TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001 ]The present subject matter relates, in general, to systems for wound-treatment, and more particularly, to a system for controlling wound environment, for promoting wound healing.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Wound healing is a natural biological process. However, some non-healing wounds, for example, chronic and acute types of wounds may prove to be exhausting for the affected individuals and may require more time for healing. These chronic and acute wounds may include venous leg ulcers, ischemic wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, pressure sores, traumatic wounds, post-surgical wounds, and burns.

[0003] Wound healing is a complex process and characterized by four distinct and highly programmed phases, namely, haemostasis, inflammation, cell proliferation, and tissue remodelling. Many factors, such as local and systemic factors, may interfere in the natural healing process and make these wounds difficult to heal. Depending on various factors, such as temperature and humidity, different wounds may require different time to heal. Delayed healing of non-healing chronic and acute wounds may cause complications like pain, septicaemia, infections, and amputations leading to lifelong disability and in certain cases even death. Further, Healing of wounds may also depend on several other factors, for example, underlying medical condition(s) of a patient, wound environment at a wound site in terms of pressure, temperature, moisture, oxygen concentration, and microbial growth or infection in the wound. Thus, the recovery of the wounds may be facilitated by optimizing the physical parameters around the wound.

[0004] Existing wound care technologies, such as negative pressure wound therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and electrotherapy may assist the healing of wounds. However, such technologies are typically costly and beneficial to certain limited wound types. The conventional technologies mainly target one of many phases of wound healing while letting other phases to complete naturally, thus delaying healing of the chronic and acute wounds. Further, in the absence of an affordable and comprehensive wound healing solution to treat chronic and acute wounds, hospitals may also face difficulties in providing effective treatment to patients to promote healing of wounds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures are merely examples of the present subject matter and are not meant to represent the subject matter itself.

[0006] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system comprising a wound environment control device, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0007] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of a wound treatment environment comprising the system and a wound dressing, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0008] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of a wound treatment environment comprising the system and the wound dressing, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0009] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate block diagrams of a wound treatment environment comprising the system and the wound dressing, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0010] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate block diagrams of a wound treatment environment comprising the system and the wound dressing, according to another example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0011] Figure 6 illustrates a pictorial representation of the wound treatment environment comprising the wound environment control device and the wound dressing, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0012] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The present subject matter relates to multi-therapeutic wound healing techniques that may facilitate faster healing of complex non-healing wounds. In one embodiment, the present subject matter describes a system for controlling wound environment at a wound site to facilitate faster healing of a wound. According to one example embodiment, the system may include a wound environment control device to control the wound environment at the wound site.The system may be detachably attached to a wound dressing placed on the wound to monitor and control flow of a fluid, such as oxygen across the wound dressing. In one example implementation, the system may monitor values of fluid parameters, such as temperature, pressure, moisture, flow rate, and oxygen concentration of the fluid that may be supplied to and received from the wound dressing. Based on the change in the values of the fluid parameters between the fluid supplied to the wound dressing and received from the wound dressing, the wound environment control device may analyze values of wound environment parameters. In one example, the wound environment may include the wound dressing located at the wound site. Examples of the wound environment parameters may include, but are not limited to, temperature, pressure, moisture, and oxygen concentration at the wound environment. Further, the wound environment control device may modify the fluid parameters, based on the values of the wound environment parameters, to control the wound environment parameters to obtain an optimum wound environment across the wound dressing, thus facilitating efficient healing of the wound.

[0014] According to one example embodiment, the system may include the wound environment control device, hereinafter referred to as a device, a fluid supply unit to supply the fluid, and a canister to receive the fluid from the wound dressing. In one example, the device may include an upstream unit to provide the fluid to the wound dressing and a downstream unit to receive the fluid from the wound dressing. The upstream unit of the device may be detachably attached to the fluid supply unit to receive the fluid. In one example, the fluid supply unit may be a high-pressure fluid source that may supply high pressure fluid, such as a gas or liquid. [0015] In one example, the upstream unit may receive the fluid from the fluid supply unit and provide the fluid to the wound dressing connected to the system. The upstream unit may include one or more upstream sensor(s)to determine upstream values of the fluid parameters, such as temperature, pressure, oxygen concentration, flow rate, and moisture level of the fluid received from the fluid supply unit and supplied to the wound dressing. The upstream sensor(s) may provide the upstream values of the fluid parameters to a main controller of the device. Once the fluid moves from the upstream unit to the wound dressing, a pump of the downstream unit may be activated to draw the fluid from the wound dressing to the downstream unit.

[0016] The downstream unit may further include one or more downstream sensor(s)to determine downstream values of the fluid parameters, such as temperature, pressure, oxygen concentration, flow rate, and moisture level for the fluid received from the wound dressing. The downstream sensors may provide the readings of the fluid parameters to the main controller of the device. The main controller may then compare the readings of the upstream values and downstream values of the fluid parameters to determine a change in the fluid parameters upon interaction with the wound environment. Based on the change in the values of the fluid parameters, the main controller may ascertain if the wound environment parameters have values within a predefined range configured by a user.

[0017] For instance, based on change in temperature, oxygen concentration, moisture level, flow rate or pressure of the fluid, the main controller may determine whether wound environment parameters, such as temperature, oxygen level, and pressure at the wound site are within the predefined range specified by the user. If, it is determined that the fluid parameters are within the predefined range, the wound environment may be ascertained to be maintained at an optimum level at the wound dressing. However, if it is determined that the fluid parameters are not within the predefined range, it may be determined that the wound environment is not optimum for the wound dressing. The main controller may accordingly vary the upstream values of the fluid parameters to obtain the optimum wound environment across the wound dressing located at the wound site. [0018] The present subject matter thus provides techniques to maintain desired conditions at the wound dressing for faster healing of complex non-healing wounds. By optimizing and maintaining multiple parameters at the wound site, infections and microbial growth can be controlled. Further, underlying biomechanisms responsible for wound healing can be stimulated to achieve faster wound healing. For example, upstream values of the fluid parameters may be varied accordingly to obtain the optimum wound environment across the wound dressing for faster wound healing. Further, various biological phenomena underlying wound healing process may also be targeted together to stimulate biochemical and biophysical interactions to overcome the challenges of prolonged wound healing.

