Connecting device for establishing fluid connection between negative pressure wound dressing and negative pressure source, negative pressure wound therapy kit and negative pressure wound therapy system

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting device (20) for producing a vacuum-tight fluid connection between a vacuum wound dressing (16) and a vacuum source (12), having an elongate single-lumen or multi-lumen connecting hose (22), which comprises a distal end section (26) and a proximal end section (24), and wherein the distal end section (26) can be in vacuum-tight fluid connection with a vacuum wound dressing (16); the invention relates to a connecting hose (22) comprising a proximal end section (24) and a connecting element (34) comprising a fluid inlet (36) and a fluid outlet, an inlet section (38) of the connecting element (34), which surrounds the fluid inlet (36), projects into a hose chamber (40) of the connecting hose (22) in the region of the proximal end section (24), and the fluid outlet is arranged outside the hose chamber (40) and can be fluidically connected to a vacuum source (12) in a vacuum-tight manner, according to the invention, a filter unit (42) is arranged on the inlet section (38), which filter unit is assigned to the fluid inlet (36) and is designed to be gas-permeable but liquid-impermeable.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting device for establishing a negative-pressure seal fluid connection between a negative-pressure wound dressing and a negative-pressure source. The present invention also relates to a negative-pressure wound treatment kit having such a connecting device. In addition, the present invention also relates to a negative-pressure wound treatment system, which includes a negative-pressure source and such a negative-pressure wound treatment kit. Background Art

[0002] Negative-pressure wound treatment, also known as NPWT (Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy), is an innovative wound treatment method applicable to a variety of indications. Among them, for example, it includes acute skin or soft tissue defects, wound healing disorders, chronic wounds, etc. The purpose of negative-pressure treatment is to stimulate granulation tissue growth and promote the healing process. For this purpose, within the scope of negative-pressure treatment, negative pressure is generated in the wound area, so that wound exudate can be effectively discharged from the wound.

[0003] The negative-pressure wound dressing used in negative-pressure treatment usually includes an airtight covering layer for gas-tightly closing the wound. A connection opening is formed in the covering layer for establishing a negative-pressure seal fluid connection between the wound site and the negative-pressure source. When the negative-pressure wound dressing is applied to the wound as expected and the negative-pressure source is fluidly connected to the connection opening in a negative-pressure seal, negative pressure can be generated at the wound site by the negative-pressure source. In order to establish a negative-pressure seal fluid connection between the negative-pressure wound dressing and the negative-pressure source, a connecting device including a long, single-chamber or multi-chamber connecting hose is usually used. The distal end section of the connecting hose can be fluidly connected to the negative-pressure wound dressing in a negative-pressure seal. The proximal end section of the connecting hose can be fluidly connected to the negative-pressure source in a negative-pressure seal.

[0004] For example, a connecting device of this type is known from the published document WO 2016 184 916A1. In order to establish a connection between the proximal end section of a connecting hose and a negative pressure source, the connecting device includes a connecting element having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The inlet section of the connecting element surrounding the fluid inlet extends into the hose lumen of the connecting hose in the region of the proximal end section. The fluid outlet of the connecting element is arranged outside the hose lumen and can be fluid-connected to the negative pressure source in a negative pressure-tight manner. In the connecting device disclosed in the published document WO 2016 184 917A1, a filter unit is arranged at the distal end section of the connecting hose. When the connecting device is used as intended, the filter unit prevents wound exudate from entering the connecting hose and the downstream negative pressure source. Otherwise, the wound exudate may contaminate and / or damage the negative pressure source. However, since the filter unit is arranged at the distal end section or near the negative pressure wound dressing, the filter unit may be wetted and blocked by the wound exudate before the absorption capacity of the negative pressure wound dressing for the wound exudate has been fully utilized. Thus, the negative pressure wound dressing must be replaced prematurely unnecessarily. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object on which the present invention is based is to provide a connecting device which effectively prevents wound exudate from flowing into the negative pressure source when used as intended in negative pressure treatment. At the same time, the absorption capacity of the negative pressure wound dressing for the wound exudate should be optimally utilized as much as possible.

[0006] According to the present invention, this object is achieved by the connecting device according to claim 1, the negative pressure wound treatment kit according to claim 18, and the negative pressure wound treatment system according to claim 19.

