Reduced pressure tissue therapy device
Disclosed herein are devices and methods for reduced pressure tissue therapy. Some variations of suction devices for reduced pressure tissue therapy comprise a housing, a suction force generating mechanism located within the housing, and a storage module configured to retain tissue exudates. In some variations, the storage module includes a sleeve configured to collect tissue exudates. The sleeve may include a support element to help maintain the lateral structural integrity of the sleeve and/or retain the cross-sectional geometry of the sleeve under negative pressure. In use, the storage module may reduce sanitary and/or biohazard risks by preventing the exudates from contacting the housing and/or suction force generating mechanism. The storage module is configured to be replaced so that the housing and suction force generating mechanism can be used for more than one session.
1. A reduced pressure therapy device comprising:
a housing comprising a suction force generating mechanism;
a distal port;
a suction chamber;
a storage module comprising a sleeve including an internal compartment configured to collect exudates through the distal port, wherein the sleeve is configured to provide a barrier between the exudates and the suction chamber, wherein the sleeve has a wall and a support element along the wall configured to resist inward collapse of the wall under negative pressure, and wherein a proximal end wall of the sleeve is attached to the suction force generating mechanism; and
a fluid retention assembly including a pouch positioned within the internal compartment and configured to retain exudates within the storage module.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the wall of the sleeve is flexible and the support element comprises a support structure that is more rigid than the flexible wall.
3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the support structure comprises a helical coil.
4. The device of claim 2 , wherein the support structure comprises one or more rings or loops.
5. The device of claim 2 , wherein the support structure comprises wire grid scaffolding.
6. The device of claim 2 , wherein the support structure comprises a mesh or weave.
7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the support element comprises hinges.
8. The device of claim 7 , wherein the hinges comprise living hinges.
9. The device of claim 7 , wherein the hinges comprise mechanical hinges comprising discrete components that are pivotally connected by a connecting structure.
10. The device of claim 9 , wherein the mechanical hinges include engaging structures that lock the hinge in a desired maximum open angle.
11. The device of claim 9 , wherein the mechanical hinges include interfering features that limit the maximum angle to which the hinge can open.
12. The device of claim 1 , wherein the wall of the sleeve comprises a plurality of first pleats, wherein each first pleat is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device and defines a first angle.
13. The device of claim 12 , wherein the support element is located along at least one first pleat.
14. The device of claim 13 , wherein the support element comprises a second material added to the sleeve wall at the first pleat, wherein the second material defines a second pleat having a second angle more acute than the first angle.
15. The device of claim 13 , wherein the support element comprises a second material extending from the first pleat and protruding perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve for a distance between about 0.005 inches and about 0.02 inches.
16. The device of claim 15 , wherein the distance is between about 0.01 inches and about 0.015 inches.
17. The device of claim 2 , wherein the support structure is enclosed within the wall of the sleeve.
18. The device of claim 2 , wherein the support structure is located on an inner surface of the wall of the sleeve.
19. The device of claim 2 , wherein the support structure is located on an outer surface of the wall of the sleeve.
20. The device of claim 2 , wherein the support structure is located on an inner surface and an outer surface of the wall of the sleeve.
21. The device of claim 1 , wherein the sleeve further comprises a distal valve.
22. The device of claim 21 , wherein the distal valve is a one-way valve.
23. The device of claim 1 , wherein the suction force generating mechanism comprises a force member.
24. The device of claim 23 , wherein the force member comprises a constant force spring.
25. The device of claim 23 , wherein the force member comprises a variable force spring.
26. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a sliding assembly translatable along the longitudinal axis of the housing.
27. The device of claim 26 , wherein the sliding assembly is a sliding seal assembly.
28. The device of claim 26 , wherein the sliding assembly is attached to the suction force generating mechanism.
29. The device of claim 26 , wherein the proximal end wall of the sleeve is attached to the sliding assembly by snap-fit, screw-fit, twist-fit, friction-fit, adhesives, hooks and loop engagement, magnetic engagement, clips, and/or clasps.
30. The device of claim 26 , further comprising an activation tool configured to urge the sliding assembly distally along a longitudinal axis of the housing.
31. The device of claim 1 , wherein the sleeve is detachable from the suction force generating mechanism and the distal port.
32. The device of claim 1 , wherein the sleeve wall comprises a film or membrane.