Gas-guide tube for negative pressure wound dressing

Abstract

A gas guide tube for a negative pressure wound dressing, the gas guide tube comprising a first strip of material having a first surface, the first surface comprising at least one recess, the gas guide tube further comprising a membrane, the film is arranged above the first surface of the first strip of material and is attached to the first strip of material around the longitudinal edge of the first strip of material, and the at least one groove is provided with at least one protrusion so as to form at least two channels between the first strip and the film; wherein the airway further comprises a strip of second material having a first surface, the first surface of the strip of second material comprising at least one groove provided with at least one protrusion, the first surface of the strip of second material being disposed over and attached to the membrane around its longitudinal edge, the second strip is attached to the film to form at least two channels between the second strip and the film.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas conduit for a wound dressing. In particular, the present invention relates to a gas conduit for a negative pressure wound dressing. BACKGROUND

[0002] Wound dressings are known and are generally suitable for treating a variety of wounds, including chronic and acute wound types such as infected wounds, venous ulcers, diabetic ulcers, burns and surgical wounds.

[0003] Negative pressure has been used to treat a range of chronic and acute wounds. Negative pressure can promote wound healing through a number of mechanisms, including the removal of excess exudate, reduction of oedema around the wound and increased perfusion. This can be combined with the physical force exerted by the application of negative pressure to draw wound edges together, which can improve wound outcomes. Existing wound dressing systems generally rely on a gas conduit to draw air away from the wound site via a pump.

[0004] Existing wound dressing systems generally comprise a rigid dressing and a connecting component which adversely affects the practicality of the system and the comfort of the user. In particular, existing systems use a gas conduit formed from a hollow tube made from a hard plastic material. However, this arrangement is quite uncomfortable for the patient if they are lying with the tube pointing downwards. Conversely, if the patient is leaning / lying on a hollow tube made from a relatively soft plastic material, the hollow tube will be prone to compression. Compression of the tube will significantly or completely obstruct the flow of air through the gas conduit, thus inhibiting or even preventing wound healing. To overcome this, some systems use spacer material. The spacer material generally has a three-dimensional structure to help wick fluid or transmit negative pressure. Traditionally, the spacer material is selected so that they are able to direct wound exudate away from the wound and are able to transmit negative pressure and / or expelled air to the wound site. Despite the spacer material, known gas conduits comprising spacer material are prone to collapse under the application of negative pressure (typical pressures used in negative pressure wound therapy are in the range of 40mmHg to 150mmHg). In this instance, the gas conduit becomes obstructed and the flow of air from the wound site is inhibited. To prevent the known gas conduits comprising spacer material from collapsing under the application of negative pressure and to try to keep the gas conduit open and able to transmit negative pressure to the wound site, multiple layers of spacer fabric are generally used. However, this generally results in the gas conduit comprising spacer fabric that is several millimetres thick and in some cases approximately 1 cm. This gas conduit can be uncomfortable for the patient, especially when the gas conduit is stuck to the patient's skin and rubs against the patient's skin. This can result in pressure ulcers and other complications that can arise due to the wound dressing system pressing against the patient's skin.

[0005] Such a trachea relative hard and non-bendable / flexible, which can have an adverse effect on the wound healing process when close to the wound site. The trachea can be obstructed due to such movements of the patient, i.e. the movements can cause the trachea to bend and form a kink, or can exert a pressure on the trachea which can significantly or completely obstruct the airflow through the trachea. This can reduce or eliminate the negative pressure delivered to the wound site, which can result in an excessive build-up of wound exudate at the wound site and / or adversely affect the healing of the wound, and thus the wound outcome.

[0006] Furthermore, many different types of wound dressings are known to facilitate negative pressure wound dressing systems. These different types of wound dressings comprise many different types of materials and layers, such as gauze, pads, foam pads or multi-layer wound dressings. However, in each case, the dressing requires a suction port (typically in the backing layer of the dressing) to provide a connection to the trachea to deliver the negative pressure from the pump to the wound site. The suction port is typically formed / integrated with the wound dressing. Thus, the location of this port determines the location and orientation of the trachea when the trachea is attached to this port. Typically, this means that the trachea is oriented in a position which is disadvantageous for the patient, e.g. in a position which means that the trachea is prone to be pressed against the skin of the patient, or in a position in which the patient is prone to block the trachea by leaning against it.

[0007] Furthermore, the hardness of the suction port so close to the wound site can adversely affect the healing process. Movements of the patient or pressure exerted on the wound dressing can bring the healing wound into contact with the non-flexible suction port of the dressing. This force can cause a disturbance of the wound bed which can damage the wound site. This can potentially lead to a delay in wound healing and discomfort for the patient.

[0008] It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to at least partially overcome or alleviate the above problems and / or to provide an improved trachea for a wound dressing. SUMMARY

[0009] The present invention relates to a trachea for a negative pressure wound dressing. The trachea can comprise a strip of material having a first surface comprising at least one groove. The trachea can comprise a cover, such as a film, arranged over the first surface of the strip of material. The cover, such as the film, can be attached to the strip of material around the longitudinal edges of the strip of material. The at least one groove can be provided with at least one protrusion. The at least one protrusion can form at least two channels between the strip and the film.

[0010] According to a broad aspect of the present application, there is provided a gas conduit for use with a negative pressure wound dressing, the gas conduit comprising: a strip of material having a first surface comprising at least one groove; and a film arranged over the first surface of the strip of material and attached to the strip of material around the longitudinal edges of the strip of material to form at least one channel between the strip and the film.

[0011] Advantageously, the present application provides a gas conduit which benefits from the formation of at least one channel provided by the at least one groove in the strip, which allows air to pass away from a wound site (for example when used as part of a negative pressure wound dressing). In this way, the gas conduit can be used to deliver negative pressure to a wound site to promote wound healing.

[0012] Furthermore, the present application benefits from the formation of the at least one channel by attaching the film to the strip of material. In contrast, arrangements disclosed in the prior art typically require at least one spacer material and two film layers to form a gas conduit. In the arrangements of the prior art, the two film layers must be carefully arranged over the spacer material, which itself must be carefully arranged centrally between the two film layers, such that attaching the longitudinal edges of the two film layers together does not attach either film layer to the spacer material, which can adversely affect the performance of the gas conduit. Thus, the present application provides a gas conduit formed from fewer components than the prior art. Furthermore, the present application does not require a separate spacer material or the like to provide a channel for air to pass through, and thus the gas conduit of the present application is simpler to manufacture than the gas conduits of the prior art. Thus, the present application is made from fewer components and does not require the components to be arranged precisely before attaching the film layers together as with the gas conduits of the prior art. Thus, the present application is easier to manufacture than the gas conduits of the prior art and has fewer defects.

[0013] Furthermore, in use, gas conduits of the prior art, particularly those formed using a spacer material, can fold in on themselves and become compressed, for example due to movement of the user and for example due to the user leaning on the gas conduit. Due to the arrangement of the gas conduits of the prior art, for example as described above, the gas conduits of the prior art will be prone to forming a kink, thereby compressing the two layers of waterproof material together, which in turn compresses the spacer material. Disadvantageously, this prevents or at least significantly reduces the flow of fluid (for example air) along the gas conduit, and thus significantly reduces its ability to deliver negative pressure to a wound site. Advantageously, the present application does not suffer from the same drawback. The provision of the at least one channel formed between the strip and the film means that even when the gas conduit of the present application is folded and / or compressed by the user (or other device), the film will not be compressed so far into the at least one channel that the passage of fluid along the channel will be prevented or at least significantly reduced, and thus the gas conduit of the present application will not be prevented from delivering negative pressure to a wound site.

[0014] More advantageously, the trachea of the present invention prevents, or at least reduces the extent of, resonance in the trachea when fluid passes along the trachea.

[0015] The at least one groove can be provided with at least one protrusion to form at least two channels between the strip and the film.

[0016] Thus, in a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a trachea for a negative pressure wound dressing, the trachea comprising a strip of material having a first surface, the first surface comprising at least one groove, the trachea further comprising a film arranged over the first surface of the strip of material and attached to the strip of material around the longitudinal edges of the strip of material, wherein the at least one groove is provided with at least one protrusion to form at least two channels between the strip and the film.

[0017] The at least one groove can be provided with a plurality of protrusions such that a plurality of channels are provided between the strip and the film.

[0018] The plurality of channels has the advantage of increasing the number of available routes for fluid to flow along the trachea. This means that, in the event that the trachea is bent, twisted or kinked, the flow of fluid along the trachea can not be completely blocked, as at least some of the channels will remain at least partially open to fluid flow. Thus, in comparison to the tracheas of the prior art, the flow of fluid along the trachea of the present invention is maintained and is more reliable, even if the trachea is bent, twisted or kinked.

[0019] The groove can be a space cut into the first surface of the strip of material.

[0020] The at least one protrusion can be integrally formed with the strip of material. The at least one protrusion can be integrally formed with the strip of material and the at least one protrusion can extend from the bottom of the groove or each groove.

[0021] The plurality of protrusions can comprise any number of protrusions, such as about 5, about 10, about 15, about 20, about 25, about 30, about 35, about 40, about 45, about 50, about 55, about 60, about 65, about 70, about 75, about 80, about 85, about 90, about 95, about 100, about 110, about 120, about 130, about 140, about 150, about 160, about 170, about 180, about 190, about 200, about 210, about 220, about 230, about 240, or about 250 protrusions.

[0022] The plurality of protrusions can comprise at least about 5, at least about 10, at least about 15, at least about 20, at least about 25, at least about 30, at least about 35, at least about 40, at least about 45, at least about 50, at least about 55, at least about 60, at least about 65, at least about 70, at least about 75, at least about 80, at least about 85, at least about 90, at least about 95, at least about 100, at least about 110, at least about 120, at least about 130, at least about 140, at least about 150, at least about 160, at least about 170, at least about 180, at least about 190, at least about 200, at least about 210, at least about 220, at least about 230, at least about 240, or at least about 250 protrusions.

[0023] The plurality of protrusions can comprise no more than about 5, no more than about 10, no more than about 15, no more than about 20, no more than about 25, no more than about 30, no more than about 35, no more than about 40, no more than about 45, no more than about 50, no more than about 55, no more than about 60, no more than about 65, no more than about 70, no more than about 75, no more than about 80, no more than about 85, no more than about 90, no more than about 95, no more than about 100, no more than about 110, no more than about 120, no more than about 130, no more than about 140, no more than about 150, no more than about 160, no more than about 170, no more than about 180, no more than about 190, no more than about 200, no more than about 210, no more than about 220, no more than about 230, no more than about 240, or no more than about 250 protrusions.

[0024] At least some of the channels can be in fluid communication with one another.

[0025] Advantageously, this means that the total channel volume of the airway and the number of routes that fluid can take along the airway are increased, which in turn means that the flow of fluid to and / or from the wound site is increased. In some embodiments, all of the channels are in fluid communication with one another, which further enhances the aforementioned advantages.

[0026] The plurality of channels can form an interconnected channel network.

[0027] The airway can comprise a first end comprising an aperture that can act as an inlet or an outlet for fluid flow. The airway can comprise a second end comprising an aperture that can act as an inlet or an outlet for fluid flow. The first end can comprise an aperture that can act as an inlet or an outlet for fluid flow, and the second end can comprise an aperture that can act as the other of an inlet and an outlet for fluid flow.

[0028] At least one, preferably all, of the channels can be in fluid communication with the aperture of the first end and / or the aperture of the second end.

[0029] The aperture of the first end can be in fluid communication with the aperture of the second end. The aperture of the first end can be in fluid communication with the aperture of the second end via the at least two channels. Advantageously, this allows the airway tube of the present application to comprise at least one suitably configured connector at the first end and / or the second end.

[0030] The at least one groove can be a plurality of grooves.

[0031] The plurality of grooves can comprise any number of grooves, for example about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15, about 16, about 17, about 18, about 19, about 20, about 25, about 30, about 35, about 40, about 45, about 50, about 55, about 60, about 65, about 70, about 75, about 80, about 85, about 90, about 95, about 100, about 110, about 120, about 130, about 140, about 150, about 160, about 170, about 180, about 190, about 200, about 210, about 220, about 230, about 240, or about 250 grooves.

[0032] The plurality of grooves can comprise at least about 2, at least about 3, at least about 4, at least about 5, at least about 6, at least about 7, at least about 8, at least about 9, at least about 10, at least about 11, at least about 12, at least about 13, at least about 14, at least about 15, at least about 16, at least about 17, at least about 18, at least about 19, at least about 20, at least about 25, at least about 30, at least about 35, at least about 40, at least about 45, at least about 50, at least about 55, at least about 60, at least about 65, at least about 70, at least about 75, at least about 80, at least about 85, at least about 90, at least about 95, at least about 100, at least about 110, at least about 120, at least about 130, at least about 140, at least about 150, at least about 160, at least about 170, at least about 180, at least about 190, at least about 200, at least about 210, at least about 220, at least about 230, at least about 240, or at least about 250 grooves.

[0033] The plurality of recesses can comprise no more than about 2, no more than about 3, no more than about 4, no more than about 5, no more than about 6, no more than about 7, no more than about 8, no more than about 9, no more than about 10, no more than about 11, no more than about 12, no more than about 13, no more than about 14, no more than about 15, no more than about 16, no more than about 17, no more than about 18, no more than about 19, no more than about 20, no more than about 25, no more than about 30, no more than about 35, no more than about 40, no more than about 45, no more than about 50, no more than about 55, no more than about 60, no more than about 65, no more than about 70, no more than about 75, no more than about 80, no more than about 85, no more than about 90, no more than about 95, no more than about 100, no more than about 110, no more than about 120, no more than about 130, no more than about 140, no more than about 150, no more than about 160, no more than about 170, no more than about 180, no more than about 190, no more than about 200, no more than about 210, no more than about 220, no more than about 230, no more than about 240, or no more than about 250 recesses.

