Delivery tube, system, and method for storing liquid from tissue site

0001The present invention generally relates to the field of tissue treatment, and in particular to systems and methods for retaining liquid from tissue sites.

0002Clinical studies and practices have shown that providing decompression near a tissue site reinforces and promotes the growth of new tissue in that tissue site. Although there are many applications of this phenomenon, the application of decompression has been particularly successful in wound treatment. Wound treatment using decompression is called "negative pressure tissue treatment", "decompression treatment", or "vacuum treatment" in the medical community. This type of treatment offers many benefits, including faster healing and enhanced granulation tissue formation.

0003Decompression therapy systems are often applied to large exudative wounds present in patients undergoing first aid or long-term treatment, as well as severe wounds that are difficult to heal without decompression. Less severe wounds with smaller volume and less exudate are generally treated with state-of-the-art dressings instead of decompression treatment.

0004To alleviate the current problems associated with decompression therapy systems, the examples described herein relate to devices, systems, and methods for retaining fluid from tissue sites. According to one embodiment, the device comprises a delivery tube comprising at least one lumen, which is capable of transmitting decompression to the tissue site and receiving liquid from the tissue site. The device has the absorber in at least one lumen. This absorbent can behave to absorb liquid from the tissue site. In another embodiment, at least one lumen contains no absorbent.

0005According to another embodiment, a system for retaining liquid from a tissue site is provided with a decompression source capable of operating to provide decompression and a manifold configured to distribute this decompression. It comprises a delivery tube having at least one lumen and an absorber disposed in this at least one lumen.

0006According to another embodiment, the method of retaining the liquid from the tissue site is to place a delivery tube having at least one lumen that communicates with the tissue site and the liquid from the tissue site to at least one lumen. The step of providing decompression to at least one lumen to be drawn in and the absorbent material in this at least one lumen to absorb the liquid from the tissue site and bring the liquid from this tissue site to at least one lumen. Have steps to hold and.

0007According to another embodiment, a method of manufacturing an apparatus for holding a liquid from a tissue site is provided. The method comprises forming a delivery tube having at least one lumen and providing an absorbent. The method may include the step of applying the absorbent to at least one lumen.

0008Other objectives, features, and advantages of the examples will become apparent with reference to the drawings and the detailed description below.

0009<figref num="1">FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an apparatus for applying decompression to a tissue site according to one embodiment.</figref><figref num="2">FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a device for applying decompression to a tissue site according to one embodiment.</figref><figref num="3">FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a component of an apparatus that applies decompression to a tissue portion according to an embodiment.</figref><figref num="4">FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a component of an apparatus that applies decompression to a tissue portion according to an embodiment.</figref><figref num="5">FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a component of an apparatus that applies decompression to a tissue portion according to an embodiment.</figref><figref num="6">FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a component of an apparatus that applies decompression to a tissue portion according to an embodiment.</figref><figref num="7">FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a component of an apparatus that applies decompression to a tissue portion according to an embodiment.</figref><figref num="8">FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a component of an apparatus that applies decompression to a tissue portion according to an embodiment.</figref><figref num="9">FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a component of an apparatus that applies decompression to a tissue portion according to an embodiment.</figref><figref num="10">FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a part of the delivery tube holding the liquid from the tissue site according to one embodiment.</figref><figref num="11">FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a delivery tube holding a liquid from a tissue site according to one embodiment.</figref><figref num="12">FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a delivery tube holding a liquid from a tissue site according to one embodiment.</figref><figref num="13">FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of the delivery tube holding the liquid from the tissue site according to one embodiment.</figref><figref num="14">FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a delivery tube holding a liquid from a tissue site according to one embodiment.</figref><figref num="15">FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an apparatus for applying decompression to a tissue site according to one embodiment.</figref><figref num="16">FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a component of an apparatus that applies decompression to a tissue portion according to an embodiment.</figref><figref num="17">FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a component of an apparatus that applies decompression to a tissue portion according to an embodiment.</figref><figref num="18">FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a component of an apparatus that applies decompression to a tissue portion according to an embodiment.</figref><figref num="19">FIG. 19 is a graph showing a system for applying decompression to a tissue site according to one embodiment.</figref><figref num="20">FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a process of applying decompression to a tissue site according to one embodiment.</figref><figref num="21">FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a process of applying decompression to a tissue site according to one embodiment.</figref>

0010In the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, the accompanying drawings that form part of the description are coded to indicate specific preferred embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These examples have been described in sufficient detail to allow those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and other examples are available and have a logical structure without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. It is understood that physical, mechanical, electrical and chemical changes can be made. In order to omit details that are not necessary for those skilled in the art to carry out the present invention, this specification may delete certain information known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the following detailed description is not limiting and the scope of the invention is defined only by the claims.

0011The examples described herein provide devices, systems, and methods for retaining the liquid removed from a tissue site. Decompression generally means a pressure lower than the ambient pressure of the tissue site being treated. In most cases, this decompression will be lower than the atmospheric pressure at the location of the patient. The terms "vacuum" and "negative pressure" can be used to describe the pressure exerted on a tissue site, but the actual pressure exerted on the tissue site may be higher than the normal pressure used for a complete vacuum. is there. In line with this term, decompression or increase in vacuum pressure means a relative decrease in absolute pressure, and decrease in decompression or vacuum pressure means a relative increase in absolute pressure. Similarly, a decompression "lower" than a particular decompression means an absolute pressure higher than the absolute pressure corresponding to that particular decompression. Also, a decompression "higher" than a particular decompression means an absolute pressure lower than the absolute pressure corresponding to the particular decompression.

0012As used herein, the term "connecting" includes connecting through another object. The term "connected" also includes "directly connected", in which case the two objects come into contact with each other in some way. The term "connected" also includes two or more parts that are continuous with each other through each of the parts made of the same piece of material. Furthermore, the term "linked" also includes chemical linkages, such as via chemical bonds. The term "connected" also includes mechanical, thermal and electrical connections.

0013Currently, the use of decompression therapy is affordable to develop for less serious wounds due to the manpower required to replace monitors and system components, the need for monitoring by trained medical professionals, and the high cost of treatment. Not considered as an option. For example, current decompression therapy systems are cumbersome and exclude people with little or no specific knowledge from giving such treatments to themselves or others. Also, the size and power consumption characteristics of current decompression therapy systems limit the mobility of both the therapy system and the patient being treated. Also, the high cost of current decompression treatment systems eliminates the accessibility of such treatment systems to users. Also, current decompression treatment systems are usually not disposable after each treatment.

0014For example, current decompression therapy systems require the use of separate fluid containers to retain exudate extracted from tissue sites. However, the inclusion of an additional component, the fluid container, increases the projectivity, complexity, and weight of the decompression therapy system, which increases discomfort and limits patient mobility.

