HK1158558B - Limited-access, reduced-pressure systems and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

A reduced-pressure treatment system (100) for applying reduced pressure to a tissue site at a limited-access location on a patient includes a reduced-pressure source (120), a treatment manifold (310) for placing proximate the tissue site and operable to distribute reduced pressure to the tissue site, and a sealing member (312) for placing over the tissue site and operable to form a pneumatic seal over the tissue site. The reduced-pressure treatment system also includes a reduced- pressure bridge (102) and a moisture-removing device (216) on at least portion of the reduced-pressure bridge. The reduced-pressure bridge includes a delivery manifold (212) operable to transfer the reduced pressure to the treatment manifold, an encapsulating envelope (208) at least partially enclosing the delivery manifold and having a patient-facing side, and a reduced-pressure- interface site (114) formed proximate one end of the reduced-pressure bridge.

Description

Limited-access reduced pressure systems and methods

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims the benefit of 35USC 119(e) filed under U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 61/103,566 entitled "System and Method for Applying Reduced Pressure to a Patient's Limb, Such As a Foot" (System and Method for Applying Reduced Pressure to a Patient's Limb), filed on 8.10.2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to medical treatment systems and, more particularly, to limited-access reduced-pressure systems and methods.

Background

Clinical studies and practice have shown that providing reduced pressure in the vicinity of a tissue site enhances and accelerates the growth of new tissue at the tissue site. The applications of this phenomenon are numerous, but the application of reduced pressure has been particularly successful in treating wounds. Such treatment (often referred to in the medical community as "negative pressure wound therapy," "reduced pressure therapy," or "vacuum therapy") provides several benefits, which may include faster healing and enhanced formation of granulation tissue. As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, "or" does not require mutual exclusivity.

Providing reduced pressure to a limited-access location has been difficult. One example of a difficult, limited access location is the bottom ball (sole) of the patient's foot or other anatomical location that is difficult to service. A related illustrative embodiment of a limited access location is within an offloading device (e.g., a walking boot or a mobile walker). Another example of a limited access location is a tissue site on the back of a bedridden patient. Other illustrative embodiments include tissue sites under compression garments (compression garment) and sacral wounds on the foot.

SUMMARY

The problems with existing reduced pressure treatment devices and systems are addressed by the systems, apparatuses, and methods of the illustrative embodiments described herein. According to an illustrative embodiment, a reduced pressure treatment system for applying reduced pressure to a tissue site at a limited-access location on a patient includes: the system includes a reduced-pressure source, a treatment manifold for placement proximate to a tissue site and operable to distribute reduced pressure to the tissue site, and a sealing member for placement over the tissue site and operable to form a pneumatic seal over the tissue site. The reduced-pressure treatment system also includes a reduced-pressure bridge comprising: a delivery manifold operable to transfer reduced pressure to a treatment manifold, an encapsulating housing at least partially enclosing the delivery manifold and having a patient facing side, a reduced-pressure interface site formed proximate an end of the reduced-pressure bridge. The reduced-pressure treatment system also includes a moisture-removing device.

According to one illustrative embodiment, a reduced pressure treatment system for applying reduced pressure to a tissue site at a limited-access location on a patient includes:

a reduced-pressure source operable to supply a reduced pressure;

a treatment manifold for placement proximate to a tissue site and operable to distribute reduced pressure to the tissue site;

a sealing member for placement over a tissue site and operable to form a pneumatic seal over the tissue site, the sealing member having a first aperture; and

a pressure reducing bridge having a first end and a second end, the pressure reducing bridge comprising:

a delivery manifold operable to transfer reduced pressure to a treatment manifold,

a first enclosure housing at least partially enclosing the delivery manifold and having a patient facing side,

a reduced-pressure interface location formed proximate to the second end of the reduced-pressure bridge,

a second aperture formed on the patient-facing side of the first enclosure, wherein reduced pressure is transferred to the tissue site via the second aperture, an

A moisture removal device on at least a portion of the first enclosure.

In this reduced-pressure treatment system, the moisture-removal device may include a wicking material located on the patient-facing side of the first enclosure, the wicking material may be adapted to contact and absorb liquid from the remote tissue portion. Further, the wicking material may extend along the length of the first enclosure.

In this reduced-pressure treatment system, the moisture-removal device may include a comfort manifold and a third encapsulation member coupled to the first encapsulation enclosure to form a second encapsulation enclosure, wherein the second encapsulation enclosure may encapsulate at least a portion of the comfort manifold, and wherein the third encapsulation member may have a plurality of apertures.

In this reduced pressure treatment system, the reduced pressure bridge may have a length (L) extending from the tissue site to a remote location, and wherein L > 120 mm.

In this reduced pressure treatment system, the reduced pressure bridge may have a length (L) extending from the tissue site to a remote location, and wherein L > 200 mm.