[0007] The dependent claims and the description give advantageous variants and embodiments.

[0008] Therefore, according to the present invention, a connecting device for establishing a negative pressure-tight fluid connection between a negative pressure wound dressing and a negative pressure source is proposed. The connecting device includes an elongate single-chamber or multi-chamber connecting hose. The distal end section of the connecting hose can be fluid-connected to the negative pressure wound dressing in a negative pressure-tight manner.

[0009] Herein, "negative pressure-tight fluid connection" should be understood as: considering the negative pressure source used, a negative pressure required for treating a wound by negative pressure can be maintained in the cavities fluid-connected to each other. Generally, within the scope of negative pressure treatment, a pressure difference is set between the air pressure in the wound dressing and the ambient air pressure, and the pressure difference is at least 20 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) to at most 250 mm Hg. 1 mm Hg is equal to one Torr or 133.322 Pa (Pascals).

[0010] The terms "distal" and "proximal" describe the arrangement relative to the negative pressure source. The proximal section of a component is closer to the negative pressure source than the distal section of that component. In this context, for example when a connecting hose is used as intended, the proximal end section of the connecting hose is closer to the negative pressure source than the distal end section.

[0011] The connecting device according to the invention further comprises a connecting element which includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The inlet section of the connecting element surrounding the fluid inlet projects into the hose lumen of the connecting hose in the region of the proximal end section. The fluid outlet is arranged outside the hose lumen and can be fluid-connected to the negative pressure source in a negatively sealed manner.

[0012] In this case, it is proposed that a filter unit is arranged at the inlet section of the connecting element, the filter unit being assigned to the fluid inlet and being designed to be air-permeable but liquid-impermeable. Since the filter unit is assigned to the fluid inlet, the fluid must pass through the filter unit in order to enter the connecting element from the hose lumen via the fluid inlet. Since the filter unit is designed to be air-permeable, the negative pressure can be accessed from the negative pressure source through the filter unit to the hose lumen, the negative pressure wound dressing and the wound site. Since the filter unit is designed to be liquid-impermeable, the inflow of wound exudate into the negative pressure source is effectively avoided. As mentioned above, such an inflow of wound exudate can lead to contamination and / or damage to the negative pressure source. By arranging the filter unit at the inlet section, an optimal utilization of the absorption capacity of the negative pressure wound dressing is achieved as much as possible. In particular, the filter unit will only be blocked by the wound exudate when the absorption capacity of the negative pressure wound dressing is exceeded and the wound exudate thus enters the proximal end section of the connecting hose. Preferably, the filter unit is arranged at the outer contour of the inlet section. Implementing the connecting device in this way is easy to achieve in terms of manufacturing technology.

[0013] The connecting hose can be designed as single-chamber or multi-chamber. For a single-chamber connecting hose, there is only a single hose lumen which extends from the distal end section to the proximal end section. When the connecting device is used as intended, the hose lumen serves as the suction lumen. For a multi-chamber connecting hose, the hose lumen is divided into a plurality of sub-lumens which each extend from the distal end section to the proximal end section. Preferably, these sub-lumens are connected to the inlet opening formed in the distal end section in parallel with each other, wherein a respective through-passage is assigned to each sub-lumen in the region of the proximal end section. For such a multi-chamber connecting hose, when the connecting device is used as intended, the first sub-lumen among the sub-lumens serves as the suction lumen. The connecting element projects into this sub-lumen via the assigned through-passage in the region of the proximal end section. The second sub-lumen among the sub-lumens can be used as a flushing lumen and / or a measuring lumen, for example.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the filtration unit comprises at least one liquid-impermeable but breathable membrane filter. The membrane filter can be obtained cost-effectively and can precisely match the fluid inlet. Preferably, the membrane filter is connected to the inlet section by an adhesive connection or a welded connection, in particular to the outer contour of the inlet section. Particularly preferably, the filtration unit comprises at least one membrane filter designed as a PTFE membrane filter. Such a membrane filter has advantageous dehumidifying properties. This means that the membrane filter will not become permanently blocked when only slightly wetted by wound exudate. Instead, the wound exudate will flow back from the membrane filter, thus keeping the membrane filter breathable.

