Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing wounds in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are moved by a device (which may be a single pump or two pumps) for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for providing simultaneous aspiration and irrigation of the wound. The apparatus also comprises means to apply high frequency vibrational energy, e.g. ultrasound, to the wound bed. The former removes materials deleterious to wound healing, while distributing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing over the wound bed. The latter promotes healing. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing wounds in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are moved by a device (which may be a single pump or two pumps) for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for providing simultaneous aspiration and irrigation of the wound, and means for stressing the wound bed and optionally tissue surrounding the wound. The former removes materials deleterious to wound healing, while distributing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing over the wound bed. The latter promotes wound healing. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for preventing infection and maintaining aseptic epidermal areas by preventing contaminated fluid from entering an open epidermal site on a user, comprising the steps of: removably attaching at least one adjustable strap to a reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover comprising a sealing member, covering the open epidermal site with the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover while maintaining a space between the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover and the open epidermal site, and tightening the at least one adjustable strap to secure the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cove over the open epidermal site to create a fluid-tight seal between the sealing member and the open epidermal site, thereby preventing contaminated fluid from entering the open epidermal site.

Abstract: A hospital type of bandage integrates an absorbent pad and non-stick layer with a fluid-impermeable outer layer and an adhesive in a single composite structure. In a preferred embodiment the invention further includes means which may be used to turn the bandage inside out upon removal, so that surfaces once contacting a patient are no longer externally exposed. A bandage according to the invertible embodiment preferably includes a pocket formed on the side of the bandage facing away from the patient after application, this pocket being large enough to accommodate at least a portion of a human hand, and inside this pocket and located opposite the entrance is a means for grasping which may be pulled outwardly through pocket opening, thereby inverting the entire structure. Various forms of devices for grasping are possible as alternatives, including a string, a tab and a tab with one or more finger-receiving holes.

Abstract: A system for treating a wound with suction is provided. The system comprises a wound cover, a pump having an input port and an output port, the input port providing suction to the wound via the wound cover, and a reservoir coupled to the output port of the pump. The reservoir is adapted to receive effluent from the wound and the pump is capable of maintaining a controlled level of suction at the wound.

Abstract: A wound therapy device is disclosed. The wound therapy device may include a housing for covering at least a portion of a wound and for sealing to a body surface of a patient. The housing may also include a liquid-retention chamber for retaining liquid therein and a vacuum connection for coupling to a vacuum source. The vacuum connection may be in gaseous communication with the liquid-retention chamber. The vacuum connection may be separated from the liquid-retention chamber by a liquid barrier.

Abstract: A wound closure apparatus is disclosed which includes 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 and at an inlet with a pad. The pad is placed over 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. After the canister is filled, it is removed from the chamber and replaced with another canister to continue the removal of wound fluids.

Abstract: A wound treatment device for treating damaged body tissue comprising an encapsulating member having a size and shape capable of being attached to a patient to encapsulate a wound. A fluid communication member is provided for introducing treatment fluid within the encapsulating means for treatment of the wound. The fluid communication member is connected with a supply means for supplying treatment fluid thereto. The fluid communication member is capable of simultaneously transmitting multiple treatment fluids from the supply means into said encapsulating member. The inner surface of the wall of the encapsulating member is textured to allow fluid flow across the wound. The encapsulating member is also formed from a clear material to permit continuous visual inspection of the wound while maintaining a sterile environment.

Abstract: A liquid streaming device for treating a wound includes a body having a lower surface for application to skin region around the wound to be treated and to conform to the contour of the skin region, and an upper surface facing outwardly when the body is applied to the skin region; a recess formed in the lower surface of the body and configured to enclose the wound when the body is applied to the skin region, and to define a chamber closed on one side by the skin region and the wound, and on the opposite side by the body; an inlet in the body on one side of the recess for introducing a treating liquid into an inlet side of the chamber; and an outlet in the body on another side of the recess for outletting the treating liquid from an outlet side of the chamber.

