Negative pressure wound therapy device and method using high-concentration oxygen gas

Abstract

The disclosed negative pressure wound therapy device comprises: a canister configured to be connected, through a negative pressure tube, to a dressing unit attached to a wound site; a negative pressure generating unit including a negative pressure pump, connected to the canister, and configured to provide, to the wound site, negative pressure generated by driving the negative pressure pump; and an oxygen supply unit connected to the dressing unit through an oxygen supply tube and configured to supply oxygen to the wound site.

Description

Negative pressure wound therapy device and negative pressure wound therapy method using high-concentration oxygen gas

[0001] The present invention relates to a negative pressure wound treatment device and a negative pressure wound treatment method using high-concentration oxygen gas.

[0002] Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) is a medical device that promotes healing by applying negative pressure to a wound site and can be widely used for the treatment of chronic wounds, acute trauma, post-surgical wounds, and pressure ulcers. This treatment method operates on the principle of applying constant negative pressure to the wound site to effectively drain exudate, increase blood flow, and promote cell proliferation.

[0003] The operating modes of negative pressure wound therapy devices can be broadly classified into two types. The first is the Continuous NPWT mode, which maintains a constant negative pressure at the wound site to drain exudate. This mode can be applied primarily to the treatment of early-stage wounds where a large amount of exudate is generated.

[0004] The second is the intermittent NPWT or variable NPWT mode, which involves repeatedly switching between negative pressure and atmospheric pressure states. According to various clinical studies, the intermittent NPWT mode can more effectively promote increased tissue blood flow and granulation tissue formation compared to the continuous negative pressure mode. For this reason, the intermittent NPWT mode is recognized as a more effective treatment method in actual clinical settings and is widely utilized.

[0005] However, one of the major limitations of conventional negative pressure wound therapy devices is that the therapeutic effect may be reduced when external air enters the wound site while switching to atmospheric pressure during cross-operation mode. The incoming air may not provide the optimal environment necessary for wound healing, which could potentially lead to a slower healing rate or an increased risk of infection.

[0006] Considering these issues, the development of new technologies is necessary to improve the wound healing environment in cross-execution modes. In particular, there is a need for the development of an improved negative pressure wound therapy device that can enhance healing speed and prevent infection by optimizing the environment introduced to the wound site under atmospheric pressure.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an improved negative pressure wound therapy device with a miniaturized structure capable of supplying self-generated high-concentration oxygen to the wound site instead of external air when switching from the cross-performance mode of the negative pressure wound therapy device to an atmospheric pressure state.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an improved negative pressure wound treatment method that generates and supplies high-concentration oxygen to a wound site during the process of implementing a cross-execution mode that periodically switches between a negative pressure state and an atmospheric pressure state in a negative pressure wound treatment device.

[0009] However, the problems that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve are not limited to the problems described above and can be expanded in various ways within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention.

[0010] A negative pressure wound treatment device according to one embodiment includes a canister configured to be connected to a dressing part attached to a wound site through a negative pressure tube, a negative pressure generating part including a negative pressure pump connected to the canister and configured to provide negative pressure formed by driving the negative pressure pump to the wound site, and an oxygen supply part connected to the dressing part through an oxygen supply tube and configured to supply oxygen to the wound site.

[0011] The above oxygen supply unit may include a zeolite filter.

[0012] The oxygen supply unit may further include a compressor connected to the zeolite filter and configured to pressurize the zeolite filter or apply negative pressure to the zeolite filter.

[0013] The oxygen supply unit may further include a pressure sensor located between the zeolite filter and the compressor.

[0014] The compressor includes a pressurizing port configured to be connected to and pressurized by the zeolite filter, and a first three-way valve may be connected between the zeolite filter and the pressurizing port.

[0015] The compressor includes a negative pressure port configured to apply negative pressure connected to the zeolite filter, and a second three-way valve may be connected between the zeolite filter and the negative pressure port.

[0016] The oxygen supply unit may further include a proportional control valve between the canister and the zeolite filter.

[0017] The oxygen supply unit may further include an oxygen cylinder connected to the zeolite filter and configured to pressurize the zeolite filter.

[0018] The above negative pressure pipe may include a check valve diaphragm at one end connected to the canister.

[0019] The check valve diaphragm may include a silicone membrane or a rubber membrane that is fixed at one end and blocks one end of the negative pressure pipe to allow it to be opened in the negative pressure direction.

[0020] The oxygen supply tube can be formed as a sealed tube inside the canister and fixed.

[0021] The oxygen supply unit may further include a flow sensor connected to the canister.

[0022] The above oxygen supply unit may include an oxygen tank.

[0023] The above oxygen supply unit may include a portable oxygen tank.

[0024] The above-described negative pressure wound therapy device may further include an oxygen tank holder configured to secure the above-described portable oxygen tank.

[0025] A negative pressure wound treatment method according to another embodiment includes the step of periodically alternating between a negative pressure state and an atmospheric pressure state to provide or release negative pressure to a wound site, and the step of supplying oxygen to the wound site in the atmospheric pressure state.

[0026] The above negative pressure wound treatment method may further include a step of generating oxygen under the negative pressure state.

[0027] The step of generating the oxygen may include pressurizing air into a zeolite filter under the negative pressure state to adsorb nitrogen.

[0028] The step of supplying oxygen may further include discharging oxygen from the zeolite filter under the atmospheric pressure.

[0029] The above negative pressure treatment method may further include the step of applying negative pressure to the zeolite filter under the above atmospheric pressure state to remove nitrogen adsorbed on the zeolite filter.

[0030] The step of supplying the oxygen may include supplying the oxygen at a flow rate of 100cc / min or less.

[0031] According to the negative pressure wound treatment device of the embodiment, when switching from a cross-performance mode to an atmospheric pressure state, self-generated high-concentration oxygen (about 90% or more) is supplied to the wound site instead of external air, thereby improving the speed of wound healing and reducing the risk of infection.

[0032] According to the negative pressure wound treatment method of the embodiment, the effect of negative pressure wound treatment can be maximized by repeating the process of applying pressure to a zeolite filter to generate high-concentration oxygen in a negative pressure state and applying negative pressure to the zeolite filter to remove adsorbed nitrogen in an atmospheric pressure state.

[0033] By generating high-concentration oxygen by removing nitrogen from the air using a zeolite filter, effective oxygen supply is possible without a large oxygen tank, thereby enabling the miniaturization of the device.

[0034] By installing a rubber diaphragm (check valve) inside a canister connected to a negative pressure tube, exudate can flow into the canister under negative pressure, and under atmospheric pressure, the negative pressure tube can be blocked to prevent the high concentration of oxygen around the wound from being diluted, making effective treatment possible with a small amount of high concentration oxygen.

[0035] By implementing an oxygen supply device that links to the negative pressure / atmospheric pressure mode of a negative pressure wound therapy device using only a single zeolite filter, the structure of the device can be simplified and miniaturized, thereby significantly improving patient mobility.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a negative pressure wound treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a negative pressure wound treatment device according to another embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a negative pressure wound treatment device according to another embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the negative pressure wound treatment device shown in FIG. 1 implemented as a single device.

[0040] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the canister separated from the negative pressure wound treatment device shown in Figure 4.

[0041] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the interior of the negative pressure wound treatment device shown in Figure 4.

[0042] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the oxygen generation and supply path in the negative pressure wound therapy device shown in Figure 4.

