WO1997002058A1 - Wound cleaning apparatus - Google Patents

Wound cleaning apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1997002058A1
WO1997002058A1 PCT/GB1996/001542 GB9601542W WO9702058A1 WO 1997002058 A1 WO1997002058 A1 WO 1997002058A1 GB 9601542 W GB9601542 W GB 9601542W WO 9702058 A1 WO9702058 A1 WO 9702058A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
irradiation
liquid
cleaning
meanε
εaid
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1996/001542
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
David Mcivor Mowat
Ian David Cameron
Original Assignee
Iatros Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Iatros Limited filed Critical Iatros Limited
Priority to AU62359/96A priority Critical patent/AU6235996A/en
Publication of WO1997002058A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997002058A1/en

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M3/00Medical syringes, e.g. enemata; Irrigators
    • A61M3/02Enemata; Irrigators
    • A61M3/0233Enemata; Irrigators characterised by liquid supply means, e.g. from pressurised reservoirs
    • A61M3/0254Enemata; Irrigators characterised by liquid supply means, e.g. from pressurised reservoirs the liquid being pumped
    • A61M3/0258Enemata; Irrigators characterised by liquid supply means, e.g. from pressurised reservoirs the liquid being pumped by means of electric pumps
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M3/00Medical syringes, e.g. enemata; Irrigators
    • A61M3/02Enemata; Irrigators
    • A61M3/0204Physical characteristics of the irrigation fluid, e.g. conductivity or turbidity
    • A61M3/0208Physical characteristics of the irrigation fluid, e.g. conductivity or turbidity before use
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M3/00Medical syringes, e.g. enemata; Irrigators
    • A61M3/02Enemata; Irrigators
    • A61M3/0204Physical characteristics of the irrigation fluid, e.g. conductivity or turbidity
    • A61M3/022Volume; Flow rate
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M3/00Medical syringes, e.g. enemata; Irrigators
    • A61M3/02Enemata; Irrigators
    • A61M3/0233Enemata; Irrigators characterised by liquid supply means, e.g. from pressurised reservoirs
    • A61M3/0245Containers therefor, e.g. with heating means or with storage means for cannula

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a wound cleaning apparatus suitable for use in the cleaning and treatment of wounds.
  • an object of the present invention to avoid or minimise one or more of the foregoing disadvantages and to provide an apparatus that produces a flow of sterile cleaning liquid for use in the cleaning and treatment of wounds.
  • the present invention provide ⁇ a portable wound cleaning apparatus suitable for use in the cleaning and treatment of wounds which apparatu ⁇ compri ⁇ es a cleaning liquid inlet mean ⁇ ; mean ⁇ for conveying liquid from said inlet mean ⁇ through an irradiation passage mean ⁇ to an outlet nozzle, said irradiation passage means being enclosed within an irradiation chamber for irradiation by ultra-violet radiation of an effective sterilizing wavelength from an irradiation source, said irradiation passage means having wall means sub ⁇ tantially transparent to said effective sterilizing wavelength of ultra-violet radiation, said means for conveying said liquid being provided with flow control means for controlling delivery of cleaning liquid from said outlet nozzle in use of the apparatus, said means for conveying said liquid and said irradiation passage means and said irradiation ⁇ ource being formed and arranged so that in use of the apparatus, said liquid is subjected to an effective sterilizing dose of irradiation during transit through said irradiation passage means, whereby in use of the
  • irradiation pa ⁇ age means may be used including for example an elongate conduit routed along an extended path in proximity to the irradiation ⁇ ource, e.g. along a helical path (preferably with a ⁇ hort pitch) around the irradiation source.
  • a relatively ⁇ mall bore conduit e.g. having a diameter le ⁇ than 2 mm preferably 1.5 to 2 mm.
  • Mo ⁇ t preferably though the irradiation passage means is in the form of a static mixer.
  • the inlet mean ⁇ i ⁇ connected to an on-board reservoir means, which may be removable for refilling and/or may be disposable especially where it is desired to use the apparatu ⁇ with different cleaning liquids e.g. plain water or water with one or more additives such as an antiseptic
  • the inlet means is adapted for coupling to an external reservoir or a mains water supply. This is generally less convenient but where a mains water supply is used, then the pressure of this may be used for conveying the water through the apparatus to the outlet nozzle.
  • an on-board re ⁇ ervoir for holding cleaning liquid then desirably there i ⁇ included mean ⁇ for pumping liquid through the apparatus of the invention.
  • a conventional vane or impeller type pump driven by a electric motor.
  • Internal batteries or means for connecting the electric motor to an external electrical power ⁇ ource through, for example, a dome ⁇ tic electrical power point may be used to provide electric power for ⁇ uch an electric motor. Power may also be supplied via inbuilt solar power panels.
  • the flow control means conveniently comprise pump control means formed and arranged to adjust and/or control the rate of flow of cleaning liquid pumped from the reservoir to the static mixer or other irradiation pas ⁇ age means and out of the outlet nozzle.
