Drainage device for care and monitoring

Abstract

Drainage device, comprising a vacuum pump (1), a suction line (2) connected to this vacuum pump (1), a gas-tight liquid collection container (6) which is connected to the suction line (2) and serves to reliably maintain the negative pressure and to collect extracted liquid, a suction pipe (5) which is connected to a rear area of ​​a hollow cover element (3) which is open at its front and which opens into the liquid collection container (6) at its end facing away from the cover element (3), characterized by the fact that the cover element (3) has a sponge pad (4) at its front opening, wherein the sponge pad (4) absorbs fluid from the wound area and distributes a negative pressure evenly, wherein the negative pressure generated by the vacuum pump (1) via the suction line (2) first reaches the fluid collection container (6) and from there is directed via the suction tube (5) to the cover element (3) and further to the sponge pad (4), while the fluid absorbed from the wound area is transported via the sponge pad (4) and through the suction tube (5) into the fluid collection container (6).

Description

[0001] The present utility model relates to the technical field of medical monitoring and care technology and in particular to a care and monitoring drainage device.

[0002] In intensive care and post-operative care, symptoms such as postoperative fluid accumulation or exudates are common. If the accumulated fluid is not removed promptly, it can impair the patient's immune system and lead to infections. In practice, drainage systems with a vacuum pump, connected via a suction line to an opening at the wound site, are typically used to remove such fluids.

[0003] However, existing devices have several disadvantages. The negative pressure generated by the vacuum pump at the suction port is often difficult to regulate. Direct contact between the suction port and the wound can cause a high local suction force, which can easily lead to secondary injuries. Furthermore, conventional suction tubes are usually rigid and made of a single piece, making it difficult to adapt to different wound areas and often preventing complete fluid removal. Additionally, a direct suction line without an intermediate pressure distribution structure can create localized pressure spikes.

[0004] The purpose of the present utility model is to provide a care and monitoring drainage device that enables controlled, tissue-sparing and effective suctioning in order to avoid secondary injuries caused by locally excessive negative pressure, to ensure flexible and efficient handling when suctioning different body regions, and at the same time to increase functional safety by preventing fluid backflow and contamination.

[0005] To solve this problem, a care and monitoring drainage device is proposed, comprising the following components: a vacuum pump; a suction line connected to the vacuum pump; a hollow, dome-shaped cover element open at its front; a sponge pad positioned in the area of ​​the front opening of the cover element, serving as the primary interface between the wound and the negative pressure system; a suction tube connected to the rear of the cover element opposite the sponge pad; and a gas-tight fluid collection container into which the suction tube opens at its end furthest from the cover element. The fluid collection container serves to reliably maintain the negative pressure and to collect aspirated wound fluid.

[0006] The hollow cover element is preferably designed as a conically widened structure to optimize fluid flow. It acts as a dimensionally stable transition body between the sponge pad and the suction tube, providing an enlarged, flat contact surface at the wound site and ensuring continuous fluid transport. The therapeutic negative pressure generated by the vacuum pump is first conveyed via the suction line to the fluid collection container, from there via the suction tube to the cover element, and on to the sponge pad. The suction line serves exclusively for vacuum transmission, while the suction tube serves both vacuum transmission and fluid drainage, thus achieving a serial and functionally separated flow path for gas and liquid.The wound fluid is first absorbed by the porous structure of the sponge dressing, then transported through the hollow cover element and the suction tube into the fluid collection container - possibly supported by the hydrostatic pressure gradient.

[0007] The sponge pad has a porous structure that, in addition to absorbing wound fluid (especially exudate), enables the even distribution of negative pressure. It dampens abrupt pressure changes, reliably prevents local suction peaks, and protects the delicate wound tissue by acting as a physical barrier between the wound bed and the air channels of the system. Preferably, the sponge pad is replaceable (e.g., by means of a clip, plug-in, or screw connection) to ensure hygienic cleaning or easy replacement.

[0008] To allow for flexible adaptation to different body regions and patient shapes, the connection between the cover element and the suction tube can be designed as an angle-adjustable structure. Alternatively or additionally, a universal joint can be provided between the two components, enabling three-dimensional alignment in multiple degrees of freedom – ensuring stable positioning and reliable operation of the device even during patient movement. All connections between the components of the drainage system are preferably designed as detachable connections to facilitate handling.

[0009] To prevent fluid backflow and contamination, a check valve is installed in the suction tube. This valve prevents fluid from flowing back from the collection container towards the cover and the wound. Furthermore, a watertight, breathable valve is provided in the suction line. This valve blocks the entry of fluid or fluid-containing aerosols into the vacuum pump, while still allowing air passage to maintain the vacuum. The combination of these two valves ensures multiple layers of protection against backflow, bacterial contamination, and damage to the vacuum pump – even if the collection container tips over, overfills, or is subjected to short-term pressure fluctuations.