[0034] In embodiments comprising a plurality of recesses, the passage of air along the air conduit away from the wound site can be more efficient than embodiments comprising a single recess. This is not to say that the present invention has no advantages over prior art air conduits when comprising a single recess.

[0035] The at least two channels can comprise any number of channels, such as about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15, about 16, about 17, about 18, about 19, about 20, about 25, about 30, about 35, about 40, about 45, about 50, about 55, about 60, about 65, about 70, about 75, about 80, about 85, about 90, about 95, about 100, about 110, about 120, about 130, about 140, about 150, about 160, about 170, about 180, about 190, about 200, about 210, about 220, about 230, about 240, or about 250 channels.

[0036] The at least two channels can comprise at least about 3, at least about 4, at least about 5, at least about 6, at least about 7, at least about 8, at least about 9, at least about 10, at least about 11, at least about 12, at least about 13, at least about 14, at least about 15, at least about 16, at least about 17, at least about 18, at least about 19, at least about 20, at least about 25, at least about 30, at least about 35, at least about 40, at least about 45, at least about 50, at least about 55, at least about 60, at least about 65, at least about 70, at least about 75, at least about 80, at least about 85, at least about 90, at least about 95, at least about 100, at least about 110, at least about 120, at least about 130, at least about 140, at least about 150, at least about 160, at least about 170, at least about 180, at least about 190, at least about 200, at least about 210, at least about 220, at least about 230, at least about 240, or at least about 250 channels.

[0037] The at least two channels can comprise no more than about 2, no more than about 3, no more than about 4, no more than about 5, no more than about 6, no more than about 7, no more than about 8, no more than about 9, no more than about 10, no more than about 11, no more than about 12, no more than about 13, no more than about 14, no more than about 15, no more than about 16, no more than about 17, no more than about 18, no more than about 19, no more than about 20, no more than about 25, no more than about 30, no more than about 35, no more than about 40, no more than about 45, no more than about 50, no more than about 55, no more than about 60, no more than about 65, no more than about 70, no more than about 75, no more than about 80, no more than about 85, no more than about 90, no more than about 95, no more than about 100, no more than about 110, no more than about 120, no more than about 130, no more than about 140, no more than about 150, no more than about 160, no more than about 170, no more than about 180, no more than about 190, no more than about 200, no more than about 210, no more than about 220, no more than about 230, no more than about 240, or no more than about 250 channels.

[0038] In embodiments comprising multiple channels, the passage of air along the conduit away from the wound site can be more efficient than embodiments comprising a single channel. This is not to say that the present invention has no advantages over prior art conduits when comprising a single channel.

[0039] The at least one groove can be formed by hot stamping, laser cutting, laser engraving or thermoforming. Advantageously, the method of forming the at least one groove is reliable and cost effective.

[0040] In embodiments comprising a plurality of grooves, the plurality of grooves can be arranged as an interlaced pattern of grooves. By interlaced is meant that each groove intersects with at least one other groove. Advantageously, an interlaced pattern of grooves is less likely to become blocked by bending / folding than, for example, a spacer material or a plurality of grooves arranged parallel to each other.

[0041] The interlaced pattern of grooves can comprise a plurality of cruciform grooves. By this is meant that each groove has a distinct intersection with at least one other groove. Advantageously, an interlaced pattern of grooves, for example comprising a plurality of cruciform grooves, increases the total groove volume of the conduit. Advantageously, this means that a greater volume of fluid (for example air) can be transported along the conduit at any given time compared to prior art conduits that do not comprise a plurality of grooves, in particular an interlaced pattern of grooves. More advantageously, the interlaced pattern of grooves maintains a beneficial flow rate of fluid along the conduit during compression or loading of the conduit. In this way, for example when used to transport negative pressure to a wound site, the conduit of the present invention maintains negative pressure at the wound site even when the conduit has been folded and / or compressed by a user.

[0042] The plurality of grooves can be arranged in a sawtooth pattern of grooves. By this is meant that each groove is arranged in a zig-zag orientation and each groove does not intersect with another groove.

[0043] The strip of material can comprise a second surface forming an opposite / contrary surface to the first surface. The second surface can not comprise any grooves. The second surface can be substantially planar.

[0044] The at least one protrusion can be formed from a non-grooved portion of the first surface of the strip of material.

[0045] The protrusion or each protrusion can extend from a base of the groove or each groove.

[0046] The protrusion or each protrusion can extend to a height that is equal to or at least substantially equal to the height of the strip of material.

[0047] The protrusion or each protrusion can abut the membrane when the membrane is attached to the first surface of the strip of material. The membrane can be attached to one or more of the at least one protrusion. For example, the protrusion or each protrusion can comprise an upper surface that is attached to a lower surface of the membrane. The membrane can be attached to one or more of the at least one protrusion by heat lamination. In known airway tubes, despite the inclusion of spacer material, in use the membranes used to sandwich the spacer material often collapse inwards towards each other, resulting in obstruction of fluid flow through the airway tube. Advantageously, in relation to the present invention, in use the at least one protrusion prevents the membrane from collapsing into the at least one or more recesses and thus obstructing fluid flow through the airway tube.

[0048] The membrane can be substantially planar. Advantageously, this means that the airway tube has at least one surface that is substantially planar, which makes the airway tube more comfortable for a user to sit or lean on, if using the airway tube.

[0049] The at least one protrusion can be a discrete, standalone protrusion. The discrete, standalone protrusion can each have an arbitrary shape in cross-section (when viewed in plan), but in particular can be circular, elliptical, triangular, square, diamond, rhombic, parallelogram, oblong, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal.

[0050] The protrusion or each protrusion can be an elongate protrusion that extends at least partially along the length of the strip of material. The elongate protrusion or each elongate protrusion can be a linear protrusion or can be a zigzag protrusion. The plurality of protrusions can comprise at least one discrete, standalone protrusion and at least one elongate protrusion that extends at least partially along the length of the strip of material.

[0051] The elongate protrusion or each elongate protrusion can extend along the length of the strip of material by at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, or at least about 95%.

[0052] The length of the material strip can be about 50 mm, about 60 mm, about 70 mm, about 80 mm, about 90 mm, about 100 mm, about 110 mm, about 120 mm, about 130 mm, about 140 mm, about 150 mm, about 160 mm, about 170 mm, about 180 mm, about 190 mm, about 200 mm, about 210 mm, about 220 mm, about 230 mm, about 240 mm, about 250 mm, about 260 mm, about 270 mm, about 280 mm, about 290 mm, about 300 mm, about 310 mm, about 320 mm, about 330 mm, about 340 mm, about 350 mm, about 360 mm, about 370 mm, about 380 mm, about 390 mm, or about 400 mm.

[0053] The length of the material strip can be at least about 50 mm, at least about 60 mm, at least about 70 mm, at least about 80 mm, at least about 90 mm, at least about 100 mm, at least about 110 mm, at least about 120 mm, at least about 130 mm, at least about 140 mm, at least about 150 mm, at least about 160 mm, at least about 170 mm, at least about 180 mm, at least about 190 mm, at least about 200 mm, at least about 210 mm, at least about 220 mm, at least about 230 mm, at least about 240 mm, at least about 250 mm, at least about 260 mm, at least about 270 mm, at least about 280 mm, at least about 290 mm, at least about 300 mm, at least about 310 mm, at least about 320 mm, at least about 330 mm, at least about 340 mm, at least about 350 mm, at least about 360 mm, at least about 370 mm, at least about 380 mm, at least about 390 mm, or at least about 400 mm.

[0054] The length of the strip of material can be no more than about 50 mm, no more than about 60 mm, no more than about 70 mm, no more than about 80 mm, no more than about 90 mm, no more than about 100 mm, no more than about 110 mm, no more than about 120 mm, no more than about 130 mm, no more than about 140 mm, no more than about 150 mm, no more than about 160 mm, no more than about 170 mm, no more than about 180 mm, no more than about 190 mm, no more than about 200 mm, no more than about 210 mm, no more than about 220 mm, no more than about 230 mm, no more than about 240 mm, no more than about 250 mm, no more than about 260 mm, no more than about 270 mm, no more than about 280 mm, no more than about 290 mm, no more than about 300 mm, no more than about 310 mm, no more than about 320 mm, no more than about 330 mm, no more than about 340 mm, no more than about 350 mm, no more than about 360 mm, no more than about 370 mm, no more than about 380 mm, no more than about 390 mm, or no more than about 400 mm.

[0055] The width of the strip of material can be about 5 mm, about 10 mm, about 15 mm, about 20 mm, about 25 mm, about 30 mm, about 35 mm, about 40 mm, about 45 mm, or about 50 mm.

[0056] The width of the strip of material can be at least about 5 mm, at least about 10 mm, at least about 15 mm, at least about 20 mm, at least about 25 mm, at least about 30 mm, at least about 35 mm, at least about 40 mm, at least about 45 mm, or at least about 50 mm.

[0057] The width of the strip of material can be no more than about 5 mm, no more than about 10 mm, no more than about 15 mm, no more than about 20 mm, no more than about 25 mm, no more than about 30 mm, no more than about 35 mm, no more than about 40 mm, no more than about 45 mm, or no more than about 50 mm.

[0058] The depth of the strip of material can be about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 0.9 mm, about 1.0 mm, about 1.1 mm, about 1.2 mm, about 1.3 mm, about 1.4 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 1.6 mm, about 1.7 mm, about 1.8 mm, about 1.9 mm, about 2.0 mm, about 2.1 mm, about 2.2 mm, about 2.3 mm, about 2.4 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 2.6 mm, about 2.7 mm, about 2.8 mm, about 2.9 mm, or about 3.0 mm.

[0059] The depth of the material strip can be at least about 0.5 mm, at least about 0.6 mm, at least about 0.7 mm, at least about 0.8 mm, at least about 0.9 mm, at least about 1.0 mm, at least about 1.1 mm, at least about 1.2 mm, at least about 1.3 mm, at least about 1.4 mm, at least about 1.5 mm, at least about 1.6 mm, at least about 1.7 mm, at least about 1.8 mm, at least about 1.9 mm, at least about 2.0 mm, at least about 2.1 mm, at least about 2.2 mm, at least about 2.3 mm, at least about 2.4 mm, at least about 2.5 mm, at least about 2.6 mm, at least about 2.7 mm, at least about 2.8 mm, at least about 2.9 mm, or at least about 3.0 mm.

[0060] The depth of the material strip can be no more than about 0.5 mm, no more than about 0.6 mm, no more than about 0.7 mm, no more than about 0.8 mm, no more than about 0.9 mm, no more than about 1.0 mm, no more than about 1.1 mm, no more than about 1.2 mm, no more than about 1.3 mm, no more than about 1.4 mm, no more than about 1.5 mm, no more than about 1.6 mm, no more than about 1.7 mm, no more than about 1.8 mm, no more than about 1.9 mm, no more than about 2.0 mm, no more than about 2.1 mm, no more than about 2.2 mm, no more than about 2.3 mm, no more than about 2.4 mm, no more than about 2.5 mm, no more than about 2.6 mm, no more than about 2.7 mm, no more than about 2.8 mm, no more than about 2.9 mm, or no more than about 3.0 mm.

[0061] The depth of the material strip is measured from the bottom of the material to its highest point, e.g., to the top of a protrusion.

[0062] The depth of the groove or each groove can be about 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 0.9 mm, about 1.0 mm, about 1.1 mm, about 1.2 mm, about 1.3 mm, about 1.4 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 1.6 mm, about 1.7 mm, about 1.8 mm, about 1.9 mm, about 2.0 mm, about 2.1 mm, about 2.2 mm, about 2.3 mm, about 2.4 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 2.6 mm, about 2.7 mm, about 2.8 mm, or about 2.9 mm.

[0063] The depth of the or each recess can be at least about 0.1 mm, at least about 0.2 mm, at least about 0.3 mm, at least about 0.4 mm, at least about 0.5 mm, at least about 0.6 mm, at least about 0.7 mm, at least about 0.8 mm, at least about 0.9 mm, at least about 1.0 mm, at least about 1.1 mm, at least about 1.2 mm, at least about 1.3 mm, at least about 1.4 mm, at least about 1.5 mm, at least about 1.6 mm, at least about 1.7 mm, at least about 1.8 mm, at least about 1.9 mm, at least about 2.0 mm, at least about 2.1 mm, at least about 2.2 mm, at least about 2.3 mm, at least about 2.4 mm, at least about 2.5 mm, at least about 2.6 mm, at least about 2.7 mm, at least about 2.8 mm, or at least about 2.9 mm.

[0064] The depth of the or each recess can be no more than about 0.1 mm, no more than about 0.2 mm, no more than about 0.3 mm, no more than about 0.4 mm, no more than about 0.5 mm, no more than about 0.6 mm, no more than about 0.7 mm, no more than about 0.8 mm, no more than about 0.9 mm, no more than about 1.0 mm, no more than about 1.1 mm, no more than about 1.2 mm, no more than about 1.3 mm, no more than about 1.4 mm, no more than about 1.5 mm, no more than about 1.6 mm, no more than about 1.7 mm, no more than about 1.8 mm, no more than about 1.9 mm, no more than about 2.0 mm, no more than about 2.1 mm, no more than about 2.2 mm, no more than about 2.3 mm, no more than about 2.4 mm, no more than about 2.5 mm, no more than about 2.6 mm, no more than about 2.7 mm, no more than about 2.8 mm, or no more than about 2.9 mm.

