Abstract: Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods for operating the systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system includes a negative pressure source, a wound dressing configured to be positioned over a wound, and optionally a canister configured to store fluid aspirated from the wound. The negative pressure source, wound dressing, and canister (when present) can be fluidically connected to facilitate delivery of negative pressure to the wound. The system can be configured to automatically detect whether the canister is positioned in the fluid flow path between the negative pressure source and the dressing while negative pressure source provides negative pressure to the wound dressing. Operation of the system can be adjusted based on whether presence of the canister has been detected. For example, a value of an operational parameter can be set to indicate that the canister is present.

Abstract: A safety plug for an electrical outlet, including an electrically nonconductive plug body. An adapter is removably coupled to a first end of the electrically nonconductive plug body. The adapter includes a set of pins. The set of pins correspond to a set of pin connector slots associated with an electrical outlet. The safety plug is a dummy plug configured to keep the electrical outlet covered to protect from electrical discharge.

Abstract: Described is a negative wound therapy (NPWT) dressing that includes a backing layer and an adhesive skin contact layer, the adhesive skin contact layer being configured to detachably adhere the dressing to a dermal surface, wherein the backing layer includes a coupling member. The coupling member includes a tubing configured to connect the dressing to a negative pressure source and to a remote fluid collector.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a wound treatment apparatus with electronic components integrated within a wound dressing. In some embodiments, a wound dressing apparatus can comprise a wound contact layer, an absorbent layer over the wound contact layer, the absorbent layer comprising one or more apertures, a cover layer configured to cover and form a seal over the wound contact layer and the absorbent layer, and an electronics assembly comprising a negative pressure source. A portion of the cover layer overlying the one or more apertures in the absorbent layer can be configured to be compressed within the aperture in the absorbent layer when negative pressure is applied to the wound dressing apparatus. The compressed cover layer can indicate a level of negative pressure below the cover layer. In some embodiments, the wound dressing apparatus can comprise an indicator material layer and a cover layer configured to cover and form a seal over the wound contact layer and the indicator material layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a wound can include an array of at least four truncated ellipsoids interconnected to define at least one fluid path through, for example perpendicular to, the array. The longest principal axis of each ellipsoid may be perpendicular to the array. Each truncated ellipsoid may be a spheroid and/or may include an approximately elliptical contact surface at each contact surface between two interconnected ellipsoids. Each fluid pathway may have four continuously-curved concave sides and may have a parallelogram-shaped cross-section with continuously-curved concave edges. A dressing may include the apparatus, a dressing layer coupled to the apparatus, a backing layer disposed over a surface of the dressing layer opposite the apparatus, and an attachment device disposed on at least a margin of the backing layer. Methods of treating various tissue sites using the apparatus or dressing with negative-pressure therapy are also disclosed.

Abstract: Wound therapy compression garments and layered dressing kits are described. In an aspect, a kit includes a compression garment and one or more fenestrated dressing layers. The compression garment includes a plurality of hydrophobic longitudinal wales arranged to form a fabric with a plurality of hydrophilic transverse elastomeric threads under variable tension connecting adjacent ones of the hydrophobic longitudinal wales in such way as to deliver elastic compression at a wound site. The hydrophobic longitudinal wales and the hydrophilic transverse elastomeric threads cooperate to generate hydrostatic pressure for transporting fluid away from the wound site. The fenestrated dressing layer(s) is configured to form a textured interface with the compression garment and increase movement of fluid away from the wound site.

Abstract: A medical sampling device is disclosed for use with a medical device having a suction channel and a suction connector in fluid communication with said suction channel. The sampling device includes a suction inlet for connection to the suction connector, a suction outlet for connection to a vacuum source, a sampling inlet and outlet for connection to a sample container, and a valve including a valve member having first and second chambers and being rotatable between first and second positions. The first chamber in the first position establishes fluid communication between the suction inlet and the sampling inlet. The second chamber in the first position establishes fluid communication between the sampling outlet and the suction outlet. One of the first and the second chambers in the second position establish fluid communication between the suction inlet and the suction outlet.

Abstract: A cover layer for a vacuum wound therapy dressing includes a backing layer formed from a flexible polymeric membrane and an adhesive layer for affixing the backing layer over a wound bed to provide a substantially fluid-tight seal around a perimeter of the wound bed. The cover layer is reinforced with a reinforcement layer extending to a peripheral region of the backing layer to distribute forces associated with evacuating a reservoir, as defined by or within the cover, to stimulate healing of the wound bed.

