Fluid Pouch with Baffles for Wound Exudate Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reduced pressure systems for wound therapy struggle with effectively collecting and storing fluid from tissue sites, leading to potential interference with the reduced pressure source and hindering the healing process.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a reduced-pressure source, a manifold, and a flexible fluid pouch with baffles and channels that stores liquid from the tissue site, preventing it from reaching the pressure source and facilitating efficient fluid collection and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a canister is used to collect wound exudate in existing reduced pressure systems, then fluid collection is achieved, but the system complexity increases and the reduced pressure source may be interfered with by collected fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluid collection pouch with the drape into a single integrated assembly. The pouch is positioned within the drape and directly receives fluid from the wound site through the manifold, eliminating the need for a separate canister and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective fluid collection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fluid collection function from the main reduced pressure source system by using a separate, dedicated pouch that is integrated into the drape. This separation prevents collected fluid from interfering with the reduced pressure source while still achieving effective fluid collection
2Productivity
If reduced pressure is applied to accelerate tissue growth, then healing speed is improved, but fluid accumulation at the tissue site may increase and interfere with treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the fluid collection pouch as an intermediary between the wound site and the reduced pressure source. The pouch captures and contains wound exudate that is drawn out by the reduced pressure, preventing fluid accumulation at the tissue site while maintaining the beneficial effects of reduced pressure therapy for accelerating healing
3Device complexity
If a simple drape with aperture is used, then system complexity is reduced, but fluid management and storage capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drape and fluid collection pouch into an integrated assembly where the pouch is positioned within the drape. This combination maintains relative system simplicity while providing adequate fluid storage capability, as the pouch is seamlessly incorporated into the existing drape structure rather than requiring separate complex components
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
The system enhances wound healing by maintaining reduced pressure while effectively collecting and storing fluid, promoting tissue growth and reducing the risk of fluid interference with the treatment process.
Implementation Method 1
a reduced-pressure source operable to supply reduced pressure... The fluid pouch is operable to transfer reduced pressure to the aperture such that the liquid from the tissue site is drawn into the fluid pouch
Implementation Method 2
The fluid pouch includes at least one baffle and a fluid channel at least partially defined by the at least one baffle. The fluid channel is operable to store liquid from the tissue site
Data Source
AI summary
The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to an apparatus, system, and method for storing liquid from a tissue site. The apparatus may include a drape having an aperture, and a fluid pouch coupled to the drape such that the fluid pouch is in fluid communication with the aperture. In one embodiment, the fluid pouch is operable to transfer reduced pressure to the aperture such that the liquid from the tissue site is drawn into the fluid pouch. The fluid pouch may have a cavity that stores the liquid that is drawn from the tissue site. In another embodiment, the fluid pouch may include at least one baffle. The fluid pouch may also include a fluid channel at least partially defined by the at least one baffle. The fluid channel may be operable to store liquid from the tissue site when reduced pressure is applied through the fluid channel.