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), comprising an elongate single-lumen or multi-lumen connecting hose (22), which comprises a distal end section (24) with a fluid inlet (26) and a proximal end section (28) with a fluid outlet (30), wherein the fluid inlet can be in negative pressure-tight fluid connection with a negative pressure wound dressing, wherein the fluid outlet can be in negative pressure-tight fluid connection with a negative pressure source, and wherein a suction lumen (32) of the connection hose extends from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet; according to the invention, the suction chamber comprises a fluid guiding structure (46) which is designed to deflect a fluid flow flowing through the suction chamber a plurality of times before reaching the fluid outlet, and in order to deflect the fluid flow, the fluid guiding structure comprises at least one fluid guiding element (48) which extends in the suction chamber, the fluid guiding element is formed in such a way that a first wall section (50) of a hose wall (52) of the connection hose is connected to a second wall section (54) of the hose wall opposite the first wall section in a locally bonded manner.

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 therapy, 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, a negative pressure is generated in the wound area, so that wound exudate can be effectively discharged from the wound. The discharged wound exudate is absorbed by the negative pressure wound dressing applied to 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, a 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 having a single-chamber or multi-chamber connecting hose with a long-shaped extension is usually used.

[0004] For example, a negative pressure wound treatment kit having a connecting device of the relevant type is known from the published document WO 2016 184 916 A1. A filter unit is arranged at the distal end section of the connecting hose of the connecting device. The filter unit is assigned to the fluid inlet of the distal end section and prevents wound exudate from entering the suction chamber of the connecting hose.

[0005] In the published document WO 2011 135 287 A1, a negative pressure wound treatment kit having another connecting device of the relevant type is described. Here, a filter unit is assigned to the connection opening of the relevant negative pressure wound dressing, and the filter unit prevents wound exudate from flowing out of the negative pressure wound dressing.

[0006] In principle, during negative pressure treatment, wound exudate should be prevented from entering the negative pressure source. Otherwise, the negative pressure source may be contaminated and / or damaged. In the negative pressure wound treatment kit described in the above document, this is ensured by a filter unit. However, these filter units may become wet with wound exudate and thus clogged before the absorption capacity of the negative pressure wound dressing has been reached. This is especially the case when the wound exudate is conveyed in a gushing manner towards the connection device. In such cases, the negative pressure wound dressing must be replaced prematurely if necessary. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object underlying the present invention is to provide a connection device which, when used as intended during negative pressure treatment, enables the absorption capacity of the negative pressure wound dressing used to be utilized as efficiently as possible.

[0008] According to the present invention, this object is achieved by a connection device according to claim 1, a negative pressure wound treatment kit according to claim 19, and a negative pressure wound treatment system according to claim 20.

[0009] The dependent claims and the description give advantageous variants and embodiments.

[0010] According to the present invention, there is provided a connection device for establishing a fluid connection with a negative pressure seal between a negative pressure wound dressing and a negative pressure source. The connection device comprises an elongate single- or multi-chamber connection hose. The connection hose comprises a distal end section with a fluid inlet and a proximal end section with a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet can be fluidly connected in a negative pressure seal to the negative pressure wound dressing. The fluid outlet can be fluidly connected in a negative pressure seal to the negative pressure source. The suction chamber of the connection hose extends from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. When the connection device is used as intended during negative pressure treatment, negative pressure is applied to the wound site from the negative pressure source via the suction chamber.

[0011] Herein, "fluid connection with a negative pressure seal" is to be understood as meaning that, taking into account the negative pressure source used, the negative pressure required for treating the wound by negative pressure can be maintained in the cavities that are fluidly connected to each other. Generally, within the scope of negative pressure treatment, a pressure difference is set between the air pressure in the negative pressure wound dressing and the ambient air pressure, which 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).

[0012] The terms "distal" and "proximal" describe the arrangement relative to the negative pressure source. The proximal section of an element is closer to the negative pressure source than the distal section of that element. In this regard, for example, when the connection hose is used as intended, the proximal end section of the connection hose is closer to the negative pressure source than the distal end section.

[0013] It is proposed here that the suction chamber includes a fluid guiding structure which is designed to deflect the fluid flow flowing through the suction chamber multiple times before it reaches the fluid outlet. In order to deflect the fluid flow, the fluid guiding structure includes at least one fluid guiding element extending in the suction chamber, and the fluid guiding element is formed by locally connecting a first wall section of the hose wall of the connecting hose to a second wall section of the hose wall opposite to the first wall section in a material-locking manner.

[0014] By means of the fluid guiding structure according to the invention, it is effectively avoided that wound exudate entering the connecting hose in a gushing manner reaches the proximal end section. If the wound exudate enters the suction chamber in a gushing manner, the fluid flow formed by the wound exudate will be deflected multiple times by the fluid guiding structure. This multiple deflection breaks the gushing fluid flow. Only when the actual absorption capacity of the negative pressure wound dressing for the wound exudate is reached and the connecting hose is thus continuously filled with wound exudate will the wound exudate reach the proximal end section. Since the wound exudate entering the suction chamber in a gushing manner does not reach the proximal end section and thus the negative pressure source, the filter unit at the distal end section of the connecting hose and at the covering layer of the negative pressure wound dressing can be omitted. If the filter unit arranged in this way is omitted, the problem of premature clogging of the filter unit will not occur either.

