Integrated Negative-Pressure Therapy Pump with Instillation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of negative-pressure therapy systems and processes pose challenges for manufacturers, healthcare providers, and patients, limiting their widespread application in wound treatment despite known benefits for tissue growth and healing.
Innovation Solution
A therapy system that integrates negative-pressure therapy with instillation of topical treatment solutions using a combined pump system, where an instillation regulator manages fluid delivery during negative-pressure intervals and venting intervals to ensure reliable and adjustable dosages without the need for additional pumps, providing a compact and cost-effective solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If negative-pressure therapy systems are implemented to treat wounds, then tissue growth and healing are improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines negative-pressure therapy and instillation therapy into a single integrated system. The pump system alternates between creating negative pressure for wound drainage and delivering instillation fluid for wound cleansing, eliminating the need for separate systems and reducing overall complexity while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The single pump system performs multiple functions: it generates negative pressure for wound suction, delivers instillation fluid at controlled rates, and transitions between these modes automatically. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while preserving both therapeutic modalities
2Reliability
If negative-pressure therapy systems are implemented to treat wounds, then tissue growth and healing are improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging negative-pressure and instillation therapies into one system, the patent reduces component count and manufacturing costs. A single pump replaces what would traditionally require separate suction and infusion systems, lowering material costs and simplifying assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional pump system reduces overall system cost by eliminating redundant components. One pump performs both suction and fluid delivery functions, reducing the bill of materials and manufacturing complexity compared to using separate dedicated systems
3Reliability
If instillation is added to negative-pressure therapy, then wound cleansing effectiveness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges instillation capability into the existing negative-pressure system by using the same pump for both functions. The pump alternates between suction mode and instillation mode, combining two therapeutic functions in one system without adding separate instillation hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic alternation between negative-pressure phases and instillation phases. The pump cycles between creating negative pressure for drainage and delivering fluid for cleansing, achieving both functions through time-division multiplexing rather than requiring simultaneous separate 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
This integrated system enhances wound healing by combining the benefits of negative-pressure therapy with controlled instillation, offering a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective method for tissue treatment, reducing the complexity and expense of existing systems while ensuring consistent fluid delivery to the tissue site.
Implementation Method 1
reducing pressure in proximity to a tissue site can augment and accelerate growth of new tissue at the tissue site
Implementation Method 2
an instillation regulator manages fluid delivery during negative-pressure intervals and venting intervals
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for instilling a solution to a tissue site are disclosed. In some embodiments, an instillation regulator may be fluidly coupled to a solution source and to a dressing, and the instillation regulator may draw a solution from the solution source during a negative-pressure interval may instill the solution to the dressing during a venting interval.