[0043] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the path for discharging residual nitrogen from the negative pressure wound therapy device shown in Figure 4.

[0044] Figure 9 is an enlarged view showing the position of the microparticle removal filter in the negative pressure wound therapy device shown in Figure 4.

[0045] Figure 10 is an enlarged view showing the check valve diaphragm in the negative pressure wound treatment device shown in Figure 4.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a negative pressure wound treatment device according to other embodiments.

[0047] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a negative pressure wound treatment device according to other embodiments.

[0048] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a negative pressure wound treatment device according to another embodiment.

[0049] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an experimental method and conditions using a negative pressure wound treatment device according to an embodiment.

[0050] FIG. 15 is a photograph illustrating the wound healing process over time, comparing the therapeutic effects of a negative pressure wound therapy device according to an embodiment.

[0051] FIG. 16 is a graph showing the treatment effect of a negative pressure wound treatment device according to an embodiment as a wound closure rate over time.

[0052] Figure 17 is a graph evaluating the effect of a negative pressure wound treatment device according to an embodiment at the level of collagen factor expression.

[0053] Figure 18 is a graph evaluating the effect of a negative pressure wound treatment device according to an embodiment at another level of collagen factor expression.

[0054] Figure 19 is a graph evaluating the effect of a negative pressure wound treatment device according to an embodiment based on the level of collagen production inhibitory factor expression.

[0055] FIG. 20 is a graph evaluating the effect of a negative pressure wound treatment device according to an embodiment at the level of another collagen production inhibitory factor expression.

[0056] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. In the drawings, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted to clearly explain the present invention, and the same reference numerals have been used throughout the specification for identical or similar components.

[0057] Some components of the attached drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted, and the size of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size. Furthermore, the attached drawings are intended to aid in understanding the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited thereby; it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the invention.

[0058] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc., used in this specification are used solely as identifiers to distinguish various components and do not limit the importance or order of said components.

[0059] When it is said that one part is "on" or "on" another part, this includes not only direct contact but also cases where an intermediate part is involved. However, the expression "immediately on" refers to a direct contact relationship without any intermediate parts. Furthermore, this positional relationship is independent of the direction of gravity.

[0060] In this specification, terms such as “comprising” or “having” indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification. This does not exclude the additional presence of other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Therefore, unless specifically stated otherwise, the fact that a part “comprising” a specific component means that other components may be added.

[0061] In this specification, "planar view" refers to the view of an object seen from above, and "cross-sectional view" refers to the view of a cross-section of an object cut vertically from the side.

[0062] In this specification, the expression "connected" includes various forms of connection between two or more components. This includes not only direct connections but also indirect connections through other components, as well as physical and electrical connections, and even cases where they form a single unit even if referred to by different names depending on their location or function.

[0063] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a negative pressure wound treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the negative pressure wound treatment device (101) may include a dressing part (10) attached to a wound area, a canister (70) connected to the dressing part (10) through a negative pressure tube (72), a negative pressure forming part (40) connected to the canister (70) including a negative pressure pump (41), and an oxygen supply part (50) connected to the dressing part (10) through an oxygen supply tube (74).

[0065] The dressing portion (10) may include a foam band (12), a porous pad (14), and an adhesive tape (16) attached to the wound area. The foam band (12) can transmit negative pressure by directly contacting the wound area, and due to its porous structure, exudate generated from the wound can be effectively discharged. The porous pad (14) is positioned over the foam band (12) to absorb and store wound exudate and can serve to protect the tissue surrounding the wound. The adhesive tape (16) is a waterproof transparent adhesive dressing that fixes the dressing portion (10) to the wound area so that it adheres closely, thereby blocking the inflow of external air and maintaining a negative pressure environment. Due to the transparent nature of the adhesive tape (16), the condition of the wound can be visually monitored, and due to its waterproof function, the dressing can be stably maintained even during daily activities.

[0066] The negative pressure generating unit (40) may include a negative pressure pump (41) and a negative pressure sensor (43) disposed within the housing (31). A first valve (21) is positioned between the negative pressure sensor (43) and the vacuum pump (41) to control the flow of negative pressure. A second valve (22) is positioned at the rear end of the vacuum pump (41) to perform a discharge function. When the negative pressure pump (41) is driven, it can generate negative pressure at the wound site through the canister (70), and this negative pressure can effectively remove exudate from the wound and promote blood flow to the tissue surrounding the wound. The negative pressure sensor (43) can maintain a stable negative pressure environment by accurately detecting the generated negative pressure and transmitting it to the controller (80). The controller (80) can control the operation of the negative pressure pump (41) in real time based on the detected negative pressure value to ensure that an appropriate negative pressure is continuously maintained at the wound site.

[0067] The oxygen supply unit (50) may include a zeolite filter (55) disposed within the housing (31), a compressor (51), a pressure sensor (57), a first three-way valve (24), a second three-way valve (25), an air outlet (35), a dust removal filter (64), a flow sensor (53), a fine particle removal filter (54), and a proportional control valve (23).

[0068] The zeolite filter (55) contains a lithium-based zeolite material and can increase the oxygen concentration by selectively adsorbing nitrogen from the air. This method can generate high-concentration oxygen without a separate oxygen tank, thereby improving the mobility and convenience of the negative pressure wound treatment device (101). The compressor (51) is connected to the zeolite filter (55) to pressurize or apply negative pressure to the zeolite filter (55), thereby controlling the nitrogen adsorption and release processes of the zeolite filter (55). The compressor (51) may include a pressurized port (511) and a negative pressure port (513), the pressurized port (511) may be connected to the zeolite filter (55) through a first three-way valve (24), and the negative pressure port (513) may be connected to the zeolite filter (55) through a second three-way valve (25).

[0069] A pressure sensor (57) is positioned between the zeolite filter (55) and the compressor (51) to detect the pressure inside the zeolite filter (55). The detected pressure data is transmitted to a controller (80) and can be used to optimize the operation of the compressor (51). An air outlet (35) is connected to a first three-way valve (24) to effectively discharge nitrogen-containing air released from the zeolite filter (55) to the outside. A dust removal filter (64) is connected to a second three-way valve (25) to remove dust from the incoming air, thereby improving the performance and lifespan of the zeolite filter (55).

[0070] A flow sensor (53) is connected to a canister (70) to measure the flow rate of oxygen supplied to the wound site, and the measured data is transmitted to a controller (80) to ensure a stable oxygen supply. A microparticle removal filter (54) can increase the purity of oxygen and protect the patient's wound site by effectively removing microparticles, and can be located between the canister (70) and the zeolite filter (55). A proportional control valve (23) is located between the canister (70) and the microparticle removal filter (54) to precisely control the flow rate of oxygen, thereby maintaining an optimal oxygen concentration in the wound site. The location of the microparticle removal filter (54) is not necessarily limited to the location shown in FIG. 1, and can function by being located before oxygen is supplied to the wound site.

[0071] The negative pressure tube (72) may include a check valve diaphragm (76) at one end connected to the canister (70). The check valve diaphragm (76) may be made of a silicone membrane or a rubber membrane. The check valve diaphragm (76) allows fluid to flow in only one direction, thereby effectively preventing exudate within the canister (70) from flowing back to the wound site. This reduces the risk of secondary infection of the wound and improves the therapeutic effect. The oxygen supply tube (74) may be formed and fixed as a sealed tube (75) inside the canister (70). The sealed tube (75) prevents the exudate within the canister (70) from mixing with oxygen, allowing pure, high-concentration oxygen to be delivered directly to the wound site. It is also possible to have a microparticle removal filter (54) located in this sealed tube (75).