[0019] The present subject matter is further described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates a system 100 comprising a wound environment control device 102, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. In one example, the wound environment control device 102, interchangeably referred to as the device 102, may be connected to a wound dressing 104 applied to a wound at a wound site to control wound environment at the wound site. In one example, the device 102 may include an upstream unit 106 and a downstream unit 108.

[0021] The upstream unit 106 may be connected to the wound dressing 104 to supply a fluid, such as an antiseptic solution. In one example, the upstream unit 106 may receive the fluid from a fluid supply unit connected to the device 102. In one example, the fluid supply unit may be a high-pressure fluid source.The upstream unit 106 may further include upstream sensor(s) (not shown in this figure) that may determine upstream values of the fluid parameters, for example, temperature, pressure, oxygen concentration, flow rate, and moisture level of the fluid received from the fluid supply unit and supplied to the wound dressing. In one example, the upstream sensor(s) may determine the upstream values of the fluid parameters for the fluid received from the fluid supply unit. In another example, the upstream sensor(s) may determine the upstream values of the fluid parameters for the fluid being supplied to the wound dressing 1 O4.The upstream sensor(s) may provide the upstream values of the fluid parameters to a main controller (not shown in this figure) of the device 102. The main controller may send one or more signals to activate the upstream unit 106. In one example, the upstream values may be of a predetermined level as defined by a user or the main controller of the device 102.

[0022] The downstream unit 108 of the device 102 may be detachably attached to the wound dressing 104 to receive the fluid from the wound dressing 104. In one example, after the fluid from the upstream unit 106 is supplied to the wound dressing 104, the downstream unit 108 may be activated to draw the fluid from the wound dressing 104 to the downstream unit 108. In one example, the downstream unit 108 may be communicably coupled with the main controller. The main controller may send one or more signals to activate the downstream unit 108. A combined action of the upstream unit 106 and the downstream unit 108 may thus make the fluid flow across the wound dressing 104 to help in optimizing the wound environment. In one example, the fluid may go through the wound dressing 104, to get proximate to the wound for direct interaction. In another example, the fluid may go over the wound dressing 104, with a fluid flow pipe being in contact with the wound dressing 104 to enable indirect interaction between the fluid and the wound.

[0023] In one example, the downstream unit 108 may include downstream sensor(s) (not shown in this figure) to determine downstream values of the fluid parameters for the fluid received from the wound dressing 1 O4.The downstream sensor(s) may provide downstream values of the fluid parameters to the main controller. The main controller may compare the upstream values and the downstream values of the fluid parameters to determine a change in the fluid parameters upon interaction with the wound environment.Based on the change in the fluid parameters, the main controller may determine whether the wound environment parameters have values within a predefined range. In one example, the predefined range of wound environment parameters may be defined by a user, for example, a doctor, an operator of the device 102, or a surgeon. [0024] If the values of the wound environment parameters are within the predefined range, the wound environment may be determined to be optimum for healing of the wound. However, if it is determined that the wound environment parameters are not within the predefined parameter range, the wound environment may be ascertained to be not at an optimum level and the wound environment may be determined to be inadequate for healing of the wound. Based on the determination, the main controller may vary the fluid parameters to obtain an optimum wound environment across the wound dressing, as discussed below in more detail.

[0025] Figure 2 illustrates a wound treatment environment 200 comprising the system 100 and the wound dressing 104, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. In one example, the system 100 may include the device 102 detachably attached to the wound dressing 104, a fluid supply unit 202 detachably attached to the device 102, and a canister 204 detachably attached to the device 102. In one example, the canister 204 may be a container that may collect fluid received from the wound dressing 104. In one example, the canister 204 may be included in the device 102. In another example, the canister 204 may be detachably coupled to the device 102. As previously described, the device 102 may be connected to the fluid supply unit 202 to receive the fluid to be supplied to the wound dressing 104. In one example, the fluid supply unit 202 may be a high-pressure fluid source that may be connected to the device 102. In another example, the fluid supply unit 202 may be a medical gas supply system in hospitals and healthcare facilities that may be utilized to supply gases and gas mixtures to various parts of the facility.The fluid supply unit 202 may supply, for example, oxygen, compressed air, nitrous oxide, nitrogen, carbon dioxide or surgical air. In yet another example, the fluid supply unit 202 may be a cylinder, a pipeline, or other containers that may contain any liquid, gas, or a mixture thereof. Further, the device 102, the wound dressing 104, the fluid supply unit 202, and the canister 204 may be connected to each other using fluid flow tube(s) 206.

[0026] In one example, the device 102 may include a power unit 208, a main controller 210, a user interface 212, the upstream unit 106, and the downstream unit 108. In one example, the power unit 208 may supply electrical power to the device 102 and its components and may be connected to the main controller 210, the user interface 212, the upstream unit 106, and the downstream unit 108 to supply the electrical power. In one example, the power unit 208 may be connected to an electrical power source, such as an Alternating Current (AC) or Direct Current (DC) electrical power source to receive electrical power. In another example, the power unit 208 may receive electrical power from one or more batteries or solar power units that may be connected to the device 102. In one example, the power unit 208 may have automatic power switching functionality to switch from AC to battery power. Further, the power unit 208 may include battery protection and battery charging components (not shown). The power unit 208 may be communicatively coupled to the main controller 210 that may control the power switching, battery charging, and battery protection features. In one example, the main controller 210 may control the functioning of the device 102. For example, the main controller 210 may control the functioning of the power unit 208, user interface 212, the upstream unit 106, and the downstream unit 108. In one example, the main controller 210 may include a separate controller for controlling each of the user interface 212, the upstream unit 106, the downstream unit 108, the power unit 208, and any other component or subsystem like sensors, valves, pump, etc. of a wound healing system, interchangeably referred as the system 100. In some embodiments, the main controller 210 may be a single controller for controlling all the sub systems and components of the wound healing system. Examples of the main controller 210 may include, but are not limited to, a processor, a microcontroller, and a Central Processing Unit (CPU).

