Suction Generated By Self-acting Fluid Pressure, Motor-driven Or Mechanical Energy Storing Means (e.g., Spring, Etc.) Patents (Class 604/315)
  • Patent number: 8449508
    Abstract: A reduced pressure dressing for applying reduced pressure treatment to a tissue site includes an interface layer adapted to be positioned at the tissue site. An absorbent layer is in fluid communication with the interface layer to absorb liquid from at least one of the interface layer and the tissue site. A non-motor-driven pump is in fluid communication with the absorbent layer to deliver a reduced pressure to the tissue site. A cover is positioned over the non-motor-driven pump, the absorbent layer, and the interface layer to maintain the reduced pressure at the tissue site, and a liquid-air separator is positioned between the absorbent layer and the non-motor-driven pump to inhibit liquid from entering the non-motor-driven pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Daniel John Coulthard, Christopher Drian Locke, Timothy Mark Robinson, Alden Marcus Tout
  • Patent number: 8444613
    Abstract: A therapeutic device includes a fluid mover for one of raising, compressing, or transferring fluid, a therapeutic member operably connected to the fluid mover and actuated thereby, the therapeutic member operably disposably used on a patient in a manner to deliver therapy to the patient as function of actuation of the fluid mover, a controller operably associated with the fluid mover for controlling operation thereof, and a leak, blockage, temperature, voltage or current sensor operably connected to the fluid mover and the controller and to sense a leak, blockage, temperature, voltage or current in the device and send a signal to the controller whereby the controller controls the fluid mover as a function of the sensed signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventors: Pal Svedman, Tianning Xu
  • Patent number: 8444614
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems and methods for using such devices and systems for treating incisions and wounds. In an aspect, disclosed is a device having a generally planar tension relief module and a flexible sealant structure sized to cover the tension relief module, the flexible sealant structure comprising a lower adhesive surface. The tension relief module includes a conduit structure having a plurality of support structures on an upper surface of the conduit structure and at least one opening extending through the conduit structure from a lower surface to the upper surface. At least a portion of the conduit structure is adapted to be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the incision. The tension relief module also includes opposing adhesive structures coupled to the conduit structure. The lower adhesive surface of the flexible sealant structure and the upper surface of the conduit structure form a flow pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Spiracur, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Wu, Dean Hu, Sumona Nag
  • Patent number: 8444612
    Abstract: The composite wound dressing apparatus promotes healing of a wound via the use of a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump applies a vacuum pressure to the wound to effectively draw wound fluid or exudate away from the wound bed. The vacuum pump is tethered to the wound dressing and is portable, preferably, carried by the patient in a support bag, which permits patient mobility. Moreover, the patient does not need to be constrained for any period of time while exudate is being removed from the wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Harish A. Patel, Dianne Acheson
  • Patent number: 8435221
    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: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Spiracur, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Hu, Moshe Pinto, Kenton Fong, Akshay Mavani, Kenneth Wu
  • Patent number: 8414550
    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 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Lexion Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Keith A. Roberts, John Henry Burban, Duane E. Lloyd
  • Publication number: 20130085462
    Abstract: A wound treatment system includes a patch, first and second fluid reservoirs, an electrokinetic pump assembly, and a controller. The patch is configured to enclose a wound area and includes an inlet and an outlet. The first fluid reservoir is fluidically connected to the inlet and the second fluid reservoir is fluidically connected to the outlet. The electrokinetic pump assembly is configured to pump a first treatment fluid from the first fluid reservoir into the patch through the inlet and to pump fluid from the patch through the outlet and into the second fluid reservoir. The controller is configured to operate the electrokinetic pump assembly and to include an electronic memory containing computer readable instructions for operating the electrokinetic pump assembly to perform a wound therapy protocol in the wound area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Kenneth Kei-ho NIP, Jessica L. Strohmann, Doris Sun-Chia Shieh, Tuan Quoc Mai, Robert B. Lewis, Kenneth R. Hencken, Craig S. Bryant
  • Patent number: 8409157
    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: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kurt Haggstrom, David Fink, Katja Grundmeier
  • Patent number: 8409159
    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 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. The collection material may comprise a material and/or a configuration that permits length changes based upon the length of the corresponding surgical wound or incision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Spiracur, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Hu, Kenton Fong, Moshe Pinto, Kenneth Wu, Craig McGreevy, Brendan Donohoe