Abstract: A transdermal patch system configured as a patch or pump assembly may be placed into contact upon a skin surface to transport drugs or agents transdermally via any number of different mechanisms such as microporous membranes, microneedles, in-dwelling catheters, etc. The assembly may enclose or accommodate a reservoir configured as an elongate microchannel to contain the drug or agent suspended in a fluid vehicle. The reservoir may also be fluidly coupled via microchannels to transport the drugs into or against an underlying skin surface as driven or urged via a pump and controlled by an electronic control circuitry which may be programmed to affect any number of treatment regimens.

Abstract: A wound shield including a conformable frame to circumscribe a wound and warm water circulating system to maintain a warm environment. Any suitable dressing may be secured over the conformable frame providing separation between the wound and the dressing. The wound frame may provide pressure relief around a wound or pressure sore to permit healing. A conformable frame may be composed of one or more layers of any suitable material and may include adhesive on one or more surfaces to secure the frame to the wound site and or to secure the dressing to the conformable frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing wounds in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. microfiltration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an irrigation dressing, comprising a first body (5) of a soft, liquid-permeable material, at least one connection (8) for the supply of fluid, at least one connection (9) for the drainage of fluid, an airtight and liquid-tight covering layer (10) of flexible material, which covers said material body and extends outside the sides thereof, and an element (2, 3) for affixing the area of the covering layer that extends outside the contour of the first material body to the skin, the first material body facing the wound bed (W) when the dressing is applied. According to the invention the element (2, 3) for affixing said area to the skin includes a layer (3) of a soft, skin-friendly adhesive, which affords sealing against micro-leakage. The invention also relates to a method of applying such a dressing.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing wounds in which irrigant fluid containing one or more physiologically active components from a means for supplying physiologically active agents from cells of tissue to the wound, e.g. an irrigant reservoir connected to a container that contains a cell or tissue component, in turn connected to a supply tube, connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are moved by a device (which may be a single pump or two or more pumps) for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for providing simultaneous aspiration and irrigation of the wound. The latter removes materials deleterious to wound healing, while distributing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing from cells or tissue and the physiologically active components in therapeutically active amounts in a precise and time-controlled manner over the wound bed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to treat skin defects include a pump with reservoirs for a pressurization gas and a fluid, the fluid loaded at a factory and sealed or filled at point of use through a valve, septum, or the like. Upon activation, the pump generates a gas introduced into the gas reservoir, a movable wall of which displaces a movable wall of a fluid source, thus dispensing the fluid into the dressing to spread throughout irrespective of orientation of the dressing, maintaining a transport fluid (e.g. carrier) in the dressing and in contact with a skin defect being treated. Delivery may be periodic, constant, programmatically controlled, or manual. A dressing may maintain intimate contact, a transport fluid, and a controllable concentration of active ingredient against a skin defect. Apparatus and methods to replenish a dressing with a therapeutically effective concentration of a fluid deliver a fluid carrier containing an active ingredient.

Abstract: An apparatus for aspirating, irrigating and/or cleansing wounds (1) using cells or tissues to cleanse the circulating fluid to enhance wound healing by destroying or limiting the harmful substances in the circulating fluid from the wound (5) thus enhancing the beneficial substances.

Abstract: Body cover for application to the skin, comprising at least one temperature sensing element, wherein the body cover is substantially flexible, wherein the at least one temperature sensing element, when applied to the skin, is configured to sense the temperature of proximate skin at least locally with respect to the body cover and to convert the locally sensed temperature into a visual and/or electrical signal.

Abstract: A wound dressing defines a channel. The channel includes a body portion having a width and a neck portion having a width less than the width of the body portion.

Abstract: An artificial “arterio-venous” permeable hollow fiber capillary membrane system for wound treatment is described, that can be placed onto a wound, under the wound dressing, to enable fluid-/mass exchange, and thus enables pH- and electrolyte regulation, the supply of factors/mediators/medications, the removal of secretion- and/or waste material, and the support of therapeutically applied cells in the wound.

Abstract: A composite wound dressing apparatus promotes healing of a wound via the use of a micropump system housed within or above a wound dressing member. The micropump system includes a miniature pump that applies a subatmospheric pressure to the wound to effectively draw wound fluid or exudate away from the wound bed without the need for a cumbersome external vacuum source. Hence, the wound dressing and micropump system is portable which allows the patient mobility that is unavailable when an external vacuum source is used. The patient does not need to be constrained for any period of time while exudate is being removed from the wound.

