Connecting unit for vacuum-tight fluidic connection of a vacuum wound dressing to a vacuum source, vacuum wound treatment kit and vacuum wound treatment system

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting unit (20) for vacuum-tight fluidic connection of a vacuum wound dressing (16) to a vacuum source (12), comprising an elongated single- or multi-lumen connecting tube (22), having a distal end section (26) and proximal end section (24), and wherein the distal end section (26) can be fluidically connected to the vacuum wound dressing (16) in a vacuum-tight manner, and comprising a connection element (34) having a fluid inlet (36) and a fluid outlet, wherein an inlet section (38) of the connection element (34) including the fluid inlet (36) projects into a tube lumen (40) of the connecting tube (22) in the region of the proximal end section (24), and wherein the fluid outlet is arranged outside of the tube lumen (40) and can be fluidically connected to the vacuum source (12) in a vacuum-tight manner; according to the invention, a filter unit (42) is arranged on the end section (38), which is associated with the fluid inlet (36) and is permeable to air and non-permeable to liquid.

Description

[0001] Title: Connection device for the vacuum-tight fluidic connection of a negative pressure wound dressing with a negative pressure source, negative pressure wound therapy kit and negative pressure wound therapy system

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to a connecting device for the vacuum-tight fluidic connection of a negative pressure wound dressing with a negative pressure source. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a negative pressure wound therapy kit with such a connecting device. Furthermore, the present invention relates to

[0004] Invention a negative pressure wound therapy system comprising a negative pressure source and such a negative pressure wound therapy kit.

[0005] Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), also known as negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), is an innovative wound treatment method with a wide range of indications. These include, for example, acute skin or soft tissue defects, impaired wound healing, chronic wounds, etc. The goal of negative pressure therapy is to stimulate the growth of granulation tissue and promote the healing process. Negative pressure therapy creates a negative pressure in the wound area, allowing wound exudate to be effectively drained from the wound.

[0006] Negative pressure wound dressings used in negative pressure therapy typically comprise an air-impermeable cover layer for airtight closure of the wound. A connection opening for the vacuum-tight fluidic connection of the wound space to a vacuum source is formed in the cover layer. When the negative pressure wound dressing is applied to a wound as intended and the vacuum source is fluidly connected to the connection opening in a vacuum-tight manner, a negative pressure can be created in the wound space by the negative pressure source. Typically, a connecting device comprising an elongated single-lumen or multi-lumen connecting tube is used for the vacuum-tight fluidic connection of the negative pressure wound dressing to the vacuum source. A distal end section of the connecting tube can be fluidly connected to the negative pressure wound dressing in a vacuum-tight manner.A proximal end section of the connecting tube can be fluidically connected to the vacuum source in a vacuum-tight manner.

[0007] A generic connecting device is known, for example, from the published specification WO 2016 184 916 A1. In order to establish the connection of the proximal end section of the connecting tube to the vacuum source, the connecting device comprises a connecting element with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. An inlet section of the connecting element comprising the fluid inlet projects into a tube lumen of the connecting tube in the region of the proximal end section. The fluid outlet of the connecting element, however, is arranged outside the tube lumen and can be fluidly connected to the vacuum source in a vacuum-tight manner. In the connecting device disclosed in the published specification WO 2016 184 917 A1, a filter unit is arranged on the distal end section of the connecting tube.When the connecting device is used as intended, the filter unit prevents wound exudate from entering the connecting tube and the downstream negative pressure source. The negative pressure source could otherwise be contaminated and / or damaged by wound exudate. However, due to the arrangement of the filter unit at the distal end section or adjacent to the negative pressure wound dressing, the filter unit may already be wetted with wound exudate and clogged before the absorption capacity of the negative pressure wound dressing for wound exudate is exhausted. The negative pressure wound dressing then has to be changed unnecessarily early.