  • the flow control mean ⁇ may be in the form of mean ⁇ for controlling the rate at which ⁇ aid pump operate ⁇ and/or adju ⁇ table valve mean ⁇ between said reservoir and said outlet nozzle.
  • said electric power source is used also to operate said irradiation source.
  • Manual pump mean ⁇ for pumping said liquid may also be used if desired.
  • the pump means may moreover be disposed upstream or downstream of the irradiation chamber.
  • a squeezable hand pumping unit on which the delivery nozzle is mounted.
  • the mean ⁇ for pumping the liquid could ⁇ imply comprise a pressurized ga ⁇ supply e.g. from a compressed gas cylinder or cartridge or by using a manual pump to pres ⁇ urize ga ⁇ in the liquid re ⁇ ervoir above the liquid before and/or during use of the apparatus.
  • Filters to prevent debri ⁇ pas ⁇ ing from the reservoir through to the pumping mean ⁇ and/or the static mixer are preferably utilized.
  • Said outlet nozzle is preferably formed and arranged to produce a low pres ⁇ ure spray or flow of liquid at the outlet nozzle in the range of 2-10 psi (1.4 x IO 4 - 6.8 x IO 1 * N/m ) for gently irrigating the wound.
  • the pumping means and said outlet nozzle means are preferably formed and arranged to provide a fluid flow of in range of from 100 ml/min to 600 ml/min. Said fluid flow may be readily adjusted by said adjustable valve means and/or by controlling the rate at which said pump operates.
  • a static mixer of the interfacial surface generator type such as that sold under the POSIMIXER Trade Mark by Liquid Control Limited of United Kingdom and described in U.K. Patent Publication No. 2018609A, which document also mentions other publications relating to such mixers.
  • a device such as that described in our earlier U.K. Patent No. GB2200020B (though it will be appreciated that the transmis ⁇ ion of UV through water i ⁇ substantially greater than with blood so that there is significantly greater design flexibility in relation to the static mixer component) .
  • a relatively small diameter static mixer is used, desirably the POSIMIXER 1/4" (6.35 mm) model having two elements, advantageously split into forty eight (48) element sections.
  • the static mixer may be connected to the pumping means and thereby to the reservoir by preferably flexible conduit means having a diameter of 2 to 3 mm.
  • said reservoir i ⁇ of a generally translucent plastics material e.g. polyvinylchloride, and/or is provided with liquid level indicator mean ⁇ for indicating to a user the amount of liquid remaining in the reservoir.
  • the reservoir may be of any convenient size but preferably will be more or less compact to facilitate transportation between a suitable liquid source e.g. a kitchen or washroom water tap and a wound treatment location.
  • the reservoir may be removable from the apparatus to facilitate filling and/or provided with suitable inlet means to facilitate filling thereof.
  • a reservoir having a capacity sufficient for at least 15 sees, preferably at least 30 seconds, e.g. around 1 minute of wound irrigation.
  • the flow rate will generally be in the range from 50 to 1000 ml ⁇ per minute, preferably from 100 to 600 mls/min. Thu ⁇ the reservoir will preferably have a capacity of at least 1000 cc, preferably from 500 to 1000 cc. Where the gas above the liquid in the reservoir is compressed for pumping the liquid through the sy ⁇ tem then the capacity of the re ⁇ ervoir i ⁇ preferably increased.
  • said cleaning liquid such as water may have one or more additives added thereto such as ⁇ aline ⁇ olution components, anti ⁇ eptic, and/or local anaesthetic which helps to reduce still further any possible di ⁇ comfort to patient ⁇ in u ⁇ e of the wound cleaning apparatu ⁇ of the invention.
  • additives such as ⁇ aline ⁇ olution components, anti ⁇ eptic, and/or local anaesthetic which helps to reduce still further any possible di ⁇ comfort to patient ⁇ in u ⁇ e of the wound cleaning apparatu ⁇ of the invention.
  • said irradiation source is provided by compact UVB or UVC, preferably UVC emitting fluorescent tubes e.g. type TUV 8 watt produced by Philips Lighting of United Kingdom.
  • the effective sterilizing wavelength from said irradiation source is preferably in the region of from 200 to 300 nm, e.g. around 254 nm.
  • the apparatus of the invention i ⁇ enclosed by a lightweight and robu ⁇ t aluminium or pla ⁇ tic ⁇ hou ⁇ ing which at least in relation to ⁇ aid irradiation chamber i ⁇ ⁇ ubstantially impermeable to said U.V. radiation.
  • the inside walls of said chamber may conveniently be sub ⁇ tantially reflective to ⁇ aid U.V. radiation and/or be provided with ⁇ uitable reflectors e.g. aluminium foil for directing the U.V. radiation towards the static mixer.