  • Patent number: 8398604
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems and methods for treating an incision. The device includes a generally planar tension relief module, comprising a central structure in fluid communication with the incision, wherein at least a portion of the central structure is adapted to be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the incision; and opposing adhesive structures coupled to the central structure and a flexible sealant structure comprising a lower adhesive surface and sized to seal over the tension relief module forming a sealed flow pathway. The opposing adhesive structures are adapted to be stretched from a relaxed configuration to a first tensile configuration and to return towards the relaxed configuration from the first tensile configuration into a second tensile configuration and impart a contracting force in a direction that is towards the opposing adhesive structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Spiracur, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Wu, Dean Hu, Sumona Nag
  • Patent number: 8394081
    Abstract: Pump cassettes, wound-treatment apparatuses and methods. In some embodiments, a pump cassette comprises: a pump body having a pump chamber, an inlet valve in fluid communication with the pump chamber, and an outlet valve in fluid communication with the pump chamber; a diaphragm coupled to the pump body such that the diaphragm is movable to vary a volume in the pump chamber; and an identifier configured to store one or more properties of the pump cassette such that the identifier is readable by an automated reader to determine the one or more properties. In some embodiments, the pump cassette is configured to be removably coupled to a wound-treatment apparatus having an actuator such that the actuator can be activated to move the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, David George Whyte
  • Publication number: 20130053793
    Abstract: A reduced-pressure treatment system for debriding a treatment area of a tissue site and applying reduced pressure is disclosed. The reduced-pressure treatment system includes a hydrogel having a blocked acid debriding agent. The hydrogel is adapted to cover the treatment area and enhance autolytic debridement at the treatment area. The reduced-pressure treatment system includes a manifold that is adapted to cover the hydrogel and distribute reduced pressure to the tissue site. The reduced-pressure treatment system also includes a sealing drape for forming a fluid seal over the tissue site and manifold. Other systems, methods, and dressings are presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, Timothy Mark Robinson, Amy K. McNulty
  • Patent number: 8377016
    Abstract: A tissue treatment apparatus and method are provided for treating tissue by the application of the time-varying sub-atmospheric pressure. The apparatus includes a cover adapted to cover a wound and adapted to maintain sub-atmospheric pressure the site of the wound. The apparatus further includes a source of suction configured to generate a time-varying sub-atmospheric pressure having a periodic waveform comprising a gradual change in pressure. The suction source cooperates with the cover to supply the time-varying sub-atmospheric pressure under the cover to the wound. The time-varying sub-atmospheric pressure may vary between a first pressure value below the inherent tissue tension of the wound tissue and a second pressure value above the inherent tissue tension of the wound tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Wake Forest University Health Sciences
    Inventors: Louis O. Argenta, Michael J. Morykwas, Lawrence X. Webb
  • Patent number: 8376972
    Abstract: A wound treatment device comprises a wound surface contacting plug (10) and a cover (24) for covering the wound surface (22) and the plug (10), wherein said plug (10) consists of a flat textile isolating material comprising at least one first surface layer (12), one second surface layer (14) and one intermediate space (18) arranged between said surface layers (12, 14). At least the first surface layer (12) is provided with a biocompatible surface and a structure which enables a liquid to pass and prevents a wound tissue from growing in said structure. The intermediate space (18) is provided with isolating threads (16) elastically holding the first surface layer (12) and the second surface layer at a certain distance from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Wilhelm Fleischmann
  • Patent number: 8372050
    Abstract: A reduced pressure dressing for applying reduced pressure treatment to a tissue site includes an interface layer adapted to be positioned at the tissue site. An absorbent layer is in fluid communication with the interface layer to absorb liquid from at least one of the interface layer and the tissue site. A pump is in fluid communication with the absorbent layer to deliver a reduced pressure to the tissue site. A cover is positioned over the pump, the absorbent layer, and the interface layer to maintain the reduced pressure at the tissue site, and a liquid-air separator is positioned between the absorbent layer and the pump to inhibit liquid from entering the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Paul Jaeb, Richard Daniel John Coulthard, Timothy Mark Robinson, Christopher Brian Locke, Aidan Marcus Tout
  • Patent number: 8372049
    Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment system includes a reduced pressure source and a reduced pressure dressing. The dressing includes an interface layer adapted to be positioned at a tissue site and an absorbent layer in fluid communication with the interface layer to absorb liquid from at least one of the interface layer and the tissue site. A diverter layer is positioned adjacent the absorbent layer, and the diverter layer includes a plurality of apertures in fluid communication with the absorbent layer to distribute a reduced pressure to the absorbent layer. A cover is positioned over the diverter layer to maintain the reduced pressure at the tissue site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Paul Jaeb, Richard Daniel John Coulthard, Timothy Mark Robinson, Christopher Brian Locke, Aldan Marcus Tout