In the reduced-pressure treatment system, the reduced-pressure bridge may have a length (L) and a width (W), and wherein L > (4 × W).

According to another illustrative embodiment, a reduced-pressure bridge for delivering reduced pressure from a remote site to a reduced-pressure dressing includes a delivery manifold operable to transfer reduced pressure and an encapsulating housing at least partially enclosing the delivery manifold and having a patient-facing side. A reduced-pressure interface location is formed proximate the second end of the reduced-pressure bridge. The enclosure housing has a second aperture formed on a patient facing side of the enclosure housing. The reduced-pressure bridge also includes a moisture removal device on at least a portion of the encapsulation housing.

In such a reduced-pressure bridge, the moisture-removal device may comprise a wicking material located on the patient-facing side of the first enclosure housing, the wicking material may be adapted to contact and absorb liquid from the remote tissue portion. Further, the wicking material may extend along the length of the first enclosure.

In this reduced-pressure bridge, the moisture-removal device may comprise a comfort manifold and a third encapsulation member for encapsulating at least a portion of the comfort manifold on the patient-facing side, and wherein the third encapsulation member may have a plurality of apertures.

In this reduced-pressure bridge, the reduced-pressure bridge may have a length (L), and wherein L > 120 mm.

In this reduced-pressure bridge, the reduced-pressure bridge may have a length (L), and wherein L > 200 mm.

In this reduced-pressure bridge, the reduced-pressure bridge may have a length (L) and a width (W), and wherein L > (4 × W).

According to another illustrative embodiment, a method for delivering reduced pressure to a tissue site at a limited-access location includes the steps of: a first manifold is disposed proximate the wound and a sealing member is disposed over the first manifold. The sealing member has a first aperture. The method for delivering reduced pressure to a tissue site further comprises: a reduced-pressure bridge having a first end and a second end is provided. The reduced-pressure bridge has a second aperture proximate the first end, a moisture removal device, and a second manifold. The method for delivering reduced pressure to a tissue site further comprises: coupling a reduced-pressure interface to a second end of the reduced-pressure bridge; the first end of the pressure reducing bridge is disposed over at least a portion of the sealing member and the second aperture is substantially aligned with the first aperture. The first manifold may be at least partially enclosed with an enclosure housing having a patient facing side. The method for delivering reduced pressure to a tissue site may further comprise: a reduced-pressure source is fluidly coupled to the reduced-pressure interface.

According to another illustrative embodiment, a reduced-pressure treatment kit includes a reduced-pressure bridge, a reduced-pressure interface, a reduced-pressure delivery conduit, a manifold unit, and a perforated sealing sheet. The manifold unit has a plurality of preformed treatment manifolds. The perforated sealing sheet is operable to be torn into a sealing member and a plurality of securing straps.

According to another illustrative embodiment, a reduced pressure treatment kit includes:

a reduced-pressure interface;

a reduced pressure delivery conduit;

a manifold unit having a plurality of preformed treatment manifolds; and

a perforated sealing sheet operable to be torn into a sealing member and a plurality of securing straps;

a pressure reducing bridge comprising:

a delivery manifold operable to transfer reduced pressure to a treatment manifold,

a first enclosure housing at least partially enclosing the delivery manifold and having a patient facing side,

a reduced-pressure interface location formed proximate to the second end of the reduced-pressure bridge,

an aperture formed on a patient-facing side of the first enclosure, wherein reduced pressure is transferred to the tissue site via the aperture; and

a moisture removal device on at least a portion of the first enclosure.

In this reduced-pressure treatment kit, the first enclosure may include: a first encapsulation member, which may have a first peripheral portion; a second encapsulation member, which may have a second peripheral portion; and wherein the first peripheral portion is coupleable to the second peripheral portion. Further, the moisture removal apparatus may comprise a comfort manifold and a third encapsulation member for encapsulating at least a portion of the comfort manifold on the patient facing side, and wherein the third encapsulation member may have a plurality of apertures.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the illustrative embodiments will become apparent from the drawings and the ensuing detailed description.

Brief Description of Drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an illustrative reduced-pressure treatment system utilizing a reduced-pressure bridge, portions of which are shown as block diagrams;

FIG. 2A is a schematic plan view of an illustrative pressure reducing bridge;

FIG. 2B is a schematic, perspective, exploded view of the illustrative pressure reducing bridge of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the illustrative pressure reducing bridge of FIG. 2A taken along line 2C-2C;

FIG. 2D is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative illustrative pressure reducing bridge;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the coupling of the illustrative reduced-pressure bridge with a reduced-pressure interface;

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of the pressure reducing bridge of FIG. 3 with a mounted pressure reducing interface;

figure 5 is a schematic view of an illustrative reduced-pressure treatment system utilizing a reduced-pressure bridge, shown in transverse cross-section through the abdomen of a patient in bed;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative embodiment of a reduced pressure treatment kit for use with a limited access tissue site;

FIG. 7A is a schematic perspective view of an illustrative manifold unit; and

fig. 7B is a schematic plan view of the manifold unit of fig. 7A.

