Analytical method for controlled and measured internal fluid after surgery

Abstract

A system and apparatus for the collection of serous or serosanguinous fluid from a percutaneous site after surgery. A pump unit with one or more pumps or powered sources provide continuous negative pressure suction to draw fluid from the percutaneous site and pumps the fluid into disposable reservoirs with one-way valves that are easy to handle while maintaining sterility and a seal to prevent the loss of vacuum. Air is continuously removed from the reservoirs. Measurement and analysis of the output is performed automatically. Additionally, through such a peristaltic pump device, controlled collection of measured surgical and / or bodily fluid from a subject patient may be undertaken allowing for more effective and closer analysis, as well.

Description

[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15 / 604,254, filed on May 24, 2017, which claims benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Applications Nos. 62 / 340,853, filed May 24, 2016, now expired, and 62 / 409,400, filed Oct. 18, 2016, expired, and is entitled to priority to those filing dates. The specifications, drawings, appendices, and complete disclosures of U.S. Provisional Applications Nos. 62 / 340,853 and 62 / 409,400 as well as U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15 / 604,254, are incorporated herein by specific reference for all purposes.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to medical devices, particularly those used to drain serous or serosanguinous fluid from the percutaneous site after surgery. Additionally, this disclosure relates to the utilization of a disclosed peristaltic device for uniform and controlled collection of seroma fluid for analysis thereof.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a device that helps remove excess air and prevents clogging in wounds. It uses a powered negative pressure source and disposable reservoirs with one-way valves to maintain sterility. It provides continuous negative pressure suction, which is not possible with prior art devices. The device can automatically measure and collect fluid measurements, which can be useful in detecting infections or other medical conditions. The device is easy to use, prevents the need for patient self-measurements, and can be used by patients who do not have a partner. It can help manage drain care and improve patient outcomes.

Problems solved by technology

There are large amounts of fluid that collect in patients who undergo large void-forming surgeries.

This results in large volumes to be collected, measured, and emptied.

Otherwise, either the reservoir is filled quickly with air / liquid mixture and emptying must take place to remove fluid often, or the reservoir overfills leading to high pressure levels and possibly backflow.

Prior art devices do not provide a means of applying continuous negative pressure to the percutaneous wound site.

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