Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing and applying therapy or prophylaxis to wounds, in which irrigant fluid containing a physiologically active material from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. A biodegradable scaffold underlies the dressing on the wound bed to promote tissue growth. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. micro-filtration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing, an assembly comprising the dressing and scaffold, and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: A urological device comprises a urological valve having a plurality of valve leaflets with a region of co-aption between the valve leaflets. The valve has a normally closed configuration in which the valve leaflets are engaged at the region of co-aption and an open configuration in which the leaflets are separated at the co-aption region for fluid flow through the valve. The valve is automatically movable from the closed configuration to the open configuration in response to applied urological pressure.

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 withdrawal catheter and method for removing a material from a specific area includes a first tubing positioned within a second tubing. The first and second tubing has a plurality of holes for withdrawal of the material, such as fluid and small particulates. The first and second tubing may have different wall thicknesses, and the holes may be positioned staggered and have different diameters. At least one of the first and second open ends of the first tubing is connected to a fastener, having a bore for passage of material therethrough. A third tubing is attachable to the fastener for providing a path for the flow of the material from the first and second tubing. The material is aspirated through the first tubing for withdrawing the material. The second tubing substantially prevents larger pieces of material from contacting the first tubing and clogging the holes of the first tubing.

Abstract: When a patient is fitted with an external gastrostomy connection to the stomach, ingested food can be removed through the gastrostomy connection using a pump-based or siphon-based system to achieve weight loss. The process of removing ingested food can be improved by alternating the infusion of liquid into the stomach with the removal of material from the stomach. Optionally, stomach acid may be captured and returned to the stomach. Optionally, nutritional supplements or medicines may be added to the infused liquid. Optionally, a flush mount connectorized system with a built in valve may be used to simplify the interface with the gastrostomy hardware that remains installed in the patient. Optionally, the system may be configured to disable itself from further use after a triggering event (e.g., the passage of time or a predetermined number of uses) has occurred.

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 medical device for providing direct port-like endoscopic access to the urinary bladder of a patient and a method of utilizing and inserting the medical device. The medical device can include a hollow tube with a main channel and a separate channel, a cap with an inflation port and a hollow flexible stem fluidly connecting the inflation port and the separate channel. A method can include inserting a needle above the pubic symphysis of a mammal, threading a guide wire through the needle, removing the needle and inserting the medical device. The method can optionally include determining measuring the depth between the skin surface of the patient's suprapubic region and urinary bladder.

Abstract: A device and method for performing probing and intubation of the nasolacrimal system includes a tubular probe through which a tracer fluid is injected and collected in the nasal cavity to verify that the tip of the probe has passed through an obstruction and reached the nasal cavity. A sleeve fitted over the probe has distal segment that is inflated in order to retain the sleeve in the nasolacrimal system once the tubular probe has been withdrawn. Removal of blood and other obstructions encountered during the probing or intubation process is accomplished by connecting the proximal end of the probe to a suction device.

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: The invention relates generally to external urinary catheters for males. More specifically, the invention relates to an external urinary catheter that includes an absorbent material to absorb urinary discharge. The absorbent material can be located in either a distal end of a tubular sheath, or in a receptacle that attached to the distal end of the tubular sheath. The tubular sheath of the external urinary catheter can include a tubular sheath of silicone rubber, wherein the sheath has an inner surface and an outer surface, and a layer of adhesive material directly and non-releasably bonded to the inner surface.

Abstract: A mechanical leech system may include a fluid exchange assembly. The fluid exchange assembly may be attached to a patient's target tissue area via suturing or the like, and may be activated to perform blood removal and treatment agent infusion. The fluid exchange assembly may include an inflow pathway for infusion of treatment agents into the tissue area, and an outflow pathway for removal of blood. The outflow pathway may be sized and/or shaped to promote laminar fluid flow and avoid coagulation. The assembly may include a channel housing, gasket, and base. Needles seated in the assembly may receive blood from a patient and infuse a treatment agent into the patient. The assembly may be connectable to a pump to urge the blood and the treatment agent through the inflow and outflow pathways. A cradle optionally provides protection and storage for the assembly.