Abstract: A low-profile reduced pressure treatment apparatus and system are provided. The apparatus includes a moldable conduit holder, a conduit through the conduit holder, and a flexible base. The conduit holder has first and second bulkhead surfaces, a convex top surface, and a bottom surface adapted to conform to a tissue contact region adjacent to a tissue site. An end of the conduit is substantially flush with the first bulkhead surface and a longitudinal axis of the conduit is substantially perpendicular to the first and second bulkhead surfaces. The base is connected on a first side to the bottom surface of the conduit holder, and extends beyond the first bulkhead surface to form an overlay zone adjacent the first bulkhead surface. An adhesive is disposed on a second side of the flexible base to secure the flexible base to the tissue contact region.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying negative pressure therapy to a wound site, which comprises an open celled foam pad for application to the wound, a suction tube connecting the foam pad to a collection canister having a shut-off valve which closes the outlet from the canister when it is full, a tube for connecting the canister to a wall suction point or to a vacuum bottle, and a pressure detecting device connected to the suction tube between the foam pad and the canister for indicating when the pressure in the suction tube falls below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained device is described for the topical application of oxygen and the removal of wound exudates to promote the healing of skin wounds. The device includes a wound dressing that incorporates at least one electrochemical cell for generating oxygen. The device can regulate the supply of oxygen to the wound at various concentrations, pressures and dosages and is used to produce a high concentration of oxygen at the wound site. By reversing the polarity of the power source a reduced pressure can be created in a reservoir attached to our device. The reduced pressure in the reservoir draws naturally flowing exudates away from the wound. Alternately, two reverse polarity cells are used to alternately supply oxygen and draw away exudates.

Abstract: Bioactive agents are cutaneously delivered by a jet dispenser using inkjet technology, such as that used in printing. The dispenser propels precise volumes of bioactive agent toward the skin, where they exert a local or topical effect, or move through the skin for transdermal systemic delivery. Drugs are either delivered directly to the skin, or are introduced into a transdermal patch, which may receive repeated dosages. A controller in the dispenser may control delivery of multiple different drugs, timing of drug administration, or change drug regimens in response to a changing medical condition of a patient, such as those monitored by a sensor in communication with the controller, for example to prevent an overdose. The dispenser may act as an electromechanical patch, capable of long term administration of drugs to the skin, to achieve local or systemic pharmaceutical effects. Administration methods are also provided, along with replacement kits.

Abstract: A hyperbaric oxygen device and methods of applying hyperbaric oxygen are disclosed. The device comprises an enclosure including a collapsible bag defined by two sheets of fluid impervious material sealed together at both ends such that gas can be delivered between the sheets to inflate the enclosure to a rigid state and maintain the enclosure in the rigid state when oxygen pressure in the interior of the enclosure is cycled between ambient pressure and above ambient pressure.

Abstract: A disposable wound-healing device is disclosed that incorporates a housing having a fluid-impermeable material having a cavity and a perimeter that can be sealed in an air-tight manner over a wound region of a patient. The device is capable of producing a negative pressure over the wound region by either removing oxygen from within the cavity, or absorbing fluid into the cavity and then removing the fluid from the cavity. The oxygen may be removed via chemical absorption, by an electrochemical cell or by a chemical reaction that cannibalizes oxygen from the cavity. The fluid may be removed through the use of osmotic or electro-osmotic cells, or through a one-way valve. The negative partial pressure over the wound region promotes healing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ozone treatment apparatus using ozone gas, in which the ozone gas is directly injected to a lesion of the human body by utilizing the sterilizing power caused by oxidation of ozone gas, so that the lesion can be sterilized and stanched to relieve the pain in the lesion, thereby maximizing therapeutic effect by the ozone irrespective of the shape of bodily regions having the lesion and the kind of lesion, and so that the treatment using ozone gas can be readily conducted, thereby improving convenience in use as well as significantly reducing the cost and time spent for the treatment.