[0015] The fluid inlet comprises at least one inlet opening. In particular, the fluid inlet comprises only one inlet opening. However, the fluid inlet preferably comprises a plurality of inlet openings. Particularly preferably, the plurality of inlet openings are covered by a common membrane filter of the filtration unit. This has the advantage that the filtration unit has a smaller number of parts, which results in lower manufacturing costs. Alternatively, the filtration unit comprises a plurality of membrane filters, where these membrane filters each cover a different inlet opening or a plurality of different inlet openings.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the inlet section is designed to be widened transversely to the longitudinal extension direction of the connecting element. That is, the transverse extension dimension of the inlet section is greater than the transverse extension dimension of the section of the connecting element that is directly connected to the inlet section in the direction towards the fluid outlet. This has the advantage that a fluid inlet with a larger opening area can be realized in the inlet section. Correspondingly, the effective filtration area of the filtration unit can also be increased. Thereby, the possibility of the filtration unit becoming blocked prematurely (i.e., before exceeding the absorption capacity of the wound dressing) is reduced.

[0017] Preferably, at least one inlet opening of the fluid inlet is formed in a flat-designed wall section of the inlet section. Such an inlet opening can be covered particularly reliably by the membrane filter. Preferably, all inlet openings of the fluid inlet are formed in one flat-designed wall section of the inlet section or in a plurality of flat-designed wall sections of the inlet section.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the inlet section includes a first wall section and a second wall section, the first wall section and the second wall section meet at an acute angle at the leading edge of the inlet section, and the fluid inlet includes at least one inlet opening formed in the first wall section and / or at least one inlet opening formed in the second wall section. Designing the inlet section in this way has the following advantages on the one hand: it is possible to easily place a single membrane filter at the inlet section in such a way that it is arranged on both the first wall section and the second wall section at the same time. For this purpose, the membrane filter can, for example, be folded or bent around the leading edge of the inlet section. In addition, the inlet section with a sharp angle at the leading edge can be easily inserted between the layered elements (such as the support layer) that may be present in the hose cavity. These layered elements can prevent the hose wall of the connecting hose from lying flat against the first wall section and the second wall section and thus closing the fluid inlet. Preferably, the first wall section and the second wall section meet at an acute angle, and the acute angle is at most 60°, in particular at most 45°, in particular at most 30°. Preferably, the first wall section and / or the second wall section are designed to be flat. The leading edge is preferably oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal extension direction of the connecting hose.

[0019] Particularly preferably, at least one inlet opening is formed in each of the first wall section and the second wall section. This enables a fluid inlet with a particularly large opening area. Particularly preferably, there is such a membrane filter that is folded or bent around the leading edge and covers both the at least one inlet opening in the first wall section and the at least one inlet opening in the second wall section. Alternatively, the at least one inlet opening in the first wall section and the at least one inlet opening in the second wall section are each covered by a different membrane filter.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the inlet section includes a third wall section and a fourth wall section, the third wall section and the fourth wall section extend orthogonally to the first wall section and the second wall section, and the third wall section and the fourth wall section are designed to be closed. The inlet opening in the third wall section or the fourth wall section can only be covered at increased cost. Correspondingly, such an inlet opening is preferably omitted.

[0021] Preferably, the inlet section is designed to be wedge-shaped. The wedge-shaped inlet section advantageously combines the above-mentioned preferred features.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the connecting hose includes a first layer and a second layer, wherein these layers are connected to each other in a material-locking manner in their edge regions and jointly enclose a hose cavity. The first layer and the second layer together form the hose wall of the connecting hose. By forming the hose wall from these two layers, the assembly of the connecting device is simplified. Preferably, the first layer and the second layer are designed as film layers. Correspondingly, the connecting hose is a film hose. Preferably, these layers are welded or bonded to each other in their edge regions.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the connecting element extends into the hose cavity via a through-passage formed between the edge regions of the first layer and the edge regions of the second layer. Such a connecting device can be realized at low cost in terms of manufacturing technology. For example, during the manufacturing process, the connecting element is first arranged between the two layers. Then, the two layers are joined together in a material-locking manner at their edge regions. In addition, it has the following advantages: Since there is a large contact area between the outer contour of the connecting element and the edge regions of these layers, a reliable seal of the hose cavity can be achieved. Preferably, the edge regions of the two layers abut against the outer contour of the connecting element in a fluid-tight manner. According to an alternative embodiment, the connecting element extends into the hose cavity via a through-passage formed in the first layer or the second layer.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the section of the connecting element arranged in the through-passage includes at least one projection for holding this section in the through-passage in a form-fitting and / or clamping-fitting manner. Thereby, it is reliably avoided that the connecting element slips out of the proximal end section. Preferably, the projection or the projections are integrally formed with the connecting element.

