Wound Healing System DevelopmentGroup 27Cary BerdyMarybeth JewellMelissa KopaczIan Sando

Advisor:Dr. Naji Abumrad

Current Healing Technique Vacuum Assisted Closure (V.A.C.) TherapyPromote granulation tissue formation through the promotion of wound healing.

Uniformly draw wounds closed by applying controlled, localized negativepressure.

Remove interstitial fluid allowing tissue decompression.

Remove infectious materials.

Provide a closed, moist wound healing environment.

Treats Chronic open wounds, Diabetic ulcers, Pressure ulcers, Acute and traumatic wounds, Flaps and grafts, Dehisced Wounds, and Partial Thickness Burn

Standard V.A.C. Operating Procedure1.2.3.4.Foam is placed over or in wound. Catheter tubing is positioned within the foam dressing.Foam altered in accordance with specific wound characteristics.Catheter tubing is connected to the KCI device. Sterile canister for exudate collection is positioned. Adhesive drape is placed over the foam-filled wound and negative pressure is applied. Dressing is changed every 48 hours.

Disadvantages of Current Devices

ExpensiveDaily costs of V.A.C. exceeds traditional dressing costs. $282/day versus $75/day Patents in U.S. and select international countries provides monopoly on V.A.C devices (KCIs base V.A.C. patents do not expire until 2013. They not only have over 100 V.A.C.- related patents in the U.S. but, internationally, they have more than 75 issued patents and more than 100 pending patents, with protection in Europe, Canada, Australia, and Japan.)

Limited Multiple Wound CapabilitiesCurrent device cannot provide differing pressures to multiple wounds.Multiple machines result in elevated cost for patient/hospital.

New Design GoalsCatheter branching and/or multiple variable pressure outlets on a single device (-25 mmHg to -200 mmHg)

Decrease cost of device components/manufacture

Gain patent in international free markets

Battery operated

Prototype I

1 3/8 Crimp Tee: $2.57 2 Case Enclosures: $12.00 1 Roll Electrical Tape: $0.79 8 ft. Vinyl Tubing: $1.60 4 1/2 x 3/8 Brass Coupling: $6.12 2 Barb Ball Valve: $16.82 1 800 cc Suction Canister: $15.30 1 21.3 Hg Single-Head Vacuum Pump: $194 Total: $249.20

Removing 500 cc of Exudate: Priceless

Prototype II Design for even cheaper Weights added to end of PVC hook to vary negative pressure O-ring slides back and forth to allow for air escape and suction Manual, but better than the J-drain

Future Work Observe current device in clinical setting Get exact date of patent expiration Cost of device from sales rep Improve Prototype I:- Battery operated- Pressure Gauge

References

http://www.kci1.com/products/vac/vac/index.asp

http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:GuzsoyZXpbQJ:www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/mas/reviews/docs/recommend_vac_121604.pdf+V.A.C.+Therapy+costs&hl=en

http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:STFs2zx-PvUJ:www.plasticsurgery.org/PSF/PSFHOME/educate/abstracts/Wednesday/B/1057-1103.htm+V.A.C.+Therapy+costs&hl=en

http://www.nursing.uiowa.edu/sites/chronicwound/index.htm