Abstract: A therapeutic device includes a fluid mover for one of raising, compressing, or transferring fluid, a therapeutic member operably connected to the fluid mover and actuated thereby, the therapeutic member operably disposably used on a patient in a manner to deliver therapy to the patient as function of actuation of the fluid mover, a controller operably associated with the fluid mover for controlling operation thereof, and a leak, blockage, temperature, voltage or current sensor operably connected to the fluid mover and the controller and to sense a leak, blockage, temperature, voltage or current in the device and send a signal to the controller whereby the controller controls the fluid mover as a function of the sensed signal.

Abstract: A holder for a therapeutic device for treating wounds of the type having a housing equipped with a fluid mover for one of raising, compressing, or transferring fluid, and a therapeutic member operably connected to the fluid mover and actuated thereby, the therapeutic member operably disposably used on a patient in a manner to deliver therapy to the patient as a function of actuation of said fluid mover, includes a removable receiving compartment for removably receiving the device therein, and an outwardly disposed connecting surface to provide for the compartment to be suspended on an object elevated from a floor.

Abstract: A therapeutic adhesive film drape includes an outer transparent layer which has a printed grid across an outer surface thereof and an inner layer for application adjacent a wound which includes a semi-permeable transparent adhesive cover removably connected to the outer transparent layer. A method of treatment employs the therapeutic drape.

Abstract: A holder for a therapeutic device for treating wounds of the type having a housing equipped with a fluid mover for one of raising, compressing, or transferring fluid, and a therapeutic member operably connected to the fluid mover and actuated thereby, the therapeutic member operably disposably used on a patient in a manner to deliver therapy to the patient as a function of actuation of said fluid mover, includes a removable receiving compartment for removably receiving the device therein, and an outwardly disposed connecting surface to provide for the compartment to be suspended on an object elevated from a floor.

Abstract: An adhesive flange attachment reinforcer for a suction port of tubing for a wound healing device includes a polymer film which has one side including an adhesive wherein the film includes a slit extending inwardly from an edge of the film and defines an opening to receive the flange of a suction port therethrough. The reinforcer includes at least one aspect of its peripheral configuration which is larger than the peripheral configuration of the suction port and interconnection thereof with a treatment site which includes use of a semi-permeable and flexible plastic sheet having an opening therein which is generally aligned with the suction port and to which the reinforcer adheres. A disposable therapeutic device includes employing the suction port which can include the reinforcer.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for providing intermittent negative pressure wound healing includes a fluid mover, a compressible therapeutic member operably connected to the fluid mover and actuated thereby, the compressible therapeutic member operably disposably used on a patient in a manner to deliver therapy to the patient as function of actuation of the fluid mover and a controller for controlling application of a negative pressure to the compressible therapeutic member about a wound in a manner to compress the compressible therapeutic member using negative pressure to subject the wound and the compressible therapeutic member to a first predetermined pressure to maintain a seal between the compressible therapeutic member and the wound and decompressing the compressible therapeutic member to a second sub-atmospheric pressure above the first predetermined pressure sufficient to maintain the compressible therapeutic member in generally sealed contact with the wound.

Abstract: An adhesive flange attachment reinforcer for a suction port of tubing for a wound healing device includes a polymer film which has one side including an adhesive wherein the film includes a slit extending inwardly from an edge of the film and defines an opening to receive the flange of a suction port therethrough. The reinforcer includes at least one aspect of its peripheral configuration which is larger than the peripheral configuration of the suction port and interconnection thereof with a treatment site which includes use of a semi-permeable and flexible plastic sheet having an opening therein which is generally aligned with the suction port and to which the reinforcer adheres. A disposable therapeutic device includes employing the suction port which can include the reinforcer.

Abstract: Devices and methods aimed at shortening the time required for healing open wounds are disclosed. The tissues adjacent to wounds are expanded and/or stretched medially by means of an actuator which compressed by vacuum exerts traction on adjacent skin or tissues by means of an adhesively applied circumferent or transverse flange, thus reducing the size of the wound. The degree of vacuum, and traction, may be varied according to demand and applied continuously, cyclically or intermittently. Active treatment of the wound may be accomplished concomitantly by means of a conduit through the said actuator.

Abstract: A diffuser for use with a disposable therapeutic device for the promotion of wound healing, providing vacuum drainage and fluid irrigation of a wound includes a substrate having an opening larger than an opening for a conventional suction port to aid in removal of exudate and provide distributed therapeutic suction.

Abstract: A disposable therapeutic device for the promotion of wound healing, providing fluid irrigation and vacuum drainage of a wound includes a housing containing a controller and fluid moving device in a waterproof manner, the fluid moving means capable of raising, compressing, or transferring fluid, the controller equipped to restrict fluid moving device in accordance with a predetermined treatment plan or duration, a chargeable power source removably connected to the housing, an optional therapeutic member of a compressible dressing or inflatable cuff to provide hemostasis, an identification member for regulating the operation of the device in accordance with a predetermined treatment plan, a disposable container, a pressure sensor and a control display panel.

Abstract: A therapeutic device of the type which includes a fluid moving device for one of raising, compressing, or transferring fluid, a therapeutic member operably connected to the fluid moving device and actuated thereby, the therapeutic member operably disposable for use on a patient in a manner to deliver therapy to the patient as function of actuation of the fluid moving device, wherein the improvement includes a rechargeable power source operably connected to the fluid flowing device which includes a portable renewable energy producing device for powering the fluid moving device.

