Abstract: A system or apparatus may include a container configured to collect fluid from a tissue site and regulate negative-pressure from a negative-pressure source. In some embodiments, the container may include a regulator that receives negative pressure directly from an unregulated negative-pressure source, such as a wall-suction outlet. The regulator may regulate down the pressure delivered to a collection chamber in the container, which may in turn be connected to a tissue site.

Abstract: An evaporative bridge dressing that may be used with negative-pressure treatment of tissue. The evaporative bridge dressing may have one or more fluid transfer layers comprised of high-density wicking material enclosed between layers of film having high moisture-vapor transfer rates to manage liquid storage and pressure drop. The evaporative bridge may have an absorbent in some embodiments. An evaporation channel may be disposed adjacent to or combined with the evaporative bridge. A means for measuring pressure across the evaporative bridge may include a feedback path. A support means may reduce or prevent collapse of one or more of the evaporative bridge, the evaporation channel, the feedback path.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and dressing are presented for treating a tunnel wound on a patient. In one instance, a reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing includes a longitudinal core member formed from a closed-cell foam that is surrounded by a first longitudinal concentric member formed from a manifolding material. When subjected to reduced pressure, the longitudinal core member expands and the first longitudinal concentric member compresses. These actions create intimate contact between the tunnel wound and the dressing, oppose collapse of the tunnel, and when reduced pressure is removed provide clearance to remove the dressing. Other embodiments are presented.

Abstract: A system or apparatus may include a container configured to collect fluid from a tissue site and regulate negative-pressure from a negative-pressure source. In some embodiments, the container may include a regulator that receives negative pressure directly from an unregulated negative-pressure source, such as a wall-suction outlet. The regulator may regulate down the pressure delivered to a collection chamber in the container, which may in turn be connected to a tissue site.

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: A reduced pressure dressing for applying reduced pressure treatment to a tissue site includes an interface layer adapted to be positioned at the tissue site. An absorbent layer is in fluid communication with the interface layer to absorb liquid from at least one of the interface layer and the tissue site. A pump is in fluid communication with the absorbent layer to deliver a reduced pressure to the tissue site. A cover is positioned over the pump, the absorbent layer, and the interface layer to maintain the reduced pressure at the tissue site, and a liquid-air separator is positioned between the absorbent layer and the pump to inhibit liquid from entering the pump.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for promoting re-epithelialization as an aspect of wound healing are presented. A re-epithelialization dressing for use with reduced pressure has a moist tissue-interface layer, a manifold member, and a sealing member. The moist tissue-interface layer has a plurality of apertures. The moist tissue-interface layer is for disposing adjacent to the wound and provides a moisture balance (i.e., provides moisture when the wound is dry and receives moisture when the wound site is substantially wet). The reduced pressure, apertures, and moist tissue-interface layer help with liquid management and otherwise promote re-epithelialization. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are presented.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and dressing are presented for treating a tunnel wound on a patient. In one instance, a reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing includes a longitudinal core member formed from a closed-cell foam that is surrounded by a first longitudinal concentric member formed from a manifolding material. When subjected to reduced pressure, the longitudinal core member expands and the first longitudinal concentric member compresses. These actions create intimate contact between the tunnel wound and the dressing, oppose collapse of the tunnel, and when reduced pressure is removed provide clearance to remove the dressing. Other embodiments are presented.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for treating a tissue site with reduced pressure are described. The system includes a manifold configured to be placed adjacent the tissue site, and a sealing member configured to be placed over the tissue site and the manifold. The system also includes a reduced-pressure source fluidly coupled to the manifold through the sealing member. The system further includes a pouch having an upstream layer having a first thickness, a downstream layer having a second thickness, and an absorbent member enclosed between the upstream layer and the downstream layer. The second thickness is greater than the first thickness. The upstream layer may have a hydrophilic side adjacent the absorbent member, and the downstream layer may have a hydrophobic side adjacent the absorbent member.

Abstract: An inline storage-and-liquid-processing pouch for use with body fluids from a patient is presented that involves introducing body fluids into a first chamber in the storage-and-liquid-processing pouch and flowing air through a second chamber. The chambers are separated by a high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member. The air flow in the second chamber enhances liquid removal from the first chamber across the high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member. Other systems, devices, and methods are disclosed herein.