[0065] The depth of the or each recess can be from about 0.1 mm to about 2.9 mm, from about 0.2 mm to about 2.8 mm, from about 0.3 mm to about 2.6 mm, from about 0.4 mm to about 2.4 mm, from about 0.5 mm to about 2.2 mm, from about 0.5 mm to about 2.0 mm, from about 0.6 mm to about 1.8 mm, from about 0.7 mm to about 1.6 mm, from about 0.8 mm to about 1.4 mm, from about 0.9 mm to about 1.2 mm, or about 1.0 mm.

[0066] Advantageously, the depth of the or each recess is significantly less than the depth of spacer material commonly found in known airways tubes. Thus, the present application provides an airway tube having a reduced depth compared to the prior art airway tubes. Thus, if a patient leans on the airway tube, the airway tube of the present application is more comfortable for the patient.

[0067] The "depth" of a recess refers to the distance between the uppermost surface or point of the protrusion and the bottom of the recess from which the protrusion extends.

[0068] The width of the groove or each groove can be about 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 0.9 mm, about 1.0 mm, about 1.1 mm, about 1.2 mm, about 1.3 mm, about 1.4 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 1.6 mm, about 1.7 mm, about 1.8 mm, about 1.9 mm, about 2.0 mm, about 2.1 mm, about 2.2 mm, about 2.3 mm, about 2.4 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 2.6 mm, about 2.7 mm, about 2.8 mm, about 2.9 mm, or about 3.0 mm.

[0069] The width of the groove or each groove can be at least about 0.1 mm, at least about 0.2 mm, at least about 0.3 mm, at least about 0.4 mm, at least about 0.5 mm, at least about 0.6 mm, at least about 0.7 mm, at least about 0.8 mm, at least about 0.9 mm, at least about 1.0 mm, at least about 1.1 mm, at least about 1.2 mm, at least about 1.3 mm, at least about 1.4 mm, at least about 1.5 mm, at least about 1.6 mm, at least about 1.7 mm, at least about 1.8 mm, at least about 1.9 mm, at least about 2.0 mm, at least about 2.1 mm, at least about 2.2 mm, at least about 2.3 mm, at least about 2.4 mm, at least about 2.5 mm, at least about 2.6 mm, at least about 2.7 mm, at least about 2.8 mm, at least about 2.9 mm, or at least about 3.0 mm.

[0070] The width of the groove or each groove can be no more than about 0.1 mm, no more than about 0.2 mm, no more than about 0.3 mm, no more than about 0.4 mm, no more than about 0.5 mm, no more than about 0.6 mm, no more than about 0.7 mm, no more than about 0.8 mm, no more than about 0.9 mm, no more than about 1.0 mm, no more than about 1.1 mm, no more than about 1.2 mm, no more than about 1.3 mm, no more than about 1.4 mm, no more than about 1.5 mm, no more than about 1.6 mm, no more than about 1.7 mm, no more than about 1.8 mm, no more than about 1.9 mm, no more than about 2.0 mm, no more than about 2.1 mm, no more than about 2.2 mm, no more than about 2.3 mm, no more than about 2.4 mm, no more than about 2.5 mm, no more than about 2.6 mm, no more than about 2.7 mm, no more than about 2.8 mm, no more than about 2.9 mm, or no more than about 3.0 mm.

[0071] The width of the groove or each groove can be from about 0.1 mm to about 3.0 mm, from about 0.2 mm to about 2.8 mm, from about 0.3 mm to about 2.6 mm, from about 0.4 mm to about 2.4 mm, from about 0.5 mm to about 2.2 mm, from about 0.5 mm to about 2.0 mm, from about 0.6 mm to about 1.8 mm, from about 0.7 mm to about 1.6 mm, from about 0.8 mm to about 1.4 mm, from about 0.9 mm to about 1.2 mm, or about 1.0 mm.

[0072] Advantageously, when used as part of a negative pressure wound dressing, the grooves having the above-mentioned depth and / or width dimensions allow fluid (typically air) to flow away from the wound site sufficiently. Such dimensions of the grooves are typically smaller than those of spacer materials used in known air-ways. Thus, the present invention provides an air-way which is less cumbersome for the patient and does not cause discomfort to the patient when the patient leans on the air-way while in use.

[0073] More advantageously, in use, the above-mentioned depth and / or width dimensions of the groove or each groove further reduce the ability of the film to press into the groove or each groove if the air-way is, for example, folded on itself or bears the weight of the user in use.

[0074] The "width" of a groove refers to the distance between adjacent protrusions between which the groove lies.

[0075] In embodiments comprising more than one groove, not all of the grooves can have the same width. The average width of the grooves can be about 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 0.9 mm, about 1.0 mm, about 1.1 mm, about 1.2 mm, about 1.3 mm, about 1.4 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 1.6 mm, about 1.7 mm, about 1.8 mm, about 1.9 mm, about 2.0 mm, about 2.1 mm, about 2.2 mm, about 2.3 mm, about 2.4 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 2.6 mm, about 2.7 mm, about 2.8 mm, about 2.9 mm, or about 3.0 mm.

[0076] The average width of the recesses can be at least about 0.1 mm, at least about 0.2 mm, at least about 0.3 mm, at least about 0.4 mm, at least about 0.5 mm, at least about 0.6 mm, at least about 0.7 mm, at least about 0.8 mm, at least about 0.9 mm, at least about 1.0 mm, at least about 1.1 mm, at least about 1.2 mm, at least about 1.3 mm, at least about 1.4 mm, at least about 1.5 mm, at least about 1.6 mm, at least about 1.7 mm, at least about 1.8 mm, at least about 1.9 mm, at least about 2.0 mm, at least about 2.1 mm, at least about 2.2 mm, at least about 2.3 mm, at least about 2.4 mm, at least about 2.5 mm, at least about 2.6 mm, at least about 2.7 mm, at least about 2.8 mm, at least about 2.9 mm, or at least about 3.0 mm.

[0077] The average width of the recesses can be no more than about 0.1 mm, no more than about 0.2 mm, no more than about 0.3 mm, no more than about 0.4 mm, no more than about 0.5 mm, no more than about 0.6 mm, no more than about 0.7 mm, no more than about 0.8 mm, no more than about 0.9 mm, no more than about 1.0 mm, no more than about 1.1 mm, no more than about 1.2 mm, no more than about 1.3 mm, no more than about 1.4 mm, no more than about 1.5 mm, no more than about 1.6 mm, no more than about 1.7 mm, no more than about 1.8 mm, no more than about 1.9 mm, no more than about 2.0 mm, no more than about 2.1 mm, no more than about 2.2 mm, no more than about 2.3 mm, no more than about 2.4 mm, no more than about 2.5 mm, no more than about 2.6 mm, no more than about 2.7 mm, no more than about 2.8 mm, no more than about 2.9 mm, or no more than about 3.0 mm.

[0078] The average width of the recesses can be from about 0.1 mm to about 3.0 mm, from about 0.2 mm to about 2.8 mm, from about 0.3 mm to about 2.6 mm, from about 0.4 mm to about 2.4 mm, from about 0.5 mm to about 2.2 mm, from about 0.5 mm to about 2.0 mm, from about 0.6 mm to about 1.8 mm, from about 0.7 mm to about 1.6 mm, from about 0.8 mm to about 1.4 mm, from about 0.9 mm to about 1.2 mm, or about 1.0 mm.

[0079] The recesses can be formed as a slotted region. A "slotted region" refers to a region of a strip of material that is generally surrounded by recesses.

[0080] The grooves can be formed as a grooved region having a width equal to about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, about 95%, or substantially all, or all, of the width of the airway tube.

[0081] The grooves can be formed as a grooved region having a width equal to at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or substantially all, or all, of the width of the airway tube.

[0082] The grooves can be formed as a grooved region having a width equal to no more than about 10%, no more than about 15%, no more than about 20%, no more than about 25%, no more than about 30%, no more than about 35%, no more than about 40%, no more than about 45%, no more than about 50%, no more than about 55%, no more than about 60%, no more than about 65%, no more than about 70%, no more than about 75%, no more than about 80%, no more than about 85%, no more than about 90%, or no more than about 95% of the width of the airway tube.

[0083] The grooves can be formed as a grooved region having a length equal to about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, about 95%, or substantially all, or all, of the length of the airway tube.

[0084] The grooves can be formed as a grooved region having a length equal to at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or substantially all, or all, of the length of the airway tube.

[0085] The recesses can be formed as a grooved region having a length equal to no more than about 10%, no more than about 15%, no more than about 20%, no more than about 25%, no more than about 30%, no more than about 35%, no more than about 40%, no more than about 45%, no more than about 50%, no more than about 55%, no more than about 60%, no more than about 65%, no more than about 70%, no more than about 75%, no more than about 80%, no more than about 85%, no more than about 90%, or no more than about 95% of the length of the conduit.

[0086] The thickness of the membrane is preferably at least about 0.05 mm, at least about 0.1 mm, at least about 0.15 mm, at least about 0.2 mm, at least about 0.25 mm, at least about 0.3 mm, at least about 0.35 mm, at least about 0.4 mm, at least about 0.45 mm, at least about 0.5 mm, at least about 0.55 mm, at least about 0.6 mm, at least about 0.65 mm, at least about 0.7 mm, at least about 0.75 mm, at least about 0.8 mm, at least about 0.85 mm, at least about 0.9 mm, at least about 0.95 mm, or at least about 1.0 mm.

[0087] The thickness of the membrane is preferably no more than about 0.05 mm, no more than about 0.1 mm, no more than about 0.15 mm, no more than about 0.2 mm, no more than about 0.25 mm, no more than about 0.3 mm, no more than about 0.35 mm, no more than about 0.4 mm, no more than about 0.45 mm, no more than about 0.5 mm, no more than about 0.55 mm, no more than about 0.6 mm, no more than about 0.65 mm, no more than about 0.7 mm, no more than about 0.75 mm, no more than about 0.8 mm, no more than about 0.85 mm, no more than about 0.9 mm, no more than about 0.95 mm, or no more than about 1.0 mm.

[0088] Each channel can be in fluid communication with at least one other channel. Each channel can be in fluid communication with every other channel, such that the plurality of channels form a channel interconnection lattice / network in fluid communication with each other. Advantageously, this facilitates the passage of air (or another fluid) along the channels, thus providing a conduit that reliably delivers negative pressure to a wound site. More advantageously, in the event that the conduit is bent (i.e. kinked) in use, the arrangement of channels maintains the effective flow of air (or another fluid) along the channels. Thus, blockage of the conduit is prevented, or at least significantly reduced, compared to prior art conduits.

[0089] The fluid can be any gas or liquid.

[0090] The plurality of channels can comprise at least a first channel and a second channel.

[0091] The first and second channels can be different from one another such that the first channel is not in fluid communication with the second channel. This arrangement provides a conduit that allows passage of fluid in two directions, i.e. passage of fluid away from the wound site and passage of fluid towards the wound site.

[0092] The plurality of channels can comprise at least a first channelled region and a second channelled region, each channelled region comprising two or more channels. The first channelled region can be different from the second channelled region such that the first channelled region is not in fluid communication with the second channelled region.

[0093] The first and second channelled regions can be separated by a sealed portion between the strip and the film. This arrangement provides a conduit that allows passage of fluid in two directions, i.e. passage of fluid away from the wound site and passage of fluid towards the wound site. The sealed portion can be an adhesive portion between the film and one or more protrusions. The sealed portion can extend into one or more grooves. The sealed portion can be formed by laminating the film to the strip. The sealed portion can be a longitudinal seal extending / running lengthwise along the conduit and arranged to separate the first channelled region from the second channelled region such that the two channelled regions are not in fluid communication with one another. In this embodiment, the conduit can comprise two tubular portions at one end (e.g. the first end) and the first tubular portion can be arranged to be in fluid communication with the first channelled region and the second tubular portion can be arranged to be in fluid communication with the second channelled region. Advantageously, this means that the conduit can provide a passage for fluid in two different directions, i.e. a first direction, e.g. towards the wound site via the first channelled region, and a second direction, e.g. away from the wound site via the second channelled region.

[0094] The film and the strip can be formed from the same material. Advantageously, this means that the conduit can be formed from readily available, cost effective materials and tends to improve attachment of one material to another.

[0095] The film can be formed from a material selected from the group comprising: polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-vinyl acetate, and silicone / resin / silicone material (e.g. silicone rubber).

[0096] The strip can be formed from a material selected from the group comprising: polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-vinyl acetate, and silicone / resin / silicone material (e.g. silicone rubber).

[0097] Advantageously, each of these materials is inexpensive and readily available. More advantageously, each of these materials provides a trachea that can be stretched, flexible, and relatively soft. Thus, if the patient’s movements cause the trachea to repeatedly rub against their skin, the trachea will not irritate the patient. Furthermore, these materials, and polyurethane in particular, are reusable and recyclable.

[0098] The film can be attached to the strip of material by lamination. The film can be laminated to the strip by heat lamination, pressure lamination, hot press lamination, welding, or adhesive.

[0099] Both the film and the strip can be made from recyclable materials. Advantageously, the use of recyclable materials to form the trachea is environmentally friendly.

[0100] The trachea can have a substantially flat outer surface.

[0101] The strip of material and / or the film can be formed from a transparent or translucent material. Advantageously, this means that the trachea is transparent or translucent, respectively, such that if an occlusion occurs within the trachea, for example due to wound exudate, this can be seen by the patient or a healthcare professional.

[0102] The strip of material can have any shape, but is preferably in the shape of an elongate rectangle, which comprises a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge arranged parallel to each other. These two longitudinal edges can be joined together by two curved opposite ends. At least one of the two curved ends can be tapered / converging.

[0103] The trachea can comprise a first end. The first end can comprise a filter, an infection detection indicator, and / or a dressing change indicator.

[0104] The filter can be liquid impermeable but gas permeable. Advantageously, the filter can act as a liquid barrier to ensure that no wound exudate can exit the wound dressing.

[0105] The filter can act as a bacterial barrier.

