Portable medical treatment system and method of use

Abstract

A medical treatment system including a treatment chamber, a source of an aqueous mist containing a medication, a source of an oxygen-enriched gas, and a control system adapted to alternately surround a human body part with a mist containing a medication and the oxygen enriched gas, which can be used to treat various skin disorders including infected lesions, bacterial infections such as acne (i.e. Propionibacterium acnes), fungal infections such as Athlete's foot (i.e. fungal genus Trichophyton), conditions associated with hair loss including alopecia as well as ulcerations and frostbite resulting from poor circulation. A method of treating skin disorders is also disclosed, that includes providing a mist containing a medication and enriched oxygen gas to the site being treated as well as providing oxygen to the patient during treatment.

Claims

1. A portable variable hyperoxia treatment system, comprising: a housing comprising: a programmable control circuit powered by an energy source; a humidifier in fluid communication with a fluid source containing a fluid, the humidifier configured to generate a humidified vapor, wherein the humidifier comprises a piezo-electric disc configured to vaporize the fluid from an absorbent insert; a gas source containing a gas; a flow control regulator connected to the control circuit for dispensing gas from the gas source; a main valve controlled by the control circuit and connected to the humidifier and the flow control regulator; and an exit port connected to the main valve for dispensing said humidified vapor and gas; and a treatment chamber configured to configured to cover a treatment area, the treatment chamber in fluid communication with the exit port through hollow tubing.

2. The portable hyperoxia therapy treatment system of claim 1, wherein the treatment chamber is configured to be affixed to a human body part or wherein a human body part may be inserted into the chamber for treatment.

3. The portable hyperoxia therapy treatment system of claim 1, wherein the treatment chamber comprises one or more light emitting diodes having a connector for electronically connecting the light emitting wherein the treatment chamber is not contained within the housing.

4. The portable hyperoxia therapy treatment system of claim 3, wherein the light emitting diodes emit IR and/or UV light.

5. The portable hyperoxia therapy treatment system of claim 1, wherein the control circuit comprises one or more protocols stored in the control circuit to permit automatic operation of the system of a selected protocol.

6. The portable hyperoxia therapy treatment system of claim 5, wherein at least one of the one or more protocols are configured to alternatingly surround the treatment area with the humidified vapor and the gas.

7. The portable hyperoxia therapy treatment system of claim 1, further comprising a wireless transmitter adapted to transmit data.

8. The portable hyperoxia therapy treatment system of claim 1, wherein the piezo-electric disc emits low intensity ultrasound frequencies between about 20 kHz to about 100 kHz.

9. The portable hyperoxia therapy treatment system of claim 1, wherein the gas comprises oxygen.

10. The portable hyperoxia therapy treatment system of claim 1, wherein the fluid comprises water.

11. The portable hyperoxia therapy treatment system of claim 1, wherein the medicament comprises an antibiotic selected from the group consisting of isopropyl alcohol, bacitracin, hydrogen peroxide, and combinations thereof.

12. The portable hyperoxia therapy treatment system of claim 1, wherein the medicament comprises ionic silver.

13. The portable hyperoxia therapy treatment system of claim 1, wherein the treatment chamber comprises an opening and a drawstring configured to close the opening around the human body part.

14. The portable hyperoxia therapy treatment system of claim 1, wherein the treatment chamber comprises an opening and an adhesive configured to seal the opening around the human body part.

15. The portable hyperoxia therapy treatment system of claim 1, wherein the treatment chamber comprises an impermeable flexible polymer.

16. The portable hyperoxia therapy treatment system of claim 1, wherein the treatment chamber comprises a release valve.

17. The portable hyperoxia therapy treatment system of claim 1, wherein the hollow tubing is flexible such that a position of the treatment chamber can be adjusted relative to a position of the housing.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) These and other features and advantages will be apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable variable hyperoxia treatment apparatus of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 2 is an illustration of a disposable treatment chamber for use with the methods and apparatus of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(4) Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein have the same meaning as are commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All patents, patent applications and publications referred to throughout the disclosure herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event that there is a plurality of definitions for a term herein, those in this section prevail.

(5) The term “portable” as used herein refers to the ability of the apparatus to be easily transported from one location to the other by the user because of its small size and light weight. This term is also used to refer to the apparatus being transportable, mobile and/or wearable.

(6) The term “cartridge” as used herein refers to a holding cylinder for the absorbent insert. The cartridge may have a number of configurations that achieve this goal. The cartridge is preferably disposable and may have a spring that applies pressure to keep the absorbent insert up against the humidifier. Correspondingly, the cartridge may hold the absorbent insert tightly with a part of the insert extending beyond the end of the cartridge. In this configuration the cartridge may have a twisting compression lock maintaining contact of the absorbent insert with the humidifier when the cartridge is twist locked in place.