Detailed description of illustrative embodiments

In the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments described herein, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the illustrative embodiments is defined only by the appended claims.

Referring to fig. 1, an illustrative embodiment of a reduced pressure treatment system 100 is presented. Reduced pressure treatment system 100 has an illustrative embodiment of a reduced pressure bridge 102. The reduced-pressure bridge 102 facilitates reduced-pressure treatment of the tissue site 104, and in particular, limited access to the tissue site, which in this illustration is on the bottom ball (sole) of the patient's foot 106 and also within an offloading device, such as an offloading boot 108 (shown in phantom). The reduced pressure treatment system 100 may be used with a tissue site at an unrestricted access site or a restricted access site. Other illustrative examples of limited access tissue sites include on the patient's back, under compression garments, in a Total Contact Casting (TCC), in a mobile walker, in a therapeutically effective sandal, in a half-shoe (half-shoe), in an ankle foot orthosis (ankle foot orthoses), and the like. The reduced pressure treatment system 100 may be used with body tissue of any human, animal, or other organism, including bone tissue, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, skin tissue, vascular tissue, connective tissue, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, or any other tissue.

The reduced-pressure bridge 102 provides a low profile source of reduced pressure supplied to the restricted access tissue site 104 and may therefore improve patient comfort and enhance reliability of the reduced-pressure supply to the restricted access tissue site 104. Because of the low profile of the relief bridge 102, the relief bridge 102 may be easily used with an offloading device. In this regard, the reduced-pressure bridge 102 may impart reduced-pressure therapeutic and physical pressure-relief benefits to the patient. As described further below, the reduced-pressure bridge 102 may include a moisture removal device, such as the moisture removal device 216 in fig. 2B, that helps avoid maceration of the patient's skin by removing moisture from the patient's skin.

The reduced-pressure bridge 102 has a first end 110 and a second end 112, the first end 110 being positioned proximate the restricted access tissue site 104. The second end 112 has a reduced-pressure interface site 114 for receiving a reduced-pressure interface 116, the reduced-pressure interface site 114 may be a port, such as a TRAC Pad from Kinetic Concepts, inc. of San Antonio, TexasInterface or Sensa t.r.a.c.^TMA pad interface. The second end 112 is typically placed on or adjacent to the patient at a location that provides convenient access by the healthcare provider, such as a convenient location for applying reduced pressure to the reduced pressure interface site 114. When an offloading device, such as offloading shoe 108, is used, the pressure reducing bridge 102 will extend from the tissue site to a location external to the offloading device. The actual length (L) of the relief bridge 102 may be varied to support use with a particular relief device or application.

A reduced-pressure delivery conduit 118 may fluidly couple the reduced-pressure interface 116 to a reduced-pressure source 120. The reduced-pressure source 120 may be any device or means for supplying reduced pressure, such as a vacuum pump or wall suction. Although the amount and nature of reduced pressure applied to the site will vary depending on the application, the reduced pressure will typically be between-5 mm Hg and-500 mm Hg or typically between-25 mm Hg and-200 mm Hg. For vertical applications of the reduced pressure bridge 102, as shown in fig. 1 on the leg of a walkable patient, a certain minimum reduced pressure may be required to ensure proper fluid flow. For example, in one embodiment, a reduced pressure of at least-125 mm Hg is presented as a minimum, but other pressures may be suitable for different situations. As used herein, "reduced pressure"generally refers to a pressure less than the ambient pressure at the tissue site being treated. In most cases, this reduced pressure will be less than the atmospheric pressure at which the patient is located. Alternatively, the reduced pressure may be less than the hydrostatic pressure at the tissue site. Unless otherwise indicated, the pressure values specified herein are gauge pressures. Although the terms "vacuum" and "negative pressure" may be used to describe the pressure applied to the tissue site, the actual pressure applied to the tissue site may be greater than the pressure typically associated with an absolute vacuum. Consistent with the use herein, an increase in reduced or vacuum pressure generally refers to a relative decrease in absolute pressure. In one illustrative embodiment, v.a.c. of Kinetic Concepts, inc.A Therapy Unit may be used as the reduced pressure source 120.

Depending on the application, a number of devices may be fluidly coupled to the reduced pressure delivery conduit 118. For example, a fluid tank 122 or representative device 124 may be included. The representative device 124 may be another fluid reservoir or canister to hold the removed exudate and other fluids. Other examples of devices 124 that may be included on the reduced pressure delivery conduit 118 include the following non-limiting examples: pressure feedback devices, volume detection systems, blood detection systems, infection detection systems, flow monitoring systems, temperature detection systems, filters, and the like. Some of these devices may be integrally formed with the reduced pressure source 120. For example, the reduced-pressure port 126 on the reduced-pressure source 120 may include a filter member that includes one or more filters, such as an odor filter.