Abstract: A vacuum system for draining an open wound from liquids exuded therefrom, comprising an enclosure sealable to the wound circumference, a vacuum pump including a disposable pump unit detachably attachable to a non-disposable drive unit, and a waste container for collection of drained liquids. The enclosure has an outlet connected by means of a tube to an inlet of the pump unit and the waste container is connected to an outlet of the pump unit, such that when the vacuum pump is operated the drained liquids flow through the vacuum pump. The enclosure has one or more bleeding holes provided therethrough or adjacent to its outlet so that ambient air may enter the tube and flow together with the drained liquids. The enclosure and the waste container are disposable so that the drained liquids contact only disposable elements and may be disposed of together with all disposable elements.

Abstract: Described are embodiments of a canister, system, and method of filtering fat. Embodiments include a sidewall that defines a volume, a filter with a screen, a first port, a second port, and at least one vane which allows for manual agitation of lipoaspirate within the volume. The first port is used to draw fluid from below the filter, forcing excess fluid in the lipoaspirate to be quickly extracted. The vane allows the lipoaspirate to be repeatedly drawn over the filter to aide in removing of liquids from fat in the lipoaspirate. The treated fat may then be removed from the volume through an outlet port and reinjected into a patient.

Abstract: A left heart vent catheter that includes an elongate tube having a hollow passageway is provided with a plurality of openings and a balloon near the distal end. The balloon can be inflated after the catheter is in place so as to engage a desired part of the heart such as the aortic valve or tricuspid valve and thereby prevent undesired withdrawal of the catheter. The openings near the distal end permit fluid to be withdrawn from the heart through the hollow passageway. After the surgical procedure has been completed, the balloon can be collapsed and the catheter can be withdrawn.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis is provided for repairing a fistula, such as an anal fistula. The prosthesis or fistula repair device may include a body with a shape configured for placement in the fistula. The prosthesis may also include an anchor or base that is located at one or both ends of the body to facilitate anchoring the prosthesis in position. The prosthesis may include one or more channels to create one or more pathways for drainage and/or irrigation of the fistula. The channel may have a relatively uniform dimension along its length or a tapered shape that increases along its length. The prosthesis may have an adjustable length for accommodating fistula tracts of varying lengths. The prosthesis may include elongated body segments that provide a wicking or capillary function to facilitate drainage of the fistula tract.

Abstract: A suction device for evacuating fumes includes a tongue depressor having a pair of opposed walls; at least one suction tube connected to the tongue depressor; an elongated support member to which the suction tube is connected; and a connecting member attached to an end of the suction tube for connecting the suction tube to a suction generating device. A light such as a fiber optic light can be added to the suction device. The tongue depressor, suction tube and elongated support member can be made of one piece.

Abstract: A respiratory access assembly includes a distal plate having one port and cuff and an axially aligned proximal plate including a first port and first cuff and a second port and second cuff. The distal plate is configured to move relative to the proximal plate. The respiratory access assembly includes an actuator, which has a plurality of predetermined positions. The actuator can lock the plates together such that the distal port is aligned with either port of the proximal plate or so that the distal port is not aligned with either port of the proximal plate. A method of using a respiratory access assembly is provided.

Abstract: A suction apparatus evacuates the surgical smoke. For example, the suction apparatus may be arranged adjacent to an electrocautery electrode, which may generate smoke during operation, for evacuating smoke from a surgical site. The suction apparatus may have a ring manifold having an inner perimeter for receiving the surgical instrument. A plurality of suction intake ports may be arranged about the outer perimeter of the ring manifold for evacuating smoke that may be generated by the surgical instrument.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed which relate to a catheter cap which seals a reservoir of a catheter introducer. The catheter cap secures over an introducer tip to prevent airflow into the introducer tip. The catheter cap utilizes an elongated stem to block a distal opening of the reservoir to further prevent airflow. A lip of the catheter cap may further engage an insertion stop point of the catheter introducer to secure the catheter cap. The catheter cap ensures proper lubrication of the introducer tip and the catheter during insertion of the catheter into the urethra of a user.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tissue collection apparatus including a housing defining an inlet and an outlet and a tissue scaffold suitable for disposal within the housing, the tissue scaffold configured to be loaded with the tissue under the application of an aspiration force applied through the tissue collection apparatus.

Abstract: An IOP control device for implantation in an eye of a patient is disclosed. The device includes a housing and a multilayer membrane. The housing is sized for implantation into the eye and includes an entrance port and an exit port. The membrane is anchored within the housing to form a flow control chamber on a first side and a fluid flow passageway on a second opposing side of the membrane. The chamber is arranged to contain a gas creating a chamber pressure, and the membrane is configured to affect flow through the passageway from the entrance port to the exit port by deflecting in response to changes in the chamber pressure. The membrane comprises a first layer having a higher permeability and a higher flexibility than the second layer, which is disposed adjacent the first layer and restricts the diffusion of gas in the chamber through the membrane.

