Systems and methods of stimulation and activation of fluids for use with instillation therapy

Abstract

Systems and methods of stimulating or activating fluids for use in wound treatment systems.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A system for treating a wound, comprising:
 a fluid storage device having a fluid comprising a therapeutic agent;   a negative-pressure source configured to draw the fluid from the fluid storage device through a wound dressing; and   an energy source configured to direct energy to the fluid to activate the therapeutic agent.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the therapeutic agent comprises molecules having a protective coating prior to exposure to the energy source. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the energy source is configured to degrade the protective coating. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the energy source is configured to activate a component of the fluid that degrades the protective coating. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy source is configured to direct energy to the fluid proximal to the wound dressing. 
     
     
         6 . A system for treating a wound, comprising:
 a fluid storage device having a fluid comprising a therapeutic agent;   a supply pump configured to move the fluid from the fluid storage device into a wound dressing; and   an energy source configured to direct energy to the fluid to activate the therapeutic agent.   
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the energy source is configured to emit ultrasonic energy. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the energy source is configured to emit magnetic energy. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the energy source is configured to emit radio frequency energy. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the energy source is configured to emit ionizing radiation energy. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the energy source is configured to emit microwave energy. 
     
     
         12 . A method of treating a wound, the method comprising:
 applying negative pressure to a wound dressing;   drawing fluid through the wound dressing; and   directing energy to the fluid proximal to the wound dressing and activating a therapeutic property of the fluid.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein activating a therapeutic property of the fluid comprises degrading a coating of a molecule in the fluid. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the therapeutic property includes an anti-biotic property. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the therapeutic property includes an analgesic property. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the therapeutic property aids with debridement the wound. 
     
     
         17 . A method of treating a wound, the method comprising:
 pumping fluid through a wound dressing; and   directing energy to the fluid proximal to the wound dressing and activating a therapeutic property of the fluid.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the therapeutic property comprises molecules with a protective coating and activating the therapeutic property comprises degrading the protective coating. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein activating a therapeutic property of the fluid further comprises reducing biofilm buildup. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein activating a therapeutic property further comprises debriding the wound.