Fluid containment apparatus
The invention relates to the treatment of wounds. In particular, the invention relates to systems, devices, and methods enabling pulse lavage irrigation of wounds in a non-controlled setting while providing containment of contaminated irrigation fluid, thereby preventing exposure of individuals and surfaces in proximity to the patient to infectious materials.
1. A system for wound irrigation comprising:
a) a wound-proximal membrane element comprising an opening that contours the wound edges;
b) a base element, securable to said wound-proximal membrane element;
c) an upper housing element, connectable to said base element, and bearing at least first and second port elements;
d) a fluid introduction means, connected to said first port element;
e) a fluid suction means, connected to said second port element;
f) irrigation fluid; and
g) an irrigation nozzle for directing the flow of said fluid toward the opening in said membrane.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said opening in said membrane comprises a cut about the center of said wound-proximal membrane element.
3. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a means of adjusting fluid pressure.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the spray direction of said irrigation nozzle is manually controllable.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the spray direction of said one or more irrigation nozzles moves according to a pre-set program.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein said upper housing element connects to said base element by an interlocking mechanism.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein said upper housing element connects to said base element by a screw-in mechanism.
8. The system of claim 1 , wherein said base element securably attaches to said wound-proximal membrane element by an adhesive.
9. The system of claim 1 , wherein said base element securably attaches to said wound-proximal membrane element by a locking mechanism.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein said wound-proximal membrane element adheres to a subject proximal to a wound on said subject.
11. A method for administering an irrigation fluid to a wound comprising: a) placing the system of claim 1 on the wound of a subject; b) administering irrigation fluids to said wound; and c) sequestering said irrigation fluids by said system of claim 1 following contact with said wound.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein said irrigation fluid is administered via pulse lavage irrigation.
13. The method of claim 11 , wherein said irrigation fluid is administered via pressurized non-pulsatile irrigation.