[0072] The oxygen supply tube (74) is formed to have a smaller inner diameter than the negative pressure tube (72) so as to minimize dead volume. For example, the negative pressure tube (72) may have an inner diameter of 3 mm or more, and the oxygen supply tube (74) may have an inner diameter of 1.5 mm or less.

[0073] The control method of the negative pressure wound treatment device (101) according to the present embodiment can be carried out as follows:

[0074] The negative pressure wound treatment device (101) has a driving cycle that alternates between negative pressure and atmospheric pressure, and can be operated with a negative pressure time (e.g., about 2 minutes) and an atmospheric pressure time (e.g., about 3 minutes). Oxygen generation and nitrogen removal by the zeolite filter (55) can be efficiently carried out in accordance with this cycle.

[0075] First, the first valve (21) and the second valve (22) are opened, and the proportional control valve (23) is closed. At this time, the second valve (22) can perform a venting function. Second, the vacuum pump (41) can be operated to start forming negative pressure in the wound area. Third, during the negative pressure time, the first three-way valve (24) is opened and the second three-way valve (25) is vented, and then the compressor (51) is operated in pressurization mode to raise the pressure inside the zeolite filter (55) to a set pressure (e.g., 5 bar). During this process, nitrogen is adsorbed onto the zeolite, and the oxygen concentration inside the zeolite filter (55) can be increased to 90% or more. Afterward, the first three-way valve (24) is closed to secure time for nitrogen to be adsorbed inside the zeolite filter (55).

[0076] Fourth, the vacuum pump (41) can be operated while measuring with the negative pressure sensor (43) until the appropriate negative pressure is reached, and when the appropriate negative pressure is reached, the first valve (21) and the second valve (22) can be closed and the vacuum pump (41) can be stopped. Fifth, after the appropriate negative pressure maintenance time has passed, when the negative pressure wound treatment device (101) switches to the atmospheric pressure mode, the proportional control valve (23) can be opened and the first valve (21) can be slowly opened while measuring with the negative pressure sensor (43) so that the wound area reaches an atmospheric pressure state. In this process, high-concentration oxygen in the zeolite filter (55) flows into the negative pressure space, and the oxygen concentration around the wound can be maintained at a high level of 90% or more.

[0077] Sixth, oxygen can be introduced at a set fine flow rate (e.g., 100cc / min or less) by driving the proportional control valve (23) while measuring with the flow sensor (53). At this time, high-concentration oxygen (e.g., 90% or more) from which nitrogen has been removed due to the pressure applied within the zeolite filter (55) can be discharged through the proportional control valve (23). When the set pressure (e.g., 0.5 bar) is reached while measuring with the pressure sensor (57), the proportional control valve (23) can be closed, the second three-way valve (25) can be opened, the first three-way valve (24) can be vented, and the compressor (51) can be operated in negative pressure mode.

[0078] During the atmospheric pressure time, the pressure inside the filter can be maintained at a negative pressure to remove nitrogen adsorbed inside the zeolite filter (55). This maintenance of negative pressure can be continued until the zeolite filter pressurization operation of the next cycle, thereby regenerating the zeolite filter (55).

[0079] Seventh, high concentration oxygen can be maintained around the wound with the first valve (21), the second valve (22), and the proportional control valve (23) closed. Eighth, after an appropriate amount of time has been maintained, the above process can be repeated to maximize the effect of wound treatment.

[0080] Through this configuration and control method, an oxygen supply device linked to the negative pressure / atmospheric pressure mode of the negative pressure wound treatment device (101) can be implemented in a miniature size using only a single zeolite filter (55). This enables effective negative pressure treatment and high-concentration oxygen supply while minimizing the size and weight of the device, thereby greatly improving the mobility and convenience of the patient.

[0081] Negative pressure therapy can produce a therapeutic effect by removing exudate from the wound, closing the wound that has opened due to negative pressure to help suture the wound, and activating the tissues surrounding the wound through stimulation by negative pressure. By combining this with a high-concentration oxygen supply, the therapeutic effect can be maximized by promoting cell regeneration and collagen synthesis in the wound area. In particular, the negative pressure wound therapy device (101) can create an optimal environment for rapid wound recovery by maintaining a high concentration of oxygen around the wound even when at atmospheric pressure.

[0082]

[0083] The result of calculating the amount of oxygen that can be generated using the negative pressure wound treatment device (101) shown in Fig. 1 as an example is as follows.

[0084] Let us take the case where air is filled into a zeolite filter (55) with a volume of 200 ml at a pressure of 5 bar. The total volume of the zeolite filter (55) is 200 ml, and the zeolite particles are 0.5 mm in size and completely fill the inside of the filter. The air is injected at a pressure of 5 bar (based on absolute pressure) and consists of 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen, and 1% other, which is the composition of normal air.

[0085] When calculating the total mass of the zeolite, if the filter is completely filled with zeolite particles, the total mass of the zeolite filled inside the filter is 130g (200×0.65), considering the packing density (0.65g / ml) for the total volume (200ml).

[0086] When calculating the amount of nitrogen that a zeolite can adsorb, if the nitrogen adsorption capacity of the zeolite (at 5 bar) is approximately 10 ml N₂ / g, the amount of nitrogen that 130 g of zeolite can adsorb is 1300 ml (130 × 10⁻⁶). However, the actual gas space (effective space) inside the filter is limited to 70 ml. This means that the potential nitrogen adsorption capacity (1300 ml) is much greater than the actual amount of nitrogen inside the filter. Therefore, all the nitrogen inside the filter can be adsorbed.

[0087] When calculating the initial air composition and oxygen content, the remaining space is 35% when the zeolite packing density is 0.65 g / ml (65%). 35% of the total filter volume of 200 ml is 70 ml. At a pressure of 5 bar, the effective gas space is 350 ml (70 × 5). The initial oxygen content is 73.5 ml (350 × 0.21), and the initial nitrogen content is 273 ml (350 × 0.78).

[0088] When calculating the oxygen concentration and volume after nitrogen adsorption, the amount of nitrogen remaining after adsorption is almost 0 ml (all adsorbed), and the amount of oxygen remaining after adsorption is 73.5 ml (no change).

[0089] According to these calculation results, it can be seen that at least 70 ml of oxygen with a concentration of at least 90% can be generated after the pressurization reaction. This suggests that the zeolite filter (55) of the negative pressure wound treatment device (101) can supply sufficient high-concentration oxygen to the wound site.

[0090] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a negative pressure wound treatment device according to another embodiment.

[0091] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the negative pressure wound treatment device (102) may include a dressing part (10) attached to a wound area, a canister (71) connected to the dressing part (10) through a negative pressure pipe (72), a negative pressure forming part (40) connected to the canister (71) including a negative pressure pump (41), and an oxygen supply part (50) including an oxygen tank (82).