Abstract: A non-invasive tissue oxygenation system for accelerating the healing of damaged tissue and to promote tissue viability is disclosed herein. The system is comprised of a lightweight portable electrochemical oxygen concentrator, a power management system, microprocessors, memory, a pressure sensing system, a temperature monitoring system, oxygen flow rate monitoring and control system, a display screen and key pad navigation controls as a means of providing continuous variably controlled low dosages of oxygen to a wound site and monitoring the healing process. A kink resistant oxygen delivery tubing, whereby the proximal end is removably connected to the device and the distal end with holes or a flexible, flat, oxygen-permeable tape is positioned on the wound bed as a means of applying oxygen to the wound site. The distal end of the tube is in communication with the electrochemical oxygen concentrator and wound monitoring system to communicate temperature and oxygen partial pressure information.

Abstract: An apparatus for aspirating and/or cleansing wounds comprising a flow path comprising a wound dressing having a backing layer and at least one outlet pipe for connection to a fluid off take tube and which has a wound contact integer which in use is in contact with the wound bed and in which the wound contact integer comprises a biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fibrous electrospun scaffold.

Abstract: A portable closed wound drainage system that uses a pouch shaped dressing which is inserted into a wound. At least a portion of the outer surface of the pouch 1 is porous to allow exudates to enter. Exudates are removed from the pouch by flexible tubing which is secured inside the pouch at one end, and secured at the other end to a portable drain/suction unit. The pouch contains porous material, and may optionally contain beads and fillers which are antibacterial in nature. The tubing can have a single or multi-lumen structure with perforations in the side walls of the end of the tube that is inserted in the pouch to allow body fluids to enter laterally. The portable drain/suction unit is preferably a portable battery powered device. The pouch and the tube are sealed by a flexible sealing material which is applied to the outer surface of the skin around the periphery of the pouch and the tubing as it exits the pouch.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for cleansing wounds (5) in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing (2) and wound exudate from the dressing are moved by a device (18) (which may be a single pump or two pumps) for moving fluid through a flow path (6, 7, 9, 10) which passes through the dressing with a means for providing simultaneous aspiration and irrigation of the wound, and means for supplying thermal energy to the fluid in the wound. The former provides a desired balance of fluid at a controlled nominal flow rate that removes materials deleterious to wound healing, while distributing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing over the wound bed. The latter maintains a temperature at the wound bed under the wound dressing at a level that promotes wound healing.

Abstract: Thus, systems and methods for a debriding wound vacuum may include a sponge for application to a wound, a flexible sheet for covering and sealing the wound, and a bladder. The bladder may be in fluid communication with at least a portion of the sponge. The bladder preferably contains a debridement substance. A negative pressure device may form part of the system and may be used to apply negative pressure via a hollow tube to the sponge. The negative pressure device may be adapted to apply negative pressure to the sponge via the hollow tube in order form a seal between the flexible sheet and the wound. The systems may also include microelectronic mechanical valves for releasing the debridement substance from the bladder.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for cleansing wounds (5) in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir (12) connected to a conformable wound dressing (2) and wound exudate from the dressing are moved by a device (which may be a single pump or two pumps) for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for providing simultaneous aspiration and irrigation of the wound, and means for supplying physiologically active agents to the wound. The former provides a desired balance of fluid at a controlled nominal flow rate that removes materials deleterious to wound healing, while distributing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing over the wound bed. The latter maintains physiologically active agents at a level that promotes wound healing.

Abstract: Methods and devices for transmitting micromechanical forces locally to induce surface convolutions into tissues on the millimeter to micron scale for promoting wound healing are presented. These convolutions induce a moderate stretching of individual cells, stimulating cellular proliferation and elaboration of natural growth factors without increasing the size of the wound. Micromechanical forces can be applied directly to tissue, through biomolecules or the extracellular matrix. This invention can be used with biosensors, biodegradable materials and drug delivery systems. This invention will also be useful in pre-conditioned tissue-engineering constructs in vitro. Application of this invention will shorten healing times for wounds and reduce the need for invasive surgery.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing wounds with means for stressing the wound bed and optionally tissue surrounding the wound, in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. micro-filtration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The means for stressing the wound bed and optionally tissue surrounding the wound promotes wound healing. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and devices transmit micromechanical forces locally on the millimeter to micron scale for promoting wound healing. Micromechanical forces can selectively be applied directly to tissue, in some embodiments, by using microchambers fluidically connected to microchannels. Each chamber, or in some cases, group of chambers, may be associated with a valve to control vacuum pressure, positive pressure, liquid delivery, and/or liquid removal from each chamber or group of chambers. Application of embodiments of the invention may shorten wound-healing time, reduce costs of therapy, enable restoration of functional tissue, and reduce the need for more invasive therapies, including surgery.