[0025] Preferably, a support unit is arranged in the hose cavity, which supports the connecting hose to prevent collapse especially caused by negative pressure and allows fluid to pass in the longitudinal extension direction of the hose cavity, wherein the support unit includes at least one support layer, and wherein the connecting element and the support layer partially overlap. Since the support layer and the connecting element partially overlap, the hose wall is prevented from abutting against the wall section of the inlet section facing the support layer. Correspondingly, the inlet opening formed in the relevant wall section is not closed by the hose wall.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the support layer consists of a section of a flat material web, the section of the flat material web being designed to support the connecting hose in such a way that the section of the flat material web is structured by elevations integrally formed in the plane of the section of the flat material web, wherein continuous gaps are formed between the elevations, which allow fluid to pass in the longitudinal extension direction of the hose cavity. The section of the flat material web formed in the above manner can be obtained cost-effectively. This especially results from the fact that the formation of the elevations can be advantageously integrated into the manufacture of the section of the flat material web. The section of the flat material web is a section of a flat material web. For example, the section of the flat material web is cut out from the flat material web. Preferably, the elevations are already formed in the flat material web. However, the elevations can also be formed only in the section of the flat material web. In particular, the flat material web is a plastic film web, so the section of the flat material web is designed as a plastic film.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the support unit includes at least two stacked support layers, and the connecting element extends between the support layers. Thereby, it is particularly effectively avoided that the hose wall abuts against the inlet section and thus closes the fluid inlet.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting element includes a negative pressure hose integrally formed with the connecting element, and the negative pressure hose can be fluid-connected to a negative pressure source in a negative pressure-tight manner. Thereby, the number of required parts can be reduced. In such an embodiment, the fluid outlet is preferably constituted by a negative pressure hose integrally formed with the connecting element.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting element includes a pipe joint for fluid-connecting to a negative pressure hose in a negative pressure-tight manner. This has the advantage that different negative pressure hoses can be selected respectively according to the application situation. For example, negative pressure hoses with different hose lengths can be selected. In such an embodiment, the fluid outlet is preferably constituted by the pipe joint.

[0030] The object to be achieved is also achieved by a negative pressure wound treatment kit, which includes a negative pressure wound dressing and a connecting device having the above-mentioned features, wherein the distal end section of the connecting device can be fluid-connected to the negative pressure wound dressing in a negative pressure-tight manner.

[0031] Regarding the advantages that can be achieved by the negative pressure wound treatment kit, please refer to the relevant embodiments of the connecting device. The features described in connection with the connecting device can be used for further design of the negative pressure wound treatment kit.

[0032] The object to be achieved is also achieved by a negative pressure wound treatment system, which includes a negative pressure wound treatment kit having the above-mentioned features. The negative pressure wound treatment system according to the present invention further includes a negative pressure source, wherein the fluid outlet of the connecting element can be fluid-connected to the negative pressure source in a negative pressure-tight manner.

[0033] Regarding the advantages that can be achieved by the negative pressure wound treatment system, please refer to the relevant embodiments of the connecting device. The features described in connection with the connecting device can be used for further design of the negative pressure wound treatment system. Description of the Drawings

[0034] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with the aid of the drawings, wherein the same or functionally identical elements are only labeled with reference numerals once when necessary. These drawings are only examples and should not be construed as restrictive. In the drawings:

[0035] Figure 1 A negative pressure wound treatment system is shown, which has a connecting device including a connecting element,

[0036] Figure 2 A top view of the connecting element is shown,

[0037] Figure 3 shows Figure 1 a longitudinal section of the shown connecting device in the region of the connecting element,

[0038] Figure 4 a top view of a section of a flat material web arranged as a support layer in the hose chamber of the connecting device, and

[0039] Figure 5 shows Figure 4 a sectional view of the shown section of the flat material web along the cutting line A - A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Figure 1 shows a negative pressure wound therapy system 10 for treating wounds with negative pressure. The negative pressure wound therapy system 10 includes a negative pressure source 12 and a negative pressure wound therapy kit 14. The negative pressure wound therapy kit 14 includes a negative pressure wound dressing 16, which is hereinafter referred to as the wound dressing 16. The wound dressing 16 includes an airtight cover layer 18 for gas - tightly enclosing the wound. The negative pressure wound therapy kit 14 also includes a connecting device 20. The connecting device 20 includes an elongate connecting hose 22 having a proximal end section 24 and a distal end section 26. Here, the connecting hose 22 is designed to be single - chambered.