  • the present invention provides a method of providing a flow of sterile cleaning fluid suitable for the cleaning of a wound compri ⁇ ing the steps of:- providing an apparatus according to the present invention, providing a liquid supply to ⁇ aid cleaning liquid inlet mean ⁇ , operating said means for conveying liquid through ⁇ aid irradiation chamber so as to subject said liquid to an effective sterilizing dose of irradiation and delivering a sterile flow of cleaning liquid through ⁇ aid nozzle to a wound for cleaning thereof.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic layout of a portable wound cleaning apparatus of the invention
  • Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the component parts of the apparatus ⁇ hown in Fig. 1;
  • a portable wound cleaning apparatus is shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and comprises a casing 2 (shown in broken line) containing a tank 4 of water 6 connected by a pipe 8 to an electric pump P and from the pump P via a filter 10 to a static mixer 12.
  • the static mixer 12 is contained within an irradiation chamber 14 which contain ⁇ also an ultra-violet light 16 source in the form of a tube 18. Both the pump P and the tube 18 are electrically connected to a power ⁇ ource 20 and control system 22 for powering and controlling the pump P and the U.V. tube 18.
  • the water 6 in the tank is tap water (and may optionally contain an antiseptic or local anaesthetic additive) .
  • the water 6 in a stream then passes under the action of the pump P into the static mixer 12 contained in the irradiation chamber 14.
  • the static mixer 12 is of the interfacial surface generator type and contains a plurality of elements 12a, each of which divides the stream of water 6 into substream ⁇ and then re-orients and recombines the sub- streams into a mainstream. This provides a very effective mixing of the water 6 as it passes through the mixer 12 and of the sterilization of the water 6 as it is irradiated by the U.V.
  • the mixing ensures that a substantial part of a body of water passing through the mixer 12 is brought into close proximity with the inside ⁇ urface of the U.V. tran ⁇ parent walls 24 of the mixer 12 so as to be effectively sterilized by the U.V. light 16 as it exits the mixer 12.
  • the sterilized water then pass out of the mixer through a further tube and out of the body 2 to an outlet nozzle 26.
  • the outlet nozzle 26 may have a valve control 28 to adjust the rate of flow of sterilized liquid exiting the nozzle 26.
  • the sterilized water 6A may be used then to treat a wound (not shown) .
  • Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of a portable wound cleaning apparatu ⁇ according to the invention.
  • the wound cleaning apparatu ⁇ indicated by reference number la, a ⁇ ⁇ hown in Fig. 3, comprise ⁇ a doughnut or annular ⁇ haped container 4a having a stainless steel outer wall casing 30 and a U.V. transmitting inner wall 32 of FEP (fluorinated-ethenepropene) .
  • the container 4a is mounted on a ba ⁇ e 34 which ⁇ upport ⁇ a U.V. radiation ⁇ ource in the form of an upstanding U.V. tube 18a, around which the container 4a stands and defines an irradiation chamber 14a.
  • An irradiation passage means in the form of a helical pipe 8a surrounds the U.V. tube 18a.
  • the walls 24a of the helical tube 8a are tran ⁇ parent to the U.V. radiation 16a emitted from the U.V. tube 18a ⁇ o that a liquid 6a . pa ⁇ ing through the pipe 8a may receive an effective ⁇ terilizing do ⁇ e of U.V. irradiation 16a.
  • the container 4a contains water 6a (optionally containing an antiseptic or local anaesthetic additive) filled from a domestic tap through a filler cap 36 which seals and makes airtight the container 4a.
  • a C0 2 gas injector 38 provide ⁇ pressurized gas 40 for pressuring the container 4a . and the contents thereof.
  • When the container is pre ⁇ surized water in the container is driven up a pickup pipe 42 and out through the top 44 of the container 4a and along a pipe 46 which enters the irradiation chamber 14a and is connected to the helical pipe 8a ⁇ urrounding the U.V. tube 18a.
  • the water is irradiated by an effective sterilizing wavelength of U.V.
  • the top 44 of the container 4a is provided with a safety cap 52 to protect against U.V. light leakage and also to allow heat generated by the U.V. tube to escape and is de ⁇ cribed in more detail with reference to Fig. 4.
  • the safety cap 52 comprises an outer U.V. light baffle 54 having a centre aperture 56 through which hot air 58 generated by the U.V. light 18a passes.
  • Inside the outer light baffle 54 is a smaller heat baffle 60 ⁇ paced apart from the outer light baffle 54 and ⁇ upported on support web ⁇ 62.
  • the web ⁇ 62 and heat baffle 58 are arranged inside the cap 52 so that hot air 58 is deflected by the heat baffle 60 and passes ⁇ out under the ⁇ ides of the heat baffle 60 and then through the ⁇ pace 64 between the baffle ⁇ out through the centre aperture 56 of the light baffle.
  • the ⁇ ub ⁇ tantial overlapping of the baffles prevents any U.V. light exiting the cap 52.
  • the inside surfaces of the cap have a matt black non reflective coating to reduce as far as practicable the possibility of U.V. light escaping.
  • the cap 52 has a bayonnet type fitting 66 (or other ⁇ uitable means e.g.
  • the cap 52 and the container 4a are provided with a safety interlock device (not shown - e.g. a microswitch or the like) so that in the event of the cap 52 being removed the U.V. light 18a will not operate.
  • the underside of the cap 52 has ports 70, 72 through which the pipe 46 (not shown) connected to the helical tube 8a may pass.