[0092] The dressing portion (10) may include a foam band (12), a porous pad (14), and an adhesive tape (16) attached to the wound area, as in the embodiment of FIG. 1. The foam band (12) can transmit negative pressure by directly contacting the wound area, and due to its porous structure, exudate generated from the wound can be effectively discharged. The porous pad (14) is positioned over the foam band (12) to absorb and store exudate from the wound and can serve to protect the tissue surrounding the wound. The adhesive tape (16) is a waterproof transparent adhesive dressing that fixes the dressing portion (10) so that it adheres to the wound area, thereby blocking the inflow of external air and maintaining a negative pressure environment. Due to the transparent nature of the adhesive tape (16), the condition of the wound can be visually monitored, and due to its waterproof function, the dressing can be stably maintained even during daily activities.

[0093] In this embodiment, unlike the embodiment of FIG. 1, there is no separate oxygen supply pipe, and a negative pressure pipe (72) may be provided. The negative pressure pipe (72) is connected to a canister (71) and can also be connected to a vacuum pump (41) line and an oxygen tank (82) line. Due to this structure, both negative pressure formation and oxygen supply can be achieved through a single pipe, thereby simplifying the structure of the system.

[0094] The negative pressure generating unit (40) may include a negative pressure pump (41) and a negative pressure sensor (43) disposed within the housing (32) in the same manner as in the embodiment of FIG. 1. A first valve (21) may be located between the negative pressure sensor (43) and the vacuum pump (41) to control the flow of negative pressure. A second valve (22) may be located at the rear end of the vacuum pump (41) to perform a discharge function. When the negative pressure pump (41) is driven, it can generate negative pressure at the wound site through the canister (71), and this negative pressure can effectively remove exudate from the wound and promote blood flow to the tissue surrounding the wound. The negative pressure sensor (43) can maintain a stable negative pressure environment by accurately detecting the generated negative pressure and transmitting it to the controller (80). The controller (80) can control the operation of the negative pressure pump (41) in real time based on the detected negative pressure value to ensure that an appropriate negative pressure is continuously maintained at the wound site.

[0095] Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 1, the oxygen supply unit (50) may not use a zeolite filter and instead include an oxygen tank (82). The oxygen tank (82) stores high-concentration oxygen and can supply oxygen directly to the wound site. A flow sensor (53) is connected to the oxygen tank (82) to accurately measure the flow rate of oxygen supplied to the wound site, and the measured data is transmitted to a controller (80) to ensure a stable oxygen supply.

[0096] In FIG. 2, the oxygen tank (82) is depicted as a movable bomb-shaped oxygen tank, but it may include an oxygen supply device connected to an oxygen tank fixed to a building, etc. For example, the negative pressure wound therapy device (102) can be connected to an oxygen supply device installed on the wall of a hospital room to receive oxygen, and this also falls within the scope of the present invention.

[0097] A dust removal filter (64) is located at the connection point of the oxygen tank (82) of the housing (32) to effectively remove dust or foreign substances that may occur during the oxygen supply process. A proportional control valve (23) is located between the flow sensor (53) and the dust removal filter (64) to precisely control the flow rate of oxygen. The proportional control valve (23) can be replaced with a fine orifice valve, in which case more precise flow rate control is possible, allowing the optimal oxygen concentration to be maintained at the wound site.

[0098] A third valve (27) is positioned in front of the flow sensor (53) to control the oxygen supply of the oxygen supply unit (50). The third valve (27) can control the start and stop of the oxygen supply, thereby effectively managing the transition between negative pressure treatment and oxygen supply.

[0099] The control method of the negative pressure wound treatment device (102) according to the present embodiment can be carried out as follows:

[0100] First, the first valve (21) and the second valve (22) can be opened and the third valve (27) closed to set an initial state for forming negative pressure. Second, the vacuum pump (41) can be operated to start forming negative pressure in the wound area. Third, the vacuum pump (41) can be operated while measuring with the negative pressure sensor (43) until the appropriate negative pressure is reached.

[0101] Fourth, after the appropriate negative pressure maintenance time has elapsed, the venting process can be started. Fifth, the first valve (21) can be closed and the third valve (27) opened to prepare for oxygen supply. Sixth, oxygen can be introduced in an amount equal to the volume of the internal space calculated in advance by driving the proportional control valve (23) using the flow sensor (53).

[0102] Seventh, the first valve (21) and the second valve (22) can be opened for a set time (e.g., 1 second) and then closed to bring the interior to atmospheric pressure, then oxygen can be introduced for a few more seconds, and then the third valve (27) and the first valve (21) can be closed. Eighth, after maintaining the oxygen-filled atmospheric pressure state for an appropriate amount of time, the above process can be repeated to maximize the effect of wound treatment.

[0103] Through this configuration and control method, the negative pressure wound treatment device (102) can effectively remove exudate from the wound site while stably supplying high-concentration oxygen from the oxygen tank (82) to promote wound recovery. This embodiment has the advantage of being able to supply high-concentration oxygen with a simpler structure by using the oxygen tank (82).

[0104] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a negative pressure wound treatment device according to another embodiment.

[0105] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the negative pressure wound treatment device (103) may include a dressing part (10) attached to a wound area, a canister (70) connected to the dressing part (10) through a negative pressure pipe (72), a negative pressure forming part (40) connected to the canister (70) including a negative pressure pump (41), and an oxygen supply part (50) including an oxygen tank (82).

[0106] The dressing portion (10) may include a foam band (12), a porous pad (14), and an adhesive tape (16) attached to the wound area. The foam band (12) can transmit negative pressure by directly contacting the wound area, and due to its porous structure, exudate generated from the wound can be effectively discharged. The porous pad (14) is positioned over the foam band (12) to absorb and store wound exudate and can serve to protect the tissue surrounding the wound. The adhesive tape (16) is a waterproof transparent adhesive dressing that fixes the dressing portion (10) to the wound area so that it adheres closely, thereby blocking the inflow of external air and maintaining a negative pressure environment. Due to the transparent nature of the adhesive tape (16), the condition of the wound can be visually monitored, and due to its waterproof function, the dressing can be stably maintained even during daily activities.

[0107] The negative pressure tube (72) can provide a path for moving exudate from the wound site to the canister (70), and the oxygen supply tube (74) can serve to deliver oxygen generated from the oxygen supply unit (50) to the wound site. The canister (70) can be connected to the vacuum pump (41) line.

[0108] The negative pressure generating unit (40) is positioned within the housing (33) and may include a negative pressure pump (41) and a negative pressure sensor (43). A first valve (21) is positioned between the negative pressure sensor (43) and the vacuum pump (41) to control the flow of negative pressure. A second valve (22) is positioned at the rear end of the vacuum pump (41) to perform a discharge function. When the negative pressure pump (41) is driven, it can generate negative pressure at the wound site through the canister (70), and this negative pressure can effectively remove exudate from the wound and promote blood flow to the tissue surrounding the wound. The negative pressure sensor (43) can maintain a stable negative pressure environment by accurately detecting the generated negative pressure and transmitting it to the controller (80). The controller (80) can control the operation of the negative pressure pump (41) in real time based on the detected negative pressure value to ensure that an appropriate negative pressure is continuously maintained at the wound site.

[0109] The oxygen supply unit (50) may not use a zeolite filter and instead include an oxygen tank (82). The structure of the oxygen supply unit (50) may have a regulator (62) and a flow sensor (53) connected to the oxygen tank (82). A dust removal filter (64) is located at the connection point of the oxygen tank (82) of the housing (33) to effectively remove dust or foreign substances that may occur during the oxygen supply process.

