Abstract: The invention relates to a set of wound care articles, comprising at least one first planar wound care article comprising hydroactive polymers and at least one second wound care article comprising hydroactive polymers, wherein the second and optionally also any additional wound care articles have a lower liquid retention and/or a lower liquid absorption capacity than the first wound care article.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a device and method for treating tissues of the central nervous system and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a device and method for treating the brain tissue.

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 system, method, and apparatus are disclosed for dressing a wound and for minimizing scarring. The apparatus promotes scar-minimizing healing of a wound where negative pressure wound therapy is applied, and comprises a wound contact layer containing silicone, polysiloxanes, or other related compounds.

Abstract: Body-fluid containers, methods, and systems are presented that include a container that has a container housing formed, at least in part, by a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable material. The liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable material allows water to evaporate and be transmitted outside of the container. The evaporation allows more fluid to be processed by the container than the container could otherwise hold. Other systems, methods, and apparatuses are presented.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods that treat damaged spinal cord tissue, such as spinal tissue damaged by disease, infection, or trauma, which may lead to the presence of swelling, compression, and compromised blood flow secondary to interstitial edema.

Abstract: Provided is a method of activating osteogenic or chondrogenic activity at a site in a subject in need thereof. Also provided is a method of treating a bone or cartilage defect in a subject. Additionally, the use of a reduced pressure apparatus for treating a bone or cartilage defect adjacent to dura mater, periosteum, or endosteum is provided. Further provided is a composition for treating a bone or cartilage defect. Also, the use of a reduced pressure apparatus and a biocompatible scaffold for the manufacture of a composition for treating a bone or cartilage defect adjacent to dura mater, periosteum or endosteum is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method and apparatus for packaging or containing, handling and managing of a variety of materials or other contents from a variety of sources which encounter use under various dynamic applications, conditions and for a plurality of purposes. The invention more specifically is directed towards one or more containers or packages, suitably fitted or used for the handling or managing of materials or other contents along one or more cycles or chains of use.

Abstract: This patent application teaches methods and apparatus of an efficient disposal chain system which includes a process of receiving fluid enclosing containers, transforming said containers into collection containers by integrating said containers into vacuum canister collection systems. Such a collection system includes a remote vacuum source configured to draw a vacuum force away from said container and towards said container. Such a vacuum source is configured to draw room air. Such a force is configured to draw waste materials along a path towards said collection container. A transformation of said containers includes deriving said containers from supply chains and transforming said containers into said collection systems at least in part by supporting said containers inside said canisters from below utilizing various configurations of measurement stands, said stands configured to support and accommodate various sizes, types and shapes of said containers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method and apparatus for packaging or containing, handling and managing of a variety of materials or other contents from a variety of sources which encounter use under various dynamic applications, conditions and for a plurality of purposes. The invention more specifically is directed towards one or more containers or packages, suitably fitted or used for the handling or managing of materials or other contents along one or more cycles or chains of use.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to an apparatus, system, and method for storing liquid from a tissue site. The apparatus may include a drape having an aperture, and a fluid pouch coupled to the drape such that the fluid pouch is in fluid communication with the aperture. In one embodiment, the fluid pouch is operable to transfer reduced pressure to the aperture such that the liquid from the tissue site is drawn into the fluid pouch. The fluid pouch may have a cavity that stores the liquid that is drawn from the tissue site. In another embodiment, the fluid pouch may include at least one baffle. The fluid pouch may also include a fluid channel at least partially defined by the at least one baffle. The fluid channel may be operable to store liquid from the tissue site when reduced pressure is applied through the fluid channel.

Abstract: Wound dressings and wound inserts comprising substantially dry reactive agents, methods of forming wound inserts comprising dry reactive agents, and wound-treatment methods.