  • the ga ⁇ injector (such as that used for home beer making and sold by the Boots company of Nottingham, U.K.) may be connected to the container through a ⁇ afety relea ⁇ e valve de ⁇ igned to relea ⁇ e excess pressure from the container when it reaches a predetermined level e.g. 15 psi. (103.4 kN/m z )
  • a gas injector need not be used and a simple manually operated (e.g. hand) pump formed and arranged to pressurize the container may be u ⁇ ed.
  • the helical pipe 8a may have a twin bore - one for water and one for air - each having a diameter of from 1.5 to 2 mm and formed and arranged ⁇ uch that the water bore is ⁇ upplied from water in the container and the air bore is ⁇ upplied from the compressed air in the container. It will be appreciated that this arrangement can supply ⁇ terilized water only, sterilized air only or a combination thereof such as an atomised water spray from a suitable ⁇ pray nozzle.
  • the ⁇ pray nozzle may be of the type u ⁇ ed by denti ⁇ t ⁇ for oral hygiene purpo ⁇ e ⁇ .
  • the helical tube may be formed and arranged to be di ⁇ po ⁇ able and/or interchangable with other helical tube ⁇ for u ⁇ e with the apparatu ⁇ of the invention where, for example, different solutions of water and water additives are required.
  • a di ⁇ po ⁇ able reservoir bag formed and arranged for fitting into the container.
  • Such bags may contain ready mixed but unsterilized liquid such a ⁇ water only; water/SAVLON (Trade Mark) mixtures; saline solution ⁇ ; anae ⁇ thetic solutions for subsequent sterilization by the apparatus of the invention.
  • the gas injector may be dispensed with and the apparatu ⁇ connected directly to the domestic water supply via a tap ⁇ uch that the pressure for the apparatus is ⁇ upplied by the water main ⁇ pressure.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a portable wound cleaning apparatus (1) suitable for use in the cleaning and treatment of wounds. The apparatus (1) comprises a cleaning liquid inlet (4); a pump (P) for conveying liquid (6) from the inlet (4) through an irradiation passage (12) to an outlet nozzle (26). The irradiation passage (12) is enclosed within an irradiation chamber (14) for irradiation by ultraviolet radiation (16) of an effective sterilizing wavelength from an irradiation source (18). The irradiation passage (12) has a wall (24) substantially transparent to the effective sterilizing wavelength of ultraviolet radiation (16). The pump (P) for conveying the liquid (6) is provided with a flow control valve (28) for controlling delivery of cleaning liquid (6A) from the outlet nozzle (26). The pump (P) for conveying the liquid (6) and the irradiation passage (12) and the irradiation source (18) are formed and arranged so that in use of the apparatus (1), the liquid (6) is subjected to an effective sterilizing dose of irradiation (16) during transit through the irradiation passage (12) so that in use of the apparatus (1) a sterile flow of cleaning liquid (6A) may be delivered through the nozzle (26) to a wound to be cleaned.

Description

WOUND CLEANING APPARATUS
The present invention relates to a wound cleaning apparatus suitable for use in the cleaning and treatment of wounds.
Conventional apparatus and methods for cleaning wounds, such as those caused by ulcers, burning or infection, have included swabbing with antiseptic solution or water from specially supplied bags of sterile water, to aerosols which spray of fine mist of antiseptic solution/sterile water onto a wound. The former method using "topical water" supplied in plastics bags is clumsy and expensive. Moreover swabbing with an antiseptic is not particularly effective in cleaning wounds and is painful to patients due to the need to apply, albeit light, pressure to the wound. The latter method and apparatus because of the generally high pressure from the aerosol also results in discomfort and pain to the patient to be treated and is expensive. Moreover existing methods require a supply of sterile water which usually is not available for instance at a accident and emergency scene or in the home for use by community nurses/patients.
It iε an object of the present invention to avoid or minimise one or more of the foregoing disadvantages and to provide an apparatus that produces a flow of sterile cleaning liquid for use in the cleaning and treatment of wounds.
The present invention provideε a portable wound cleaning apparatus suitable for use in the cleaning and treatment of wounds which apparatuε compriεes a cleaning liquid inlet meanε; meanε for conveying liquid from said inlet meanε through an irradiation passage meanε to an outlet nozzle, said irradiation passage means being enclosed within an irradiation chamber for irradiation by ultra-violet radiation of an effective sterilizing wavelength from an irradiation source, said irradiation passage means having wall means subεtantially transparent to said effective sterilizing wavelength of ultra-violet radiation, said means for conveying said liquid being provided with flow control means for controlling delivery of cleaning liquid from said outlet nozzle in use of the apparatus, said means for conveying said liquid and said irradiation passage means and said irradiation εource being formed and arranged so that in use of the apparatus, said liquid is subjected to an effective sterilizing dose of irradiation during transit through said irradiation passage means, whereby in use of the apparatus a sterile flow of εaid cleaning liquid may be delivered through said nozzle to a wound for cleaning thereof.