[0110] In FIG. 3, the oxygen tank (82) is depicted as a movable bomb-shaped oxygen tank, but it may include an oxygen supply device connected to an oxygen tank fixed to a building, etc. For example, oxygen can be supplied by connecting a negative pressure wound therapy device (103) to an oxygen supply device installed on the wall of a hospital room, and this also falls within the scope of the present invention.

[0111] A proportional control valve (23) is positioned between the flow sensor (53) and the regulator (62) to precisely control the flow rate of oxygen. The regulator (62) can reduce the high-pressure oxygen supplied from the oxygen tank (82) to a safe and constant pressure, thereby adjusting it to a pressure suitable for the wound area. The flow sensor (53) is connected to the dressing section (10) through the oxygen supply pipe (74) to accurately measure the flow rate of oxygen supplied to the wound area.

[0112] The negative pressure tube (72) may include a check valve diaphragm (76) at one end connected to the canister (70). The check valve diaphragm (76) may be made of a silicone membrane or a rubber membrane. The check valve diaphragm (76) allows fluid to flow in only one direction, thereby effectively preventing exudate within the canister (70) from flowing back to the wound site. This reduces the risk of secondary infection of the wound and improves the therapeutic effect. The oxygen supply tube (74) may be formed and fixed as a sealed tube (75) inside the canister (70). The sealed tube (75) prevents the exudate within the canister (70) from mixing with oxygen, thereby allowing pure, high-concentration oxygen to be delivered directly to the wound site.

[0113] The oxygen supply tube (74) is formed to have a smaller inner diameter than the negative pressure tube (72) so as to minimize dead volume. For example, the negative pressure tube (72) may have an inner diameter of 3 mm or more, and the oxygen supply tube (74) may have an inner diameter of 1.5 mm or less.

[0114] The control method of the negative pressure wound treatment device (103) according to the present embodiment can be carried out as follows:

[0115] First, the first valve (21) and the second valve (22) can be opened and the proportional control valve (23) closed to set an initial state for forming negative pressure. Second, the vacuum pump (41) can be operated to start forming negative pressure in the wound area. Third, the vacuum pump (41) can be operated while measuring with the negative pressure sensor (43) until the appropriate negative pressure is reached, and when the appropriate negative pressure is reached, the first valve (21) and the second valve (22) can be closed and the vacuum pump (41) can be stopped.

[0116] Fourth, after the appropriate negative pressure maintenance time has elapsed, the proportional control valve (23) can be opened and the first valve (21) can be slowly opened while measuring with the negative pressure sensor (43) so that the wound area reaches an atmospheric pressure state. Fifth, oxygen can be introduced at a set fine flow rate (e.g., a flow rate of 100cc / min or less) by driving the proportional control valve (23) while measuring with the flow sensor (53). At this time, an amount of oxygen slightly larger than the internal volume excluding the volume of the canister (70) can be introduced so that the wound area can be filled with high-concentration oxygen.

[0117] Sixth, high concentration oxygen can be maintained around the wound by closing the first valve (21), the second valve (22), and the proportional control valve (23). Seventh, after an appropriate amount of time has been maintained, the above process can be repeated to maximize the effect of wound treatment.

[0118] Through this configuration and control method, the negative pressure wound treatment device (103) can effectively remove exudate from the wound site while stably supplying high-concentration oxygen from the oxygen tank (82) to promote wound recovery. This embodiment has the advantage of being able to supply stable high-concentration oxygen by using the oxygen tank (82). In addition, by using a separate oxygen supply pipe (74), the formation of negative pressure and oxygen supply can be controlled independently, allowing for precise treatment.

[0119] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the negative pressure wound therapy device shown in FIG. 1 implemented as a single unit. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the canister separated from the negative pressure wound therapy device shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating the interior of the negative pressure wound therapy device shown in FIG. 4.

[0120] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, the negative pressure wound therapy device (101) can be implemented as a single unit. The negative pressure wound therapy device (101) may include a proportional control valve (23), a zeolite filter (55), a flow sensor (53), a compressor (51), a negative pressure sensor (43), a first three-way valve (24), a second three-way valve (25), and a vacuum pump (41) inside a housing (31). This integrated structure can significantly improve the mobility and ease of use of the device.

[0121] The housing (31) is equipped with a dust removal filter (64) at an inlet for drawing in external air, so that dust in the incoming air can be effectively removed. Additionally, the housing (31) may be equipped with an air outlet (35) for discharging nitrogen separated from the zeolite filter (55). Through this structure, contamination inside the device can be prevented and the performance of the zeolite filter (55) can be optimized.

[0122] The canister (70) can be designed as a disposable structure that is detachably mounted to the housing (31) (see FIG. 5). This can help maintain a hygienic treatment environment and reduce the risk of cross-infection. A negative pressure tube (72) and an oxygen supply tube (74) can be connected to the canister (70), and the oxygen supply tube (74) can be designed to pass through the inside of the canister (70) and be directly connected to the oxygen inlet in the device.

[0123] Additionally, when a disposable canister (70) is installed in the negative pressure wound therapy device (101), the negative pressure tube (72) and the oxygen supply tube (74) may have a structure in which they are automatically connected to the main body of the negative pressure wound therapy device. This automatic connection structure can greatly improve user convenience and minimize the risk of reduced treatment effectiveness due to connection errors. Patients or medical staff can complete all necessary connections simply by inserting the canister (70) into the housing (31).

[0124] The controller (80) is provided in a separate housing and can be mounted on the negative pressure wound treatment device (101). This provides flexibility to upgrade or replace the controller (80) as needed. The controller (80) can effectively control all components of the device to create an optimal treatment environment.

[0125] In the internal configuration of the device illustrated in FIG. 6, the connection tubes connecting each component have been omitted. In the actual device, appropriate connection tubes are placed between the proportional control valve (23), zeolite filter (55), flow sensor (53), compressor (51), negative pressure sensor (43), first three-way valve (24), second three-way valve (25), and vacuum pump (41) to control the flow of air and oxygen.

[0126] Through this single device implementation, the negative pressure wound treatment device (101) can effectively remove exudate from the wound site while stably supplying high-concentration oxygen to promote wound recovery. The integrated structure and automatic connection mechanism maximize ease of use, and the oxygen generation method using a zeolite filter (55) can supply high-concentration oxygen without a separate oxygen tank, thereby greatly improving the mobility and convenience of patients requiring long-term treatment.

[0127] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the oxygen generation and supply path in the negative pressure wound therapy device shown in Figure 4. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the path for discharging residual nitrogen in the negative pressure wound therapy device shown in Figure 4.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 7, the oxygen generation and supply path in the negative pressure wound treatment device (101) can be identified. First, the vacuum pump (41) can be operated to create negative pressure, and the first three-way valve (24) can be opened and the second three-way valve (25) can be set to a vented state during the vacuum maintenance time. In this state, the compressor (51) can be operated in a pressurization mode to draw in and pressurize external air, and then supply the pressurized air into the zeolite filter (55). The external air can pass through the dust removal filter (64) to remove dust and foreign substances, and then flow into the compressor (51) through the second three-way valve (25). The pressurized air from the compressor (51) can be supplied to the zeolite filter (55) through the first three-way valve (24).

[0129] Afterward, the first three-way valve (24) can be closed to allow time for nitrogen to be adsorbed within the zeolite filter (55). Inside the zeolite filter (55), nitrogen from the air is selectively adsorbed, and the oxygen concentration can be increased.

