Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to an apparatus, system, and method for storing liquid from a tissue site. The apparatus may include a drape having an aperture, and a fluid pouch coupled to the drape such that the fluid pouch is in fluid communication with the aperture. In one embodiment, the fluid pouch is operable to transfer reduced pressure to the aperture such that the liquid from the tissue site is drawn into the fluid pouch. The fluid pouch may have a cavity that stores the liquid that is drawn from the tissue site. In another embodiment, the fluid pouch may include at least one baffle. The fluid pouch may also include a fluid channel at least partially defined by the at least one baffle. The fluid channel may be operable to store liquid from the tissue site when reduced pressure is applied through the fluid channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a reduced-pressure interface for providing reduced pressure through a sealing member to a distribution manifold includes a housing having a flange portion and a cavity wall portion such that the cavity wall portion forms a cavity having a tissue-facing cavity opening. A conduit port is coupled to the cavity wall and has a conduit aperture, such that the conduit port is adapted to receive a reduced-pressure delivery conduit. An attachment device is coupled to a tissue-facing side of the flange portion of the housing such that the attachment device couples the housing to the sealing member. Additionally, a cutting element is at least temporarily coupled to the housing proximate to the tissue-facing cavity opening such that the cutting element is adapted to form an aperture in the sealing member when the cutting element is driven into the sealing member with a driving force.

Abstract: Connection pads for coupling fluid-instillation and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) apparatuses to wound dressing, and methods and wound dressings for breaching a drape after coupling a wound dressing to a fluid-instillation and/or NPWT apparatus.

Abstract: A wound fluid collection system includes a canister with a chamber fluidly connected to a wound dressing in a tissue site through an inlet and also fluidly connected to a reduced pressure source through an outlet. At least a portion of the canister is collapsible and yet can be maintained in an extended state when exposed to subatmospheric pressure. The canister is releasably attachable to a supporting member.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods for managing liquid flow associated with a tissue site that involves using reduced pressure to control fluid flow. In one instance, an apparatus includes a first valve and a second valve in fluid communication with a reduced-pressure source. The valves are movable between an open position and a closed position and are operable to change flow status (open to closed or vice versa) based on a presence of reduced pressure. At least one of the first valve or the second valve is in the closed position to obstruct a flow of a liquid while the other is in the open position. The apparatus also includes a reservoir fluidly coupled to the first valve and the second valve. Other systems, methods, and apparatuses are presented.

Abstract: Body-fluid containers, methods, and systems are presented that include a container that has a container housing formed, at least in part, by a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable material. The liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable material allows water to evaporate and be transmitted outside of the container. The evaporation allows more fluid to be processed by the container than the container could otherwise hold. Other systems, methods, and apparatuses are presented.

Abstract: Manifold structures, systems, and methods are disclosed that include using longitudinal members and one or more shaped projections to cause microstrain at a tissue site. In one instance a manifold structure includes a plurality of spaced longitudinal members and at least one shaped projection coupled to at least one of the plurality of longitudinal members for creating a microstrain at a tissue site. The at least one shaped projection includes a columnar member having a distal end and includes an enlarged member positioned at the distal end of the columnar member. The columnar member has a first outer diameter (D1) and the enlarged member has a second outer diameter (D2). The second outer diameter of the enlarged member is greater than the first outer diameter of the columnar member (D2>D1). Other systems, methods, and structures are presented.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods for managing liquid flow associated with a tissue site that involves using reduced pressure to control fluid flow. In one instance, an apparatus includes a first valve and a second valve in fluid communication with a reduced-pressure source. The valves are movable between an open position and a closed position and are operable to change flow status (open to closed or vice versa) based on a presence of reduced pressure. At least one of the first valve or the second valve is in the closed position to obstruct a flow of a liquid while the other is in the open position. The apparatus also includes a reservoir fluidly coupled to the first valve and the second valve. Other systems, methods, and apparatuses are presented.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for treating a tissue site on a patient with reduced pressure are presented. In one instance, a reduced-pressure interface includes a conduit housing having a cavity divided by a dividing wall into a reduced-pressure-application region and a pressure-detection region. The reduced-pressure interface further includes a reduced-pressure port disposed within the reduced-pressure-application region, a pressure-detection port disposed within the pressure-detection region, and a base connected to the conduit housing, the base having a manifold-contacting surface. The dividing wall includes a surface substantially coplanar with the manifold-contacting surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a reduced-pressure interface for providing reduced pressure through a sealing member to a distribution manifold includes a housing having a flange portion and a cavity wall portion such that the cavity wall portion forms a cavity having a tissue-facing cavity opening. A conduit port is coupled to the cavity wall and has a conduit aperture, such that the conduit port is adapted to receive a reduced-pressure delivery conduit. An attachment device is coupled to a tissue-facing side of the flange portion of the housing such that the attachment device couples the housing to the sealing member. Additionally, a cutting element is at least temporarily coupled to the housing proximate to the tissue-facing cavity opening such that the cutting element is adapted to form an aperture in the sealing member when the cutting element is driven into the sealing member with a driving force.