0015Current decompression therapy systems are also inconvenient for the user and lack an unobtrusive way to indicate whether the decompression therapy system is applying an appropriate amount of decompression to a tissue site. Therefore, a person with special knowledge is required to operate the decompression therapy system properly, which increases the cost and makes the decompression therapy system in use less accessible.

0016Although conventional decompression treatment systems have been used to apply decompression to wounds with small volumes and low exudate, there is a need for a simpler system that can administer decompression without special medical training. Further, a compact system with low power consumption is required so that the user of the system can continue to move and participate in normal daily activities. Ultimately, there is a need for an inexpensive system that can be used economically by a patient and can be disposable after the patient's treatment is complete.

0017With reference to FIG. 1, a decompression therapy system 100 is shown that applies decompression to tissue site 105 according to one example. Tissue site 105 is a body tissue of human, animal, or other living organism, including bone tissue, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, skin tissue, vascular tissue, connective tissue, cartilage, tendon, ligament, or other tissue. Is. Tissue site 105 includes wound, lesioned tissue, or defective tissue, which tissue site may be healthy tissue that is not wounded, lesioned, or defective. The application of decompression to tissue site 105 is used to promote the drainage of exudates and other fluids from tissue site 105, as well as to stimulate the growth of additional tissue. When tissue site 105 is the wound site, granulation tissue growth and exudation gains and removal of bacteria promote wound healing. The application of decompression to non-wound or non-lesionous tissue, including healthy tissue, is also used to promote the growth of tissue collected and transplanted elsewhere.

0018The decompression applied to the tissue site 105 is created by the decompression source 110. The decompression source 110 is a type of pump that operates manually, mechanically, or electrically. A non-limiting example of the decompression source 110 includes a device driven by retained energy, from which decompression can be created. Examples of such decompression sources with retention energy are, but are not limited to, piezoelectric energy, spring energy, solar energy, kinetic energy, energy stored in capacitors, combustion, and developed by Sterling or similar. Includes pumps driven by energy, developed by the cycle of. Other examples of decompression source 110 are manual operation such as bellows pumps, peristaltic pumps, diaphragm pumps, rotary wing pumps, linear piston pumps, air pumps, hydraulic pumps, hand pumps, foot pumps, pumps with manually operated spray bottles. Includes manually operated devices such as pumps. Other devices and processes that can be used or included in the decompression source 110 include syringes, lead screws, latches, clockwork devices, pendulum driven devices, manual generators, penetration processes, heating processes. , And a process in which vacuum pressure is generated by condensation.

0019In another embodiment, the decompression source 110 comprises a pump driven by a chemical reaction. A tablet, solution, spray, or other delivery mechanism is delivered to the pump to initiate a chemical reaction. The heat generated by the chemical reaction is used to drive the pump to generate decompression. In another example, CO₂A pressurized gas cylinder such as a cylinder is used to drive the pump to generate decompression. In yet another embodiment, the decompression source 110 is a battery-powered pump. Preferably, the pump is a pump that uses a small amount of power and can operate for a long period of time with a single charge of the battery.

0020The decompression source 110 provides decompression to the tissue site 105 via the dressing 115. The dressing 115 comprises a manifold 120, which can be placed in the vicinity of the tissue site 105 or in contact with the tissue site 105. Manifold 120 is a biocompatible porous material that can be placed in contact with tissue site 105 to distribute decompression to tissue site 105. Manifold 120 can be made of foam, gauze, felt mat, or other material suitable for a particular biological application. Manifold 120 comprises multiple flow channels or pathways to facilitate the distribution of decompression to or from tissue site 105.

0021In one embodiment, the manifold 120 is a porous foam with a plurality of interconnected cells or holes acting as flow channels. The porous foam may be a reticulated foam such as polyurethane, open cell, Granu Foam manufactured by Kinetic Concepts, Inc., located in San Antonio, Texas. When open cell foam is used, the porosity varies, but is preferably about 400-600 microns. The flow channel allows liquid to pass through a portion of the manifold 120 having an open cell. The cells and flow channels may be uniform in shape and size, or may be patterned in shape and size, or may vary randomly. Changes in the cell shape and size of the manifold change the flow channel, and such characteristics can be used to change the flow characteristics of the fluid passing through the manifold 120.

0022The manifold 120 can also be constructed of a bioabsorbable material that does not need to be removed from the patient's body after use of the decompression therapy system 100. Suitable bioabsorbable materials include, but are not limited to, polymer blends of polylactic acid (PLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA). The polymer blend also includes, but is not limited to, polycarbonate, polyfumalic acid ester, and caprolactone. In addition, Manifold 120 acts as a backbone for new cell proliferation, or the backbone material is used in conjunction with Manifold 120 to promote cell proliferation. A skeleton is a substance or structure, such as a three-dimensional porous structure, that provides a template for cell proliferation used to enhance or promote cell proliferation or tissue formation. Examples of skeletal materials include calcium phosphate, collagen, PLA / PGA, coral-hydroxyapatite, carboxylic acids, or treated allografts. In one example, this skeletal material has a high void ratio (ie, high air content).

0023The dressing 115 also comprises a sealing member 125. The manifold 120 is secured to the tissue site 105 using the sealing member 125. The sealing member 125 may be a cover used to secure the manifold 120 to the tissue site 105. The sealing member 125 may be permeable or translucent, but in one embodiment the sealing member 125 may maintain decompression at the tissue site 105 after attaching the sealing member 125 to the manifold 120. it can. Sealing member 125 is a drape or film made of a silicone-based compound, acrylic material, hydrogel or hydrogel forming material, or other biocompatible material having the impervious or permeable properties desired for tissue site 105. May be good. The sealing member 125 may be formed of a hydrophobic material to prevent the sealing member 125 from absorbing moisture.

0024Instead of providing in a "sheet" shape, such as a drape shape, the sealing member 125 can be provided in an injectable or sprayable shape, which brings the manifold 120 into contact with the tissue site 105 and places it on top of the manifold 120. Applies. Similarly, the sealing member 125 may include a device that is placed on the manifold 120 and the tissue site 105 to provide the sealing function. This includes, but is not limited to, suction cups, molded casts, and bell-shaped jars.

0025In one embodiment, the sealing member 125 is configured to provide an airtight connection with a manifold 120 surrounding the tissue and a tissue site 105. The airtight connection is provided by placing an adhesive along the periphery of the sealing member 125 or at any site of the sealing member 125 to secure the sealing member 125 to the peripheral tissue of the manifold 120 or the tissue site 105. Will be done. This adhesive may be provided in advance on the sealing member 125, or may be sprayed or applied to the sealing member 125 immediately before attaching the sealing member 125.

