Elastomeric Wound Drain with Channels for Negative Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing closed surgical wounds are inadequate in reducing wound infections and complications, as they fail to effectively deliver negative pressure to the interior of the wound, leading to prolonged convalescence and higher surgical care costs.
Innovation Solution
A wound drain system comprising soft and flexible elastomeric drains with a flange and elongate shaft, placed through a closed incision, secured to the skin if necessary, and covered with an occlusive adhesive film drape and sponge, allowing suction to transmit negative pressure and aspirate fluid from the wound into a collection container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If negative pressure wound therapy is applied to closed surgical wounds using suction pumps and dressings, then wound infection rates are reduced, but the therapy cannot deliver negative pressure directly to the interior of the wound after the skin seals
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the wound management function into two parts: an external suction pump and dressings for applying negative pressure, and internal drains positioned within the wound cavity to deliver that pressure directly to the interior. This segmentation allows the external device to generate negative pressure while internal components distribute it effectively throughout the wound space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces drains as intermediary elements that transmit negative pressure from the external suction system to the interior of the closed wound. These drains act as mediators, bridging the gap between the external pressure application and the internal wound environment, enabling effective pressure delivery without requiring open wounds.
2Reliability
If the skin and subcutaneous fat incision is left open or partially open, then wound infection rates are reduced, but postoperative wound care becomes cumbersome and convalescence is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by placing drains in the wound cavity before closing the skin incision. This allows the wound interior to be prepared for negative pressure therapy while maintaining a closed wound exterior, enabling infection prevention without the need for prolonged open wound care or delayed convalescence.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the state of wound management from open to closed by introducing negative pressure therapy through drains. This parameter change allows the wound to be closed while still maintaining effective drainage and infection prevention, thereby reducing convalescence time and improving patient outcomes.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional wound drains are used, then some drainage function is provided, but the rate of wound infections remains substantial due to partial effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges conventional drain functionality with negative pressure wound therapy by combining drains positioned in the wound cavity with external suction pumps and dressings. This combination creates a synergistic effect where the drains provide direct interior drainage while negative pressure enhances fluid removal, resulting in substantially reduced wound infection rates compared to either method alone.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system effectively reduces wound infection rates and complications by providing direct negative pressure to the wound interior, promoting healing and reducing postoperative care labor and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source in flow communication with the tube to convey fluid from the wound
Implementation Method 2
Negative pressure is applied to the container, sponge, drains and wound by means of a vacuum source
Data Source
AI summary
Wound drain includes a body of elastomeric material. The body includes a flange having a generally planar form and an elongate shaft having a first portion extending to one side of the flange, and optionally a second portion extending to the opposite side of the flange. The flange has a cross-sectional length in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the shaft that is larger than a cross-sectional length of the shaft. The shaft includes one or more channels each extending along its entire length or a portion of its length, and along both the first and second portions of the shaft when the second portion of the shaft is present. The shaft also includes one or more longitudinally extending openings that each lead to one of the channels.