Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for applying negative pressure to a wound site. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a source of negative pressure, a processing element, and a memory comprising instructions configured to, when executed on the processing element, cause the apparatus to attempt to generate, via the source of negative pressure, a desired negative pressure at the wound site. If the desired negative pressure has not been generated after a first predetermined period of time, the instructions cause the apparatus to: deactivate the source of negative pressure for a second predetermined period of time, and subsequently attempt to generate the desired negative pressure at the wound site.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to apparatuses for wound treatment. In certain embodiments, a negative pressure wound therapy apparatus includes one or more electronic components configured to be incorporated into layers of the wound dressing or integrated on top of the wound dressing. In some embodiments, a negative pressure source is incorporated into the wound dressing. The negative pressure source can be sealed between two moisture vapor permeable cover layers or enclosed in a moisture vapor permeable pouch, and may be received in a recess of an absorbent layer or spacer layer of a wound dressing apparatus.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprising: an air-impermeable backing sheet having an aperture for attachment of a suction element; an air-permeable screen layer on a wound facing side of the backing sheet; and a substantially air-impermeable hydrogel layer extending across a wound facing side of said screen layer and joined in substantially airtight fashion to a periphery of said backing sheet around said screen layer. Also provided is a wound treatment system comprising a wound dressing according to the invention and a source of suction in fluid communication with said aperture.

Abstract: A wound exudate management system includes a pump for generating negative pressure, a dressing for covering and protecting a wound of a user, a tube including an interior lumen, the tube disposed between the pump and the dressing such that the pump and the dressing are in fluid communication via the interior lumen. The dressing includes an adhesive layer for adhering the dressing adjacent the wound, a wound contact layer, a pressure dispersion layer, a plurality of layers of absorbent material disposed between the wound contact layer and the pressure dispersion layer, a backing layer having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the backing layer being adjacent, and in contact with, the pressure dispersion layer and the adhesive layer, and a flexible connector disposed on the second surface of the backing layer.

Abstract: In various aspects, the wound therapy apparatus disclosed herein includes a wound interface that defines an enclosed space over a wound bed that is fluid tight when secured to a skin surface around the wound bed. The wound therapy apparatus includes a control group that cooperates with the wound interface to regulate input of input fluid comprising a gas having an O2 concentration greater than atmospheric air into the enclosed space and to regulate the withdrawal of output fluid from the enclosed space in order to vary an actual pressure pa within the enclosed space generally between a minimum pressure pmin and a maximum pressure pmax. Related methods of use of the wound therapy apparatus are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A drainage device (1) particularly for aspiration in case of therapies with aspiration, fistulas, dehiscences of surgical wounds, bedsores, traumas and similar lesions, comprising an aspiration pouch (2) which is supported by a sheet-like element (5) which can be associated with the lesion (10) and is connected to aspiration means (3) by way of a connecting element (4).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing negative pressure at a wound site. The apparatus includes a negative pressure reservoir and a reservoir valve for selectively connecting the reservoir to a wound chamber at a wound site. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to an apparatus including a source of negative pressure which acts as a negative pressure reservoir to continually or repeatedly “top up” an applied negative pressure so that negative pressure applied at a wound site can be maintained within desired limits for a relatively long period of time.

Abstract: A system for treating a tissue site of a patient includes a dressing filler adapted to be positioned at the tissue site. The dressing filler includes a porous substrate having at least one compressed region and at least one expanded region. The compressed region of the porous substrate is held in a compressed state by a first coating capable of dissolving in the presence of a fluid, and the expanded region of the porous substrate is held in an expanded state by a second coating.

Abstract: Methods, dressings, and systems for promoting epithelialization of a wound or other tissue are presented. The methods, dressings, and systems help form simulated rete pegs. In one instance, an epithelialization dressing is disclosed that may include a dressing body having a plurality of projections. A plurality of apertures is formed on a portion of the dressing body. The dressing helps manage fluids on the wound and the projections form cavities into which epithelial tissue migrates to from epithelial columns that function like rete pegs. Other dressings, methods, and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum sponge unit (2) for use in human or animal bodies, comprising a fluid collecting member (10), in particular a sponge unit, and a fluid communication member (20), in particular a drainage tube, which is disposed at least partially in the fluid collecting member (10) and is connected in fluidic communication to the fluid collecting member (10). In order to improve known devises, the inventions proposed developing the vacuum sponge unit (2) such that the fluid collecting member (10) has a channel (11) for guiding a guide member (3), in particular a guide wire, and/or a delivery member (4), in particular a probe unit and/or an endoscope, through the fluid collecting member (10).