[0015] In order to deflect the fluid flow, the fluid guiding structure includes at least one fluid guiding element extending in the suction chamber. Preferably, the fluid guiding structure includes a plurality of fluid guiding elements extending in the suction chamber. Preferably, at least one of the fluid guiding elements or the plurality of fluid guiding elements has a straight course. However, at least one of the fluid guiding elements or the plurality of fluid guiding elements can also have a curved course.

[0016] By locally connecting the first wall section to the second wall section in a material-locking manner, one or more fluid guiding elements can be realized with less design cost. The material-locking connection between the first wall section and the second wall section is preferably implemented as a welded connection or an adhesive connection. Preferably, at least one of the wall sections includes a recess for forming the fluid guiding element, and the recess projects towards the other wall section. Since the first wall section is only locally connected to the second wall section in a material-locking manner, the fluid guiding element also only extends within a defined area of the suction chamber.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting device does not contain a filter unit.

[0018] According to another alternative embodiment, a breathable but liquid-impermeable filter unit is preferably arranged in the region of the proximal end section. Since the filter unit is arranged in the proximal end section, premature clogging of the filter unit is effectively avoided by the fluid guiding structure according to the invention. Particularly preferably, the filter unit is arranged at a connecting element having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet section of the connecting element including the inlet extends into the suction chamber via the fluid outlet of the proximal end section, and wherein the outlet of the connecting element is arranged outside the suction chamber and can be fluid-connected to a negative pressure source in a negative pressure-tight manner. Thus, the fluid outlet of the proximal end section can be fluid-connected to the negative pressure source in a negative pressure-tight manner by means of the connecting element.

[0019] The connecting hose can be designed as single-chamber or multi-chamber. For a single-chamber connecting hose, there is only a single hose chamber, namely the suction chamber. For a multi-chamber connecting hose, the hose chamber is divided into a plurality of sub-chambers, which respectively extend from the distal end section to the proximal end section. Preferably, these sub-chambers are connected to the fluid inlet of the distal end section in parallel with each other, wherein for each sub-chamber a respective through-passage is provided 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-chamber among the sub-chambers serves as the suction chamber. The through-passage assigned to this sub-chamber forms the fluid outlet of the proximal end section. The second sub-chamber among the sub-chambers can be used, for example, as a flushing chamber and / or a measuring chamber.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the material-fit connection between the first wall section and the second wall section is designed to be seam-like. A seam-like material-fit connection can be formed at a lower cost. For example, the first wall section and the second wall section are welded to each other to form a fluid guiding element, so that the seam-like material-fit connection is a weld seam. Compared with a point connection, a seam-like connection also has the advantage, for example, that an elongate fluid guiding element can be obtained. Thereby, a particularly precise deflection of the fluid flow can be achieved.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the fluid guiding structure includes at least two fluid guiding elements. By increasing the number of fluid guiding elements, a particularly precise multiple deflection of the fluid flow can be achieved in the suction chamber. Preferably, the fluid guiding structure includes at least three fluid guiding elements, preferably at least four fluid guiding elements. However, increasing the number of fluid guiding elements increases the cost in terms of manufacturing the connecting device. In addition, the free volume of the suction chamber also decreases. Correspondingly, it is also advantageous to limit the number of fluid guiding elements. Particularly preferably, the fluid guiding structure includes at least two and at most twenty fluid guiding elements.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the fluid guiding structure is designed to block any straight connection between a hypothetical first plane arranged in the distal end section and orthogonal to the longitudinal extension direction of the connecting hose and a hypothetical second plane arranged in the proximal end section and orthogonal to the longitudinal extension direction of the connecting hose. It should be understood that in the case where the connecting hose extends linearly, when any straight connection between these two planes is blocked, the above-mentioned feature is achieved. By blocking any straight connection, it is particularly effective to prevent wound exudate from transferring from the distal end section to the proximal end section in a gushing manner.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the fluid guiding structure is designed to deflect the fluid flow at an angle of at least 90°, preferably multiple times. By such a large-angle deflection, the gushing fluid flow is effectively broken, so that the gushing fluid flow does not reach the proximal end section in a gushing manner. Preferably, the fluid guiding structure is designed to deflect the fluid flow at an angle of at least 120°, particularly preferably at least 150°, at least once, preferably multiple times.