Abstract: A method for providing negative pressure wound healing in a deep wound having a cavity includes the steps of (a) fashioning at least a first part of a therapeutic dressing to fit generally within the cavity, (b) operably associating a fluid moving means with the therapeutic dressing for enabling one of compressing the therapeutic dressing and transferring fluid across at least part of the therapeutic dressing, and (c) enabling the fluid moving means in a manner to deliver therapy to the patient. A therapeutic member for use in negative pressure wound healing includes a porous member formed and includes a hydrogel coating on a side thereof.

Abstract: A method and device for providing intermittent negative pressure wound healing which includes equipped to (a) apply a negative pressure compressible therapeutic dressing about a wound; (b) compress the therapeutic dressing using negative pressure to subject the wound and the therapeutic dressing to a first predetermined pressure which is low enough to provide therapy to the wound and high enough to maintain a seal between the dressing and the wound; and (c) decompress the therapeutic dressing to a second sub-atmospheric pressure above the first predetermined pressure sufficient to maintain the dressing in a generally sealed contact with the wound while relaxing compression about the wound.

Abstract: A therapeutic device includes a fluid mover for one of raising, compressing, or transferring fluid, a therapeutic member operably connected to the fluid mover and actuated thereby, the therapeutic member operably disposably used on a patient in a manner to deliver therapy to the patient as function of actuation of the fluid mover, a controller operably associated with the fluid mover for controlling operation thereof, and a leak, blockage, temperature, voltage or current sensor operably connected to the fluid mover and the controller and to sense a leak, blockage, temperature, voltage or current in the device and send a signal to the controller whereby the controller controls the fluid mover as a function of the sensed signal.

Abstract: A housing is secured to an area of skin to allow suction to be applied to a local area of skin through an aperture. After formation of a suction blister, a blade is actuated to sever a suction cup thereby detaching the means for creating suction at the aperture and at the same time removing the roof of the suction blister to expose an area of dermis from which the skin's epidermis has been removed. A rotatable portion of the apparatus is then moved into a position in which a port communicates with a compartment within the rotatable portion. The compartment may contain a reservoir of fluid substance to be transdermally absorbed or may contain means for taking a sample of exudate produced at the exposed dermis. A modified apparatus has means for applying suction to the exposed dermis to enhance the rate at which exudate is formed and for handling a sample of exudate for analysis. Transdermal delivery and sampling are thereby achieved non-invasively and without the impediment of the skin's epidermis.

Abstract: A housing is secured to an area of skin to allow suction to be applied to a local area of skin through an aperture. After formation of a suction blister, a blade is actuated to sever a suction cup thereby detaching the means for creating suction at the aperture and at the same time removing the roof of the suction blister to expose an area of dermis from which the skin's epidermis has been removed.

Abstract: A housing is secured to an area of skin to allow suction to be applied to a local area of skin through an aperture. After formation of a suction blister, a blade is actuated to sever a suction cup thereby detaching the means for creating suction at the aperture and at the same time removing the roof of the suction blister to expose an area of dermis from which the skin's epidermis has been removed. A rotatable portion of the apparatus is then moved into a position in which a port communicates with a compartment within the rotatable portion. The compartment may contain a reservoir of fluid substance to be transdermally absorbed or may contain means for taking a sample of exudate produced at the exposed dermis. A modified apparatus has means for applying suction to the exposed dermis to enhance the rate at which exudate is formed and for handling a sample of exudate for analysis. Transdermal delivery and sampling are thereby achieved non-invasively and without the impediment of the skin's epidermis.

Abstract: A transdermal device is described suitable for delivery of a pharmaceutical to the systemic circulation through de-epithelialized skin. In its various embodiments the device includes means to prevent the attack of any protein or polypeptide active agent included therein by proteolytic enzymes which exude from the lesion, means to prevent the ingress of bacteria and other cellular debris from the lesion and means to ensure that substantially all said active agent is directed to the de-epithelialized lesion.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus (1) for use in a suction blister technique of sampling fluid from the human or animal body. The apparatus (1) comprises a cup (2) defining a chamber and having a rim portion (3) defining an aperture (5) communicating with the chamber. An annular flange (6) extends outwardly from the rim portion (3) whereby in use the flange (6) is sealingly attached to the body such that an area of skin closes the aperture (5). A ducted portion (11) is connected to the cup (2) and defines duct (12) which communicates with the chamber. The cup (2) further comprises a roof (4) which merges with the rim portion (3) and is formed of a resiliently deformable material having a shape memory which urges the roof (4) into an expanded configuration in which the roof (4) is held clear of the aperture (5). The roof is however deformable to a collapsed configuration in which it is proximal to the aperture (5).

Abstract: A housing is secured to an area of skin to allow suction to be applied to a local area of skin through an aperture. After formation of a suction blister, a blade is actuated to sever a suction cup thereby detaching the means for creating suction at the aperture and at the same time removing the roof of the suction blister to expose an area of dermis from which the skin's epidermis has been removed. A rotatable portion of the apparatus is then moved into a position in which a port communicates with a compartment within the rotatable portion. The compartment may contain a reservoir of fluid substance to be transdermally absorbed or may contain means for taking a sample of exudate produced at the exposed dermis. A modified apparatus has means for applying suction to the exposed dermis to enhance the rate at which exudate is formed and for handling a sample of exudate for analysis. Transdermal delivery and sampling are thereby achieved non-invasively and without the impediment of the skin's epidermis.