[0008] The invention is based on the object of providing a connecting device that, when used as intended in negative pressure therapy, effectively prevents wound exudate from entering the negative pressure source. At the same time, the absorption capacity of the negative pressure wound dressing for wound exudate should be utilized as optimally as possible.

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention by a connecting device according to claim 1, by a negative pressure wound therapy kit according to claim 18 and by a negative pressure wound therapy system according to claim 19.

[0010] The subclaims and the description indicate advantageous variants and embodiments.

[0011] According to the invention, a connecting device for the vacuum-tight fluidic connection of a negative pressure wound dressing to a vacuum source is provided. The connecting device comprises an elongated single-lumen or multi-lumen connecting tube. A distal end section of the connecting tube can be fluidically connected to the negative pressure wound dressing in a vacuum-tight manner. A "vacuum-tight fluidic connection" is to be understood here as meaning that, taking into account the vacuum source used, the negative pressure required for negative pressure therapy of wounds can be maintained in the fluidically connected cavities. Typically, within the scope of negative pressure therapy, a pressure difference is set between the air pressure inside the wound dressing and the ambient air pressure, which is at least 20 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) and at most 250 mm Hg.1 mm Hg corresponds to one Torr or 133,322 Pa (Pascal).

[0012] The terms "distal" and "proximal" describe the arrangement relative to the vacuum source. A proximal portion of an element is located closer to the vacuum source than a distal portion of the same element. For example, when used as intended, the proximal end portion of the connecting tube is located closer to the vacuum source than the distal end portion.

[0013] The connecting device according to the invention also comprises a connecting element which has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. An inlet section of the connecting element which comprises the fluid inlet projects into a tube lumen of the connecting tube in the region of the proximal end section. The fluid outlet is arranged outside the tube lumen and can be fluidly connected to the vacuum source in a vacuum-tight manner. It is now provided that a filter unit is arranged on the inlet section of the connecting element, which filter unit is assigned to the fluid inlet and is designed to be permeable to air and impermeable to liquid. Due to the assignment of the filter unit to the fluid inlet, fluid must pass through the filter unit in order to reach the connecting element from the tube lumen through the fluid inlet.Because the filter unit is designed to be permeable to air, negative pressure can be communicated from the negative pressure source through the filter unit into the tube lumen, the negative pressure wound dressing and the wound space. Because the filter unit is designed to be impermeable to liquids, the ingress of wound exudate into the negative pressure source is effectively prevented. As previously mentioned, such ingress of wound exudate could lead to contamination and / or damage to the negative pressure source. By arranging the filter unit at the inlet section, the absorption capacity of the negative pressure wound dressing can be used as optimally as possible. In particular, the filter unit is only blocked by wound exudate when the absorption capacity of the negative pressure wound dressing is exceeded and wound exudate consequently reaches the proximal end section of the connecting tube.The filter unit is preferably arranged on an outer contour of the inlet section. Such a design of the connecting device is easy to manufacture. The connecting tube can be single-lumen or multi-lumen. In a single-lumen connecting tube, there is only a single tube lumen, which extends from the distal end section to the proximal end section. When the connecting device is used as intended, the tube lumen serves as a suction lumen. In a multi-lumen connecting tube, the tube lumen is divided into several partial lumens, each of which extends from the distal end section to the proximal end section. The partial lumens are preferably connected parallel to one another to an inlet opening formed in the distal end section, each of the partial lumens being assigned its own passage in the region of the proximal end section.In such a multi-lumen connecting tube, a first of the partial lumens serves as a suction lumen when the connecting device is used as intended. The connecting element extends into this partial lumen through the associated passage in the area of ​​the proximal end section. A second of the partial lumens can be used, for example, as a rinsing lumen and / or a measuring lumen.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter unit comprises at least one air-permeable and liquid-impermeable membrane filter. A membrane filter is available inexpensively and can be precisely adapted to the fluid inlet. Preferably, the membrane filter is connected by an adhesive bond or by a

[0015] Welded connection to the inlet section, in particular to the outer contour of the inlet section. Particularly preferably, the filter unit comprises at least one membrane filter designed as a PTFE membrane filter. Such a membrane filter has advantageous dewetting behavior. This means that the membrane filter is not permanently clogged by only slight wetting with wound exudate. Instead, the wound exudate flows back from the membrane filter, so that the membrane filter remains permeable to air.