[0041] The distal end section 26 can be fluid - connected in a negative - pressure - tight manner to a connection opening 28 formed in the cover layer 18. In Figure 1 the shown negative pressure wound therapy system 10, the distal end section 26 has already been connected to the connection opening 28, so that the connection opening 28 is covered by the distal end section 26. The distal end section 26 includes an inlet opening 30. The distal end section 26 is arranged at the wound dressing 16 in such a way that the connection opening 28 and the inlet opening 30 of the distal end section 26 at least partially overlap each other.

[0042] The surface of the distal end section 26 is widened compared to the elongate intermediate section 32 of the connecting hose 22. Here, the distal end section 26 is widened in a disk - like shape. By widening the distal end section 26, the connection of the distal end section 26 to the wound dressing 16 is simplified.

[0043] The proximal end section 24 can be fluid - connected in a negative - pressure - tight manner to the negative pressure source 12. For this purpose, the connecting device 20 includes a connecting element 34 having a fluid inlet 36 and a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet 36 and the fluid outlet are fluid - connected to each other through a fluid channel formed in the connecting element 34.

[0044] Hereinafter, reference is also made to Figure 2 and Figure 3 for a detailed description of the design of the connecting element 34. For this purpose,Figure 2 Shows a top view of the connecting element 34. Figure 3 Shows a longitudinal section of the connecting device 20 in the region of the proximal end section 24. Here, the orientation of the section plane shows a side view of the connecting element 34.

[0045] The inlet section 38 of the connecting element 34 that surrounds the fluid inlet 36 extends into the hose cavity 40 of the connecting hose 22 in the region of the proximal end section 24. Thus, the fluid inlet 36 is arranged in the hose cavity 40. The fluid outlet is arranged outside the hose cavity 40 and can be fluidly connected to the negative pressure source 12 in a negative pressure-tight manner. Correspondingly, the proximal end section 24 of the connecting hose 22 can be fluidly connected to the negative pressure source 12 in a negative pressure-tight manner via the connecting element 34.

[0046] Here, the connecting element 34 includes a negative pressure hose 84 integrally formed with the connecting element 34. The fluid outlet not shown is constituted by the negative pressure hose 84. According to another embodiment, the connecting element 34 includes, for example, a pipe joint that forms the fluid outlet of the connecting element and can be fluidly connected to the negative pressure hose in a negative pressure-tight manner.

[0047] A filter unit 42 is arranged at the inlet section 38 and is assigned to the fluid inlet 36. The filter unit 42 is designed to be air-permeable but liquid-impermeable.

[0048] When the negative pressure wound treatment system 10 is used as intended, the wound dressing 16 is applied to the wound. The negative pressure source 12 is fluidly connected to the wound dressing 16 in a negative pressure-tight manner via the connecting device 20. Then, a negative pressure can be generated at the wound site by the negative pressure source 12. The negative pressure causes wound exudate to drain from the wound and be absorbed by the wound dressing 16, for example, by the absorption layer of the wound dressing 16. Since the filter unit 42 is designed to be air-permeable, the negative pressure can access the wound site through the filter unit 42. Since the filter unit 42 is designed to be liquid-impermeable, the filter unit 42 prevents wound exudate from entering the negative pressure source 12. Since the filter unit 42 is arranged at the inlet section 38, the filter unit 42 will only be blocked by wound exudate when the absorption capacity of the wound dressing 16 for wound exudate is exceeded. If the filter unit is arranged, for example, at the distal end section 26 and is assigned to the inlet opening 30 of the distal end section 26, the filter unit 42 may be more easily blocked before the absorption capacity of the wound dressing 16 is exceeded.