[0027] The user interface 212 may function as an input/output interface to receive user inputs and provide output, such as levels of fluid parameters or other device and therapy parameters. The user interface 212 may include buttons, touchscreen, keypad, and mic for voice commands for receiving user inputs. In one example, the user interface 212 may receive inputs from devices, for example, smartphone, tablet, computer, keyboard, and mouse that may be connected wirelessly through WiFi, Bluetooth, infrared, Near-Field Communication (NFC), or with wires through a Universal Serial Bus (USB), and ethernet. In one example, the user interface 212 may also comprise of a user feedback, or user readable output method, for example, Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), Organic Light- Emitting Diode (OLED) display, character display, notification Light-Emitting Diode(s) (LED), and status LEDs. The user interface 212may further transmit information to a user through external devices, for example, servers, smartphones, tablets, computers, speakers, and printers that may be wired/wirelessly connected. The user interface 212 may also indicate outputs to the user.

[0028] In one example implementation, the upstream unit 106 of the device 102 may be detachably attached with the fluid supply unit 202 to receive the fluid. The device 102 and the upstream unit 106 may include inlet ports that may detachably connect the device 102 to the fluid supply unit 202 using fluid flow tube(s) 206, such as pipes, tubes, supply hoses, and regulators. As previously described, the upstream unit 106 may control supply of the fluid from the fluid supply unit 202 to the wound dressing 104. In one example, the upstream unit 106 may include a flow controller 214 to control the fluid parameters of the fluid received from the fluid supply unit 202. In one example implementation, the main controller 210 may communicatively be coupled with the flow controller 214 to control flow rate of the fluid received from the fluid supply unit 202, as will be discussed below in detail. By controlling the flow rate, the flow controller 214 may control the fluid parameters, for example, pressure and temperature of the fluid to be supplied to the wound dressing 104. For example, when the flow rate is increased, the pressure with which the fluid is supplied to the wound dressing 104 may increase while the temperature of the fluid may decrease. Examples of flow controller 214 may include, but are not limited to, expansion chambers, electro-mechanical valves, and mechanical valves that may be used to control the flow rate of the fluid, as will be discussed below in detail.

[0029] The upstream unit 106 may further include upstream sensor(s) 216 to determine the upstream values of the fluid parameters of the fluid received from the fluid supply unit 202. The upstream sensor(s) 216 may be analog sensors and/or digital sensors. Examples of the upstream sensor(s) 216 may include, but are not limited to, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, oximeters, and humidity sensors. For example, the upstream sensor(s) 216 may include a temperature sensor 216-1 , a pressure sensor 216- 2, and a humidity sensor 216-N that may be connected to the flow controller 214. The temperature sensor 216-1 may obtain readings of temperature of the fluid received by the flow controller 214 from the fluid supply unit 202. The pressure sensor 216-2 may obtain readings for pressure of the fluid, while the humidity sensor 216-N may obtain readings for moisture level in the fluid received from the fluid supply unit 202. In one example, the upstream sensor(s) 216 may also include an oximeter (not shown) to obtain readings for oxygen concentration in the fluid received from the fluid supply unit 202. An adequate supply of oxygen is essential for normal progression of wound healing, as it helps stimulate several biochemical and molecular pathways involved in normal wound healing. Thus, exposing a wound to a wound environment having optimum oxygen concentration may speed up healing. In one example implementation, the upstream sensor(s) 216 may continuously obtain readings of the fluid parameters. In another example implementation, the upstream sensor(s) 216 may obtain readings of the fluid parameters at predefined time intervals.

[0030] The upstream sensor(s) 216 may provide the readings as the upstream values of the fluid parameters to the main controller 210. In one example, the upstream sensor(s) 216 may be communicatively coupled to the main controller 210. The main controller 210 may provide instructions to the upstream sensor(s) 216 to obtain the upstream values of the fluid parameters for the fluid received by the flow controller 214. In one example implementation, the main controller 210 may provide instructions to the upstream sensor(s) 216 to obtain the upstream values of the fluid parameters for the fluid before providing the fluid to the wound dressing 104. In one example, the readings obtained by the upstream sensor(s) 216 may be processed by the main controller 210 to obtain the upstream values of the fluid parameters for the fluid. For example, a mean, median, or an average value may be calculated from the obtained readings for fluid parameters, such as temperature, pressure, oxygen concentration, and moisture level, to determine the upstream values of the fluid parameters. In one example, the main controller 210 may apply signal filters to obtain readings for the fluid parameters. In another example, the main controller 210 may evaluate the obtained readings, readings obtained in the past, and rate of change in the fluid parameters based on the obtained readings to determine upstream values of the fluid parameters.

[0031] Further, the upstream unit 106 may provide the received fluid to the wound dressing 104. As previously described, the wound dressing 104 and the upstream unit 106 may include one or more connector interface(s)that may be connected using fluid flow tube(s) 206, such as multi-lumen tubes. In one example, connector interface(s) may include multiple channels, from which one or more channels may be connected to the fluid flow tube(s) 206 connected to the upstream unit 106. The fluid from the upstream unit 106 may be delivered to the wound dressing 104 using one of the channels of the multichannel connector interface(s). In one example implementation, the upstream sensor(s) 216 may be located proximate to the fluid flow tube(s) 206. In another example, the upstream sensor(s) 216 may be located in the fluid flow tube(s) 206 to determine upstream values for the fluid parameters for the fluid being provided to the wound dressing 104.

[0032] The fluid from the upstream unit 106 may accordingly flow through the wound environment, including the wound dressing 104, using the fluid flow tube(s) 206. The fluid while passing over the wound site may interact with the wound dressing 104 to facilitate wound healing. The fluid may further flow from the wound dressing 104 to the canister 204 through the fluid flow tube(s) 206. In one example, part of the fluid supplied from the upstream unit 106 may get consumed in the wound dressing 104 during wound healing and the remaining portion of the fluid may flow from the wound dressing 104 to the canister 204. Further, the fluid flowing downstream from the wound dressing 104 may include waste material from the wound site like exudate, secretions, and dead cells. The fluid from the wound dressing 104, also referred to as downstream fluid may be collected in the canister 204.