Abstract: A negative pressure foot bandage kit includes a non-woven gauze member, gel strips placed around the patient's foot to form a gasket proximal to the wound site, a polymer outer film member sealed around the foot and against the gel strips to encompass the wound site, and a vacuum port applied to the outer film member in register with a hole formed therein to apply a vacuum to the bandage. The gauze member is spoon-shaped and includes a handle portion that can be cut to size for enclosure within the bandage, with a mesh layer on both opposing sides. The gauze member provides a medium for the transport of fluids from the wound site engaged with the spoon portion through the handle portion engaged with the vacuum port. The gel strips are applied to the foot so that the outer film member can be sealed against the strips.

Abstract: A reduced pressure delivery system for applying a reduced pressure to a tissue site includes a manifold delivery tube having a passageway and a distal end, the distal end configured to be percutaneously inserted and placed adjacent the tissue site. A flowable material is provided and is percutaneously deliverable through the manifold delivery tube to the tissue site. The flowable material is capable of filling a void adjacent the tissue site to create a manifold having a plurality of flow channels in fluid communication with the tissue site. A reduced pressure delivery tube is provided that is capable of fluid communication with the flow channels of the manifold.

Abstract: A wound treatment appliance is provided for treating all or a portion of a wound. In some embodiments, the appliance comprises an impermeable flexible overlay that covers all or a portion of the wound for purposes of applying a reduced pressure to the covered portion of the wound. In other embodiments, the wound treatment appliance also includes a vacuum system to supply reduced pressure to the wound in the area under the flexible overlay. In yet other embodiments, the wound treatment appliance also includes wound packing means to prevent overgrowth of the wound or to encourage growth of the wound tissue into an absorbable matrix comprising the wound packing means. In still other embodiments, the appliance may include a suction drain. In other embodiments, the appliance may include a collection chamber to collect and store exudate from the wound. In yet other embodiments, a suction bulb may be used to provide a source of reduced pressure to an impermeable overlay that covers all or a portion of the wound.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a wound care device for treatment of wounds by means of subatmospheric pressure in the wound region, having a wound covering element, a device for generating subatmospheric pressure, which can optionally be placed on the wound covering element, and an absorption body taking up wound exudations.

Abstract: An integrated negative pressure bandage is constructed with a non-woven polyurethane matrix pad secured on the outside surface to a sheet of polyurethane film formed with an outer adhesive boundary to establish a seal against the skin of the patient around the wound site. The integrated negative pressure bandage is applied to a patient having said wound by removing said release member and attaching said adhesive layer exposed by the removal of said release member to said patient such that said adhesive layer is sealed to the patient around said wound with said non-woven polymer matrix pad being positioned over said wound, and attaching said connector port to said source of negative pressure. The non-woven pad does not stored fluids and exudate, but the source of negative pressure continuously removes the fluids and exudate to a remote location.

Abstract: A medical waste fluid collection cart may include a controller for controlling one or more functions of the medical waste fluid collection cart and a memory coupled to the controller, the memory configured for storing one or more vacuum levels. The graphical user interface may be communicatively coupled to the controller and/or the memory and may be configured to allow a user to monitor and/or control one or more functions of the medical waste fluid collection cart. The graphical user interface may include a user confirmation screen to allow a user to confirm a vacuum setting. Using the confirmation screen, the user may confirm the vacuum setting using a first selection corresponding to a predetermined low vacuum level or a second selection corresponding to a previously used vacuum level.

Abstract: This patent application teaches methods and apparatus of an efficient disposal chain system which includes a process of receiving fluid enclosing containers, transforming said containers into collection containers by integrating said containers into vacuum canister collection systems. Such a collection system includes a remote vacuum source configured to draw a vacuum force away from said container and towards said container. Such a vacuum source is configured to draw room air. Such a force is configured to draw waste materials along a path towards said collection container. A transformation of said containers includes deriving said containers from supply chains and transforming said containers into said collection systems at least in part by supporting said containers inside said canisters from below utilizing various configurations of measurement stands, said stands configured to support and accommodate various sizes, types and shapes of said containers.

Abstract: Methods and systems for filling a container with material to a desired level are provided. In particular, a container to be filled is associated with a funnel. The funnel occupies a selected or reserved amount of the container volume. Moreover, the volume of the funnel is less than the reserved volume of the container. Accordingly, by filling the container and the attached funnel to the top of the funnel, and then removing the funnel, the container is filled to less than a maximum level.