Abstract: A filter assembly for a surgical suction system. The filter assembly has a containment defining a filter chamber an intake fitting on an upstream end of the chamber, an output fitting on an opposite downstream end of the chamber, and a filter element in the filter chamber and made at least partially of a bioresorbable bone substitute so that autologous tissue components carried in a fluid flowing from the fitting through the filter element in the filter chamber are trapped by the filter element.

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: An autonomous medical waste collection assembly. A base supports a waste canister in fluid communication with a manifold receiver, and a suction pump. A controller is in electronic communication with a powered wheel and configured to transmit a movement signal for a motor to power the powered wheel to move the assembly along a floor surface. The assembly may be operable in an autonomous mode in which the powered wheel automatically moves the assembly along the floor surface, and a manual mode in which resistance from the powered wheel is negated to provide for manual movement of the assembly. The controller may be further configured to steer the assembly based on a current location input signal, and a disposal location input signal from a locator network within the medical facility that is indicative of a location of a disposal station.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to apparatuses, systems, and methods for the treatment of wounds, for example using multiple wound dressings in combination with negative pressure wound therapy. A negative pressure would therapy apparatus can include a negative pressure source and a controller. The negative pressure source can include inlets configured to couple via fluid flow paths to wound dressings. The fluid flow paths can include pressure sensors configured to measure pressure in the fluid flow paths. The pressure sensors can include a first pressure sensor configured to measure pressure in the first fluid flow path and a second pressure sensor configured to measure pressure in the second fluid flow path. The controller can be configured to operate the negative pressure source and provide, based on measured pressure, indication of at least one operating condition associated with at least one of the fluid flow paths.

Abstract: A device (10) for collecting and processing bone fragments is disclosed. The device comprises a chamber member (12), a press member (14), an intake port (16), and a vacuum port (18). A compression surface (20) and a filter support surface (22) configured to support a filter are defined by said chamber and/or press member. The intake port is on the chamber and/or press member and is configured to receive a composition comprising bone fragments. The vacuum port is on the chamber and/or press member. The chamber member and the press member are rotationally coupled with one another. The composition is acquired through the intake port and collected between the compression surface and the filter support surface. The application of rotational force to the chamber and/or press member in a first direction moves the compression surface and the filter support surface together to compress the composition therebetween to compact, and further remove filtrate from the composition.

Abstract: A system is provided which includes a cannula and a secondary device. The cannula includes an expandable member, a cannula lumen, and a cannula proximal end. The expandable member includes a proximal most end, a distal most end, at least two movable sections, with the space between the at least two moveable sections, and an impermeable membrane extending across the space between each of the at least two moveable sections. In addition, the impermeable membrane extends from the expandable member distal most end to the expandable member proximal most end. The secondary device is configured to be coaxially placed through the cannula lumen. The cannula proximal end is configured to operatively couple to a vacuum source configured to create a negative pressure to pull an undesirable material into the cannula lumen.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to devices and systems for providing both negative-pressure therapy and instillation, In some embodiments, both negative-pressure and instillation may be provided to a tissue site in a low-profile context that may also prevent siphoning of instillation fluid during negative pressure application. For example, a single bridge may include a negative-pressure pathway with supports and an instillation pathway, and the instillation pathway may be configured with respect to the negative-pressure pathway so that at least a portion of the instillation pathway collapses upon application of negative pressure to the negative-pressure pathway. Collapse of at least a portion of the instillation pathway may be sufficient to close the instillation pathway.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound therapy system can include a housing and a source of negative pressure enclosed by the housing configured to aspirate fluid from a wound covered by a wound dressing. The system can have one or more visual indicators visible at the exterior surface of the housing, configured to indicate status of the system to a user. The system can also have electronic circuitry enclosed by the housing, the electronic circuitry configured to automatically, or in response to a request from the user, transition the system between at least a first operational state and a second operational state, wherein in the second operational state the one or more visual indicators are configured to not emit any light or to emit light at one or more wavelengths that are not visible to naked human eye.

Abstract: A wound dressing is which has haemostatic, coagulation-promoting and biocidal properties and can therefore be utilized particularly for acute wound care. Typical areas of application for acute wound care are, for example, the treatment of gunshot wounds. The wound dressing features selected halloysites which, for example, are applied to textile fibers or non-woven materials.

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, canister, and a wound dressing configured to be positioned over a wound. The pump assembly, canister, and the wound dressing can be fluidically connected to facilitate delivery of negative pressure to a wound. The system can additionally include a valve configured to control the introduction of positive pressure to the wound.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a system 10 for the application of topical negative pressure therapy to a site 18 on the body of a mammal. Some embodiments of the system 10 comprise a piston 22 and cylinder 24 device 12 having a self-contained power source for the generation of a reduced pressure and for aspirating the site 18. Some embodiments of the system 10 comprise a dressing 14 sealably surrounding the site 18 that can be operably connected to the device 12 by a conduit means 16 to apply the reduced pressure to the site 18.