[0106] The filter can be a microporous membrane. The microporous membrane can be any polymeric material. The filter can be a microporous hydrophobic membrane (MHM). The MHM can be formed from one or more of PTFE, polypropylene, PVDF, and acrylic copolymer. Each of these optional polymers can be treated to obtain specific surface properties that are both hydrophobic and oleophobic. Thus, they will repel low surface tension liquids such as various vitamin infusions, lipids, surfactants, oils, and organic solvents.

[0107] The filter can comprise an odour absorbing material, such as activated charcoal or carbon fibre cloth.

[0108] The filter can have a pore size of about 0.1 pm, about 0.2 pm, about 0.3 pm, about 0.4 pm, about 0.5 pm, about 0.6 pm, about 0.7 pm, about 0.8 pm, about 0.9 pm, or about 1.0 pm.

[0109] The filter can comprise an oleophobic filter membrane. Advantageously, the oleophobic filter membrane can prevent any lipids found in wound exudate from clogging the filter.

[0110] The infection detection indicator and / or dressing change indicator can comprise an auxiliary compound. The auxiliary compound can be an antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, or any other such therapeutic compound. In some embodiments, the indicator can be by way of a color change. If the dressing is saturated, or if the dressing has absorbed a certain amount of harmful substances (e.g., indicating the presence of an infection factor), the color can change as a function of time (e.g., indicating when the dressing needs to be changed).

[0111] The first end can comprise a viewing window through which the infection detection indicator and / or dressing change indicator can be observed. The viewing window can be electronically monitored and can be used in conjunction with a computer program or system to alert a patient or physician of the saturation level of the dressing.

[0112] An end of the airway tube, e.g., the first end, can comprise a tapered portion / truncated portion extending away from the airway tube.

[0113] The tapered portion can comprise a tubular portion. The tubular portion can extend away from the first end to a greater extent than the tapered portion. The tubular portion can be configured to receive a tube or a luer connector or a barb connector that can be connected to a pump. The depth of the tubular portion can be greater than the depth of any other portion of the airway tube. In this way, the tubular portion can be more rigid than any other portion of the airway tube. Advantageously, this facilitates insertion of the tube or luer connector or barb connector. More advantageously, the tubular portion (particularly in embodiments comprising a tubular portion that is more rigid than any other portion of the airway tube) prevents kinking of the airway tube at the end comprising the tubular portion, e.g., at the first end. The length over which the tubular portion extends can be no more than about 2% of the length of the airway tube, no more than about 4% of the length of the airway tube, no more than about 6% of the length of the airway tube, no more than about 8% of the length of the airway tube, or no more than about 10% of the length of the airway tube.

[0114] In embodiments of the present invention that do not comprise a tubular portion, a tube or luer connector or barb connector can be attached (e.g., by using an adhesive) to the first surface of the material strip at one end of the strip, e.g., the first end, prior to attaching the membrane to the first surface of the material strip. Thus, the tube or luer connector or barb connector is sandwiched between the first surface of the material strip and the membrane.

[0115] The first end can comprise a connector for connecting the airway tube to a pump. The connector can connect the airway tube to the pump via a medical conduit. In embodiments where the airway tube is used as part of a negative pressure wound dressing, the connector can be configured to transmit negative pressure from the pump to the wound dressing for application of local negative pressure at the wound site.

[0116] The connector can comprise a body having an upper surface and a lower surface, each surface joined together at their periphery. The connector can comprise a nozzle having a mouth at an end thereof. The nozzle can extend away from the body of the connector at the junction of the upper surface and the lower surface. The nozzle can be tapered to facilitate connection to a tube or other connector or adapter which in turn can be connected to a pump.

[0117] The connector can comprise an aperture. The lower surface of the connector can comprise the aperture. The aperture can be centrally arranged relative to the periphery of the lower surface of the connector. The aperture can be in fluid communication with the nozzle and the mouth.

[0118] In embodiments of the present invention which do not comprise a tubular portion, the airway tube can comprise one or more holes, for example cross-shaped or circular holes, which are preferably at the first end of the airway tube and preferably in the second surface of the material strip, such that the membrane does not comprise the one or more holes. Thus, the one or more holes are arranged in fluid communication with the at least one channel. In use, the connector can be attached to the airway tube at the second surface of the material strip, for example by using an adhesive or by heat welding, such that the aperture is in fluid communication with the one or more holes. In this way, the mouth, the nozzle, the aperture, the one or more holes and the at least one channel are in fluid communication with one another. A luer connector or barb connector can be connected to the nozzle of the connector and to a pump. Thus, activation of the pump allows air to flow from the wound site, along the at least one channel, through the one or more holes, through the aperture, the nozzle and the mouth, and through the luer connector or barb connector, to the pump. In this way, negative pressure is created at the wound site.

[0119] The filter, infection detection indicator and / or dressing change indicator can be integrally formed / integrated with the connector. The filter, infection detection indicator and / or dressing change indicator can be located within the nozzle of the connector.

[0120] The filter, infection detection indicator, dressing change indicator and / or connector can be attached to the first surface of the material strip.

[0121] The filter, infection detection indicator, dressing change indicator and / or connector can be attached to the second surface of the material strip.

[0122] A filter, an infection detection indicator, a dressing change indicator, and / or a connector can be attached to the second surface of the material strip and fluidly connected to the first surface through the one or more apertures.

[0123] The airway tube can comprise a second end distal from the first end. The second end can have substantially the same size and shape as the first end, or can be enlarged relative to the size of the first end. The second end can comprise a lip. Advantageously, the lip increases the surface area of the second end to which adhesive can be attached. The second end can be any shape, for example circular, triangular, rectangular, pentagonal. Advantageously, an enlarged second end provides sufficient surface area for an adhesive face sheet to be attached to the airway tube.

[0124] The second end can comprise an adhesive face sheet for attaching the airway tube to a wound dressing. The adhesive face sheet can be a double-sided adhesive face sheet. The adhesive face sheet can be separate from the airway tube until it needs to be attached to the second end of the airway tube. Advantageously, the adhesive face sheet is adapted to adhere the airway tube to a wound dressing, for example a backing layer.

[0125] The material strip can be formed by compression moulding or injection moulding. Each moulding / forming technique provides a cost effective method of forming the airway tube. Furthermore, compression moulding or injection moulding allows for the production of a material strip of custom shape and design. Advantageously, this means that the number, shape and configuration of recesses and any corresponding protrusions can be easily formed when forming the material strip.

[0126] The material strip can be a first material strip.

[0127] The airway tube can comprise a second material strip. The second material strip can comprise any of the optional features or other features associated with the (first) material strip as described above.

[0128] The airway tube can comprise a second material strip having a first surface comprising at least one recess, but preferably a plurality of recesses. The first surface of the second material strip can be arranged over a membrane and attached to the membrane around its longitudinal edges to form at least one, but preferably a plurality of channels between the second material strip and the membrane. Advantageously, this arrangement allows for the formation of at least two channels (i.e. at least a first channel and at least a second channel) that are not in fluid communication with each other. This arrangement provides an airway tube that allows for fluid to pass in two directions, i.e. fluid passing away from the wound site and fluid passing towards the wound site.

[0129] Accordingly, in some embodiments, a gas guide for a negative pressure wound dressing can be provided, the gas guide comprising a first strip of material having a first surface comprising at least one groove, the gas guide further comprising a film arranged over the first surface of the first strip of material and attached to the first strip of material around the longitudinal edges thereof, wherein the at least one groove is provided with at least one protrusion to form at least two channels between the first strip and the film, wherein the gas guide further comprises a second strip of material having a first surface comprising at least one groove provided with at least one protrusion, the first surface of the second strip of material being arranged over the film and attached to the film around the longitudinal edges thereof to form at least two channels between the second strip and the film.

[0130] Accordingly, in some embodiments, a gas guide for a negative pressure wound dressing can be provided, the gas guide comprising a first strip of material having a first surface comprising at least one groove, the gas guide further comprising a film arranged over the first surface of the first strip of material and attached to the first strip of material around the longitudinal edges thereof, wherein the at least one groove is provided with at least one protrusion to form at least two channels between the first strip and the film, wherein the gas guide further comprises a second strip of material having a first surface comprising at least one groove provided with at least one protrusion, the first surface of the second strip of material being arranged over the film and attached to the film around the longitudinal edges thereof to form at least two channels between the second strip and the film, wherein the at least one groove comprised in the first strip of material is formed by hot stamping, laser cutting, laser engraving or thermoforming.

[0131] Accordingly, in some embodiments, a gas guide for a negative pressure wound dressing can be provided, the gas guide comprising a first strip of material having a first surface comprising at least one groove, the gas guide further comprising a film arranged over the first surface of the first strip of material and attached to the first strip of material around the longitudinal edges thereof, wherein the at least one groove is provided with at least one protrusion to form at least two channels between the first strip and the film, wherein the gas guide further comprises a second strip of material having a first surface comprising at least one groove provided with at least one protrusion, the first surface of the second strip of material being arranged over the film and attached to the film around the longitudinal edges thereof to form at least two channels between the second strip and the film, wherein the at least one groove comprised in the second strip of material is formed by hot stamping, laser cutting, laser engraving or thermoforming.

[0132] In some embodiments, a gas guide tube for a negative pressure wound dressing can be provided, the gas guide tube comprising a first strip of material having a first surface, the first surface comprising at least one groove, the gas guide tube further comprising a film arranged over the first surface of the first strip of material and attached to the first strip of material around its longitudinal edges, wherein the at least one groove is provided with at least one protrusion to form at least two channels between the first strip and the film, wherein the gas guide tube further comprises a second strip of material having a first surface, the first surface of the second strip of material comprising at least one groove provided with at least one protrusion, the first surface of the second strip of material being arranged over the film and attached to the film around its longitudinal edges to form at least two channels between the second strip and the film, wherein the at least one groove comprised in the first strip of material is formed by hot stamping, laser cutting, laser engraving or thermoforming, and the at least one groove comprised in the second strip of material is formed by hot stamping, laser cutting, laser engraving or thermoforming.

[0133] The second strip of material can be formed of the same material as the first strip of material.

[0134] The gas guide tube can comprise at least one seal arranged to divide the plurality of channels into two or more different, separate / singular strip channel regions, e.g. a first strip channel region and a second strip channel region. In this embodiment, the at least one seal can be formed after the film has been attached to the strip of material. Each separate strip channel region can not be in fluid communication with another different, separate strip channel region. The gas guide tube can comprise one, two, three or more than three seals. The seal can be formed between the film and the strip of material. The seal can be formed by heat lamination, pressure lamination, heat pressure lamination, fusion bonding or adhesive. Each separate strip channel region can comprise at least one channel. Advantageously, in this embodiment, the gas guide tube can be used to provide multidirectional fluid flow. For example, fluid can flow through the at least one channel in the first strip channel region towards the wound site, and fluid can simultaneously flow through the at least one channel in the second strip channel region away from the wound site.

[0135] The gas guide tube can be used with a wound dressing for applications such as negative pressure therapy, positive pressure therapy, oxygen therapy or deep wound filling therapy. The gas guide tube can also be used as part of a drug delivery system or infusion system.

[0136] As one example of an embodiment of the application in use, a typical negative pressure wound dressing includes a pump for generating negative pressure, a dressing for covering and protecting a wound, the dressing including a wound contact layer, a backing layer, and at least one layer of absorbent material between the wound contact layer and the backing layer. In use, a fluid communication path is provided from the wound, through the wound contact layer, and through one or more layers of absorbent material provided in the dressing. The fluid communication path can also extend through an opening in the backing layer. Advantageously, the fluid communication path can be formed in any suitable location on the wound dressing.

[0137] The airway tube can be attached to the wound dressing between the backing layer and the at least one layer of absorbent material, for example by a double-sided adhesive located at the second end of the airway tube. Alternatively, if the fluid communication path extends through an opening in the backing layer, the airway tube can be attached to the wound dressing on the backing layer, and the hole in the material strip and the hole in the backing layer are arranged concentrically.

[0138] The luer connector or barb connector is inserted into the tubular portion of the first end of the material strip, and the connector can be connected to the pump via a tube or the like. Activation of the pump draws air from the wound site, via the fluid communication path, through the wound contact layer and absorbent material, through the hole of the adhesive face sheet, through the hole at the second end of the material strip, along the plurality of channels, through the de-tubular portion and luer connector, and towards the pump. Thus, negative pressure is generated at the wound site.

[0139] The second material strip can be an elongate material strip. The second material strip can comprise a first end. The second material strip can comprise a second end. The second elongate material strip can comprise a pair of longitudinal edges, namely a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. The longitudinal edges can be joined together at the first end by an outwardly curved portion, an outermost portion of which can form a terminal end of the first end. The longitudinal edges can be joined together by an outwardly curved portion, an outermost portion of which can form a terminal end of the second end. The second end can be distal from / second end can be distal to the first end.

[0140] The second material strip can have a width (i.e. the distance between the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge) of about 15mm and a length (i.e. the distance from the terminal end of the first end to the terminal end of the second end) of about 300mm.

[0141] In embodiments comprising the second material strip, the first material strip can comprise a first aperture at the first end, which can function as an inlet or an outlet for fluid flow. In embodiments comprising the second material strip, the first material strip can comprise a second aperture at the second end, which can function as an inlet or an outlet for fluid flow. The first aperture can function as an inlet or an outlet for fluid flow, and the second aperture can function as the other of an inlet and an outlet for fluid flow.

[0142] The first aperture can be in fluid communication with the second aperture. Advantageously, this allows the airway tube of the present invention to comprise at least one suitably configured connector at the first end and / or the second end.

[0143] The airway tube can comprise a third aperture. The second material strip can comprise at least one aperture. The third aperture can be arranged at the first end of the second material strip. The third aperture can be cruciform. The third aperture can be disposed centrally with respect to the perimeter of the first end of the second material strip. The third aperture can extend through the entire depth of the second material strip.