(7) The term “programmable control circuit” as used herein refers to the circuitry that operates the apparatus. The control circuit includes a computer processing unit with memory, preprogrammed protocols that may be selected from a menu, provides a user interface that allows the user to program and save additional protocols as well as controlling the functions of the humidifier, flow control regulator, main valve, light emitting diodes, humidity sensor and oxygen sensor and activating or deactivating any or all of these elements based on the protocol selected by the user.

(8) The term “medicament” as used herein refers to a solution of a compound or compounds that provide a therapeutic effect to the treatment area including antibacterial agents, antifungal agents, antiseptics, wound healing agents and medicinal agents.

(9) The “absorbent insert” as used herein is a natural or synthetic fiber that is able to absorb a fluid and provide that fluid to the humidifier. The fiber is preferably bidirectional or unidirectional allowing the fluid to migrate via capillary action to the humidifier for vaporing the fluid.

(10) The apparatus, treatment systems, and methods described herein provide hyperbaric oxygen and a humidified medicament as therapy in wound management and treatment. In addition, the described apparatus, systems, and methods, may also provide the application of antibacterial agents as well as infrared and ultraviolet light therapy to promote healing and suppression of bacterial growth.

(11) Turning to FIG. 1, a portable variable hyperoxia treatment apparatus 10 is shown, which prepares and dispenses a humidified medicament and an oxygen enriched gas simultaneously or sequentially at a pressure slightly greater than atmospheric pressure to a wound encased by a treatment chamber. The apparatus generally includes a housing having three sealable chambers 12, 14 and 16, a programmable control circuit 18, a humidifier 20, a flow control regulator 22, a storage port 24, a main valve 26, an exit port 28 and sealable caps 30, 32 and 34 for each of the chambers. The first sealable chamber 12 is for housing an energy source. The second sealable chamber 14 is for receiving a cartridge 36 containing water or a medicament and the third chamber 16 is for receiving a gas cartridge. Each chamber has a top and bottom ends. The programmable control circuit 18 is powered by an energy source housed in the first sealable chamber 12. The humidifier 20 is positioned at the top end of the second chamber 14, electronically connected to the programmable control circuit 18 and in contact with water or a medicament in the chamber. A flow control regulator 22 is positioned on the top end of the third chamber 16 and electronically connected to the control circuit 18 for dispensing gas from a gas cartridge. The storage port 24 is located above the humidifier 20 to house humidified vapor or medicament. The main valve 26 is in communication with the storage port 24 and the flow control regulator 22 and electronically connected to the control circuit 18. The exit port 28 is in communication with the main valve 26 for dispensing the humidified vapor or medicament. The entire apparatus is of a size that can be easily transported or stationed on a table or counter top for treatment administration.

(12) The first chamber 12 is provided in a size sufficient to house an energy source such as a battery. The size of the chamber may vary depending on the dimensions of the battery based on the energy requirement of the programmable control circuit 18. The chamber will allow for easy access to the energy source for replacement. When the cap 30 is in place the circuit servicing the programmable control circuit 18 is complete energizing the apparatus 10. The cap 30 may have a moisture resistant seal to prevent damage to the apparatus circuitry from water.

(13) The second chamber 14 is provided in sufficient size to house a cartridge 36 containing water or a medicament. The cartridge 36 may be provided in a variety of configurations. In one embodiment, the cartridge 36 comprises a hollow cylindrical sleeve 40 that houses a cylindrical absorbent insert 42 saturated with water or a medicament. In one preferred embodiment the housing further comprises a spring 44 that tensions the absorbent insert 42 against the top end of the chamber during use. In one configuration the spring 44 is provided on the base of the hollow cylindrical sleeve 40 so that when the cap 32 is in place the spring 44 is compressed exerting force on the sleeve 40 pressing the absorbent insert 42 against the top end of the chamber 14. In this configuration the cartridge 36 may be easily extracted from the apparatus 10 and easily replaced or the cartridge 36 reused and the absorbent insert 42 replaced. The cap 32 may have a moisture resistant seal to prevent damage to the control circuit from water. In a preferred embodiment the absorbent insert 42 is a unidirectional matrix in which capillary action allows the water or medicament contained in the matrix to travel to the humidifier during use.

