Wound Dressing with Pressure Gradient Airflow for Liquid Vaporization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) pose challenges due to excessive liquid production, leading to dressing saturation, odor, and maceration of healthy skin, which existing treatments fail to effectively manage.

Innovation Solution

A wound dressing system comprising a tubular sleeve with an elastic compression member, fluid-directing member, and pathway member that uses a pressure source to create a pressure gradient for airflow, facilitating vaporization and removal of liquids, along with optional absorbent, transition, and patient-interface members to manage fluid retention and odor control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If compression treatment is applied to treat venous leg ulcers, then edema and swelling are minimized, but liquid production from the wound continues to cause saturation and maceration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewound treatment effectivenessVSAvoidliquid production

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a pressure source (pump) to generate a pressure gradient that drives fluid flow through the dressing system. The pressure source creates negative pressure to suction excess liquid from the wound area through the absorbent member, directly addressing the liquid production problem while maintaining compression treatment benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the pressure parameter by controlling the pressure source to vary the suction strength based on wound conditions. This allows optimization of liquid removal efficiency while preventing over-suction that could harm the wound healing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If traditional absorbent dressings are used, then liquid is absorbed, but the dressing saturates and requires frequent changing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid absorption capacityVSAvoiddressing usage time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a continuous liquid removal system where the pressure source operates continuously or intermittently to maintain a constant pressure gradient. This continuous action prevents the absorbent member from saturating, extending the dressing usage time by continuously evacuating excess liquid rather than relying on passive absorption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure-driven fluid transport system continuously removes liquid from the wound area through the absorbent member, preventing saturation and extending dressing effectiveness. The mechanical pump maintains ongoing liquid removal capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Stress or pressure

If compression is applied to the limb, then venous pressure is reduced, but liquid flow through the dressing is not controlled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevenous pressureVSAvoidliquid flow control

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a pressure source that creates a controlled pressure gradient to actively manage liquid flow through the dressing. This mechanical control system regulates liquid removal independently from the compression treatment, providing precise control over fluid dynamics in the wound area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The system includes sensors that monitor wound conditions and dressings saturation levels, providing feedback to the pressure source controller. This feedback mechanism automatically adjusts the pressure gradient to optimize liquid removal while maintaining appropriate venous pressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 reduces liquid retention, minimizes odor, and extends dressing usage time by vaporizing and removing fluids, thereby addressing the issues of saturation and maceration associated with VLU treatment.

Implementation Method 1

creating a pressure gradient within the wound dressing to cause air flow in the wound dressing to evaporate liquid from the wound dressing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

The pathway member is operable to transport a fluid under a pressure gradient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10179196B2Dressings, systems, and methods for treating a wound on a patient's limb employing liquid control

Publication Date: 2019.01.15 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

Wound dressings, systems, and methods are presented for treating a wound on a patient's limb, such as a venous leg ulcer. The dressings, systems, and methods involve creating airflow within the dressing to vaporize and remove liquid. The airflow may begin when the dressing becomes saturated. The dressings may be used to provide compression and reduced pressure to the wound. Other systems, methods, and dressings are presented herein.