  • Patent number: 8366693
    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 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. The collection material may comprise a material and/or a configuration that permits length changes based upon the length of the corresponding surgical wound or incision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Spiracur, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Hu, Kenton Fong, Moshe Pinto, Kenneth Wu, Craig McGreevy, Brendan Donohoe
  • Patent number: 8357130
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for the treatment of a wound on a patient. The apparatus is capable of administering localized negative pressure therapy to the wound using a hospital wall vacuum source and a drain line for removing exudate from the wound. The apparatus may also be capable of administering localized hyperbaric oxygen therapy to the wound using a hospital wall oxygen source and a supply line for supplying oxygen to the wound. The apparatus includes at least one regulator to control the application of negative pressure therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventors: Joshua David Smith, David Myron Smith
  • Patent number: 8348910
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for cleansing wounds (5) in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing (2) and wound exudate from the dressing are moved by a device (18) (which may be a single pump or two pumps) for moving fluid through a flow path (6, 7, 9, 10) which passes through the dressing with a means for providing simultaneous aspiration and irrigation of the wound, and means for supplying thermal energy to the fluid in the wound. The former provides a desired balance of fluid at a controlled nominal flow rate that removes materials deleterious to wound healing, while distributing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing over the wound bed. The latter maintains a temperature at the wound bed under the wound dressing at a level that promotes wound healing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventors: Patrick Lewis Blott, Edward Yerbury Hartwell, Julian Lee-Webb, Derek Nicolini, Clare Green, Robin Paul Martin
  • Patent number: 8333744
    Abstract: Apparatus for the provision of topical negative pressure therapy to a user is described, the apparatus comprising a device and a waste canister connected thereto, the waste 5 canister being operably connected for receiving wound exudate to a wound dressing by an aspiration conduit which is releasably connected to the dressing, wherein the waste canister has a blank connector portion thereon for sealably receiving a disconnected dressing end of the aspiration conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventors: Edward Hartwell, Carl Saxby
  • Patent number: 8323235
    Abstract: A liner for use with a breast pump has an outer flange portion and a longitudinal portion extending outward from the outer flange portion. The outer flange portion has a first noncircular opening therein for receiving at least a portion of a breast including a nipple. The longitudinal portion has a second opening and a tubular passageway between the first noncircular opening and the second opening for allowing milk expressed from the breast received in the liner to pass through the liner. The outer flange portion is generally planar and adapted to engage a portion of the breast surrounding the nipple during use of the breast cup. The liner is configured for movement between an opened configuration of the noncircular opening and a collapsed configuration of the noncircular opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Handi-Craft Company
    Inventors: Raymond G. Bryan, Patricia S. Ruby, Megan E. Oehlert, Jimi Francis
  • Patent number: 8317774
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing suction to a target area, in which suction is induced via pumping action in proximity to the target area via a pump head that is integral with an enclosure that is configured for covering the area. The pump head has an inlet that projects directly into the internal volume of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Carmeli Adahan
  • Patent number: 8308705
    Abstract: An apparatus for fluid collection is disclosed, which comprises: a frame, composed of a plurality of unit cells, each being made of an absorbent polymer composite; and a bag, for receiving the frame while being connected to a conduit provided for enabling a fluid to flow in and out the bag therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Zhan-Sheng Lin, Nan-Kuang Yao
  • Patent number: 8303552
    Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment appliance is provided for treating a wound on the body of a patient. In some embodiments, the appliance comprises a cover, which can have a top cup member and an interface member. The interface member can have flow control means, configured to permit exudate from the wound to flow through the flow control means into the volume under the cover, but not in the opposite direction. Also, in some embodiments, the top cup member can have a lid member, a cup body member, and lid attachment means to removably attach the lid member to the cup body member. In some embodiments, the cover can be configured to facilitate access to the wound for monitoring, treatment and other purposes without removing the cover from the body. The wound treatment appliance can have a vacuum system to supply reduced pressure to the site of the wound in the volume under the cover. A suction bulb can be used to provide a source of reduced pressure to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: BlueSky Medical Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Scott Weston