Abstract: Negative pressure wound therapy sponges that are custom-fabricated to fit a given wound to be treated, corresponding methods of creating said sponges in situ or external to a wound, and related systems for performing negative pressure wound therapy using said sponges. Exemplary sponge embodiments may have pressure-sensing capabilities.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to the treatment of wounds using negative pressure. Some embodiments disclosed herein provide for a foam pad, which may be suitable for use in abdominal wound sites, and which may be sized in a dimensionally-independent manner. Additional embodiments provide for a wound contact layer, as well as a system for the treatment of abdominal wounds.

Abstract: A reduced-pressure system for treating a tissue site on a patient includes a distribution manifold that adheres to a tissue site to allow retention without external support. The distribution manifold includes a porous member and a tissue-fixation element. The tissue-fixation element maintains the porous member substantially adjacent to the tissue site while a sealing member is applied. In one instance, the tissue-fixation element is a soluble adhesive that partially covers either the tissue-facing side of the porous member or a tissue-facing side of a fluid-permeable substrate layer that is on the tissue-facing side of the porous member. Other systems, distributions manifolds, and methods are presented.

Abstract: Systems for less invasive medical procedures comprise a filter device mounted on an integrated guiding structure and an aspiration catheter. These components can be used together or separately, and the system can be used with other medical devices that are designed for less invasive procedures, such as procedures in a patient's vasculature. The catheter can have a radiopaque band that is held in place under metal wire embedded within the polymer forming the tube of the catheter. In some embodiments, the aspiration catheter has a small diameter distal portion that can access into small diameter vessels in which the distal portion has a smaller average diameter than the remaining tube of the catheter.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound treatment (NPWT) system including a NWPT therapy unit and a wound dressing configured to overlay a wound bed. The NPWT system includes a first length of tubing comprising a first end and a second end, the first end of the first length of tubing coupled to the NWPT therapy unit and the second end of the first length of tubing having a first coupling half, as well as a second length of tubing having a first end and second end, the first end of the second length of tubing coupled to the wound dressing and the second end of the second length of tubing having a second coupling half. The NPWT system includes an inline filter comprising a sintered polymer and a superabsorbent material, and an inline coupling, wherein the inline coupling is configured to operably couple and de-couple the NPWT therapy unit and wound dressing.

Abstract: A liquid-collection canister includes a liquid collection chamber defined by at least one wall and a first and second gas-communication pathway formed within the at least one wall. A first aperture is positioned between the first gas-communication pathway and the liquid collection chamber to allow gaseous communication between the liquid collection chamber and the first gas-communication pathway. A second aperture is positioned between the second gas-communication pathway and the liquid collection chamber to allow gaseous communication between the liquid collection chamber and the second gas-communication pathway. A first and a second liquid-air separator are positioned over the first aperture and the second aperture, respectively, to substantially prevent liquid passing through the first and second apertures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate closure of the wound by preferentially contracting to provide for movement of the tissue. Preferred embodiments can utilize tissue securing portions that aid in securing the invention within a wound.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods for wound treatment. In some embodiments, a wound dressing apparatus can comprise a wound contact layer, a spacer layer, an absorbent layer positioned on the spacer layer, an electronics unit comprising a negative pressure source and/or electronic components, wherein the absorbent layer comprises a recess configured to receive the electronics unit and the absorbent layer is configured to be in fluid communication with the electronics unit, and a cover layer configured to cover and form a seal over the wound contact layer, the spacer layer, the absorbent layer, and the electronics unit.

Abstract: In some illustrative embodiments, a system suitable for treating a tissue site may include a dressing, a low-profile conduit, a conduit interface, and a reduced-pressure source. The dressing may be adapted for positioning at the tissue site. The low-profile conduit may be adapted for fluidly coupling to the dressing. The low-profile conduit may include a manifold and a sealing member encapsulating the manifold. The conduit interface may be adapted for fluidly coupling to the low-profile conduit. The conduit interface may be in fluid communication with the dressing through the low-profile conduit. The reduced-pressure source may be adapted for fluid communication with the conduit interface. Other systems, devices, and methods are disclosed.

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, canister, and a wound dressing configured to be positioned over a wound. The pump assembly, canister, and wound dressing can be fluidically connected to facilitate delivery of negative pressure to the wound. The system can be configured to deliver negative pressure based at least on a sensed pressured in a fluid flow path connecting a pump of the pump assembly and the wound dressing. The sensed pressure can be sampled, in some embodiments, synchronous with operation of the pump and can be used for controlling the pump. Increased efficiency, diminished noise and vibration caused by operation of the pump, reduced in energy usage, and better comfort for the patient can be attained.