0026In some cases, the sealing member 125 is not needed to seal the tissue site 105. For example, tissue site 105 can be "self-sealed" to maintain decompression. In the case of epithelial tissue or deep tissue wounds, cavities, fistulas, it is possible to maintain decompression at tissue site 105 without the use of sealing member 125. Since tissue often wraps or surrounds these types of tissue sites, the tissue surrounding the tissue sites effectively acts as a sealing member.

0027The decompression generated by the decompression source 110 can be applied to tissue site 105 using the delivery tube 135. The delivery tube 135 may be any tube through which a gas, liquid, gel, or other fluid flows. For example, exudate from tissue site 105 flows through delivery tube 135. In FIG. 1, the connector 150 connects the delivery tube 135 to the fluid recovery device 140. However, the delivery tube 135 can connect the decompression source 110 directly to the dressing 115 without using an intermediate connector 150 or a fluid recovery device 140.

0028The delivery tube 135 has a cross-sectional shape such as a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon. Also, the delivery tube 135 may be made of any material that is flexible or inflexible. The delivery tube 135 also comprises a path or lumen through which one or more fluids flow. For example, the delivery tube 135 has two lumens. In this example, one lumen can be used as a route for exudate from tissue site 105 to fluid recovery device 140. The other lumen can be used to deliver fluids such as air, antibacterial materials, antibiotics, cell growth promoters, stimulating fluids, or other chemically active materials to tissue site 105. The fluid sources from which these fluids come out are not shown in Figure 1.

0029In one embodiment, the delivery tube 135 comprises a delivery lumen and one or more recovery lumens to recover exudate from tissue site 105. Each of these lumens is equipped with a filter, which can also control the flow of exudate through the lumen. Further details of the delivery lumen, the recovery lumen, and the filter provided on the delivery tube 135 are provided in FIGS. 2-10.

0030In one embodiment, the delivery tube 135 is connected to the manifold 120 via a connecting member 145. The connecting member 145 provides a fluid passage from the manifold 120 to the delivery tube 135 and vice versa. For example, the exudate collected from the tissue site 105 using the manifold 120 enters the delivery tube 135 via the connecting member 145. In another embodiment, the decompression therapy system 100 does not include connecting member 145. In this embodiment, the delivery tube 135 can be inserted directly into the sealing member 125, or inserted into the manifold 120 so that one end of the delivery tube 135 is near or in contact with the manifold 120.

0031The decompression therapy system 100 comprises a fluid recovery device 140. Liquids, such as exudate from tissue site 105, flow through delivery tube 135 to fluid recovery device 140. The fluid recovery device 140 may be a device or cavity capable of accommodating a fluid containing a gas, a liquid, and a solid. For example, the fluid recovery device 140 can store exudate from the tissue site 105. The delivery tube 135 is either directly connected to the fluid recovery device 140 or is connected to the fluid recovery device 140 via a connector such as the connector 150.

0032The fluid recovery device 140 is a flexible or rigid canister, bag, or pouch fluid-coupled to the manifold 120 by a delivery tube 135. The fluid recovery device 140 may be an individual container or may be operably combined with a decompression source 110 to recover exudate and fluid. In an embodiment in which a manual pump such as a bellows pump is used as the decompression source 110, a volume variable chamber that produces decompression also acts as a fluid recovery device 140 to recover the fluid when the chamber expands. Good. The fluid recovery device 140 may include a single chamber for collecting fluid, or may optionally have multiple chambers. A desiccant or absorber can be placed within the fluid recovery device 140 to capture or control the recovered fluid. In the absence of the fluid recovery device 140, exudate and other fluid control methods may be used to allow particularly water-soluble fluids to evaporate from the manifold 120. In another embodiment, one or more recovery lumens in the delivery tube 135 described below with reference to FIGS. 2-10 can be used in place of or in addition to the fluid recovery device 140.

0033The decompression therapy system 100 comprises a decompression feedback system 155 that is operably associated with other components of the decompression therapy system 100 and is delivered to the tissue site 105 or decompression source 110 to the user of the decompression therapy system 100. Provides information that displays the relative or absolute amount of pressure generated in. Examples of feedback systems include, but are not limited to, pop valves that operate when the pressure is reduced above the selected value, and deviation pop valves. Further details regarding the pop valve, in particular the feedback system with the movable indicator corresponding to the decompression in the delivery tube 135, are described below with reference to FIGS. 15-19.

0034Other non-limiting examples of feedback systems include low power electronic indicators powered by small batteries, dial indicators that display the specific pressure applied to the tissue site, and polymers with various deviation characteristics. And a film that moves relative to each other and produces a visible identifier that displays the relative or absolute pressure values generated at the decompression source 110. An example of a "film" based system is a yellow film fixed to the first part of the decompression source 110, which comprises a film that is relatively mobile relative to the blue film fixed to the second part. .. The first and second parts move relative to each other to apply decompression, and the yellow and blue films overlap to create a green indicator. As the pressure rises and the films move away from each other, the green disappears, indicating that the pressure has risen (ie, more decompression needs to be applied).

0035The decompression treatment system 100 further includes a volume detection system 157 that detects the amount of fluid present in the fluid recovery device 140, a blood detection system 159 that detects the presence of blood in the exudate collected from the tissue site 105, and tissue. A temperature monitoring system 162 that monitors the temperature of the tissue site 105, an inflammation detection system 165 that detects the presence of inflammation in the tissue site 105, and / or a flow rate monitoring system 167 that monitors the flow rate of the fluid recovered from the tissue site 105. To prepare. The inflammation detection system 165 may include a foam or other substance that changes color in the presence of bacteria. This foam or other material is operably attached to the manifold 120 or delivery tube 135, and this color-changing material is exposed to exudate from tissue site 105. In addition to the components and systems described above, the decompression therapy system 100 includes valves, regulators, switches, and other electrical, mechanical, and fluid components to decompress the tissue site 105. Is easy to provide.

0036With reference to FIG. 2, a decompression therapy system 200, which is a non-limiting example of the decompression therapy system 100 shown in FIG. 1, is shown according to an example. In one embodiment, the fluid recovery device 140 of FIG. 1 is a tube 235 fluidly coupled between the dressing 215 and the decompression source 210. Dressing 215 and decompression source 210 are non-limiting examples of dressing 115 and decompression source 110 shown in FIG. 1, respectively.

0037Tube 235 has multiple lumens. In particular, tube 235 comprises a delivery lumen 270 and a plurality of recovery lumens 272. FIG. 2 shows a tube 235 having a single delivery lumen 270 and two recovery lumens 272, although the tube 235 may have any number of delivery and recovery lumens. For example, multiple delivery lumens and a single recovery lumen may be provided in tube 235.

