Abstract: An assembly according to the invention includes a pressure mechanism having a flexible member for attachment to a limb and an air chamber which may be pumped up into a desired pressurized state, a separate relatively small pre-filled air bladder, an absorbent foam, sponge or dressing coupled to the pre-filled air bladder, and a suction conduit coupled to a source of negative pressure (suction) and in fluid communication with the absorbent foam, sponge or dressing. In a preferred embodiment, the pre-filled air bladder, the absorbent foam, sponge or dressing and the suction conduit are formed together as a unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detachable pump and a negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) system using the same. The detachable pump comprises: a top module, including a motor set and a top elastic member; and a bottom module, arranged beneath the top module in a manner that it is connected to the top module by a detachable connection mechanism and comprised of: a base configured with an inlet and an outlet; at least an one-way suction valve; at least an one-way drain valve; a diaphragm element; and a bottom elastic member. With the aforesaid system, spent liquid can be prevented from flowing back to a wound section or the base by the cooperation of the suction valve and the drain valve as the top elastic member is configured to be pushed by the motor set for enabling the resulting resilience of the top elastic member to counter with the resilience of the bottom elastic member in a manner that the diaphragm element is propelled for enabling the detachable pump to generate a vacuuming force.

Abstract: A post-surgical accessory convenience kit, or PACK includes the plurality of items, which serve a patient's post-operative needs, such as, but not limited to, a drain suction bulb (reservoir) and attendant tubing; dressing change materials; post-operative medication (e.g., pain medication, antibiotics, ointments, and other medication prescribed by a physician); physician or caregiver instructions, drain record sheets, and caregiver contact phone numbers. The kit further includes a carrier or pouch. The pouch includes a plurality of pockets or compartments that are sized and configured to hold the diverse array of items, which are directly related to the patient's post-operative needs. The kit can be worn about the waist or shoulder of an individual, and can add post-operative comfort by taking tension off of an incision and drain entry site and avoiding accidental pulling of the drain or suction bulb.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing wounds in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir (12) connected to a conformable wound dressing (3) and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device (18) for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means (17) 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 mate rials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: Topical exposure of nitric oxide gas to wounds such as chronic non-healing wounds may be beneficial in promoting healing of the wound and in preparing the wound bed for further treatment and recovery. Nitric oxide gas may be used, for example, to reduce the microbial infection and burden on these wounds, manage exudate secretion by reducing inflammation, upregulate expression of endogenous collagenase to locally debride the wound, and regulate the formation of collagen. High concentration of nitric oxide ranging from about 160 to 400 ppm may be used without inducing toxicity in the healthy cells around a wound site. Additionally, exposure to the high concentration for a first treatment period reduces the microbial burden and inflammation at the wound site and increase collagenase expression to debride necrotic tissue at the wound site.

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: A suction head in fluid communication with a pump head provides a sub-ambient working pressure to a medical site, enabling drainage thereof to a waste container and/or enhancing healing at the site. A passive pressure regulator enables the working pressure to be maintained at a desired level independent of the fluid flow through the system.

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: The invention is an antimicrobial photo-stable coating composition that deters photo-induced discoloration, does not stain tissue and can be applied to the surface of a variety of medical materials. The composition comprises in an aspect silver-PCA complex and dye.

Abstract: A device for stimulating the healing of a wound comprises a separating means having a fluid inlet and a gas outlet. The separating means may constitute a collecting container for collecting fluid pumped from the wound. A pump for applying negative pressure comprises pump head and a drive unit. The pump head is connected to the gas outlet of the separating means, and the pump head is detachably attached to the drive unit, so that in use the fluid inlet of the separating means is connected to a wound cover, e.g. via a conduit.

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 system for applying suction to a wound uses a reference airflow for monitoring system operation. A reference airflow (or “controlled leak”) to the suction source is provided when the system is in operation, such that deviation from the reference airflow can be monitored as an indication of a change in operation, such as a leak in the seal of the wound cover, a blockage of airflow from crimping of the suction conduit or overfill of the waste collector, or an inadvertent turn off or disconnect from the suction source.