[0033] In one example, a pump 218 of the downstream unit 108 may be connected to the canister 204 to facilitate the movement of the downstream fluid to the canister 204. The pump 218 may be communicably coupled with the main controller 210. The pump 218 may be activated by the main controller 210 to draw the fluid from the wound dressing 104 to the downstream unit 1 O8.The canister 204 may be connected to the pump 218 using the fluid flow tube(s) 206. The pump 218 may apply a suction pressure to pull the fluid from the wound dressing 104. In one example, the fluid received by the canister 204 may be directly provided to the downstream unit 108. In another example, the fluid received by the canister 204 may be stored in the canister 204 for a predetermined time before being directed to the downstream unit 108.

[0034] For example, the fluid received from the canister 204 may be directed through a filter 220 of the downstream unit 108. The filter 220 may be used to filter out unwanted elements, for example, waste microbial elements from the downstream fluid received from the canister 204. In one example, downstream fluid having the waste material and part of the supplied fluid received from the wound dressing 104 may be collected in the canister 204 and the filter 220 may be used to filter the waste material to remain in the canister 204 and the remaining fluid without any waste material may be passed to the downstream unit 108. Examples of the filter 220 may include, but are not limited to, an anti-microbial filter, a bacterial filter, and a viral filter. In one example, use of the filter 220 may facilitate removal of microbes and other particulate matter from the fluid. Further, the downstream unit 108 may also include a safety valve 222 that may be connected with the fluid flow tube(s) 206 connecting the canister 204 and the pump 218. In one example, the safety valve 222 may break open to release pressure in emergency situations, for example, when the flow rate or pressure of the fluid received from the canister 204 may be more than a defined safe flow rate and pressure.

[0035] In one example, the downstream unit 108 may include downstream sensor(s) 224 to determine downstream values of the fluid parameters, such as temperature, pressure, oxygen concentration, and moisture level for the fluid received from the canister 204. The downstream sensor(s) 224 may be analog sensors and/or digital sensors. Examples of the downstream sensor(s) 224 may include, but are not limited to, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, oximeters, and humidity sensors. In one example, the downstream sensor(s) 224 may include a temperature sensor 224-1 to obtain readings for temperature of the fluid received from the canister 204. The downstream sensor(s) 224 may further include a pressure sensor 224-2 to obtain readings for pressure of the fluid received from the canister 204. The downstream sensor(s) 224 may further include a humidity sensor 224-N to obtain readings for moisture level in the fluid received from the canister 204. In one example, the downstream sensor(s) 224 may also include an oximeter (not shown) to obtain readings for oxygen concentration in the fluid received from the canister 204.

[0036] In one example, the downstream sensor(s) 224 may be located inside the canister 204. In another example, the downstream sensor(s) 224 may be provided inside or be coupled to the fluid flow tube(s) 206 connecting the canister 204 and the pump 218. In another example, the downstream sensor(s) 224 may be connected to the fluid flow tube(s) 206 connecting the canister 204 and the wound dressing 104. In yet another example, the downstream sensor(s) 224 may be provided in line between the pump 218 and an outlet port of the device 102 for the fluid to exit the system 100.The downstream sensor(s) 224 may provide the downstream values of the fluid parameters to the main controller 210 of the device 102.

[0037] The main controller 210 may compare the upstream values of the fluid parameters of the fluid to be provided to the wound dressing 104 and the downstream values of the fluid parameters of the fluid received from the wound dressing 104 to determine a change in the fluid parameters upon interaction with the wound environment. In one example, the main controller 210 may determine aA (delta) value by subtracting the downstream values from the upstream values of the fluid parameters. For example, the readings for temperature for the fluid received at the downstream unit 108 may be subtracted from the readings for temperature for the fluid received at the upstream unit 106 to determine a change in temperature of the fluid upon interaction with the wound environment. Similarly, the readings for pressure, oxygen concentration, and moisture level obtained from the downstream sensor(s) 224 for the fluid received at the downstream unit 108 may be subtracted from the readings for pressure, oxygen concentration, and moisture level for the fluid received at the upstream unit 106 to determine a change in pressure, oxygen concentration, and moisture level, respectively, upon interaction with the wound environment. Based on the change in the values of the fluid parameters, the main controller 210 may ascertain if the values of the wound environment parameters are within a predefined range. If the delta value indicates that the wound environment parameters are not in the predefined range, the main controller 210 may change the upstream fluid parameters to alter the wound environment accordingly.

[0038] In one example, the predefined range for the wound environment parameters may be provided by the user using the user interface 212. For example, the user may input a predefined range for temperature that may be required to be maintained at the wound site. In one example implementation, the user interface 212 may function as an input/output interface to receive user inputs and provide output, such as levels of fluid parameters or other device and therapy parameters. For example, the user interface 212 of the device 102 may facilitate the user, such as an operator, a doctor, a physician, or a clinician, to input a predefined range for the wound environment parameters. For example, the user interface 212 may enable the operator to input a temperature range that may be required to be maintained at the wound site. Similarly, the user interface 212 may facilitate the user to input predefined ranges for the wound environment parameters, for example, pressure range, pH, oxygen concentration range, and moisture level. In another example, the operator may select a preprogrammed mode from a plurality of preprogrammed modes which may store a pre-defined range of values for each of the wound environment parameters.

[0039] If it is determined that the parameters of the fluid received from the wound dressing are within the predefined range, the wound environment may be ascertained to be maintained at an optimum level at the wound dressing 104. If the main controller 210 determines that the values of the wound environment parameters are not within the predefined range, the main controller 210 may accordingly modify the values of the fluid parameters to obtain the optimum wound environment across the wound dressing located at the wound site. In one example, the main controller 210 may control the fluid supply unit 202 and the flow controller 214 to modify the upstream values of the fluid being provided to the wound dressing 104 to optimize the wound environment parameters.