0038All of the lumens in the tube 235, including the delivery lumen 270 and the plurality of recovery lumens 272, are fluid connected to the decompression source 210 and all are exposed to decompression. Thus, the decompression generated by the decompression source 210 is transmitted to the tissue site 205 via the dressing 215, through each of the plurality of lumens in the tube 235. In one embodiment, the decompression source 210 applies decompression to tissue site 205 via delivery lumen 270 and plurality of recovery lumens 272, with the plurality of recovery lumens 272 containing a liquid or solid from tissue site 205. Receives fluid 274, such as liquid. In one example, fluid 274 is exudate from tissue site 205. The plurality of recovery lumens 272 can retain the fluid 274 received from the tissue site 205. Therefore, a separate fluid recovery device such as the fluid recovery device 140 shown in FIG. 1 becomes unnecessary.

0039The decompression therapy system 200 may include at least one filter connected to tube 235. In particular, tube 235 comprises a delivery lumen filter 276 and a recovery lumen filter 278. The delivery lumen filter 276 and the recovery lumen filter 278 prevent the fluid 274 from the tissue site 205 from passing or flowing through one or more locations where the filters are located. The delivery lumen filter 276 and the recovery lumen filter 278 may be any filter such as a hydrophobic filter, a hydrophilic filter, and a mechanical valve as long as they can prevent the flow of the fluid 274. In the example where the delivery lumen filter 276 or the recovery lumen filter 278 is a mechanical valve, a one-way valve such as a duck bill valve can be used.

0040The delivery lumen filter 276 is connected to the end of tube 235 near tissue site 205 and dressing 215. As used herein, "neighborhood" means the position of another object or the vicinity of another object. In one example, if the first object is closer to a particular object than the second object, then the first object is closer to the particular object. Thus, if the first end of the tube is closer to the tissue site 205 than the second end of the tube, then the first end of the tube 235 is near the tissue site 205. The delivery lumen filter 276 suppresses or prevents fluid 274 from entering delivery lumen 270 through one or more components of dressing 215. Therefore, even when the fluid 274 is being recovered in the plurality of recovery lumens 272, decompression is continuously applied through the delivery lumen 270 without being disturbed by the fluid 274.

0041FIG. 2 shows a delivery lumen filter 276 that prevents the fluid 274 from entering the delivery lumen 270, but the delivery lumen filter 276 also does not allow the fluid 274 to pass through a particular point along the delivery lumen 270. It is arranged like this. For example, the delivery lumen filter 276 is located within the delivery lumen 270 at a specific distance from the end of the tube 235, and the fluid 274 is part of the delivery lumen 270 without being disturbed by the delivery lumen filter 276. You can enter. Further details regarding the placement and coupling of the delivery lumen filter 276 are provided in FIGS. 4-6.

0042The recovery lumen filter 278 is connected to the end of the tube 235 near the decompression source 210. The recovery lumen filter 278 keeps the fluid 274 out of the decompression source 210 or out of the plurality of recovery lumens 272. Depending on the location of the recovery lumen filter 278, the plurality of recovery lumens 272 between the dressing 215 and the recovery lumen filter 278 are reservoirs that can receive exudate and other fluids from tissue site 205. Since the plurality of recovered lumens 272 are affected by the decompression source 210, fluid is drawn from the tissue site 205 through the manifold 220 near the tissue site 205 to the plurality of recovered lumens 272. The volume of space for the fluid depends on the diameter of the plurality of recovery lumens 272 and the number of recovery lumens, as well as the length of each recovery lumen between the dressing 215 and the recovery lumen filter 278. For example, multiple recovery lumens 272 can hold about 30-60 cubic centimeters of fluid 274. However, the above-mentioned physical parameters of the plurality of recovery lumens 272 can be adjusted based on a special implementation such that the plurality of recovery lumens 272 can hold any amount of fluid 274.

0043Even if the plurality of recovery lumens 272 is filled with fluid, the plurality of recovery lumens 272 can continuously transmit decompression from the decompression source 210. When the plurality of recovery lumens 272 is completely filled with fluid 274 between the dressing 215 and the recovery lumen filter 278, decompression is no longer transmitted through the plurality of recovery lumens 272. However, the delivery lumen 270 continues to transmit decompression even after the multiple recovery lumens 272 are full.

0044Although the recovery lumen filter 278 is shown connected to the end of the tube 235 near the decompression source 210, the recovery lumen filter 278 may be located anywhere along the tube 235. For example, the recovery lumen filter 278 can be centered along the length of the tube 235. In this example, multiple recovery lumens 272 can be filled with fluid 274 until the fluid 274 is obstructed by the recovery lumen filter 278 in the center of tube 235. Therefore, the recovery lumen filter 278 prevents the fluid 274 from passing through the center of the tube 235 along the plurality of recovery lumens 272. In this example, only part of the space defined by the plurality of recovery lumens 272 is filled with fluid 274.

0045In another example, the decompression therapy system 200 comprises multiple recovery lumen filters. In this example, each recovery lumen filter is located at a different position along each recovery lumen of the plurality of recovery lumens 272. Therefore, each of the plurality of recovery lumens 272 has a different fluid capacity.

0046Since the decompression therapy system 200 is used to treat tissue sites with low exudate, the smaller fluid recovery provided by multiple recovery lumens 272 (as opposed to a dedicated canister) provides treatment in a longer period of time. Has little or no effect on the performance of the decompression therapy system 200. The compactness of the fluid recovery device integrated with the decompression delivery tube minimizes patient discomfort and maximizes patient mobility. During treatment, the tube 235 can be easily replaced with a new tube when the multiple recovery lumens 272 are completely filled with fluid 274.

0047Multiple recovery lumens 272 partially desiccanted, absorbent, or other trapping material to minimize the risk of fluid spilling during tube replacement or fluid regurgitation into the manifold 220 during treatment. Can be filled or packed. Non-limiting examples of delivery tubes with such absorbent and / or trapping properties are shown in FIGS. 10-14.

0048In FIG. 2, the portion of the plurality of recovery lumens 272 containing the fluid 274 is shaded, indicating that the fluid 274 is visible to the user of the decompression therapy system 200. Tube 235 comprises at least one substantially transparent tube portion through which fluid 274 can be seen. For example, one or more substantially transparent tube portions are windows on tube 235 made of transparent material. Each of these windows may extend over a portion of tube 235 near each recovery lumen 272.

0049In another example, the tube 235 may be made of a transparent material. Thus, the fluid 274 is visible because the entire tube 235 is transparent. For example, the fluid 274 from tissue site 205, such as exudate, is dark in color so that the user can easily see the fluid levels in the plurality of recovery lumens 272.

0050The tube 235 may include a division 280. The plot 280 displays the amount of fluid 274 in multiple recovery lumens 272. In an example in which the tube 235 comprises one or more substantially transparent tube portions, such as a transparent window, a compartment 280 may be provided along each window. Each compartment 280 corresponds to a particular volume or amount of fluid 274. For example, the first division 280 is labeled "5cc", and each subsequent division is labeled with an increase of 5 cubic centimeters. Use of a particular increase depends on the implementation.