Abstract: A suction fluid collector includes a transparent reservoir made of a resilient material with an upper opening positioned on one side of a flexible suction bag with at least one transparent side. A plate part made of a resilient material is positioned on another side of the suction bag opposite said reservoir. An urging means arranged between the reservoir and the plate part provides a force tending to expand a gap between the reservoir and the plate part. A suction tube is positioned partially inside the reservoir and extends through the suction bag.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound treatment device (100) with at least one elastically deformable vacuum-generating element which can be actuated directly by hand and which is arranged on and connected directly to a film-like wound-covering element (2) that covers the wound chamber (1). The vacuum-generating element is a hollow body (4.1) whose cavity (7), in the state with the device applied to the patient's body, communicates directly with the wound chamber (1) via an opening (3) formed on the wound-covering element (2). At least one absorption body (5) that absorbs the wound secretions is positioned in the wound chamber (1) and is surrounded by a finely porous sleeve (6) that is permeable to liquid. The hollow body (4.1) is provided with at least one valve (12).

Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment system is provided for delivering a reduced pressure to a tissue site comprising a distribution manifold including a backing substrate with a first side and a second side and a plurality of protrusions positioned on the first side of the backing substrate, each of the protrusions having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and having a diameter of between about 0.1 and 2.0 millimeters, the backing substrate having a plurality of apertures formed therein to allow fluid communication between the first side and the second side opposite the first side. A reduced pressure source fluidly connects to the apertures of the backing substrate to deliver the reduced pressure through the apertures, between the protrusions, and to the tissue.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a sub-atmospheric wound-care (SAWS) system for treating an open wound. The SAWS system includes a regulated vacuum source for developing a negative pressure, a flow rate meter configured to measure a flow rate of liquid removed from the wound, a primary pressure regulating sensor located proximate the wound for directly measuring the negative pressure at the wound, a backup pressure regulating sensor located vacuum tube, a porous dressing suitable to be sealed airtight which is positioned within a wound interface chamber, a collection canister configured to collect said liquid removed from the wound, and an adapter configured to use wall suction a primary regulated vacuum source.

Abstract: A medical device that seals a wound and facilitates wound drainage with suction is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a suction portion, having both an inlet valve and an outlet valve, for suctioning fluids from the wound, and a sealing portion for sealing the wound by engaging the skin adjacent the wound, the suction portion and sealing portion being integral with one another. A method for draining a wound comprises the steps of under-packing the wound with a packing material; sealing the wound; and applying suction to the wound to promote wound drainage and to promote intimate contact between the wound and the packing material.

Abstract: A tissue treatment system including a processing unit executing software, an electronic display in communication with the processing unit, and a storage unit in communication with the processing unit. The software may be configured to cause the processing unit to manage a patient history database, treatment history database, and image history database. The processing unit may further be configured to enable a clinician to access and display information stored in any of the databases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods of using a surgical drain, and more particularly to a surgical drain having at least one sensor for monitoring and/or recording the condition of the anatomical site or fluid emitted from the site where the surgical drain is placed. The invention may also include modifications of the surgical drain to improve stabilization or immobilization in the proximity of the anatomical site to be monitored.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to a system and method for administering reduced pressure at a tissue site. The apparatus includes a reduced pressure source. The reduced pressure source generates a reduced pressure. The apparatus includes a tube having a plurality of lumens. The plurality of lumens includes at least one collection lumen. The reduced pressure source applies the reduced pressure to the tissue site through the plurality of lumens such that the at least one collection lumen receives fluid from the tissue site. The at least one collection lumen stores the fluid received from the tissue site.

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: A breathable interface system including an applicator having an aperture therethrough; a drape substantially covering the applicator; a first pad section located between the drape and the applicator; a second pad section substantially covering the aperture and located between the drape and the applicator, the second pad section substantially adjacent to the first pad section; and a fabric layer located at least partially between the second pad section and the drape; and a reduced pressure conduit in communication with one of the first pad section and the fabric layer for providing reduced pressure to the aperture; wherein the drape is secured to the applicator, covering the first pad section, the second pad section, and the fabric layer in a substantially sealed environment.

Abstract: A wound contact device comprising a permeable material and a wound contact layer having voids extending through the contact layer to a depth in the permeable material. The wound contact layer can comprise a thin sheet or film forming a generally flat and smooth wound contact surface having essentially no discontinuities or gaps. The wound contact layer can comprise a thin sheet of highly calendered fabric forming a wound contact surface having a mean surface roughness in the range of about 0 microns to about 200 microns. In progressive wound healing, an embodiment of the wound contact device having the fabric contact surface is used in earlier healing stages and an embodiment of the wound contact device with film contact surface is used in later healing stages. The wound contact device is particularly useful in wound dressings for use in suction-assisted wound therapy.

Abstract: A fluid isolation device for allowing collection and control of fluids from fistulas and other openings has a rigid flange, a tubular passageway having two ends, balloon fluid filled sealing means. In one mode, it is used with porous foam and occlusive adhesive dressing to allow the creation of two pressure zones such that the fluids can be collected and controlled through a neutral pressure zone isolated from a surrounding negative pressure zone.