[0016] The fluid inlet comprises at least one inlet opening. In particular, the fluid inlet comprises only one inlet opening. However, it is preferred that the fluid inlet comprises a plurality of inlet openings. Particularly preferably, the plurality of inlet openings are covered by a common membrane filter of the filter unit. This has the advantage that the number of individual parts of the filter unit is small, which is associated with low manufacturing costs. Alternatively, the filter unit comprises a plurality of membrane filters, wherein the membrane filters each cover a different inlet opening or a plurality of different inlet openings.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the inlet section is widened transversely to the longitudinal extent of the connecting element. The transverse extent of the inlet section is therefore greater than the transverse extent of a section of the connecting element which directly adjoins the inlet section in the direction of the fluid outlet. This has the advantage that a fluid inlet with a large opening area can be realized in the inlet section. Accordingly, the effective filter area of ​​the filter unit can also be increased. This reduces the probability of the filter unit becoming clogged prematurely, i.e. before the absorption capacity of the wound dressing is exceeded.

[0018] Preferably, at least one inlet opening of the fluid inlet is formed in a flat wall section of the inlet section. Such an inlet opening can be covered particularly reliably by a membrane filter. Preferably, all inlet openings of the fluid inlet are formed in a flat wall section of the inlet section or in several flat wall sections of the inlet section.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the inlet section comprises a first wall section and a second wall section which converge at an acute angle at a front edge of the inlet section, and the fluid inlet comprises at least one inlet opening formed in the first wall section and / or at least one inlet opening formed in the second wall section. Such a design of the inlet section has the advantage, on the one hand, that a single membrane filter can be easily attached to the inlet section such that it is arranged on both the first wall section and the second wall section. For this purpose, the membrane filter is folded or bent around the front edge of the inlet section, for example.In addition, the inlet section which tapers to a point at the front edge can be easily inserted between layered elements which may be present in the tube lumen, such as support layers. The layered elements then prevent the tube wall of the connecting tube from lying flat against the first wall section and the second wall section and thereby closing the fluid inlet. Preferably, the first wall section and the second wall section converge at an acute angle which is at most 60°, in particular at most 45°, in particular at most 30°. Preferably, the first wall section and / or the second wall section are flat. The front edge is preferably aligned orthogonal to the longitudinal extent of the connecting tube.

[0020] Particularly preferably, at least one inlet opening is formed in each of the first wall sections and the second wall sections. This makes it possible to create a fluid inlet with a particularly large opening area. Particularly preferably, a membrane filter is provided which is folded or bent around the front edge and covers both the at least one inlet opening in the first wall section and the at least one inlet opening in the second wall section. Alternatively, the at least one inlet opening in the first wall section and the at least one inlet opening in the second wall section are covered by a different membrane filter.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the inlet section comprises a third wall section and a fourth wall section, which extend orthogonally to the first wall section and the second wall section, and the third wall section and the fourth wall section are closed. An inlet opening in the third wall section or the fourth wall section could only be covered with increased effort. Accordingly, such an inlet opening is preferably omitted.