Abstract: A substrate includes a double-network polymer system including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, partially ionicly-bonded polymer, wherein the substrate has a moisture level less than or equal to 15 percent of the total weight of the substrate, and wherein the substrate includes a latent retractive force. A method for manufacturing a substrate includes producing a double-network hydrogel including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, ionicly-bonded polymer; elongating by force the double-network hydrogel in at least one direction; dehydrating while still elongated the double-network hydrogel to form a substantially-dehydrated double-network polymer system; and releasing the force to produce the substrate.

Abstract: A drainage device (1) particularly for aspiration in case of therapies with aspiration, fistulas, dehiscences of surgical wounds, bedsores, traumas and similar lesions, comprising an aspiration pouch (2) which is supported by a sheet-like element (5) which can be associated with the lesion (10) and is connected to aspiration means (3) by way of a connecting element (4).

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to negative pressure treatment systems and wound dressing systems, apparatuses, and methods that may be used for the treatment of wounds. In particular, some embodiments are directed to improved wound dressings comprising a number of viewing portals that facilitate observation of wound tissue or healthy skin underlying the wound dressing. Some embodiments of the viewing portals are provided by forming through holes in internal dressing layers including absorbent material and transmission material, optionally by providing a plug material within the through holes, and by providing translucent or transparent cover layer and tissue contact layer materials.

Abstract: A reduced-pressure system for treating tissue, such as damaged subcutaneous tissue, includes a shaped dressing bolster for placing on the patient's epidermis and substantially sized to overlay the damaged subcutaneous tissue. The system further includes a sealing subsystem for providing a fluid seal over the shaped dressing bolster and a portion of the patient's epidermis, and a reduced-pressure subsystem for delivering a reduced pressure to the sealing subsystem. The reduced-pressure system may develop a force, which may include a vertical force that is realized at tissue site deeper than the epidermis or a closing force directed towards the incision. The shaped dressing bolster is shaped to evenly distribute the force. Other methods and systems are included.

Abstract: Microstrain-inducing manifolds, systems, and methods are presented that involve microstrain-inducing manifolds that include a plurality of shaped projections for creating microstrain. The shaped projections may be tapered projections. A system may include a sealing member for placing over the tissue site, a microstrain-inducing manifold, and a reduced-pressure subsystem that delivers reduced pressure to the sealing member. The reduced pressure causes the shaped projections to create microstrain at the tissue site. Other methods, apparatuses, and systems are also presented.

Abstract: Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods for operating the systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system includes a pump assembly and a wound dressing configured to be positioned over a wound. The pump assembly and the wound dressing can be fluidically connected to facilitate delivery of negative pressure to a wound via a fluid flow path. The system can be configured to efficiently deliver negative pressure and to detect and indicate presence of conditions, such as a blockage in a fluid flow path. Monitoring of the conditions can be performed by detecting a level of activity of a pump of the pump assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for fluidly connecting a reduced-pressure source to a dressing and a method for manufacturing and using the same include a base having an aperture and a wall having a peripheral portion coupled to the base. The wall may form a cavity in fluid communication with the aperture. The apparatus also may include a conduit port fluidly coupled to the cavity and adapted to receive a conduit. The base may be adapted to couple to the dressing, and the wall may be adapted to collapse from a first position to a second position in response to a supply of reduced pressure from the reduced-pressure source.

Abstract: The device (10, 36, 38, 42, 68) applies a negative pressure to an endoluminal surface in the body of a patient to facilitate healing of a wound in the endoluminal surface. The device comprises a flexible porous element (14) with a peripheral outer face (32) for contact with the wound, the outer face being defined between opposite proximal and distal ends of the porous element. A suction tube (30) for being connected to a suction source externally of the patient's body is provided in fluid communication with the porous element to apply a negative pressure to the wound via the outer face (32) of the porous element (14) upon operation of the suction source. The porous element (14) has at least one through passageway (16) extending from its proximal end to its distal end for passage of bodily substances of the patient through the porous element.