Abstract: A collector for fecal discharge is provided comprising a self-expanding resilient collection component, a housing sheath and a transit component. The collection component has an open proximal and distal end and a lumen connecting them. The component comprises interconnected resilient arms circumscribing its contour, wherein adjacent arms are resiliently biased away from each other for exerting outwardly radial pressure for expanding and anchoring the component to rectal walls upon deployment. The housing sheath comprises a flexible and resilient material overlaying at least one of inner or outer contour of collection component without interfering with or blocking its ends or lumen. The transit component provides a conduit for fecal discharge to migrate from collection component to a receptacle and comprises a flexible, tubular sheath having a first open end connected to a second end by a lumen, wherein the first end engages with the proximal end of the collection component.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example medical device may include a drainage catheter. The drainage catheter may include an elongate catheter shaft having a lumen formed therein and a distal region proximal end. The distal region may have a plurality of openings formed therein. The openings may be in fluid communication with the lumen. The distal region may be configured to shift between a first configuration and a looped configuration. The catheter may also include an actuation member for shifting the distal region between the first configuration and the looped configuration. A cutting member may be disposed adjacent to the proximal end of the catheter shaft. The cutting member may be adapted to cut a portion of the actuation member.

Abstract: A drainage cannula having one of three different types of anchor tabs is disclosed. The anchor tab prevents movement of the cannula after positioning a distal portion of the cannula inside of the patient's body and securing the anchor tab to the patient's body (e.g., skin).

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body, a base, and a conduit. The body comprises an absorbent material. The base comprises a non-absorbent material. The conduit is in fluid communication with the body. The conduit has a suction opening positioned within the absorbent material. The conduit is operable to draw fluid away from the absorbent material. The apparatus may be positioned within the posterior choanae or the nasopharynx of a patient. The apparatus may prevent fluids from draining from the nasal cavity into the patient's throat. In some instances, the apparatus is used as a plug during a sinus irrigation procedure to prevent irrigation fluid from traveling down the patient's throat.

Abstract: Methods and devices for redirecting at least a portion of a fluid from the mesenteric lymphatic system for elimination from the body are disclosed. The fluid may be redirected for elimination through the urinary system or redirected outside the body. The methods and devices disclosed may prevent a portion of a patient's dietary lipids, including cholesterol, from being absorbed, thereby reducing the total caloric load to assist in weight management.

Abstract: A mucous suction device, comprising in combination, a longitudinally elongated, generally tubular, one-piece plastic body, the body having an axially elongated tapered, first portion extending toward an inlet proximate one end of the body, the body having an axially elongated second portion extending toward an outlet proximate an opposite end of the body, radially outwardly extending annular retention rings on said body second portion, the rings having sharp annular peripheries and the rings being axially resiliently flexible and axially spaced apart, and there being body side porting between the body first and second portions, the side porting being manually controllable to control suction exertion, there being antimicrobial substance associated with body outwardly presented plastic surface extent at the first and second portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blood plasma collecting flask made of plastic for the storage of blood plasma in the frozen state, comprising a flask body (1) which in the horizontal section has a cross-section with a rectangular basic shape and has on its upper side a flask neck (2), wherein the lateral faces of the flask body (2) respectively define a flat or slightly inwardly curved area (3) adjoining which are areas rounded towards the face surfaces.

Abstract: A portable system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a surgical wound, including a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject and a subatmospheric pressure mechanism dimensioned to be carried or worn by the subject. The subatmospheric pressure mechanism includes a housing having a control unit adapted to draw a vacuum and a canister associated with the housing. The canister has a collection bag disposed therein, which is in fluid communication with the wound dressing to receive exudates from the wound bed. The collection bag is adapted to expand upon receipt of the fluids and has means to release gas from within the collection bag in connection with operation of the control unit. With this arrangement, the canister is attitude independent, i.e., the canister may be positioned on edge, on its side or on its end etc. while still maintaining operation of the control unit.

Abstract: A tissue retrieval bag is provided, comprising a region of the bag defining an opening; a pleated fold intersecting said opening at a distal region of the opening; and a hem circumferentially formed around said opening, the hem forming insertion points adapted to receive a draw string, the insertion points in direct opposition to the pleated fold.