[0022] The inlet section is preferably wedge-shaped. A wedge-shaped inlet section advantageously combines the preferred features described above.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting tube comprises a first layer and a second layer, wherein the layers are materially bonded to one another in their edge regions and together enclose the tube lumen. The first layer and the second layer together form the tube wall of the connecting tube. The formation of the tube wall from the two layers facilitates the assembly of the connecting device. Preferably, the first layer and the second layer are designed as film layers. Accordingly, the connecting tube is a

[0024] Film tube . Preferably, the layers are in their

[0025] Edge areas welded or glued together.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting element projects into the tube lumen through a passage which is formed between the edge region of the first layer and the edge region of the second layer. Such a connecting device can be manufactured with little effort. For example, during production the connecting element is first arranged between the two layers. Only then are the two layers materially connected to one another in their edge regions. Another advantage is that a secure seal of the tube lumen can be achieved because there is a large contact surface between the outer contour of the connecting element and the edge regions of the layers. The edge regions of the two layers preferably lie fluid-tight against the outer contour of the connecting element.According to an alternative embodiment, the connecting element projects into the tube lumen through a passage formed in the first layer or in the second layer.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, a portion of the connecting element arranged in the passage comprises at least one bulge for positively and / or clamp-locking the portion in the passage. This reliably prevents the connecting element from slipping out of the proximal end portion. Preferably, the bulge(s) are formed integrally with the connecting element.

[0028] Preferably, a support unit is arranged in the tube lumen, which supports the connecting tube against collapse, in particular due to negative pressure, and is fluid-permeable in the longitudinal extent of the tube lumen, wherein the support unit comprises at least one support layer, and wherein the connecting element and the support layer overlap in regions. Because the support layer and the connecting element overlap in regions, the tube wall is prevented from coming into contact with the wall section of the inlet section facing the support layer. Accordingly, an inlet opening formed in the relevant wall section is not closed by the tube wall.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the support layer is formed by a flat material web section which, for supporting the connecting hose, is structured by elevations formed integrally with a plane of the flat material web section, wherein a continuous intermediate space is formed between the elevations which is permeable to fluid in the longitudinal extent of the hose lumen. A flat material web section designed as above is available at low cost. This results in particular from the fact that the formation of the elevations can be advantageously integrated into the production of the flat material web section. A flat material web section is a section of a flat material web. For example, the flat material web section is cut out of a flat material web. Preferably, the elevations are already formed in the flat material web.However, the elevations can also be formed in the flat material web section. In particular, the flat material web is a plastic film web, so the flat material web section is formed as a plastic film.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the support unit comprises at least two support layers stacked one above the other, and the connecting element extends between the support layers. This particularly effectively prevents the hose wall from contacting the inlet section and thereby closing the fluid inlet.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting element comprises a vacuum hose formed integrally with the connecting element, which can be fluidly connected to the vacuum source in a vacuum-tight manner. This allows the number of individual parts required to be reduced. In such an embodiment, the fluid outlet is preferably formed by the vacuum hose formed integrally with the connecting element.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the

[0033] The connecting element has a pipe socket for a vacuum-tight fluid connection to a vacuum hose. This has the advantage that a different vacuum hose can be selected depending on the application.

[0034] For example, vacuum hoses with different lengths can be selected. In such an embodiment, the fluid outlet is preferably formed by the pipe socket.

[0035] The object to be achieved is also achieved by a negative pressure wound therapy kit which comprises a negative pressure wound dressing and a connecting device with the features described above, wherein the distal end section of the connecting device can be fluidically connected to the negative pressure wound dressing in a vacuum-tight manner.

[0036] Regarding the advantages achievable with the negative pressure wound therapy kit, reference is made to the relevant information on the connecting device. The features described in connection with the connecting device can be used to further configure the negative pressure wound therapy kit.

[0037] The object to be achieved is also achieved by a negative pressure wound therapy system which comprises a negative pressure wound therapy kit having the features described above. The negative pressure wound therapy system according to the invention also comprises a negative pressure source, wherein the fluid outlet of the connecting element can be fluidly connected to the negative pressure source in a vacuum-tight manner. With regard to the advantages achievable with the negative pressure wound therapy system, reference is made to the relevant explanations regarding the connecting device. The features described in connection with the connecting device can be used to further refine the negative pressure wound therapy system.

