Flanged Connector for Wound Therapy

Abstract

A wound dressing for use in negative wound pressure therapy includes a cover layer for positioning over a wound to define a reservoir over the wound in which a reduced pressure may be maintained. At least one vacuum port is affixed to the cover layer and includes a conduit receiving portion configured to receive a fluid conduit to provide fluid communication between the fluid conduit and the reservoir. The at least one vacuum port is configured to receive the fluid conduit from a plurality of directions relative to the cover layer.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A wound dressing for use in negative wound pressure therapy comprising:
 a cover layer for positioning over a wound to define a reservoir over the wound in which a reduced pressure may be maintained; and   at least one vacuum port affixed to the cover layer, the at least one vacuum port comprising a conduit receiving portion configured to receive a fluid conduit to provide fluid communication between the fluid conduit and the reservoir, and wherein the at least one vacuum port is configured to receive the fluid conduit from a plurality of directions relative to the cover layer.   
     
     
         2 . The wound dressing according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one vacuum port includes a stationary base relative to the cover layer, and wherein the conduit receiving portion of the at least one vacuum port is adapted for rotational movement relative to the stationary base. 
     
     
         3 . The wound dressing according to  claim 2 , wherein the at least one vacuum port includes an orientation fixation structure configured to lock the conduit receiving portion in position relative to the stationary base in a releasable manner. 
     
     
         4 . The wound dressing according to  claim 3 , wherein the orientation fixation structure comprises a pawl on one of the stationary base and the conduit receiving portion, the pawl configured to interface with a series of spaced ridges or detents on the other of the stationary base and the conduit receiving portion in a ratchet-like manner. 
     
     
         5 . The wound dressing according to  claim 3 , wherein the orientation fixation structure comprises a plurality or radially spaced projections extending from the stationary base radially beyond the conduit receiving portion to define a plurality of radially spaced slots therebetween, the slots configured to receive the fluid conduit. 
     
     
         6 . The wound dressing according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one vacuum port comprises a plurality of vacuum ports, each of the plurality of vacuum ports having a conduit receiving portion oriented relative to the cover layer to receive the fluid conduit in a direction differing from another of the plurality of vacuum ports. 
     
     
         7 . The wound dressing according to  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of vacuum ports includes a pair of vacuum ports oriented such that a pair of conduit receiving portions receive the fluid conduit in orthogonal directions. 
     
     
         8 . The wound dressing according to  claim 6 , further comprising at least one plug removably coupled to the conduit receiving portion of one of the plurality of vacuum ports, the plug configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the conduit receiving portion of the one of the plurality of vacuum ports. 
     
     
         9 . The wound dressing according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one vacuum port comprises a conduit receiving portion having a plurality of entry paths, each entry path oriented relative to the cover layer to receive the fluid conduit in a direction differing from another of the plurality of entry paths. 
     
     
         10 . The wound dressing according to  claim 9 , further comprising at least one plug removably coupled to one of the plurality of entry paths, the plug configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the one of the plurality of entry paths. 
     
     
         11 . The wound dressing according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one vacuum port comprises a flange extending radially from a central portion of the at least one vacuum port to facilitate the formation of a fluid-tight connection with the cover layer. 
     
     
         12 . The wound dressing according to  claim 11 , wherein the flange of the at least one vacuum port comprises a plurality of vents formed therein. 
     
     
         13 . The wound dressing according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one vacuum port includes a base exhibiting a radial symmetry, and wherein the conduit receiving portion of the at least one vacuum port is selectively removable and selectively engaged by the base in a plurality of orientations. 
     
     
         14 . The wound dressing according to  claim 13 , wherein the conduit receiving portion includes an annular lip or notch, and wherein the base includes an annular lip or notch such that the conduit receiving portion and the base are adapted for snap-fit engagement. 
     
     
         15 . The wound dressing according to  claim 13 , wherein the base includes a socket mount configured to receive a bulbous end of the conduit receiving portion. 
     
     
         16 . The wound dressing according to  claim 15 , wherein the socket mount is segmented to define a plurality of radially spaced slots on the base, each of the slots being configured to engage the conduit receiving portion to maintain an orientation of the conduit receiving portion. 
     
     
         17 . The wound dressing according to  claim 15 , wherein the conduit receiving portion includes an o-ring for sealing a passageway through the base. 
     
     
         18 . A negative wound pressure therapy apparatus comprising:
 a cover layer for defining a reservoir over a wound in which a negative pressure may be maintained by forming a substantially fluid-tight seal around the wound;   a vacuum source suitable for providing an appropriate negative pressure to the reservoir to stimulate healing of the wound;   a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the vacuum source; and   at least one vacuum port coupled to the cover layer, the at least one vacuum port comprising a conduit receiving portion configured to receive the fluid conduit to provide fluid communication between the fluid conduit and the reservoir, the at least one vacuum port configured to receive the fluid conduit from a plurality of directions relative to the cover layer.   
     
     
         19 . The apparatus according to  claim 17 , further comprising a contact layer in direct contact with the wound and a wound filler positioned between the contact layer and the cover layer.