[0144] The airway tube can comprise a fourth aperture. The fourth aperture can be arranged at the second end of the second material strip. The fourth aperture can be cruciform. The fourth aperture can be disposed centrally with respect to the perimeter of the second end of the second material strip. The fourth aperture can extend through the entire depth of the second material strip.

[0145] In use, the second material strip can comprise a first surface facing downwards and a second surface facing upwards. In use, the first surface can face towards the wound site and the second surface can face away from the wound site.

[0146] The first surface of the second material strip can comprise a grooved region comprising at least one groove, preferably a plurality of grooves. The grooved region can comprise at least one protrusion, preferably a plurality of protrusions.

[0147] The grooved region of the first surface of the second material strip can comprise each feature of the grooved region of the first surface of the first material strip.

[0148] The width of the grooved region can be equal to about 60% of the width of the second material strip and the length can be equal to about 90% of the length of the second material strip. The grooved region can be substantially rectangular.

[0149] The at least one groove can be arranged in an interlaced pattern of intersecting grooves, wherein each groove is separated from another groove or another portion of a groove by a protrusion. The or each protrusion can extend from the bottom of the groove. The or each groove can have a width of 1.0 mm and a depth of 1.5 mm. The or each groove can be formed by laser engraving / etching the second material strip. The second material strip can have a depth of 2.0 mm.

[0150] In embodiments comprising a plurality of grooves, each groove can be in fluid communication with one another such that the plurality of grooves form an interconnected grid of grooves in fluid communication with one another. Advantageously, in this embodiment, the plurality of grooves increases the total volume of grooves of the second material strip of the airway tube. This in turn means that a greater volume of fluid (e.g. air) is transported along the second material strip of the airway tube at any given time compared to prior art airway tubes that do not comprise a plurality of grooves, in particular grooves in an interlaced pattern.

[0151] Furthermore, in use, the interconnecting network of grooves maintains a favourable fluid flow rate along the second material strip of the conduit during compression or loading of the conduit. In this way, for example when used to transmit negative pressure to a wound site, the conduit of the present invention maintains negative pressure at the wound site even in the event that the conduit has been folded and / or compressed by a user.

[0152] The at least one groove can be in fluid communication with the third aperture. The at least one groove can be in fluid communication with the fourth aperture.

[0153] The conduit can comprise a second material strip such that a first surface of the second material strip is disposed above the membrane. The first surface of the second material strip can be attached to the membrane around its longitudinal edges (for example by adhesive, or heat lamination can be used). The plurality of grooves can form at least one second channel, preferably a second set of channels, between the second material strip and the membrane. In embodiments comprising a second set of channels, the second set of channels can be in fluid communication with every other channel such that the second set of channels form an interconnected network of channels in fluid communication with each other. The interconnected channels can be in fluid communication with the third aperture at the first end of the second material strip and / or the fourth aperture at the second end of the second material strip.

[0154] Advantageously, this arrangement allows for at least two channels to be formed which are not in fluid communication with each other (i.e. at least a first channel and at least a second channel). This arrangement provides a conduit which allows for fluid to pass in two directions, i.e. fluid to pass away from the wound site and fluid to pass towards the wound site.

[0155] The at least one groove comprised in the first surface of the first material strip can be provided with a plurality of protrusions such that a plurality of channels are provided between the first strip and the membrane.

[0156] The at least one groove comprised in the first surface of the second material strip can be provided with a plurality of protrusions such that a plurality of channels are provided between the second strip and the membrane.

[0157] The at least one groove comprised in the first surface of the first material strip can be provided with a plurality of protrusions such that a plurality of channels are provided between the first strip and the membrane, and the at least one groove comprised in the first surface of the second material strip can be provided with a plurality of protrusions such that a plurality of channels are provided between the second strip and the membrane.

[0158] Thus, in some embodiments, a gas guide for a negative pressure wound dressing can be provided, the gas guide comprising a first strip of material having a first surface comprising at least one groove, the gas guide further comprising a film arranged over the first surface of the first strip of material and attached to the first strip of material around its longitudinal edges, wherein the at least one groove is provided with at least one protrusion to form at least two channels between the first strip and the film, wherein the gas guide further comprises a second strip of material having a first surface comprising at least one groove provided with at least one protrusion, the first surface of the second strip of material being arranged over the film and attached to the film around its longitudinal edges to form at least two channels between the second strip and the film, wherein the at least one groove comprised in the first surface of the first strip of material is provided with a plurality of protrusions, thereby providing a plurality of channels between the first strip and the film, and / or wherein the at least one groove comprised in the first surface of the second strip of material is provided with a plurality of protrusions, thereby providing a plurality of channels between the second strip and the film.

[0159] Thus, in some embodiments, a gas guide for a negative pressure wound dressing can be provided, the gas guide comprising a first strip of material having a first surface comprising at least one groove, the gas guide further comprising a film arranged over the first surface of the first strip of material and attached to the first strip of material around its longitudinal edges, wherein the at least one groove is provided with at least one protrusion to form at least two channels between the first strip and the film, wherein the gas guide further comprises a second strip of material having a first surface comprising at least one groove provided with at least one protrusion, the first surface of the second strip of material being arranged over the film and attached to the film around its longitudinal edges to form at least two channels between the second strip and the film, wherein the at least one groove comprised in the first surface of the first strip of material is provided with a plurality of protrusions, thereby providing a plurality of channels between the first strip and the film, and / or wherein the at least one groove comprised in the first surface of the second strip of material is provided with a plurality of protrusions, thereby providing a plurality of channels between the second strip and the film, wherein the at least two channels between the first strip and the film are in fluid communication with each other, and / or wherein the at least two channels between the second strip and the film are in fluid communication with each other.

[0160] In some embodiments, a gas guide for a negative pressure wound dressing can be provided, the gas guide comprising a first strip of material having a first surface comprising at least one groove, the gas guide further comprising a film arranged over the first surface of the first strip of material and attached to the first strip of material around its longitudinal edges, wherein the at least one groove is provided with at least one protrusion to form at least two channels between the first strip and the film, wherein the gas guide further comprises a second strip of material having a first surface comprising at least one groove provided with at least one protrusion, the first surface of the second strip of material being arranged over the film and attached to the film around its longitudinal edges to form at least two channels between the second strip and the film, wherein the at least one groove comprised in the first surface of the first strip of material is provided with a plurality of protrusions such that a plurality of channels is provided between the first strip and the film, and / or wherein the at least one groove comprised in the first surface of the second strip of material is provided with a plurality of protrusions such that a plurality of channels is provided between the second strip and the film, wherein the at least two channels between the first strip and the film are in fluid communication with each other, and / or wherein the at least two channels between the second strip and the film are in fluid communication with each other, wherein the channels between the first strip and the film form an interconnected channel network, and / or wherein the channels between the second strip and the film form an interconnected channel network.

[0161] In some embodiments, the channels between the first strip of material and the film are not in fluid communication with the channels between the second strip of material and the film.

[0162] Advantageously, this embodiment provides a gas guide that allows fluid (e.g. air) to pass in both directions simultaneously, i.e. passage of fluid away from the wound site and passage of fluid towards the wound site. This can therefore promote wound healing through a variety of mechanisms, including removal of excess exudate, reduction of oedema around the wound and increased perfusion, thereby improving wound efficacy.

[0163] The gas guide can comprise at least one connector. The at least one connector can comprise a first connector for connecting the channels between the first strip of material and the film to a first medical tube and an internal lumen therebetween. The first connector can be connected to the first end of the first strip of material, e.g. by adhesive or heat welding, such that the connector is in fluid communication with the first orifice.

[0164] The gas guide can comprise a second connector for connecting the channels between the second strip of material and the film to a second medical tube and an internal lumen therebetween. The second connector can be connected to the first end of the second strip of material, e.g. by adhesive or heat welding, such that the connector is in fluid communication with the third orifice.

[0165] The first and / or second connector can be a luer connector or a barb connector. The first and / or second connector can be connected to a pump.

[0166] The first aperture of the first material strip and the second aperture of the first material strip can be in fluid communication through the first passage or each first passage.

[0167] The third aperture of the second material strip and the fourth aperture of the second material strip can be in fluid communication through the second passage or each second passage.

[0168] The first aperture and / or the second aperture can not be in fluid communication with the third aperture and / or the fourth aperture.

[0169] The first aperture can be separated from the third aperture by a membrane. The first aperture can be separated from the third aperture by a membrane such that the first aperture is not in fluid communication with the third aperture.

[0170] The second aperture can be separated from the fourth aperture by a membrane. The second aperture can be separated from the fourth aperture by a membrane such that the second aperture is not in fluid communication with the fourth aperture.

[0171] The membrane between the first material strip and the second material strip can comprise a plurality of membrane layers bonded together, for example, by heat lamination or adhesive.

[0172] In some embodiments, the membrane is formed from a material selected from the group comprising: polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-vinyl acetate, and silicone material.

[0173] The or each first aperture, second aperture, third aperture, and / or fourth aperture can comprise a plurality of apertures.

[0174] The first end of the first and / or second material strip can comprise 2 to 18 apertures, 6 to 15 apertures, or 9 to 12 apertures.

[0175] The first end of the first and / or second material strip can comprise about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15, about 16, about 17, or about 18 apertures.

[0176] The first end of the first and / or second material strip can comprise at least about 2, at least about 3, at least about 4, at least about 5, at least about 6, at least about 7, at least about 8, at least about 9, at least about 10, at least about 11, at least about 12, at least about 13, at least about 14, at least about 15, at least about 16, at least about 17, or at least about 18 apertures.

[0177] The first end of the first and / or second strip of material can comprise no more than about 2, no more than about 3, no more than about 4, no more than about 5, no more than about 6, no more than about 7, no more than about 8, no more than about 9, no more than about 10, no more than about 11, no more than about 12, no more than about 13, no more than about 14, no more than about 15, no more than about 16, no more than about 17, or no more than about 18 apertures.

[0178] The shape of the or each aperture can be circular, square, rectangular, diamond, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, or cruciform in shape or in the form of a slot / slit.

[0179] The or each aperture can have a diameter or longest dimension of at least about 0.1 cm, at least about 0.2 cm, at least about 0.3 cm, at least about 0.4 cm, at least about 0.5 cm, at least about 0.6 cm, at least about 0.7 cm, at least about 0.8 cm, at least about 0.9 cm, or at least about 1.0 cm.

[0180] The or each aperture can have a diameter or longest dimension of at least about 0.1 cm, at least about 0.2 cm, at least about 0.3 cm, at least about 0.4 cm, at least about 0.5 cm, at least about 0.6 cm, at least about 0.7 cm, at least about 0.8 cm, at least about 0.9 cm, or at least about 1.0 cm.

[0181] The or each aperture can have a diameter or longest dimension of at least about 0.1 cm, at least about 0.2 cm, at least about 0.3 cm, at least about 0.4 cm, at least about 0.5 cm, at least about 0.6 cm, at least about 0.7 cm, at least about 0.8 cm, at least about 0.9 cm, or at least about 1.0 cm.

[0182] According to a second aspect of the application, there is provided the use of a gas conduit according to the first aspect with a negative pressure wound dressing.

[0183] According to a third aspect of the application, there is provided a negative pressure wound dressing comprising a gas conduit according to the first aspect.

[0184] According to a fourth aspect of the application, there is provided a method of manufacturing a gas conduit, comprising the steps of:

[0185] a. providing a strip of material having a first surface comprising at least one groove;

[0186] b. arranging a film over the first surface of the strip of material; and

[0187] c. attaching the film to the first surface of the strip of material around the longitudinal edges of the strip of material to form a plurality of channels between the strip and the film.

[0188] Prior to step (a), the at least one groove can be formed in the strip of material by hot stamping, laser cutting, laser engraving / etching or thermoforming.

[0189] The strip of material can be formed by compression moulding or injection moulding.

[0190] The at least one groove can be a plurality of grooves.

[0191] In step (c), the film can be attached to the strip of material by lamination. The film can be laminated to the strip by hot lamination, pressure lamination, heat press lamination, fusion bonding or adhesive.

[0192] According to a fifth aspect of the present application, there is provided a method of using a wound dressing comprising a gas duct according to the first aspect.

[0193] The method can comprise attaching the wound dressing to a wound site, preferably to the skin around the wound.

[0194] The wound dressing can be a negative pressure wound dressing.

