Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing negative pressure at a wound site. The apparatus includes a negative pressure reservoir and a reservoir valve for selectively connecting the reservoir to a wound chamber at a wound site. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to an apparatus including a source of negative pressure which acts as a negative pressure reservoir to continually or repeatedly “top up” an applied negative pressure so that negative pressure applied at a wound site can be maintained within desired limits for a relatively long period of time.

Abstract: A chemical pump assembly useful for negative pressure therapy includes a chemical pump housing having an inner chamber, a reactor located within the inner chamber, an opening provided in the chemical pump housing, a first pull tab which extends from the inner chamber to ambient through the opening, and a removable layer connected to the first pull tab. The reactor is configured to react with a selected gas found in air so as to consume the selected gas when exposed to air in the inner chamber. The removable layer shields the reactor from air in the inner chamber atmosphere until the removable layer is removed.

Abstract: Embodiments of secure wound therapy systems and methods for operating the systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a pressure source, a user interface, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism can be in one of at least two states, the at least two states including a first state in which the locking mechanism physically prevents user adjustment of one or more operational parameters with the user interface and a second state in which the locking mechanism does not physically prevent user adjustment of the one or more operational parameters with the user interface. The locking mechanism can include an authentication key and a receiver configured to receive an authentication input, which may be compared to the authentication key. Providing a sufficiently matching authentication input can transition the locking mechanism from the first state to the second state, permitting adjustments to the one or more operational parameters.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for instilling fluid to a tissue site in a negative-pressure therapy environment are described, Illustrative embodiments may include a pneumatically-actuated instillation pump that can draw a solution from a solution source during a negative-pressure interval, and instill the solution to a dressing during a venting interval. In one example embodiment, a system for providing negative-pressure and instillation to a tissue site may comprise a negative-pressure device and an instillation device. The negative-pressure device may comprise a negative-pressure source and a controller electrically coupled to the negative-pressure source. The instillation device may comprise a dosing valve having a dosing chamber including a dosing outlet configured to be fluidly coupled to a fluid port and a dosing inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to a source of instillation solution.

Abstract: Devices and methods herein remove water from human or animal biological waste fluids using one or more forward osmosis filters. The devices allow for the volume of liquid or semi-liquid waste, including potentially infectious liquid waste, to be filtered to reduce potential exposure of healthcare staff to infectious liquid waste. On a hospital, healthcare staff, or individual patient basis, removing water and concentrating the waste can reduce challenges in management and disposal of the waste. Devices herein use forward osmosis to manage and filter, using one or more suitably sized filter(s), biological fluid exudate from wounds. The devices can be constructed to transport water present in the exudate away from a wound. The wound treatment devices herein not only allow for fluid from wounds to be filtered but also provide structures that can protect wounds from external contaminants, including bacteria and viruses.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for safe operation of a wound treatment apparatus with electronic components integrated on or within a wound dressing. In some embodiments, the electronic components include a power source, an isolation circuit, a controller, a capacitor, and a negative pressure source. The isolation circuit provides multiple activation states with at least one state preventing application of power to the other electronic components capable of storing electrical energy, thereby providing a safe operation of the apparatus. For example, sterilization of the apparatus can be performed safely.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a wound treatment apparatus with electronic components integrated within a wound dressing. In some embodiments, a wound dressing apparatus can comprise a wound dressing. The wound dressing can comprise an absorbent material, an electronics unit comprising a negative pressure source, the electronics unit integrated within the wound dressing and at least partially encapsulated by a flexible film. The electronics unit can include translucent or transparent components that allow light to travel through to reach adhesives or coatings on the electronic components that would otherwise be obscured.

Abstract: Negative pressure wound therapy systems, apparatuses, and methods for operating the systems and apparatuses are disclosed. In some cases, the system can include a dressing having electronic circuitry that wirelessly communicates a dressing identifier and/or other dressing information to a controller of a pump assembly of the system. The controller can automatically modify one or more operational parameters of the pump assembly based on the dressing identifier and/or other dressing information wirelessly communicated. Duration of time over which the dressing has been in use can be monitored and provision of therapy by the pump assembly can be disabled responsive to a determination that the duration of time has reached operational lifetime of the dressing.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically pulsing different aspiration levels to an ocular probe are disclosed. The probe may be a phacoemulsification probe. A first aspiration level, supplied by a first pump, may be applied to the probe simultaneously with ultrasonic energy. A second aspiration level, supplied by a second pump, may be automatically switched from the first aspiration level, and applied to the probe in a pulsed manner.