Referring now to fig. 2A-2C, an illustrative reduced-pressure bridge 200 will be presented. The illustrative reduced-pressure bridge 200 has a first end 202 and a second end 204. The first end 202 of the illustrative reduced-pressure bridge 200 is configured to provide reduced pressure to a first or treatment manifold (e.g., treatment manifold 310 in fig. 5), while the second end 204 has a reduced-pressure interface site 206.

Referring primarily to fig. 2B, the layers making up the illustrative reduced-pressure bridge 200 are presented. A first encapsulation member 210 is on the first side 208 of the illustrative reduced-pressure bridge 200. The first encapsulation member 210 may have a hole 211 formed proximate the second end 204. A second manifold, or delivery manifold 212, is disposed proximate the first encapsulation member 210. The second encapsulating member 214 is disposed proximate a second side of the delivery manifold 212. The second encapsulation member 214 may be formed with an aperture 213 proximate the first end 202. A moisture removal device 216 is disposed proximate to the second encapsulation member 214, the moisture removal device 216 being a wicking layer 218 in this illustrative embodiment. A releasable backing member or release liner 220 may be included on the first end 202 to releasably cover the adhesive, as explained further below. The releasable backing member 220 may be formed with apertures 222 that align with the apertures 213 in the second packaging member 214.

The delivery manifold 212 may be any material capable of transferring reduced pressure. In one embodiment, the delivery manifold 212 is a foam material, such as GranuFoam from Kinetic Concepts, Inc, of San Antonio, TexasA material. The delivery manifold 212 may be formed from the same material as the treatment manifold (e.g., treatment manifold 310 in fig. 5). The delivery manifold 212 may have any thickness, such as a thickness in the range of 3-20 millimeters, 5-10 millimeters, 6-7 millimeters, and so forth. The thickness of the delivery manifold 212 may be varied to minimize or eliminate pressure points on the tissue site. The thickness of the delivery manifold 212 may also be selected to support the removal and transfer of fluid from the tissue site into a canister (e.g., fluid canister 122 in fig. 1).

First and second enclosure members 210, 214 may include any material that facilitates maintaining a reduced pressure within first enclosure 229 formed by first and second enclosure members 210, 214. In one embodiment, the first and second encapsulating members 210, 214 comprise polyurethane films, but any suitable drape material may be readily used, such as any natural rubber, polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubberPolybutadiene, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, polysulfide rubber, polyurethane, EVA film, copolyester, silicone resin, 3M TegadermDrape materials, or acrylic drape materials, such as those available from Avery. These are non-limiting examples.

Referring now primarily to fig. 2A and 2C, a perimeter portion 224 of first package member 210 and a perimeter portion 226 of second package member 214 may be coupled, such as by RF welding 228, to form a first package housing 229. As used herein, the term "coupled" includes coupling via a separate object and includes direct coupling. The term "coupled" also includes two or more elements being continuous with each other by virtue of each element being formed from the same piece of material. Likewise, the term "coupled" may include chemical, mechanical, or thermal coupling. Fluid coupling means that fluid is communicated between designated portions or locations. The first and second package members 210, 214 may be coupled using any technique, including but not limited to: welding (e.g., ultrasonic or RF welding), adhesives, cements, and the like. The first enclosure housing 229 may completely enclose the transfer manifold 212. The moisture removal device 216 may be coupled to at least a portion of the first enclosure 229 using any technique. The wicking layer may be coupled to the patient facing side 230 of the second enclosure member 214 of the first enclosure housing 229.

The moisture removal device 216 draws moisture, such as perspiration, away from the patient's skin and thus helps to avoid maceration of the patient's skin and improve comfort. The extent of the wicking layer 218 can be varied both laterally (width) and longitudinally (length). For example, the wicking layer 218 may cover 100% or greater than 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, or 50% of the second encapsulating member 214 facing the patient. The wicking layer 218 draws moisture to where it can more easily evaporate. In the illustrative embodiment of fig. 2A-2C, the moisture removal device 216 is a wicking layer 218. For example, the wicking layer 218 may be a cloth material drape, a non-wovenFabric, knitted polyester woven textile materials, e.g. from colorlast A/S of DenmarkAG material,Material, DuPontMaterials, etc. sold under the name.

Referring now to fig. 2D, an alternative embodiment of the moisture removal device 216 is set forth. In this embodiment, the third encapsulation member 232 is provided with a plurality of holes or fenestrations 234. The third enclosing member 232 covers all or at least a portion of the third manifold 236 or comfort manifold. The peripheral portion of the third encapsulation member 232 is also coupled by any technique, such as by RF welding 228. In conjunction with second encapsulation member 214, third encapsulation member 232 forms a second encapsulation housing 238. In operation, reduced pressure is supplied within the second enclosing member 214, and any fluid against the patient's skin is drawn through the plurality of apertures 234 into the third manifold 236 and is conveyed elsewhere, such as to a tank, for storage or disposal.