[0195] The present application according to any one of the first to fifth aspects can of course include any one or more optional or other features of the others individually. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0196] For a more complete understanding of the present application, one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0197] Figure 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of a gas duct;

[0198] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the gas duct of Figure 1

[0199] Figure 3 is a side view of the gas duct of Figure 1

[0200] Figure 4 is a reverse perspective view of a portion of the gas duct of Figure 2

[0201] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the gas duct shown in Figure 4

[0202] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the gas duct of Figure 1

[0203] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the gas duct of Figure 6 ​​​​​A side view of a portion of the air duct, wherein the membrane is attached to the first surface of the material strip;

[0204] Figure 8A This is a front view of an example connector used with an air duct;

[0205] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A A plan view of the connector;

[0206] Figure 8C yes Figure 8A Rear view of the connector;

[0207] Figure 8D yes Figure 8A A bottom view of the connector;

[0208] Figure 9A This is a front view of another example of a connector used with an air duct;

[0209] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A A plan view of the connector;

[0210] Figure 9C yes Figure 9A Rear view of the connector;

[0211] Figure 9D yes Figure 9A A bottom view of the connector;

[0212] Figure 10A yes Figure 9A A perspective view of the connector;

[0213] Figure 10B yes Figure 9A A cross-sectional perspective view of the connector;

[0214] Figure 11A yes Figure 8A A perspective view of the connector;

[0215] Figure 11B yes Figure 8A A cross-sectional perspective view of the connector;

[0216] Figure 12A It is based on including Figure 8A A partial plan view of a portion of the air duct of another embodiment of the connector;

[0217] Figure 12B yes Figure 12A A portion of the rear view of the air duct section;

[0218] Figure 13A It is based on including Figure 9AA partial plan view of a portion of the air duct of another embodiment of the connector;

[0219] Figure 13B yes Figure 13A A portion of the rear view of the air duct section;

[0220] Figure 14 This is a plan view of the third embodiment of the air duct;

[0221] Figure 15A It is used as Figure 1 A plan view of an example of multiple grooves in a portion of the air duct;

[0222] Figure 15B It is used as Figure 1 A plan view of another example of multiple grooves in a portion of the air duct;

[0223] Figure 15C It is used as Figure 1 A plan view of another example of multiple grooves in a portion of the air duct;

[0224] Figure 15D It is used as Figure 1 A plan view of another example of multiple grooves in a portion of the air duct;

[0225] Figure 15E It is used as Figure 1 A plan view of another example of multiple grooves in a portion of the air duct;

[0226] Figure 15F It is used as Figure 1 A plan view of another example of multiple grooves in a portion of the air duct;

[0227] Figure 15G It is used as Figure 1 A plan view of another example of multiple grooves in a portion of the air duct;

[0228] Figure 16 It includes Figure 1 A plan view of a portion of the negative pressure wound dressing for the airway;

[0229] Figure 17 This is an exploded perspective view of the air duct according to yet another embodiment;

[0230] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A perspective view of the air duct shown;

[0231] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 A cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the air duct shown;

[0232] Figure 20 yesFigure 18 a perspective view of a portion of the tracheal tube; and

[0233] Figure 21 is Figure 18 a cross-sectional perspective view of the portion of the tracheal tube shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0234] Referring to Figures 1-7 , one embodiment of a tracheal tube 1 is shown.

[0235] The tracheal tube 1 can comprise a strip of material 2 in the shape of an elongate rectangle comprising a first longitudinal edge 2a and a second longitudinal edge 2b arranged parallel to each other. The longitudinal edges 2a, 2b can be joined at a first end 9 by an inwardly tapering portion 11 and at a second end 10 by a curved portion. The width of the strip of material 2 (i.e. the distance between the first longitudinal edge 2a and the second longitudinal edge 2b) can be about 15mm and the length (i.e. the distance from the curved portion of the second end 10 to the end of the tapering portion 11) can be about 300mm. The strip of material 2 can comprise a first surface 3a facing upwards and a second surface 3b facing downwards. In use, the first surface 3a can face away from a wound site (not shown) and the second surface 3b can face towards the wound site.

[0236] The strip of material 2 can be made from a translucent thermoplastic polyurethane and can be formed by injection moulding.

[0237] The first surface 3a of the strip of material 2 can comprise a grooved region 7 comprising a plurality of grooves 5 and a plurality of protrusions 6. The grooved region 7 can have a width equal to about 60% of the width of the strip of material 2 and a length equal to about 90% of the length of the strip of material 2. The grooved region 7 can be substantially rectangular. At the first end 9 of the strip of material 2, the grooved region can terminate at substantially the same point at which the strip of material 2 begins to taper to form the tapering portion 11.

[0238] The plurality of grooves 5 can be arranged in an interlaced pattern of intersecting grooves 5, with each groove 5 separated from another groove 5 or another part of the same groove 5 by a protrusion 6. Each protrusion 6 can extend from the base of a groove 5. Each groove can have a width of 1mm and a depth of 1.5mm. The “width” of a groove refers to the distance between two adjacent protrusions 6 between which the groove 5 lies. The “depth” of a groove refers to the distance between the uppermost surface or apex of a protrusion 6 and the base of the groove 5 from which the protrusion 6 extends. In the embodiment shown, each groove 5 has the same width and depth. The grooves can be formed by laser engraving / etching the strip of material 2. The strip of material 2 can have a depth / thickness of 2.0mm. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, each groove 5 has the same width and depth. The grooves can be formed by laser engraving / etching the strip of material 2. The strip of material 2 can have a depth / thickness of 2.0mm.

[0239] Each protrusion can be disposed between each intersecting groove 5. In the present embodiment, the protrusions 6 have a square cross-section when viewed from plan.

[0240] The plurality of grooves 5 allows air or other fluid to pass along the conduit 1. Each groove 5 is in fluid communication with each other groove such that the plurality of grooves 5 form an interconnected grid of grooves in fluid communication with each other. Advantageously, the plurality of grooves 5 of the present embodiment increases the total volume of grooves 5 of the conduit 1. This in turn means that a greater volume of fluid (e.g. air) can be transported along the conduit 1 at any given time compared to prior art conduits which do not comprise a plurality of grooves, particularly a plurality of grooves in an interwoven pattern. Furthermore, in use, the interconnected grid of grooves 5 can still maintain a good flow rate of fluid along the conduit 1 during compression or loading of the conduit 1. Thus, for example, when used to transport negative pressure to a wound site, the conduit 1 of the present application can maintain negative pressure at the wound site even when the conduit 1 is folded and / or compressed by a user.

[0241] The tapered portion 11 can comprise a tubular portion 12. The tubular portion 12 can extend a greater length from the first end 9 than the tapered portion 11. The tubular portion 12 can comprise an aperture 12a for receiving a luer connector or barb connector (not shown) which can be connected to a pump (not shown) (typically via a length of medical tubing, not shown). The depth of the tubular portion 12 can be 0.8mm. Thus, the tubular portion 12 can be more rigid than any other portion of the conduit 1 which is advantageous for insertion of the luer connector or barb connector. The length of the tubular portion 12 can be less than 10% of the length of the conduit 1, for example about 6%. As Figure 6 shown, the tubular portion 12 can extend further into the interior of the conduit 1 than the point at which the strip of material 2 begins to taper. At least one groove 5 is in fluid communication with the tubular portion 12. Thus, when used as part of a negative pressure wound dressing, when a pump (not shown) is connected to the tubular portion 12 (for example via a luer connector or barb connector) and air is drawn towards the pump, air flow from the wound site, along the grooves 5 and through the tubular portion 12 to the pump. At least as Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 6 shown, each groove 5 is in fluid communication with each other groove 5. Thus, the tubular portion 12 only needs to be in fluid communication with at least one groove in order to enable the passage of air along all of the grooves 5.

[0242] At the second end 10 of the strip of material 2, the longitudinal edges 2a, 2b can be joined by an outwardly curved end. The second end 10 can comprise a lip 3c which increases the surface area of the second surface 3b of the second end 10 in order to facilitate the attachment of a double sided adhesive 14 to the second surface 3b. The double sided adhesive 14 can be provided with a peel-off sticker 15 on the side of the adhesive which faces the wound in order to protect the adhesive prior to use.

[0243] The second end 10 may include a cross-shaped hole 13. The hole 13 may be centrally located relative to the periphery of the second end 10. The double-sided adhesive 14 may include a cross-shaped hole 14a, which is concentrically located with the hole 13 of the second end 10.

[0244] A covering in the form of a film 4 can be attached to the first surface 3a of the material strip 2. The width and length of the film 4 can be substantially the same as the width and length of the material strip 2 to avoid obstructing the edges of the material strip 2 or the film 4. The film 4 can be attached to the material strip 2 around its longitudinal edges 2a, 2b. The film 4 can be attached to the material strip 2 by thermal lamination. The film 4 can be made of transparent polyurethane. The thickness of the film 4 can be 0.2 mm.

[0245] Once the membrane 4 is attached to the material strip 2, the plurality of grooves 5 form a plurality of channels 8 between the material strip 2 and the membrane 4 (see Figure 7 Each of the plurality of channels 8 is in fluid communication with each of the other channels, such that the plurality of channels 8 form an interconnected network of interconnected channels. The interconnected channels 8 are in fluid communication with an orifice 12a of the tubular portion 12 at a first end 9 and with an orifice 13 at a second end 10. The plurality of channels 8 allow air to enter and exit the wound site via a pump, for example, as part of a negative pressure wound dressing system. The plurality of protrusions 6 arranged along the grooved region 7 prevent or at least significantly limit compression of the membrane 4 toward the material strip 2. Compression of the membrane 4 toward the material strip 2 can also be prevented or at least significantly limited by making the width of the plurality of grooves 5 relatively small, such that when pressure is applied to the membrane 4 under a typical load, the membrane 4 does not compress into the grooves 5, or at least only compresses into a portion of the grooves 5, thus not impeding fluid flow along the grooves 5. In use, when negative pressure is applied to the wound site and air is drawn away from the wound site along the plurality of channels 8, the membrane 4 will compress downward toward the channels 8. However, the plurality of protrusions 6 on which the membrane 4 is compressed prevent the membrane 4 from blocking the channel 8. Thus, the membrane 4 does not collapse into the channel 8, and therefore, this arrangement allows air to pass freely along the channel 8.

[0246] Membrane 4 can be substantially planar.

[0247] It should be understood that the dimensions (depth, width, and length) of each channel 8 will be substantially the same as the corresponding dimensions of each groove 5, since attaching the membrane 4 to the first surface 3a of the material strip 2 will prevent the membrane 4 from being compressed into each groove 5.

[0248] As an example of this embodiment, in use, a typical negative pressure wound dressing ( Figure 16A wound dressing (not shown in detail) includes a pump (not shown) for generating negative pressure and a dressing 3000 for covering and protecting the wound. The dressing includes a wound contact layer, a backing layer including a perimeter adhesive 3100 for attaching the wound dressing 3000 to the skin of a user, and at least one layer of absorbent material between the wound contact layer and the backing layer. In use, a fluid communication path is provided from the wound, through the wound contact layer and the one or more layers of absorbent material provided in the dressing. The fluid communication path can also extend through an opening in the backing layer. Advantageously, the fluid communication path can be formed at any suitable location on the wound dressing. Alternatively, the airway tube 1 can be attached to the wound dressing on the backing layer so long as the fluid communication path extends through an opening in the backing layer. The hole 13 in the second end 10 of the material strip 2 and the hole 14a in the adhesive face sheet 14 are arranged concentrically with the fluid communication path. A luer connector or barb connector is inserted into the tubular portion 12 of the first end 9 and the connector is connected to the pump, possibly via a tube or the like. Upon activation of the pump, air is drawn from the wound site, through the fluid communication path, through the wound contact layer and the absorbent material, through the hole 14a of the adhesive face sheet 14, the hole 13 of the material strip 2, along the plurality of channels 8, through the tubular portion 12 and the luer connector or barb connector to the pump. Thereby, a negative pressure is created at the wound site.

[0249] Figures 8A-8D An example of a connector 16 for use with an airway tube 1 a according to another embodiment is shown, which can not include a tubular portion 12 (described further below). The connector 16 can include an upper surface 16a1 and a lower surface 16b1 joined together at their perimeters. The connector 16 can be substantially circular, but protruding from the upper surface 16a1 and the lower surface 16b1 at the perimeters where they are joined together is a nozzle 19. The nozzle 19 can have a length of about 10 mm, and the nozzle can protrude outwardly away from the connector 16, and can include a mouth 20 at its distal end. The mouth 20 can be in fluid communication with the interior of the nozzle 19 and the connector 16. The lower surface 16b1 can include a circular aperture 21 arranged centrally with respect to the perimeter of the lower surface 16b1. The aperture 21 can be in fluid communication with the nozzle 19 and the mouth 20.

[0250] Figures 9A-9D and Figures 10A-10BAn example of a connector 160 is shown that can be used with a trachea tube 1 b that can or can not include a tubular portion 12. The connector 160 can include an upper surface 16a2 and a lower surface 16b2 that are joined together at their periphery. The connector 160 can be substantially circular, but protruding from the periphery at which the upper surface 16a2 and the lower surface 16b2 are joined together is a nozzle 190. The nozzle 190 can have a length of about 10 mm, and the nozzle can protrude outwardly away from the connector 160, and can include a mouth 200 at its distal end. The nozzle 190 can include a threaded end 19a around the mouth 200. Thus, the connector 160 can be connected to a luer connector or a barb connector or the like having a corresponding threaded end to achieve a secure connection. The mouth 200 can be in fluid communication with the interior of the nozzle 190 and the connector 160. The lower surface 16b2 can include an aperture 210 arranged centrally with respect to the periphery of the lower surface 16b2. The aperture 210 can be in fluid communication with the nozzle 190 and the mouth 200.

[0251] Figures 11A-11B An example embodiment of a connector 16 is shown provided with a filter disc 17 within the nozzle 19. The filter disc 17 can be liquid-impermeable but gas-permeable, and thus can act as a liquid barrier to ensure that wound exudate does not flow out of the wound dressing.

[0252] The filter disc 17 can also act as a bacterial barrier.

[0253] The filter disc 17 can include a microporous hydrophobic membrane made of polypropylene. The filter disc 17 can also include activated carbon as an odour absorbing material.

[0254] The filter disc 17 can include a plurality of pores having an average pore size of 0.5 microns.

[0255] Although not shown in the described embodiments, the filter disc 17 can also include an infection detection indicator and / or a dressing change indicator.

[0256] In Figure 12A , 12BIn the embodiments shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the gas guide tube la, lb can not include a tapered portion or a tubular portion at its first end. In such embodiments, the gas guide tube la, lb can include at least one hole 13a, 13b through the material strip 2 at its first end 9. In these embodiments, the connector 16, 160 can be arranged such that the orifice 21, 210 is arranged in fluid communication with the hole of the first end. The connector 16, 160 can be attached to the second surface 3b of the gas guide tube la, lb (by any suitable means, for example using an adhesive) so as not to interfere with the attachment of the membrane to the first surface. The nozzle 19, 190 can be connected to a pump by a suitable connector (for example a luer connector or a barb connector) by inserting the nozzle into the luer connector or barb connector, or vice versa as the case can be.

