Multi-Conduit Manifold for Subcutaneous Tissue Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current reduced-pressure treatment systems for subcutaneous tissue sites face limitations in effectively applying and managing reduced pressure, particularly in promoting tissue growth and healing, especially in complex tissue conditions such as bone fractures and osteoporosis.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a manifold with multiple conduits, each having apertures for fluid communication with a reduced-pressure source, allowing for the delivery of reduced pressure to a subcutaneous tissue site, along with a secondary conduit forming an interior space for fluid communication and purging functions, enhancing the application and management of reduced pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single conduit is used to apply reduced pressure, then the device complexity is low, but the effectiveness of tissue growth promotion and healing is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of tissue growth promotionVSAvoidmanifold structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manifold is divided into multiple conduits (first conduit for reduced pressure delivery, second conduit for fluid delivery, third conduit for exudate removal) that can be independently configured and positioned. Each conduit serves a specific function in the tissue treatment process, allowing optimized placement and function while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The manifold structure integrates multiple functions into a single device: applying reduced pressure via first conduit, delivering therapeutic fluids via second conduit, and removing exudates via third conduit. This multi-functional approach enhances treatment effectiveness while consolidating what could be separate devices into one integrated manifold system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If reduced pressure is applied continuously, then tissue growth is consistently promoted, but exudates and bacteria accumulate requiring frequent system purging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduration of reduced pressure applicationVSAvoidexudate and bacteria accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The reduced pressure application operates continuously through the first conduit to consistently promote tissue growth and healing. The continuous negative pressure maintains optimal conditions for tissue regeneration throughout the treatment period

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The third conduit is specifically designed to extract and remove harmful exudates and bacteria from the treatment site. This separate extraction pathway prevents accumulation of harmful substances while allowing the reduced pressure therapy to continue uninterrupted, effectively separating the therapeutic function from the waste removal function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple conduits are integrated in a single manifold, then fluid communication and purging functions are enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid communication capabilityVSAvoidmanifold manufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The manifold structure employs a nested configuration where conduits are positioned concentrically or in closely integrated arrangements. The first, second, and third conduits are arranged to share common pathways and connection points, allowing complex multi-conduit functionality to be achieved through space-efficient nesting rather than separate discrete components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple conduit functions are merged into a single integrated manifold body that provides common mounting, sealing, and connection infrastructure. The manifold combines reduced pressure delivery, fluid injection, and exudate removal capabilities in one manufactured component, reducing the number of separate parts and assembly steps required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effectively accelerates tissue growth, promotes healing, and improves bone density by consistently and variably delivering reduced pressure, facilitating the removal of exudates and bacteria, and stimulating tissue growth for wound healing and tissue transplantation.

Implementation Method 1

a reduced-pressure source for supplying reduced pressure... At least one of the plurality of first conduits is in fluid communication with the reduced-pressure source and is operable to deliver the reduced pressure to the subcutaneous tissue site

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReduced pressure: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

each of the plurality of first conduits having a wall formed with at least one first aperture and at least one second aperture... The second conduit is in fluid communication with the plurality of first conduits via the at least one second aperture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid communication: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS11311662B2Multi-conduit manifolds, systems, and methods for applying reduced pressure to a subcutaneous tissue site
Publication Date: 2022.04.26 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO
  • US11311662B2 patent drawing
  • US11311662B2 patent drawing
  • US11311662B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to systems, methods, and apparatuses for applying a reduced pressure to a subcutaneous tissue site. In one instance, a manifold for applying reduced pressure to a subcutaneous tissue site includes a plurality of first conduits, each of the plurality of first conduits having a wall with at least one first aperture and at least one second aperture. At least one of the plurality of first conduits is operable to deliver reduced pressure to the subcutaneous tissue site. The plurality of first conduits is coupled in a spaced arrangement that forms an interior space. The manifold further includes a second conduit comprising the interior space and formed by a portion of each wall of the plurality of first conduits. The second conduit is in fluid communication with the plurality of first conduits via the at least one second aperture.