Thus with a portable wound cleaning apparatus according to the present invention a flow of sterile cleaning fluid suitable for the cleaning of wound in a simple and convenient manner, iε made available as required in a particularly convenient and economic manner.
Various forms of irradiation paεεage means may be used including for example an elongate conduit routed along an extended path in proximity to the irradiation εource, e.g. along a helical path (preferably with a εhort pitch) around the irradiation source. Desirably there is used a relatively εmall bore conduit e.g. having a diameter leεε than 2 mm preferably 1.5 to 2 mm. Moεt preferably though the irradiation passage means is in the form of a static mixer.
Conveniently the inlet meanε iε connected to an on-board reservoir means, which may be removable for refilling and/or may be disposable especially where it is desired to use the apparatuε with different cleaning liquids e.g. plain water or water with one or more additives such as an antiseptic
(e.g. SAVLON (Trade Mark) etc.) or a local anaesthetic.
Alternatively the inlet means is adapted for coupling to an external reservoir or a mains water supply. This is generally less convenient but where a mains water supply is used, then the pressure of this may be used for conveying the water through the apparatus to the outlet nozzle.
Where an on-board reεervoir is provided for holding cleaning liquid then desirably there iε included meanε for pumping liquid through the apparatus of the invention. Preferably there is uεed a conventional vane or impeller type pump driven by a electric motor. Internal batteries or means for connecting the electric motor to an external electrical power εource through, for example, a domeεtic electrical power point may be used to provide electric power for εuch an electric motor. Power may also be supplied via inbuilt solar power panels. In this case the flow control means conveniently comprise pump control means formed and arranged to adjust and/or control the rate of flow of cleaning liquid pumped from the reservoir to the static mixer or other irradiation pasεage means and out of the outlet nozzle. The flow control meanε may be in the form of meanε for controlling the rate at which εaid pump operateε and/or adjuεtable valve meanε between said reservoir and said outlet nozzle. Conveniently said electric power source is used also to operate said irradiation source.
Manual pump meanε for pumping said liquid may also be used if desired. The pump means may moreover be disposed upstream or downstream of the irradiation chamber. In one embodiment there could be used a squeezable hand pumping unit on which the delivery nozzle is mounted. It will further be appreciated that the meanε for pumping the liquid could εimply comprise a pressurized gaε supply e.g. from a compressed gas cylinder or cartridge or by using a manual pump to presεurize gaε in the liquid reεervoir above the liquid before and/or during use of the apparatus.
Filters to prevent debriε pasεing from the reservoir through to the pumping meanε and/or the static mixer are preferably utilized.
Said outlet nozzle is preferably formed and arranged to produce a low presεure spray or flow of liquid at the outlet nozzle in the range of 2-10 psi (1.4 x IO4 - 6.8 x IO1* N/m ) for gently irrigating the wound. The pumping means and said outlet nozzle means are preferably formed and arranged to provide a fluid flow of in range of from 100 ml/min to 600 ml/min. Said fluid flow may be readily adjusted by said adjustable valve means and/or by controlling the rate at which said pump operates.
Preferably there is used a static mixer of the interfacial surface generator type such as that sold under the POSIMIXER Trade Mark by Liquid Control Limited of United Kingdom and described in U.K. Patent Publication No. 2018609A, which document also mentions other publications relating to such mixers. Alternatively there may be used a device such as that described in our earlier U.K. Patent No. GB2200020B (though it will be appreciated that the transmisεion of UV through water iε substantially greater than with blood so that there is significantly greater design flexibility in relation to the static mixer component) . Preferably a relatively small diameter static mixer is used, desirably the POSIMIXER 1/4" (6.35 mm) model having two elements, advantageously split into forty eight (48) element sections. The static mixer may be connected to the pumping means and thereby to the reservoir by preferably flexible conduit means having a diameter of 2 to 3 mm.
Conveniently said reservoir iε of a generally translucent plastics material e.g. polyvinylchloride, and/or is provided with liquid level indicator meanε for indicating to a user the amount of liquid remaining in the reservoir. It will be understood that the reservoir may be of any convenient size but preferably will be more or less compact to facilitate transportation between a suitable liquid source e.g. a kitchen or washroom water tap and a wound treatment location. The reservoir may be removable from the apparatus to facilitate filling and/or provided with suitable inlet means to facilitate filling thereof. Advantageously there is used a reservoir having a capacity sufficient for at least 15 sees, preferably at least 30 seconds, e.g. around 1 minute of wound irrigation. The flow rate will generally be in the range from 50 to 1000 mlε per minute, preferably from 100 to 600 mls/min. Thuε the reservoir will preferably have a capacity of at least 1000 cc, preferably from 500 to 1000 cc. Where the gas above the liquid in the reservoir is compressed for pumping the liquid through the syεtem then the capacity of the reεervoir iε preferably increased.
Advantageously said cleaning liquid such as water may have one or more additives added thereto such as εaline εolution components, antiεeptic, and/or local anaesthetic which helps to reduce still further any possible diεcomfort to patientε in uεe of the wound cleaning apparatuε of the invention.