  • Patent number: 8287507
    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: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Patrick Heaton, Ian James Hardman, Richard Daniel John Couthard, Timothy Mark Robinson, Christopher Brian Locke, Aidan Marcus Tout, Benjamin Pratt
  • Patent number: 8282611
    Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment appliance is provided for treating a wound on the body of a patient. In some embodiments, the appliance comprises a cover, which can have a top cup member and an interface member. The interface member can have flow control means, configured to permit exudate from the wound to flow through the flow control means into the volume under the cover, but not in the opposite direction. Also, in some embodiments, the top cup member can have a lid member, a cup body member, and lid attachment means to removably attach the lid member to the cup body member. In some embodiments, the cover can be configured to facilitate access to the wound for monitoring, treatment and other purposes without removing the cover from the body. The wound treatment appliance can have a vacuum system to supply reduced pressure to the site of the wound in the volume under the cover. A suction bulb can he used lo provide a source of reduced pressure to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: BlueSky Medical Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Scott Weston
  • Patent number: 8267908
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for storing liquid from a tissue site are presented. The apparatus includes a delivery tube that may have at least one lumen. The delivery tube may be operable to transmit reduced pressure to the tissue site and to receive liquid from the tissue site. The apparatus may also include an absorbent material disposed in the at least one lumen. The absorbent material may be operable to absorb the liquid from the tissue site. The delivery tube may be formed with a number of recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Daniel John Coulthard
  • Patent number: 8246591
    Abstract: A wound dressing for use in negative wound pressure therapy includes a cover layer for positioning over a wound to define a reservoir over the wound in which a reduced pressure may be maintained. At least one vacuum port is affixed to the cover layer and includes a conduit receiving portion configured to receive a fluid conduit to provide fluid communication between the fluid conduit and the reservoir. The at least one vacuum port is configured to receive the fluid conduit from a plurality of directions relative to the cover layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Richard M. Braga, Malcolm G. Bock, Kristin L. Watson
  • Patent number: 8246590
    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 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Spiracur, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Hu, Moshe Pinto, Kenton Fong, Akshay Mavani, Kenneth Wu
  • Patent number: 8168848
    Abstract: A wound dressing member is provided for use in a vacuum bandage connected to a vacuum source and for use with a wound having a wound surface. The member may include a top surface and a bottom surface adapted to be in contact with and generally conform to the wound surface. The member may further include a plurality of discrete holes formed in the bottom surface and at least one discrete opening formed in the top surface. A port of the member may be provided to communicate with the vacuum source, each discrete hole, and the at least one discrete opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: KCI Medical Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Lockwood, Robert Petrosenko
  • Patent number: 8166731
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to various designs and packaging methods for a gas delivery device and materials for supplying one or more predetermined gases to a target area as well as to application specific opthamological embodiments. With regard to the gas delivery device, the device may include a reservoir, a gas diffusion portion for communicating gas from the reservoir and one or more predetermined gases at concentrations greater than atmospheric contained within the reservoir, wherein the device does not generate gas and may be packaged prior to use with the one or more predetermined gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Oxyband Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Coni F. Rosati
  • Patent number: 8118794
    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 includes a cover with protrusions on its surface for purposes of monitoring pressure at the site. An absorbable matrix may be placed in the site of a wound to encourage tissue growth into the matrix. Temperature of the site may be monitored using a layer of temperature sensitive material and temperature sensors connected to an alarm and recording device. A vacuum pump supplies suction within the wound cover over the treatment site. A portable version of the wound treatment apparatus is also provided. Finally, a method for treating wounds using reduced pressure is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: BlueSky Medical Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Scott Weston
  • Patent number: 8105295