[0257] Figure 12A and 12B A connector 16 attached to a gas guide tube la is shown. The first end 9 of the gas guide tube la can have a rounded end / cornered end to join the longitudinal edges of the gas guide tube la together. The connector 16 is attached to the second surface 3b of the gas guide tube at the first end 9 of the gas guide tube la. The gas guide tube la can include a plurality of holes 13a at its first end 9. In the embodiment shown, the first end 9 includes six holes 13a. Each hole 13a can be circular with a diameter of approximately 2mm. A circular orifice 21 can be in fluid communication with the plurality of holes 13a. In embodiments in which the gas guide tube la is used as part of a negative pressure wound dressing, one end of a medical tube (not shown) can be friction fitted around the nozzle 19 and the other end of the medical tube can be connected to a pump. The remaining features of the gas guide tube lb are substantially the same as those described in relation to the embodiment shown in Figures 12A and 12B. Figure 1

[0258] Figure 13A and 13B A connector 160 attached to a gas guide tube lb is shown. The first end 9 of the gas guide tube lb can have a rounded end / cornered end to join the longitudinal edges of the gas guide tube lb together. The connector 160 is attached to the second surface 3b of the gas guide tube lb at the first end 9 of the gas guide tube lb. The gas guide tube lb can include a plurality of holes 13b at its first end 9. In the embodiment shown, the first end 9 includes six holes 13b. Each hole 13b can be circular with a diameter of approximately 2mm. A circular orifice 210 can be in fluid communication with the plurality of holes 13b. In embodiments in which the gas guide tube lb is used as part of a negative pressure wound dressing, one end of a medical tube (not shown) can be friction fitted around the nozzle 19a and the other end of the medical tube can be connected to a pump.

[0259] Figure 14 A gas guide tube 150 according to a third embodiment is shown.​

[0260] The airway tube 150 can comprise an elongated strip of material 2000 having longitudinal edges 2a00, 2b00 and a first surface 3a00 and a second surface (not shown). Many of the features of the airway tube 150 are the same as those of the airway tube 1 and the airway tube 100. However, the airway tube 150 differs from the airway tube 1 in that the airway tube 150 can comprise two distinct, separate / separated channelled regions 8a, 8b. The airway tube 150 can comprise a first channelled region 8a and a second channelled region 8b. The first channelled region 8a can be separated from the second channelled region 8b by forming a seal between the film 4000 and the strip of material 2000 after or simultaneously with attaching the film 4000 to the strip of material 2000. The first channelled region 8a can be in fluid communication with the second channelled region 8b. The seal can be formed by heat lamination. The first channelled region 8a can comprise two intersecting channels and the second channelled region 8b can comprise two intersecting channels. Each channelled region 8a, 8b can be formed by a combination of grooves and protrusions as in the previous embodiments. Advantageously, in this embodiment, fluid can flow to the wound site through the channels in the first channelled region 8a, while fluid can flow from the wound site through the channels in the second channelled region 8b.

[0261] Figures 15A-15G A number of different embodiments of the slotted region 7 are shown. Figure 15A A slotted region 7a is shown comprising a plurality of grooves 5a and a plurality of discrete, independent protrusions 6a. Each protrusion 6a has a circular cross-section. Figure 15B A slotted region 7b is shown comprising a plurality of grooves 5b and a plurality of discrete, independent protrusions 6b. Each protrusion 6b has a hexagonal cross-section. Figure 15C A slotted region 7c is shown comprising a plurality of grooves 5c and a plurality of discrete, independent protrusions 6c. Each protrusion 6c has a rectangular cross-section. Figure 15D A slotted region 7d is shown comprising a plurality of grooves 5d and a plurality of discrete, independent protrusions 6d. Each protrusion 6d has a diamond cross-section. Figure 15E A slotted region 7e is shown comprising a plurality of grooves 5e and a plurality of discrete, independent protrusions 6e. Each protrusion 6e has a triangular cross-section. Figure 15F A slotted region 7f is shown comprising a plurality of grooves 5f and a plurality of protrusions 6f. Each protrusion 6f is linearly sawtoothed. Figure 15G A slotted region 7g is shown comprising a plurality of grooves 5g and a plurality of discrete, independent protrusions 6g. Each protrusion 6g has a square cross-section. Each groove can have a width of 0.5mm and a depth of 1.5mm.

[0262] Figures 15A-15GEach slotted region 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g shown in each of the figures can equally well be used as Figure 1 a portion of the airway tube shown in Fig. 12 or Fig. 13.

[0263] With reference to Figures 17 to 21 An airway tube 2001 according to yet another embodiment of the application is shown. The airway tube 2001 can be used as an adapter 1001 for adapting a surgical wound dressing for use in negative pressure wound therapy. The airway tube 2001 can be an elongated flexible airway tube 2001. The airway tube 2001 can be made of a liquid-impermeable material, for example selected from the group comprising polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-vinyl acetate, and a silicone material. In the described embodiment, the airway tube 2001 is made of a translucent thermoplastic polyurethane and can be formed by injection moulding.

[0264] The maximum width of the airway tube 2001 can be greater than the maximum depth of the airway tube 2001. The maximum depth of the airway tube 2001 can be 2.0 mm to 5.0 mm. In the described embodiment, the maximum depth of the airway tube 2001 is 3.5 mm. In the described embodiment, the maximum width of the airway tube 2001 is at least twice the maximum depth of the airway tube 2001.

[0265] The airway tube 2001 can comprise a first elongated strip of material 201 having a pair of longitudinal edges 201a, 201b.

[0266] The first elongated strip of material 201 can comprise a first end 1801 and a second end 4001. The longitudinal edges 201a, 201b can be joined together at the first end 1801 by an outwardly curved portion, the outermost part of which forms a tip 4a02 of the first end. The longitudinal edges 201a, 201b can be joined together by an outwardly curved portion, the outermost part of which forms a tip 4a01 of the second end 4001. The second end 4001 can be distal from the first end 1801. The width of the strip of material 201 (i.e. the distance between the first longitudinal edge 201a and the second longitudinal edge 201b) can be about 15 mm and the length (i.e. the distance from the tip 4a02 of the first end 1801 to the tip 4a01 of the second end 4001) can be about 300 mm.

[0267] The first end 1801 can comprise a cruciform first aperture 3002. The first aperture 3002 can be arranged centrally with respect to the periphery of the first end 1801.

[0268] The material strip 201 can comprise a first surface 210a facing upwards and a second surface facing downwards. In use, the first surface 210a can face away from a wound site (not shown) and the second surface can face towards the wound site.

[0269] The first surface 210a of the material strip 201 can comprise a slotted region comprising a plurality of grooves 220 and a plurality of protrusions 240a. The slotted region can have a width equal to about 60% of the width of the material strip 201 and a length equal to about 90% of the length of the material strip 201. The slotted region can be substantially rectangular.

[0270] The plurality of grooves 220 can be arranged in an interlaced pattern of intersecting grooves 220, wherein each groove 220 is separated from another groove 220 or another portion of the same groove 220 by a protrusion 240a. Each protrusion 240a can extend from the bottom of a groove 220. Each groove 220 can have a width of 1 mm and a depth of 1.5 mm. The grooves can be formed by laser engraving / etching the material strip 201. The material strip 201 can have a depth / thickness of 2.0 mm.

[0271] The plurality of grooves 220 allows air or other fluid to pass along the conduit 2001. Each groove 220 can be in fluid communication with each other groove 220, such that the plurality of grooves 220 forms an interconnected grid of grooves in fluid communication with each other. Advantageously, the plurality of grooves 220 in the present embodiment increases the overall volume of grooves 220 of the conduit 2001. This in turn means that a greater volume of fluid (e.g. air) can be transported along the conduit 2001 at any given time, compared to prior art conduits that do not comprise a plurality of grooves, in particular an interlaced pattern of grooves. Furthermore, in use, the interconnected grid of grooves 220 can still maintain a good flow rate of fluid along the conduit 2001 during compression or loading of the conduit 2001. Thus, for example, when used to transport negative pressure to a wound site, the conduit 2001 of the present application can maintain negative pressure at the wound site even when the conduit 2001 is folded and / or compressed by a user.

[0272] The second end 4001 of the first material strip 201 can comprise a second aperture 3001 in the shape of a cross. The second aperture 3001 can be arranged centrally with respect to the perimeter of the second end 4001.

[0273] At least one groove 220 can be in fluid communication with the first aperture 3002 at the first end 1801 and the second aperture 3001 at the second end 4001.

[0274] The air conduit 2001 can comprise a membrane 203. The membrane 203 can be attached to the first surface 210a of the first strip of material 201. The width and length of the membrane 203 can be substantially the same as the width and length of the strip of material 201 to avoid edge coverage of the strip of material 201 or the membrane 203. The membrane 203 can be attached to the strip of material at the longitudinal edges of the strip of material 201. The membrane 203 can be attached to the strip of material 201 by heat lamination. The membrane 203 can be made of a transparent or translucent polyurethane. The thickness of the membrane 203 can be about 0.2 mm.

[0275] Once the membrane 203 is attached to the first strip of material 201, the plurality of grooves 220 forms a first set of channels 205a between the first strip of material 201 and the membrane 203. Each channel in the first set of channels 205a can be in fluid communication with each other channel such that the first set of channels 205a forms an interconnected network of channels in mutual fluid communication. The interconnected channels 205a can be in fluid communication with the first orifice 3002 at the first end 1801 and the second orifice 3001 at the second end 4001.

[0276] The first set of channels 205a allows air to pass into and out of a wound site by a pump, for example, used as part of a negative pressure wound dressing system. By the arrangement of the plurality of protrusions 240a along the slotted region, compression of the membrane 203 towards the strip of material 201 can be prevented or at least significantly limited.

[0277] Compression of the membrane 203 towards the strip of material 201 can also be prevented or at least significantly limited by making the width of the plurality of grooves 220 relatively small such that when a typical load exerts pressure on the membrane 203, the membrane 203 does not compress into the grooves 220 and thereby does not block fluid flow along the grooves 220.

[0278] The membrane 203 can be substantially planar.

[0279] The air conduit 2001 can comprise a second strip of material 202. The second strip of material 202 can be elongate.

[0280] The second strip of material 202 can comprise a first end 1802 and a second end 4002. The second elongate strip of material 202 can have a pair of longitudinal edges 202a, 202b. The longitudinal edges 202a, 202b can be joined together at the first end 1802 by an outwardly curved portion, the outermost part of which forms a tip 4a04 of the first end. The longitudinal edges 202a, 202b can be joined together by an outwardly curved portion, the outermost part of which forms a tip 4a03 of the second end 4002. The second end 4002 can be distal from the first end 1802. The width of the second strip of material 202 (i.e. the distance between the first longitudinal edge 202a and the second longitudinal edge 202b) can be about 15mm, and the length (i.e. the distance from the tip 4a04 of the first end 1802 to the tip 4a03 of the second end 4002) can be about 300mm.

[0281] The first end 1802 of the second strip of material 202 can comprise a third aperture 3004 in the shape of a cross. The third aperture 3004 can be arranged centrally with respect to the perimeter of the first end 1802.

[0282] The second strip of material 202 can comprise a first surface 204a facing downwards and a second surface 204b facing upwards. In use, the first surface 204a can face towards a wound site (not shown), and the second surface 204b can face away from the wound site.

[0283] The first surface 204a of the second strip of material 202 can comprise a grooved region comprising a plurality of grooves (not shown) and a plurality of protrusions 240b. The grooved region of the first surface 204a of the second strip of material 202 can comprise each of the features of the grooved region of the first surface 210a of the first strip of material 201. The width of the grooved region can be equal to about 60% of the width of the second strip of material 202, and the length can be equal to about 90% of the length of the second strip of material 202. The grooved region can be substantially rectangular.

[0284] The plurality of grooves are arranged in an interlaced pattern of intersecting grooves, wherein each groove is separated from another groove or part of a groove by a protrusion 240b. Each protrusion 240b can extend from the bottom of a groove. Each groove can have a width of 1mm and a depth of 1.5mm. The grooves can be formed by laser engraving / etching the strip of material 202. The depth / thickness of the strip of material 202 can be 2.0mm.

[0285] Each recess can be in fluid communication with each other recess, such that the plurality of recesses forms an interconnected recess grid in fluid communication with each other. Advantageously, the plurality of recesses of the present embodiments increases the total volume of recesses of the conduit 2001. This in turn means that a greater volume of fluid (e.g. air) can be transported along the conduit 2001 at any given time, compared to prior art conduits that do not comprise a plurality of recesses, in particular a plurality of recesses in an interwoven pattern. Furthermore, in use, the interconnected recess grid can maintain a good flow rate of fluid along the conduit 2001 during compression or loading of the conduit 2001. Thus, for example when used to transmit negative pressure to a wound site, the conduit 2001 of the present invention can maintain negative pressure at the wound site even when the conduit 2001 is folded and / or compressed by a user.

[0286] The second end 4002 can comprise a fourth aperture 3003 in the shape of a cross. The fourth aperture 3003 can be arranged centrally with respect to the perimeter of the second end 4002.

[0287] The at least one recess can be in fluid communication with a third aperture 3004 at the first end 1802 of the second material strip 202 and a fourth aperture 3003 at the second end 4002 of the second material strip 202.