[0040] For example, if downstream value of the temperature is higher than upstream value of the temperature of the fluid, the main controller 210 may ascertain that the temperature at the wound dressing 104 is higher than the predefined range for temperature that is required to be maintained at the wound site. The main controller 210 may then vary the fluid parameters to obtain the optimum wound environment at the wound site. In one example, the device 102 may automatically adjust the fluid parametersin order to maintain optimum conditions at the wound dressing 104. For example, to reduce the temperature at the wound site to optimum levels, the flowrate of the fluid may be increased or the temperature of the fluid provided by the upstream unit 106 may be decreased so that the fluid may have a cooling effect at the wound site.

[0041] In another example, change in one parameter of the wound environment may affect other parameters of the wound environment and the main controller 210 may take all the parameters of the wound environment and effects into account to determine an optimum parameter control method. For example, If the fluid supplied to the wound dressing 104 form the upstream unit 106 is 02 gas, and the concentration of 02 gas measured in the downstream unit 108 is less than the optimum/desired levels, it means that the wound environment is deficient in oxygen. Accordingly, the main controller 210 may increase the flow rate of 02 gas, or use higher concentration in delivery fluid. However, an increase in 02 flow rate may have a cooling and drying effect on the wound environment, and the temperature and humidity levels in the wound environment may fall below the desired levels. This may also increase the pressure in the wound environment with the entry of more fluid. The main controller 210 may assess these possibilities or may measure these effects and optimize the flow rate, temperature, humidity levels, and pump suction rate of the fluid to maintain all of the parameters mentioned above (such as 02 concentration, temperature, humidity, and pressure) in the desired range.

[0042]ln one example implementation, if it is determined that the fluid parameters received from the wound dressing 104 are not within the predefined range, an alert may be provided to the operator using the user interface 212 of the device 102. The alert may inform the operator that the values of one or more wound environment parameters at the wound dressing 104 may be out of the range required to be maintained. The operator may then perform the necessary process to maintain the fluid parameters, for example to reduce temperature, within the predefined range at the wound dressing 104.

[0043] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of a wound treatment environment 300 comprising the system 100 and the wound dressing 104. In one example, the system 100 may include the wound environment control device 102 with the flow controller 214 comprising one or more expansion chambers 302-1 , 302-2....302-N, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0044] As discussed above, the upstream unit 106 may be connected to the fluid supply unit 202. In one example, the fluid supply unit 202 may be a high-pressure fluid source that may be connected to the upstream unit 106 of the device 102. The fluid supply unit 202 may deliver the fluid at very high pressure and high flow rates. However, it may be required to deliver the fluid to the wound dressing 104 at much lower pressure and at small flow rates to maintain equilibrium and keep the wound environment in optimum healing conditions. Therefore, the upstream unit 106 may include the flow controller 214 to control the flow rate of the fluid received from the fluid supply unit 202. In one example, the flow controller 214 may include one or more expansion chambers, such as a first expansion chamber 302-1 , a second expansion chamber 302-2, and a third expansion chamber 302-N. The one or more expansion chambers may interchangeably be referred as expansion chambers 302 and expansion chamber 302. The third expansion chamber may interchangeably be referred as final expansion chamber 302-N. Although three expansion chambers have been disclosed in Figure 3, however, the flow controller may include N number of chambers, where N is any natural number. In one example, the expansion chambers 302 may be a hollow container that may contain an inlet port and an outlet port. In one example, the expansion chambers 302 may be connected to the upstream sensor(s) 216. In another example, the expansion chamber 302 may include the upstream sensor(s) 216 of the upstream unit 106.

[0045] Further, the flow controller 214 may include one or more valves 304-1 , 304-2, 304- 3...304-N between the high-pressure fluid source and the expansion chambers 302. The one or more valves may interchangeably be referred to as valves 304 and valve 304. Examples of valves 304 may include mechanical valves, electro-mechanical valves, one way (non-return) valves, check valves, plug valves, and pressure relief valves. In one example, opening and closing of the valve may be controlled by the main controller 210 to control inlet and outlet of the fluid to and from the expansion chambers 302.

[0046] In one example implementation, the fluid supply unit 202 may be connected to the valve 304-1 of the flow controller 214.The main controller 210 may open the valve 304-1 for a short duration of time to allow the high-pressure fluid from the fluid supply unit 202 to be received in the first expansion chamber 302-1 through the inlet port of the first expansion chamber 302-1. When the high-pressure fluid enters the first expansion chamber 302-1 , the fluid may expand inside the first expansion chamber 302-1 and the fluid parameters, such as pressure, temperature, and flow rate may change. The upstream sensor(s) 216 connected to the first expansion chamber 302-1 may obtain upstream values for the fluid parameters of the fluid received from the fluid supply unit 202. The upstream sensor(s) 216 may share the obtained upstream values for the fluid parameters to the main controller 210. [0047] Further, the main controller 210 may open the valve 304-2 connected to the outlet port of the first expansion chamber 302-1 for a short duration. The valve 304-2 may further be connected to the inlet port of the second expansion chamber 302-2 and may allow the fluid to pass from the first expansion chamber 302-1 to the second expansion chamber 302-2. The similar process as explained above for the first expansion chamber 302-1 may be repeated for the second expansion chambers 302-2 and the third expansion chamber 302-N. For example, the second expansion chamber 302-2 may receive the fluid with updated fluid parameters from the first expansion chamber 302-1 to further change the fluid parameters of the fluid. The fluid may further expand in the second expansion chamber 302-2 to further change the updated fluid parameters of the fluid received from the first expansion chamber 302-1 . The third expansion chamber 302-N may receive the fluid with further updated fluid parameters from the second expansion chamber 302-2 to further change the fluid parameters of the fluid.The fluid may further expand inside the third expansion chamber to further change the further updated fluid parameters of the fluid received from the second expansion chamber 302-2. In one example, the upstream values for fluid parameters in each of the intermediate expansion chambers 302 may be controlled in such a way that the values of the fluid parameters in the final expansion chamber 302-N, before release to the wound dressing 104, are within the predetermined range.

