Reduced Pressure Manifold with Periodic Purging for Deep Tissue Therapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current reduced pressure therapy systems are limited in treating closed, deep-tissue wounds and bone defects due to access issues and lack of advanced technologies beyond manual shaping of open-cell foam, which can cause tissue ingrowth and pain during removal.

Innovation Solution

A reduced pressure delivery system featuring a flexible barrier with projections creating flow channels, a manifold delivery tube for percutaneous insertion, and a cellular material or scaffold for promoting tissue growth, allowing for the application of reduced pressure to bone and other tissues without the need for surgical exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If open-cell foam is used as a manifold for reduced pressure therapy, then reduced pressure can be distributed to the wound site, but tissue grows into the foam cells causing pain during removal and requiring frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoam removalVSAvoidtissue in-growth
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses open-cell foam as a manifold material that allows reduced pressure distribution while maintaining structural integrity. The foam's porous structure enables fluid permeability for therapy delivery while the patent addresses tissue in-growth through periodic purging cycles that remove accumulated tissue without requiring complete foam replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic purging cycles where reduced pressure is temporarily discontinued and the foam manifold is flushed with saline or other fluids to remove accumulated tissue. This periodic maintenance allows the foam to remain in place for extended periods without causing patient pain or requiring frequent replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If manually shaped open-cell foam is used, then the foam can be customized to fit the wound, but the device complexity remains high and advanced tissue treatment capabilities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewound fittingVSAvoidmanual shaping
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent describes manifolds with varying pore sizes, densities, and material compositions that can be selected based on wound characteristics and treatment goals. These parameter variations allow customization for different wound types and depths without requiring manual shaping, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If reduced pressure therapy is applied to closed deep-tissue wounds and bone defects, then previously inaccessible tissues can be treated, but access to these tissues is difficult without surgical exposure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue accessibilityVSAvoidsurgical exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a manifold system that can be delivered percutaneously or through minimally invasive approaches to reach deep tissues and bone defects. The manifold acts as an intermediary structure that distributes reduced pressure throughout the target tissue volume without requiring surgical exposure, enabling treatment of previously inaccessible areas through needle-like delivery catheters or percutaneous insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 promotes tissue growth and healing by reducing pain and frequency of foam replacement, enabling treatment of previously inaccessible deep-tissue wounds and bone defects with improved efficacy and patient comfort.

Implementation Method 1

A reduced pressure is applied through the manifold to the tissue site

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReduced pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The manifold delivery tube is used to deliver a reduced pressure apparatus percutaneously to a tissue site

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPercutaneous delivery:

Data Source

PatentEP1993653B2System and method for purging a reduced pressure apparatus during the administration of reduced pressure treatment
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 KCI LICENSING INC
  • EP1993653B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1993653B2 patent drawingFigure 3~4B
  • EP1993653B2 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A reduced pressure delivery system for applying a reduced pressure to a tissue site is provided. The system includes a manifold having a plurality of flow channels. The manifold is configured to be placed adjacent the tissue site. A first conduit is in fluid communication with the flow channels of the manifold to deliver a reduced pressure to the flow channels. A second conduit is in fluid communication with the flow channels of the manifold and is operably connected to a valve. The valve selectively purges the second conduit with ambient air when the valve is positioned in an open position, and a controller is operably connected to the valve to place the valve in the open position for a selected amount of time at a selected interval during delivery of reduced pressure through the first conduit.