In yet another alternative embodiment of moisture removal device 216, a moisture vapor permeable material (moisture vapor permeable material) is pneumatically coupled to the negative pressure source to provide effective removal adjacent to the illustrative pressure reducing bridge 200. In yet another illustrative embodiment, an aperture may be formed in the second enclosure member 214 that allows the reduced pressure in the first enclosure 229 to draw fluid into the delivery manifold 212. In yet another illustrative embodiment of the moisture removal device 216, an aperture may be formed in the second encapsulation member 214 that allows the reduced pressure in the first encapsulation enclosure 229 to draw fluid into the delivery manifold 212, and a pressure relief valve may be associated with the aperture that closes in the absence of the reduced pressure.

Referring again primarily to fig. 2A-2C, the illustrative reduced-pressure bridge 200 has a length (L), a width (W), and a thickness (T). The illustrative reduced pressure bridge 200 preferably has a low profile, such as a dimension T that is as small as possible. For non-limiting examples, T may be 30mm, 20mm, 15mm, 10mm, 5mm, or less. In further embodiments, T may be any size. Further, the comfort or function of the illustrative pressure-reducing bridge 200 may be enhanced by utilizing a ratio of length (L) to width (W) that relates to a length dimension that is greater than a width. For example, in one embodiment, the relationship is L > 2W. In another illustrative embodiment, the relationship is L > 6W. In another illustrative embodiment, the relationship is L > 12W. In another illustrative embodiment, the relationship is L > 15W. In one illustrative embodiment, L is approximately 668mm and W is approximately 56 mm.

Referring now to fig. 3, the illustrative reduced-pressure bridge 200 is shown with a reduced-pressure interface 240 that is about to be coupled to the reduced-pressure interface location 206 of the illustrative reduced-pressure bridge 200 at the reduced-pressure interface 240. The aperture 211 in the first encapsulation member 210 is substantially aligned with a central portion of the reduced-pressure interface 240 to provide fluid coupling. The reduced-pressure delivery conduit 242 is coupled to the reduced-pressure interface 240 at one end and has a fitting 244 at the other end that facilitates coupling to a reduced-pressure source (not shown). A restraining clip or clamp 246 and a visual indicia flag 248 may also be included on a portion of the reduced-pressure delivery conduit 242. Figure 4 shows a plan view with a reduced-pressure interface 240 coupled to the reduced-pressure interface site 206.

Referring now to fig. 5, a reduced pressure treatment system 300 is presented. Reduced pressure treatment system 300 is shown arranged to treat a tissue site 302 on a patient's back 304. If the patient is bedridden, the patient's back 304 may compress a portion of the bed 306. In such cases, the use of reduced-pressure bridges 308 or transfer members (transfer members) as part of reduced-pressure treatment system 300 may be particularly advantageous to the patient. The reduced-pressure bridge 308 is similar to the illustrative reduced-pressure bridge 200 set forth above.

The treatment manifold 310 is disposed proximate the tissue site 302. A sealing member 312 with a connection device 314 on the patient facing side is arranged at the treatment manifold310 above. The term "manifold" is used herein to generally refer to a substance or structure that helps distribute reduced pressure and transport fluids. The treatment manifold 310 generally includes a plurality of flow channels or passageways that are interconnected to improve distribution of fluids provided to and removed from the tissue site 302 surrounding the treatment manifold 310. The treatment manifold 310 may be a material of a suitable organism that can be placed in contact with the tissue site 302 and distribute reduced pressure to the tissue site 302. Embodiments of treatment manifold 310 may include, for example, but are not limited to, having structural elements arranged to form flow channels, such as, for example, cellular foam, open-cell foam, porous tissue collectors, liquids, gels, and foams that include or cure to include fluid channels. The treatment manifold 310 may be porous and may be made of foam, gauze, felt pads, or any other material suitable for a particular biological application. In one embodiment, the treatment manifold 310 is a porous foam and includes a plurality of interconnected cells or pores that act as flow channels. The porous foam may be a polyurethane, open cell reticulated foam, such as the GranuFoam produced by Kinetic concentrates, Incorporated of San Antonio, TexasA material. In some cases, the treatment manifold 310 may also be used to distribute fluids, such as medications, antibacterials, growth factors, and various solutions, to the tissue site 302.

The connection device 314 may be used to hold the sealing member 312 against the patient's epidermis or another layer, such as a cushion or an additional sealing member. The attachment device 314 takes a variety of forms, such as a medically acceptable pressure sensitive adhesive, a bonding agent, a hydrocolloid, and the like.