[0038] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the figures, wherein identical or functionally identical elements may be provided with reference numerals only once. The figures serve as examples and are not to be understood as limiting. They show:

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a negative pressure wound therapy system with a connecting device comprising a connecting element,

[0040] Fig. 2 is a plan view of the connecting element,

[0041] Fig. 3 shows a longitudinal section through the connecting device shown in Figure 1 in the region of the connecting element,

[0042] Fig. 4 is a plan view of a flat material web section arranged as a support layer in a tube lumen of the connecting device, and Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the flat material web section shown in Figure 4 along the section line AA.

[0043] Figure 1 shows a negative pressure wound therapy system 10 for use in the negative pressure therapy of wounds. The negative pressure wound therapy system 10 comprises a negative pressure source 12 and a negative pressure wound therapy kit 14. The negative pressure wound therapy kit 14 comprises a negative pressure wound dressing 16, which is referred to below as wound dressing 16. The wound dressing 16 comprises an air-impermeable cover layer 18 for airtightly closing a wound. The negative pressure wound therapy kit 14 also comprises a connecting device 20. The connecting device 20 comprises an elongated connecting tube 22 with a proximal end section 24 and a distal end section 26. In the present case, the connecting tube 22 is designed to be single-lumen.

[0044] The distal end section 26 can be fluidically connected in a vacuum-tight manner to a connection opening 28 formed in the cover layer 18. In the negative pressure wound therapy system 10 shown in Figure 1, the distal end section 26 is already connected to the connection opening 28, so that the connection opening 28 is covered by the distal end section 26. The distal end section 26 comprises an inlet opening 30. The distal end section 26 is arranged on the wound dressing 16 such that the connection opening 28 and the inlet opening 30 of the distal end section 26 are at least partially aligned with one another.

[0045] The distal end section 26 is broadened over a larger area than an elongated central section 32 of the connecting tube 22. In the present case, the distal end section 26 is broadened in the shape of a circular disk. The broadening of the distal end section 26 facilitates the connection of the distal end section 26 to the wound dressing 16.

[0046] The proximal end portion 24 can be fluidically connected to the vacuum source 12 in a vacuum-tight manner. For this purpose, the connecting device 20 comprises a connecting element 34 with a fluid inlet 36 and a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet 36 and the fluid outlet are fluidically connected to one another by a fluid channel formed in the connecting element 34.

[0047] The design of the connecting element 34 is explained in more detail below with additional reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 shows a plan view of the connecting element 34. Figure 3 shows a longitudinal section through the connecting device 20 in the region of the proximal end section 24. The section plane is oriented such that a side view of the connecting element 34 is shown.

[0048] An inlet section 38 of the

[0049] The connecting element 34 extends into a tube lumen 40 of the connecting tube 22 in the region of the proximal end section 24. The fluid inlet 36 is thus arranged in the tube lumen 40. The fluid outlet is arranged outside the tube lumen 40 and can be fluidly connected to the vacuum source 12 in a vacuum-tight manner. Accordingly, the proximal end section 24 of the connecting tube 22 can be fluidly connected to the vacuum source 12 in a vacuum-tight manner by the connecting element 34.

[0050] In the present case, the connecting element 34 comprises a vacuum hose 84 formed integrally with the connecting element 34. The fluid outlet (not shown) is formed by the vacuum hose 84. According to a further exemplary embodiment, the connecting element 34 comprises, for example, a pipe socket that forms the fluid outlet of the connecting element and can be fluidly connected to a vacuum hose in a vacuum-tight manner.

[0051] A filter unit 42 is arranged on the inlet section 38 and is associated with the fluid inlet 36. The filter unit 42 is designed to be air-permeable and liquid-impermeable.

[0052] When the negative pressure wound therapy system 10 is used as intended, the wound dressing 16 is applied to a wound. The negative pressure source 12 is fluidically connected to the wound dressing 16 in a vacuum-tight manner by the connecting device 20.