Abstract: A suction manifold assembly for a fluid management system comprised of a suction manifold and a mounting member. The suction manifold includes a single outlet port and a plurality of inlet ports, including a removable inlet port having a tissue collection device for collecting excised tissue. The suction manifold assembly enables convenient and precise adjustment of suction levels of inputs into fluid collection containers, integrates tissue collection with suction operations, and provides strain relief to tubing thereby allowing accurate fluid deficit monitoring operations.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sensing fluid in a dressing on a patient and producing an electrical signal. In one instance, a galvanic cell is used as an electronic detection device. The galvanic cell is placed in the dressing and produces voltage when the dressing is substantially saturated. In one instance, the dressing is a reduced-pressure, absorbent dressing. Other systems, methods, and dressings are presented.

Abstract: Provided herein is a pre-Caesarean method for collecting amniotic fluid from a patient. A needle is inserted into the incision site for the future C-section, which may be under ultrasound guidance, through which the amniotic fluid is drawn under a low level suction and, optionally, gravity to a sterile collection container. The method encompasses filtering and/or irradiating the amniotic fluid to collect biomolecules of interest such as growth factors and/or stem cells.

Abstract: A system for applying suction to a wound is provided, including a suction source for providing suction to a conduit operatively associated with the wound to communicate suction to the wound, a vent in fluid communication with the conduit to provide a reference airflow into the conduit when the system is in operation, such that a loss of suction at the wound is indicated by deviation from the reference airflow, and a waste collector canister between the wound and the suction source for collecting liquids aspirated from the wound, wherein the canister includes one or more disks containing gelling agent.

Abstract: A reduced-pressure treatment system for treating a wound on a patient includes a composite manifold that may help prevent or minimize injury to a wound edge of the wound being treated with reduced pressure. The composite manifold includes a perimeter manifold member and an inboard manifold member. The perimeter manifold member is designed to not collapse substantially under reduced pressure in a therapy range. The perimeter manifold member may be more rigid with respect to compressibility than the inboard manifold member. A sealing member is used to form a fluid seal over the wound, and a reduced-pressure subsystem provides reduced pressure to the composite manifold. Other systems, methods, and dressings are presented.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a reduced-pressure interface for providing reduced pressure through a sealing member to a distribution manifold includes a housing having a flange portion and a cavity wall portion such that the cavity wall portion forms a cavity having a tissue-facing cavity opening. A conduit port is coupled to the cavity wall and has a conduit aperture, such that the conduit port is adapted to receive a reduced-pressure delivery conduit. An attachment device is coupled to a tissue-facing side of the flange portion of the housing such that the attachment device couples the housing to the sealing member. Additionally, a cutting element is at least temporarily coupled to the housing proximate to the tissue-facing cavity opening such that the cutting element is adapted to form an aperture in the sealing member when the cutting element is driven into the sealing member with a driving force.

Abstract: The Technology described herein applies to medical dressings designed to heal wounds in the area of advanced wound care, inclusive of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT), and describes novel wound healing absorbent scaffolds and dressing based on natural and naturally-derived material and fibers, preferentially poly (lactic) acid fibers and alginate materials.

