# US 8,771,240 B2 · Apparatuses, systems, and methods for managing liquid flow associated with a tissue site using the presence of reduced pressure

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- Number: US 8,771,240 B2
- Document ID: US8771240B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 13/931,089
- Filed: 2013-06-28
- Published: 2013-10-31
- Granted: 2014-07-08
- Earliest claimed: 2008-12-30
- Assignees: KCI Licensing, Inc.
- Applicants: KCI Licensing, Inc.
- Inventors: Aidan Marcus Tout; Christopher Brian Locke
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8771240B2

## CPC

- A61M 1/74: {Suction control (underwater drainage A61M1/61)}
- A61M 1/742: {by changing the size of a vent (A61M1/7411 takes precedence)}
- A61M 1/743: {by changing the cross-section of the line, e.g. flow regulating valves (A61M1/7413 takes precedence)}
- A61M 1/75: {Intermittent or pulsating suction (A61M1/63, A61M1/772 take precedence)}
- A61M 1/77: {Suction-irrigation systems (aspiration tips supplying fluids A61M1/85; specific for negative pressure wound therapy A61M1/92; combined with tracheal tubes A61M16/0463)}
- A61M 1/92: {with liquid supply means}
- A61M 39/22: Valves or arrangement of valves {(A61M39/02, A61M39/0247, A61M39/16 take precedence; regulating valves in infusion systems A61M5/16881; in devices worn by the patient for the reception of urine, faeces, catamenial or other discharge, or in colostomy devices A61F5/4405)}
- A61M 1/96: {Suction control thereof}
- A61M 2207/00: Methods of manufacture, assembly or production
- Y10T 29/49236: Fluid pump or compressor making
- A61M: DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY (introducing media into or onto the bodies of animals A61D7/00; means for inserting tampons A61F13/26; devices for administering food or medicines orally A61J; containers for collecting, storing or administering blood or medical fluids A61J1/05); DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY (surgery A61B; chemical aspects of surgical articles A61L); DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR {(Electrotherapy, e.g. producing anaesthesia by the use of alternating or intermittent currents A61N1/36021)}
- Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

## Abstract

The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods for managing liquid flow associated with a tissue site that involves using reduced pressure to control fluid flow. In one instance, an apparatus includes a first valve and a second valve in fluid communication with a reduced-pressure source. The valves are movable between an open position and a closed position and are operable to change flow status (open to closed or vice versa) based on a presence of reduced pressure. At least one of the first valve or the second valve is in the closed position to obstruct a flow of a liquid while the other is in the open position. The apparatus also includes a reservoir fluidly coupled to the first valve and the second valve. Other systems, methods, and apparatuses are presented.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An apparatus for managing liquid flow associated with a tissue site, the apparatus comprising:
a first valve in fluid communication with a reduced-pressure source, the first valve movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the first valve is operable to be activated based on a presence of reduced pressure;
a second valve in fluid communication with the reduced-pressure source, the second valve movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the second valve is operable to be activated based on the presence of reduced pressure;
wherein at least one of the first valve and the second valve is in the closed position to obstruct a flow of a liquid when experiencing reduced pressure;
a reservoir fluidly coupled to the first valve and the second valve, the reservoir operable to contain a liquid when the second valve is in the closed position; and
a reduced-pressure conduit in fluid communication with the first valve and the second valve, wherein the reduced-pressure conduit is operable to transmit reduced pressure from the tissue site to the first valve and the second valve.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first valve moves from the open position to the closed position in an absence of reduced pressure at the first valve; and wherein the second valve moves from the open position to the closed position in the presence of reduced pressure at the second valve.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first valve moves from the closed position to the open position in the presence of reduced pressure at the first valve; wherein the first valve moves from the open position to the closed position in an absence of reduced pressure at the first valve; wherein the second valve moves from the open position to the closed position in the presence of reduced pressure at the second valve; and wherein the second valve moves from the closed position to the open position in an absence of reduced pressure at the second valve.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is disposed between the first valve and the second valve.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a set of restriction strips operable to restrict expansion of the reservoir to contain a maximum amount of liquid, wherein the set of restriction strips are disposed over at least a portion of the reservoir.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a set of restriction strips operable to restrict expansion of the reservoir to contain a maximum amount of liquid, wherein the set of restriction strips are disposed over at least a portion of the reservoir, and wherein each of the set of restriction strips is removable from the reservoir to increase the maximum amount of the liquid holdable by the reservoir.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reduced-pressure conduit is operable to transmit reduced pressure from the tissue site to the first valve and the second valve, and further comprising: a first sheet and a second sheet coupled to the first sheet to at least partially form the reservoir and the reduced-pressure conduit.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reduced-pressure conduit is operable to transmit reduced pressure from the tissue site to the first valve and the second valve; further comprising: a first sheet and a second sheet coupled to the first sheet to at least partially form the reservoir and the reduced-pressure conduit; and wherein at least a portion of the first sheet is welded to the second sheet.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reduced-pressure conduit is operable to transmit reduced pressure from the tissue site to the first valve and the second valve; further comprising: a first sheet, and a second sheet coupled to the first sheet to at least partially form the reservoir and the reduced-pressure conduit; and wherein the reservoir and the reduced-pressure conduit are at least partially formed by abutting portions of the first sheet and the second sheet.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reduced-pressure conduit is operable to transmit reduced pressure from the tissue site to the first valve and the second valve; further comprising: a first sheet, and a second sheet coupled to the first sheet to at least partially form the reservoir and the reduced-pressure conduit; and, further comprising a foam member disposed between the first sheet and the second sheet, wherein the foam member is operable to transfer reduced pressure and the liquid.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reduced-pressure conduit is operable to transmit reduced pressure from the tissue site to the first valve and the second valve; further comprising: a first sheet and a second sheet coupled to the first sheet to at least partially form the reservoir and the reduced-pressure conduit; further comprising a foam member disposed between the first sheet and the second sheet, wherein the foam member is operable to transfer reduced pressure and the liquid; and wherein at least a portion of the foam member is included in the reduced-pressure conduit.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reduced-pressure conduit is operable to transmit reduced pressure from the tissue site to the first valve and the second valve; further comprising: a first sheet, and a second sheet coupled to the first sheet to at least partially form the reservoir and the reduced-pressure conduit; further comprising a foam member disposed between the first sheet and the second sheet, wherein the foam member is operable to transfer reduced pressure and the liquid; wherein at least a portion of the foam member is included in the reduced-pressure conduit; and wherein a first end of the foam member forms at least a portion of the first valve.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a reduced-pressure conduit in fluid communication with at least one of the first valve and the second valve; wherein the reduced-pressure conduit is operable to transmit reduced pressure from the tissue site to the at least one of the first valve and the second valve; further comprising: a first sheet, and a second sheet coupled to the first sheet to at least partially form the reservoir and the reduced-pressure conduit; further comprising a foam member disposed between the first sheet and the second sheet, wherein the foam member is operable to transfer reduced pressure and the liquid; wherein at least a portion of the foam member is included in the reduced-pressure conduit; wherein a first end of the foam member forms at least a portion of the first valve; wherein the first end of the foam member is an enlarged end portion; and wherein the first end of the foam member compresses in the presence of reduced pressure.

