Method for debriding wounds

Abstract

A method enabling relatively pain-free wound debridement is provided. The method entails double-delivering ultrasound to the wound and dissecting material to be debrided with a cutting edge. Delivering ultrasound energy via a coupling medium to an area of the wound within the vicinity of the material to be debrided and exposing the material to be debrided to ultrasound vibrations as to induce vibrations about the point of dissection, the double-delivery of ultrasound elicits an effect allowing for relatively pain-free debridement. While the effect elicited by the double-delivery is in place, the material to be debrided is dissected with a cutting edge.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO ELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 857,162 filed Sep. 18, 2007, the teachings of which are hereby incorporated by reference.[0002]This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 449,220 filed Jun. 7, 2006, the teaching of which are hereby incorporated by referenceBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]1. Field of the Invention[0004]The present invention relates to a method for debriding wounds and / or dissecting tissues from the body.[0005]2. Description of the Related Art[0006]When confronted with wounded tissue, physicians and similar practitioners of the medical arts may rely on numerous methods to treat the wound. Despite the repertoire of available techniques, treating severe and / or chronic wounds can be especially difficult. To assist in healing, the practitioner may have to resort to surgical debridement. During debridement, the practitioner removes mater...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method for debriding wounds using ultrasound energy and vibrations. The double-delivery technique involves exposing the wound to both ultrasound energy and vibrations at different points in the procedure. This combined effect results in relatively pain-free debridement. The vibrations can be induced by using a consistent and narrow diameter ultrasound horn with a larger cross section at its proximal end. The use of the same structure as a cutting device simplifies the procedure and allows for simultaneous debridement and dissection. The double-delivery technique reduces the patient's physiological perception of pain and allows for relatively pain-free wound debridement.

Problems solved by technology

Treating severe and / or chronic wounds can be especially difficult.

Successful treatment often requires repeated debridement.

The painful nature of surgical debridement, however, often results in poor patient compliance.

In the case of infected and / or inflamed wounds, surgical debridement may be even more painful, resulting in lower rates of patient compliance.

An untreated wound becomes at risk for developing an infection and / or other complications.

As the complications increase in severity, the patient may experience a reduced quality of life.

For instance, an untreated diabetic foot ulcer on a patient's foot may become so painful that the patient has difficulty walking.

Exposing the wound to one of the ultrasound deliveries without the other will not allow for relatively pain-free debridement.

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