[0048] Once the upstream values of the fluid parameters are within the predetermined range, the main controller 210 may determine that the fluid parameters are substantially at the optimum level for being supplied to the wound dressing 104. The main controller 210 may then open the valve 304-N, that may be connected to the outlet port of the third expansion chamber 302-N, to allow the fluid to exit the third expansion chamber 302-N. In one example, the fluid may then be provided to the wound dressing 104. In another example, the fluid may be provided to other unit(s) 308. The other unit(s) 308 may include other sensor(s) 310 that may obtain additional parameter values for the fluid and heating and dehumidification unit(s) 312 for heating and dehumidifying the fluid to be supplied to the wound dressing 104. The heating and dehumidification unit(s) 312 can be a gas heater, a heat exchanger, or any other apparatus suitable for heating the fluid can be utilized. In one example, the other sensor(s) 310 may include a sensor to measure pH value of the fluid. In one example, the other sensor(s) 310 may include a sensor to measure oxygen (02) level in the fluid.

[0049] Further, the main controller 210 may determine, based on the upstream values provided by the upstream sensor(s) 216 and additional parameter values provided by the other sensor(s) 310, whether the fluid is required to be heated and dehumidified, such as to reduce the moisture level in the fluid. If heating and dehumidifying is required, the main controller 210 may pass the fluid through the heating and dehumidification unit(s) 312 to reduce the moisture level in the fluid. The fluid may then be provided to the wound dressing 104. Further, the downstream unit 108 may operate as described above with reference to figure 2.

[0050] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate a wound treatment environment 400 comprising the system 100 and the wound dressing 104, according to another example implementation of the present subject matter. As previously discussed, the system 100 may include the device 102, the fluid supply unit 202, and the canister 204. The device 102 may further include the upstream unit 106 having the flow controller 214 connected to the fluid supply unit 202 to receive the fluid to be supplied to the wound dressing 104. In one example implementation, the flow controller 214 of the system 100 comprises mechanical valve(s) for controlling and adjusting flow and fluid parameters of the fluid to be supplied to the wound dressing 104.

[0051] In one example, the flow controller 214 may include a mechanical valve 402 that may include one or more chambers, such as a first chamber 404-1 , a second chamber 404-2, and a third chamber 404-3. The one or more chambers may interchangeably be referred to as chambers 404 and chamber 404. In one example, the mechanical valve 402 may be connected to the upstream sensor(s) 216. In an example, the first chamber 404-1 , the second chamber 404-2, and the third chamber 404-3 may include the upstream sensor(s) 216 of the upstream unit 106. As discussed above, the upstream sensor(s) 216 may determine upstream values of the fluid parameters of the fluid received from the fluid supply unit 202.

[0052] In one example, the first chamber 404-1 and the second chamber 404-2 may be separated by a fixed wall 406 while the chambers 404-2 and 402-3 may be separated by a movable wall 408. The mechanical valve 402 may further include a channel 410 running through the fixed wall 406 and the movable wall 408, connecting the third chamber 404- 3 to the first chamber 404-1 . A first end 412 of the channel 410 may open into an opening 414of the movable wall 408. A second end 416 of the channel 410 may abut against a first boundary wall 414-1 of the mechanical valve 402 in the first chamber 404-1 to seal the second end 416 of the channel 410. Further, a spring 418 may be coupled to a portion of the channel 410 located in the second chamber 404-2. Further, the first chamber 404- 1 may include a valve inlet port 420 that may be connected to the fluid supply unit 202 to receive the fluid. In one example, the valve inlet port 420 may be connected to a valve 422 that may be connected to the fluid supply unit 202. Examples of the valve 422 may include mechanical valves, electro-mechanical valves, one way (non-return) valves, check valves, plug valves, and pressure relief valves.

[0053] Further, the mechanical valve 402 may include a feedback inlet port 424. In one example, the feedback inlet port 424 may be fluidly connected to the downstream unit 108. For example, a tube or a pipe may be used to connect the feedback inlet port 424with the downstream unit 108. In one example, the tube or pipe may be connected between a connection between the pump 218 and the filter 220. In another example, the feedback inlet port 424 may be connected to the pump 218 to receive the same amount of suction pressure as in the downstream unit 108.

[0054] In operation, opening and closing of the valve 422 may be controlled by the main controller 210 to control inlet of the fluid to the first chamber 404-1 . For example, the main controller 210 may open the valve 422 for a short duration of time to allow fluid from the fluid supply unit 202 to be received in the first chamber 404-1 through the valve inlet port 420. Initially, when the fluid enters the first chamber 404-1 , the second end 416 of the channel 410 may be abut against the first boundary wall 414-1 and the opening 414 to the third chamber 404-3 may be closed. The fluid may thus stay in the first chamber 404- 1 . Further, the second chamber 404-2 may be fluidly coupled to the downstream unitl 08 via the feedback inlet port 424. The pressure applied by the pump 21 Sin the downstream unit 108 may control the pressure from the upstream unit 106. If the pressure applied by the pump 218 in the downstream unit 108 is high, the feedback pressure in the second chamber 404-2 may rise, pushing the movable wall 408 towards the third chamber 404- 3. The channel 410 between the first chamber 404-1 and the third chamber 404-3 may thus remain open, thereby creating higher pressure in the third chamber 404-3 which then gets delivered to the wound dressing104. On the other hand, if the pressure applied by the pump 218 in the downstream unit 108 is low, the feedback pressure in the second chamber 404-2 becomes low, thus pulling the movable wall 408 and closing the channel 410 between the first chamber 404-1 and the third chamber 404-3 faster. This may keep the pressure of supply fluid in the third chamber 404-3 to be low, and supply the fluid to the wound dressing 104. Due to the pressure, the movable wall 408 may experience force, as illustrated in Figure 4B and may start to move towards a second boundary wall 414-2 of the mechanical valve 402. Further, as the movable wall 408 moves towards the second boundary wall 414-2, the channel 410 moves, thereby stretching and unwinding the spring 418. Movement of the channel 410 further creates a gap between the second end 416 of the channel 410 and the first boundary wall 414-1 , thereby opening the connection between the first chamber 404-1 and the third chamber 404-3. The fluid in the first chamber 404-1 may enter the third chamber 404-3 via the channel 410. In one example, the opening 414 may be dependent on position of the movable wall 408 which may further depend on stiffness of the spring 418 and the pressure difference between the third chamber 404-3 and the second chamber 404-2.

