Reconfigurable Multi-Lumen Applicator for Subcutaneous Reduced Pressure Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subcutaneous reduced pressure therapy systems face challenges with blockages in lumens, which can hinder the continuous delivery of reduced pressure and fluid removal from tissue sites, affecting treatment efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A multi-lumen applicator system with reconfigurable lumens and activation members, such as frangible members, that can rupture or change configuration in response to pressure differentials or time, allowing for the re-establishment of fluid flow paths and blockage removal, ensuring continuous treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single lumen is used for fluid removal, then the device structure is simple, but the system is susceptible to blockages that halt treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid removal function into multiple separate lumens (first lumen for initial fluid removal, second lumen for alternative fluid removal). This segmentation ensures that if one lumen becomes blocked, the other can continue the treatment, thereby improving reliability without requiring a complex control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a frangible member that changes its state based on pressure parameters. When pressure differential exceeds a threshold (indicating blockage), the frangible member ruptures to switch flow paths. This parameter-based activation enables automatic adaptation to blockages, ensuring continuous treatment while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
2Reliability
If lumens are made reconfigurable with activation members, then blockage resistance improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible member is designed to automatically respond to blockage conditions through pressure differential. When a blockage occurs, the pressure change automatically ruptures the frangible member and switches the flow path without requiring external control systems, sensors, or complex activation mechanisms. This self-service approach improves blockage resistance while keeping the device relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible member is designed as a single-use, disposable component that is discarded after performing its function of switching lumens. This approach avoids the need for complex, reusable activation mechanisms while achieving reliable blockage resistance. The low-cost frangible member is integrated into the applicator and disposed of with the applicator after use.
3Extent of automation
If pressure differential threshold is used to activate lumens, then automatic blockage response is achieved, but control precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the body's own physiological response (pressure differential caused by blockage) as the activation signal. The frangible member automatically ruptures when the pressure differential from a blockage exceeds its designed threshold, eliminating the need for external sensors, control systems, or precise pressure monitoring. This self-service mechanism achieves high automation while requiring minimal control precision since it relies on the natural pressure changes during blockage events.
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 maintains treatment efficacy by reconfiguring lumens to overcome blockages, ensuring sustained delivery of reduced pressure and fluid removal, thereby enhancing tissue healing and fluid management.
Implementation Method 1
The first frangible member is configured to rupture when exposed to a pressure greater than a first threshold pressure differential whereby at least a portion of the second lumen and a portion of the first lumen become fluidly coupled.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, method, and devices are disclosed that involve reconfiguring lumens or unblocking lumens relative to a blockage to maintain flow of reduced pressure to a subcutaneous tissue site. In one instance, a multi-lumen applicator includes an applicator body having a distal end and a proximal end and formed with a plurality of apertures for receiving fluid from the tissue site and for delivering reduced pressure, a first lumen fluidly coupled to the plurality of apertures, a first activation member having at least a closed position and a open position, and a second lumen fluidly coupled to the plurality of apertures but for the first activation member being in closed position. The configuration is such that when the first activation member is moved to the open position, the second lumen is fluidly coupled to the plurality of apertures. Other systems, methods, and devices are disclosed.