Abstract: A pressure switch for controlling application of negative pressure to dressing disposed adjacent a tissue site is disclosed. The pressure switch comprises a body having a base, sidewalls extending from the base to an open end, and an inlet coupled to the dressing and forming a passage through the body. The pressure switch further comprises a diaphragm closing the open end of the sidewalls and forming a vacuum chamber with the body, wherein the inlet fluidly couples the vacuum chamber and the dressing. The pressure switch further comprises a valve disposed in the passage and configured to restrict the flow of gas through the passage so that a switch pressure developed in the vacuum chamber as a result of the application of negative pressure to the dressing lags a wound pressure at the tissue site to delay, wherein the diaphragm is adapted to be operatively responsive to the switch pressure to move between a relaxed position and a compressed position as the negative pressure increases and decreases.

Abstract: A system for applying reduced pressure to tissue includes a multi-lumen reduced pressure delivery tube having a proximate end, a distal end, a primary lumen extending through the conduit from the proximate end to the distal end, and an ancillary lumen extending through the conduit from the proximate end to the distal end. A vacuum pump is coupled to the proximate end of the primary lumen, and a reduced pressure adapter is coupled to the distal end of the reduced pressure delivery tube. The adapter includes channels to direct liquid away from the ancillary lumens and into the primary lumen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for dressing a wound. The apparatus comprises an absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate, a liquid impermeable, gas permeable filter layer over the absorbent layer, a cover layer comprising at least one orifice and a first liquid and gas permeable transmission layer underlying the absorbent layer. The transmission layer is in fluid communication with the filter layer.

Abstract: A femoral hip joint spacer. The spacer has a prosthesis body with a ball head, a neck, a stem and an anchoring sleeve which encloses the stem on a proximal side of the stem with a circumferential fastening area, irrigation liquid inlet and outlet openings in the body surface, at least one irrigation liquid discharge opening on a distal side of the stem and at least one irrigation liquid intake opening on the ball head or on the neck. The discharge opening is connected in a liquid-permeable manner to the inlet opening but not to the outlet opening and the intake opening is connected inside the prosthesis body in a liquid-permeable manner to the outlet opening but not to the inlet opening. A cavity open on two sides is formed inside the anchoring sleeve and connects a proximal side to a distal side of the sleeve in a liquid-permeable manner.

Abstract: Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a wound dressing, negative pressure source, user interface, sensor, and control circuitry. The user interface can receive an activation input. The sensor can detect whether the wound dressing is positioned over a wound. The control circuitry can cause supply of negative pressure in response to receipt of the activation input and a determination that the sensor detects that the wound dressing is positioned over the wound. In addition, the control circuitry can prevent supply of negative pressure in response to a determination that the sensor does not detect that the wound dressing is positioned over the wound.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing reduced pressure at a tissue site are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a pump for supplying reduced pressure to the tissue site, a motor coupled to the pump to propel the pump, and a drive system electrically coupled to the motor that includes a power source that provides a source of direct current power to the motor during an operational period at a substantially constant current and of sufficient magnitude to supply a targeted reduced pressure during the operational period. The drive system also includes a controller that monitors the pump's loading on the motor by measuring the voltage across the motor to determine whether the motor voltage remains within a predetermined operational range of voltages necessary for maintaining the reduced pressure supplied by the pump proximate to the targeted reduced pressure without directly measuring the reduced pressure using a pressure sensor.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and dressings for treating a linear wound, such as an incision, on a patient are presented. The systems, dressings, and methods involve a sealed wound dressing assembly that helps form a fluid seal around the linear wound while simultaneously encompassing a subcutaneous delivery conduit to deliver fluid to or from a subcutaneous tissue site. In one instance, a reduced-pressure interface is used to allow the subcutaneous delivery conduit to pass through tissue at or near the linear wound and through a wound dressing assembly to a drainage receptacle.