(14) The cartridge 36 may contain water or a variety of medicaments depending on the condition being treated. For example, an antibacterial agent, such as ionic silver, hydrogen peroxide, bacitracin, betadine, or isopropyl alcohol may be used for open wounds such as laceration, cuts or surgical incisions. In one embodiment, humidified 1% hydrogen peroxide/silver solution is used. If the condition being treated is fungal, the medicament may be for example (RS)-1-(2-(2,4-Dichlorobenzyloxy)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenypethyl)-1H-imidazol e (Miconazole™), 1-[(2-chlorophenyl)(diphenyl)methyl]-1H-imidazole (Clotrimazole™), [(2E)-6,6-dimethylhept-2-en-4-yn-1-yl](methyl)(naphthalen-1-ylmethyl)amine (Terbinafine™), O-2-naphthyl methyl(3-methylphenyl)thiocarbamate (Tolnaftate™) or [(4-tert-butylphenyl)methyl](methyl)(naphthalen-1-ylmethyl)amine (Butenafine™). If the condition being treated is acne, the medicament may be for example benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, sulfur or azelaic acid. For treatment of alopecia, the medicament may be 6-piperidin-1-ylpyrimidine-2,4-diamine 3-oxide (Minoxidil™), N-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-3-oxo-(5α,17β)-4-azaandrost-1-ene-17-carboxamide (Finasteride™), (11β,16α)-9-fluoro-11,16,17,21-tetrahydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (Triamcinolone™), 17-hydroxy-7α-mercapto-3-oxo-17α-pregn-4-ene-21-carboxylic acid, γ-lactone acetate (Spironolactone™) or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, FDA approved topical antibacterial, antibiotic, antiseptics and antimicrobial solutions and agents, may also be used.

(15) A humidifier is located at the top end of chamber 14 in direct contact with the absorbent insert 42. In one embodiment, the humidifier 20 is a piezo-electric disc electronically connected to the programmable control circuit 18. When the piezo-electric disc is activated is vaporizes the fluid supplied by the absorbent insert 42 through sound vibrations. Capillary action in the absorbent insert 42 will maintain fluid at the humidifier 20 interface allowing continued production of vapor. On the other side of the humidifier 20 is the storage port 24 where the vapor is stored before be applied to the wound treatment area. The absorbent insert 42 may be made of any material that allows fluid contained in the insert 42 to wick in a desired direction based on capillary action. For example, the absorbent insert 42 may be a natural fiber such as cotton or a hard felt made of rayon a semi-synthetic fiber or cellulose acetate a synthetic fiber. In another embodiment of the present invention, the piezo-electric disc may provide a dual purpose of vaporizing the fluid supplied by the absorbent insert 42 as well as providing a low intensity ultrasound frequency, such as for example between 20 KHz and 100 kHz applied to the treatment area for about 15 to about 45 minutes. Low intensity ultrasound frequencies such as these have been shown to improve chronic wound healing (C. Schultz, Expose Wounds to the Right Kinds of Sound, and They Heal Faster, Drexel University, College of Medicine, January 2014, Smithsonianmag.com).

(16) The humidifier 20 has a transducer that generates ultrasonic energy at about 40 kHz to create an adiabatic/humid vapor that creates a cloud. When the main valve 26 is opened, the vapor travels from the storage port 24 into the exit port 28 where it enters the hollow tubing 108 that leads to the treatment chamber 102 secured over the treatment area.

(17) The third chamber 16 is provided in sufficient size to receive a small gas cartridge similar in size to a standard CO.sub.2 cartridge but instead containing oxygen. At the top end of the chamber 16 is a seat to receive the top of the gas cartridge. At or about the center of the seat is a puncture pin and flow control regulator 22 connected electronically to the programmable control circuit 18. When the cap 34 is tightened sealing the third chamber 16, force is applied to the gas cartridge pressing the gas cartridge plug against the pin puncturing the plug and allowing gas to flow into the flow control regulator 22. The cap 34 may have a moisture resistant seal to prevent damage to the apparatus circuitry from water.

(18) The programmable control circuit 18 provides an interactive display that allows the user to select programmed protocols from a menu to meet the treatment requirements. These protocols may be preprogrammed into the control circuit memory when purchased or they may be programmed by the user and stored in the control circuit memory. The control circuit 18 regulates the vaporization of the water or medicament supplied by the absorbent insert 42, the flow rate of oxygen from the gas cartridge, the sequential or simultaneous application of the humidified medicament and oxygen, the dispensing rate of the humidified medicament, oxygen or mixture of both and the emission of infrared and/or ultraviolet light to the affected area.

(19) The dispensing of the humidified medicament or vaporized water and oxygen are regulated by the main valve 26, which is electronically controlled by the programmable control circuit 18. The main valve 26 is preferably a three way valve that can allow only humidified medicament, only oxygen or a combination of both to be dispensed to the affected area through the exit port 28. In conjunction with the dispensing of oxygen and humidified medicament the programmable control circuit 18 will also control the emission of infrared and/or ultraviolet light through one or more light emitting diodes 38 on the tip of the exit port 28 or built into the treatment chamber 100 that covers the treatment area.