Abstract: An air-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, comprising an air-powered instrument having a hand-supportable housing supporting a curved dual cannula assembly having a curved hollow outer cannula and a flexible hollow inner cannula, provided with bipolar-type electro-cauterizing apparatus. A pair of RF-powered signals are supplied to the curved hollow outer cannula and flexible hollow inner cannula while the flexible hollow inner cannula is slidably supported within the curved hollow outer cannula and driven by an air-powered mechanism mounted within the hand-supportable housing so that the location of aspiration through outer and inner suction apertures is periodically displaced during tissue aspiration operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for mechanically-assisted liposuction treatment. The apparatus includes a hand-holdable housing, an electro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly, and a reciprocation mechanism. The hand-holdable housing has a cavity adaptable for receipt of the electro-cauterizing cannula assembly. The electro-cauterizing cannula assembly has a distal end and a proximal end and at least one aspiration aperture about the distal end. The reciprocation mechanism is disposed within the housing and is operably associated with the inner cannula so that the inner cannula can be selectively caused to reciprocate relative to the stationary outer cannula mounted to the hand-supportable housing. As the inner cannula is caused to reciprocate relative to the housing, the aspiration aperture formed through the distal end of the cannula assembly is caused to undergo periodic displacement.

Abstract: A catheter comprises an elongated body extending from a flexible distal portion to a proximal portion and including a fluid transport lumen extending therethrough and a tensioning member lock collar slidably coupled to the proximal portion for movement relative thereto, the tensioning member lock collar including a connection for coupling the proximal portion of the catheter to a fluid receiving structure in combination with a tensioning member coupled between the flexible distal portion and the tensioning member lock collar so that movement of the tensioning member lock collar proximally along the elongated body draws the tensioning member proximally a first distance and curls the flexible distal portion by a first amount.

Abstract: Embodiments of a chest dressing assembly having a rigid body defining an inner chamber accessible by an opening for placement over a chest wound and one or more protected check valves on the rigid body that allow fluid, e.g., blood or air, to flow out of the chamber but prevent fluid flow into the chamber are disclosed. The body is rigid in order to prevent the dressing from being crushed when heavy clothing such as body armor covers the dressing, or in cold weather climates which require heavy clothing such as Afghanistan. Similarly, the body is shaped and the check valves are located on the body, such as in a recess, in order to prevent the same heavy clothing or body armor from interfering with the operation of the check valves.

Abstract: A bandage is provided for use with a wound having a wound surface. The bandage is connectable to a vacuum source and may include a flexible cover positioned over the wound and a collar coupled to the cover. The cover includes a port and is configured to seal to a patient's healthy skin surrounding the wound. The collar may be coupled to the cover and include a passageway in communication with the port of the cover. The passageway is configured to receive at least a portion of a tube in communication with the vacuum source. The bandage may also include a sealer coupled to the collar. The sealer may be configured to provide a substantially airtight seal between the tube and the passageway to create a sealed environment capable of maintaining a negative pressure between the cover and the wound surface.

Abstract: A ventilated bandage system is provided for use with a wound. The system includes a bandage positioned adjacent the wound to create a sealed environment around the wound. A vacuum source of the system is in communication with the bandage to create negative pressure between the bandage and the wound. The system may also include a first passageway or vent in communication with the bandage and with the surrounding atmosphere, and a second passageway in communication with the bandage and with the vacuum source.

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: A wound treatment appliance is provided for treating a wound, which appliance comprises a semi-rigid or rigid wound covering device and a vacuum system to provide a supply of reduced pressure to the wound covering device. The wound covering device may be comprised of an impermeable overlay, a stopper, and a suction drain. Alternatively, the wound covering device may be comprised of an impermeable overlay and a suction drain. The wound covering device may also be comprised of an impermeable overlay that has at least one channel that is a part thereof, wherein the at least one channel is used to provide reduced pressure to the wound and may remove fluid aspirated from the wound. The vacuum system may be comprised of at least a vacuum pump or a suction bulb, or a combination of the same. Finally, methods for using the wound treatment appliance are provided.