### Claim 14 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first sheet and a second sheet coupled to the first sheet to at least partially form the reservoir and the reduced-pressure conduit; a foam member disposed between the first sheet and the second sheet, wherein the foam member is operable to transfer reduced pressure and the liquid; and a third sheet coupled to the second sheet to form an inlet conduit, wherein the inlet conduit is operable to transfer the liquid to the reservoir.

### Claim 15 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reduced-pressure conduit is operable to transmit reduced pressure from the tissue site to the at least one of the first valve and the second valve, and further comprising:
a first sheet;
a second sheet coupled to the first sheet to at least partially form the reservoir and the reduced-pressure conduit;
a foam member disposed between the first sheet and the second sheet, wherein the foam member is operable to transfer reduced pressure and the liquid;
wherein at least a portion of the foam member is included in the reduced-pressure conduit;
wherein a first end of the foam member forms at least a portion of the first valve;
wherein the second valve comprises a first wall and a second wall, wherein the first wall is a portion of the first sheet, and wherein the second wall is a portion of the second sheet;
wherein the first wall and the second wall are operable to draw nearer to one another in the presence of reduced pressure to form the closed position; and
wherein the first wall and the second wall are operable to move away from one another in an absence of reduced pressure to form the open position.

### Claim 16 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first valve and the second valve are pilot-actuated valves.

### Claim 17

A method for managing liquid flow associated with a tissue site, the method comprising: providing a valve arrangement having a first valve, a second valve, and a reservoir; receiving reduced pressure at the first valve and the second valve, wherein the first valve and second valve each are moveable between an open position and a closed position; changing a flow status of the first valve in response to receiving reduced pressure at the first valve; receiving a liquid at the reservoir when the first valve is open; changing a flow status of the second valve in response to receiving reduced pressure at the second valve; and obstructing a flow of liquid from the reservoir when the second valve is closed, wherein reduced pressure is received at the first valve and the second valve via a reduced-pressure conduit operable to transmit reduced pressure from the tissue site.

### Claim 18 (depends on 17)

The method of claim 17, further comprising:
closing the first valve in response to an absence of reduced pressure at the first valve;
obstructing the flow of the liquid from a liquid source to the reservoir in response to closing the first valve;
opening the second valve in response to the absence of reduced pressure at the second valve; and
receiving the liquid at the tissue site from the reservoir in response to opening the second valve.