[0010] The combination of tissue-protecting sponge padding, optimized flow guidance, flexible positioning and multiple backflow protection enables stable, efficient and patient-friendly negative pressure therapy - with reduced workload for nursing staff and increased work efficiency during long application times.

[0011] A preferred embodiment of the present utility model will now be explained in more detail with reference to illustrative figures. These figures show... Fig. 1. A structural diagram of the drainage device for maintenance and monitoring in accordance with the present utility model; and Fig. 2 an enlarged view from another perspective showing a dome-shaped cover element and a sponge pad of the present utility model.

[0012] In the Fig. 1 and Fig.Figure 2 is a drainage device for care and monitoring, shown in a preferred embodiment according to the present utility model. The drainage device comprises a vacuum pump 1; a suction line 2 connected to the vacuum pump 1; a hollow cover element 3 open at its front, at the front opening of which a sponge pad 4 is arranged, the sponge pad 4 absorbing fluid from the wound area and distributing a negative pressure evenly; a suction tube 5 connected to a rear area of ​​the cover element 3 for draining the fluid absorbed by the sponge pad 4 and for transmitting the negative pressure generated by the vacuum pump 1 via the suction line 2;a fluid collection container 6 into which the suction tube 5 opens at its end furthest from the cover element 3, the container 6 being gas-tight to reliably maintain the negative pressure generated by the vacuum pump 1 via the suction line 2 and simultaneously collecting the aspirated fluid, the sponge pad 4 being arranged inside the cover element 3 and serving as the primary interface between the wound and the negative pressure system, the negative pressure being directed from the vacuum pump 1 via the suction line 2 first to the fluid collection container 6 and from there via the suction tube 5 to the cover element 3 and further to the sponge pad 4, while the drainage fluid absorbed from the wound area by the sponge pad 4 is transported via the suction tube 5 into the fluid collection container 6. The functions for fluid absorption and negative pressure distribution can be influenced directly or indirectly by the sponge pad 4.

[0013] In the drainage device, the vacuum pump 1 generates a therapeutic negative pressure, which is indirectly transmitted via the suction line 2 into the inner volume of the dome-shaped cover element 3, where this negative pressure acts on the sponge pad 4 arranged therein, causing wound fluid to be absorbed into the porous structure of the sponge and subsequently transported, due to the hydrostatic pressure gradient, exclusively through the suction tube 5 into the fluid collection container 6, so that the suction line 2 serves exclusively for vacuum transmission, while the suction tube 5 serves both for vacuum transmission and fluid drainage, thus realizing a serial and functionally separate flow path for gas and liquid.

[0014] On the side of the dome-shaped cover element 3 facing the patient, particularly in the area of ​​its front opening, there is a sponge pad 4. The porous structure of the sponge pad 4 serves to initially absorb the fluid accumulating in the wound area, especially exudate, and to simultaneously dampen the negative pressure generated by the vacuum pump 1.

[0015] The numerous interconnected pores ensure both an even distribution of the applied negative pressure across the entire contact surface of the sponge pad 4 and provide a short-term buffering effect, thus absorbing abrupt pressure changes. This reliably prevents local suction peaks in the wound area and avoids damage to the sensitive tissue.

[0016] Furthermore, the sponge pad 4 forms a physical barrier between the wound bed and the system's air channels, thus protecting the tissue from direct mechanical effects of the negative pressure. The combination of fluid absorption, pressure distribution, and tissue protection results in more stable negative pressure therapy overall and contributes to increased patient comfort, particularly during extended use.

[0017] The sponge pad 4 can preferably be designed to be replaceable (e.g. by means of a clip, plug or screw connection) to allow for hygienic cleaning or uncomplicated replacement.

[0018] The rear end of the domed cover element 3, opposite the sponge support 4, is connected to a suction pipe 5 that opens into the liquid collection container 6. The liquid extracted by the negative pressure generated by the vacuum pump 1 is reliably conveyed via the suction pipe 5 into the liquid collection container 6, thus enabling a single and continuous extraction without the need for multiple readjustments of the suction pipe 5's position during the process.

[0019] This significantly simplifies handling for nursing staff and noticeably increases work efficiency in the context of medical negative pressure drainage.

[0020] To prevent unwanted backflow of aspirated wound fluid, a check valve 21 can be installed in the suction tube 5. The check valve 21 is designed to reliably prevent fluid flow from the fluid collection container 6 towards the wound, thereby preventing contamination of the wound area and impairing the generated negative pressure. The check valve 21 is located on the flow side between the suction tube 5 and the fluid collection container 6. This arrangement ensures that the therapeutic negative pressure built up in the system remains stable, even if the collection container 6 tips over, becomes overfilled, or is subjected to short-term pressure fluctuations. This minimizes the risk of bacterial reintroduction and increases the operational reliability of the medical negative pressure drainage system throughout the entire treatment period.