Conveniently said irradiation source is provided by compact UVB or UVC, preferably UVC emitting fluorescent tubes e.g. type TUV 8 watt produced by Philips Lighting of United Kingdom. The effective sterilizing wavelength from said irradiation source is preferably in the region of from 200 to 300 nm, e.g. around 254 nm.
Preferably the apparatus of the invention iε enclosed by a lightweight and robuεt aluminium or plaεticε houεing which at least in relation to εaid irradiation chamber iε εubstantially impermeable to said U.V. radiation. The inside walls of said chamber may conveniently be subεtantially reflective to εaid U.V. radiation and/or be provided with εuitable reflectors e.g. aluminium foil for directing the U.V. radiation towards the static mixer.
In another respect the present invention provides a method of providing a flow of sterile cleaning fluid suitable for the cleaning of a wound compriεing the steps of:- providing an apparatus according to the present invention, providing a liquid supply to εaid cleaning liquid inlet meanε, operating said means for conveying liquid through εaid irradiation chamber so as to subject said liquid to an effective sterilizing dose of irradiation and delivering a sterile flow of cleaning liquid through εaid nozzle to a wound for cleaning thereof.
Further preferred features and advantages of the present invention will appear from the following detailed description given by way of example of some preferred embodimentε illuεtrated with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-
Fig. 1 is a schematic layout of a portable wound cleaning apparatus of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the component parts of the apparatus εhown in Fig. 1; and
Fig. 3 iε a sectional εide view through a second embodiment of portable wound cleaning apparatus of the invention.
A portable wound cleaning apparatus, generally indicated by reference number 1, is shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and comprises a casing 2 (shown in broken line) containing a tank 4 of water 6 connected by a pipe 8 to an electric pump P and from the pump P via a filter 10 to a static mixer 12. The static mixer 12 is contained within an irradiation chamber 14 which containε also an ultra-violet light 16 source in the form of a tube 18. Both the pump P and the tube 18 are electrically connected to a power εource 20 and control system 22 for powering and controlling the pump P and the U.V. tube 18.
In more detail the water 6 in the tank is tap water (and may optionally contain an antiseptic or local anaesthetic additive) . The water 6 iε pumped by the pump P through the filter 10 which removeε any debriε in the water. The water 6 in a stream then passes under the action of the pump P into the static mixer 12 contained in the irradiation chamber 14. The static mixer 12 is of the interfacial surface generator type and contains a plurality of elements 12a, each of which divides the stream of water 6 into substreamε and then re-orients and recombines the sub- streams into a mainstream. This provides a very effective mixing of the water 6 as it passes through the mixer 12 and of the sterilization of the water 6 as it is irradiated by the U.V. light 16. The mixing ensures that a substantial part of a body of water passing through the mixer 12 is brought into close proximity with the inside εurface of the U.V. tranεparent walls 24 of the mixer 12 so as to be effectively sterilized by the U.V. light 16 as it exits the mixer 12. The sterilized water then pass out of the mixer through a further tube and out of the body 2 to an outlet nozzle 26. The outlet nozzle 26 may have a valve control 28 to adjust the rate of flow of sterilized liquid exiting the nozzle 26. The sterilized water 6A may be used then to treat a wound (not shown) .
Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of a portable wound cleaning apparatuε according to the invention.
The wound cleaning apparatuε, indicated by reference number la, aε εhown in Fig. 3, compriseε a doughnut or annular εhaped container 4a having a stainless steel outer wall casing 30 and a U.V. transmitting inner wall 32 of FEP (fluorinated-ethenepropene) . The container 4a is mounted on a baεe 34 which εupportε a U.V. radiation εource in the form of an upstanding U.V. tube 18a, around which the container 4a stands and defines an irradiation chamber 14a. An irradiation passage means in the form of a helical pipe 8a surrounds the U.V. tube 18a. The walls 24a of the helical tube 8a are tranεparent to the U.V. radiation 16a emitted from the U.V. tube 18a εo that a liquid 6a. paεεing through the pipe 8a may receive an effective εterilizing doεe of U.V. irradiation 16a.
The container 4a contains water 6a (optionally containing an antiseptic or local anaesthetic additive) filled from a domestic tap through a filler cap 36 which seals and makes airtight the container 4a. A C02 gas injector 38 provideε pressurized gas 40 for pressuring the container 4a. and the contents thereof. When the container is preεsurized water in the container is driven up a pickup pipe 42 and out through the top 44 of the container 4a and along a pipe 46 which enters the irradiation chamber 14a and is connected to the helical pipe 8a εurrounding the U.V. tube 18a. The water is irradiated by an effective sterilizing wavelength of U.V. irradiation as it passes along the helical pipe 8a and around the U.V. tube 18a and is then driven out of the top 44 of the apparatus la via a conduit 48 to a spray nozzle 50 for irrigating a wound with the now sterilized water 6A. Pressurized gas 40 from the container iε optionally connected via a conduit 52 to the spray nozzle 50.