Abstract: A collapsible, clamping and/or steerable apparatus in conjunction with negative pressure system and methods for using such an apparatus are described. Preferred embodiments of the invention have lengths and bent and/or increase their curvatures along their lengths, by preferentially contracting and transforming upon negative pressure.

Abstract: The present application provides a sample collecting device and a sample collecting apparatus. The sample collecting device includes a housing assembly with a cavity and a filtering unit disposed in the cavity, where the housing assembly is provided with a collecting hole and a suction hole, both of which are communicated with the cavity, the suction hole is communicated with the collecting hole through the filtering unit, the housing assembly is provided with a gateway on its side wall, and at least part of the filtering unit is configured to be moved to an outside of the housing assembly through the gateway. The present application can greatly improve efficiency of sample collection and effectively save the time of medical workers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for determining status of a canister of a topical negative pressure (TNP) system. The method includes the steps of monitoring pressure provided by a pump element of the TNP system, determining at least one characteristic associated with the monitored pressure and determining status of at least one parameter associated with a canister of the TNP system responsive to the determined characteristics.

Abstract: A medical system includes a porous body positioned at a target site within a subject, a tube including a wall defining a tube lumen, where the tube is connected to the porous body at a first end of the tube, and a sealing device to seal the target site from a body lumen. When the sealing device seals the target site from the body lumen, the tube extends from the target site into the body lumen.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods for wound treatment. A wound dressing apparatus can comprises a wound contact layer, at least one absorbent layer, an electronics unit comprising a negative pressure source unit, and a cover layer. The electronics unit can comprise a plurality of sensors positioned on a printed circuit board and an inlet protection mechanism of the negative pressure source unit comprises a first recess in fluid communication with a first sensor and the outlet or exhaust mechanism negative pressure source unit comprises a second recess in fluid communication with a second sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a wound therapy system includes a negative pressure source configured to provide negative pressure via a fluid flow path to a wound dressing, a first circuit board assembly including a first controller configured to control a wound therapy with the wound dressing by activation and deactivation of the negative pressure source, and a second circuit board assembly in communication with the first circuit board assembly, the second circuit board assembly separate from the first circuit board assembly. The second circuit board assembly can include a second controller configured to wirelessly communicate therapy data via a communication network, receive an executable command from an electronic device, and execute the executable command without providing the executable command to the first controller.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system are described. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate closure of the wound by preferentially contracting to exert force on the tissue. Some embodiments may utilize a clamping structure with removable sections.

Abstract: Material comprising a flexible porous hydrophilic polymer foam or fibre matrix comprising two matrix faces and therebetween a structural matrix framework defining a network of cells, having a cell network surface and therein a network of pores and a powder charge comprising antimicrobial additive and/or wound dressing additive, wherein the powder charge is comprised at the matrix face or faces and/or within the cell network or within the structural matrix framework and wherein the additive is micronized, a method for the preparation thereof comprising micronizing the additive and dosing powder charge to the matrix or a reactive phase for the manufacture of said matrix, devices comprising the material and uses thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluid management assembly. The fluid management assembly includes a handpiece, a slider based fluid control mechanism, and a fluid occluding member. The slider based fluid control mechanism housed in the handpiece. The fluid occluding member is configured to be in communication with the fluid control mechanism. The fluid occluding member being separate from the handpiece.

Abstract: A nasal aspirator suction bin assembly comprises a suction bin base, which has a first connecting end connected with a host and a second connecting end connected with a suction bin cover; after the suction bin base is connected with the suction bin cover, a cavity is formed therein; the middle of the suction bin base is provided with an outlet tube, which runs through the suction bin base and extends into the cavity; the upper end of the suction bin cover is provided with a suction tube, which runs through the suction bin cover and extends into the cavity; a bracket is arranged in the cavity, and the bracket comprises a bracket tube which can be inserted on the outlet tube and a baffle arranged at the other free end of the bracket tube, and at least one air hole is arranged on the bracket tube to keep the suction tube and the outlet tube in communication all the time; the cavity is used to store the inhaled nasal fluid.