[0024] Preferably, the flow direction of the fluid flow in the first section of the suction chamber is opposite to the flow direction of the fluid flow in the second section of the suction chamber. That is, the fluid flow is deflected at an angle of 180° at least once. Thereby, the gushing fluid flow is particularly effectively broken. In addition, by the sections with opposite flow directions, the flow path in the suction chamber is extended. Thereby, it is possible to particularly accurately determine whether the negative pressure wound treatment kit should be replaced.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the fluid guiding structure defines a meandering or labyrinthine fluid channel in the suction chamber. For such a fluid channel, the flow cross-section is significantly reduced compared to the flow cross-section of the same connecting hose without a fluid guiding structure. The reduction of the flow cross-section is accompanied by an increase in flow resistance and a decrease in flow velocity. The decrease in flow velocity has the advantage that it is easier to analyze the wound exudate flowing through the suction chamber. In particular, a sensor unit for analyzing the wound exudate is arranged in the suction chamber. However, it is also possible to analyze the wound exudate outside the connecting hose, especially in an optical manner.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that at least one fluid guiding element of the fluid guiding element or a plurality of fluid guiding elements extends at least sectionally transversely to the longitudinal extension direction of the connecting hose. Such an extended section of the fluid guiding element or such an extended fluid guiding element can effectively deflect the fluid flow flowing in the longitudinal extension direction of the connecting hose. Preferably, there are a plurality of fluid guiding elements extending transversely to the longitudinal extension direction of the connecting hose, and these fluid guiding elements are offset from each other and arranged in sequence in the longitudinal extension direction of the connecting hose. Arranging the fluid guiding elements in this way can define a meandering or labyrinthine fluid passage in the suction chamber.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that at least one fluid guiding element of the fluid guiding element or a plurality of fluid guiding elements extends at least sectionally in the longitudinal extension direction of the connecting hose. Such an extended section of the fluid guiding element or such an extended fluid guiding element divides the suction chamber into a plurality of sections that are arranged adjacent to each other and extend in the longitudinal extension direction of the connecting hose. In the case of dividing the suction chamber in this way, it can be advantageously achieved that the flow direction in one section is opposite to the flow direction in another section.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that at least one fluid guiding element of the fluid guiding element or a plurality of fluid guiding elements is formed by directly connecting a first wall section and a second wall section in a material - fitting manner. Forming the fluid guiding element in this way is easy to implement in terms of manufacturing technology. Preferably, the first wall section and the second wall section are directly connected to each other in a material - fitting manner by welding. However, the first wall section and the second wall section can also be directly connected to each other in a material - fitting manner by bonding.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that at least one fluid guiding element of the fluid guiding element or a plurality of fluid guiding elements is formed by indirectly materially connecting a first wall section and a second wall section. Through the indirect material connection, a suitable single fluid guiding element or a suitable plurality of fluid guiding elements can also be realized. For example, only one additional element is arranged between the first wall section and the second wall section. If the first wall section and the second wall section are respectively directly materially connected to the additional element, there is an indirect material connection between the first wall section and the second wall section. However, a plurality of additional elements can also be arranged between the first wall section and the second wall section. If the first wall section is directly materially connected to the directly adjacent additional element, the second wall section is directly materially connected to the directly adjacent additional element, and these additional elements are materially connected to each other, there is an indirect material connection between the first wall section and the second wall section. For the indirect material connection between these two wall sections, it is preferably proposed that the direct material connection between the first wall section and the directly adjacent element and the direct material connection between the second wall section and the directly adjacent element at least partially overlap in the top view of the first wall section or the second wall section. For an elongate fluid guiding element, these connections preferably extend parallel to each other. Particularly preferably, in the top view of the first wall section or the second wall section, these connections coincide. This is not affected by the fact of which one or which of the following listed elements jointly form a material connection with the wall section.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that at least one support layer is arranged in the suction chamber, and the support layer supports the connecting hose to prevent collapse especially caused by negative pressure, and in order to form at least one fluid guiding element of the fluid guiding element or a plurality of fluid guiding elements, the first wall section and the second wall section are respectively materially connected to one of the support layer or a plurality of support layers. When the connecting device is used as intended, the support layer ensures that the connecting hose can withstand the generated negative pressure. By incorporating the support layer into the material connection between the first wall section and the second wall section, the requirements for the contour of the support layer are lower. Specifically, there is no need to provide, for example, recesses in the support layer through which the first wall section directly contacts the second wall section to form at least one fluid guiding element of the fluid guiding element or a plurality of fluid guiding elements. If there is only one support layer, the first wall section and the second wall section are respectively directly materially connected to the support layer. If there are a plurality of superimposed support layers, the wall sections are respectively directly materially connected to the directly adjacent arranged support layers, and these support layers are materially connected to each other.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the support layer is made of polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, silicone resin or a mixture thereof. These materials have the advantage that the connection between the wall section and the support layer can be achieved at low cost in terms of manufacturing technology, especially by means of ultrasonic welding.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the support layer consists of a section of a flat material web, the flat material web section being designed to support the connecting hose in such a way that the flat material web section is structured by means of projections integrally formed in the plane of the flat material web section, with a continuous gap being formed between the projections, which gap allows fluid to pass through in the longitudinal extension direction of the hose cavity. The flat material web section formed in the above manner can be obtained cost-effectively. This especially results from the fact that the formation of the projections can be advantageously integrated into the manufacture of the flat material web section. The flat material web section is a section of a flat material web. For example, the flat material web section is cut out of the flat material web. Preferably, the projections are already formed in the flat material web. However, the projections can also be formed only in the flat material web section. In particular, the flat material web is a plastic film web, so the flat material web section is designed as a plastic film.