    Abstract: A dressing (2) and an apparatus (1) comprising the dressing, for cleansing the wounds (5) in which an irrigant fluid from a reservoir (12) connected to a conformable would dressing and would exudate from the dressing are moved by a device (18) (which may be a single pump or two pumps) for moving fluid through a flow Path (6, 7, 9, 10) which passes through the dressing with a means for providing simultaneous aspiration and irrigation of the wound, to provide a desired balance of fluid at a controlled nominal flow rate that removes materials deleterious to wound healing, while distributing materials that are beneficial in promoting would healing over the would bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventors: Patrick Lewis Blott, Edward Yerbury Hartwell, Julian Lee-Webb, Derek Nicolini
  • Patent number: 8079991
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for placement in a wound to treat and promote healing of the wound by suctioning unwanted fluids and debris from the wound. The apparatus includes a suction head peg made of multi-fibered material that is softenable in the human body by body fluids. A membrane and cuff are included for attachment to the body, and a suction tube is in operable communication with the suction head peg and a suction pump to provide suction at the suction head peg. While the stiffened peg is capable of insertion into the body, it is designed to soften in fluid such as the body fluids with which the peg comes into contact after insertion into the wound or abscess. This softening allows the peg to change shape and conform to the shrinking wound or abscess cavity as material is suctioned therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: KCI Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Watson
  • Patent number: 8070744
    Abstract: A nasal aspiration device for clearing nasal passages is provided. The nasal aspiration device comprises a housing having a proximal end and a distal end. A plurality of slots are formed in the proximal end of the housing. A fan is mounted within the housing and a power mechanism powers the fan. An activation mechanism activates the power means. A nose cone is removably connectable to the distal end of the housing, the nose cone having an opening wherein upon powering the fan, air travels into the opening in the nose cone, through the housing, and out of the housing the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Clara C. Clements
  • Patent number: 8062273
    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 includes a cover with protrusions on its surface for purposes of monitoring pressure at the site. An absorbable matrix may be placed in the site of a wound to encourage tissue growth into the matrix. Temperature of the site may be monitored using a layer of temperature sensitive material and temperature sensors connected to an alarm and recording device. A vacuum pump supplies suction within the wound cover over the treatment site. A portable version of the wound treatment apparatus is also provided. Finally, a method for treating wounds using reduced pressure is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: BlueSky Medical Group Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard Scott Weston
  • Patent number: 8057446
    Abstract: Methods and devices transmit micromechanical forces locally on the millimeter to micron scale for promoting wound healing. Micromechanical forces can selectively be applied directly to tissue, in some embodiments, by using microchambers fluidically connected to microchannels. Each chamber, or in some cases, group of chambers, may be associated with a valve to control vacuum pressure, positive pressure, liquid delivery, and/or liquid removal from each chamber or group of chambers. Application of embodiments of the invention may shorten wound-healing time, reduce costs of therapy, enable restoration of functional tissue, and reduce the need for more invasive therapies, including surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.
    Inventors: Bartholomew J. Kane, Dennis P. Orgill
  • Patent number: 8057447
    Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment system is provided for delivering a reduced pressure to a tissue site comprising a distribution manifold including a backing substrate with a first side and a second side and a plurality of protrusions positioned on the first side of the backing substrate, each of the protrusions having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and having a diameter of between about 0.1 and 2.0 millimeters, the backing substrate having a plurality of apertures formed therein to allow fluid communication between the first side and the second side opposite the first side. A reduced pressure source fluidly connects to the apertures of the backing substrate to deliver the reduced pressure through the apertures, between the protrusions, and to the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: KCI Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan S. Olson, Devin C. Ginther, T. Blane Sanders
  • Patent number: 8048046
    Abstract: A system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with the healing of a surgical wound is disclosed. The system may be portable or semi-portable, thereby providing the subject with the ability to be partially or completely ambulatory through the course of the treatment. The system includes a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject and a portable subatmospheric pressure mechanism dimensioned to be carried or worn by the subject. The subatmospheric pressure mechanism includes a housing, a vacuum source at least partially disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the fluid conduit, a filter in fluid communication with the vacuum source, and a collection canister for collecting exudates from the wound bed removed under subatmospheric pressure. An elevation member is mounted with respect to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Michael D. Hudspeth, Michael C. Dorsey, Kenneth M. Breitweiser, James M. Harr
  • Patent number: 8022266
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Boehringer Technologies, L.P.
