Wound Irrigation Device

Abstract

An apparatus includes a fluid permeable dressing and a cover membrane configured to extend over the fluid permeable dressing. A tube is coupled to the fluid permeable dressing and is configured to apply suction through the fluid permeable dressing. A fluid reservoir is coupled to the cover membrane, the fluid vessel including an inlet port configured to receive a fluid and an outlet port fluidically coupled to the fluid permeable dressing.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 237,880, entitled “Wound Irrigation Device,” filed on Sep. 29, 2005, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 198,148, entitled “Wound Irrigation Device,” filed Aug. 8, 2005; each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND [0002] The invention is generally directed to a method and apparatus for the promotion of wound healing. More particularly, the present invention relates to providing fluid irrigation and vacuum drainage of a wound. Negative pressure wound therapy, also known as vacuum drainage or closed- suction drainage is known. A vacuum source is connected to a semi-occluded or occluded wound dressing. Various porous dressings comprising gauze, felts, foams, beads and / or fibers can be used in conjunction with an occlusive semi-permeable cover and a controlled vacuum source. [0003] In addition to using negative ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a wound irrigation system that uses an electromechanical vacuum apparatus to create a therapeutic vacuum. The system includes a microprocessor-based device that controls the vacuum pump and a canister for collecting the vacuum. The system also includes a dressing with a porous material and a flexible cover for distributing the vacuum pressure throughout the wound. The invention improves the generation and control of the therapeutic vacuum by monitoring the vacuum levels and canister pressure, and using a multi-modal algorithm to remove air from the system. The dressing can be made with various materials that promote wound healing, such as antibacterial, biodegradable, or bioactive materials. The invention provides a portable and effective therapy for wound irrigation and vacuum drainage."

Problems solved by technology

In addition to using negative pressure wound therapy, many devices employ concomitant wound irrigation.

The wound irrigation apparatus, although able to provide efficacious therapy, is somewhat cumbersome, difficult to use, and generally impractical.

Such a device does not address various factors concerning patients, specifically ease of use, portability and the ability to provide therapy with a minimum amount of unwanted mechanical noise.

Such devices also fail to address portability, ease of use and noise reduction.

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