The sealing member 312 and the connecting device 314 are formed with a first aperture 318. The sealing member 312 may be any material that provides a pneumatic seal. For example, the sealing member may be an impermeable or semi-permeable elastomeric material having a pore size of less than about 20 microns. "elastomeric" means having elastomeric properties. Elastomeric materials or elastomersGenerally refers to polymeric materials having rubbery properties. More specifically, most elastomers have an elongation greater than 100% and a substantial amount of resilience. The resiliency of a material refers to the ability of the material to recover from elastic deformation. Examples of elastomers may include, but are not limited to: natural rubber, polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, polybutadiene, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, polysulfide rubber, polyurethane, EVA film, copolyester, and silicone resin. Specific examples of sealing member materials include silicone drape, 3M TegadermDrapes, or acrylic drapes such as those available from Avery Dennison, or incised drapes.

The pressure reducing bridge 308 has a first end 320 and a second end 322. The first enclosure member 324 is coupled to the second enclosure member 326 to form an enclosure 328. The first encapsulating housing 328 at least partially encloses the delivery manifold 330. The second enclosure member 326 has a second aperture 332 proximate the first end 320. The second aperture 332 is sized and configured to align with the first aperture 318. The reduced-pressure interface 334 is fluidly coupled at a reduced-pressure interface location 336. The reduced-pressure interface 334 is fluidly coupled to the third aperture 338. The reduced-pressure delivery conduit 340 fluidly couples a reduced-pressure source (not shown) to the reduced-pressure interface 334. A moisture removal device 342 is coupled to the patient-facing side of the encapsulating housing 328 and in particular to the second encapsulating member 326.

Referring now to fig. 6, a schematic diagram of an illustrative embodiment of a reduced pressure treatment kit 400 for use with a limited access tissue site is presented. The reduced pressure treatment kit 400 facilitates the organized and effective application of reduced pressure to a tissue site, particularly a restricted access tissue site. The reduced-pressure treatment kit 400 may include a sealed package or container that is opened by a healthcare provider. The reduced-pressure treatment kit 400 may include a reduced-pressure bridge 402, a reduced-pressure interface 404, a reduced-pressure delivery conduit 408, a ruler 416, a manifold unit 418, and a perforated sealing sheet 420, or any combination thereof. Ruler 416 may be used to help gauge the size of the wound and may provide other information to help assess the wound.

The reduced-pressure bridge 402 may be similar to the reduced-pressure bridges 102, 200, and 308 previously set forth. The pressure reducing bridge 402 has a first end 403 and a second end 405. The reduced-pressure interface 404 may be coupled to a reduced-pressure interface site 406 on the reduced-pressure bridge 402. A reduced-pressure delivery conduit 408 may be coupled to the reduced-pressure interface 404. The reduced pressure delivery conduit 408 may include a visual indicia flag or label 410 and a restraining clip or clamp 412. A fitting 414 may be coupled at one end of the reduced-pressure delivery conduit 408 to facilitate coupling to a reduced-pressure source (not shown). Reduced-pressure bridge 402 has been packaged to be provided in reduced-pressure treatment kit 400, allowing for simple application and requiring minimal effort to deploy reduced-pressure bridge 402.

The perforated sealing sheet 420 has adhesive on the patient facing side and has a releasable backing or release liner covering the adhesive before it is ready for application. A plurality of perforations, such as midline perforation 422, provide a location where a healthcare provider can easily tear the perforated sealing sheet 420 to form a new component. Thus, for example, a portion of centerline perforation 422, first longitudinal perforation 424, and a portion of end perforation 426 may be torn away to form first sealing member 428, which has aperture 430. The sealing member 428 may be used to secure the treatment manifold in place. Other longitudinal perforations 432 may be torn away to form securing straps 434 that are used to hold the reduced pressure bridge 402 in place, as described further below.

An illustrative manifold unit 418, also shown in fig. 7A and 7B, is made of a manifold material. For example, the manifold unit 418 may be formed from a reticulated foam, such as Granufoam, available from Kinetic hubs, incA material. The manifold unit 418 has some pre-cut manifold components that may be used. For example, the first treatment manifold 436 is formed with a connecting bar 438 that is easily torn off. A number of additional treatment manifolds, e.g., second treatment manifold 440 and third treatmentA manifold 442 may be included. The middle portion of the manifold unit 418 may have pre-cut 444, with the pre-cut 444 being completely cut through except for a small joint or portion 446 used to hold the manifold unit 418 together prior to tearing. When a bar, such as bar 438, is torn off and the joint 446 is torn off, two manifold blocks 448 and 450 are formed.

Referring now primarily to fig. 5 and 6, an illustrative arrangement of a reduced pressure treatment system, such as reduced pressure treatment system 300, will be described. A wound or tissue site (e.g., tissue site 302 in fig. 5) may first be prepared, for example, by removing any additional dressing and debriding the wound and the area near the wound. The wound or tissue may be evaluated according to size and condition.