Abstract: Topical exposure of nitric oxide gas to wounds such as chronic non-healing wounds may be beneficial in promoting healing and preparing the wound bed for further treatment and recovery. Nitric oxide gas may be used to reduce the microbial infection, manage exudates secretion by reducing inflammation, upregulate expression of endogenous collagenase to locally debride the wound, and regulate the formation of collagen. High concentration of nitric oxide ranging from 160–400 ppm may be used without inducing toxicity in the healthy cells around a wound site. Exposure to the high concentration for a first treatment period reduces the microbial burden and inflammation, and increases collagenase expression to debride necrotic tissue at the wound site. After a first treatment period, a second treatment period at a lower concentration of nitric oxide, preferably ranging from 5–20 ppm may be used to restore the balance of nitric oxide and induce collagen expression aiding in the wound closure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling article comprising a polymer absorbent enclosed within a bag delimited by a collapsible envelope having non-watertight walls, wherein said polymer absorbent is under the form of particles each of which comprises a core of less cross-linked polymer sequences more active in retaining absorbed water and a shell of more cross-linked polymer sequences apt to retard diffusion of water from a particle to another during desorption of absorbed water.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus has a vacuum bandage covering a wound of a patient, a vacuum source coupled to the vacuum bandage, and a controller that operates the vacuum source to apply negative pressure to the wound through the bandage in a controlled manner. The controller is programmed to limit the rate of change of the negative pressure applied to the wound. A caregiver has the ability to change one or more negative pressure setpoint values and the controller of the wound treatment apparatus controls the rate of change of the negative pressure to reduce patient discomfort.

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 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: A tissue closure treatment system and method are provided with an external patient interface. A first fluid transfer component FTC.1 comprises a strip of porous material, such as rayon, with liquid wicking properties. FTC.1 can be placed directly on a suture line for transferring fluid exuded therethrough. An underdrape is placed over FTC.1 and includes a slot exposing a portion of same. FTC.2 comprises a suitable hydrophobic foam material, such as polyurethane ether, and is placed over the underdrape slot in communication with FTC.1. Negative pressure is applied to FTC.2 through a connecting fluid transfer component FTC.3. A negative pressure source can comprises a manual device or a power-operated suction device. The tissue closure method includes a manual operating mode using a manual suction device with an automatic shut off for discontinuing suction when a predetermined volume of fluid has been drained.

Abstract: A tissue closure treatment system and method are provided with an external patient interface. A first fluid transfer component FTC.1 comprises a strip of porous material, such as rayon, with liquid wicking properties. FTC.1 can be placed directly on a suture line for transferring fluid exuded therethrough. An underdrape is placed over FTC.1 and includes a slot exposing a portion of same. FTC.2 comprises a suitable hydrophobic foam material, such as polyurethane ether, and is placed over the underdrape slot in communication with FTC.1. Negative pressure is applied to FTC.2 through a connecting fluid transfer component FTC.3. A negative pressure source can comprises a manual device or a power-operated suction device. The tissue closure method includes a manual operating mode using a manual suction device with an automatic shut off for discontinuing suction when a predetermined volume of fluid has been drained.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for treating a body joint wound subsequent to surgical intervention. An infusion tube is insertable into the wound for transporting a prepared solution to the joint. A second tube is insertable into the wound for transport of fluid removed from the joint. A vacuum device is coupled to the second tube. Suction is automatically turned on to evacuate the wound for a prescribed period of time and then stopped for another prescribed period of time. The on and off cycle may be repetitive. During the entire period, the prepared solution is constantly infused. The infusion tube and evacuation tube are isolated from each other so that no contaminants can be infused. A plurality of preadjusted suction duty cycles are available, from which one may be selected as appropriate for the type of wound to be treated.

Abstract: An improved suction and irrigation system for debriding a tract wound includes a suction and irrigation handpiece and a dual lumen suction and irrigation tip that is removably connectible to the handpiece. The tip has a flexible shaft and a connector for connecting the shaft to the handpiece. The flexibility of the shaft facilitates advancement of the shaft to the deepest part of the tract wound while also limiting further trauma to the wound.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wound drain catheter for draining fluid from, or supplying medication to, a wound in a patient. The wound drain catheter comprises a drain, a flexible outflow tube, and means for connecting the drain to the flexible outflow tube. The drain comprises a hollow core having a longitudinal axis; plural struts extending outwardly from the hollow core and being closed to the hollow core; and plural overhangs connected to the outward ends of the struts, respectively, the overhangs cooperating with the struts to form plural longitudinal lumens, the overhangs cooperating with each other to form, on the outer surface of the drain, segments of a segmented, closed curve with gaps between the segments providing plural longitudinal grooves for fluid communication between the wound and a respective lumen, the grooves sized to inhibit tissue from growing therein and debris from passing therethrough.