[0033] Preferably, there is at least one support layer. However, the support layer can also be omitted. A certain support for the suction chamber can be achieved by the fluid guiding structure itself. This support is sufficient in some cases, so that additional support, for example by means of a support layer, is not required.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that an insert with at least one ribbed section is arranged in the suction chamber, and the first wall section and the second wall section are respectively connected in a material-fitting manner to the ribbed section to form one of the fluid guiding elements or a plurality of fluid guiding elements. By connecting the wall sections to the ribbed section of the insert, a favorable fluid guiding element can also be achieved. The ribbed section especially has the advantage that it can achieve the reinforcement of the connecting hose, which supports the connecting hose to prevent it from collapsing. In addition, the first wall section and the second wall section are kept spaced apart from each other by the ribbed section. Therefore, compared with directly fastening the first wall section to the second wall section, the cross-sectional area of the suction chamber is significantly reduced.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the insert includes a plurality of ribbed sections that are connected to each other and spaced apart from each other, and the first wall section and the second wall section are respectively connected in a material-fitting manner to the ribbed sections to form a plurality of fluid guiding elements. Forming a plurality of fluid guiding elements has the advantage that particularly precise fluid flow guidance can be achieved. Since the ribbed sections belong to a common insert, the ribbed sections can be easily processed together. Thereby, the manufacture of the connecting device is simplified, for example because the positioning of the ribbed sections relative to each other is clearly predetermined.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the hose wall comprises a first layer and a second layer, the first layer and the second layer being connected to each other in their edge regions, wherein a first wall section is formed by the first layer and wherein a second wall section is formed by the second layer. By forming the hose wall from these two layers, the assembly of the connecting device is facilitated. 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.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the hose wall is made of polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyethylene, silicone or a mixture thereof. These materials have the advantage that the first wall section and the second wall section of the hose wall can be easily connected to each other in a material-locking manner, in particular by means of ultrasonic welding.

[0038] Preferably, the hose wall is transparent or translucent. A transparent or translucent hose wall enables visual inspection of the suction chamber. For example, it can be checked whether wound exudate has entered the suction chamber or to what extent the wound exudate has advanced in the suction chamber. Based on this, it can be decided whether the negative pressure wound treatment kit has to be replaced.

[0039] The object to be achieved is also achieved by a negative pressure wound treatment kit, which comprises a negative pressure wound dressing and a connecting device having the above-described features, wherein the fluid inlet of the connecting device can be fluid-connected to the negative pressure wound dressing in a negative-pressure-tight manner.

[0040] Regarding the advantages achievable by the negative pressure wound treatment kit, reference is made 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.

[0041] The object to be achieved is also achieved by a negative pressure wound treatment system, which comprises a negative pressure wound treatment kit having the above-described features. The negative pressure wound treatment system according to the invention further comprises a negative pressure source, wherein the fluid outlet of the connecting device can be fluid-connected to the negative pressure source in a negative-pressure-tight manner.

[0042] Regarding the advantages achievable by the negative pressure wound treatment system, reference is made 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

[0043] In the following, the invention is described in detail with the aid of the drawings, in which identical or functionally identical elements are only labeled with the same reference numeral where necessary. These drawings are only examples and should not be understood as restrictive. In the drawings:

[0044] Figure 1Show a negative pressure wound treatment system with a connecting device; Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the connecting hose of the shown connecting device; Figure 3 A cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the connecting hose; Figure 4 A cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the connecting hose; Figure 5 Show a top view of a flat material web section, which is arranged as a support layer in Figure 4 The suction chamber of the shown connecting hose; Figure 6 Show Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the shown flat material web section along the cutting line B-B, and Figure 7 Show a negative pressure wound treatment system with a connecting device according to another embodiment. Detailed description

[0045] Figure 1 Show a negative pressure wound treatment system 10 for treating wounds with negative pressure. The negative pressure wound treatment system 10 includes a negative pressure source 12 and a negative pressure wound treatment kit 14. The negative pressure wound treatment 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 covering layer 18 for gas-tightly enclosing the wound. The negative pressure wound treatment kit 14 also includes a connecting device 20. The connecting device 20 includes an elongated connecting hose 22. The connecting hose 22 includes a distal end section 24 with a fluid inlet 26 and a proximal end section 28 with a fluid outlet 30. The suction chamber 32 of the connecting hose 22 extends from the fluid inlet 26 to the fluid outlet 30. Here, the connecting hose 22 is designed to be single-chamber.

