least one fluid collection chamber is in communication with at least one vacuum port and the aspiration port through which fluid is received, and at least one other fluid collection chamber is simultaneously in communication with the ejection port through which fluid is expelled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventor: Lutz Andersohn
  • Patent number: 8475419
    Abstract: Described herein is an automated fluid drain control apparatus and method which comprises a first collection chamber which is connected to a drain that has been inserted into the subarachnoid area in lumbar region of the body. The volume of fluid into the first collection chamber is controlled as a function of time by being constantly measured such that too much fluid will not be drained from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Beckersmith Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan Eckermann