Abstract: An adapter for providing fluid communication with a tissue site may include a base, a conduit housing, a primary port, at least one ancillary port, and at least one port extension. The base may define a mounting plane having a first planar side and a second planar side opposite the first planar side. The conduit housing may be supported by the base and may include a recessed region defining an entry surface. The conduit housing and the recessed region may be positioned on the first planar side with the entry surface facing the first planar side. The primary port may be on the entry surface, and the at least one ancillary port may be on the entry surface. A distal end of the port extension may be positioned on the second planar side in fluid communication with the ancillary port. Other devices, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: There are provided devices for applying negative pressure to a wound in an endoluminal surface of a patient to facilitate healing of the wound and methods for use of the devices. The device (69, 94, 134, 140, 156, 164) comprises a flexible porous element with an outer face defined between opposite proximal and distal ends of the porous element. A suction tube (30) for being connected to a suction source externally of the patient's body is in fluid communication with the porous element (14) to apply the negative pressure to the wound via the outer face of the porous element. In some embodiments, the porous element has a longtitudinal passageway (16) for passage of bodily substances of the patient along the lumen defining the endoluminal surface through the porous element. In such embodiments, the device may also have at least one absorbent element (70, 80) for absorbing the bodily substances and which is disposed forwardly or rearwardly of the porous element (14).

Abstract: Negative pressure wound therapy apparatuses and dressings, and systems and methods for operating such apparatuses for use with dressings are disclosed. In some embodiments, controlling the delivery of therapy can be based on monitoring and detecting various operating conditions. An apparatus can have a controller configured to monitor the duty cycle of a source of negative pressure and, based on the monitored duty cycle, determine whether a leak is present. The controller can be configured to provide an indication that a leak is present. For example, the controller can be configured to suspend and/or pause the delivery of therapy, and to restart the delivery of therapy due to a timeout, request from a user, etc. In addition, the controller can be configured to pause and/or restart the delivery of therapy upon a request from the user, such as in response to the user operating a switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for dressing a wound. The apparatus comprises an absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate, a liquid impermeable, gas permeable filter layer over the absorbent layer, a cover layer comprising at least one orifice and a first liquid and gas permeable transmission layer underlying the absorbent layer. The transmission layer is in fluid communication with the filter layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device which is intended to deliver and maintain reduced pressure to body surfaces for application of reduced pressure wound therapy (RPWT) also known as negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). During application of this type of therapy, a substantially airtight seal is formed around a section of tissue to be treated. This seal is formed by a dressing which provides fluid communication from a section of tissue to a reduced pressure source. Disclosed herein is a dressing system which is configured to enhance usability and functionality of this dressing. First, the system may be configured to allow full rotation of the fluid communication conduit to the reduced pressure source along the axis substantially normal to the dressing. Second, the system may be configured to include a one-way valve to prevent backflow of any drainage fluids. Third, the system may be configured with transparent windows covered by opaque flaps to allow inspection through the dressing.

Abstract: This invention provides an oral apparatus and method capable of alleviating or curing snore and obstructive sleep apnea by applying a negative pressure through a mini oral interface to the oral cavity. The mini oral interface creates a secure connection between the interface and mouth or teeth and prevents the interface from falling off. The oral interface also provides fixation between upper and lower lips (or tooth) and prevents opening of patient's mouth during sleeping. The negative pressure pulls the tongue toward upper palate and also pulls the soft palate forward as well. By moving the tongue and the soft palate in a forward direction, the patentcy of the upper airway near the pharynx is maintained to prevent sleep-disordered breathing. The negative pressure will pull the lips inward to close the mouth ad prevent air from entering the oral cavity from atmosphere.

Abstract: A variable compressible device is utilized with a vacuum to preferentially close a wound. At least one of a strengthening member which resists compression preferentially in one direction, more so than another direction, or a flute in a layer of the closure device whereby to facilitate preferentially compressing in a direction perpendicular to the flute is provided. When utilized with prior art wound closure techniques, a wound is preferentially pulled shut, in what is believed to be a better manner than prior art devices. Furthermore, the device may be utilized with different wound closure techniques.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for applying negative pressure to a wound site. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a source of negative pressure, a processing element, and a memory comprising instructions configured to, when executed on the processing element, cause the apparatus to attempt to generate, via the source of negative pressure, a desired negative pressure at the wound site. If the desired negative pressure has not been generated after a first predetermined period of time, the instructions cause the apparatus to: deactivate the source of negative pressure for a second predetermined period of time, and subsequently attempt to generate the desired negative pressure at the wound site.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and dressings are presented that involve using a RFID device in a dressing to provide pressure data or other data to a remote base unit. The dressing is an interactive dressing. The reduced pressure in the dressing may be monitored and used to control delivery of reduced pressure. In one instance, the pressure data at each dressing allows a plurality of tissue sites to be monitored and used with as single remote base unit. In another instance, devices and methods for assuring a proper pairing of reduced-pressure dressings and remote base units are also presented. Other systems, methods, and dressings are presented.