[0046] The fluid inlet 26 can be fluidly connected to a connection opening 34 formed in the covering layer 18 in a negative pressure-tight manner. In Figure 1 The shown negative pressure wound treatment system 10, the fluid inlet 26 has been connected to the connection opening 34, so that the connection opening 34 is covered by the distal end section 24. The distal end section 24 is arranged at the wound dressing 16 in such a way that the connection opening 34 and the fluid inlet 26 of the distal end section 24 at least partially overlap each other.

[0047] In the shown embodiment, the distal end section 24 is widened in surface relative to the elongated intermediate section 36 of the connecting hose 22. Here, the distal end section 24 is widened in a disc shape. By widening the distal end section 24, the connection of the distal end section 24 to the wound dressing 16 is simplified.

[0048] The fluid outlet 30 of the proximal end section 28 can be fluidly connected to the negative pressure source 12 in a negative pressure - sealed manner. In the illustrated embodiment, a connection element 38 is arranged in the fluid outlet 30, which connection element includes an inlet 40 and an outlet (not shown). The inlet section 42 of the connection element 38 including the inlet 40 extends through the fluid outlet 30 of the proximal end section 28 into the suction chamber 32. The outlet of the connection element 38 is arranged outside the suction chamber 32 and can be fluidly connected to the negative pressure source 12 in a negative pressure - sealed manner. Thus, the fluid outlet 30 of the proximal end section 28 can be fluidly connected to the negative pressure source 12 in a negative pressure - sealed manner via the connection element 38.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, a filter unit 44 is arranged at the inlet section 42 of the connection element 38, which filter unit is designed here as a PTFE membrane filter. The filter unit 44 is assigned to the inlet 40 and is designed to be air - permeable but liquid - impermeable. According to another embodiment, the connection element 38 does not contain a filter unit.

[0050] When using the negative pressure wound treatment system 10 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 - sealed manner via the connection 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 be discharged from the wound and absorbed by the wound dressing 16, for example, by the absorbent layer of the wound dressing 16. Since the optionally present filter unit 44 is designed to be air - permeable, the negative pressure can access the wound site through the filter unit 44.

[0051] The suction chamber 32 includes a fluid guiding structure 46, which is designed to deflect the fluid flow (such as the wound exudate flow) flowing through the suction chamber 32 multiple times before it reaches the fluid outlet 30. Hereinafter, reference is also made to Figure 2 for a detailed elaboration of the design of the fluid guiding structure 46. For this purpose, Figure 2 a cross - sectional view of the connection hose 22 along the Figure 1 illustrated cutting plane A - A is shown.

[0052] The fluid guiding structure 46 includes at least one fluid guiding element 48 extending in the suction chamber 32. In the Figure 1 and Figure 2 illustrated embodiment, there are a first fluid guiding element 48 - 1 and a second fluid guiding element 48 - 2.

[0053] The fluid guiding element 48 is formed by locally connecting the first wall section 50 of the hose wall 52 of the connection hose 22 to the second wall section 54 of the hose wall 52 opposite the first wall section 50 in a material - fitting manner. From Figure 2This can be seen from this. The second wall section 54 includes a recess 56 in the region of the first fluid guiding element 48-1, which protrudes in the direction of the first wall section 50.

[0054] In Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the first wall section 50 and the second wall section 54 are directly connected to each other in a material-fitting manner. Therefore, in the region of the material-fitting connection, no other elements are arranged between the first wall section 50 and the second wall section 54. Regarding the material-fitting connection of the first wall section 50 and the second wall section 54, various connection methods are considered. Here, the first wall section 50 and the second wall section 54 are connected to each other in a material-fitting manner by welding, in particular by ultrasonic welding, in the region of the fluid guiding element 48 to form the fluid guiding element 48. Each material-fitting connection includes a weld seam, and the orientation of the weld seam corresponds to the orientation of the relevant fluid guiding element 48.

[0055] According to another embodiment, the first wall section 50 and the second wall section 54 are connected to each other in a material-fitting manner, for example, by an adhesive connection.

[0056] The suction chamber 32 is laterally bounded by a first side wall 58 extending in the longitudinal extension direction of the connecting hose 22 and a second side wall 60 extending in the longitudinal extension direction of the connecting hose 22. The side walls 58 and 60 are spaced apart from each other and opposite to each other.

[0057] Here, the first fluid guiding element 48-1 has a curved orientation. For this purpose, the first fluid guiding element 48-1 includes a first section 62 and a second section 64. The first section 62 is arranged adjacent to the proximal end section 28 of the connecting hose 22. The first section 62 starts from the first side wall 58 and extends substantially transversely to the longitudinal extension direction of the connecting hose 22. The first section 62 ends at a certain distance from the second side wall 60. The second section 64 is connected to the first section 62 and extends in the longitudinal extension direction of the connecting hose 22 towards the distal end section 24.