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: A negative pressure assembly includes a drape, a sealing element, a reactor, a valve and a mechanical pump assembly. The drape and the sealing element, when applied to the skin, cooperate to define an enclosed volume. The reactor is located so as to be in fluid communication with the enclosed volume when the drape is covering the dressing site. The reactor reacts with a selected gas found in air to consume the selected gas. The valve has a first operating state in which gas is drawn from the enclosed volume through the valve. The mechanical pump assembly includes a pump chamber fluidly connectable to the enclosed volume through the valve when the valve is in the first operating state. The mechanical pump is configured to fluidly connect with the enclosed volume and draw air from the enclosed volume into the pump chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disrupting material at a tissue site is described. A contact layer may be selected for use on the tissue site and positioned adjacent to the tissue site. The contact layer may include walls defining a plurality of through-holes. A sealing member may be positioned over the contact layer and sealed to tissue surrounding the tissue site to form a sealed space enclosing the contact layer. A negative-pressure source may be fluidly coupled to the sealed space. The negative-pressure source may supply negative pressure to the sealed space and the contact layer to draw tissue into the through-holes to form nodules. The negative pressure may be vented from the sealed space to release the nodules.

Abstract: A housing of a pump unit is fixed to a drape of a wound dressing by a joint portion. A suction chamber that is brought into a negative pressure by driving of a piezoelectric pump directly communicates with a closed space through an opening and an inlet. Hence, a therapy device does not need to include a pipe that allows the closed space and the pump unit to communicate with each other. Therefore, since the therapy device does not need to include the pipe that allows the pump unit to communicate with the closed space, detachment of the pump unit from the wound dressing owing to coming-off of the pipe is avoided. Since the housing is fixed to the drape by the joint portion, the pump unit can be prevented from detaching from the wound dressing.

Abstract: Some illustrative embodiments of an instillation assembly for treating a tissue site may include a fluid distribution lumen and a fluid hub that may define a fluid instillation pathway. The fluid distribution lumen may be defined by a first film layer and a second film layer, and the fluid hub may be positioned in fluid communication with the fluid distribution lumen. The instillation assembly may be used in combination with a reduced-pressure assembly that may define a reduced-pressure pathway separate from the fluid instillation pathway.

Abstract: Provided are an immobilization carrier, a polyether compound used for production thereof and a method for producing the carrier. The immobilization carrier have both excellent strength and toughness while a content of a polymer forming hydrous gel is suppressed, The immobilization carrier includes a polymer having a repeated unit provided with a bisphenol group and a polyoxyalkylene group bonded to the bisphenol group. The polyoxyalkylene group is formed via copolymerization between an oxyethylene group and an oxyalkylene group with 3 or more carbon atoms and optionally having a substituent. A method for producing the immobilization carrier includes the step of preparing hydrous gel via polymerizing a polyether compound in an aqueous solution. The polyether compound includes a bisphenol group, a polyoxyalkylene group and a polymerizable group. The immobilization carrier may be applied to a microorganism immobilization carrier used for treating wastewater.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound therapy system includes a wound dressing and a suction device configured to be in fluid communication with the wound dressing via a conduit to channel a fluid between at least the wound dressing and the suction device. The suction device includes a vacuum connection configured to be coupled to the conduit, a vacuum pump, an analog electronic pressure sensor in electrical communication with the vacuum pump, and a passive valve assembly. The passive valve assembly is in fluid communication with (1) the vacuum pump, (2), the analog electronic pressure sensor, and (3) the vacuum connection, and is configured to maintain the vacuum pump in fluid communication with the vacuum connection within a predefined pressure range, and to passively inhibit fluid communication between the vacuum pump and the vacuum connection outside of the predefined pressure range.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for image-guided drainage of abscesses includes a trocar configured to guide a tubular drain toward an abscess within the body of a patient. The trocar includes a joint portion pivotably coupling a proximal portion and a distal portion. The joint portion includes a locking mechanism that when engaged locks the proximal portion in place relative to the distal portion. The joint portion enables the trocar to pivot between an advancement position for advancing the trocar into the body of the patient and an image position for performing a radiology image of a partial advancement of the distal portion within the body of the patient. The image position reduces, relative to the advancement position, the angle between respective central axes of the proximal and distal portions.