The top 44 of the container 4a is provided with a safety cap 52 to protect against U.V. light leakage and also to allow heat generated by the U.V. tube to escape and is deεcribed in more detail with reference to Fig. 4. The safety cap 52 comprises an outer U.V. light baffle 54 having a centre aperture 56 through which hot air 58 generated by the U.V. light 18a passes. Inside the outer light baffle 54 is a smaller heat baffle 60 εpaced apart from the outer light baffle 54 and εupported on support webε 62. The webε 62 and heat baffle 58 are arranged inside the cap 52 so that hot air 58 is deflected by the heat baffle 60 and passeε out under the εides of the heat baffle 60 and then through the εpace 64 between the baffleε out through the centre aperture 56 of the light baffle. The εubεtantial overlapping of the baffles prevents any U.V. light exiting the cap 52. Furthermore the inside surfaces of the cap have a matt black non reflective coating to reduce as far as practicable the possibility of U.V. light escaping. The cap 52 has a bayonnet type fitting 66 (or other εuitable means e.g. εcrew thread) for releasably securing the cap 52 to the container 4a and a further light baffle 68 at this connection portion. The cap 52 and the container 4a are provided with a safety interlock device (not shown - e.g. a microswitch or the like) so that in the event of the cap 52 being removed the U.V. light 18a will not operate. The underside of the cap 52 has ports 70, 72 through which the pipe 46 (not shown) connected to the helical tube 8a may pass.
It will be appreciated that various modifications may be made to the abovedescribed embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus for example the gaε injector, (such as that used for home beer making and sold by the Boots company of Nottingham, U.K.) may be connected to the container through a εafety releaεe valve deεigned to releaεe excess pressure from the container when it reaches a predetermined level e.g. 15 psi. (103.4 kN/mz) A gas injector need not be used and a simple manually operated (e.g. hand) pump formed and arranged to pressurize the container may be uεed.
The helical pipe 8a may have a twin bore - one for water and one for air - each having a diameter of from 1.5 to 2 mm and formed and arranged εuch that the water bore is εupplied from water in the container and the air bore is εupplied from the compressed air in the container. It will be appreciated that this arrangement can supply εterilized water only, sterilized air only or a combination thereof such as an atomised water spray from a suitable εpray nozzle.
The εpray nozzle may be of the type uεed by dentiεtε for oral hygiene purpoεeε. A preferred εpray nozzle iε one of the type εold under the MICRON Trade Mark and marketed by Wright Dental Ltd. of Dundee, Scotland, U.K.
The helical tube may be formed and arranged to be diεpoεable and/or interchangable with other helical tubeε for uεe with the apparatuε of the invention where, for example, different solutions of water and water additives are required. Moreover there may be provided a diεpoεable reservoir bag formed and arranged for fitting into the container. Such bags may contain ready mixed but unsterilized liquid such aε water only; water/SAVLON (Trade Mark) mixtures; saline solutionε; anaeεthetic solutions for subsequent sterilization by the apparatus of the invention.
In yet a further embodiment of the invention (not shown) the gas injector may be dispensed with and the apparatuε connected directly to the domestic water supply via a tap εuch that the pressure for the apparatus is εupplied by the water mainε pressure.

Claims

1. A portable wound cleaning apparatus (1) suitable for use in the cleaning and treatment of wounds which apparatus (1) comprises a cleaning liquid inlet means (4) ; meanε (P) for conveying liquid (6) from said inlet meanε (4) through an irradiation pasεage meanε (12) to an outlet nozzle (26), εaid irradiation passage means (12) being enclosed within an irradiation chamber (14) for irradiation by ultra-violet radiation (16) of an effective sterilizing wavelength from an irradiation source (18) , said irradiation passage means (12) having wall meanε (24) substantially transparent to said effective sterilizing wavelength of ultra-violet radiation (16) , said means (P) for conveying said liquid (6) being provided with flow control means (28) for controlling delivery of cleaning liquid (6A) from εaid outlet nozzle (26) in uεe of the apparatus (1) , said meanε (P) for conveying said liquid (6) and said irradiation passage means (12) and said irradiation source (18) being formed and arranged so that in use of the apparatus, said liquid (6) is subjected to an effective εterilizing dose of irradiation (16) during transit through said irradiation paεεage meanε (12) , whereby in uεe of the apparatuε (1) a εterile flow of said cleaning liquid (6A) may be delivered through said nozzle (26) to a wound for cleaning thereof.
2. An apparatuε according to claim 1 wherein εaid irradiation passage means (12) compriseε an elongate relatively small bore conduit (8a.) routed along on extended path in proximity to said irradiation source (18) .
3. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein εaid conduit (8a) iε routed along a short pitch helical path routed around said irradiation source (18) .
4. An apparatus according to any one of claimε 1 to 3 wherein said irradiation passage means is in the form of a static mixer (12) .
5. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein εaid εtatic mixer (12) is of the interfacial surface generator type.
6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said inlet means is connected to an on board reservoir means (4) .
7. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said inlet means (4) iε adapted for coupling to a water εupply tap.
8. An apparatuε according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said means for conveying liquid (6) is in the form of an electric pump (P) .