[0130] After the appropriate negative pressure maintenance time has elapsed, the negative pressure can be released so that the wound area reaches an atmospheric pressure state. Subsequently, the proportional control valve (23) can be driven while measuring with the flow sensor (53) to supply oxygen through the oxygen supply pipe (74) at a set fine flow rate. At this time, high-concentration oxygen with nitrogen removed due to the pressure applied within the zeolite filter (55) can be discharged through the proportional control valve (23). The high-concentration oxygen can be delivered directly to the wound area by penetrating the inside of the canister (70) through the oxygen supply pipe (74).

[0131] Referring to FIG. 8, the path for discharging residual nitrogen from the negative pressure wound treatment device (101) can be identified. When the inside of the zeolite filter (55) reaches a set pressure, the proportional control valve (23) is closed, the second three-way valve (25) is opened, the first three-way valve (24) is vented, and the compressor (51) can be operated in negative pressure mode. This state is maintained until the pressurization operation of the zeolite filter (55) in the next cycle, thereby optimizing the nitrogen discharge process.

[0132] At this time, residual nitrogen inside the zeolite filter (55) can be sucked in by the compressor (51). Nitrogen separated from the zeolite filter (55) can be introduced into the compressor (51) through the second three-way valve (25). Residual nitrogen that has passed through the compressor (51) can be discharged to the outside through the air outlet (35) via the first three-way valve (24). This nitrogen discharge process regenerates the zeolite filter (55) to effectively generate high-concentration oxygen in the next cycle as well.

[0133] Figure 9 is an enlarged view showing the position of the microparticle removal filter in the negative pressure wound therapy device shown in Figure 4.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 9, the fine particle removal filter (54) may be located in a sealed tube (75) to which the oxygen supply pipe (74) is connected to the canister (70). The fine particle removal filter (54) is located in the path through which high-concentration oxygen generated from the zeolite filter (55) passes, thereby effectively removing fine particles. This prevents fine dust or foreign substances that may be generated during the oxygen supply process from reaching the wound site, and ensures that only high-purity oxygen is delivered to the wound site.

[0135] Additionally, the fine particle removal filter (54) can be located in a disposable canister (70). Due to this structure, the fine particle removal filter (54) can be replaced along with the canister (70). This effectively resolves issues of performance degradation or contamination of the filter during continuous treatment, and ensures that fine particles can always be removed in an optimal state. Furthermore, user convenience can be enhanced as the user does not need to worry about replacing the filter separately.

[0136] Figure 10 is an enlarged view showing the check valve diaphragm in the negative pressure wound treatment device shown in Figure 4.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 10, the negative pressure tube (72) is connected to the inside of the canister (70) and can guide the collection of exudate from the wound site into the canister (70). Through the negative pressure tube (72), exudate and body fluid from the wound site can be effectively discharged and collected inside the canister (70).

[0138] A check valve diaphragm (76) may be provided at one end of a negative pressure tube (72) inside a canister (70). The check valve diaphragm (76) may be made of a silicone membrane or a rubber membrane, and a portion of its edge may be fixed to the negative pressure tube (72), while the membrane portion may be formed to block the end of the negative pressure tube (72).

[0139] Specifically, the check valve diaphragm (76) may include a fixed part (761), a connecting part (762), and a membrane part (763). The fixed part (761) and the membrane part (763) may be connected to each other by the connecting part (762). The fixed part (761) may be fixed to the outside of the negative pressure pipe (72), and the membrane part (763) may block the open end of the negative pressure pipe (72).

[0140] The membrane portion (763) of the check valve diaphragm (76) can be opened in the direction in which negative pressure is applied to the negative pressure pipe (72), but cannot be opened against pressure in the opposite direction. Due to this structure, the check valve diaphragm (76) allows fluid to flow in only one direction, thereby effectively preventing exudate in the canister (70) from flowing back to the wound site.

[0141] The design of such a check valve diaphragm (76) can play an important role in significantly reducing the risk of secondary infection of the wound and improving the therapeutic effect. In addition, by ensuring unidirectional fluid flow, it can help the stable operation of the negative pressure wound treatment device (101).

[0142] FIGS. 11 and FIGS. 12 are perspective views illustrating a negative pressure wound treatment device according to other embodiments.

[0143] The negative pressure wound therapy device (104, 105) illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 may include a configuration similar to that of the negative pressure wound therapy device shown in FIG. 3. The negative pressure wound therapy device (104, 105) may include a canister (70) connected to a dressing part attached to a wound site via a negative pressure pipe (72), a negative pressure generating part including a negative pressure pump connected to the canister (70), and an oxygen supply part connected to the dressing part via an oxygen supply pipe (74). However, a portable oxygen tank (85, 86) may be used instead of the oxygen tank applied to the negative pressure wound therapy device of FIG. 3. That is, a portable oxygen tank (85, 86) may be connected, excluding the components related to the zeolite filter and compressor from the negative pressure wound therapy device described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 10.

[0144] The negative pressure wound therapy device (104) shown in FIG. 11 may include a proportional control valve (23) and a flow sensor (53) inside the housing (31). The canister (70) may be designed as a disposable structure that is detachably mounted on the housing (31). A negative pressure tube (72) and an oxygen supply tube (74) may be connected to the canister (70), and the oxygen supply tube (74) may be designed to penetrate the inside of the canister (70) and be directly connected to the oxygen inlet in the device. Additionally, when the disposable canister (70) is mounted on the negative pressure wound therapy device (104), the negative pressure tube (72) and the oxygen supply tube (74) may have a structure in which they are automatically connected to the main body of the negative pressure wound therapy device.

[0145] In the negative pressure wound therapy device (104) shown in FIG. 11, the controller (80) is provided in a separate housing and can be mounted on the negative pressure wound therapy device (104). An oxygen tank holder (37) is installed on the outside of the controller (80), and a portable oxygen tank (85) can be inserted into and fixed to the oxygen tank holder (37). The portable oxygen tank (85) can be connected to a proportional control valve (23) and a flow sensor (53) inside the housing (31) through a connecting tube. The portable oxygen tank (85) can be fixed in an upright position on the oxygen tank holder (37).

[0146] The negative pressure wound therapy device (105) shown in FIG. 12 may include a proportional control valve (23) and a flow sensor (53) inside the housing (31). The canister (70) may be designed as a disposable structure that is detachably mounted on the housing (31). A negative pressure tube (72) and an oxygen supply tube (74) may be connected to the canister (70), and the oxygen supply tube (74) may be designed to penetrate the inside of the canister (70) and be directly connected to the oxygen inlet in the device. Additionally, when the disposable canister (70) is mounted on the negative pressure wound therapy device (105), the negative pressure tube (72) and the oxygen supply tube (74) may have a structure that automatically connects to the main body of the negative pressure wound therapy device.

[0147] In the negative pressure wound treatment device (105) shown in FIG. 12, an oxygen tank holder (38) is installed on the outside of the housing (31), and a portable oxygen tank (86) can be inserted into and fixed to the oxygen tank holder (38). The portable oxygen tank (86) can be connected to a proportional control valve (23) and a flow sensor (53) inside the housing (31) through a connecting tube. The portable oxygen tank (86) can be fixed in an inverted state to the oxygen tank holder (38).

[0148] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a negative pressure wound treatment device according to another embodiment.

