Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus comprising a wound dressing connected to a fluid container via a pump, wherein the wound dressing is in communication with a mechanical pressure control valve, the fluid container is provided with an inlet and an outlet. Also provided are (i) flexible fluid containers comprising of at least two layers of film with an integrated vent, (ii) wound dressings and (iii) a multi-compartment wound fluid container comprising at least two internal compartments and provided with an outlet and an inlet, in which the container comprises a microporous fluid separator which divides the at least two internal compartments, wherein the microporous fluid separator permits gas flow between the compartments and prevents fluid flow to the outlet of the container. Other apparatus provided comprises a means for detecting the level of fluid within a multi-compartment wound fluid container as described.

Abstract: A wound-dressing conditioning device (12) for conditioning a wound dressing (14). The device (12) comprises a treatment-fluid flow path (20) and a waste-fluid flow path (22). A pumping means (24) is at the treatment-fluid flow path (20) and the waste-fluid flow path (22). The pumping means (24) can pump treatment fluid along the treatment-fluid flow path (20) pump waste fluid along the waste-fluid flow path (22), and apply negative-pressure condition to the wound dressing (14). The pumping means (24) has a controller to control the treatment fluid pumping, and a monitoring means for monitoring a volume of treatment fluid pumped to the wound dressing (14).

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus comprising a wound dressing connected to a fluid container via a pump, wherein the wound dressing is in communication with a mechanical pressure control valve, the fluid container is provided with an inlet and an outlet. Also provided are (i) flexible fluid containers comprising of at least two layers of film with an integrated vent, (ii) wound dressings and (iii) a multi-compartment wound fluid container comprising at least two internal compartments and provided with an outlet and an inlet, in which the container comprises a microporous fluid separator which divides the at least two internal compartments, wherein the microporous fluid separator permits gas flow between the compartments and prevents fluid flow to the outlet of the container. Other apparatus provided comprises a means for detecting the level of fluid within a multi-compartment wound fluid container as described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus comprising a wound dressing connected to a fluid container via a pump, wherein the wound dressing is in communication with a mechanical pressure control valve, the fluid container is provided with an inlet and an outlet. Also provided are ( ) flexible fluid containers comprising of at least two layers of film with an integrated vent, (ii) wound dressings and (i) a multi-compartment wound fluid container comprising at least two internal compartments and provided with an outlet and an inlet, in which the container comprises a microporous fluid separator which divides the at least two internal compartments, wherein the microporous fluid separator permits gas flow between the compartments and prevents fluid flow to the outlet of the container. Other apparatus provided comprises a means for detecting the level of fluid within a multi-compartment wound fluid container as described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus comprising a wound dressing (15) connected to a fluid container (11) via a pump (3), wherein the wound dressing is in communication with a mechanical pressure control valve (13), the fluid container is provided with an inlet (2) and an outlet (4). Also provided are (i) flexible fluid containers comprising of at least two layers of film with an integrated vent, (ii) wound dressings and (iii) a multi-compartment wound fluid container (20, 35, 63) comprising at least two internal compartments and provided with an outlet (31, 37, 51) and an inlet (19, 49), in which the container comprises a microporous fluid separator (29, 41, 55) which divides the at least two internal compartments, wherein the microporous fluid separator permits gas flow between the compartments and prevents fluid flow to the outlet of the container. Other apparatus provided comprises a means for detecting the level of fluid within a multi-compartment wound fluid container as described.