Abstract: Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods for operating the systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system includes a pump assembly, canister, and a wound dressing configured to be positioned over a wound. The pump assembly, canister, and wound dressing can be fluidically connected to facilitate delivery of negative pressure to the wound. The system can be configured to deliver negative pressure based at least on a sensed pressured in a fluid flow path connecting a pump of the pump assembly and the wound dressing. The sensed pressure can be sampled, in some embodiments, synchronous with operation of the pump and can be used for controlling the pump. Increased efficiency, diminished noise and vibration caused by operation of the pump, reduced in energy usage, and better comfort for the patient can be attained.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are several embodiments of a negative pressure appliance and methods of using the same in the treatment of wounds. Some embodiments are directed to improved fluidic connectors or suction adapters for connecting to a wound site, for example using softer, kink-free conformable suction adapters.

Abstract: A pad for electrically stimulated wound healing, including a pad configured to be placed on a wound, at least one anode disposed on the pad to contact the wound, and at least one cathode disposed on the pad to contact the wound, the at least one cathode being disposed separately from the at least on anode. The pad wherein the at least one anode and the at least one cathode in contact with the wound provide a flow of electrical current in an intended direction through the wound based on the separate locations of the at least one anode and the at least one cathode.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for treating a wound having a cavity is disclosed. The apparatus has a scaffold including a scaffold lamina and a tissue lamina wherein the scaffold lamina forms a laminate in fluid communication with the tissue lamina. The laminate is rolled into a generally cylindrical shape having two end surfaces. The apparatus further includes a manifold having a port for coupling to a source of reduced pressure and that is positioned in fluid communication with the scaffold to provide reduced pressure to the scaffold lamina and the wound. A method for treating a wound having a cavity is also disclosed and includes positioning a scaffold lamina adjacent a tissue lamina to form a laminate in fluid communication with the tissue lamina, rolling the laminate into a generally cylindrical shape having two end surfaces, and positioning the scaffold within the cavity of the wound.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disrupting material at a tissue site is described. A contact layer may be selected for use on the tissue site and positioned adjacent to the tissue site. The contact layer may include walls defining a plurality of through-holes. A sealing member may be positioned over the contact layer and sealed to tissue surrounding the tissue site to form a sealed space enclosing the contact layer. A negative-pressure source may be fluidly coupled to the sealed space. The negative-pressure source may supply negative pressure to the sealed space and the contact layer to draw tissue into the through-holes to form nodules. The negative pressure may be vented from the sealed space to release the nodules.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a reduced-pressure interface for connecting a multi-lumen conduit to a distribution manifold. The interface includes a housing having a flange portion and a cavity wall portion. The cavity wall portion forms a cavity having a tissue-facing cavity opening. The interface further includes an attachment device, a conduit port, and a multi-lumen conduit. The attachment device is coupled to a tissue-facing side of the flange portion for coupling the housing to a sealing member. The conduit includes a distal end and a proximal whereby the distal end extends through a conduit aperture and past the cavity wall portion into the cavity. The conduit further includes a primary lumen and a plurality of sensing lumens. The primary lumen and the plurality of sensing lumens extend from the proximal end of the conduit to the distal end. The conduit is adapted to contact the distribution manifold.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems and methods for delivering reduced pressure to a load-bearing wound site. The device can include a distal port configured to connect to a wound dressing positioned over the wound site; a proximal port located a distance from the distal port and configured to connect to a reduced pressure source, and a conduit body having an inner channel extending between the distal port and the proximal port. When the distal port is applied to the wound dressing positioned over the wound site the proximal port is positioned at a non-load bearing location remote from the wound dressing. The inner channel has a non-circular profile having a width larger than a height of the conduit body.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent dressing comprising an adhesive silicone-coated side strip, which is particularly suitable for use in the care of chronic wounds, such as ulcers or eschars, or acute wounds, such as burns. The absorbent dressing includes a breathable impermeable substrate (4) and an absorbent non-woven fabric (6). The substrate is formed by assembling a continuous film (4a) and an openwork reinforcement that is coated with an adhesive silicone gel (4b) without blocking the openings in the reinforcement. A non-absorbent web (5) is secured to a complementary non-woven fabric (7), such as to encase the above-mentioned absorbent non-woven fabric (6) without being secured at any point to the latter. The encased absorbent non-woven fabric is subsequently assembled to the substrate (4) along part of said silicone-coated surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing reduced pressure at a tissue site are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a pump for supplying reduced pressure to the tissue site, a motor coupled to the pump to propel the pump, and a drive system electrically coupled to the motor that includes a power source that provides a source of direct current power to the motor during an operational period at a substantially constant current and of sufficient magnitude to supply a targeted reduced pressure during the operational period. The drive system also includes a controller that monitors the pump's loading on the motor by measuring the voltage across the motor to determine whether the motor voltage remains within a predetermined operational range of voltages necessary for maintaining the reduced pressure supplied by the pump proximate to the targeted reduced pressure without directly measuring the reduced pressure using a pressure sensor.