0051With reference to FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of the tube 300 as viewed from the perspective cross-sectional view 3 shown in FIG. 2 is shown. As shown in FIG. 3, the delivery lumen 270 has a larger cross section than each recovery lumen 272. However, in one example, the cross section of the delivery lumen 270 is equal to or smaller than the cross section of each recovery lumen 272. The delivery lumen 270 and the recovery lumen 272 also have a round cross-sectional shape. However, the delivery lumen 270 and the recovery lumen 272 may have any cross-sectional shape, such as an elliptical, polygonal, or irregular cross-sectional shape.

0052Each recovery lumen 272 is shown equidistant from the delivery lumen 270 such that the recovery lumen 272 surrounds the delivery lumen 270 in a circular pattern. However, the delivery lumen 270 and the recovery lumen 272 may have any spatial structure with respect to each other, including that each recovery lumen 272 is at a different distance from the delivery lumen 270. In addition, the tube 300 may comprise two or more delivery lumens, such as the delivery lumen 270. An arbitrary number of recovery lumens 272 may be included in tube 300. In one example, the number of delivery lumens in the tube 300 exceeds the number of recovery lumens.

0053The delivery lumen 270 is shown to be located along the longitudinal center line of the tube 300. However, the delivery lumen 270 may be arranged along any vertical axis over the length of the tube 300. In one example, the delivery lumen 270 and the recovery lumen 272 are defined by a wall that extends longitudinally over the length of the tube 300. In this example, two or more intersecting walls define a quadrant, both of which can be delivery lumens or recovery lumens.

0054Here, referring to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view of the tube 400 as viewed from the perspective cross-sectional view 4 of FIG. 2 is shown. Tube 400 comprises a delivery lumen filter 276 that is connected to tube 400 at the opening of delivery lumen 270. The delivery lumen filter 276 has the same or slightly larger cross section as the delivery lumen 270, and the delivery lumen filter 276 ensures that fluid does not enter the delivery lumen 270. The delivery lumen filter 276 can be attached to the end of the tube 400 using either method. For example, the delivery lumen filter 276 can be welded, screwed, glued, bolted, airlocked, snapped or pressed onto the end of the tube 400.

0055With reference to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of the tube 500 as viewed from the perspective plan display 5 of FIG. 4 is shown. FIG. 5 shows a condition in which the opening of the delivery lumen 270 is obstructed by the delivery lumen filter 276 to prevent fluid from the tissue site from entering the delivery lumen 270. In particular, the delivery lumen filter 276 is located just outside the delivery lumen 270, with the delivery lumen filter 276 projecting to the diameter of the delivery lumen 270 at the protruding portion 277. The delivery lumen filter 276 is thick enough to prevent fluid from flowing into the delivery lumen 270. The opening of the recovery lumen 272 is not blocked by the delivery lumen filter 276, and the recovery lumen 272 can receive and recover the fluid.

0056A cross-sectional view of the tube 600 is shown with reference to FIG. 6, where the delivery lumen filter 276 has a different size and structure than the delivery lumen filter 276 shown in FIG. In particular, the delivery lumen filter 276 has approximately the same diameter as the delivery lumen 270, and the delivery lumen filter 276 fits into the space defined by the delivery lumen 270. Although the delivery lumen filter 276 is located at the end of the delivery lumen 270, the delivery lumen filter 276 may be located anywhere along the length of the delivery lumen 270. In this example, the delivery lumen filter 276 prevents fluid from the tissue site from passing through a position where the delivery lumen filter 276 is located along the delivery lumen 270.

0057With reference to FIG. 7, the cross section of the tube 700 as viewed from the perspective cross-section display 7 shown in FIG. 2 is shown. The tube 700 comprises a recovery lumen filter 278. The recovery lumen filter 278 is shown attached to the end of the tube 700. Further, the recovery lumen filter 278 is shown separately from the end of the tube 700 so that the shape of the recovery lumen filter can be better understood. The recovery lumen filter 278 is a disk having an opening 279. When connected to the end of the tube 700, the recovery lumen filter 278 covers the recovery lumen 272, but not the delivery lumen 270, with an opening 279 at the opening of the delivery lumen 270. Therefore, the recovery lumen filter 278 prevents the fluid recovered by the recovery lumen filter 278 from leaving the recovery lumen 272 and entering a pressure reducing source such as the pressure reducing source 210 shown in FIG. However, decompression is applied through the recovery lumen filter 278, which can transmit decompression to the tissue site. The recovery lumen filter 278 is shown to be "O" shaped, but any recovery lumen filter 278 can prevent fluid from exiting one or more recovery lumens 272. It may be in shape. For example, the recovery lumen filter 278 may be a disc without a central hole, as the gas can exit the delivery lumen 270.

0058The recovery lumen filter 278 can be attached to the end of the tube 700 using any method. For example, the recovery lumen filter 278 can be welded, screwed, glued, bolted, airlocked, snapped or pressed onto the end of the tube 700.

0059With reference to FIG. 8, FIG. 7 shows a sectional view of the tube 800 as viewed from the sectional perspective display 8. FIG. 8 shows a condition in which the opening of the recovery lumen 272 is blocked by the recovery lumen filter 278, and fluid from the tissue site cannot exit the recovery lumen 272 or enter the decompression source. In particular, the recovery lumen filter 278 is located just outside the recovery lumen 272, and the recovery lumen filter 278 is shown protruding to each diameter of each recovery lumen 272. The recovery lumen filter 278 is thick enough to prevent fluid from flowing out of the recovery lumen filter 278. The opening of the delivery lumen 270 is not blocked by the recovery lumen filter 278 and there are no obstacles between the opening of the delivery lumen 270 and the decompression source.

0060With reference to FIG. 9, a cross section of the tube 900 is shown, where the recovery lumen filter 278 has a different size and configuration than the recovery lumen filter 278 shown in FIG. In particular, the recovery lumen filter 278 comprises a plurality of recovery lumen filters, each of which is located within the space defined by the recovery lumen 272. The diameter of each recovery lumen filter 278 is approximately the same as the diameter of each recovery lumen 272, so that the recovery lumen filter 278 fits the recovery lumen 272. In this example, each recovery lumen filter is a mechanical valve that prevents the flow of fluids such as exudate but not the flow of gas, so that decompression flows through the recovery lumen filter 278. The recovery lumen filter 278 is located at the end of each recovery lumen 272, whereas the recovery lumen filter 278 may be placed at any position along the length of the recovery lumen 272, whereby the fluid in each recovery lumen 272. The capacity is decided. Each of the reclaimed lumen filters 278 is located at a different position along each reclaimed lumen 272, thus the fluid capacity of each reclaimed lumen 272 is different.