[0288] The conduit 2001 can comprise a second material strip 202 such that a first surface 204a of the second material strip 202 is arranged over the film 203. The first surface 204a of the second material strip 202 can be attached to the film 203 (e.g. by adhesive, or heat lamination can be used) around its longitudinal edges 202a, 202b. Once the second material strip 202 is attached to the film 203, the plurality of recesses forms a second set of channels 205b between the second material strip 202 and the film 203. Each channel of the second set of channels 205b can be in fluid communication with each other channel, such that the second set of channels 205b forms an interconnected channel network in fluid communication with each other. The interconnected channels 205b can be in fluid communication with the third aperture 3004 at the first end 1802 and the fourth aperture 3003 at the second end 4002.

[0289] The peripheral dimensions of the second material strip 202 can be substantially equal to the peripheral dimensions of the first material strip 201.

[0290] The plurality of channels 205b can allow air to pass to and from a wound site by a pump, for example used as part of a negative pressure wound dressing system. By arranging the plurality of protrusions 240b along the slotted region, compression of the film 203 towards the material strip 202 can be prevented or at least substantially limited.

[0291] Compression of the membrane 203 toward the material strips 202 can also be prevented or at least significantly limited by making the width of the plurality of grooves relatively small such that when a typical load exerts pressure on the membrane 203, the membrane 203 does not compress into the grooves, or at least only compresses into a portion of the grooves, thereby not preventing fluid flow along the grooves.

[0292] In the described embodiment, the first set of channels 205a formed between the first material strip 201 and the membrane 203 are not in fluid communication with the second set of channels 205b formed between the second material strip 202 and the membrane 203.

[0293] The first aperture 3002 included in the first material strip 201 and the third aperture 3004 included in the second material strip 202 can not be in fluid communication with each other and can be separated from each other by the membrane 203.

[0294] The second aperture 3001 included in the first material strip 201 and the fourth aperture 3003 included in the second material strip 202 can not be in fluid communication with each other and can be separated from each other by the membrane 203.

[0295] In some embodiments, the airway tube 2001 can include a sealing portion 601. The airway tube 2001 can include the sealing portion 601 at its second end 4001, 4002 but distal from the end 4a01, 4a03 relative to the position of the apertures 3001, 3003. Thus, the apertures 3001, 3003 can be disposed between the end 4a01, 4a03 of the second end 4001, 4002 and the sealing portion 601. The length of the airway tube 2001 from the end 4a01, 4a03 of its second end 4001, 4002 to the sealing portion 601 can be no more than about 5 centimeters. In the described embodiment, the length of the airway tube 2001 from its end 4a01, 4a03 to the sealing portion 601 is about 2 centimeters.

[0296] In use, the sealing portion 601 provides a surface for attaching the adapter 1001 to the underside of a surgical wound dressing (e.g. the perimeter adhesive skin contact layer of a surgical wound dressing). The sealing portion 601 can provide a surface for attaching the adapter 1001 to the skin around a patient's wound.

[0297] The sealing portion 601 can provide a surface for attaching the airway tube 2001 to the backing layer of a wound dressing such that, in use, a fluid communication pathway is provided from the wound, through the wound contact layer and through one or more absorbent material layers provided in the dressing. The fluid communication pathway can also extend through an opening in the backing layer. Advantageously, the fluid communication pathway can be formed at any suitable location on the wound dressing.

[0298] The sealing portion 601 can include an upper sealing surface 601a and a lower sealing surface 601b. In use, the upper sealing surface 601a can provide a surface for attaching the adapter 1001 to the underside of a surgical wound dressing (e.g., a perimeter adhesive skin contact layer of a surgical wound dressing). In use, the lower sealing surface 601b can provide a surface for attaching the adapter 1001 to the skin surrounding a patient's wound. Thus, the sealing portion 601 of the adapter 1001 is configured to provide a complete perimeter seal between a surgical wound dressing and a patient.

[0299] The lower sealing surface 601b can include an adhesive layer (not shown) that can be covered by a removable release liner (not shown) prior to use. The removable release liner can prevent the adhesive layer from being inadvertently exposed prior to use, which can otherwise compromise the adhesiveness of the adhesive layer.

[0300] The upper sealing surface 601a can include a first flap 601c and a second flap 601d. The lower sealing surface 601b can include a third flap 601e and a fourth flap 601f. Each flap 601c, 601d, 601e, 601f can extend outwardly from the airway tube 2001 in a direction perpendicular to the length of the airway tube 2001. Each flap 601c, 601d, 601e, 601f can extend outwardly from its respective longitudinal edge of the airway tube 2001 a distance of about 1.5 centimeters, such that the width of the sealing portion 601 (i.e., the length from the outermost point of the first flap 601c and the third flap 601e to the outermost point of the second flap 601d and the fourth flap 601f) can be about 5 centimeters. Each flap curves outwardly from its respective longitudinal edge of the airway tube 2001 a distance of about 1.5 centimeters, then extends linearly along the length of the airway tube 2001 a distance of about 3 centimeters, such that the linear portion of the first flap 601c is parallel to the linear portion of the second flap 601d, and the linear portion of the third flap 601e is parallel to the linear portion of the fourth flap 601f, after which each flap curves toward its respective longitudinal edge of the airway tube 2001.

[0301] The upper surface of the first flap 601c and the upper surface of the second flap 601d can each include a portion of the upper sealing surface 601a. The lower surface of the third flap 601e and the lower surface of the fourth flap 601f can each include a portion of the lower sealing surface 601b. The upper sealing surface 601a can be substantially planar to provide a substantially planar upper surface to the airway tube 2001. The lower sealing surface 601b can be substantially planar to provide a substantially planar lower surface to the airway tube 2001.

[0302] The first end 1801 of the first material strip 201 can comprise a first connector 901 attached to a second surface thereof. The first connector 901 can comprise a nozzle 901a having a bore 901b, and a surface comprising an aperture 901c arranged in fluid communication with the bore 901b. The first connector 901 can be arranged such that the aperture 901c is in fluid communication with the first aperture 3002 at the first end 1801 of the first material strip 201. Thus, the first set of channels 205a can be in fluid communication with the aperture 901c of the first connector 901, and thus the bore of the nozzle 901b.

[0303] The first end 1801 of the first material strip 201 can comprise a first connector 901 attached to a second surface thereof. The first connector 901 can comprise a nozzle 901a having a bore 901b, and a surface comprising an aperture 901c arranged in fluid communication with the bore 901b. The first connector 901 can be arranged such that the aperture 901c is in fluid communication with the first aperture 3002 at the first end 1801 of the first material strip 201. Thus, the first set of channels 205a can be in fluid communication with the aperture 901c of the first connector 901, and thus the bore of the nozzle 901b.

[0304] A pump (not shown) can be connected to one or both of the first connector 901 and the second connector 902 (e.g. by a luer or barb connector and medical tubing).

[0305] Thus, with the airway 2001 (or, in use, as the adaptor 1001 for adapting a surgical wound dressing for use in negative pressure wound therapy), a pump (not shown) can be connected to the first connector 901 (e.g. by a luer or barb connector and medical tubing), and air can be drawn towards the pump. The air flow can flow from the wound site, through the second aperture 3001, along the first set of channels 205a and through the first aperture 3002, through the aperture 901c of the first connector 901, along the nozzle 901a, through the bore 901b, and along any medical tubing to the pump.

[0306] Furthermore, Figures 17 to 21 The illustrated embodiment allows for the delivery of fluid (e.g. air) to the wound site whilst simultaneously drawing air from the wound site as described above. For example, a pump (not shown) can be connected to the second connector 902 (e.g. by a luer or barb connector and medical tubing), and air can be delivered from the pump towards the wound site. The air flow can flow from the pump, along any medical tubing, through the bore 902b of the nozzle 902a of the second connector 902, through the aperture 902c of the second connector 902, and through the third aperture 3004, along the second set of channels 205b and through the fourth aperture 3003, to the wound site.

[0307] The airway of any of the above embodiments can be used with a negative pressure wound dressing or a standard wound dressing to perform negative pressure therapy, positive pressure therapy, oxygen therapy, or deep wound filling, or other therapy requiring fluid to pass into or out of a wound site.

[0308] One or more embodiments have been described by way of example only. Modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claims provided herewith.

Claims

1. An air delivery tube for a negative pressure wound dressing, the air delivery tube comprising a first material strip having a first surface including at least one groove, the air delivery tube further comprising a membrane disposed above the first surface of the first material strip and attached to the first material strip around a longitudinal edge of the first material strip, wherein the at least one groove is provided with at least one protrusion to form at least two channels between the first strip and the membrane, wherein the air delivery tube further comprises a second material strip having a first surface, the first surface of the second material strip including at least one groove provided with at least one protrusion, the first surface of the second material strip being disposed above the membrane and attached to the membrane around its longitudinal edge to form at least two channels between the second strip and the membrane.

2. The air duct according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one groove included in the first surface of the first material strip is provided with a plurality of protrusions, such that a plurality of channels are provided between the first strip and the membrane, and / or the at least one groove included in the first surface of the second material strip is provided with a plurality of protrusions, such that a plurality of channels are provided between the second strip and the membrane.

3. The air duct according to claim 2, wherein, At least two channels between the first material strip and the membrane are in fluid communication with each other, and / or at least two channels between the second material strip and the membrane are in fluid communication with each other.

4. The air duct according to claim 3, wherein, The channels between the first material strip and the membrane form an interconnected channel network, and / or the channels between the second material strip and the membrane form an interconnected channel network.

5. The air duct according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The air guide tube includes a first end and a second end. The first end includes an orifice that can be used as an inlet or outlet for fluid flow, and the second end includes an orifice that can be used as the other of an inlet and an outlet for fluid flow.

6. The air duct according to claim 5, wherein, The orifice at the first end is in fluid communication with the orifice at the second end through a channel between the first material strip and the membrane or through a channel between the second material strip and the membrane.

7. The air duct according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The plurality of channels between the first material strip and the membrane are arranged in an interlaced channel pattern, and / or the plurality of channels between the second material strip and the membrane are arranged in an interlaced channel pattern.

8. The air duct according to claim 7, wherein, The interwoven channel pattern between the first material strip and the membrane includes multiple intersecting channels, and / or the interwoven channel pattern between the second material strip and the membrane includes multiple intersecting channels.

9. The air duct according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The plurality of channels between the first material strip and the membrane are arranged in a sawtooth channel pattern, and / or the plurality of channels between the second material strip and the membrane are arranged in a sawtooth channel pattern.

10. The air duct according to claim 1, wherein, The at least two channels between the first material strip and the membrane include channels arranged parallel to each other, and / or the at least two channels between the second material strip and the membrane include channels arranged parallel to each other.

11. The air duct according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The protrusion, or each protrusion, extends from the bottom of the groove, or each groove.

12. The air duct according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The groove or each groove forms a total grooved area, the width of which is at least 50% of the width of the air guide tube.

13. The air duct according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least two channels between the first material strip and the membrane include at least a first channel and a second channel, wherein the first channel and the second channel are not in fluid communication, and / or the at least two channels between the second material strip and the membrane include at least a first channel and a second channel, wherein the first channel and the second channel are not in fluid communication.

14. The air duct according to claim 13, wherein, The first channel and the second channel, each located between the first material strip and the membrane, are separated by a sealing portion between the strip and the membrane, and / or wherein the first channel and the second channel, each located between the second material strip and the membrane, are separated by a sealing portion between the second strip and the membrane.

15. The air duct according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The membrane is laminated to the first material strip and / or the second material strip.

16. The air duct according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The air tube includes a first end, which includes a filter, an infection detection indicator, and / or a dressing change indicator.

17. The air duct according to claim 16, wherein, The first end includes a connector for connecting the air tube to the pump.

18. The air duct according to claims 16 and 17, wherein, The filter, infection detection indicator, and / or dressing change indicator are integrated with the connector.

19. The air duct according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein, A filter, an infection detection indicator, and / or a dressing change indicator and / or a connector are attached to the first surface of the first material strip.

20. The air duct according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein, A filter, infection detection indicator, and / or dressing change indicator and / or connector are attached to a second surface of the first material strip and are fluidly connected to the first surface through one or more holes in the material strip.

21. The air duct according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein, The air tube includes a second end, the second end including an adhesive sheet for attaching the air tube to a wound dressing.

22. The air duct according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least two channels between the first material strip and the membrane are not in fluid communication with the at least two channels between the second material strip and the membrane.

23. The air duct according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein, The connector is a first connector used to connect the at least two channels between the first material strip and the membrane to the first medical tube and the internal lumen between them.

24. The air duct according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The orifice at the first end is a first orifice, and the at least two channels between the first material strip and the membrane are in fluid communication with the first orifice. Furthermore, the air guide tube includes a first orifice at the first end of the second strip, and the at least two channels between the second material strip and the membrane are in fluid communication with the first orifice at the first end of the second strip.

25. The air duct according to claim 24, wherein, The first opening at the first end of the first strip and the first opening at the first end of the second strip are separated by the membrane.

26. The air duct according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one groove included in the first material strip is formed by hot stamping, laser cutting, laser engraving or thermoforming.

27. The air duct according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one groove included in the second material strip is formed by hot stamping, laser cutting, laser engraving or thermoforming.

28. Use of the air tube according to any one of the preceding claims in conjunction with a negative pressure wound dressing.

29. A negative pressure wound dressing, comprising an air tube according to any one of claims 1 to 27.

30. A method for manufacturing a venting tube, the method comprising the following steps: a. Providing a first material strip, the first material strip having a first surface including a plurality of grooves; b. A film is disposed above the first surface of the first material strip; c. Attach the membrane to a first surface of the first material strip around its longitudinal edge to form a plurality of channels between the first strip and the membrane; d. Provide a second material strip, the second material strip having a first surface including a plurality of grooves; e. Arrange the second material strip such that the first surface of the second material strip is disposed above the membrane; as well as f. Attach the first surface of the second material strip to the membrane around its longitudinal edge to form a plurality of channels between the second material strip and the membrane.

31. A method of using a wound dressing comprising an airway according to any one of claims 1 to 27.

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