    Inventors: John R. Boehringer, John Karpowicz, Amitabha Mitra, Christopher L. Radl
  • Patent number: 8007481
    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 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Wayne Schuessler, Ricky A. Sisk
  • Patent number: 8007491
    Abstract: The tissue therapy device includes a sealant layer and a suction apparatus. The sealant layer creates a sealed enclosure between it and the surface of a patient by forming an airtight seal around an area of tissue. The suction apparatus is in fluid communication with the sealant layer and together, create a closed, reduced pressure therapy system. The suction apparatus self-creates reduced pressure by decreasing the density of air molecules underneath the sealant layer by expanding the volume of the air molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Moshe Pinto, Dean Hu, Kenton Fong
  • Patent number: 7988680
    Abstract: A wound dressing member is provided for use in a vacuum bandage connected to a vacuum source. The wound dressing member is also provided for use with a wound having a wound surface. The wound dressing member includes a wound facing surface adapted to be in contact with and generally conform to the wound surface and a plurality of discrete holes formed in the wound facing surface. The member further includes a port configured to communicate with the vacuum source and with each hole formed in the wound facing surface. The wound dressing member further includes a stand-off having interconnected portions coupled to the wound facing surface and configured to provide a space between the wound facing surface and the wound surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: KCI Medical Resources
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Lockwood, Robert Petrosenko, James R. Risk, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7959624
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (100) for treating wounds of the human or animal body using a vacuum and having a gas-tight wound-covering element (4), which, when placed in contact with the body of the patient, forms a wound space (10) between the respective wound and the wound-covering element, at least one connecting site (5.1; 5.2), which is in contact with the wound space (10), an absorption body (2), which is a layer, enclosed in an envelope, of a textile section, interspersed with super-absorbing particles, the envelope being permeable to liquids and having pores, the size of which does not exceed that of the super-absorbing particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Birgit Riesinger
    Inventor: Birgit Riesinger
  • Patent number: 7947033
    Abstract: Wound fluid blood detection systems and methods are described that are operable in conjunction with reduced pressure wound treatment (RPWT) systems, as well as ancillary therapy and monitoring systems applied concurrently with RPWT systems. The blood detection monitor operates by optically characterizing the content of wound fluids to the extent of identifying percentage blood content. This identification relies upon the transmission of select wavelengths of light across a volume of wound fluid to a photo detector (connected to signal processing instrumentation) capable of quantifying the absorption characteristics of the fluid. The detection components may be implemented in conjunction with either a fluid flow conduit (i.e. the reduced pressure tubing directing fluid away from the wound dressing) or more directly in association with the materials that comprise the wound dressing positioned within the wound bed itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: KCI Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Premnarayan Ganapathy, Royce Johnson, Tim Robinson, Christopher B. Locke
  • Patent number: 7883494
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing wounds in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are moved by a device (which may be a single pump or two pumps) for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and over a biodegradable scaffold in contact with the wound bed (which encourages healing tissue growth from the wound bed). The apparatus has means (which includes the device(s)) for providing simultaneous aspiration and irrigation of the wound. A dressing assembly including the dressing and the scaffold, and the dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventor: Robin Paul Martin
  • Patent number: 7811269
    Abstract: A system for stimulating the healing of tissue comprises a porous pad positioned within a wound cavity, and an airtight dressing secured over the pad, so as to provide an airtight seal to the wound cavity. A proximal end of a conduit is connectable to the dressing. A distal end of the conduit is connectable to a negative pressure source, which may be an electric pump housed within a portable housing, or wall suction. A canister is positioned along the conduit to retain exudates suctioned from the wound site during the application of negative pressure. A first hydrophobic filter is positioned at an opening of the canister to detect a canister full condition. A second hydrophobic filter is positioned between the first filter and the negative pressure source to prevent contamination of the non-disposable portion of the system by exudates being drawn from the wound. An odor filter is positioned between the between the first and second hydrophobic filters to aid in the reduction of malodorous vapors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Boynton, Teryl Blane Sanders, Keith Patrick Heaton, Kenneth William Hunt, Mark Stephen James Beard, David M. Tumey, Lawrence Tab Randolph
  • Publication number: 20100249733
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing wounds in which irrigant fluid containing one or more physiologically active components from a means for supplying physiologically active agents from cells or tissue to the wound, e.g. an irrigant reservoir connected to a container that contains a cell or tissue component, in turn connected to a supply tube, connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are moved by a device (which may be a single pump or two or more pumps) for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for providing simultaneous aspiration and irrigation of the wound. The latter removes materials deleterious to wound healing, while distributing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing from cells or tissue and the physiologically active components in therapeutically active amounts in a precise and time-controlled manner over the wound bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Patrick Lewis Blott, Bryan Greener, Edward Yerbury Hartwell, Julian Lee-Webb, Derek Nicolini
  • Patent number: 7779625
    Abstract: A wound therapy device is disclosed. The wound therapy device may include a housing for covering at least a portion of a wound and for sealing to a body surface of a patient. The housing may also include a liquid collector for retaining liquid therein and a vacuum connection for coupling to a vacuum source. The vacuum connection may be in gaseous communication with the liquid collector. The vacuum connection may be separated from the liquid collector by a liquid barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Kalypto Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashok V. Joshi, John Howard Gordon, Sai Bhavaraju, Troy C. Dayton, Jeremy Heiser
  • Patent number: 7763000
    Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is disclosed to provide vacuum therapy to a wound associated with a patient. The wound treatment apparatus comprises a control unit comprising an alarm and a display displaying an alarm log providing information associated with each activation of the alarm. The display also displays information to instruct a user how to operate the wound treatment apparatus. A method of calibrating the control unit is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventors: James R. Risk, Jr., Robert Petrosenko