Abstract: A pump system for applying negative pressure to a wound, including a flow monitor capable of detecting a deviation from a reference airflow rate provided by a controlled leak to determine whether the system is operating normally or abnormally, and a flow status annunciator to indicate a normal operating condition or whether an abnormal condition is a leak or an occluded line in the system. The pump system further includes a pressure controller for regulating operation of a pump to control pressure in the system at a range around a user-selected setpoint. The pump system may also include a waste collector and a level sensor for detecting when the collector is full.

Abstract: A system and method to administer a liquid agent into a body cavity of a patient is provided. One exemplary system comprises a lumen disposed into an airway of the patient and a valve assembly coupled to the lumen. The valve assembly comprises a body portion, a first port and a second port. A pump assembly for receiving the liquid agent is coupled to the valve assembly in a fluid tight relationship. The pump assembly provides the liquid to the lumen through the first port of the valve assembly. The liquid along with a portion of secretions generated by the patient are extracted through the lumen and flow out of said valve assembly through the second port for disposal responsive to a natural body function and/or a vacuum from a vacuum source.

Abstract: A system for applying suction to a wound uses a reference airflow for monitoring system operation. A reference airflow (or “controlled leak”) to the suction source is provided when the system is in operation, such that deviation from the reference airflow can be monitored as an indication of a change in operation, such as a leak in the seal of the wound cover, a blockage of airflow from crimping of the suction conduit or overfill of the waste collector, or an inadvertent turn off or disconnect from the suction source.

Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum tube attachment device for vacuum assisted wound dressings. The device is in the form of a patch that can be attached to the primary wound cover. The patch forms a substantially air-tight seal to the primary wound cover, and a vacuum tube is fixed to the patch such that the patch can be oriented on the wound cover to locate the tube near an opening in the cover to allow vacuum pressure to be communicated to the wound. The patch has an adhesive area around its perimeter for attaching the patch in a substantially air-tight seal to the wound cover at any convenient location on the cover. Several embodiments of the patch are described.

Abstract: A system for treating a wound with suction is provided. The system comprises a wound cover, a pump having an input port and an output port, the input port providing suction to the wound via the wound cover, and a reservoir coupled to the output port of the pump. The reservoir is adapted to receive effluent from the wound and the pump is capable of maintaining a controlled level of suction at the wound.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for promoting the healing of a wound in a mammal is disclosed. An exemplary device comprises a permeable structure having a plurality of depressions formed in a surface thereof. In use, the surface having the depressions is disposed adjacent a surface of the wound. A method of treating a wound comprises the steps of providing a permeable structure comprising a plurality of randomly disposed fibers and having i) a plurality of wound surface contact elements disposed between end portions of the structure, and ii) a plurality of voids defined by the contact elements; and applying the permeable structure to at least one surface of the wound.

Abstract: A wound packing for use with suction is provided. The wound packing comprises a plurality of nonabsorbent synthetic polymeric fibers coupled together to form a nonabsorbent material suitable for placement in the wound of a mammal. A method for treating the wound in a mammal using the disclosed wound packing is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method to administer a liquid agent into a body cavity of a patient is provided. One exemplary system comprises a lumen disposed into an airway of the patient and a valve assembly coupled to the lumen. The valve assembly comprises a body portion, a first port and a second port. A pump assembly for receiving the liquid agent is coupled to the valve assembly in a fluid tight relationship. The pump assembly provides the liquid to the lumen through the first port of the valve assembly. The liquid along with a portion of secretions generated by the patient are extracted through the lumen and flow out of said valve assembly through the second port for disposal responsive to a natural body function and/or a vacuum from a vacuum source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method to control suction in a patient environment. The device comprises a body portion having an interior chamber adapted for coupling to a source of the vacuum; a valve comprising a shaft rotatably coupled to the body portion; and an actuator coupled to the shaft of the valve. In operation the valve is rotatable between i) a first position in which the vacuum is provided to the interior chamber via the valve at a first predetermined level and ii) a second position in which the vacuum is interrupted to the interior chamber. The actuator is adapted to move between a first position and a second position which increases the vacuum in the interior chamber to a second predetermined level for clearing occluded suction lines in the patient circuit.

Abstract: A medical device that seals a wound and facilitates wound drainage with suction is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a suction portion, having both an inlet valve and an outlet valve, for suctioning fluids from the wound, and a sealing portion for sealing the wound by engaging the skin adjacent the wound, the suction portion and sealing portion being integral with one another. A method for draining a wound comprises the steps of under-packing the wound with a packing material; sealing the wound; and applying suction to the wound to promote wound drainage and to promote intimate contact between the wound and the packing material.

Abstract: A device for placement in a wound and for use with sutures to repair the wound of a patient. The device comprises a body having at least one aperture extending radially through the body. A shaft is disposed within and rotatably coupled to the body, and the shaft has at least one receiver substantially in line with the aperture in the body. One method comprises the steps of placing the body and shaft of the device within a cavity of the wound; attaching a first end of at least one suture to a first side of the wound; passing a second end of the at least one suture through the body and coupling it to the shaft; attaching a second end of the at least one suture to the second side of the wound; and rotating the shaft with respect to the body to pull the first side of the wound and the second side of the wound toward one another.