Abstract: A wound treatment device comprises a polyurethane or polyether foam pad, adapted for insertion substantially within a wound cavity; a pump for supplying fluid flow to the wound site; and a collection canister for receiving wound fluids drawn from the wound cavity. The foam pad, pump and collection canister are in fluid communication with one another through a single hospital grade hose having a plurality of tiny apertures in the portion that is central to the foam pad. These apertures are adapted to allow fluids from the wound cavity to be drawn into the flow from the pump to the canister according to Bernoulli's theorem.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steerable wound drainage device which permits control of the positioning within the body of the device thereby affording the practitioner the ability to re-position the wound drain within the body while avoiding unnecessary trauma to surrounding tissues and organs. In one embodiment, the wound drainage device contains at least one longitudinal duct, at least one internal lumen, and at least one lateral opening communicating therewith, and an internal steering apparatus adapted to controllably position the catheter within the body.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method to allow for the drainage of blood from the site of the wound into a blood collection device. The blood collection device is held at a vacuum as is retained within a vacuum storage chamber which is in turn conjoined to a further primary vacuum reservoir by a valve. The valve serves to control and regulate the vacuum levels between the primary vacuum reservoir and secondary chamber in which the blood collection device is contained. Following drainage of blood into the blood collection device, the flexible walls of the blood collection device allow for the optional re-transfusion of blood back into the patient from whom it was drained.

Abstract: A wound irrigation kit includes a basin for collecting irrigation fluid that is configured to closely fit the specific body part that is to be irrigated. The kit optionally includes a grommet that can be readily incorporated into the basin to allow for active draining of the basin during the irrigation procedure. The kit also optionally includes a flexible irrigation shield that can be attached to an existing irrigation device and that can be readily modified to vary its length.

Abstract: A wound drain comprises an elongated drain portion, a suction tubing, and a connector. The drain portion includes a plurality of longitudinal lumens, and the exterior wall of the drain portion includes slots, holes, or the like for placing at least one of the longitudinal lumens in communication with the ambient surrounding the drain portion. The connector connects a first end of the drain portion to a first end of the suction tubing such that at least one of the longitudinal lumens of the drain portion is placed in fluid communication with the lumen of the suction tubing. The connector exhibits increased radial strength in comparison to the drain portion and the suction tubing. In one embodiment the connector is approximately one-third the length of the elongated drain portion.

Abstract: A wound treatment device comprises a polyurethane or polyether foam pad, adapted for insertion substantially within a wound cavity; a pump for supplying fluid flow to the wound site; and a collection canister for receiving wound fluids drawn from the wound cavity. The foam pad, pump and collection canister are in fluid communication with one another through a single hospital grade hose having a plurality of tiny apertures in the portion that is central to the foam pad. These apertures are adapted to allow fluids from the wound cavity to be drawn into the flow from the pump to the canister according to Bernoulli's theorem.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a hand pump type of device for irrigation or cleansing of wounds or laceration comprising a hand held pumping device, a back splash shield secured to a fluid nozzle, elongate clear plastic tubing connecting the hand held pumping device to a bottle of medicinal fluid for cleansing the wound or laceration. With the present invention, the user of this device merely opens up a sterile package, removes the device, removes the top from a standard sized bottle of medicinal fluid, typically isotropic saline solution, and screws on a cap or top having a dip tube extending adjacent the bottom of the bottle of fluid, and then begins to simply and easily pump away until the desired amount of fluid has been delivered to the wound site to cleanse it. Both the nozzle and the pumping mechanism have been designed so that the pressure and spray pattern of fluid being delivered to the wound are in the optimal range of substantially four to fifteen psi.

Abstract: A surgical system having a cassette with an aspirant collection chamber and an aspiration vent line that draws fluid from the aspirant collection chamber. The pressure within the collection chamber is maintained near ambient so that when the aspiration vent line is open, fluid flows from the collection chamber and into the aspiration line. Such a system does not require a second source of irrigation fluid, minimizes pressure surges into the irrigation fluid line and does not affect the fluidic performance of the aspiration system. In addition, various vent pressures can be achieved by varying the vertical position of the reservoir relative to the aspiration line.

Abstract: A medical device is provided that encloses a wound and promotes wound drainage by suction. The device includes an enclosure to be placed over a wound, adhesively connected to the skin around the wound by a flange. Gauze type packing cylinders can be placed in the wound, and suction is provided either by a bulb type pump, or by a pair of regulators. When regulators are used, one alternates the suction that it provides, and the other is continuous, such that the level of suction is periodically varied. The suction facilitates the transfer of liquid from the wound to the packing cylinders and from the packing out of the enclosure. A leak detector is optionally provided.