Abstract: A defecation detection apparatus including: a feces/urine receiving member that is placed to face the body of a wearer and that receives discharged feces and urine; a urine suction device that is detachably attached to the feces/urine receiving member and that can sucks urine discharged in the feces/urine receiving member; a temperature sensor that is placed at a defecation position where discharged feces are received in the feces/urine receiving member; and a control section that detects the presence of discharged feces based on a signal remaining after removing a signal that is output from the temperature sensor within a predetermined time after an operation of the urine suction device from a signal that is output from the temperature sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for the provision of TNP therapy to a wound are described, the apparatus comprising: a sealing membrane (504) for covering a wound to form a wound cavity (500); one end of an aspirant conduit (522) operably associated with the wound cavity, vacuum means (524) provided at a distal end of the aspirant conduit for applying a vacuum to the wound cavity; and, air bleed means (510) in fluid communication with the wound cavity. Various embodiments of air bleed port members are also described.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are presented that facilitate the provision of reduced pressure to a tissue site by using a delivery-and-fluid-storage bridge, which separates liquids and gases and provides a flow path for reduced pressure. In one instance, a delivery-and-fluid-storage bridge includes a delivery manifold for delivering reduced pressure to a treatment manifold at the tissue site and an absorbent layer proximate the delivery manifold adapted to receive and absorb liquids. The delivery manifold and the absorbent layer are encapsulated in an encapsulating pouch. A first aperture is formed proximate a first longitudinal end of the delivery-and-fluid-storage bridge for fluidly communicating reduced pressure to the delivery manifold from a reduced-pressure source, and a second aperture is formed on a patient-facing side of the delivery-and-fluid-storage bridge. Reduced pressure is transferred to the tissue site via the second aperture. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods 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.

Abstract: A wound care bandage for treating a wound is provided. The bandage includes an SIS layer to be placed on the wound surface and a cover to placed over the wound. The bandage further includes a structure to provide a vacuum space. A method for promoting wound healing is further provided. The method includes applying the above-mentioned wound care bandage to the wound and creating a vacuum in the vacuum space to draw blood controllably from the wound into the SIS layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in dislodging a particle from a choking person's airway. The apparatus including a venturi vacuum pump, a source of compressed fluid and a mask. The apparatus operating such that after the mask is placed over the choking person's nose and mouth, compressed fluid flowing through the venturi vacuum pump generates a low pressure region in the mask and correspondingly the person's airway which dislodges the particle.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided which includes a housing having an inlet end and an outlet end and defining a fluid channel and a central chamber. A dissolvable valve member is positioned to obstruct flow through the channel within the chamber. The dissolvable valve member is formed of a material which is dissolvable at a predetermined rate upon contact with a preselected fluid. The preselected fluid is selected from the group consisting of blood, urine, saline and antimicrobial solutions. The dissolvable valve member can be formed from a fluid soluble glass or a starch based material.

Abstract: A cassette (2600) for use with a medical waste collection system (30). The cassette includes a housing (2602, 2612) shaped to be removably attached to a receptacle (1699) integral with the housing. A sleeve (2640) is attached to the cassette so as to be located forward of the housing. The sleeve is formed with a void space. A fitting (2664) for collection to a suction line is attached to the sleeve. A screen (2714) is removably fitted in the sleeve void space. The screen is fitted in the sleeve void space when it is desirable to catch tissue that may be entrained in the fluid stream from the suction line.

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 present invention relates to a wound packing material, suitable for use in negative pressure wound therapy, comprising a body of a porous material, the body comprising frangible regions defining a plurality of portions, the frangible regions allowing the portions to be selectively removed from the body. The invention further relates to methods of manufacturing the wound packing material, and to methods of its use.

Abstract: A method for treating a wound that includes incorporating a wound dressing comprising a plurality of fibers, each fiber having a length of at least two (2) inches, into a wound to cause the walls of the wound to remain apart and allow the wound to heal from the inside to the outside, and removing the wound exudate.

Abstract: A wound dressing for use in vacuum wound therapy comprising a wound contact layer which is an open structure comprising a yarn comprising gel-forming filaments or fibres, the structure having a porosity which allows exudate to flow through it.

Abstract: Methods and device for extracting and collecting tissue, which can be used for example in tissue engineering and grafting applications, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a device can include an outer tube. A rotatable shaft can be disposed within the outer tube can have a tissue harvesting tip formed on its distal end, the tissue harvesting tip being effective to excise tissue upon rotation thereof. A tissue collection device can be included to receive and collected excised tissue, and the tissue collection device can indicate the amount of tissue collected therein. For example, the tissue collection device can include a straining element which collects excised tissue and an indicator by which to assess the amount of collected tissue. In some embodiments, the tissue collection device can translate to indicate the amount of collected tissue.

