Abstract: A dressing assembly for use with a reduced pressure treatment system, the dressing assembly develops a directed force under reduced pressure. The directed force may be a radial force or a closing force. The dressing assembly includes a shaped dressing bolster having a shaped extremity that is operable to evenly deliver the radial force and to distribute reduced pressure. Numerous shapes may be used for the shaped extremity. The dressing assembly may further include an over-drape to assist in creating a seal over the shaped dressing bolster and against a portion of a patient's epidermis.

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: 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 system for providing a force to a desired area on a curved body part of a person includes a dressing assembly shaped and configured to be placed on the desired area of the person, a releaseable circumferential member surrounding the curved body part that holds the dressing assembly against the desired area, a sealing subsystem for providing a fluid seal over the dressing assembly and the person's skin, and a reduced-pressure subsystem for providing a reduced pressure to the dressing assembly. When reduced pressure is supplied, the system generates the force against the desired area on the curved body part.

Abstract: A system for providing reduced-pressure treatment to a moveable tissue site, such as a joint, includes a flexible dressing bolster. The flexible dressing bolster has a first side and a second, inward-facing side, and a plurality of flexion joints formed on the flexible dressing bolster. The system further includes a sealing subsystem for providing a fluid seal over the flexible dressing bolster and the patient's epidermis and a reduced-pressure subsystem for delivering a reduced pressure to the sealing subsystem. The sealing subsystem and reduced-pressure subsystem are operable to deliver a reduced pressure to the moveable tissue site. The flexible dressing bolster is operable to allow articulation or movement of the moveable tissue site. The sealing subsystem may include a drape with folds. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods 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: A dressing assembly for use with a reduced pressure treatment system, the dressing assembly develops a directed force under reduced pressure. The directed force may be a radial force or a closing force. The dressing assembly includes a shaped dressing bolster having a shaped extremity that is operable to evenly deliver the radial force and to distribute reduced pressure. Numerous shapes may be used for the shaped extremity. The dressing assembly may further include an over-drape to assist in creating a seal over the shaped dressing bolster and against a portion of a patient's epidermis.

Abstract: An external fixation system for percutaneous drainage procedures may include a base. The base may include a first side. The first side may be positioned adjacent an exterior surface of a subject during use. The base may include a first coupler coupled to the first side of the base. The base may include a second side opposite the first side. The base may include an opening extending through the first coupler and the base such that the first coupler is in fluid communication with the second side of the base. The first coupler may be couplable to a conduit during use such that the conduit is in fluid communication with the second side of the base. In some embodiments, the second side of the base may include a second coupler configured to facilitate the attachment of a drainage bag or a mechanism to flush or evacuate a drainage catheter during use.

Abstract: Dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed, in some embodiments, that involve treating a tissue site with reduced pressure, wherein the dressing includes a dressing reduced-pressure indicator that allows one to ascertain that the reduced pressure applied at the dressing is greater than a threshold reduced pressure. The dressing reduced-pressure indicator may include a moving member that is adapted to move under reduced pressure and a visual indicator associated with the moving member. Another embodiment uses an electro-mechanical indicator to provide a powered visual alert or audible alert or another output signal. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Surgical cooling may be implemented by various systems, processes, and techniques. In certain implementations, a surgical cooling device includes a shaft, a cooling assembly, and a mechanical control system. The shaft includes a pair of axial cooling channels extending through its interior. The cooling assembly includes a pair of arms pivotally attached to the shaft and a foldable thermal exchanger coupled to the pair of arms and fluidly coupled to the pair of axial cooling channels. The mechanical control system is adapted to unfold the cooling assembly from a closed position to an open position to allow a coolant to flow through a first of the pair of axial cooling channels, through one or more thermal exchange channels, and out a second of the pair of cooling channels.

Abstract: Multi-conduit connector apparatuses for use in negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) apparatuses to wound dressing, and methods for installing multi-conduit connector apparatuses in NPWT apparatuses.