(20) A wide variety of treatment chamber 100 configurations may be utilized with the portable variable hyperoxia treatment system based on the location and size of the area being treated. In each case, the treatment chamber 102 will be connected to the apparatus 10 through a hollow tube 108 affixed to the exit port 28 of the apparatus 10. The treatment chamber 102 will be made of an impermeable flexible polymer that will retain the humidified medicament in contact with the affected area. The treatment chamber 102 may be provided in a configuration that will encase an appendage such as a finger or hand having a means for securing the open end about the appendage. This means of attachment may be a physical means such as a draw string or by chemical means such as the use of an adhesive. In another configuration, the treatment chamber 102 may be shaped like a dome with adhesive along the edges 110 so that the chamber 102 may be easily affixed on a relatively flat area such as the chest or back of the user. In either configuration, the hollow tube 108 providing the humidified medicament to the affected area may be located around or about the center of the treatment chamber 102 or off the side. The treatment chamber 102 may have a release valve (not shown in the drawings) that allows the humidified gas inside the chamber 102 to escape once a desired pressure is reached.

(21) In one embodiment, a set of light emitting diodes that generate infrared and/or ultraviolet light 104 are provided on or within the treatment chamber 102 and electrically connected to the programmable control circuit 18. This electrical connection may be established directly when the hollow tubing 108 of the treatment chamber 100 is connected to the exit port 28 or may require that the user make the connection by plugging the light emitting diode wire 106 into a jack 50 provided on the apparatus 10 that connects the LEDs to the programmable control circuit 18. In another embodiment, a light emitting diodes 38 is provided in the tip of the exit port 28 and electronically connected to the control circuit 18.

(22) The storage chamber 24 may further comprise a humidity sensor 46 electronically connected to the programmable control circuit 18 to monitor the vapor in the chamber and to assure that the components of chamber 2 are operating appropriately. For example, if the vapor in the chamber is insufficient it may indicate that sufficient fluid is not available in the absorbent insert, the insert may not be in sufficient contact with the humidifier 20 or the humidifier 20 may not be functioning properly.

(23) In addition, the apparatus 10 may further comprise an oxygen sensor 48, a wireless transmitter 52 and/or a bar code reader 54. The oxygen sensor 48 is in contact with the flow control regulator 22 to assure that adequate oxygen is being provided according to the selected or programmed protocol and to determine whether the oxygen cartridge should be replaced. The wireless transmitter 52 may transmit data to a local desk top computer, a cell phone, a tablet or other similar device or may transmit the data over the internet, phone line or to a cloud where medical personnel can review the data. A bar code reader 54 may be provided to read a bar code on prepared medicament cartridges 36 before use to assure that the appropriate medicament is being applied and to record the date of treatments as well as protocols used with that medicament cartridge 36.

(24) In operation, the apparatus 10 works by switching the master power switch to the on position, which turns the system on and puts the system in ready mode. The user then selects which of the protocols existing in the control circuit 18 to be used or whether a new protocol will be programmed. Depending on the condition to be treated, the protocol selected may provide for operation of all, or just some, of the functions. For example, a protocol may call for treating the affected area with the antibiotic vapor, but may not require infrared or ultraviolet treatment. The control circuit screen 56 will provide options that the user may select in deciding on the appropriate protocol for treatment or to allow the user to program a new protocol. Establishing these types of menu selections is well known in the art and can be easily programmed into the control circuit 18. When a specific protocol is selected the apparatus will provide a prompt to the user to initiate treatment when the user is ready. According to one embodiment, the vapor may be set at about fifteen minutes, the oxygen set at about five minutes, the IR illumination set at about one to about ten minutes and the UV illumination set at less than 5 seconds, less than 4 seconds, less than 3 seconds, less than 2 seconds, or less than 1 second.

(25) In one example of using the apparatus 10, the affected area of the user is first cleaned. The user selects a protocol from the menu items displayed on the control circuit screen 56. The treatment chamber 100 that is substantially impermeable to gas is then applied over the affected area. The treatment chamber 102 is secured in place by adhesive along the chambers perimeter edge. Once secured the start button is pressed and the apparatus initiates the selected treatment protocol. An exemplary protocol may begin with activation of the UV LED(s) 104 of the treatment chamber through the light emitting diode wire 106 to the control circuit 18. The LTV LED(s) 104 briefly stimulate the affected area (about one to five seconds). The array of IR LEDs in the treatment chamber is then activated transmitting a pulsed (or steady) IR light that warms the limb increasing circulation. A humidified vapor of water and/or a topical antibacterial, antiseptic or antibiotic agent in water is released from the humidifier and maintained in the storage port 24. The humidified vapor is released independently or simultaneously with oxygen through the main valve 26 into the exit port 28 and travels through the hollow tubing 108 to the treatment chamber 102. In one embodiment, vapor treatment lasts about fifteen minutes.