0061With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, delivery tube 1000 according to one embodiment is shown. In particular, FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a part of the delivery tube 1000 with a broken line. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the delivery tube 1000 along lines 11-11 of FIG. Delivery tube 1000 is another non-limiting example of delivery tube 135 of FIG. 1 and tube 235 of FIG. The delivery tube 1000 comprises a lumen 1010 and is capable of transmitting decompression from a decompression source such as decompression source 110 shown in FIG. 1 to a tissue site such as tissue site 105 shown in FIG. The delivery tube 1000 can also operate to receive liquid from tissue sites. In particular, the decompression transmitted through the delivery tube 1000 causes the lumen 1010 to suck the liquid from the tissue site. In one embodiment, the reduced pressure is also transmitted through a dressing such as the dressing 115 shown in FIG. 1 and the liquid enters the delivery tube 1000 via the dressing components such as the manifold 120 and the connecting member 145 shown in FIG. .. Although FIGS. 10 and 11 show a delivery tube 1000 having a single lumen 1010, the delivery tube 1000 may have any number of lumens, such as the lumen 1010.

0062The lumen 1010 comprises a groove 1015, which forms an elongated notch on the inner surface of the lumen 1010. Groove 1015 extends along at least a portion of the length of the delivery tube 1000. In another embodiment, the groove 1015 extends along the entire length of the delivery tube 1000. The wall of each groove 1015 has a substantially semicircular cross-sectional shape. However, the cross-sectional shape of the wall of any of the grooves 1015 may be any shape such as polygonal, oval, and irregular. In one example, the cross-sectional shape of the wall of groove 1015 may be altered to adjust the absorption capacity of the delivery tube 1000.

0063Lumen 1010 has ribs 1020. Grooves 1015 are separated from each other by at least one rib 1020. Although FIGS. 10 and 11 show a lumen 1010 having 6 grooves 1015 and 6 ribs 1020, the lumen 1010 may have any number of lumens and ribs. For example, the number of grooves can be varied to adjust the fluid retention capacity and absorption properties of the delivery tube 1000.

0064The delivery tube 1000 may include an absorber 1025. Absorbent 1025 is located within lumen 1010. Absorbent 1025 can operate to absorb and retain liquid from tissue sites such as exudate. Non-limiting examples of absorbents include high absorption fibers / particles, hydrofibers, sodium carboxylmethyl cellulose, and alginate. Absorbent 1025 covers at least part of the inner surface of lumen 1010. In another embodiment, the absorbent 1025 covers the entire inner surface of the lumen 1010.

0065In another embodiment, the absorber 1025 is located in whole or in part of the groove 1015. For example, the absorbent material 1025 covers the inner surface of each groove 1015. In this embodiment, the absorbent material 1025 covers the rib 1020. The amount of absorbent 1025 used to cover all or part of the inner surface of the lumen 1010, including the inner surface of each groove 1015, can be varied to increase or decrease the absorption capacity of the delivery tube 1000.

0066With reference to FIG. 12, a cross section of the delivery tube 1000 along lines 12-12 in FIG. 10 is shown. In particular, FIG. 12 shows a portion of the delivery tube 1000, where the absorbent 1025 is saturated with liquid from the tissue site to form the saturated absorbent 1225. The saturated absorbent 1225 can retain liquids from tissue sites such as exudates. The delivery tube 1000 is provided with a decompression pathway 1230 in the center, which remains even when the absorber is saturated with liquid from the tissue site. Therefore, the delivery tube 1000 can continue to transmit decompression even when all or part of the absorbent material in the lumen 1010 is saturated with liquid.

0067With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, delivery tube 1300 according to one embodiment is shown. In particular, FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a part of the delivery tube 1300 taken out. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the delivery tube 1300 along lines 14-14 of FIG. Delivery tube 1300 is another non-limiting example of delivery tube 135 shown in FIG. 1 or tube 235 shown in FIG.

0068Delivery tube 1300 comprises a lumen 1410, which is a non-limiting example of lumen 1010 shown in FIG. Lumen 1410 has an absorbing core 1325. Absorption core 1325 is capable of operating to absorb liquid from tissue sites. In one embodiment, the absorption core 1325 expands upon absorption of liquid from the tissue site. In one embodiment, the absorbent core 1325 is made of the same or similar material as the absorbent 1025 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. In another embodiment, the absorbent core 1325 is a foam material containing an absorbent and comprises the same or similar material as the absorbent 1025 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The absorption core 1325 may be made of a water-soluble polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol.

0069If the delivery tube 1300 is approximately straight, the absorption core 1325 is approximately cylindrical. The absorption core 1325 has a substantially circular cross section, as shown in FIG. Since the delivery tube 1300 and the absorption core 1325 are flexible, the nearly cylindrical absorption core 1325 can be bent in various directions.

0070Lumen 1410 comprises grooves 1316 and 1318, which are non-limiting examples of grooves 1015 in FIGS. 10 and 11. In the examples of FIGS. 13 and 14, a liquid such as exudate is contained in the groove 1318. Conversely, groove 1316 does not contain liquid. In one embodiment, the grooves 1316 and 1318 pass each other through a gap such as the gap 1340. In this embodiment, the liquid flows through both grooves 1316 and 1318. The presence of grooves 1316 and 1318 ensures that an open passage through which decompression is transmitted is maintained. Such an open passage can be maintained if the delivery tube 1300 is bendable or flexible. Other cross-sectional shapes of lumen 1410 can also be used to ensure such an open passage.

0071In one embodiment, groove 1316 is a decompression delivery groove that delivers decompression from a decompression source, and in this example, groove 1318 is a recovery groove that holds liquid from a tissue site. There are an arbitrary number of decompression grooves and an arbitrary number of recovery grooves in the total number of grooves. Further, in one embodiment, one or both of the grooves 1316 and 1318 may be covered with an absorbent material such as the absorbent material 1025 shown in FIG. The outer surface 1327 of the absorption core 1325 may also be covered with an absorbent material.

0072In another embodiment, the direct contact between the outer surface 1327 of the absorption core 1325 and the rib 1320 prevents liquid passage between the grooves 1316 and 1318. In this embodiment, when the absorption core 1325 expands after absorbing the liquid, the liquid does not flow from one groove to the other groove. In another embodiment, a wall, membrane, or other member connects the outer surface 1327 of the absorption core 1325 to the ribs 1320a and 1320b to prevent liquid from passing from groove 1318 to groove 1316. In this embodiment, groove 1316 is a decompression delivery groove, which can always transmit decompression regardless of the amount of liquid absorbed by the delivery tube 1300. Further, in this embodiment, a filter such as the delivery lumen filter 276 shown in FIG. 2 is arranged at the end of the delivery tube 1300 near the tissue site to prevent the liquid from the tissue site from entering the groove 1316. For example, this filter covers the inlet of groove 1316 above the end of delivery tube 1300 near the tissue site.