9. An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said pump (P) iε connected to an on board electrical power εource.
10. An apparatuε according to claim 8 wherein εaid pump (P) iε provided with means for connecting with a mains power supply.
11. An apparatus according to any one of claimε claim 8 to 10 wherein εaid flow control means compriεeε pump control meanε (22) formed and arranged to adjust and/or control the rate of flow of cleaning liquid (6) .
12. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said meanε for conveying liquid are εelected from the group comprising:- manual pump means; presεurized gaε εupply meanε; and presεurized liquid εupply means.
13. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein said irradiation source (18) produces U.V. radiation (16) in the wavelength range from 200 to 300 nm.
14. An apparatuε according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein said irradiation chamber (14) is enclosed by a housing (30) which is substantially impermeable to said U.V. radiation (16) .
15. An apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said housing (30) is provided with an arrangement of overlapping baffle means (54, 60) formed and arranged to permit venting of heat generated by said irradiation source and preventing any U.V. light exiting said housing (30) .
16. A method of providing a flow of εterile cleaning fluid suitable for the cleaning of a wound comprising the steps of:- providing an apparatus (1) according to claim 1, providing a liquid supply to said cleaning liquid inlet means (4) , operating εaid means for conveying liquid through said irradiation chamber (14) so as to εubject said liquid to an effective sterilizing dose of irradiation and delivering a sterile flow of cleaning liquid through said nozzle (26) to a wound for cleaning thereof.
PCT/GB1996/001542 1995-06-30 1996-06-27 Wound cleaning apparatus WO1997002058A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU62359/96A AU6235996A (en) 1995-06-30 1996-06-27 Wound cleaning apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB9513322.9A GB9513322D0 (en) 1995-06-30 1995-06-30 Wound cleaning apparatus
GB9513322.9 1995-06-30

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1997002058A1 true WO1997002058A1 (en) 1997-01-23

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GB (1) GB9513322D0 (en)
WO (1) WO1997002058A1 (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6576201B1 (en) 2000-01-28 2003-06-10 Baxter International Inc. Device and method for pathogen inactivation of therapeutic fluids with sterilizing radiation
US6596230B1 (en) 2000-01-28 2003-07-22 Baxter International Inc. Device and method for pathogen inactivation of therapeutic fluids with sterilizing radiation
US8109981B2 (en) 2005-01-25 2012-02-07 Valam Corporation Optical therapies and devices
US10029024B2 (en) 2013-09-06 2018-07-24 Medaxis Ag Handpiece for treating wounds
CN111282071A (en) * 2020-03-17 2020-06-16 河南省洛阳正骨医院(河南省骨科医院) Belt cleaning device for orthopedics wound

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1212633A (en) * 1968-04-03 1970-11-18 Erex Hydro Engineering Pty Ltd Improvements relating to the irradiation of fluids
DE2836532A1 (en) * 1978-08-21 1980-02-28 Scheicher Hans METHOD AND DEVICE FOR STERILING SURGICAL OR DENTAL HANDPIECES
US4278078A (en) * 1980-02-26 1981-07-14 Stryker Corporation Lavage handpiece
US4416628A (en) * 1979-11-23 1983-11-22 Teledyne Industries, Inc. Push-button switch as used in oral hygiene appliance
EP0350459A2 (en) * 1988-07-06 1990-01-10 CASTELLINI S.p.A. A unit for the sterilization of operating fluids applicable to medical equipment, in particular to dental surgery instruments

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1212633A (en) * 1968-04-03 1970-11-18 Erex Hydro Engineering Pty Ltd Improvements relating to the irradiation of fluids
DE2836532A1 (en) * 1978-08-21 1980-02-28 Scheicher Hans METHOD AND DEVICE FOR STERILING SURGICAL OR DENTAL HANDPIECES
US4416628A (en) * 1979-11-23 1983-11-22 Teledyne Industries, Inc. Push-button switch as used in oral hygiene appliance
US4278078A (en) * 1980-02-26 1981-07-14 Stryker Corporation Lavage handpiece
EP0350459A2 (en) * 1988-07-06 1990-01-10 CASTELLINI S.p.A. A unit for the sterilization of operating fluids applicable to medical equipment, in particular to dental surgery instruments

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6576201B1 (en) 2000-01-28 2003-06-10 Baxter International Inc. Device and method for pathogen inactivation of therapeutic fluids with sterilizing radiation
US6596230B1 (en) 2000-01-28 2003-07-22 Baxter International Inc. Device and method for pathogen inactivation of therapeutic fluids with sterilizing radiation
US8109981B2 (en) 2005-01-25 2012-02-07 Valam Corporation Optical therapies and devices
US10029024B2 (en) 2013-09-06 2018-07-24 Medaxis Ag Handpiece for treating wounds
CN111282071A (en) * 2020-03-17 2020-06-16 河南省洛阳正骨医院(河南省骨科医院) Belt cleaning device for orthopedics wound

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU6235996A (en) 1997-02-05
GB9513322D0 (en) 1995-09-06

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