Novel wound irrigation device and method

Abstract

The subject invention provides novel, inexpensive, and highly effective methods and devices for convenient and effective wound irrigation. In one embodiment the subject invention provides a discharge means for a reservoir housing containing irrigation solution wherein the discharge means has one or more specifically designed nozzles through which a sufficient volume of the irrigation solution can pass at an appropriate pressure.

1 . A device for wound irrigation wherein said device comprises a reservoir housing containing a sterile wound irrigation solution, and wherein said reservoir housing is attached to a discharge means having at least one nozzle through which the wound irrigation solution can exit the reservoir housing, wherein said nozzle has a cross-sectional area that decreases from the inlet port of the nozzle (proximal to the reservoir housing) to the outlet port (distal to the reservoir housing) such that the nozzle forms a venturi passageway.  
   
   
       2 . The device, according to  claim 1 , wherein the nozzle has a length from the inlet port to the outlet port of between about 0.005 and 0.50 inches.  
   
   
       3 . The device, according to  claim 2 , wherein the nozzle has a length of between about 0.01 and 0.3 inches.  
   
   
       4 . The device, according to  claim 1 , wherein the inner diameter of the outlet port is between about 0.02 and 0.07 and the inner diameter of the inlet port is between about 0.05 and 0.30 inches.  
   
   
       5 . The device, according to  claim 1 , further comprising a backsplash shield.  
   
   
       6 . The device, according to  claim 1 , wherein the reservoir housing is made from a compressible material.  
   
   
       7 . The device, according to  claim 6 , wherein the reservoir housing is made from plastic.  
   
   
       8 . The device, according to  claim 1 , wherein the reservoir housing is generally in the shape of a cylinder having an ergonomic shape with curved sides such that the cross-sectional area of the cylinder varies along the length of the cylinder.  
   
   
       9 . The device, according to  claim 1 , further comprising means for pressurizing the reservoir housing.  
   
   
       10 . The device, according to  claim 8 , wherein the means for pressurizing the reservoir housing is battery operated.  
   
   
       11 . The device, according to  claim 1 , having a plurality of nozzles.  
   
   
       12 . The device, according to  claim 11 , having 4 nozzles.  
   
   
       13 . The device, according to  claim 1 , which creates a dispersed stream of irrigation fluid when the irrigation fluid leaves the device under pressure.  
   
   
       14 . The device, according to  claim 1 , which has approximately 500 ml of irrigation solution.  
   
   
       15 . The device, according to  claim 14 , wherein, when the device is placed on its side, fluid does not exit the nozzles.  
   
   
       16 . The device, according to  claim 1 , which is sterile and enclosed within a wrapper that maintains sterility until the wrapper is opened.  
   
   
       17 . A tray conveniently providing items for use in treating wounds wherein said tray comprises at least one of the following: 
 a) a discharge means that can be attached to a bottle containing wound irrigation solution; or    b) a bottle containing a wound irrigation solution,    and wherein said tray further comprises at least one item selected from the group consisting of:    needle holders; scissors; hemostats; forceps; cups; syringes; needles; dressings;    drapes; and towels.    
   
   
       18 . A method for irrigating a wound, said method comprising the following steps: 
 (a) providing a device for wound irrigation wherein said device comprises a reservoir housing containing a sterile wound irrigation solution, and wherein said reservoir housing is attached to a discharge means having at least one nozzle through which the wound irrigation solution can exit the reservoir housing, wherein said nozzle has a cross-sectional area that decreases from the inlet port of the nozzle (proximal to the reservoir housing) to the outlet port (distal to the reservoir housing) such that the nozzle forms a venturi passageway;    (b) directing the discharge means and reservoir housing so as to discharge the wound-irrigation solution toward a wound; and    (c) discharging said wound-irrigation solution from said reservoir housing and through said nozzle, or nozzles, to produce a stream of wound-irrigation solution directed at the wound.    
   
   
       19 . The method, according to  claim 18 , wherein said wound-irrigation solution is discharged from said device, at a pressure between about 4 psi and about 20 psi.  
   
   
       20 . The method, according to  claim 18 , wherein said discharge means has a plurality of nozzles.  
   
   
       21 . The method, according to  claim 20 , wherein said discharge means has 4 nozzles.  
   
   
       22 . The method, according to  claim 18 , wherein the inner diameter of the outlet port of the nozzle, or nozzles, is between about 0.02 and about 0.07 inches.  
   
   
       23 . The method, according to  claim 18 , wherein the inner diameter of said inlet port(s) is between about 0.05 and 0.30 inches.  
   
   
       24 . The method, according to  claim 18 , wherein said discharge means is detachably engaged to said reservoir housing.  
   
   
       25 . The method, according to  claim 18 , wherein said device comprises a backsplash shield.  
   
   
       26 . The method, according to  claim 18 , wherein the nozzle has a length of between about 0.01 and 0.50 inches.  
   
   
       27 . The method, according to  claim 18 , wherein the irrigation fluid leaving the device creates a dispersed stream of fluid.  
   
   
       28 . The method, according to  claim 18 , wherein about 500 ml of fluid is administered in about 15 to 30 seconds.  
   
   
       29 . The method, according to  claim 18 , wherein the wound is in or around the eye and the irrigation fluid is administered at a pressure of from about 1 psi to 5 psi.  
   
   
       30 . A discharge means that can be attached to a reservoir housing that contains an irrigation fluid, where said discharge means has at least one nozzle through which the wound irrigation solution can exit the reservoir housing, wherein said nozzle has a cross-sectional area that decreases from the inlet port of the nozzle (proximal to the reservoir housing) to the outlet port (distal to the reservoir housing) such that the nozzle forms a venturi passageway.