0073In another embodiment, the absorption core 1325 is capable of absorbing the liquid drawn into the delivery tube 1300, ensuring that neither the grooves 1316 nor the 1318 contain the liquid. In this embodiment, when the absorption core 1325 is saturated with liquid, either groove 1316 or 1318 begins to collect the liquid. In this embodiment, all of the grooves 1316 and 1318 may transmit decompression to the tissue site while the absorption core 1325 still has absorption capacity. In another embodiment, the lumen 1410 may have no groove and may have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape.

0074Absorption core 1325 may be mobile within lumen 1410. For example, the absorption core 1325 can move in that direction, as indicated by the multidirectional arrow 1345. Therefore, if each of the grooves 1316 and 1318 is fluid to each other, the movement of the absorption core 1325 when the delivery tube 1300 is flexible facilitates the movement of liquid between the grooves and also facilitates the transmission of decompression. To.

0075In one embodiment, as described in any of the embodiments, the method of retaining the liquid from the tissue site comprises placing a delivery tube that is permeable to the tissue site. The method also comprises the step of supplying decompression to at least one lumen of the delivery tube to draw liquid from the tissue site into the at least one lumen. The method also comprises the step of absorbing the liquid from the tissue using the absorbent material in the at least one lumen and retaining the liquid from the tissue site in the at least one lumen. In one embodiment, the method also comprises applying a manifold, such as the manifold 120 shown in FIG. 1, to the tissue site. In this embodiment, the step of arranging the delivery tube that communicates with the tissue site comprises the step of arranging the delivery tube that communicates with the tissue site via the manifold.

0076In one embodiment, the method of making a delivery tube that holds a liquid from a tissue site comprises the step of forming a delivery tube having at least one lumen. The delivery tube formed in this way is by any of the examples shown in the figure. This method also comprises the step of providing an absorbent material within the lumen. This absorbent can operate to absorb a liquid such as exudate from the tissue site. The method also comprises the step of applying an absorbent such as the absorbent 1025 shown in FIG. 10 to at least one lumen. In one embodiment, the absorbent is an absorbent core such as the absorbent core 1325 shown in FIG. In another embodiment, the step of applying the absorbent to at least one lumen comprises the step of coating at least a portion of the inner surface of the at least one lumen with the absorbent.

0077With reference to FIG. 15, a decompression therapy system 1500, which is a non-limiting example of the decompression therapy system 100 shown in FIG. 1, is shown according to an example. In particular, the decompression therapy system 1500 includes a non-limiting example of the decompression feedback system 155 shown in FIG. The decompression therapy system 1500 is equipped with a decompression source 1510, which produces the decompression applied to tissue site 1505.

0078The decompression therapy system 1500 also comprises an indicator housing 1585 located between two parts of the delivery tube 1535. Delivery tube 1535 is a non-limiting example of delivery tube 135 shown in FIG. The display housing 1585 comprises a connecting portion 1586. The connecting portion 1586 transmits decompression from one portion of the delivery tube 1535 to another portion of the delivery tube 1535. The connecting portion 1586 also comprises an amount of decompression equal to or similar to that contained in the delivery tube 1535. The indicator housing 1585 comprises an indicator 1588, which is slidably connected to an opening along the tube portion 1590 of the indicator housing 1585. The indicator 1588 may have a cylindrical shape. Display 1588 may also have an elliptical or polygonal cross-sectional shape. The indicator 1588 may be of any color, such as red, orange, or yellow.

0079The indicator 1588 allows the user to determine whether a desired or therapeutic amount of decompression is applied to tissue site 1505 in response to an amount of decompression present in the decompression therapy system 1500. There is. In particular, the indicator 1588 can be moved to multiple positions along the axis 1592. The plurality of positions include a retracted position. In the retracted position, the indicator 1588 is fully or partially retracted into the tube portion 1590, making the indicator 1588 partially or completely invisible to the user. The plurality of positions may include extended positions. FIG. 15 shows the display 1588 in the extended position. In the extended position, the indicator 1588 protrudes completely or partially from the tube position 1590 so that the user can see the indicator 1588. The plurality of positions may include any position between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position.

0080The decompression therapy system 1500 also comprises a compression member, such as a spring, connected to the indicator 1588 and located at tube position 1590. Although the compression member is not shown in FIG. 15, it will be described in detail below in FIGS. 16 and 17. The compression member applies a bias force to the display 1588 to bias the display 1588 toward the extension position. This bias force is applied in the direction indicated by the arrow 1593.

0081The indicator housing 1585 is shown to be located between two parts of the delivery tube 1535, but where the decompression applied to the tissue site 1505 can be detected, the indicator housing 1585 is a decompression therapy system. It can be placed anywhere in 1500. For example, the indicator housing 1585 may be placed with the indicator 1588 anywhere in the dressing 1515, including the sealing member 1525 or the coupler 1545. The dashed line indicator 1594 shows an example in which the indicator housing 1585 is placed on the sealing member 1525 along with the indicator 1588. In another example, the indicator housing 1585, along with the indicator 1588, can be placed at one end of a single delivery tube connecting the decompression source 1510 to the dressing 1515.

0082In one embodiment, indicator 1588 has moved to a retracted position in the presence of decompression from decompression source 1510. In particular, the indicator 1588 moves to the retracted position when decompression is present on the delivery tube 1535 and the connecting portion 1586. When moving to the retracted position, the indicator 1588 must overcome the bias force exerted by the compression member in the direction indicated by the arrow 1593. A sufficiently high decompression within the connecting portion 1586 allows this bias force to be overcome and the indicator 1588 pulled to the retracted position. The amount of decompression required to overcome this bias force depends on the amount of bias applied by the compression member. In this example, where the compression member is a coil spring, the spring constant of the coil spring determines the amount of decompression required to pull the indicator 1588 into the retracted position.

0083In one example, when the decompression in the delivery tube 1535 exceeds the first threshold decompression, the indicator 1588 moves to the retracted position. This first threshold depressurization can be determined by the user and can be implemented by changing the bias force applied by the compression member. For example, the user can select a compression member having the spring constant required for the decompression of the delivery tube 1535 to exceed the therapeutic decompression in order to pull the indicator 1588 into the retracted position. In one embodiment, when the gauge pressure generated by the decompression source is equal to or lower than about -125 millimeters of mercury, the indicator 1588 moves to a retracted position. Thus, the user of the decompression therapy system 1500 can visually detect that therapeutic decompression is applied to tissue site 1505 by observing that the indicator 1588 does not protrude from tube position 1590. Can be done.