Abstract: Reduced-pressure canisters and methods for recycling are disclosed. In one instance, a method for performing multiple reduced pressure treatments on one or more patients includes providing a reduced-pressure treatment system that includes a first canister body, a fluid reservoir, and one or more modules, such as a pump control module. The method involves using the reduced-pressure system and then removing one or more modules and placing the one or more modules in fitted shipping receptacle that disallows shipping of the fluid reservoir. The one or more modules may be reconditioned and coupled to a second canister body. Other systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A manually-actuated, constant reduced-pressure apparatus for use with a reduced-pressure system for treating tissue at a tissue site includes a flexible, collapsible member that is operable to move between a compressed position and an extended position. The collapsible member may be disposed between a carrier member and a slider member that move between a compressed position and an extended position. The carrier member and slider member are urged away from each other by a constant-force biasing member, e.g., a constant force coil spring. As the apparatus moves from the compressed position to the extended position, a constant reduced-pressure is generated and delivered to a reduced-pressure port. Methods of manufacturing a manually-actuated, constant reduced-pressure apparatus and methods of treating a tissue site are also provided.

Abstract: Manifold structures, systems, and methods are disclosed that include using longitudinal members and one or more shaped projections to cause microstrain at a tissue site. In one instance a manifold structure includes a plurality of spaced longitudinal members and at least one shaped projection coupled to at least one of the plurality of longitudinal members for creating a microstrain at a tissue site. The at least one shaped projection includes a columnar member having a distal end and includes an enlarged member positioned at the distal end of the columnar member. The columnar member has a first outer diameter (D1) and the enlarged member has a second outer diameter (D2). The second outer diameter of the enlarged member is greater than the first outer diameter of the columnar member (D2>D1). Other systems, methods, and structures are presented.

Abstract: According to an illustrative embodiment, a system for treating a wound at a tissue site of a patient comprising a reduced-pressure source to supply reduced pressure, a drape adhering to the tissue site to cover the wound where possible leak passages between the drape and the tissue site may occur, and a seal disposed between the drape and the tissue site, is disclosed. The seal is adapted to react with a fluid to form a sealant substantially filling the passages in response to air leaking through the passages from outside the drape when reduced pressure is applied to the wound. According to another illustrative embodiment, a method for sealing a drape to a tissue site for treating a wound at the tissue site comprising applying the drape to cover the tissue site whereby passages are formed between the drape and the tissue site, positioning a seal between the drape and the tissue site wherein the seal is adapted to react with a fluid to form a sealant for substantially filling the passages, is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for treating a tissue site on a patient with reduced pressure are presented. In one instance, a reduced-pressure interface includes a conduit housing having a cavity divided by a dividing wall into a reduced-pressure-application region and a pressure-detection region. The reduced-pressure interface further includes a reduced-pressure port disposed within the reduced-pressure-application region, a pressure-detection port disposed within the pressure-detection region, and a base connected to the conduit housing, the base having a manifold-contacting surface. The dividing wall includes a surface substantially coplanar with the manifold-contacting surface.

Abstract: Dressings, systems, and methods for treating a tissue site on a patient involve allowing liquids from the tissue site or a priming fluid to evaporate and exit the dressing through a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable membrane. The dressing is able to process more liquids than would otherwise be possible without evaporation and potentially to create reduced pressure. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A reduced-pressure system for delivering reduced pressure for medical purposes to a desired site and to receive fluids in one instance includes a reservoir having an interior space operable to contain the fluids. A reduced-pressure delivery conduit is placed in fluid communication with the interior space for delivering the reduced pressure to the desired site. A source conduit and a pressure sensor conduit are placed in fluid communication with the interior space. A pressure sensor is placed in fluid communication with the pressure sensor conduit. A reduced-pressure source is placed in fluid communication with the source conduit. A reduced-pressure control unit is associated with the pressure sensor and the reduced-pressure source and is operable to receive pressure data from the pressure sensor and supply data from the reduced-pressure source and to determine when a reservoir-full/blockage condition exists. Other systems and methods are presented.

Abstract: Reduced-pressure canisters and methods for recycling are disclosed. In one instance, a method for performing multiple reduced pressure treatments on one or more patients includes providing a reduced-pressure treatment system that includes a first canister body, a fluid reservoir, and one or more modules, such as a pump control module. The method involves using the reduced-pressure system and then removing one or more modules and placing the one or more modules in fitted shipping receptacle that disallows shipping of the fluid reservoir. The one or more modules may be reconditioned and coupled to a second canister body. Other systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A disc pump system includes a pump body having a substantially cylindrical shape defining a cavity for containing a fluid. The cavity having a resonant cavity frequency is formed by an internal sidewall and substantially closed at both ends by a first end wall and a driven end wall. The disc pump system includes an actuator that is driven a frequency (f) that corresponds to the fundamental resonant frequency of the actuator. The internal sidewall is configured to expand and contract in response to changes in temperature, thereby causing the actuator and cavity to have approximately the same resonant frequencies over a range of operating temperatures.

Abstract: A disc pump includes a pump body having a cavity for containing a fluid. The disc pump also includes an actuator adapted to hold an electrostatic charge to cause an oscillatory motion at a drive frequency. The disc pump further includes a conductive plate positioned to face the actuator outside of the cavity and adapted to provide an electric field of reversible polarity, the conductive plate being electrically associated with the actuator to cause the actuator to oscillate at the drive frequency in response to reversing the polarity of the electric field. The disc pump further includes a valve disposed in at least one of a first aperture and a second aperture in the pump body. The oscillation of the actuator at the drive frequency causes fluid flow through the first aperture and the second aperture when in use.