Abstract: There is provided a dressing (10) which comprises a cover sheet (20) and an absorbent sheet (30). In one embodiment the cover sheet (20) and absorbent sheet (30) have edges which are coterminous along part of their extent and the cover sheet (20) comprises a portion projecting beyond the edge of the absorbent sheet (30) such that, in use, said portion can overly part of an adjacent dressing. Also provided are methods of using dressings and a kit of parts for forming a patchwork dressing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for providing a fluid communication path to a wound site through a drape. The apparatus has a body portion having a lower surface and an upper surface, at least one connection port, at least one suction port and at least one fluid communication passageway between the connection port and the suction port. A connector at an end of at least one tubular conduit is locatable through the drape into an orifice in the connection port to thereby provide a fluid communication path through the drape between the tubular conduit and the wound site.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for applying negative pressure to a wound site. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a source of negative pressure, a processing element, and a memory comprising instructions configured to, when executed on the processing element, cause the apparatus to attempt to generate, via the source of negative pressure, a desired negative pressure at the wound site. If the desired negative pressure has not been generated after a first predetermined period of time, the instructions cause the apparatus to: deactivate the source of negative pressure for a second predetermined period of time, and subsequently attempt to generate the desired negative pressure at the wound site.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting multi-lumen conduits may include a conduit adapter and a conduit collar. The conduit adapter may include a housing, a bayonet connector, and a support member connecting the housing and the bayonet connector. The support member has an aperture that permits fluid communication through the support member. One end of the conduit collar is sized for insertion into the housing, and a second end is adapted to receive a first multi-lumen conduit. The housing also is adapted to receive a second multi-lumen conduit. The bayonet connector engages a primary lumen of the first multi-lumen conduit and the second multi-lumen conduit such that the primary lumen of the second multi-lumen conduit fluidly communicates with the primary lumen of the first multi-lumen conduit. The conduit adapter and the conduit collar are capable of 360 degree rotation relative to each other about a common axis.

Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment system includes a liquid-collection canister for collecting liquid from a tissue site to which reduced pressure treatment is applied. The canister includes a first space configured to collect the liquid from the tissue site and a filter having a frame and a non-planar filter element. The filter defines a second space within the canister separated from the first space by the filter element. The filter element substantially prevents liquid from passing from the first space into the second space. The filter element substantially allows gaseous communication between the first space and the second space when the second space is exposed to a reduced pressure.

Abstract: A reusable valve assembly includes a cap that may be removably coupled to the aerosol can. A conduit is coupled to the cap so the conduit is selectively operationally coupled to the aerosol can. A wheel is movably coupled to the cap so the wheel may adjust a rate of delivery of a fluid from the conduit. A tip is operationally coupled to the cap so the tip may selectively direct the delivery of the fluid from the aerosol can.

Abstract: A vacuum-assisted drainage system includes a first porous pad that is permeable to liquids and has a through opening in which a fistula adapter is placed on a film provided with perforations, a cover film for covering the first pad and the wound, and for providing a substantially airtight seal around the wound, wherein in the cover film an opening is provided that surrounds the fistula adapter in a substantially airtight manner, and a second porous pad that is permeable to liquids is positioned partially above the first pad on the cover film and is provided with a sealing film for covering the second pad and for providing a substantially airtight connection to the cover film and around the wound, wherein between the first pad and the second pad air guiding routes are provided that pass through the cover film, and an open drainage line is located within the second pad.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a single incision method of placing a drainage catheter in the peritoneal cavity.