[0149] The negative pressure wound therapy device (106) illustrated in FIG. 13 may include a configuration similar to that of the negative pressure wound therapy device shown in FIG. 1. The negative pressure wound therapy device (106) may include a canister (70) connected to a dressing part attached to a wound site via a negative pressure pipe (72), a negative pressure generating part including a negative pressure pump connected to the canister (70), and an oxygen supply part connected to the dressing part via an oxygen supply pipe (74). However, an oxygen cylinder (89) may be used instead of the compressor applied to the negative pressure wound therapy device of FIG. 1. That is, the components related to the compressor in the negative pressure wound therapy device described with reference to FIG. 4 to 10 may be excluded, and an oxygen cylinder (89) may be connected.

[0150] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the negative pressure wound therapy device (106) may include a proportional control valve (23), a flow sensor (53), and a third three-way valve (26) inside the housing (31). The canister (70) may be designed as a disposable structure that is detachably mounted on the housing (31). A negative pressure tube (72) and an oxygen supply tube (74) may be connected to the canister (70), and the oxygen supply tube (74) may be designed to penetrate the inside of the canister (70) and be directly connected to the oxygen inlet within the device. Additionally, when the disposable canister (70) is mounted on the negative pressure wound therapy device (106), the negative pressure tube (72) and the oxygen supply tube (74) may have a structure that automatically connects to the main body of the negative pressure wound therapy device.

[0151] The oxygen cylinder (89) is equipped with a zeolite filter (58) inside and can be connected to an actuator (88) to drive a piston. The end of the oxygen cylinder (89) where the zeolite filter (58) is located can be connected to an oxygen supply pipe (74) by passing through a pressure sensor (57), a third three-way valve (26), a flow sensor (53), and a proportional control valve (23), and then through a canister (70).

[0152] For example, the zeolite filter (58) can be manufactured by positioning zeolite powder within an oxygen cylinder (89) so as to occupy about 1 / 5 of the cylinder volume, and fixing frits (61), which are porous plastics about 5 mm thick, along the cylinder length direction of the zeolite powder so as not to scatter the zeolite powder.

[0153] In order to create high-concentration oxygen by adsorbing nitrogen onto the zeolite filter (58), the third three-way valve (26) is closed and the piston of the oxygen cylinder (89) is pushed near the zeolite filter (58), so that the internal volume of the oxygen cylinder (89) is compressed to about 1 / 5 and the internal pressure reaches about 5 bar. Afterward, if the compressed state is maintained for several tens of seconds, nitrogen is adsorbed onto the zeolite filter (58) and high-concentration oxygen can be produced.

[0154] Afterward, the third three-way valve (26) is opened to introduce a certain amount of generated high-concentration oxygen into the wound site, and then the inside of the oxygen cylinder (89) can be vented. Afterward, the third three-way valve (26) is closed and the piston is pulled back to return to its original position, so that the negative pressure inside the cylinder is formed to about -5 bar. After maintaining this for several tens of seconds, venting allows atmospheric air to flow into the cylinder.

[0155] Oxygen supply can be repeated while combining the above process with negative pressure therapy.

[0156]

[0157] In the negative pressure wound treatment devices described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13, when using a portable oxygen tank (85, 86) or an oxygen cylinder (89), the oxygen depletion status can be checked using a pressure sensor (57). Additionally, a proportional control valve (23) can be used to inject an accurate volume of oxygen into the wound regardless of oxygen pressure. Since the size of the foam band (12) and porous pad (14) attached to the wound varies depending on the size of the wound, the dead volume according to the size of the foam band (12) and porous pad (14) can be calculated and reflected in the controller (80) so that the user can set the amount of oxygen injected according to the size of the wound.

[0158] For example, portable oxygen tanks (85, 86) can generally be manufactured with a pressure between 10 and 20 bar, which is approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Depending on the size of the wound, oxygen of approximately 50 to 150 cc can be set to be injected during venting. When using a 700 ml capacity portable oxygen tank at 10 bar, the total volume of oxygen gas is 7 liters; therefore, if 50 cc of oxygen is injected once every 10 minutes, it can be used a total of 140 times. When high-concentration oxygen therapy is performed for 2 hours a day, considering the usage, 0.6 liters are consumed with 12 oxygen injections, and treatment for more than 10 days is possible with one portable oxygen tank. The oxygen injection cycle can be programmed to run automatically, such as per minute, per hour, or a certain number of times per day.

[0159] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an experimental method and conditions using a negative pressure wound therapy device according to an embodiment. FIG. 15 is a photograph illustrating the wound healing process over time comparing the therapeutic effects of the negative pressure wound therapy device according to an embodiment. FIG. 16 is a graph illustrating the therapeutic effects of the negative pressure wound therapy device according to an embodiment as a wound closure rate over time.

[0160] As illustrated in FIG. 14, an in vivo full-thickness wound model can be implemented to evaluate the effect of the negative pressure wound therapy device according to the embodiment. The experimental model can be composed of three experimental groups, which can be divided into a non-treatment group (Saline), a group treated with the negative pressure wound therapy device (NPWT), and a group that combines negative pressure therapy with high-concentration oxygen therapy (NPWT+HBOT). Among these, the NPWT+HBOT condition may correspond to an example where the technology according to the embodiment is applied. To set the NPWT+HBOT condition, any of the negative pressure wound therapy devices according to the previously described embodiments may be selected and used; however, in this case, the negative pressure wound therapy device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 was applied for the experiment. NPWT stands for Negative Pressure Wound Therapy, and HBOT stands for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

[0161] As for the experimental method, a full-thickness skin wound measuring 2 cm × 2 cm was created on experimental mice, and changes in the wound were observed for 9 days. As shown in the upper part of Figure 14, the experimental schedule proceeded with a 1-week adaptation period, followed by inducing a wound on Day 0 and performing a biopsy on Day 9.

[0162] For the untreated group, only saline dressing was performed, while the groups treated with a negative pressure wound therapy device and those treated with both negative pressure therapy and high-concentration oxygen therapy received the respective treatments five times a week for 60 minutes per session. Specifically, the NPWT group received only negative pressure wound therapy, while the NPWT+HBOT group received both negative pressure wound therapy and high-concentration oxygen supply simultaneously.

[0163] During the experiment period, photographs of the wound site were taken daily to compare and analyze the wound healing process, and on the 9th day, the experimental animals were sacrificed to perform molecular biological tests, thereby precisely evaluating the wound healing effect.

[0164] As shown in Figure 15, the wound healing process of each experimental group was visually confirmed from the start date of the experiment (Day 0) to the end date of the experiment (Day 9). The size of the wound was measured by photographing it daily, and changes over time were compared and analyzed.

[0165] As shown in Fig. 16, the wound closure rate was expressed as a percentage (%) based on the wound size measured daily. The change in wound size over time was quantitatively analyzed using the wound size on the first day of the experiment (Day 0) as 100%.

[0166] In the case of the untreated group (Saline), the wound closure rate remained at approximately 40% even by day 9. On the other hand, the group treated with a negative pressure device (NPWT) showed faster wound closure, decreasing to approximately 15% by day 9. The group treated with the negative pressure therapy and high-concentration oxygen therapy (NPWT+HBOT) of the example showed the best wound closure effect, and the wound size decreased to approximately 10% by day 9.

[0167] The above results quantitatively demonstrate that combining negative pressure therapy with high-concentration oxygen therapy promoted wound healing more effectively than performing negative pressure therapy alone.

[0168] Figure 17 is a graph evaluating the effect of a negative pressure wound treatment device according to an embodiment at the level of collagen factor expression.