[0049] The inlet section 38 is designed to be widened transversely to the longitudinal extension direction of the connecting element 34. This has the advantage that a fluid inlet 36 with a larger opening area can be achieved. Correspondingly, a filter unit 42 with a larger filtering area can also be used, and the advantage of this is that the filter unit 42 is blocked by wound exudate more slowly.

[0050] The inlet section 38 is designed as a wedge. For this purpose, the inlet section 38 includes a first wall section 44 and a second wall section 46, which meet at an acute angle at the leading edge 49 of the inlet section 38. Here, the acute angle is approximately 20°. The first wall section 44 and the second wall section 46 are designed to be flat. From Figure 2 it can be seen that the first wall section 44 is designed as a rectangle. The corresponding also applies to the second wall section 46 that is not visible in Figure 2 .

[0051] The fluid inlet 36 includes an inlet opening 48 formed in the first wall section 44. The inlet opening 48 is designed as a rectangle. Preferably, the inlet opening 48 occupies at least 40%, particularly preferably at least 60%, of the surface of the first wall section 44. An inlet opening 48 is also formed in the second wall section 46. This inlet opening is hidden in the figure and thus not visible.

[0052] The inlet section 38 further includes a third wall section 50 and a fourth wall section 51. The third wall section 50 and the fourth wall section 51 extend orthogonally to the first wall section 44 and the second wall section 46. The third wall section 50 and the fourth wall section 51 are designed to be closed, so there are no inlet openings in these wall sections 50 and 51.

[0053] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the filter unit 42 includes only a single breathable but liquid-impermeable membrane filter 52. Here, the membrane filter 52 is a PTFE membrane filter 52. The membrane filter 52 is arranged at the inlet section 38 in such a way that it covers the inlet openings 48 in the first wall section 44 and the second wall section 46. For this purpose, the membrane filter 52 is bent around the leading edge 49 of the inlet section 38 and abuts against the first wall section 44 and the second wall section 46. Preferably, the membrane filter 52 is materially connected to the inlet section 38, for example, by a welding connection or an adhesive connection.

[0054] According to another embodiment, instead of a single membrane filter 52, the filter unit 42 includes, for example, a number of membrane filters corresponding to the number of inlet openings 48, where each membrane filter covers a different inlet opening 48 respectively.

[0055] The connecting hose 22 includes a lower or first layer 54 and an upper or second layer 56. The layers 54 and 56 are connected to each other at their edge regions and together form the hose wall of the connecting hose 22. Here, the layers 54 and 56 are designed as thin film layers. Correspondingly, the connecting hose 22 is a thin film hose. Preferably, the layers 54 and 56 are made of polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, silicone resin, or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the edge regions of the layers 54 and 56 are connected to each other by an adhesive connection or a welding connection. The inlet opening 30 of the distal end section 26 is formed in the first layer 54.

[0056] The connecting element 34 projects into the hose cavity 40 via the through-passage 58, which is formed between the edge regions of the first layer 54 and the edge regions of the second layer 56. Despite the widened inlet section 38, the connecting device 20 is still easy to implement in terms of manufacturing technology in this way. Preferably, during the manufacturing process, the connecting element 34 is arranged between the two layers 54 and 56. Only then are the layers 54 and 56 connected to each other at their edge regions. Arranging the connecting element 34 in the through-passage 58 formed between the edge regions also has the advantage that a larger contact area is obtained between the outer contour of the connecting element 34 and the layers 54 and 56. This simplifies the fluid-tight passage of the connecting element 34 through the hose wall of the connecting hose 22.

[0057] The section 60 of the connecting element 34 arranged in the through-passage 58 includes a plurality of protrusions 62. The protrusions 62 project laterally from the section 60 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extension direction of the connecting element 34 and cooperate with the edge regions of the layers 54 and 56 in order to hold the section 60 in the through-passage 58 in a form-fitting and clamping manner.

[0058] Here, the connecting device 20 also includes, for example, a support unit 64, which supports the connecting hose 22 in order to prevent collapse especially due to negative pressure and allows fluid to pass through in the longitudinal extension direction of the hose cavity 40. The support unit 64 includes a plurality of support layers 66, which are stacked in the hose cavity 40. Here, there are six support layers 66. However, other numbers of support layers 66 can also be present.