Abstract: An oxygen distributor (1) positionable, in use, in a wound for supplying oxygen to the wound has an oxygen delivery area (17) for, in use, receiving a supply of oxygen. At least one tube (19A) extends from the oxygen delivery area, having a tube wall with an oxygen-permeable, liquid-impermeable section. Oxygen delivered to the oxygen delivery area can flow away from the oxygen delivery area along the, or each, tube.

Abstract: A system includes a dry floor assembly that is configured to be located within an interior space. The dry floor assembly includes a vacuum layer. A vacuum system is coupled to the vacuum layer. The vacuum system is configured to remove liquid from the dry floor assembly via the vacuum layer.

Abstract: A breast pump system includes a flexible vinyl suction tube that connects a milk collection device to a vacuum pump. If a milk droplet accidentally backflows into the suction tube, a supplementary opening injects tiny volumes of air sequentially into the vacuum pump or into the suction tube near the pump. As the vacuum pump operates in a cyclical manner, the injected air returns the droplet in sequential steps back to the milk collection device.

Abstract: According to an illustrative embodiment a method to promote healing of a wound is provided comprising contacting the wound with a biologically active composition comprising a lipoic acid derivative and gelatin. In another embodiment a wound dressing is provided comprising a scaffold coated with a biologically active composition comprising a lipoic acid derivative. In a further embodiment, a system is provided for treating a tissue site of a patient, the system comprising a reduced-pressure source to supply reduced pressure, a manifold to distribute reduced pressure to a tissue site and a scaffold coated with a biologically active composition comprising a lipoic acid derivative. Methods for producing such a system and scaffold are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for the application of topical negative pressure therapy to a wound site is described, the apparatus comprising: a wound contacting element for retaining wound exudate fluid therein; a wound covering element that provides a substantially airtight seal over the wound contacting element and wound site; a vacuum connection tube connecting a wound cavity to a vacuum source; and a vacuum source connected to a distal end of the vacuum connection tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for dressing a wound. The apparatus comprises an absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate, a liquid impermeable, gas permeable filter layer over the absorbent layer, a cover layer comprising at least one orifice and a first liquid and gas permeable transmission layer underlying the absorbent layer. The transmission layer is in fluid communication with the filter layer.

Abstract: A method of treating a tissue site is provided. The method includes applying a reduced pressure to a tissue site with a reduced pressure source. A source pressure is monitored at the reduced pressure source, and a differential pressure is determined between the source pressure and the desired tissue site pressure. If a blockage is present between the reduced pressure source and the tissue site, the differential pressure is limited to a first maximum differential pressure. If no blockage is present between the reduced pressure source and the tissue site, the differential pressure is limited to a second maximum differential pressure.

Abstract: A method of safely removing mesenteric fat from the intra-abdominal region of human patients to ameliorate the metabolic syndrome, or abdominal obesity. The method involves using laparoscopically-guided intra-abdominal tissue aspiration, involving the simultaneously infusion of a tumescent solution into the mesenteric region of treatment, while synchronizing that infusion with the forward or return stroke of the inner cannula of the twin cannula assembly of a bipolar electro-cauterizing twin-cannula tissue aspiration instrument.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound therapy system with exudate level detection through photoelectric total internal reflection, includes: a negative pressure wound therapy device; a fluid collection canister for collecting exudates, where a side wall of the fluid collection canister protrudes outward to form a protrusion, an angle ? formed by two planes where two opposite sides of the protrusion are located respectively is greater than 97.2 degrees and smaller than 180 degrees; and at least one detecting module, including: a transmitting unit arranged at one side of the protrusion; a receiving unit arranged at the other side of the protrusion; and a detection control unit, adapted to determine, according to a determination of whether the receiving unit receives the electromagnetic wave or ultrasonic wave signal transmitted by the transmitting unit, whether there exit exudates where the detecting unit is located.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongate shaft having proximal and distal end portions defining a longitudinal axis, and first and second tip segments. The elongate shaft and the first and second tip segments define respective first and second lumens. Each tip segment includes a proximal portion fixed relative to the distal end of the elongate shaft, and a distal portion. Each tip segment defines a side opening in fluid communication with a respective one of the first and second lumens. Each tip segment is movable between a straight configuration in which each respective tip segment is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a curved configuration in which each tip segment has a concave portion with respect to the longitudinal axis. The side openings face each other along the concave portions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for dressing a wound. The apparatus comprises a sealing layer comprising at least one orifice, an absorbent layer over the sealing layer, absorbing wound exude and a liquid impermeable, gas permeable filter layer over the absorbent layer.