Abstract: An abdominal wound dressing and methods of use are described that enable the application of negative pressure to the wound site in a healing manner while also limiting the formation of adhesions that would prevent the removal of the dressing. The dressing includes a layer of porous foam material enclosed by sheets of elastomeric material punctuated by a number of appropriately placed holes. Multiple layers of porous foam may also be used. A suction tube connector is provided on an upper surface of a layer of foam for connection to a negative pressure source. At least one layer of foam is enclosed in elastomeric material and is placed in direct contact with the tissue within the open wound. Fluids are drawn by negative pressure through the holes positioned in the elastomeric envelope and through the foam.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus comprising a wound dressing (15) connected to a fluid container (11) via a pump (3), wherein the wound dressing is in communication with a mechanical pressure control valve (13), the fluid container is provided with an inlet (2) and an outlet (4). Also provided are (i) flexible fluid containers comprising of at least two layers of film with an integrated vent, (ii) wound dressings and (iii) a multi-compartment wound fluid container (20, 35, 63) comprising at least two internal compartments and provided with an outlet (31, 37, 51) and an inlet (19, 49), in which the container comprises a microporous fluid separator (29, 41, 55) which divides the at least two internal compartments, wherein the microporous fluid separator permits gas flow between the compartments and prevents fluid flow to the outlet of the container. Other apparatus provided comprises a means for detecting the level of fluid within a multi-compartment wound fluid container as described.

Abstract: An abdominal wound dressing and methods of use are described that enable the application of negative pressure to the wound site in a healing manner while also limiting the formation of adhesions that would prevent the removal of the dressing. The dressing comprises a layer of porous foam material enclosed by sheets of elastomeric material punctuated by a number of appropriately placed holes. Multiple layers of porous foam may also be used. A suction tube connector is provided on an upper surface of a layer of foam for connection to a negative pressure source. At least one layer of foam is enclosed in elastomeric material and is placed in direct contact with the tissue within the open wound. Fluids are drawn by negative pressure through the holes positioned in the elastomeric envelope and through the foam.

Abstract: An abdominal wound dressing and methods of use are described that enable the application of negative pressure to the wound site in a healing manner while also limiting the formation of adhesions that would prevent the removal of the dressing. The dressing comprises a layer of porous foam material enclosed by sheets of elastomeric material punctuated by a number of appropriately placed holes. Multiple layers of porous foam may also be used. A suction tube connector is provided on an upper surface of a layer of foam for connection to a negative pressure source. At least one layer of foam is enclosed in elastomeric material and is placed in direct contact with the tissue within the open wound. Fluids are drawn by negative pressure through the holes positioned in the elastomeric envelope and through the foam.

Abstract: A wound closure system and method having a porous pad for providing a reduced pressure to a tissue site is disclosed. The porous pad comprises a porous material formed by spraying a chemical substance that cures to form the porous material which has a body and an outer surface. Both the body and the outer surface have pores wherein the average size of the pores in the outer surface is smaller than the average size of the pores in the body. The porous pad further comprises a pathway formed within the porous material that is adapted to fluidly communicate with a source of reduced pressure.

Abstract: An abdominal wound dressing and methods of use are described that enable the application of negative pressure to the wound site in a healing manner while also limiting the formation of adhesions that would prevent the removal of the dressing. The dressing comprises a layer of porous foam material enclosed by sheets of elastomeric material punctuated by a number of appropriately placed holes. Multiple layers of porous foam may also be used. A suction tube connector is provided on an upper surface of a layer of foam for connection to a negative pressure source. At least one layer of foam is enclosed in elastomeric material and is placed in direct contact with the tissue within the open wound. Fluids are drawn by negative pressure through the holes positioned in the elastomeric envelope and through the foam.

Abstract: A wound closure apparatus to promote tissue healing at a wound is provided and includes a porous pad positioned at the wound and a suction pump in fluid communication with the porous pad to provide a negative pressure to the porous pad. The suction pump is disposed within a housing. A canister is fluidly connected between the porous pad and the suction pump to collect fluids drawn from the wound by the suction pump, and the canister is removably received by a recess in the housing. A wound cover is positioned over the porous pad to secure the porous pad at the wound, and a switch provides a signal indicating that the canister properly resides within the recess when the switch is pressed.

Abstract: An abdominal wound dressing and methods of use are described that enable the application of negative pressure to the wound site in a healing manner while also limiting the formation of adhesions that would prevent the removal of the dressing. The method comprises providing a flexible film having a plurality of holes therein and placing the flexible film in the wound. The flexible film has a first, patient-facing side and a second side. The method includes placing a porous pad on top of the second side of the flexible film. The flexible film and porous pad are sealed within the wound with a drape that is positioned in contact with an area of skin surrounding the wound. A negative pressure is provided to the porous pad for drawing a flow of exuded fluids from the wound.