The perforations in the perforated sealing sheet 420, such as the centerline perforation 422, are torn away. Tearing the perforations creates a sealing member 428 having an aperture 430, a plurality of securing strips 434, and an additional sealing member 429.

A treatment manifold (e.g., treatment manifold 310 in fig. 5) is placed proximate to a tissue site, such as a wound. Depending on the size, the healthcare provider may tear off the first therapy manifold 436, the second therapy manifold 440, or the third therapy manifold 442 from the manifold unit 418 in the reduced pressure treatment kit 400. If the sizes are significantly different, a customized treatment manifold can be cut out from one of the manifold blocks 448, 450. A suitably sized treatment manifold is placed proximate the tissue site. If more than one treatment manifold is used, the number may be recorded on the visual indicia flag 410. The sealing member 428 is then affixed over the wound or tissue site 302 with the aperture 430 centered thereon. The sealing member 428 may first need to be trimmed to a suitable size, which in one embodiment provides a 3-5mm boundary around the tissue site. To attach the sealing member 428, the release liner may be removed and the adhesive placed against a portion of the intact epidermis; this is similar to the connection device 314 used to attach the sealing member 312 to the skin in fig. 5. A reduced-pressure bridge, such as reduced-pressure bridge 402, is then installed.

The release liner (e.g., release liner 220 in fig. 2B) is removed, exposing the adhesive on the first end 403 of the relief bridge 402, and the apertures (e.g., apertures 213 in fig. 2B) on the relief bridge 402 are generally aligned with the apertures 430 on the sealing member 428 (e.g., sealing member 312 in fig. 5), and the first end 403 then compresses the sealing member 428. The second end 405 of the reduced-pressure bridge 402 is placed in a convenient location and securing straps 434 are used to secure the reduced-pressure bridge 402 in the desired location and at a point in between as desired. If the reduced-pressure bridge 402 is longer than desired, a fold shaped like a "Z" may be added to the reduced-pressure bridge 402 to shorten the effective length.

A reduced pressure source (e.g., reduced pressure source 120 in fig. 1) may then be provided and a fitting 414 on the reduced pressure delivery conduit 408 coupled to the reduced pressure source or another conduit supplying reduced pressure. The reduced-pressure source may then be activated.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been disclosed in the context of certain illustrative, non-limiting embodiments, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, arrangements, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (36)

1. A reduced pressure treatment system for applying reduced pressure to a tissue site at a limited access location on a patient, the reduced pressure treatment system comprising:

a reduced-pressure source operable to supply a reduced pressure;

a treatment manifold for placement proximate to the tissue site and operable to distribute reduced pressure to the tissue site;

a sealing member for placement over the tissue site and operable to form a pneumatic seal over the tissue site, the sealing member having a first aperture; and

a reduced-pressure bridge having a first end and a second end, the reduced-pressure bridge comprising:

a delivery manifold operable to transfer reduced pressure to the treatment manifold,

a first enclosure housing at least partially enclosing the delivery manifold and having a patient facing side,

a reduced-pressure interface location formed proximate to the second end of the reduced-pressure bridge,

a second aperture formed on the patient-facing side of the first enclosure, wherein reduced pressure is transferred to the tissue site via the second aperture, an

A moisture removal device on at least a portion of the first enclosure.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first enclosure comprises:

a first package member having a first peripheral portion;

a second encapsulation member having a second peripheral portion; and is

Wherein the first peripheral portion is coupled to the second peripheral portion such that the delivery manifold is at least partially enclosed by the first and second enclosing members.

3. The system of claim 2, further comprising: a reduced-pressure interface coupled to the reduced-pressure interface site, and wherein the reduced-pressure source is fluidly coupled to the reduced-pressure interface.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the moisture removal device comprises a wicking material on the patient facing side of the first enclosure, the wicking material adapted to contact and absorb liquid from a remote tissue portion.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the wicking material extends along a length of the first enclosure housing.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the moisture removal device comprises a comfort manifold and a third encapsulation member coupled to the first encapsulation housing to form a second encapsulation housing, wherein the second encapsulation housing encapsulates at least a portion of the comfort manifold, and wherein the third encapsulation member has a plurality of apertures.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first enclosure comprises a polyurethane material.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a first adhesive on a patient-facing side of the sealing member; and

a second adhesive disposed between the sealing member and the first enclosure, wherein the first adhesive is operable to couple the sealing member to a patient, wherein the second adhesive is operable to couple the sealing member to the first enclosure.

9. The system of claim 8, further comprising:

a releasable backing covering the first adhesive, the releasable backing being removable to expose the first adhesive.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the first adhesive and the second adhesive comprise an acrylic adhesive material.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the reduced-pressure bridge has a length L extending from the tissue site to a remote location, and wherein L > 120 mm.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the reduced-pressure bridge has a length L extending from the tissue site to a remote location, and wherein L > 200 mm.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the reduced-pressure bridge has a length L and a width W, and wherein L > (4 x W).