[0059] In the case shown here by way of example, the inlet section 38 projects between two directly adjacent support layers 66. Thereby, it is avoided that the hose wall of the connecting hose 22 lies flat against the inlet section 38 and thus closes the fluid inlet 36.

[0060] In the following, reference is also made to Figure 4 and Figure 5 for a detailed explanation of the design of the support layers 66. For this purpose, Figure 4 shows a top view of one of the support layers 66. It should be noted that only a partial view of the support layer 66 is shown in Figure 4 . Correspondingly, the actual outer contour of the support layer 66 deviates from the outer contour shown in Figure 4 . Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the support layer 66 along the section line A-A shown in Figure 4 .

[0061] In the embodiment shown here, the support layer 66 consists of a section 68 of a flat material web. The section 68 of the flat material web extends in two surface directions X and Y. In order to support the connecting hose 22, the first side 70 of the section 68 of the flat material web is structurally designed by means of projections 74 integrally formed in the plane 72 of the section 68 of the flat material web. Continuous gaps 76 are formed between the projections 74, such that fluid (e.g. wound exudate) can be conveyed via the gaps 76.

[0062] In at least some of the projections 74, end-side through-holes 80 are formed in the protruding end side 78 of the relevant projection 74. Here, end-side through-holes 80 are respectively formed in all the projections 74. Through the end-side through-holes 80, fluid (such as wound exudate) can pass through the section 68 of the flat material web and then be distributed on both sides of the section 68 of the flat material web. The second side 82 of the section 68 of the flat material web, which faces away from the structured first side 70, is designed to be smooth.

[0063] In order to form the continuous gaps 76, the projections 74 are arranged isolated from one another in islands. In the embodiment shown, the shape of the projections 74 resembles a hyperboloid of one sheet. Here, the projections 74 are thus designed to be hyperboloid-shaped. For this purpose, the covering walls of the projections 74 are reciprocally curved. Alternatively, the projections 74 are preferably designed to be conical (i.e. frustum-shaped), cylindrical or truncated conical.

[0064] The projections 74 are distributed and arranged in such a way that at least in the central region of the section 68 of the flat material web, each projection among the projections 74 is surrounded by three to eight further projections 74, where the further projections 74 together form a regular polygon. Here, these further projections 74 together form a regular hexagon. That is, at least in the central region of the section 68 of the flat material web, each projection among the projections 74 is surrounded by six further projections 74.

[0065] Here, the section 68 of the flat material web is a plastic film 68. Preferably, the plastic film 68 is made of polyethylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride or a mixture thereof. These plastics have the advantage that a flexible connecting hose 22 is obtained, which relates to a high level of comfort for the patient. Thus, the occurrence of pressure ulcers can be avoided, for example, by implementing the connecting hose 22 flexibly. In addition, the above-mentioned plastics also have sufficient rigidity. In this regard, these plastics ensure that, when the connecting device 22 is in use, the continuous gaps 76 are still maintained despite the generation of negative pressure.

[0066] The projection 74 is produced by means of vacuum deep drawing. Preferably, for this purpose, a flat material web (in particular a plastic film web) which has been extruded or calendered and is still in the molten state is guided onto a rotating, perforated negative pressure roller. Then, the flat material web is locally sucked into the holes of the vacuum perforation roller by the negative pressure in the perforated negative pressure roller, thereby forming the projection 74. Here, the shape of the obtained projection 74 is determined, for example, by the contour of the holes and the negative pressure used. Preferably, the negative pressure in the perforated negative pressure roller is adjusted such that the end side 78 of the projection 74 is open. Thus, the projection 74 and the end side through-hole 80 are formed in the same process step.

[0067] The above combination Figure 4 and Figure 5 The described embodiment of the support layer 66 is preferred. However, a different support layer 66 can also be used. According to another embodiment, the support layer 66 is correspondingly formed by an openwork fabric or an extrusion grid (Extrusionsgitter).