[0058] Here, the second fluid guiding element 48-2 also has a curved orientation. For this purpose, the second fluid guiding element 48-2 includes a first section 66 and a second section 68. The first section 66 starts from the second side wall 60 and extends obliquely to the longitudinal extension direction of the connecting hose 22, and ends at a certain distance from the first side wall 58. The second section 68 is connected to the first section 66 and extends in the longitudinal extension direction of the connecting hose 22 towards the proximal end section 28.

[0059] The second section 68 of the second fluid guiding element 48-2 is arranged between the first side wall 58 and the second section 64 of the first fluid guiding element 48-1. The second section 64 of the first fluid guiding element 48-1 ends at a certain distance from the first section 66 of the second fluid guiding element 48-1. The second section 68 of the second fluid guiding element 48-2 ends at a certain distance from the first section 62 of the first fluid guiding element 48-1.

[0060] In view of the above course of the fluid guiding elements 48-1 and 48-2, the fluid guiding element 48 defines a fluid channel 70 with a meandering course in the suction chamber 32. The fluid channel 70 includes three longitudinal sections, which extend in the longitudinal extension direction of the connecting hose 22 and are arranged adjacent to each other. These longitudinal sections are interconnected via two curved sections.

[0061] When the connecting device 20 is used as expected in negative pressure therapy, the discharged wound exudate enters the suction chamber 32 through the fluid inlet 26. As a fluid flow in the suction chamber 32, the wound exudate first flows through the first longitudinal section of the fluid channel 70 in the direction towards the proximal end section 28. Then, the wound exudate is deflected by the first section 62 of the first fluid guiding element 48-1 and enters the adjacent second longitudinal section of the fluid channel 70. In the second longitudinal section, the flow direction of the wound exudate is opposite to that in the first longitudinal section. Correspondingly, the wound exudate then flows in the second guiding section in the direction towards the distal end section 24. When reaching the first section 66 of the second fluid guiding element 48-2, the fluid flow is deflected again by the first section 66 and then reaches the proximal end section 28 and the fluid outlet 30 via the third longitudinal section in the longitudinal section.

[0062] By deflecting the fluid flow multiple times in the suction chamber 32, it is prevented that the fluid flow reaches the proximal end section 28 or the fluid outlet 30 in a gushing manner. Instead, the fluid flow entering in a gushing manner is broken by the fluid guiding structure 46, so that the wound exudate only reaches the proximal end section 28 when the absorption capacity of the wound dressing 16 is exceeded and the suction chamber 32 is thus continuously filled with wound exudate.

[0063] If the fluid flow reaches the proximal end section 28 in a gushing manner, the filter element 44 may be blocked by the wound exudate prematurely. Then, the wound dressing 16 has to be replaced before the absorption capacity of the wound dressing 16 is reached. As described above, the filter element 44 is optional. If there is no filter element 44, the fluid flow reaching the proximal end section 28 in a gushing manner may enter the downstream negative pressure source 12. Thereby, the negative pressure source 12 may be contaminated and / or damaged.

[0064] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the hose wall 52 includes a lower or first layer 75 and an upper or second layer 76. The edge region 78 of the first layer 75 is connected to the edge region 80 of the second layer 76. The layers 75 and 76 together enclose the suction chamber 32.

[0065] Here, the layers 75 and 76 are designed as film layers. Correspondingly, the connecting hose 22 is a film hose. Preferably, the layers 75 and 76 are made of polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, silicone resin, or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the edge regions 78 and 80 are interconnected by a welded connection. In the embodiment shown, the fluid inlet 26 of the distal end section 24 is formed in the first layer 75. The fluid outlet 30 is formed between the edge region 78 of the first layer 75 and the edge region 80 of the second layer 76.

[0066] Preferably, the hose wall 52 is designed to be transparent or translucent. Thereby, visual inspection of the suction chamber 32 can be achieved. For example, it can be checked whether wound exudate has entered the suction chamber 32, or to what extent the wound exudate has traveled in the suction chamber 32. Based on this, it can be decided whether the negative pressure wound treatment kit 14 must be replaced. Here, the lengthening of the flow path associated with the meandering fluid channel 70 can enable a particularly precise adjustment of the appropriate replacement timing of the negative pressure wound treatment kit 14.

[0067] Figure 3 Shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the connecting hose 22 corresponding to Figure 2 Here, it is assumed that the orientation of the fluid guiding element 48 corresponds to the Figure 1 orientation shown.

[0068] In Figure 3 the embodiment shown, an insert 82 having a ribbed section 84 is arranged in the hose chamber 32. To form the first fluid guiding element 48-1, the wall sections 50 and 54 are directly materially connected to the ribbed section 84, preferably by a welded connection. Preferably, the insert 82 includes additional ribbed sections (not shown), where the wall sections 50 and 54 are respectively directly materially connected to the additional ribbed sections to form the second fluid guiding element 48-2. Thus, in Figure 3 the embodiment shown, the wall sections 50 and 54 are indirectly materially connected to each other, specifically by means of the ribbed section 84.

