Wound Therapy Controller for Fluid Removal Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wound therapy systems lack effective monitoring and control mechanisms for fluid removal and stabilizing structure collapse during negative pressure therapy, which can lead to suboptimal treatment outcomes and potential complications.

Innovation Solution

A wound therapy apparatus with a controller that monitors fluid removal rates and wirelessly communicates them to a remote device, adjusts negative pressure levels, and detects stabilizing structure collapse based on pressure changes in the fluid flow path, enabling real-time adjustments and data storage for improved treatment efficacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If negative pressure therapy is applied to remove fluid from the wound, then fluid removal rate increases, but the stabilizing structure may collapse prematurely or unevenly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid removal rateVSAvoidstabilizing structure collapse control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors fluid removal rate using pressure sensors and provides real-time feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts negative pressure levels based on this feedback to maintain optimal fluid removal while preventing stabilizing structure collapse. The feedback loop ensures that therapy parameters are dynamically adapted to wound conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The negative pressure level is made dynamic rather than static. The controller continuously adjusts the pressure magnitude based on monitored fluid removal rate and stabilizing structure status. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize fluid removal at different treatment stages while protecting the stabilizing structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If real-time monitoring of fluid removal rate is implemented, then treatment control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment controlVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical monitoring mechanisms with electronic pressure sensors and digital signal processing. Pressure sensors monitor fluid removal rate by detecting pressure changes in the fluid flow path, and a controller processes these signals to determine treatment status. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while improving monitoring accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure monitoring system serves multiple functions: it monitors fluid removal rate, detects stabilizing structure collapse, and provides feedback for controller adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate monitoring systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive treatment control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the stabilizing structure is designed to collapse upon negative pressure application, then wound closure is facilitated, but monitoring of collapse status becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewound closure rateVSAvoidcollapse status detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

Pressure sensors in the fluid flow path provide continuous feedback on pressure magnitude and changes. The controller analyzes this feedback to detect stabilizing structure collapse status. When collapse occurs, it manifests as characteristic pressure changes that the controller can identify, enabling real-time monitoring of collapse status without direct visual observation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure sensor acts as an intermediary that indirectly detects stabilizing structure collapse. Instead of directly observing the collapse, the system measures pressure changes in the fluid flow path that result from collapse. This intermediary measurement approach makes collapse detection feasible and reliable.

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

Enhances the monitoring and control of wound therapy, ensuring optimal fluid removal and stabilizing structure collapse, thereby improving treatment outcomes and reducing complications.

Implementation Method 1

a negative pressure source configured to provide negative pressure via a fluid flow path to the wound dressing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a pressure sensor configured to monitor one or more characteristics of pressure in the fluid flow path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentUS11690948B2Fluid removal management and control of wound closure in wound therapy

Publication Date: 2023.07.04 SMITH & NEPHEW INC

AI summary

Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods for operating the systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a negative pressure wound therapy apparatus can include a wound dressing, a negative pressure source, and a controller. The negative pressure source can provide negative pressure via a fluid flow path to the wound dressing. The controller can monitor a rate of fluid removal from the wound, wirelessly communicate the rate of fluid removal to a remote device, and output an indication when the rate of fluid removal meets a threshold.