Abstract: A waste collection device and a docking device are provided for collecting waste generated in a medical process. The waste collection device is docked with the docking device to discharge the waste. The waste collection device comprises a portable cart; at least one waste collection container mounted to the portable cart and configured to store waste generated in a medical process; a mating bracket mounted to the portable cart and configured to mate with the docking device; two collection end connectors attached to the mating bracket and connected to the at least one waste collection container; and two floating sleeve heads mounted to the mating bracket and correspondingly sleeved on the two collection end connectors. The floating sleeve heads can guide docking end connectors to connect with the corresponding collection end connectors so that said connectors are accurately connected, and the invention has a simple structure and low manufacture cost.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are negative pressure appliances and methods of operating the same in the treatment of wounds with negative pressure. Also disclosed are improved fluidic connectors or suction adapters for connecting a negative pressure source to a wound, having an air leak channel separated from a suction channel.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound therapy system can include a source of negative pressure negative pressure configured to aspirate fluid from a wound covered by a wound dressing and electronic circuitry with a power source, boost converter circuitry configured to receive power at a first level from the power source and supply power at a second level to the source of negative pressure, the second level being higher than the first level, and a controller configured to, in response to a determination that a capacity of the power source is being depleted, cause the boost converter circuitry to supply power to the source of negative pressure at a third level lower than the second level. The controller can further lower a target negative pressure level associated with negative pressure provided by the source of negative pressure.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering therapy using an applicator guide and a plurality of catheters for delivering, e.g., radiation, drug, RF, laser or ultrasound therapy. The applicator guide includes a through hole channels through which the catheters may be introduced. The through hole channels may be sized such that the plurality of catheters may freely and independently traverse the through hole channels. By positioning the applicator guide over a target area of a patient's skin, the catheters are free to make contact with the patient's skin and conform to any contours of the patient's skin. The catheters may be microneedles that may be locked in the conformed orientation, such that the microneedles may non-invasively penetrate the patient's skin to deliver the therapy transdermally. The applicator guide may be coupled to an afterloader, drug reservoir, pulse generator, and/or power generator controlled by a healthcare provider via a computing device.

Abstract: A thermal control unit for delivering temperature-controlled fluid to one or more patient therapy devices (e.g. pads, blankets, etc.) that are in contact with a patient is disclosed. The thermal control unit allows multiple patient therapy devices to be fluidly coupled thereto and to individually monitor the temperatures, flow rates, and/or connections/disconnections of the patient therapy devices. A user interface enables a user to designate outlet ports to the therapy devices as active or inactive, and the control unit provides notifications to the user if any of the active ports experience an undesired condition, or if a patient therapy device is connected to an inactive port. The user interface further allows the user to designate one of multiple patient temperature probes as a primary probe. The primary probe is used to control the temperature of the fluid circulating through the control unit.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods herein relate to predicting infection of a patient. These systems and methods may comprise illuminating a patient fluid in a fluid conduit from a plurality of illumination directions, measuring an optical characteristic of the illuminated patient fluid using one or more sensors, and predicting an infection state of the patient based at least in part on the measured optical characteristic.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying negative pressure to a wound is disclosed. The apparatus can include a housing, a pressure source, a canister, and a controller. The pressure source can be supported by the housing and provide negative pressure via a fluid flow path to a wound dressing positioned over a wound. The canister can collect exudate from the wound. The controller can monitor a parameter indicative of providing negative pressure to the wound dressing with the pressure source, determine from the parameter that the wound is treatable with a canisterless wound therapy apparatus, and output for presentation to a user a notification indicating that the wound is treatable with the canisterless wound therapy apparatus.

Abstract: An implant removal device for removal of ruptured silicone breast implants includes a hollow container having a middle portion disposed between a first end and a second end. The device also has a connector port coupled to the second end that is coupled to a suction device during use. The device also includes a nozzle coupled to the first end that is configured for placement against an incision of a patient for removing a ruptured breast implant from the patient. The positioning of the nozzle on said first end is offset from a longitudinal axis that extends in a direction parallel to the length of the middle portion and within the middle portion. The nozzle opening may include gripping portions for aiding in gripping the implant shell during the removal process.

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 system for drawing a solution is provided. The system includes a filter, a vacuum source, and an actuator. The filter has an input port, a first output port, a second output port, and a flow path defined in part by the input port and the second output port. The vacuum source is in fluid communication with the first output port and operative to apply a vacuum to the flow path. The actuator is operative to facilitate movement of the solution along the flow path.

Abstract: Some illustrative embodiments of an instillation assembly for treating a tissue site may include a fluid distribution lumen and a fluid hub that may define a fluid instillation pathway. The fluid distribution lumen may be defined by a first film layer and a second film layer, and the fluid hub may be positioned in fluid communication with the fluid distribution lumen. The instillation assembly may be used in combination with a reduced-pressure assembly that may define a reduced-pressure pathway separate from the fluid instillation pathway.