(26) Under certain protocols the humidified vapor and oxygen are released sequentially. For example, in one protocol the main valve 26 releases the humidified vapor first for a given treatment period followed by release of oxygen. The oxygen displaces the vapor and oxygenates the wound. Oxygenation can last between about one minute and about fifteen minutes. In one embodiment, oxygenation lasts about five minutes. The process between vapor treatment and oxygenation can be repeated several times. In one embodiment, vapor treatment and oxygenation are repeated three times for a total of four rounds of treatment lasting approximately eighty minutes.

(27) In one embodiment, there can be as few as one LED and as many as twenty or more LEDs in the array of UV and/or IR LEDs. The array of UV LEDs 38 can deliver 330 W of UVA at about 320 nm to about 400 nm. Alternatively, or in addition to, the array of UV LEDs can deliver 330 W of UVB at about 290 nm to about 320 nm. Alternatively, or in addition to, the array of UV LEDs can deliver 330 W of UVC at about 100 nm to about 200 nm. In one embodiment, there are twenty UV LEDs delivering 330 W of UVA at about 374 nm to about 392 nm, delivering a total of about 324 mW or 324 W.

(28) The IR LEDs 38/104 can emit energy at infrared frequencies of between about 700 nm and 50,000 nm. The frequency at which the IR LEDs emit may be controlled by the control circuit 18. In one embodiment, the IR LEDs deliver about 2000 mW of infrared light at about 810 nm. In one embodiment, the IR LEDs can also generate about 1.2 W of Red light at about 660 nm for a combined total light output of 1911 mW. In one example, the LEDs may be a Thor DDII IR Lamp System.

(29) There is only one component of the wound treatment system that makes physical contact with the patient's skin: that is the treatment chamber 102, which is secured around the treatment area. The treatment chamber 102 forms a treatment zone around the wound and makes contact with the open wound. Therefore, it is preferable that the treatment chamber 102 be biocompatible and sterile and preferably disposable.

(30) The material from which the treatment chamber 102 is made can be any strong substantially gas impermeable material. Extruded flexible plastic film material, such as polyethylene (hdpe, ldpe, lldpe, polyprolene, etc), polyurethane ether or ester open cell foam (e.g., United States Plastics Corp. Stock No. 47154), polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, or ethylene/polyvinyl copolymer sheet stock, and vapor proof treated fabric, such as nylon, are suitable. The material can be puncture resistant and transparent. The flexible sheet material can have a variety of shapes. It can be a single layer or have multiple layers.

(31) The term “substantially gas impermeable”, as used herein with respect to the sheet material, means gas impermeable to the extent needed to prevent excessive gas escape from the treatment zone through the sheet material. Total gas impermeability seldom is needed, particularly for continuous flow treatment devices. However, generally high impermeability is desirable for static treatment devices.

(32) The perimeter of the opening of the treatment chamber 102 can have an adhesive strip 110 with a removable backing. The backing can be removed and the perimeter of the lining can be substantially sealed against the skin around the treatment area, thus forming a sealed connection between the perimeter of the treatment chamber 102 and the affected area. Alternatively, the treatment chamber 102 may have a draw string allowing the chamber to be secured about an appendage such as a finger or hand.

(33) In one embodiment, the treatment chamber 102 includes a pressure release valve. The design of the pressure release valve is not critical. Many different types are suitable. For example, the valve can be a ball valve or a baffle valve such as a flap or butterfly baffle valve. Other valves are equally suitable, so long as they are capable of accurately setting the maximum release pressure and are inexpensive and so disposable. In one embodiment, the maximum release pressure can be set at 22 mm of mercury so that the pressure inside the treatment chamber 102 never surpasses that amount of pressure. The valve body can be made of any rigid plastic, although metals such as stainless steel may also be used. Inexpensive valves made completely of plastic may be used as well.

(34) The disclosure set forth above is provided to give those of ordinary skill in the art a complete disclosure and description of how to make and use embodiments of the compositions and methods of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventors regard as their invention. Modifications of the above-described modes (for carrying out the invention that are obvious to persons of skill in the art) are intended to be within the scope of the following claims. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as if each such publication, patent or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference.