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 wound dressing member is provided for use in a vacuum bandage connected to a vacuum source and for use with a wound having a wound surface. The member may include a top surface and a bottom surface adapted to be in contact with and generally conform to the wound surface. The member may further include a plurality of discrete holes formed in the bottom surface and at least one discrete opening formed in the top surface. A port of the member may be provided to communicate with the vacuum source, each discrete hole, and the at least one discrete opening.

Abstract: A wound dressing member is provided for use in a vacuum bandage connected to a vacuum source. The wound dressing member is also provided for use with a wound having a wound surface. The wound dressing member includes a wound facing surface adapted to be in contact with and generally conform to the wound surface and a plurality of discrete holes formed in the wound facing surface. The member further includes a port configured to communicate with the vacuum source and with each hole formed in the wound facing surface. The wound dressing member further includes a stand-off having interconnected portions coupled to the wound facing surface and configured to provide a space between the wound facing surface and the wound surface.

Abstract: A vacuum bandage is provided for use with a wound having a wound surface. The bandage is connectable to a vacuum source and includes a wound dressing member having a wound contacting surface, a top surface, and a port configured for communication with the vacuum source. The wound dressing member further includes holes in the wound contacting surface configured for communication with the wound surface of the wound and a passageway between the port and each hole. The vacuum bandage further includes a pack adjacent to the top surface of the member. The pack may include an aperture positioned about the port.

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: A wound treatment apparatus is disclosed to provide vacuum therapy to a wound associated with a patient. The wound treatment apparatus comprises a control unit comprising an alarm and a display displaying an alarm log providing information associated with each activation of the alarm. The display also displays information to instruct a user how to operate the wound treatment apparatus. A method of calibrating the control unit is disclosed.

Abstract: A wound vacuum therapy dressing kit is provided for use with a wound drainage system having a vacuum source. The kit may include a wound dressing member, a sealing film, and a wound measurement device. The wound dressing member may include a wound contacting surface configured to be in contact with and generally conform to a wound surface of a patient. The member may be adapted to be coupled to the vacuum source for communicating suction from the vacuum source to the wound surface. The sealing film of the kit may be provided for placement over the member and may be configured to adhere to a patient's healthy skin surrounding the wound. The wound measurement device may include a transparent top portion and a transparent bottom portion configured for placement adjacent the wound surface. The top portion may include a drawing surface and a grid associated with the drawing surface.

Abstract: A control unit is adapted for use with a vacuum wound bandage. The control unit has a canister to collect waste material from the vacuum wound bandage, a fluid source to irrigate the wound, and a door to at least partially cover the fluid source.

Abstract: A control system for use with a vacuum bandage over a wound includes a vacuum pump, a waste canister operably coupled to the pump, and a fluid source. The canister is coupled to the bandage such that, when a vacuum is applied to the canister, the vacuum is applied to the bandage. The fluid source is coupled to the bandage to selectively introduce fluid into the wound.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is disclosed to provide vacuum therapy to a wound associated with a patient. The wound treatment apparatus comprises a control unit comprising an alarm and a display displaying an alarm log providing information associated with each activation of the alarm. The display also displays information to instruct a user how to operate the wound treatment apparatus. A method of calibrating the control unit is disclosed.

Abstract: A control system for use with a vacuum bandage over a wound includes a vacuum pump, a waste canister operably coupled to the pump, and a fluid source. The canister is coupled to the bandage such that, when a vacuum is applied to the canister, the vacuum is applied to the bandage. The fluid source is coupled to the bandage to selectively introduce fluid into the wound.

Abstract: A thin, flexible member is provided for use in a vacuum bandage connected to a vacuum source. The member is provided for use with a wound having a wound surface. The member includes a wound contacting surface adapted to be in contact with and generally conform to the wound surface. The member further includes a plurality of discrete holes formed in the wound contacting surface, a port configured to communicate with the vacuum source, and communicating means from the holes to the port. The member is formed from a generally non-porous material.

Abstract: A bandage for use with a vacuum source includes a wound dressing member to be placed in contact with a wound surface and a suction port associated with the wound dressing member. The member is configured with spacers contacting the wound surface to define suction space between the member and the wound surface. The member also includes holes in communication with the suction space. Passageways of the bandage are provided between the suction port and the holes.

Abstract: A bandage for use with a vacuum source includes a wound dressing member to be placed in contact with a wound surface and a suction port associated with the wound dressing member. The member is configured with spacers contacting the wound surface to define suction space between the member and the wound surface. The member also includes holes in communication with the suction space. Passageways of the bandage are provided between the suction port and the holes.

Abstract: A system for treating a patient with a wound comprises a bandage, a receptacle, and a vacuum source. The bandage comprises a cover to seal about the wound and to define a space above the wound in which a vacuum is to be formed. The bandage further comprises a port providing communication with the space. The receptacle is connected to the port to receive exudate from the wound and is provided to be placed below the wound. The vacuum source is spaced apart from the receptacle, is connected to the receptacle, and is effective to provide a vacuum in the receptacle and in the space.

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 control unit is adapted for use with a vacuum wound bandage. The control unit has a canister to collect waste material from the vacuum wound bandage, a fluid source to irrigate the wound, and a door to at least partially cover the fluid source.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is disclosed to provide vacuum therapy to a wound associated with a patient. The wound treatment apparatus comprises a control unit comprising an alarm and a display displaying an alarm log providing information associated with each activation of the alarm. The display also displays information to instruct a user how to operate the wound treatment apparatus. A method of calibrating the control unit is disclosed.

Abstract: A control system (2) for use with a vacuum bandage (14) over a wound (300) includes a vacuum pump (110), a waste canister (26) operably coupled to the pump (110), and a fluid source (24). The canister (26) is coupled to the bandage (14) such that, when a vacuum is applied to the canister (26), the vacuum is applied to the bandage (14). The fluid source (22) is coupled to the bandage (14) to selectively introduce fluid into the wound (300).

Abstract: A control system for use with a vacuum bandage over a wound includes a vacuum pump, a waste canister operably coupled to the pump, and a fluid source. The canister is coupled to the bandage such that, when a vacuum is applied to the canister, the vacuum is applied to the bandage. The fluid source is coupled to the bandage to selectively introduce fluid into the wound.