0084In another embodiment, the compression member biases the indicator 1588 to the extension position when the decompression of the delivery tube 1535 is lower than the second threshold decompression. In one example, the first threshold decompression is the same as the second threshold decompression. In another example, the first threshold decompression is different from the second threshold decompression, and when the decompression exceeds the first threshold decompression, the indicator is in the fully retracted position and the decompression is the second. If it is lower than the threshold decompression, it will be in a completely extended position. In this embodiment, when the decompression is between the first and second threshold decompressions, the indicator 1588 is in the middle position between the fully retracted position and the fully extended position.

0085In another embodiment, the compression member biases the indicator 1588 to an extended position when there is no decompression on the delivery tube 1535. In one example, there is no decompression because the decompression source 1510 is switched off. By observing that in the absence of decompression or below the threshold decompression, the compression member at tube position 1590 biases the indicator 1588 to protrude from tube position 1590 and the indicator 1588 protrudes from tube position 1590. , The user can visually detect that therapeutic decompression has not been applied to tissue site 1505. Therefore, the user can perform the actions required to apply therapeutic decompression to tissue site 1505. One reason there is no decompression in the delivery tube 1535, or lower than the threshold decompression, is that there is a leak in the delivery tube 1535 or somewhere in the decompression therapy system 1500. In this situation, the user is warned of possible leaks when the indicator 1588 is in the extended position.

0086With reference to FIG. 16, a decompression feedback system 1600 as shown in FIG. 15 is shown according to an embodiment. In particular, the indicator 1588 is in an extended position in the decompression feedback system 1600.

0087The connecting portion 1586 is slidably engaged with two portions of the delivery tube 1535 to form a sealed fit. The connecting portion 1586 of the display housing 1585 can also be hermetically engaged to the two parts of the delivery tube 1535 in various ways. For example, the connecting portion 1586 can be welded, screwed, glued, bolted, airlock-sealed, or snap-fastened to two parts of the delivery tube 1535.

0088In the decompression feedback system 1600, the compression member is a coil spring. The tube portion 1590 of the display housing 1585 is equipped with a base 1596, to which one end of the coil spring 1595 is connected. However, this end of the coil spring 1595 is not attached to the indicator 1588 and can be attached to another part of the indicator housing that biases the indicator 1588 using the coil spring. The inner surface of the tube portion 1590 is a tubular opening through which the indicator 1588 can slide into retracted and extended positions. The coil spring 1595 is held by a plurality of corrugated portions 1597 that form part of the tubular wall. The corrugated portion 1597 compresses and expands the tubular wall without lateral stress on the inner wall of the tube portion 1590.

0089The decompression feedback system 1600 also features a cap 1598. The cap 1598 is made of a transparent material, which allows the user to see the indicator 1588 when it is in the extended position. In one example, the cap 1598 is also hermetically engaged with the rest of the indicator housing 1585 to prevent decompression from escaping through the tubular opening of the indicator housing 1585.

0090As described above, the coil spring 1595 may have any spring constant. The spring constant of the coil spring 1595 determines the bias force that exerts a force on the indicator 1588 towards the extended position. In one embodiment, the coil spring 1595 has a spring constant such that the coil spring 1595 biases the indicator 1588 to an extended position when the gauge pressure in the delivery tube 1535 exceeds about -125 millimeters of mercury. ing. With other coil springs with other spring constants, if the absolute pressure in the delivery tube 1535 exceeds any other overall pressure threshold, such as the desired therapeutic decompression threshold, the indicator 1588 will be biased to an extended position. You may try to do so.

0091With reference to FIG. 17, a decompression feedback system 1700, which is a non-limiting embodiment of the decompression feedback system 1600, is shown according to an embodiment. In particular, the decompression feedback system 1700 shows the indicator 1588 in the retracted position. When the indicator 1588 is in the retracted position, decompression from the delivery tube 1535 is transmitted to the indicator 1588 through a tubular wall formed by corrugated portion 1597. This depressurization exerts sufficient tensile force on the indicator 1588 to overcome the bias force exerted by the coil spring 1595 in opposite directions. In this way, the indicator 1588 is pulled out of the transparent cap 1598 and out of the user's view of the decompression therapy system. The disappearance of the indicator 1588 from the cap 1598 indicates to the user that therapeutic pressure is being applied to the tissue site. In another embodiment, the cap 1598 is connected to the indicator 1588 so that the cap 1598 also retracts into the tube portion 1590 when the indicator 1588 is in the retracted position.

0092With reference to FIG. 18, a decompression feedback system 1800, which is a non-limiting embodiment of the decompression feedback system shown in FIG. 15, is shown according to an embodiment. The perspective view shown in FIG. 18 is a circular cross-sectional view of the display 1588, the cap 1598, the tube portion 1590, and the opening 1599 from which the display 1588 projects. However, these components may have any cross section such as an ellipse or a polygon.

0093Referring to FIG. 19, a graph showing the relationship between decompression in delivery tube 1535 and the position of indicator 1588 (shown in FIG. 15) is shown according to examples. As shown in Graph 1900, as the decompression in the delivery tube 1535 increases, the indicator 1588 moves to a fully retracted position. In one embodiment, the indicator 1588 moves linearly towards a fully retracted position as indicated by graph line 1910. The relationship between decompression and the position of indicator 1588 may take other patterns, as shown by graph lines 1915 and 1920. Other patterns, such as the stepped pattern, also characterize the relationship between decompression and the position of indicator 1588. In one example, indicator 1588 is in a fully retracted position when decompression corresponds to an absolute pressure of 125 millimeters of mercury.

0094With reference to FIG. 20, a process in which a decompression therapy system such as the decompression therapy system 200 shown in FIG. 2 is implemented is shown according to an embodiment. This process provides decompression to the tissue site via multiple lumens in the delivery tube (step 2005). This process retains fluid from the tissue site within at least one recovery lumen in multiple lumens (step 2010). This process determines the fluid level of fluid in at least one recovery lumen based on multiple divisions on the delivery tube (step 2015).

0095With reference to FIG. 21, a process in which a decompression therapy system such as the decompression therapy system 1000 shown in FIG. 10 is implemented is shown according to an embodiment. This process applies decompression to the tissue site using a decompression source (step 2105). This process determines if there is a threshold decompression in the delivery tube or other component of the decompression therapy system (step 2110). If the process determines that there is no reduction in the threshold amount, a compression member is used to move the indicator to an extended position. The process then returns to step 2105. Returning to step 2110, if the process determines that there is a reduction in the threshold amount, move the indicator to the retracted position (step 2120).

0096The flowcharts and block diagrams in the various embodiments shown in the figures show the structure, function, and operation of some possible implementations of the device and methods. In some alternative implementations, the functions shown in the blocks may occur out of the order shown in the figure. For example, in some cases, two blocks shown in succession may be performed at about the same time, or the blocks may be executed in reverse order, depending on the associated function.