Abstract: A device for directly applying thermotherapeutic liquid to an area upon the surface of an afflicted patient, and methods of use thereof, are described. In particular, a device for apply water-based liquid at a therapeutic temperature directly to an afflicted area in order to create a localized hyperthermia, is presented. The afflicted area may be either on the skin of the patient, or subcutaneous. The device is also effective for disinfection, irrigation, lavage, and the like, when employing a suitable solution. The liquid may also have a mild oxidizing effect, which, if greater upon afflicted than upon non-afflicted cells, would enhance the therapeutic effect in conjunction with the therapy herein described.

Abstract: Hydrostatic pressure of aqueous solutions—supplied from reservoir under rate control through tube to port of airtightly applied open pore dressing pad—is eliminated by levelling reservoir placed on rest with pad. Dressing pad may overlie a tissue culturing scaffold. A drip chamber with angulated channel permits drops to fall freely and be counted. Injection port elastic membrane prevents air inlet to pad while suction is applied at port, permitting fluid given under rate control through membrane to distribute evenly in pad. A drainage port flange, wholly covered by an open grid, is described. Acute wound bleeding is detected by computer-controlled serial weighing of a movement-stabilized drainage fluid canister with warning of abnormal flow rate increase.

Abstract: A wound treatment device comprises a lower part (1) and an upper part (3), wherein the lower part is attached to the healthy skin in the area of a wound and completely surrounds the wound. Through the upper part (3) supply devices (7, 9) for treatment mediums are guided. The treatment mediums are discharged together with wound secretion by a discharge device (11). For exactly positioning the supply (7, 9) or delivery device (11) fixing means (10) guided through the upper part are employed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the development of apparatuses and methods for healing wounds that combine use of a high glycerin-content hydrogel dressing with negative pressure for removing exudate from a wound. In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods further include a photon-emitting device that delivers near infrared stimulation to the wound for further accelerating wound healing. The apparatuses and methods described herein can be used to heal a variety of wounds, including acute wounds, severe burns, orthopedic and traumatic wounds (e.g, flap and meshed graft), skin resurfacing procedure wounds, and neuropathic wounds (e.g., diabetic pressure ulcers). The hydrogel dressing is capable of absorbing substantial amounts of fluids from stimulated wet wounds as well as donating substantial amounts of fluids to dry or necrotic wounds, depending upon the moisture content and nature of the substrate to which it is applied.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for the treatment of a wound on a patient. The apparatus is capable of administering localized negative pressure therapy to the wound using a hospital wall vacuum source and a drain line for removing exudate from the wound. The apparatus may also be capable of administering localized hyperbaric oxygen therapy to the wound using a hospital wall oxygen source and a supply line for supplying oxygen to the wound. The apparatus includes at least one regulator to control the application of negative pressure therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Abstract: A tunnel dressing for use in treating a tunneling wound using negative pressure wound therapy. The tunnel dressing includes an elongate permeable member having a closed distal end for entering the wound and an open proximal end into which an applicator is removably disposed for guiding the dressing into the wound. The tunnel dressing has a support structure adapted to transport wound exudates away from the wound and to resist compression under suction. The tunnel dressing also has a wound contact surface adapted to minimize tissue entanglement to facilitate removal. The support structure and wound contact surface may be formed from the same material or from two adjacent layers of different material.

Abstract: A protector effectively suppresses infections. The protector protects a tube entry part, where a tube passes through the skin of a living body, from infections, and includes a sticking part that is stuck onto the skin of the living body in a periphery of the tube entry part, and a covering that covers the tube entry part, forms an internal space that surrounds the tube entry part, and has a passage through which the tube passes. The covering is provided with an opening that can be freely opened and closed with a cap or the like.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus for treatment of surface wounds with a bandage system configured to control the environment adjacent the wound. The apparatus includes a bandage configured to cover a wound and provide a seal about the perimeter of the wound and cavity over the wound. A fluid supply conduit and a fluid drainage conduit are each in communication with the cavity. A nebulizer is coupled to the supply conduit to supply medicinal fluid to the wound. A waste receptacle is coupled to the drainage conduit to remove the fluid away from the wound.