Abstract: A sensor for use in a canister for fluid collection, the canister having a canister top and defining a fluid collection chamber. The sensor includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the first electrode is supported by the canister top, and the second portion of the first electrode is configured to extend into the fluid collection chamber. The second electrode includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the second electrode is supported by the canister top, and the second portion of the second electrode is configured to extend into the fluid collection chamber. The sensor also includes an electric circuit configured to detect an electrical property associated with the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: The end of the elongated tubular element of the appliance that is designed to be inserted into a body cavity is formed entirely of soft, compliant material. That end carries an inflatable balloon made of non-expandable material, formed in the fully inflated shape, to prevent overexpansion. The balloon is inflated to a predetermined low pressure level to prevent pressure necrosis in the adjacent tissue. A method and apparatus for introducing the soft end of the appliance into the body cavity are also provided. The introducer apparatus includes rigid core surrounded by a soft, compliant sleeve. The sleeve extends beyond the rigid core to form an invertable section. The soft end of the appliance is situated adjacent the apparatus, the balloon is wrapped around the apparatus, and the sleeve section is inverted over the appliance, compressing the balloon and forming a soft, rounded insertion tip. The unit is then introduced into the body cavity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tissue collection apparatus including a housing defining an inlet and an outlet and a tissue scaffold suitable for disposal within the housing, the tissue scaffold configured to be loaded with the tissue under the application of an aspiration force applied through the tissue collection apparatus.

Abstract: There is described a medical apparatus, which may comprise a fluid collection vessel and a sensor. The sensor is arranged to sense when the fluid collection vessel is substantially full even when the fluid collection vessel is tilted by up to a predetermined angle from its preferred orientation. The fluid collection vessel may comprise a main chamber and a sensor chamber in fluid communication with one another. The sensor is located in the sensor chamber. The fluid inlet, the main chamber and the sensor chamber are arranged such that fluid entering the fluid collection vessel via the fluid inlet flows into the main chamber even when the fluid collection vessel is tilted by up to the predetermined angle from its preferred orientation, and, once the main chamber is full, any further collected fluid flows from the main chamber into the sensor chamber.

Abstract: A corporeal drainage system and a method of draining fluid from a bodily cavity. The corporeal drainage system includes a connection tube and a fluid receptacle in fluid communication with the connection tube. The fluid receptacle creates a negative pressure in the system by transitioning from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. The system may include an activation member to initiate transitioning of the fluid receptacle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for effecting bariatric procedures are disclosed. Each system includes an instrument, a control valve and, optionally, a suction controller. The instrument is in the form of an elongated, flexible member having a distal end portion arranged for anchoring the instrument in the patient's stomach and for enabling fluids to be removed from the patient's stomach. Suction is applied to the patient's stomach by the distal end portion of the instrument to drain gastric fluids and to bring adjacent portions of the patient's stomach into engagement with the instrument to provide a visually perceptible delineation line along which a portion of the stomach may be resected, sealed and tested.

Abstract: One embodiment of an apparatus for cleaning a nasal cavity includes a housing member and a hollow cleaning member. The housing member includes a first orifice, a second orifice and a chamber communicated with the first orifice and the second orifice. The chamber may be adapted to store fluid therein. The hollow cleaning member may be adapted to be received in the second orifice. The hollow cleaning member includes a head portion adapted to be received in the chamber of the housing member and a handle configured to fill the fluid from the chamber into the head portion. The head portion filled with the fluid is capable of cleaning the nasal cavity.

Abstract: A catheter tube for a fecal drainage system has a first layer and a second layer. At least one of the first and second layers is an odor barrier layer of material and at least one of the first and second layers is a thermoplastic elastomer material.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a debris removal system is provided for a body-space drainage system having one or more body tubes with a body tube lumen disposed therein. The debris-removal system comprises an elongated cleaning member and a cleaning head adapted to be advanced distally at least a portion of a length of the body tube lumen to dislodge debris therein. A collapsible sheath can be used to maintain a sterile field in the body tube lumen while the cleaning member is being used by enclosing at least a portion of the cleaning member that is not contained within the body tube lumen, and permitting external digital manipulation of the cleaning member through the sheath to advance and/or retract the cleaning member, and cleaning head, in the body tube lumen.