[0021] A watertight, breathable valve 22 can also be provided in the suction line 2. The valve 22 is designed to allow air to pass towards the vacuum pump 1, but reliably prevents the entry of liquid or liquid-containing aerosols from the fluid collection container 6 towards the vacuum pump 1. This prevents accumulated wound exudates or condensation from entering the pump unit, which could otherwise lead to malfunctions, corrosion, or microbial contamination of the vacuum pump 1. At the same time, the valve 22 helps to ensure the operational integrity and long-term stability of the therapeutic negative pressure generated in the medical negative pressure drainage system.

[0022] To allow flexible adaptation of the device to different body regions of the patient, the connection between the component designed as a dome-shaped cover element 3 and the suction tube 5 arranged on the rear, central area of ​​the cover element 3 is preferably designed as a rotatable structure 20. The structure 20 allows the suction tube 5 to rotate relative to the cover element 3, so that the orientation of the suction tube 5 can be selected independently of the positioning of the cover element 3. This allows the suction tube 5 to be individually aligned for each patient without affecting the tight seal or the function of the vacuum system.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, a universal joint 20' can be provided, which allows flexible alignment of the suction tube 5 in several degrees of freedom. Such a joint 20' allows three-dimensional adaptation to complex or curved body surfaces, thereby ensuring stable positioning and safe operation of the medical negative pressure drainage system even during patient movement.

[0024] The dome-shaped cover element 3 is preferably dimensioned such that it maintains a stable position during application and at the same time provides a sufficient, flat contact zone in the area of ​​the wound.

[0025] During operation, the vacuum pump 1 creates a negative pressure in the suction line 2. The sponge pad 4, located at the front end of the dome-shaped cover element 3 facing the patient, particularly on its front outer surface, initially absorbs the fluid from the wound area within its porous structure and distributes the applied negative pressure evenly across the contact surface. This reduces local suction peaks, prevents excessive adhesion to the wound surface, and protects the wound area.

[0026] The liquid absorbed by the sponge pad 4 is then guided through the hollow cover element 3 and the suction pipe 5 attached to it into the liquid collection container 6. Valves optionally provided in the suction line 2 or in the suction pipe 5 prevent backflow of the extracted liquid and reliably protect the vacuum pump 1 from liquid ingress. REFERENCE SIGN LIST 1 vacuum pump 2 Intake pipe 3 Cover element 4 sponge pads 5 Intake pipe 6 liquid collection containers 20' Universal joint 20 rotatable structures 21 Check valve 22 valve

Claims

[1] Drainage device comprising a vacuum pump (1), a suction line (2) connected to this vacuum pump (1), a gas-tight liquid collection container (6) which is connected to the suction line (2) and serves to reliably maintain the negative pressure and to collect extracted liquid, a suction pipe (5) which is connected to a rear area of ​​a hollow cover element (3) open at its front and which opens into the liquid collection container (6) at its end facing away from the cover element (3), characterized by , that the cover element (3) has a sponge pad (4) at its front opening, wherein the sponge pad (4) absorbs fluid from the wound area and distributes a negative pressure evenly, wherein the negative pressure generated by the vacuum pump (1) via the suction line (2) first reaches the fluid collection container (6) and from there is directed via the suction tube (5) to the cover element (3) and further to the sponge pad (4), while the fluid absorbed from the wound area is transported via the sponge pad (4) and through the suction tube (5) into the fluid collection container (6). [2] Drainage device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the connection between the intake pipe (5) and the dome-shaped cover element (3) is designed as an angle-adjustable structure (20). [3] Drainage device according to claim 1, characterized by , that a universal joint (20') is provided between the intake pipe (5) and the dome-shaped cover element (3). [4] Drainage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a check valve (21) is arranged in the suction pipe (5) which prevents liquid from flowing back from the liquid collection container (6) towards the domed cover element (3). [5] Drainage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a waterproof, breathable valve (22) is provided in the suction line (2) which prevents liquid from the liquid collection container (6) from entering the direction of the vacuum pump (1), while at the same time allowing air passage. [6] Drainage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the sponge pad (4) has a porous structure for absorbing wound fluid and for the uniform distribution of the negative pressure, wherein the sponge pad (4) dampens the negative pressure generated by the vacuum pump (1), reliably prevents local suction peaks and protects the wound tissue. [7] Drainage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the dome-shaped cover element (3) is dimensioned and designed to have a conically expanded shape in order to optimize the flow of liquid. [8] Drainage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connections between the components of the drainage system are designed as detachable connections. [9] Drainage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a waterproof, breathable valve (22) is provided in the intake line (2) and a check valve (21) is provided in or on the suction pipe (5).

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