[0069] Figure 4 Shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the connecting hose 22 corresponding to Figure 2 Here, it is assumed that the orientation of the fluid guiding element 48 corresponds to the Figure 1 orientation shown.

[0070] In Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, a support unit 86 is arranged in the suction chamber 32, which supports the connecting hose 22 to prevent collapse, in particular due to negative pressure, and allows fluid to pass through in the longitudinal extension direction of the suction chamber 32. The support unit 86 includes a plurality of support layers 88, which are stacked in the hose chamber 32. Here, there are four support layers 88. However, other numbers of support layers 88 may also be present.

[0071] To form the first fluid guiding element 48-1, the first wall section 50 is locally connected to the directly adjacent first support layer 88-1 in a material-fitting manner. The second wall section 54 is locally connected to the directly adjacent second support layer 88-2 in a material-fitting manner. In addition, the support layers 88 are connected to each other in a material-fitting manner. Thus, in Figure 4 the illustrated embodiment, the wall sections 50 and 54 are also indirectly connected to each other in a material-fitting manner, specifically by means of the support layers 88.

[0072] Hereinafter, reference is also made to Figure 5 and Figure 6 and, by means of a preferred embodiment, the design of the support layer 88 is elaborated in detail. For this purpose, Figure 5 a top view of one of the support layers 88 is shown. It should be noted that in Figure 5 only a part of the support layer 88 is shown. Correspondingly, the actual outer contour of the support layer 88 deviates from the Figure 5 shown outer contour. Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the support layer 88 along the Figure 5 shown cutting line B-B is shown.

[0073] The support layer 88 consists of a flat material web section 90. The flat material web section 90 extends in two surface directions X and Y. To support the connecting hose 22, the first side 92 of the flat material web section 90 is structurally designed by means of protrusions 96 integrally formed in the plane 94 of the flat material web section 90. Continuous gaps 98 are formed between the protrusions 96, such that fluid (such as wound exudate) can be conveyed via the gaps 98.

[0074] Here, the flat material web section 90 is a plastic film 90. Preferably, the plastic film 90 is made of polyethylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride or a mixture thereof. These plastics have the advantage that the above-mentioned indirect material-fitting connection between the first wall section 50 and the second wall section 54 can be achieved in a single process step. Preferably, the indirect material-fitting connection is achieved by welding. Here, the first wall section 50, the second wall section 54 and the support layer 88 located therebetween are locally heated to a temperature above their melting temperature, so that they are welded together.

[0075] The above-mentioned plastics also have the following advantages, namely, a flexible connection hose 22 is obtained, which relates to a high degree of comfort for the patient. Thus, the occurrence of pressure ulcers can be avoided, for example, by implementing the connection hose 22 flexibly. In addition, the above-mentioned plastics also have sufficient rigidity. In this regard, these plastics ensure that, when the connection device 22 is in use, a continuous gap 98 is maintained despite the generation of negative pressure.

[0076] Figure 7 A negative pressure wound treatment system 10 is shown having a connection device 20 according to another embodiment. Figure 7 The connection device shown is different from Figure 1 the connection device 20 shown in terms of the number and arrangement of the fluid guiding elements 48.

[0077] In Figure 7 the embodiment shown, there are a plurality of fluid guiding elements 48 which extend transversely to the longitudinal extension direction of the connection hose 22 within the suction chamber 32. A first group of fluid guiding elements 48-1 extends from the first side wall 58 across the longitudinal central axis of the connection hose 22 and ends at a certain distance from the second side wall 60. A second group of fluid guiding elements 48-2 extends from the second side wall 60 across the longitudinal central axis of the connection hose 22 and ends at a certain distance from the first side wall 58. Here, the fluid guiding elements 48 are distributed and arranged in such a way that, when viewed in the longitudinal extension direction of the connection hose 22, the second fluid guiding element 48-2 always follows the first fluid guiding element 48-1. Correspondingly, the first fluid guiding element 48-1 always follows the second fluid guiding element 48-2.

[0078] Due to the above-mentioned arrangement and design of the fluid guiding elements 48, in Figure 7 the embodiment shown, the fluid guiding structure 46 also defines a meandering fluid channel 70 in the suction chamber 32. The wound exudate is deflected multiple times when flowing through the fluid channel 70, thereby achieving the same advantageous effects as those described above in connection with Figure 1 and Figure 2 the embodiment shown.

[0079] In Figure 7 the embodiment shown, the first wall section 50 and the second wall section 54 are directly connected to each other in a material-locking manner to form the fluid guiding element 48. Alternatively, the fluid guiding element 48 is formed by an indirect material-locking connection between the first wall section 50 and the second wall section 54, as described above in connection with Figure 3 and Figure 4 the description.

