Michigan Patent of the Month – June 2023
Some wounds need to be drained. This drainage can remove infection and bacteria to support healing. Seroma, a pocket of internal fluid that accumulates in dead spaces after surgery, is one of the most common scenarios requiring drainage. Unfortunately, most drainage systems require multiple incision sites and can cause further tissue damage. IC Surgical, a leading innovator in medical wound care systems, has developed a novel drainage system that uses an adaptable design to reduce negative impacts and improve patient outcomes.
In addition to requiring multiple incisions, traditional wound drainage systems are often challenging to configure and seal effectively, resulting in tissue damage and patient discomfort during removal.
The key component of this system is the drainage manifold, which consists of an elongate support and a series of elongate members. Each member comprises a lumen, an outer wall, and a web connecting it to the support. The members can be releasably secured in a gathered position, encircling the support, or moved to a dispersed position by severing the web. This movement from gathered to dispersed positions is achieved by applying force to the corresponding web.
The dispersed position of the drainage manifold treats a larger surface area of the target site, enhancing the effectiveness of fluid drainage. The system also includes a transitional connector and a drainage tube, ensuring proper fluid communication between the manifold and external components. Additionally, a fluid canister can be incorporated to retain and manage the drained fluids effectively.
IC Surgical’s drainage system is particularly well-suited for use with reduced pressure, a technique commonly employed in wound care to expedite healing. By providing enhanced drainage capabilities and reducing the risk of complications such as infection, seroma, or hematoma, this system offers significant advantages over conventional methods.
The system follows a specific mechanism of action which combines: (a) broad coverage of closed internal surgical spaces, (b) consistent delivery of internal suction pressure, (c) continuous suction pressure applied to tissue planes, and (d) continuous fluid removal throughout the surgical site. This approach reduces the risk of seroma and other post-surgical complications that can be caused by tissue damage.
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