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 bridge portion connecting two or more portions of an absorbent layer that facilitates trimming of the wound dressing to suitable sizes. Some embodiments provide for trimming the dressing in a gap between two or more portions of an absorbent layer and sealing the exposed portion of dressing after trimming when the dressing is applied to skin surrounding a wound.

Abstract: A suction tool having a hollow handle and a probe extending from the handle near one end of the handle to define a lumen in fluid communication with the hollow handle and a fitting, formed to extend near the other end of the handle and shaped to receive a vacuum source drawing fluids through the probe, handle, and fitting. The handle also includes an aperture extending at an acute angle with respect to the axis of the handle.

Abstract: A moisture trap for removing liquid from fluid from a tissue site treated with reduced pressure are described. The moisture trap may include a barrier adapted to be fluidly coupled to and define an indirect fluid path between a fluid reservoir and a reduced-pressure source. The barrier may have a hydrophilic surface. The moisture trap also may include a sump adapted to receive condensation from the barrier.

Abstract: A fluid absorbing pressure sensitive adhesive composition and adhesive articles including the fluid absorbing adhesive that have particular utility in the medical field, and in particular, for use with wound dressings is provided. The adhesive composition has superior fluid handling capacity, moisture vapor transmission and skin adhesion. Also described are dressings, cover drapes, and/or sealing components for negative pressure wound therapy applications. The articles include a thin film having a layer of a breathable hydrocolloid adhesive. When used in negative pressure wound therapy applications, the articles are breathable and fluid absorbing.

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: The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to systems, methods, and apparatuses for applying a reduced pressure to a subcutaneous tissue site. In one instance, a manifold for applying reduced pressure to a subcutaneous tissue site includes a plurality of first conduits, each of the plurality of first conduits having a wall with at least one first aperture and at least one second aperture. At least one of the plurality of first conduits is operable to deliver reduced pressure to the subcutaneous tissue site. The plurality of first conduits is coupled in a spaced arrangement that forms an interior space. The manifold further includes a second conduit comprising the interior space and formed by a portion of each wall of the plurality of first conduits. The second conduit is in fluid communication with the plurality of first conduits via the at least one second aperture.

Abstract: Wound dressings, methods for their production and components for use therein. A knitted structure comprising a blend of gelling fibres and non-gelling fibres wherein the yarn comprises at least 50% w/w gelling fibres, a three-dimensional textile material comprising gelling fibres, and a yarn comprising a blend of gelling and non-gelling fibres which may be used in their production, the knitted structure and three-dimensional textile material beings suitable for use as wound dressings or as components of composite wound dressings. The wound dressings may be adapted for use in negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). It has been found that the incorporation of gel-forming fibres provides a material which has a high absorbency, enabling good transfer of exudates away from a wound, which retains structural integrity, and which is non-adherent and easily removed from the wound.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods for applying reduced pressure to subcutaneous tissue site. In one illustrative embodiment, the apparatus includes a sleeve adapted for placement at a subcutaneous tissue site. The sleeve is further adapted to receive a manifold. The sleeve may also have an opening operable to transfer reduced pressure from the manifold to the subcutaneous tissue site. In one embodiment, the apparatus may also include a manifold that is insertable into the sleeve. The manifold may include at least one aperture, and may be operable to deliver reduced pressure to the subcutaneous tissue site via at least one aperture.

Abstract: Leak location devices and methods of using leak location devices that can be used in conjunction with negative pressure wound therapy systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, a leak location device can include a microphone for detecting sound pressure produced by a leak. Detected sound pressure can be compared to a threshold, which can correspond to background or ambient sound pressure. Background or ambient sound pressure can correspond to sound produced by a negative pressure source. The leak detection device can include a display configured to visually depict the detected sound, and a light source which creates a visual depiction of the coverage angle of the microphone.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed that involve a fistula-isolating device for use when reduced pressure is applied to a wound bed having a fistula. In one instance, the fistula-isolating device includes an adjustable passageway member and a perimeter member that contracts under reduced pressure and that automatically accommodates wound beds of different heights. In another instance, the fistula-isolating device involves a body shaped as a frustro-conical body that is readily sized for different depth wound beds. Other systems, methods, and devices are presented.