Claims

1. A connecting device (20) for establishing a negative pressure sealed fluid connection between a negative pressure wound dressing (16) and a negative pressure source (12), the connecting device having An elongated single-lumen or multi-lumen connecting hose (22) comprises a distal end section (24) with a fluid inlet (26) and a proximal end section (28) with a fluid outlet (30), wherein The fluid inlet (26) can be fluidically connected to the negative pressure wound dressing (16) in a negative pressure-tight manner, wherein The fluid outlet (30) can be fluidically connected to the negative pressure source (12) in a negative pressure-tight manner, and wherein The suction chamber (32) of the connecting hose (22) extends from the fluid inlet (26) to the fluid outlet (30), and is characterized in that: The suction chamber (32) comprises a fluid guiding structure (46) which is designed to deflect the fluid flow passing through the suction chamber (32) multiple times before reaching the fluid outlet (30). In order to deflect the fluid flow, the fluid guiding structure (46) comprises at least one fluid guiding element (48) extending in the suction chamber (32), and The fluid guiding element (48) is formed by connecting a first wall section (50) of a hose wall (52) of the connecting hose (22) to a second wall section (54) of the hose wall (52) opposite the first wall section (50) in a partially materially bonded manner, in particular by welding or gluing.

2. The connecting device (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The integral connection between the first wall section (50) and the second wall section (54) is designed in the form of a seam.

3. The connecting device (20) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that, The fluid guiding structure (46) comprises at least two fluid guiding elements (48), preferably at least three fluid guiding elements (48), preferably at least four fluid guiding elements (48), preferably at least two and at most twenty fluid guiding elements (48).

4. The connecting device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The fluid guiding structure (46) is designed to block any straight line connection between an imaginary first plane arranged in the distal end section (24) and orthogonal to the longitudinal extension direction of the connecting hose (22) and an imaginary second plane arranged in the proximal end section (28) and orthogonal to the longitudinal extension direction of the connecting hose (22).

5. The connecting device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The fluid guiding structure (46) is designed to deflect the fluid flow at least once through an angle of at least 90°, preferably at least 120°, particularly preferably at least 150°.

6. The connecting device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The flow direction of the fluid flow in the first section of the suction chamber (32) is opposite to the flow direction of the fluid flow in the second section of the suction chamber (32).

7. The connecting device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The fluid guiding structure (46) defines a meandering or labyrinthine fluid channel (70) in the suction chamber (32).

8. The connecting device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The fluid-guiding element (48) or at least one of the plurality of fluid-guiding elements (48) extends at least in sections transversely to a longitudinal extension direction of the connecting hose (22).

9. The connecting device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The fluid guiding element (48) or at least one of the plurality of fluid guiding elements (48) extends at least sectionally in the longitudinal extension direction of the connecting hose (22).

10. The connecting device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The fluid guiding element (48) or at least one of the plurality of fluid guiding elements (48) is formed by directly materially connecting the first wall section (50) and the second wall section (54).

11. The connecting device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The fluid guiding element (48) or at least one of the plurality of fluid guiding elements (48) is formed by indirectly materially connecting the first wall section (50) and the second wall section (54).

12. The connecting device (20) according to claim 11, characterized in that, At least one support layer (88) is arranged in the suction chamber (32), the support layer supports the connecting hose (22) to prevent collapse especially caused by negative pressure, and in order to form the fluid guiding element (48) or at least one of the plurality of fluid guiding elements (48), the first wall section (50) and the second wall section (54) are respectively materially connected to the support layer (88) or one of the plurality of support layers (88).

13. The connecting device (20) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The support layer (88) is made of polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyethylene, silicone resin or a mixture thereof.

14. The connecting device (20) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, An insert (82) having at least one ribbed section (84) is arranged in the suction chamber (32), and the first wall section (50) and the second wall section (54) are respectively materially connected to the ribbed section (84) to form one of the fluid guiding elements (48) or the plurality of fluid guiding elements (48).

15. The connecting device (20) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The insert (82) includes a plurality of ribbed sections (84) that are connected to each other and spaced apart from each other, and the first wall section (50) and the second wall section (54) are respectively materially connected to the ribbed sections (84) to form a plurality of fluid guiding elements (48).

16. The connecting device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that, The hose wall (52) includes a first layer (75) and a second layer (76), the first layer and the second layer are connected to each other in their edge regions (78, 80), wherein the first wall section (50) is formed by the first layer (74), and wherein the second wall section (54) is formed by the second layer (54).

17. The connecting device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that, The hose wall (52) is made of polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyethylene, silicone resin or a mixture thereof.

18. The connecting device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that, The hose wall (52) is transparent or translucent.

19. A negative pressure wound treatment kit (14), the negative pressure wound treatment kit having a negative pressure wound dressing (16) and a connecting device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the fluid inlet (26) of the connecting device (20) can be fluidly connected to the negative pressure wound dressing (16) in a negatively sealed manner.

20. A negative pressure wound treatment system (10), the negative pressure wound treatment system having a negative pressure wound treatment kit (14) according to claim 19 and a negative pressure source (12), wherein a fluid outlet (30) of the connecting device (20) is capable of being fluidly connected to the negative pressure source (12) in a negatively sealed manner.

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