Abstract: A reservoir is incorporated in between a guide portion and an introducer tip of the introducer member. A spherical or similarly shaped plug is inserted into the guide portion. The plug is designed such that it forms a seal within the guide portion, preventing any fluid flow between the reservoir and an environment external to a distal end of the guide portion. This prevents a liquid or gel contained inside the reservoir from drying or leaking. The plug may further be held in place against a distal opening of the reservoir by positive pressure within the reservoir. The plug may further be held in place within the guide portion by a plurality of bumps or notches. When the catheter is advanced through the guide portion, the catheter tip pushes the plug into the reservoir, thereby breaking the seal and lubricating the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter hub assembly comprising a hub body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a shaft having a first suture hole, a collar and a snap ring; a hub knob having a second suture hole and rotatably coupled to the hub body; and a hub cap having a snap rut wherein the snap ring fits into the snap rut. In one embodiment, the hub body includes a lock element; the hub knob includes a first tab element and a second tab element; and the hub cap includes a groove; wherein the first tab element engages the lock element; and wherein the second tab element engages the groove. In another embodiment, the hub cap includes a lock element comprising a resilient tab and a catch; the hub knob includes a catch tab; wherein the catch tab engages the catch of the lock element.

Abstract: A coupling part of a drainage tube unit for aspirating body fluids by a suction pump includes a patient-side drainage attachment, a pump-side drainage orifice for connection to a drainage tube, and a drainage channel connecting the drainage attachment and the drainage orifice to each other. The coupling part also includes a pump-side first service orifice for connection to a service tube, a second service orifice ending in the interior of the coupling part, a service channel connecting these first and second service orifices, and a device which separates the service channel from the drainage channel. The device permits delivery of fluid from the service channel into the drainage channel and prevents delivery of particles and liquid from the drainage channel into the service channel. The device is arranged in the coupling part at a location that allows a flow through the drainage channel from the drainage attachment to the drainage orifice without passage through the device.

Abstract: A urination control device includes a conduit to be inserted into the urethra, an upstream restraint member located upstream of the conduit and having a through hole, a control member located on the downstream side from the upstream restraint member in the conduit, and a downstream restraint member located on the downstream side from the control member in the conduit, wherein the upper restraint member and control member attract each other with magnetic force, and the control member is brought in contact with the opening portion of the through hole in the upstream restraint member at least in the state exerting no fluid pressure on the upstream side so as to block passage of fluid through the upstream restraint member and admit the passage of fluid through the downstream restraint member in the state engaged with the control member.

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: 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: Topical exposure of nitric oxide gas to wounds such as chronic non-healing wounds may be beneficial in promoting healing of the wound and in preparing the wound bed for further treatment and recovery. Nitric oxide gas may be used, for example, to reduce the microbial infection and burden on these wounds, manage exudate secretion by reducing inflammation, upregulate expression of endogenous collagenase to locally debride the wound, and regulate the formation of collagen. High concentration of nitric oxide ranging from about 160 to 400 ppm may be used without inducing toxicity in the healthy cells around a wound site. Additionally, exposure to the high concentration for a first treatment period reduces the microbial burden and inflammation at the wound site and increase collagenase expression to debride necrotic tissue at the wound site.

Abstract: A bodily fluid drainage assembly can include a fluid bag and one or more covers. The assembly can include one or more volume indicators from which an approximate volume of a bodily fluid that is retained within the bag can be ascertained. In some arrangements, a cover includes a volume indicator that defines an opening through which a transparent or semitransparent portion of the bag can be viewed.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods for a wound valve assembly provide an annular space extending radially around a central portion of a valve, which valve acts to substantially relieve pressure build up in a thoracic cavity when applied to a thoracic wound. In an illustrative example, the valve assembly may form an annular space that extends radially in all directions around a check valve. In some examples, gasses and exudates may flow substantially radially and/or parallel to the patient's local body. Various embodiments may advantageously provide open fluid communication for the gasses and exudates escaping from the wound when the valve assembly is partially covered (e.g., body armor, clothing, blankets), or when the patient may be lying down on the side of the body with the wound, for example.

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 novel and non-obvious apparatus, system, and method for managing respiratory secretions and fluids in sections of artificial airways. In an embodiment of the invention, a respiratory secretion retention (RSR) device configured to fluidly connect to an artificial airway can be provided. The respiratory secretion retention (RSR) device can include a housing that defines a passageway for the flow of respiratory gases, a chamber defined by the housing with a portion of the chamber configured to retain exhaled respiratory particulate and liquid, a patient side port coupled with the housing, which is in fluid communication with an artificial airway and at least one access port coupled with the housing were the at least one access port includes a control valve. In an aspect of this embodiment, the housing further can include an instillation port.