[0169] As shown in Figure 17, the relative expression levels of collagen factors (COL1A1 / ACTIN), a key indicator of wound healing, were measured in each experimental group. Compared to the untreated group (Saline), the expression of collagen factors increased approximately fourfold in the negative pressure therapy group (NPWT), which showed a statistically significant difference (indicated by **). In the group treated with both negative pressure therapy and high-concentration oxygen therapy (NPWT+HBOT), an increase in collagen factor expression of approximately 4.5fold was observed compared to the untreated group, which also showed a statistically significant difference (indicated by **).

[0170] These molecular biological analysis results are consistent with the previously observed macroscopic wound healing effects, objectively proving that the combination of negative pressure therapy and high-concentration oxygen therapy was the most effective in accelerating wound healing by promoting collagen production.

[0171] Figure 18 is a graph evaluating the effect of a negative pressure wound treatment device according to an embodiment at another level of collagen factor expression.

[0172] As shown in Figure 18, the relative expression levels of collagen factors (COL3A1 / ACTIN), an important indicator of wound healing, were measured in each experimental group. Compared to the untreated group (Saline), the expression of COL3A1 increased approximately fourfold in the negative pressure therapy group (NPWT), which showed a statistically significant difference (indicated by *). In the group treated with both negative pressure therapy and high-concentration oxygen therapy (NPWT+HBOT), an increase in collagen factor expression of approximately 4.3fold was observed compared to the untreated group, which also showed higher statistical significance (indicated by **).

[0173] These molecular biological analysis results were consistent with the COL1A1 expression pattern observed in Figure 17, and demonstrated that the combination of negative pressure therapy and high-concentration oxygen therapy promoted the production of various types of collagen, thereby showing excellent effects in terms of the quality of wound healing.

[0174] Figure 19 is a graph evaluating the effect of a negative pressure wound treatment device according to an embodiment based on the level of collagen production inhibitory factor expression.

[0175] As shown in Figure 19, the relative expression levels of collagen production inhibitors (MMP-3 / ACTIN) affecting the wound healing process were measured in each experimental group. In the untreated group (Saline), MMP-3 expression remained high, whereas in the negative pressure therapy group (NPWT), expression decreased by approximately 50% compared to the untreated group, which was a statistically significant difference (indicated by **). In the group receiving both negative pressure therapy and high-concentration oxygen therapy (NPWT+HBOT), MMP-3 expression decreased by up to approximately 60% compared to the untreated group, which was also a statistically significant difference (indicated by **).

[0176] A decrease in collagen production inhibitors signifies that wound healing is proceeding effectively. These results demonstrate that the combination of negative pressure therapy and high-concentration oxygen therapy not only promotes collagen production but also exerts a doubly accelerating wound healing by inhibiting collagen degradation.

[0177] FIG. 20 is a graph evaluating the effect of a negative pressure wound treatment device according to an embodiment at the level of another collagen production inhibitory factor expression.

[0178] As shown in Figure 20, the relative expression levels of another collagen production inhibitor (MMP-1 / ACTIN) affecting the wound healing process were measured in each experimental group. MMP-1 expression was high in the untreated group (Saline), and the negative pressure therapy group (NPWT) showed a decrease in expression of approximately 15% compared to the untreated group, but no statistical significance was confirmed. On the other hand, in the group treated with negative pressure therapy and high-concentration oxygen therapy (NPWT+HBOT), MMP-1 expression decreased by approximately 40% compared to the untreated group, which showed a statistically significant difference (indicated by *).

[0179] A decrease in collagen production inhibitors signifies effective wound healing. These results demonstrated that while negative pressure therapy alone could not effectively suppress MMP-1 expression, the concomitant use of high-concentration oxygen therapy significantly reduced MMP-1 expression.

[0180] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the claims, the description of the invention, and the attached drawings, and it is obvious that such modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A canister configured to be connected to a dressing attached to the wound site via a negative pressure tube; A negative pressure generating unit comprising a negative pressure pump and connected to the canister, configured to provide negative pressure formed by driving the negative pressure pump to the wound site; and An oxygen supply unit connected to the dressing unit through an oxygen supply pipe and configured to supply oxygen to the wound site A negative pressure wound therapy device including 2. In Paragraph 1, The above oxygen supply unit is a negative pressure wound treatment device including a zeolite filter.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above oxygen supply unit further comprises a compressor connected to the zeolite filter and configured to pressurize the zeolite filter or apply negative pressure to the zeolite filter, a negative pressure wound treatment device.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above oxygen supply unit further includes a pressure sensor located between the zeolite filter and the compressor, a negative pressure wound treatment device.

5. In Paragraph 3, The above compressor includes a pressurization port configured to be connected to the zeolite filter and pressurized, and A negative pressure wound treatment device having a first three-way valve connected between the zeolite filter and the pressurized port.

6. In Paragraph 3, The above compressor includes a negative pressure port configured to apply negative pressure by connecting to the zeolite filter, and A negative pressure wound treatment device having a second three-way valve connected between the above zeolite filter and the above negative pressure port.

7. In Paragraph 2, The above oxygen supply unit further includes a proportional control valve between the canister and the zeolite filter, a negative pressure wound treatment device.

8. In Paragraph 2, The above oxygen supply unit further comprises an oxygen cylinder configured to be connected to the zeolite filter and pressurize the zeolite filter, a negative pressure wound treatment device.

9. In Paragraph 1, A negative pressure wound treatment device comprising a check valve diaphragm at one end of the above negative pressure tube connected to the above canister.

10. In Paragraph 9, A negative pressure wound treatment device comprising a silicone membrane or rubber membrane, wherein the check valve diaphragm is fixed at one end and blocks one end of the negative pressure tube to allow it to be opened in the negative pressure direction.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above oxygen supply tube is formed as a sealed tube inside the canister and is a fixed negative pressure wound therapy device.

12. In Paragraph 1, The above oxygen supply unit further includes a flow sensor connected to the canister, a negative pressure wound treatment device.

13. In Paragraph 1, The above oxygen supply unit is a negative pressure wound treatment device including an oxygen tank.

14. In Paragraph 1, The above oxygen supply unit is a negative pressure wound treatment device including a portable oxygen tank.

15. In Paragraph 14, A negative pressure wound therapy device further comprising an oxygen tank holder configured to secure the above-mentioned portable oxygen tank.

16. A step of periodically alternating between negative pressure and atmospheric pressure states to provide or release negative pressure to the wound site; and A step of supplying oxygen to the wound site under the above atmospheric pressure. A negative pressure wound treatment method including 17. In Paragraph 16, A negative pressure wound treatment method further comprising the step of generating oxygen under the above negative pressure state.

18. In Paragraph 17, A negative pressure wound treatment method, wherein the step of generating oxygen comprises pressurizing air into a zeolite filter under the negative pressure state to adsorb nitrogen.

19. In Paragraph 18, A negative pressure wound treatment method, wherein the step of supplying oxygen further comprises discharging oxygen within the zeolite filter under the atmospheric pressure state.

20. In Paragraph 18, A negative pressure treatment method further comprising the step of applying negative pressure to the zeolite filter under the above atmospheric pressure conditions to remove nitrogen adsorbed on the zeolite filter.

21. In Paragraph 17, A negative pressure wound treatment method, wherein the step of supplying oxygen comprises supplying oxygen at a flow rate of 100cc / min or less.

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