Fluid Bridge for Multi-Site Negative Pressure Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current negative-pressure therapy systems are limited in their ability to efficiently treat multiple tissue sites simultaneously while preventing cross-contamination and maintaining effective pressure delivery under compression.
Innovation Solution
A fluid bridge system that distributes negative pressure from a single source to multiple tissue sites, featuring a thermoformed support structure within a fluid-impermeable envelope with one-way valves to prevent reflux and a design that resists collapse under compression, allowing for simultaneous treatment and fluid exudate collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single negative-pressure source is used to treat multiple tissue sites, then productivity is improved, but the risk of cross-contamination between sites increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid bridge is divided into multiple sealed chambers, each containing a distinct treatment site. These chambers are separated by partition walls that prevent fluid communication between sites, allowing simultaneous treatment of multiple sites while maintaining isolation to prevent cross-contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
One-way valves are introduced as intermediary components at the interface between the common negative-pressure source and individual treatment chambers. These valves allow negative pressure to pass from the common source into each chamber while preventing reverse flow that could carry contaminants between sites, thus enabling multi-site treatment without cross-contamination risk.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fluid bridge is positioned under compression (e.g., under body weight), then adaptability is improved, but the fluid pathway may collapse compromising pressure delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid bridge utilizes a flexible yet structurally resilient envelope that can accommodate compression forces from body weight while maintaining its internal fluid pathways open. The flexible material allows the bridge to conform to curved body surfaces and withstand compressive loads without collapsing the sealed chambers or blocking fluid flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The envelope is pre-formed with a three-dimensional arched or domed configuration that provides inherent structural rigidity and crush resistance. This pre-engineered geometric cushioning allows the fluid bridge to withstand compression forces during application under body weight while maintaining patent fluid pathways for reliable negative pressure delivery.
3Productivity
If the fluid bridge spans multiple tissue sites, then productivity is improved, but the complexity of preventing reflux contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal structure is segmented into multiple isolated chambers by partition walls, creating separate fluid pathways for each treatment site. This segmentation simplifies reflux prevention by containing potential contamination within individual chambers rather than allowing it to propagate across the entire multi-site bridge structure.
Solution Approach 2:
One-way valves serve as intermediary components positioned at the interface between the common negative-pressure source and individual treatment chambers. These valves provide a simple passive mechanism that allows negative pressure to enter each chamber while automatically blocking reverse flow, thus preventing reflux contamination without requiring complex active control systems.
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
Enables effective negative-pressure therapy for multiple tissue sites with reduced risk of cross-contamination and maintains pressure delivery even under body weight, facilitating improved wound healing by enhancing tissue growth and fluid management.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a thermoformed support structure within a fluid-impermeable envelope with one-way valves to prevent reflux
Implementation Method 2
distributes negative pressure from a single source to multiple tissue sites
Implementation Method 3
When negative pressure is applied to the port, fluid from the tissue sites may enter the fluid pathway through the distal ends, and then may flow from the distal ends to the port and then out of the fluid bridge
Implementation Method 4
Some embodiments may also be configured to resist collapse when used under compression, for example if at least a portion of the fluid bridge is positioned so that the patient's body weight may lie atop it
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments may relate to devices, systems, and methods for providing negative-pressure therapy simultaneously to a plurality of tissue sites using a single negative-pressure source. For example, a fluid bridge may comprise a plurality of distal ends, each configured to interact fluidly with a tissue site. In some embodiments, each distal end may have an aperture. The bridge may also comprise a port for entry of negative pressure into the enclosed space of the bridge. In some embodiments, each distal end may comprise a one-way valve. The enclosed space of the fluid pathway between the distal ends and the port may be supported in some embodiments, to prevent collapse due to negative pressure and/or compression.