[0053] A negative pressure can then be created in the wound space via a negative pressure source 12. The negative pressure causes wound exudate to be drained from the wound and absorbed by the wound dressing 16, for example by an absorption layer of the wound dressing 16. Because the filter unit 42 is designed to be permeable to air, the negative pressure can be communicated through the filter unit 42 into the wound space. Because the filter unit 42 is designed to be impermeable to liquid, the filter unit 42 prevents wound exudate from entering the negative pressure source 12. Because the filter unit 42 is arranged on the inlet section 38, the filter unit 42 is only blocked by wound exudate when the absorption capacity of the wound dressing 16 for wound exudate is exceeded.If, for example, the filter unit were arranged at the distal end section 26 and associated with the inlet opening 30 of the distal end section 26, the filter unit 42 could be more easily clogged before the absorption capacity of the wound dressing 16 is exceeded.

[0054] The inlet section 38 is widened transversely to the longitudinal extent of the connecting element 34. This has the advantage that a fluid inlet 36 with a large opening area can be realized. Accordingly, a filter unit 42 with a large filter area can also be used, which has the advantage that the filter unit 42 is clogged more slowly with wound exudate. The inlet section 38 is wedge-shaped. For this purpose, the inlet section 38 comprises a first wall section 44 and a second wall section 46, which converge at a front edge 49 of the inlet section 38 at an acute angle. In the present case, the acute angle is approximately 20°. The first wall section 44 and the second wall section 46 are flat. As can be seen from Figure 2, the first wall section 44 is rectangular. The same applies to the second wall section 46, which is not visible in Figure 2.

[0055] The fluid inlet 36 comprises an inlet opening 48 formed in the first wall section 44. The inlet opening 48 is rectangular. Preferably, the inlet opening 48 occupies at least 40% of the surface of the first wall section 44, particularly preferably at least 60%. An inlet opening 48 is also formed in the second wall section 46. This inlet opening is concealed in the figures and therefore not visible.

[0056] The inlet section 38 also includes a third wall section 50 and a fourth wall section 51. The third wall section 50 and the fourth wall section 51 extend orthogonally to the first wall section 44 and the second wall section 46. The third wall section 50 and the fourth wall section 51 are closed, so that the wall sections 50 and 51 are free of an inlet opening.

[0057] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the filter unit 42 comprises only a single air-permeable and liquid-impermeable membrane filter 52. In the present case, the membrane filter 52 is a PTFE membrane filter 52. The membrane filter 52 is arranged on the inlet section 38 in such a way that it covers the inlet openings 48 in the first wall section 44 and the second wall section 46. For this purpose, the membrane filter 52 is bent around the front edge 49 of the inlet section 38 and rests against the first wall section 44 and the second wall section 46. Preferably, the membrane filter 52 is materially connected to the inlet section 38, for example by a welded connection or by an adhesive connection.

[0058] According to a further embodiment, the filter unit 42 comprises, for example, instead of the single membrane filter 52, a number of membrane filters corresponding to the number of inlet openings 48, wherein each of the membrane filters covers a different one of the inlet openings 48.

[0059] The connecting hose 22 comprises a lower or first layer 54 and an upper or second layer 56. The layers 54 and 56 are connected to one another in their edge regions and together form the hose wall of the connecting hose 22. In the present case, the layers 54 and 56 are designed as film layers. Accordingly, the connecting hose 22 is a film hose. Preferably, the layers 54 and 56 are made of polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, silicone or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the edge regions of the layers 54 and 56 are connected to one another by an adhesive connection or by a welded connection. The inlet opening 30 of the distal end section 26 is formed in the first layer 54.

[0060] The connecting element 34 projects through a passage 58 into the tube lumen 40 which is formed between the edge region of the first layer 54 and the edge region of the second layer 56. Such a design of the connecting device 20 is simple to manufacture despite the widened inlet section 38. During production, the connecting element 34 is preferably arranged between the two layers 54 and 56. Only then are the layers 54 and 56 connected to one another in their edge regions. The arrangement of the connecting element 34 in the passage 58 formed between the edge regions also has the advantage that a large contact surface is created between the outer contour of the connecting element 34 and the layers 54 and 56. This facilitates the fluid-tight passage of the connecting element 34 through the tube wall of the connecting tube 22.A section 60 of the connecting element 34 arranged in the passage 58 comprises a plurality of bulges 62. The bulges 62 protrude from the section 60 transversely to the longitudinal extent of the connecting element 34 and cooperate with the edge regions of the layers 54 and 56 to hold the section 60 in the passage 58 in a form-fitting and clamping manner.