Abstract: A twin-cannula fat tissue aspiration instrument system equipped with a hand-supportable fat aspiration instrument having a twin irrigating-type or tumescent-type electro-cauterizing cannula assembly with an inner cannula coupled to a cannula drive mechanism and having an inner aspiration aperture that is reciprocated within an outer cannula having an outer aspiration aperture and being connected to the front portion of the hand-supportable housing, so that said inner cannula reciprocates within said outer cannula when the cannula drive mechanism drives the inner cannula. An irrigation channel is formed along the outer cannula, and in fluid communication with an irrigation aperture formed at the distal portion of the outer cannula and proximate to the outer aspiration aperture.

Abstract: A tissue sampling, collection, and processing system including a hand-supportable power-assisted tissue aspiration device having a cannula for aspirating fat tissue from a patient's body, and a multi-pack tissue sampling, processing and collecting device, installed between the tissue aspiration device and a vacuum source, and containing multiple tissue collection tubes for collection of aspirated fat tissue samples.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a wound dressing filler and/or wound dressing.

Abstract: A tissue sampling, processing and collection device for connection in-line to a hand-held power-assisted tissue aspiration instrument and a vacuum source. The tissue sampling, processing and collection device includes a suction plate, mounted within a collection chamber, and having multiple hollow projections for supporting the open proximal ends of a plurality of tissue collection and processing tubes. Each of these tissue collection and processing tubes has micro-pores formed in the side walls thereof and its distal end opening is capped, thereby allowing fluid to flow and filter therethrough while the tissue collection and processing tube is mounted on the suction plate during tissue aspiration operations. The in-line tissue sampling, processing and collection device is provided with a knob for manually selecting the tissue collection and processing tube, into which a sampled of aspirated fat tissue to is be collected and processed in situ during tissue aspiration operations.

Abstract: Methods of collecting fat tissue samples in tissue collection syringes mounted in an in-line fat sampling device connected to a hand-held power-assisted tissue aspiration instrument.

Abstract: Dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed, in some embodiments, that involve treating a tissue site with reduced pressure. In one embodiment, a reduced-pressure dressing may include a dressing bolster, a retention pouch, and a sealing member. The dressing bolster may be adapted to apply a compressive force to the tissue site capable of closing a wound or incision therein. The retention pouch may be adapted to retain and manage fluid extracted from the tissue site to keep the tissue site substantially free of fluid and to prevent clogging of the reduced-pressure dressing. The sealing member may provide a seal over the retention pouch, the dressing bolster, and a portion of the epidermis of the patient. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A portable vacuum device including: a source of liquefied gas; a gas operated vacuum generator having a vacuum inlet; a valve for controlling flow of gas from the source to the vacuum generator; a suction tube having proximal and distal ends; a collection container having an outlet coupled to the vacuum inlet of the vacuum generator and an inlet coupled to the proximal end of the suction tube, the arrangement being such that when said valve is opened the vacuum generator creates a vacuum in the container and at the distal end of the suction tube.

Abstract: Medical dressings and medical dressing kits that can be used to provide negative pressure wound therapy. The medical dressings include one or more normally-closed valves, and may include stand-off elements, barrier elements, closure elements, and septum elements. The medical dressing kits may further include pumps, fluid traps, and/or fittings.

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: Reduced-pressure treatment systems and methods are disclosed that employ debridement mechanisms to remove unwanted tissue. In one instance, a reduced-pressure treatment system for treating a tissue site on a patient includes a manifold member for distributing reduced pressure to the tissue site, a support member for disposing proximate the tissue site and the manifold, and a debridement mechanism coupled to the support member. The debridement mechanism is for debriding the tissue site. The system further includes a sealing drape for placing over the tissue site and manifold member. The sealing drape is operable to form a fluid seal over the tissue site and manifold member. The system also includes a reduced-pressure subsystem for delivering a reduced pressure to the sealing drape. The system may further include a chemical-debridement subsystem. Other systems, manifolds, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for providing reduced pressure to and monitoring pressure at a plurality of tissue sites using a plurality of pressure management devices. The pressure management devices are associated with a plurality of sensing conduits that fluidly couple the pressure management devices and the plurality of tissue sites. Other systems, methods, and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are several embodiments of a negative pressure appliance and methods of using the same in the treatment of wounds. Some embodiments are directed to improved fluidic connectors or suction adapters for connecting to a wound site, for example using softer, kink-free conformable suction adapters.