Systems And Methods For Controlling Inflammatory Response

Abstract

A method and system for controlling inflammatory response at an internal tissue site of a patient utilizes a reduced-pressure treatment device. Controlling the inflammatory response may be accomplished in a number of ways that involve treating the inflammatory milieu. Treating the inflammatory milieu may include removing or moderating pro-inflammatory stimuli, e.g., fluids, enhancing perfusion of the tissue at or near the internal tissue site, or providing reduced-pressure therapy. The reduced-pressure treatment device is placed at or near the internal tissue site and is fluidly coupled to an external reduced-pressure source. The reduced-pressure treatment device provides reduced pressure proximate the tissue site and treats the inflammatory milieu. The reduced-pressure treatment device for controlling inflammatory response may be a minimally-invasive treatment device.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . A treatment device, comprising:
 at least two leg manifold members, each leg manifold member enclosed within an interior space of a fenestrated encapsulating envelope;   at least two connecting interfaces, each of the two connecting interfaces coupled to an end of one of the leg manifold members;   at least two connecting conduits, each connecting conduit having a first end coupled to one of the connecting interfaces; and   an interface conduit coupled to a second end of each of the connecting conduits.   
     
     
         6 . The treatment device of  claim 5 , wherein each of the leg manifold members is cylindrical. 
     
     
         7 . The treatment device of  claim 5 , wherein the interface conduit is coupled to the second end of each of the connecting conduits through a connector. 
     
     
         8 . The treatment device of  claim 5 , wherein:
 each of the leg manifold members is cylindrical; and   the interface conduit is coupled to the second end of each of the connecting conduits through a connector.   
     
     
         9 . A treatment device, comprising:
 a leg manifold member having an aspect ratio of at least 1.5;   an encapsulating envelope encapsulating the leg manifold member;   a plurality of fenestrations formed on the encapsulating envelope; and   a reduced-pressure interface coupled to the encapsulating envelope in fluid communication with the leg manifold member.   
     
     
         10 . The treatment device of  claim 9 , wherein the aspect ratio is not greater than 6.0. 
     
     
         11 . The treatment device of  claim 9 , further comprising a reduced-pressure delivery conduit having a first end coupled to the reduced-pressure interface and a second end coupled to a quick connection fitting. 
     
     
         12 . The treatment device of  claim 9 , wherein the leg manifold member is symmetrical about a major axis of the leg manifold member. 
     
     
         13 . The treatment device of  claim 9 , wherein the leg manifold member comprises a tapered end adapted for insertion through a trocar. 
     
     
         14 . The treatment device of  claim 9 , further comprising a pressure transducer within the leg manifold member. 
     
     
         15 . The treatment device of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the aspect ratio is not greater than 6.0;   the leg manifold member is symmetrical about a major axis of the leg manifold member; and   the leg manifold member comprises a tapered end adapted for insertion through a trocar.   
     
     
         16 . The treatment device of  claim 9 , further comprising a second leg manifold member intersecting the leg manifold member to form a central connection site. 
     
     
         17 . The treatment device of  claim 9 , further comprising a second leg manifold member intersecting the leg manifold member to form two obtuse angles and two acute angles. 
     
     
         18 . A system for controlling inflammatory response at an internal tissue site of a patient, the system comprising:
 a plurality of encapsulated leg members, each having an interior portion with a leg manifold member and formed with fenestrations operable to allow fluid flow into the interior portion,   a plurality of connecting conduits, and   an interface conduit, wherein each of the plurality of connecting conduits is coupled to the same end of the interface conduit; and   a sealing member for disposing on a portion of a patient's epidermis and operable to form a pneumatic seal over the internal tissue site.   
     
     
         19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 a reduced-pressure source for supplying reduced pressure; and   a reduced-pressure delivery conduit for fluidly coupling the reduced-pressure source and the interface conduit.   
     
     
         21 . A method for controlling inflammatory response at an internal tissue site, comprising:
 deploying a reduced-pressure treatment device proximate the internal tissue site;   fluidly coupling an external reduced-pressure source to the reduced-pressure treatment device;   providing reduced pressure from the external reduced-pressure source to the reduced-pressure treatment device to control inflammatory response; and   determining a pressure at the internal tissue site using a pressure transducer associated with the reduced-pressure treatment device.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the reduced-pressure treatment device comprises:
 a leg manifold member;   an encapsulating envelope encapsulating the leg manifold member; and   a plurality of fenestrations formed on the encapsulating envelope.   
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the pressure transducer is positioned within the leg manifold member.