Abstract: Dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed in some embodiments that involve treating a tissue site with reduced pressure wherein the dressing includes a dressing reduced-pressure indicator that allows one to ascertain that the reduced pressure applied at the dressing is greater than a threshold reduced pressure. The dressing reduced-pressure indicator may include a moving member that is adapted to move under reduced pressure and a visual indicator associated with the moving member. Another embodiment uses an electro-mechanical indicator to provide a powered visual alert or audible alert or another output signal. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for providing reduced-pressure treatment to a tissue site of a patient includes a reduced-pressure source for supplying reduced pressure, a fluid source for supplying a fluid, and a plurality of inflatable bladders for placing adjacent the tissue site. The inflatable bladders are operable to receive the fluid to expand from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The system also includes a plurality of chambers that are compressible. At least one of the plurality of chambers is disposed between a first inflatable bladder and a second inflatable bladder of the plurality of inflatable bladders.

Abstract: A system uses reduced pressure to provide a therapeutic force to a person's breast area. The system includes a dressing assembly shaped and configured to be placed on the breast area, a releaseable circumferential connector for holding the dressing assembly against at least a portion of the breast area, and a sealing subsystem for providing a fluid seal over the dressing assembly against a person's epidermis. The system may further include a reduced-pressure subsystem for providing reduced pressure to the dressing assembly. When reduced pressure is supplied, the system generates a force against at least a portion of the breast area of the person. The dressing assembly may be formed as a brassiere having a first cup and a second cup formed from a bolster material.

Abstract: Multi-conduit connector apparatuses for use in negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) apparatuses to wound dressing, and methods for installing multi-conduit connector apparatuses in NPWT apparatuses.

Abstract: A canister for use in administering reduced pressure to a tissue site includes a center body, a first end cap, and a second end cap. The center body includes a first end, second end, and a number of fluidly separate body conduits. The first end cap is connected to the first end of the center body and includes a number of return conduits fluidly connecting one body conduit to another. The first end has a port for receiving a conduit in fluid communication with the tissue site. The second end cap is connected to the second end of the center body and includes a number of return conduits fluidly connecting one body conduit to another. The second end cap has a port for receiving a conduit in fluid communication with a reduced pressure source. The fluid connection between the body conduits and the return conduits creates a continuous, tortuous pathway.

Abstract: A system for providing reduced-pressure treatment to a tissue site of a patient includes a reduced-pressure source for supplying reduced pressure, a fluid source for supplying a fluid, and a plurality of inflatable bladders for placing adjacent the tissue site. The inflatable bladders are operable to receive the fluid to expand from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The system also includes a plurality of chambers that are compressible. At least one of the plurality of chambers is disposed between a first inflatable bladder and a second inflatable bladder of the plurality of inflatable bladders.

Abstract: A closing dressing bolster and assembly for use with a system for treating a linear wound on a patient includes a bolster body formed from a flexible closing bolster material having closing members that are operable to develop an inward closing force when the closing dressing bolster is placed under reduced pressure. In one aspect, when the closing dressing bolster is under reduced pressure, the system, dressing, or assembly develops an inward force realized at the linear wound and a compression force. A wicking-material holder and wicking material may be used as well. The member components may all be see-through to allow visual inspection of the wound without requiring removal of the dressing.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for detecting leaks in systems for treating a patient with reduced pressure. In one instance, a system includes a distribution manifold for disposing proximate to the tissue site and a sealing member for disposing over the distribution manifold and at least a portion of intact epidermis of the patient. The sealing member has at least a portion that is substantially transparent. The system further includes a reduced-pressure source associated with the distribution manifold for providing reduced pressure to the distribution manifold and a leak-detection member sized and configured to substantially surround the distribution manifold. The leak-detection member includes a detection material that develops a color contrast when a portion is exposed to air and a portion is not exposed to air. The leak detection member works with even low flow systems. Other systems, methods, and apparatus are presented.

Abstract: A super-absorbent dressing assembly for use with a reduced-pressure wound treatment system includes a breathable, fluid restricted dry layer for placement against a wound, a super-absorbent layer, and a non-breathable layer, and a drape extending over the non-breathable layer. A reduced-pressure interface is available to fluidly couple the super-absorbent layer to a reduced-pressure subsystem. The super-absorbent dressing assembly preferably supplies a compressive force when placed under reduced pressure. A reduced-pressure treatment system uses a super-absorbent bolster to treat wounds, e.g., linear wounds.