Abstract: A wound dressing system includes a fluid permeable support member for positioning within a wound and adapted to generally conform to a topography of a wound, a plurality of beads supported by the support member, an outer member for positioning over the wound to substantially enclose the beads and a conduit for supplying reduced pressure to the wound. The support member is adapted to permit exudates from the wound to pass therethrough. The beads are characterized by having sufficient rigidity to substantially maintain respective shapes thereof to thereby facilitate passage of the exudates through spaces or passages defined between adjacent beads. The beads may comprise glass, an acrylic or a polymeric material. The support member may comprise a polymeric or fabric material. The support member may be an enclosure member or pouch which houses the beads. Multiple pouches are also envisioned.

Abstract: An apparatus for drainage of a wound or surgical site of a human or animal fits anatomically, passes from inside the wound or surgical site percutaneously or covering an open wound surface and extends externally for accumulation of fluids. A plurality of fibers each with an internal end, middle and an external end is elongate with a thickness and a length wherein its thickness is substantially less than its length for flexibility. The fibers form a loose bundle with gathered external ends and with internal ends unrestrained for spreading divergently inside the wound or surgical site. A collector is positioned in fluid communication with the gathered external ends for accumulating bodily fluid guided along and amongst the fibers from the internal ends along the middle and to the external ends during drainage. Vacuum connects to draw fluid from the collector. A method has steps of providing fibers with the internal ends unrestrained, the external ends gathered in a collector to accumulate drained fluid.

Abstract: An appliance for cleansing a surface area of the skin including a separately applicable cleansing appliance adapted to fit tightly against the surface of the body and being provided with an inlet for injection of liquid and an outlet. The appliance includes two walls of flexible material, with the rear wall having an opening suitable for surrounding the surface area of the skin to be cleansed. The front wall is provided with an adapter secured sealingly to the wall, with an opening in the front wall giving access to the internal space between the front and rear walls through the adapter. A plurality of holes separate from the openings in the front and rear walls create a venturi effect to reduce the risk that a vacuum may tend to draw the front wall against the rear wall and cause the bag to collapse.

Abstract: A method, and apparatus (10) for the controlled acceleration, and/or retardation of the body's inflammatory response generally comprises a foam pad (11) for insertion substantially into a wound site, a heating, a cooling pad (13) for application over the wound site (12), a wound drape (14) or sealing enclosure of the foam pad (11), the heating, and cooling pad (13) at wound site (12). The foam pad (11) is placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source for promotion of the controlled acceleration or retardation of the body's inflammatory response. The heating, and cooling provision controls the local metabolic function as part of the inflammatory response.

Abstract: A wound therapy and tissue management system utilizes fluid differentiation. Fluid is differentiated by establishing a gradient within the system. A gradient can be established with matter or energy. Patient interfaces for establishing, maintaining and varying one or more gradients include transfer elements with first and second zones having different flow coefficients. The transfer elements exchange fluid with a patient, generally through a wound site, and with external components of the system. Osmotic solution gradients are controlled by a methodology involving the present invention for extracting solutions, which can include toxins, from patients and for introducing fluids and sumping air to wound sites.

Abstract: For application of active substances to a wound surface a porous padding (12) is provided upon the wound (10), which is sealingly covered over with a foil (14). A fluid active substance is introduced into the padding (12) via a supply line (22) and is then suctioned out of the padding (12) via a removal line (26). Closure mechanisms (32, 34) control the introduction of the active substance and the suctioning off of the active substance in the manner, that the active substance after being introduced remains for a predetermined dwell time in the padding (12), before it is suctioned off. After the suctioning off the vacuum in the padding (12) is maintained for a certain time period, before renewed introduction of the active substance. The opening of the closure mechanisms (32, 34) are temporally controlled to occur slowly.