Abstract: A medical device is provided that encloses a wound and promotes wound drainage by suction. The device includes an enclosure to be placed over a wound, adhesively connected to the skin around the wound by a flange. Gauze type packing cylinders can be placed in the wound, and suction is provided either by a bulb type pump, or by a pair of regulators. When regulators are used, one alternates the suction that it provides, and the other is continuous, such that the level of suction is periodically varied. The suction facilitates the transfer of liquid from the wound to the packing cylinders and from the packing out of the enclosure. A leak detector is optionally provided.

Abstract: A container is provided that is disposable, for first collecting blood delivered from a patient, preferably by a vacuum draw of blood into a container, and then the blood in the container is treated. The treatment is provided by an at least partial a back-and-forth or reciprocating motion of blood along membranes, such that filtrate components of the blood pass through the membrane walls and are collected, whereby retentate components of the blood are retained, with the back-and-forth motion being provided by a substantially constant vacuum draw, that provides a pumping action by a diaphragm pump. A replenishment liquid is automatically added, substantially proportional to the amount of filtrate components of the blood that are withdrawn. The membranes are protected by a device which removes body fat or other potentially harmful materials.

Abstract: An intermittent regulator is provided in which the regulator alternates between supplying partial vacuum to a patient for withdrawing fluids from the body of a patient, and supplying atmosphere to a patient, at a selected intermittent rate, that is adjustable upon adjusting a timing mechanism. The timing mechanism is isolated from communicating with the vacuum being drawn from a patient, separating the regulator into a “wet” side and a “dry” side. The regulator includes a piston and spool, each having magnets therein, whereby intermittent motion of the piston controls the motion of the spool and which thereby controls the opening of ports for delivery/non-delivery of vacuum to a patient. An alternative embodiment has porting for sensing occlusion in the patient line and converting the regulator from a continuous-on operation to an intermittent operation. An alternative embodiment has separate air inlet and outlet conduits to atmosphere from the “dry” side of the regulator.

Abstract: A gauge is provided, preferably for patient use, in which a piston moves linearly within a gauge body against the force of a spring. A diaphragm separates the sensing side of the piston from the clean or atmosphere side of the piston. The diaphragm rolls against the piston and the wall of the chamber during changes in pressure, and does not interfere with accuracy of the readings. Dampening is provided out of the patient fluid stream. The sight glass through which measurements are read produces an optical magnification. A baffle prevents entrained particles from the patient from entering the gauge in significant amounts. A surface-to-surface seat enables the gauge to be mounted as a saddle seat on a duct, regulator or the like.

Abstract: A container is provided that is disposable, for first collecting blood delivered from a patient, preferably by means of a vacuum draw of blood into a container, and then the blood in the container is treated. The treatment is provided by an at least partial a back-and-forth or reciprocating motion of blood along membranes, such that filtrate components of the blood pass through the membrane walls and are collected, whereby retentate components of the blood are retained, with the back-and-forth motion being provided by means of a substantially constant vacuum draw, that provides a pumping action by means of a diaphragm pump. A replenishment liquid is automatically added, substantially proportional to the amount of filtrate components of the blood that are withdrawn. The membranes are protected by a means for removing body fats or other potentially harmful materials.

Abstract: Apparatus and method is provided for shaping bone, in which, individually or together, a gaseous fluid such as air is delivered along the shaping member to impinge upon aerosols created by the shaping of the bone and to deliver the aerosols back toward the bone away from an operator, and a cooling liquid is delivered along the shaping member, in order to cool the shaping member where it contacts the bone. Preferably, the gaseous fluid is air and it is delivered through a manifold carried by the shaping member, forming an air curtain. Preferably, the cooling liquid is at least partially water, with or without a curative substance carried therein, with the liquid preferably being delivered through the shaping member and opening in a direction toward the shaped bone. Where the shaping member is a saw, the liquid may be delivered through the interior of the saw, for discharge through at least one narrow side thereof. Alternatively, the cooling liquid may be delivered externally of the saw.

Abstract: Apparatus and method is provided for shaping bone, in which a cooling, lubricating and/or curative fluid is delivered by means of the shaping member, in order to cool or lubricate the shaping member where it contacts the bone and/or to provide a curative fluid to the shaped surface of the bone. Preferably, the cooling fluid is at least partially water, with or without a curative substance carried therein, with the liquid being delivered at the shaping end of the member, in a direction toward the shaped bone. The fluid may be provided through the interior of the shaping member to at least one relatively narrow opening located at the shaping end of the member, or may be provided by at least one exterior channel that runs along at least one wide side of the shaping member. Optionally, cooling liquid may also be delivered through the interior of the shaping member for discharge through at least one narrow side thereof.