Claims

1. A connecting device (20) for establishing a negative pressure seal fluid connection between a negative pressure wound dressing (16) and a negative pressure source (12), the connecting device having: An elongated single or multi-chamber connecting hose (22), the connecting hose including a distal end section (26) and a proximal end section (24), and wherein The distal end section (26) is capable of being fluidly connected to the negative pressure wound dressing (16) in a negative pressure sealed manner; and A connecting element (34), the connecting element including a fluid inlet (36) and a fluid outlet, wherein An inlet section (38) of the connecting element (34) surrounding the fluid inlet (36) extends into a hose cavity (40) of the connecting hose (22) in the region of the proximal end section (24), and wherein The fluid outlet is arranged outside the hose cavity (40) and is capable of being fluidly connected to the negative pressure source (12) in a negative pressure sealed manner, characterized in that, A filter unit (42) is arranged at the inlet section (38), the filter unit being assigned to the fluid inlet (36) and being designed to be gas permeable but liquid impermeable.

2. The connecting device (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter unit (42) includes at least one gas permeable but liquid impermeable membrane filter (52), in particular a PTFE membrane filter (52).

3. The connecting device (20) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fluid inlet (36) includes a plurality of inlet openings (48), the plurality of inlet openings being covered by a common membrane filter (52).

4. The connecting device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The inlet section (38) is designed to be widened transversely to the longitudinal extension direction of the connecting element (34).

5. The connecting device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, At least one inlet opening (48) of the fluid inlet (36) is formed in a flat wall section (44, 46) of the inlet section (38).

6. The connecting device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The inlet section (38) includes a first wall section (44) and a second wall section (46), the first wall section and the second wall section meeting at an acute angle at a leading edge (49) of the inlet section (38), and the fluid inlet (36) includes at least one inlet opening (48) formed in the first wall section (44) and / or at least one inlet opening (48) formed in the second wall section (46).

7. The connecting device (20) according to claim 6, characterized in that, At least one inlet opening (48) is respectively formed in the first wall section (44) and the second wall section (46).

8. The connecting device (20) according to one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that The inlet section (38) includes a third wall section (50) and a fourth wall section (51), the third wall section and the fourth wall section extending orthogonally to the first wall section (44) and the second wall section (46), and the third wall section (50) and the fourth wall section (51) are designed to be closed.

9. The connecting device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The inlet section (38) is designed to be wedge-shaped.

10. The connecting device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The connecting hose (22) includes a first layer (54) and a second layer (56), wherein the layers (54, 56) are connected to each other in a material-fitting manner at their edge regions and jointly enclose the hose cavity (40).

11. The connecting device (20) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The connecting element (34) extends into the hose cavity (40) via a through-passage (58) which is formed between the edge regions of the first layer (54) and the edge regions of the second layer (56).

12. The connecting device (20) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The section (60) of the connecting element (34) arranged in the through-passage (58) includes at least one projection (62) for holding the section (60) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner in the through-passage (58).

13. The connecting device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, A support unit (64) is arranged in the hose cavity (40), which supports the connecting hose (22) to prevent collapse especially caused by negative pressure and allows fluid to pass in the longitudinal extension direction of the hose cavity (40), wherein the support unit (64) includes at least one support layer (66), and wherein the connecting element (34) and the support layer (66) partially overlap.

14. The connecting device (20) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The support layer (66) is composed of a flat material web section (68), which is designed to support the connecting hose (22) in such a way that the flat material web section is structured by projections (74) integrally formed in the plane (72) of the flat material web section (68), wherein continuous gaps (76) are formed between the projections (74), and the gaps allow fluid to pass in the longitudinal extension direction of the hose cavity (40).

15. The connecting device (20) according to one of claims 13 and 14, characterized in that, The support unit (64) includes at least two superimposed support layers (66), and the connecting element (34) extends between the support layers (66).

16. The connecting device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that, The connecting element (34) includes a negative pressure hose (84) integrally formed with the connecting element (34), and the negative pressure hose can be fluidly connected to the negative pressure source (12) in a negative pressure-tight manner.

17. The connecting device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that, The connecting element (34) includes a pipe joint for fluidly connecting to a negative pressure hose in a negative pressure-tight manner.

18. A negative pressure wound treatment kit (14), having a negative pressure wound dressing (16) and a connecting device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the distal end section (26) of the connecting hose (22) can be fluidly connected to the negative pressure wound dressing (16) in a negative pressure-tight manner.

19. A negative pressure wound treatment system (10), having the negative pressure wound treatment kit (14) according to claim 18 and a negative pressure source (12), wherein the fluid outlet of the connecting element (34) can be fluidly connected to the negative pressure source (12) in a negative pressure-tight manner.

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