Abstract: A wound closure system and method having a porous pad for providing a reduced pressure to a tissue site is disclosed. The porous pad comprises a porous material formed by spraying a chemical substance that cures to form the porous material which has a body and an outer surface. Both the body and the outer surface have pores wherein the average size of the pores in the outer surface is smaller than the average size of the pores in the body. The porous pad further comprises a pathway formed within the porous material that is adapted to fluidly communicate with a source of reduced pressure.

Abstract: A wound closure system and method having a porous pad for providing a reduced pressure to a tissue site is disclosed. The porous pad comprises a porous material formed by spraying a chemical substance that cures to form the porous material which has a body and an outer surface. Both the body and the outer surface have pores wherein the average size of the pores in the outer surface is smaller than the average size of the pores in the body. The porous pad further comprises a pathway formed within the porous material that is adapted to fluidly communicate with a source of reduced pressure.

Abstract: An abdominal wound dressing and methods of use are described that enable the application of negative pressure to the wound site in a healing manner while also limiting the formation of adhesions that would prevent the removal of the dressing. The dressing comprises a layer of porous foam material enclosed by sheets of elastomeric material punctuated by a number of appropriately placed holes. Multiple layers of porous foam may also be used. A suction tube connector is provided on an upper surface of a layer of foam for connection to a negative pressure source. At least one layer of foam is enclosed in elastomeric material and is placed in direct contact with the tissue within the open wound. Fluids are drawn by negative pressure through the holes positioned in the elastomeric envelope and through the foam.

Abstract: An abdominal wound dressing and methods of use are described that enable the application of negative pressure to the wound site in a healing manner while also limiting the formation of adhesions that would prevent the removal of the dressing. The dressing comprises a layer of porous foam material enclosed by sheets of elastomeric material punctuated by a number of appropriately placed holes. Multiple layers of porous foam may also be used. A suction tube connector is provided on an upper surface of a layer of foam for connection to a negative pressure source. At least one layer of foam is enclosed in elastomeric material and is placed in direct contact with the tissue within the open wound. Fluids are drawn by negative pressure through the holes positioned in the elastomeric envelope and through the foam.

Abstract: A wound closure apparatus having a porous pad adapted to be fluidly connected to a vacuum pump. The pad is placed over or within a tissue site, and the vacuum pump may be activated to draw air and exudates from the tissue site. The pad contains multiple pore sizes to prevent granulation tissue from migrating into the pad as reduced pressure treatment is applied. The pad has an outer surface adjacent the wound with pore sizes of a diameter of approximately 100 microns or less to prevent tissue from growing into the pad and is treated for biocompatibility.

Abstract: A wound closure apparatus to promote tissue healing at a wound is provided and includes a porous pad positioned at the wound and a suction pump in fluid communication with the porous pad to provide a negative pressure to the porous pad. The suction pump is disposed within a housing. A canister is fluidly connected between the porous pad and the suction pump to collect fluids drawn from the wound by the suction pump, and the canister is removably received by a recess in the housing. A wound cover is positioned over the porous pad to secure the porous pad at the wound, and a switch provides a signal indicating that the canister properly resides within the recess when the switch is pressed.

Abstract: A wound closure apparatus having a housing that contains a vacuum pump and a chamber for holding a disposable wound fluid collection canister. The canister resides within the chamber and connects at an outlet with the vacuum pump at an inlet with a porous wound pad. The pad is placed over or within a wound and adhesively secured thereto. When the vacuum pump activates, it evacuates air from the canister resulting in wound fluids flowing from the wound into the canister. Due to the negative effect that a vacuum can impose on tissue when granulation tissue is pulled into the pad, the pad contains multiple pore sizes to prevent granulation tissue from migrating into the pad. The pad has an outer surface adjacent the wound with pore sizes of a diameter of approximately 100 microns or less to prevent tissue from growing into the pad and is treated for biocompatibility.