[0055] Movement of the movable wall 408 further creates a gap between the second end 416 of the channel 410 and the first boundary wall 414-1 , thereby opening the connection between the first chamber 404-1 and the third chamber 404-3. The fluid in the first chamber 404-1 may enter the third chamber 404-3 via the channel 410. In one example, the opening 414 may be dependent on position of the movable wall 408 which may further depend on stiffness of the spring 418 and the pressure difference between the third chamber 404-3 and the second chamber 404-2.

[0056] As the fluid recedes from the third chamber 404-3, the pressure in the third chamber 404-3 may drop, owing to which the spring 418 may start unwinding. The spring force thus generated by the spring 418 and the pressure in the second chamber 404-2 may push the movable wall 408 towards the second boundary wall 414-2. The movement of the movable wall 408 towards the second boundary wall 414-2 may expose the opening 414 of the channel 410 to open the connection between the first chamber 404-1 and the third chamber 404-3. The fluid from the first chamber 404-1 may further start to recede from the third chamber 404-3.The movement of the fluid from the first chamber 404-1 to the third chamber 404-3 increases the pressure in the third chamber 404-3. This increased pressure may force the movable wall 408 away from the second boundary wall 414-2, thus increasing the size of the third chamber 404-3. This movement also compresses the spring 418 and pushes the channel 410 against the first boundary wall 414-1 to close the connection with first chamber 404-1. As the fluid is supplied to the wound dressing 104 from the third chamber 404-3, the pressure in the third chamber 404- 3 may drop, resulting in opening the connection with the first chamber 404-1 and allowing fluid to move to the third chamber 404-3.

[0057] In one example, the mechanical valve 402 may help in maintaining an equilibrium pressure condition at the wound dressing 104. For example, the fluid connectivity from the downstream unit 108 via the feedback inlet port 424 may affect the pressure in the second chamber 404-2. In one example, if the pressure in the second chamber 404-2 increases, higher pressure in the second chamber 404-2 along with the spring force may push the movable wall 408 towards right, to open the second end 416 of the channel 410 to open the connection between the first chamber 404-1 and the third chamber 404-3. The connection may remain open until the pressure in the third chamber 404-3 becomes large enough to push the movable wall 408 back against the spring force and the second chamber 404-2 pressure. Thus, increase in pressure in second chamber 404-2 may result in higher delivery pressure in the third chamber 404-3, thereby helping in maintaining equilibrium pressure condition at the wound dressing 104. Similarly, if the pressure at the wound dressing 104 is decreased, the feedback pressure from the downstream unit 108 may also decrease. This may decrease the pressure value in the second chamber 404- 2. Lower pressure in the second chamber 404-2 will reduce the force pushing the movable wall 408 towards theright. The channel 410 between the first chamber 404-1 and the third chamber 404-3 may remain closed until the pressure in the third chamber 404-3 becomes enough to push the movable wall 408 towards right and open the channel 410between the first chamber 404-1 and the third chamber 404-3. Thus, resulting in lower delivery pressure in third chamber 404-3. [0058] In one example, by maintaining equilibrium pressure conditions at the wound dressing 104, optimum pressure conditions at the wound dressing 104 may be maintained. For instance, if the fluid received from the downstream unit 108 is of pressure higher than the pressure with which the fluid is being supplied, improper pressure conditions may be maintained at the wound dressing 104 that may in turn result in excess release of fluid from the wound environment. This may leave the wound environment dry and affect the healing process of the wound.

[0059] The example embodiments discussed above may disclose a single mechanical valve 402. However, the flow controller 214 may include more than one mechanical valve(s) 402.

[0060] Figure 5A and 5B illustrate a wound treatment environment 500 comprising the system 100 and the wound dressing 104, according to another example implementation of the present subject. As previously discussed, the system 100 may include the device 102, the fluid supply unit 202, and the canister 204. The device 102 may further include the upstream unit 106 having the flow controller 214 connected to the fluid supply unit 202 to receive the fluid to be supplied to the wound dressing 104. In one example implementation, the flow controller 214may include mechanical valve(s) for controlling and adjusting flow and fluid parameters of the fluid to be supplied to the wound dressing 104.

[0061] In one example, the flow controller 214 may include a mechanical valve 502 that may include one or more chambers, such as a first chamber 504-1 , a second chamber 504-2, a third chamber 504-3, and a fourth chamber 504-4. The one or more chambers may be fixed in size. The one or more chambers may interchangeably be referred to as chambers 504 and chamber 504. In one example, the mechanical valve 502 may be connected to the upstream sensor(s) 216. In another example, the chambers 504 may be communicably coupled with the upstream sensor(s) 216 of the upstream unit 106. As discussed above, the upstream sensor(s) 216 may determine upstream values of the fluid parameters of the fluid received from the fluid supply unit 202.

[0062] In one example, the first chamber 504-1 and the third chamber 504-3 may be separated by the second chamber 504-2 and the fourth chamber 504-4. A channel 506 may be formed between the second chamber 504-2 and the fourth chamber 504-4 that may connect the first chamber 504-1 and the third chamber 504-3. Further, the mechanical valve 502 may include a movable piston 508. A first portion 508-1 of the movable piston 508 may be partially located in the second chamber 504-2 and a second portion 508-2 of the movable piston 508 may be partially located in the fourth chamber 504-4. The second portion 508-2 of the movable piston 508 may be coupled with a spring 510 to apply a spring force for moving the movable piston 508. The movable piston 508 may include an opening 512 that may connect the first chamber 504-1 and the third chamber 504-3. Further, the first chamber 504-1 may include a valve inlet port 514 that may be connected to the fluid supply unit 202 to receive the fluid. In one example, the valve inlet port 514 may be connected to a valve 516 that may be connected to the fluid supply unit 202.

[0063] Further, the mechanical valve 502 may include a feedback inlet port 518. In one example, the feedback inlet port 518 may be fluidly connected to the downstream unit 108. For example, a tube or a pipe may be used to connect the feedback inlet port 518with the downstream unit 108. In one example, the tube or pipe may be connected between a connection between the pump 218 and the filter 220. In another example, the feedback inlet port 518may be connected to the pump 218 to receive the same amount of suction pressure as in the downstream unit 108. In one example, the suction pressure may be applied by the pump 218 to pull the fluid from the wound dressing 104.

[0064] In operation, opening and closing of the valve 516 may be controlled by the main controller 210 to control inlet of the fluid to the first chamber 504-1 . For example, the main controller 210 may open the valve 516 for a short duration of time to allow fluid from the fluid supply unit 202 to be received in the first chamber 504-1 through the valve inlet port 514. Initially, when the fluid enters the first chamber 504-1 , the movable piston 508 may be in an upward position and the opening 512 may be blocked by walls of the second chamber 504-2, as illustrated in Figure 5A. The fluid may thus stay in the first chamber 504-1 .Further, pressure in the second chamber 504-2 may be affected by the downstream unit 108 via the feedback inlet port 518. For example, pressure in the second chamber 504-2 may increase or decrease based on a feedback pressure received from the downstream unit 108. In one example, the feedback pressure may be the pressure applied by the fluid received from the downstream unit 108. The second chamber 504-2 may receive the feedback pressure, via the feedback inlet port 518. In one example, the feedback pressure may be of equal amount as the suction pressure applied by the pump 218 in the downstream unit 1 O8.The feedback inlet port 518 may be connected to the pump 218 to receive the feedback pressure, i.e., the pressure equal to the suction pressure in the downstream unit 108 Due to increase in the pressure and the spring force, the movable piston 508 may experience force, as illustrated in Figure 5B and may start to move downwards thereby unwinding the spring 510. Further, as the movable piston 508 moves downwards, the opening 512 moves. Movement of the opening 512may open the channel 506 between the first chamber 504-1 and the third chamber 504-3, thereby opening a connection between the first chamber 504-1 and the third chamber 504-3. The fluid in the first chamber 504-1 may enter the third chamber 504-3 via the channel 506 and the opening 512 of the movable piston 508. In one example, the position of the movable piston 508 may be dependent on stiffness of the spring 510, the feedback pressure in the feedback inlet port 518 due to the downstream unit 108, and the pressure difference between the fourth chamber 504-4 and the second chamber 504-2.

[0065] Further, the fluid may be supplied to the wound dressing 104. In one example, the mechanical valve 502 may include an outlet port 520 that may be used to provide fluid from the third chamber 504-3 to the other unit(s) 308, as discussed in Figures 3, 4A and 4B. The other unit(s) 308 may then supply the fluid to the wound dressing 104. As the fluid recedes from the third chamber 504-3, the pressure in the third chamber 504-3 may drop, resultingin a pressure drop in the fourth chamber 504-4. In one example, the fourth chamber 504-4 may include a chamber opening 522 that may connect the fourth chamber 504-4 and the third chamber 504-3. Therefore, when pressure in the third chamber 504- 3 drops, the pressure in the fourth chamber 504-4 may also drop due to which the spring 510 may start unwinding. The spring force thus generated by the spring 510 and the pressure in the second chamber 504-2 may start moving the movable piston 508 downwards. As the fluid is supplied to the wound dressing 104 from the third chamber 504-3, the pressure in the third chamber 504-3 may drop, resulting in downward movement of the movable piston 508, thus opening the connection with the first chamber 504-1 to allow fluid to move to the third chamber 504-3.Thus, as discussed above, the mechanical valve 502 may help in maintaining an equilibrium pressure condition at the wound dressing 104.

[0066] Further, as the pressure in the third chamber 504-3 increases, the pressure in the fourth chamber 504-4 may also increase due to which the spring 510 may start winding. The spring force thus generated by the spring 510 and the pressure in the second chamber 504-2 may start moving the movable piston 508 upwards. The movement of the movable piston 508 may position the opening 512 between the walls of the second chamber 504-2, as indicated in Figure 4A, thus closing the connection between the first chamber 504-1 and the third chamber 504-3. In one example, the spring force may move the movable piston 508 till the spring 510 reaches a default resting position, such that the movable piston 508 is back in the upward position to close the opening 512.

[0067] Figure 6 illustrates a pictorial representation of a wound treatment environment 600 comprising the wound environment control device102 and the wound dressing 104, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. As it may be understood, Figure 6 discloses a representation of the device 102 and the wound dressing 104 that have been discussed above with reference to Figures 1 -5. The device 102 and the wound dressing 104 may include all the features and functionalities discussed in Figures 1 -5. Any modification in appearance of the device 102 and the wound dressing 104 may not modify the functionality that may be performed by the device 102 and the wound dressing 104.

[0068] In one example, the device 102 may be detachably attached to the wound dressing 104 placed on the wound. According to one example embodiment, the device 102 may supply fluid received from the fluid supply unit 202 to the wound dressing 104 and also receive the fluid back from the wound dressing 104. In one example, the device 102 may be attached to the wound dressing 104 using the fluid flow tube(s) 206. In one example, the fluid flow tube(s) 206 may be a multichannel tube having multiple channels, such as a first fluid flow channel 206-1 and a second fluid flow channel 206-2. The first fluid flow channel 206-1 and the second fluid flow channel 206-2 may together be referred to as fluid flow tube(s) 206 or fluid flow tubes 206. In one example, the first fluid flow channel 206-1 may be detachably attached with the upstream unit 106 of the device 102to provide the fluid to the wound dressing 104 and the fluid from the upstream unit may be delivered to the wound dressing 104 using the first fluid flow channel 206-1. Further, the downstream unit 108 may receive the fluid from the wound dressing 104 using the second fluid flow channel 206-2. In one example, the second fluid flow channel 206-2 may be detachably attached to the downstream unit of the device 102. Further, the fluid flow tube(s) 206 may include a connector interface 602 for connecting the fluid flow tube(s) 206 and the wound dressing 104. In another example, the wound dressing 104 may include the connector interface 602 for connecting the fluid flow tube(s) 206 coming from the upstream unit 106 and the downstream unit 108 of the device 102.

[0069] Although examples for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it should be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed and explained as examples of the present subject matter.