Abstract: There are provided devices for applying negative pressure to a wound in an endoluminal surface of a patient to facilitate healing of the wound and methods for use of the devices. The device (69, 94, 134, 140, 156, 164) comprises a flexible porous element with an outer face defined between opposite proximal and distal ends of the porous element. A suction tube (30) for being connected to a suction source externally of the patient's body is in fluid communication with the porous element (14) to apply the negative pressure to the wound via the outer face of the porous element. In some embodiments, the porous element has a longtitudinal passageway (16) for passage of bodily substances of the patient along the lumen defining the endoluminal surface through the porous element. In such embodiments, the device may also have at least one absorbent element (70, 80) for absorbing the bodily substances and which is disposed forwardly or rearwardly of the porous element (14).

Abstract: An apparatus provides micromechanical forces on a wound bed to accelerate healing of a wound. The apparatus includes a pressure chamber having a substantially airtight plunger and an inlet fluidly connected to a first end of a conduit. A constant force spring is operatively connected to apply a constant force to the plunger. A suction cup is in fluid communication with a second end of the conduit.

Abstract: A wound dressing for use in a vacuum wound therapy treatment includes a backing layer for positioning over a wound to define a reservoir in which a reduced pressure may be maintained over the wound. A portal member affixed to the backing layer provides a connection to a reduced pressure source through an opening in an ambient surface. A primary port extends between the opening and a primary aperture in a reservoir surface to providing fluid communication between the reservoir and the reduced pressure source. At least one supplemental port establishes fluid communication between the primary port and a supplemental aperture in the reservoir surface that is distinct and substantially spaced from the primary aperture.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to a manually-actuated pump and method for applying reduced pressure at a tissue site. The manually-actuated pump includes at least one variable volume chamber that is manually compressible into a plurality of positions. The manually-actuated pump includes a fixed volume chamber in communication with the at least one variable volume chamber. The manually-actuated pump also includes a filter housing having a hydrophobic filter that prevents liquid from entering the at least one variable volume chamber. The fixed volume chamber is coupled to the at least one variable volume chamber via the filter housing. The filter housing is located in between the at least one variable volume chamber and the fixed volume chamber.

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: Systems and methods for a reduced-pressure interface for connecting a multi-lumen conduit to a distribution manifold. The interface includes a housing having a flange portion and a cavity wall portion. The cavity wall portion forms a cavity having a tissue-facing cavity opening. The interface further includes an attachment device, a conduit port, and a multi-lumen conduit. The attachment device is coupled to a tissue-facing side of the flange portion for coupling the housing to a sealing member. The conduit includes a distal end and a proximal whereby the distal end extends through a conduit aperture and past the cavity wall portion into the cavity. The conduit further includes a primary lumen and a plurality of sensing lumens. The primary lumen and the plurality of sensing lumens extend from the proximal end of the conduit to the distal end. The conduit is adapted to contact the distribution manifold.

Abstract: A system for treating a linear wound on a patient has a closing dressing bolster for placing on the patient's epidermis over the linear wound, a sealing subsystem for providing a seal over the closing dressing bolster and the patient, and a reduced-pressure subsystem for delivering reduced pressure to the sealing subsystem. The sealing subsystem and reduced pressure subsystem are operable to deliver reduced pressure to the closing dressing bolster. The closing dressing bolster is operable under reduced pressure to develop a inward closing. The closing dressing bolster may include one or more closing members on each side of a center wound area to create the inward closing when under reduced pressure. A compressive force may also be developed. Other systems and methods are presented.

Abstract: A wound dressing for use in the application of negative pressure to a wound, comprising a support member and a cover member positionable over the wound in use. The support member can have a first support element having a first portion aligned with a first axis and a body portion coupled with and extending away from the first portion, and a second support element having a first portion aligned with the first axis and a body portion coupled with and extending away from the first portion of the second support element. At least the body portion of each of the first support element and the second support element can be independently rotatable about the first axis. The support member can support at least a middle portion of the cover member above a surface of the wound so as to define a space between the wound cover and the wound.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for suture-less placement of an occluding patch in which release of the device can be accelerated. In one embodiment, an inactive form of an adhesive is applied on the area of the patch that will come into contact with cardiac tissue; this allows for the introduction and necessary manipulation of the catheter system until activation of the adhesive occurs. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the adhesive properties of certain polymeric materials are relied upon rather than their ability to cure or harden into a specific shape. In another embodiment, the patch is immediately released utilizing a detaching mechanism on the balloon or the balloon catheter which supports the patch; the patch along with the inflated balloon remain on the cardiac structure occluding the opening.