[0061] The connecting device 20 here also comprises, for example, a support unit 64, which supports the connecting tube 22 against collapse, in particular due to negative pressure, and is fluid-permeable in the longitudinal extent of the tube lumen 40. The support unit 64 comprises a plurality of support layers 66, which are stacked one above the other in the tube lumen 40. In the present case, six support layers 66 are present. However, a different number of support layers 66 may also be present.

[0062] In the case illustrated here as an example, the inlet section 38 protrudes between two immediately adjacent support layers 66. This prevents the hose wall of the connecting hose 22 from contacting the inlet section 38 and thereby closing the fluid inlet 36.

[0063] The design of the support layers 66 is explained in more detail below with additional reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 shows a plan view of one of the support layers 66. It should be noted that Figure 4 only shows a section of the support layer 66. Accordingly, the actual outer contour of the support layer 66 deviates from the outer contour shown in Figure 4. Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the support layer 66 along the section line AA shown in Figure 4.

[0064] In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the support layer 66 is formed by a flat material web section 68. The flat material web section 68 extends in two surface directions X and Y. To support the connecting tube 22, a first side 70 of the flat material web section 68 is structured by elevations 74 formed integrally with a plane 72 of the flat material web section 68. A continuous intermediate space 76 is formed between the elevations 74, such that fluid such as wound exudate can be transported through the intermediate space 76.

[0065] In at least some of the elevations 74, an end-side through-opening 80 is formed in the raised end sides 78 of the respective elevations 74. In the present case, an end-side through-opening 80 is formed in each of the elevations 74. Fluid such as wound exudate can pass through the end-side through-openings 80 through the flat material web section 68 and then distribute itself on both sides of the flat material web section 68. The second side 82 of the flat material web section 68, facing away from the structured first side 70, is smooth. To form the continuous intermediate space 76, the elevations 74 are arranged in islands, isolated from one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the elevations 74 are shaped like a single-shell hyperboloid. In the present case, the elevations 74 are therefore hyperboloid-shaped. For this purpose, a mantle wall of the elevations 74 is anticlastically curved.Alternatively, the elevations 74 are preferably conical, i.e. truncated cone-shaped, cylindrical or truncated pyramid-shaped.

[0066] The elevations 74 are distributed in such a way that, at least in a central region of the flat material web section 68, each of the elevations 74 is surrounded by three to eight further elevations 74, the further elevations 74 together forming a regular polygon. In the present case, the further elevations 74 together form a regular hexagon. Thus, at least in the central region of the flat material web section 68, each of the elevations 74 is surrounded by six further elevations 74.

[0067] The flat material web section 68 in this case is a plastic film 68. The plastic film 68 is preferably made of polyethylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, or a mixture thereof. These plastics have the advantage of providing a flexible connecting tube 22, which is associated with high patient comfort. For example, the flexible design of the connecting tube 22 can prevent the occurrence of pressure ulcers. In addition, the aforementioned plastics also have sufficient rigidity. In this respect, the plastics ensure that the continuous intermediate space 76 is maintained when the connecting device 22 is used, despite the negative pressure created.

[0068] The elevations 74 are manufactured by vacuum deep drawing. Preferably, an extruded or calendered, still-molten flat material web, in particular a plastic film web, is guided over a rotating vacuum perforated roller. The flat material web is then drawn into holes in the vacuum perforated roller in sections by a vacuum in the vacuum perforated roller, thereby forming the elevations 74. The shape of the resulting elevations 74 is determined, for example, by the contour of the holes and the vacuum used. Preferably, the vacuum in the vacuum perforated roller is set such that the end sides 78 of the elevations 74 open. The elevations 74 and the end through-openings 80 are thus formed in the same process step.

