NPWT Tubeset Module for Automated Wound Volume Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wound therapy systems face challenges in accurately determining the appropriate volume of instillation fluid to deliver to a wound site and monitoring healing progression over time, especially in negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) applications.
Innovation Solution
A wound therapy system with a tubeset module and controller that includes a valve, calibrated leak, and communications interface, allowing for automatic estimation of wound volume and healing progression by controlling fluid delivery and pressure within the NPWT system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual estimation methods are used to determine wound volume, then system complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of wound volume estimation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs wound volume estimation using pressure sensor data and calibrated leak mechanisms without requiring manual intervention. The controller processes sensor signals and calculates wound volume automatically, making the system self-sufficient in performing measurements that would otherwise require manual estimation techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual estimation methods with automated electronic measurement systems. Pressure sensors electronically measure pressure changes in the wound cavity, and the controller processes these signals to calculate wound volume, substituting mechanical/manual estimation with electronic automation and computation.
2Productivity
If automatic volume determination is implemented, then productivity and ease of operation improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pressure sensors to continuously monitor pressure changes in the wound cavity and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller processes this feedback signal, compares it against calibrated leak data, and automatically calculates wound volume, enabling rapid and efficient determination without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the pressure sensor and the final volume calculation. It receives raw sensor data, processes it through calibration algorithms, and outputs the calculated wound volume, streamlining the automation process and improving productivity while managing system complexity through centralized control.
3Measurement precision
If manual monitoring of healing progression is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of healing tracking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors wound cavity pressure over time, providing ongoing data about healing progression. The pressure sensor continuously detects pressure changes as the wound heals, and the controller continuously processes this data to track healing progression, eliminating the need for discrete manual measurements and providing continuous accurate monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and estimation of healing progression with automated electronic pressure monitoring. The pressure sensor and controller system objectively measures and tracks changes in wound cavity pressure, providing precise and reliable data about healing status without manual intervention.
4Ease of operation
If automated component actuation is implemented, then ease of operation and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically actuates system components based on processed sensor data and predefined protocols. The system self-regulates by interpreting pressure sensor signals and automatically controlling component activation, eliminating manual operation while improving reliability through consistent automated execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressure sensor feedback to automatically control component actuation. The controller continuously monitors pressure changes and adjusts component activation accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that improves ease of operation through automation while managing complexity through intelligent control based on real-time feedback.
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 precise and efficient delivery of instillation fluid based on wound volume and monitors healing progression, reducing the risk of leakage and ensuring effective wound treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a pump fluidly coupled to the canister and configured to draw a negative pressure within the canister
Implementation Method 2
The calibrated leak is configured to provide fluid communication between a negative pressure circuit defined by the tubing and the canister and an ambient atmosphere
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A tubeset module includes one or more elements of a negative pressure wound therapy ("NPWT") system, such as a valve, a calibrated leak, a pressure sensor, etc. The tubeset module may communicate with a controller of the NPWT system via a communications interface provided by the tubeset module. The communication between the tubeset module and the controller may be used to fully automate one or more processes involving the operation of the components of the NPWT system included in the tubeset module, allowing the NPWT system to, e.g. estimate a wound site volume, estimate a volume of fluid to be instilled, monitor wound healing progression, etc. without requiring any user interaction or involvement. The tubeset module may be defined by one or more housing elements. The tubeset module may be incorporated into any of the tubing, fluid canister, wound dressing and/or therapy device housing components of the NPWT system.