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: A dressing for treating a tissue site may include a base layer, a sealing member, a first and a second wicking layer, and an absorbent layer. The base layer may have a periphery surrounding a central portion and a plurality of apertures disposed through the periphery and the central portion. The apertures in the periphery may be larger than the apertures in the central portion. The sealing member and the base layer may define an enclosure. The first and the second wicking layer may each be disposed in the enclosure with the absorbent layer positioned between the first and the second wicking layer. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A reduced pressure dressing for applying reduced pressure treatment to a tissue site includes an interface layer adapted to be positioned at the tissue site. An absorbent layer is in fluid communication with the interface layer to absorb liquid from at least one of the interface layer and the tissue site. A pump is in fluid communication with the absorbent layer to deliver a reduced pressure to the tissue site. A cover is positioned over the pump, the absorbent layer, and the interface layer to maintain the reduced pressure at the tissue site, and a liquid-air separator is positioned between the absorbent layer and the pump to inhibit liquid from entering the pump.

Abstract: A reduced-pressure canister includes a canister body having a fluid reservoir, an inlet for receiving fluids from a patient, and an integral hydrophobic filter formed within a side or top portion of the canister body. The integral hydrophobic filter has a plurality of pores in the canister body that are covered by a hydrophobic coating. Other canisters, methods, and systems are also presented.

Abstract: An inline storage-and-liquid-processing pouch for use with body fluids from a patient is presented that involves introducing body fluids into a first chamber in the storage-and-liquid-processing pouch and flowing air through a second chamber. The chambers are separated by a high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member. The air flow in the second chamber enhances liquid removal from the first chamber across the high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member. Other systems, devices, and methods are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A dressing for treating a tissue site may include a base layer, a sealing member, a first and a second wicking layer, and an absorbent layer. The base layer may have a periphery surrounding a central portion and a plurality of apertures disposed through the periphery and the central portion. The apertures in the periphery may be larger than the apertures in the central portion. The sealing member and the base layer may define an enclosure. The first and the second wicking layer may each be disposed in the enclosure with the absorbent layer positioned between the first and the second wicking layer. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment apparatus includes a charging chamber storing a first pressure less than an ambient pressure and a regulated chamber storing a second pressure less than the ambient pressure. The first pressure is less than the second pressure. A conduit provides fluid communication between the regulated chamber and the charging chamber. A regulator member is operably associated with the conduit to prevent fluid communication through the conduit when the second pressure is less than or equal to a desired therapy pressure and to allow fluid communication through the conduit when the second pressure exceeds the desired therapy pressure.

Abstract: A therapy system for treating a tissue site with negative-pressure therapy and/or fluid instillation therapy in response to information received from a diagnostic unit is disclosed. In some embodiments, the therapy system may include a dressing, a diagnostic unit, a negative-pressure source, a fluid source, and a controller. The diagnostic unit may be placed on or within the dressing at the tissue site and may detect or measure one or more parameters associated with the tissue site. In response to the parameter(s) detected and/or measured, the controller of the therapy system may direct the therapy system to increase or decrease negative-pressure therapy and/or fluid instillation therapy. Additionally, the disclosed therapy system may include one or more sources of therapeutic compounds, which may provide doses of additional substances, such as an antimicrobial, to the tissue site in response to the detection or measurement of a particular parameter by the diagnostic unit.

Abstract: Wounds dressings, systems, and methods are presented for removing liquid from a wound site into a dressing and moving air through the dressing to evaporate at least a portion of the removed liquid. The air is moved in one instance by a Coanda device incorporated into the dressing. Other systems, dressings, and methods are presented.

Abstract: A dressing for treating a tissue site may include a base layer, a sealing member, a first and a second wicking layer, and an absorbent layer. The base layer may have a periphery surrounding a central portion and a plurality of apertures disposed through the periphery and the central portion. The apertures in the periphery may be larger than the apertures in the central portion. The sealing member and the base layer may define an enclosure. The first and the second wicking layer may each be disposed in the enclosure with the absorbent layer positioned between the first and the second wicking layer. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.