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the delivery manifold is a foam material.

15. A reduced-pressure bridge for delivering reduced pressure from a remote site to a tissue site, the reduced-pressure bridge comprising:

a delivery manifold operable to transfer reduced pressure,

a first enclosure housing at least partially enclosing the delivery manifold and having a patient facing side,

a reduced-pressure interface location formed proximate to a second end of the reduced-pressure bridge,

an aperture formed on the patient-facing side of the first enclosure, wherein reduced pressure is transferable to the tissue site via the aperture, an

A moisture removal device on at least a portion of the first enclosure.

16. The reduced-pressure bridge of claim 15, wherein the moisture-removal device comprises a wicking material on the patient-facing side of the first enclosure, the wicking material adapted to contact and absorb liquid from a remote tissue portion.

17. The bridge of claim 15, wherein the first enclosure comprises:

a first package member having a first peripheral portion;

a second encapsulation member having a second peripheral portion; and is

Wherein the first peripheral portion is coupled to the second peripheral portion such that the delivery manifold is at least partially enclosed by the first and second enclosing members.

18. The reduced-pressure bridge of claim 17, wherein the first and second encapsulation members comprise a polyurethane material.

19. The reduced-pressure bridge of claim 16, wherein the wicking material comprises a cloth material drape.

20. The crush bridge of claim 16, wherein the wicking material comprises a non-woven fabric.

21. The reduced-pressure bridge of claim 16, wherein the wicking material covers at least 50% of a patient-facing side of the first enclosure housing.

22. The reduced-pressure bridge of claim 16, wherein the wicking material covers at least 70% of a patient-facing side of the first enclosure housing.

23. The reduced-pressure bridge of claim 16, wherein the wicking material covers at least 80% of a patient-facing side of the first enclosure housing.

24. The crush bridge of claim 16, wherein the wicking material extends along a length of the first enclosure.

25. The reduced-pressure bridge of claim 15, wherein the moisture-removal device comprises a comfort manifold and a third encapsulation member for encapsulating at least a portion of the comfort manifold on the patient-facing side, and wherein the third encapsulation member has a plurality of apertures.

26. The reduced-pressure bridge of claim 15, wherein the reduced-pressure bridge has a length L, and wherein L > 120 mm.

27. The reduced-pressure bridge of claim 15, wherein the reduced-pressure bridge has a length L, and wherein L > 200 mm.

28. The reduced-pressure bridge of claim 15, wherein the reduced-pressure bridge has a length L and a width W, and wherein L > (4 x W).

29. The bridge of claim 15, wherein the delivery manifold is a foam material.

30. A reduced-pressure treatment kit, the reduced-pressure treatment kit comprising:

a reduced-pressure interface;

a reduced pressure delivery conduit;

a manifold unit having a plurality of preformed treatment manifolds; and

a perforated sealing sheet operable to be torn into a sealing member and a plurality of securing straps;

a pressure reducing bridge, said pressure reducing bridge comprising:

a delivery manifold operable to transfer reduced pressure to the treatment manifold,

a first enclosure housing at least partially enclosing the delivery manifold and having a patient facing side,

a reduced-pressure interface location formed proximate to a second end of the reduced-pressure bridge,

an aperture formed on the patient-facing side of the first enclosure, wherein reduced pressure is transferred to a tissue site via the aperture; and

a moisture removal device on at least a portion of the first enclosure.

31. The reduced pressure treatment kit of claim 30, further comprising: a ruler.

32. The reduced pressure treatment kit of claim 30, further comprising: a package, and wherein the package surrounds the reduced-pressure bridge, the reduced-pressure interface, the reduced-pressure delivery conduit, the manifold unit, and the perforated sealing sheet.

33. The reduced-pressure treatment kit of claim 30, wherein the reduced-pressure interface is coupled to the reduced-pressure interface site of the reduced-pressure bridge and the reduced-pressure delivery conduit is coupled to the reduced-pressure interface.

34. The reduced-pressure treatment kit of claim 30, wherein the first enclosure comprises:

a first package member having a first peripheral portion;

a second encapsulation member having a second peripheral portion; and is

Wherein the first peripheral portion is coupled to the second peripheral portion.

35. The reduced-pressure treatment kit of claim 30, wherein the moisture-removal device includes a wicking material on the patient-facing side of the first enclosure, the wicking material adapted to contact and absorb liquid from a remote tissue portion.

36. The reduced-pressure treatment kit of claim 34, wherein the moisture removal apparatus comprises a comfort manifold and a third encapsulation member for encapsulating at least a portion of the comfort manifold on the patient-facing side, and wherein the third encapsulation member has a plurality of apertures.