[0069] The design of the support layers 66 described above in connection with Figures 4 and 5 is preferred. However, different support layers 66 can also be used. According to a further embodiment, the support layers 66 are each formed by a spacer fabric or an extruded mesh.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A connecting device (20) for the vacuum-tight fluidic connection of a vacuum wound dressing (16) to a vacuum source (12), comprising an elongated single- or multi-lumen connecting tube (22) comprising a distal end section (26) and a proximal end section (24), and wherein the distal end section (26) can be fluidically connected to the vacuum wound dressing (16) in a vacuum-tight manner, and comprising a connecting element (34) comprising a fluid inlet (36) and a fluid outlet, wherein an inlet section (38) of the connecting element (34) comprising the fluid inlet (36) projects into a tube lumen (40) of the connecting tube (22) in the region of the proximal end section (24), and wherein the fluid outlet is arranged outside the tube lumen (40) and can be fluidly connected to the vacuum source (12) in a vacuum-tight manner, characterized in that a filter unit (42) is arranged on the inlet section (38),which is assigned to the fluid inlet (36) and is designed to be air-permeable and liquid-impermeable., 2. Connecting device (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the filter unit (42) comprises at least one air-permeable and liquid-impermeable membrane filter (52), in particular PTFE membrane filter (52).

3. Connecting device (20) according to claim 2, characterized in that the fluid inlet (36) comprises a plurality of inlet openings (48) which are covered by a common membrane filter (52).

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

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

6. Connecting device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the inlet section (38) comprises a first wall section (44) and a second wall section (46) which converge at an acute angle at a front edge (49) of the inlet section (38), and in that the fluid inlet (36) has at least one inlet opening (48) formed in the first wall section (44) and / or at least one in the second wall section (46) formed Inlet opening (48).

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

8. Connecting device (20) according to one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the inlet section (38) comprises a third wall section (50) and a fourth wall section (51) which extend orthogonally to the first wall section (44) and the second wall section (46), and in that the third wall section (50) and the fourth wall section (51) are closed.

9. Connecting device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the inlet section (38) is wedge-shaped.

10. Connecting device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the connecting tube (22) comprises a first layer (54) and a second layer (56), wherein the layers (54, 56) are materially connected to one another in their edge regions and together enclose the tube lumen (40).

11. Connecting device (20) according to claim 10, characterized in that the connecting element (34) projects into the tube lumen (40) through a passage (58) which is formed between the edge region of the first layer (54) and the edge region of the second layer (56).

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

13. Connecting device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a support unit (64) is arranged in the tube lumen (40), which supports the connecting tube (22) against collapse, in particular due to negative pressure, and is fluid-permeable in the longitudinal extent of the tube lumen (40), wherein the support unit (64) comprises at least one support layer (66), and wherein the connecting element (34) and the support layer (66) overlap in regions.

14. Connecting device (20) according to claim 13, characterized in that the support layer (66) is formed by a flat material web section (68) which, for supporting the connecting hose (22), is integrally formed with a plane (72) of the flat material web section (68) shaped elevations (74) structured wherein a continuous intermediate space (76) is formed between the elevations (74), which is fluid-permeable in the longitudinal extent of the tube lumen (40).

15. Connecting device (20) according to one of claims 13 and 14, characterized in that the support unit (64) comprises at least two support layers (66) arranged stacked one above the other, and in that the connecting element (34) projects between the support layers (66).

16. Connecting device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the connecting element (34) comprises a vacuum hose formed integrally with the connecting element (34) (84) which can be fluidly connected to the vacuum source (12) in a vacuum-tight manner.

17. Connecting device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the connecting element (34) comprises a pipe socket for vacuum-tight fluidic connection to a vacuum hose.

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

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

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