Abstract: A wound treatment appliance is provided for treating all or a portion of a wound. The appliance generally comprises a 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. The wound treatment appliance may also include a vacuum (including a suction bulb) system to supply reduced pressure to the wound in the area under the flexible overlay. In yet other embodiments, the wound treatment appliance may also include a suction drain, wound packing material to prevent overgrowth of the wound or to encourage growth of the wound tissue into the wound packing material, a collection chamber to collect and store exudate from the wound, or combinations thereof. Finally, methods are provided for using various embodiments of the wound treatment appliance.

Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment system is provided for delivering a reduced pressure to a tissue site comprising a distribution manifold including a backing substrate with a first side and a second side and a plurality of protrusions positioned on the first side of the backing substrate, each of the protrusions having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and having a diameter of between about 0.1 and 2.0 millimeters, the backing substrate having a plurality of apertures formed therein to allow fluid communication between the first side and the second side opposite the first side. A reduced pressure source fluidly connects to the apertures of the backing substrate to deliver the reduced pressure through the apertures, between the protrusions, and to the tissue.

Abstract: Methods and devices transmit micromechanical forces locally on the millimeter to micron scale for promoting wound healing. Micromechanical forces can selectively be applied directly to tissue, in some embodiments, by using microchambers fluidically connected to microchannels. Each chamber, or in some cases, group of chambers, may be associated with a valve to control vacuum pressure, positive pressure, liquid delivery, and/or liquid removal from each chamber or group of chambers. Application of embodiments of the invention may shorten wound-healing time, reduce costs of therapy, enable restoration of functional tissue, and reduce the need for more invasive therapies, including surgery.

Abstract: A method of topically treating the respiratory tract of a mammal with nitric oxide exposure includes the steps of providing a source of nitric oxide containing gas and delivering the nitric oxide containing gas nasally to the upper respiratory tract of the mammal. Also provided are several designs for a nasal delivery device for the controlled nasal deliver the nitric oxide containing gas.

Abstract: Provided, in one embodiment, is a vacuum wound dressing for covering a wound bed comprising: a wound contact layer comprising a fibrous blend or fibrous material that forms a cohesive gel when wetted by wound exudate; a source of vacuum situated to be separated from the wound bed by the wound contact layer; and a vacuum sealing layer covering the wound contact layer and adapted to retain relative vacuum in the wound contact layer, wherein (i) the dressing is essentially missing a non-gelling, foam layer in which the source of vacuum is situated or (ii) the vacuum sealing layer comprises as an outer layer a foam layer.

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 in said body second portion, said rings having sharp annular peripheries and said rings being axially resiliently flexible and axially spaced apart, and there being body side porting between said body first and second portions, said side porting being manually controllable to control suction exertion.

Abstract: A reduced pressure delivery system for applying a reduced pressure to a tissue site includes a manifold delivery tube having at least two lumens and a manifold having a plurality of flow channels. The manifold is disposed within a first of the lumens of the manifold delivery tube. A balloon having an inner space and being capable of assuming collapsed and expanded positions is provided. The inner space of the balloon is fluidly connected to a second of the lumens of the manifold delivery tube.

Abstract: A tunnel dressing for use in treating a tunneling wound using negative pressure wound therapy. The tunnel dressing includes an elongate permeable member having a closed distal end for entering the wound and an open proximal end into which an applicator is removably disposed for guiding the dressing into the wound. The tunnel dressing has a support structure adapted to transport wound exudates away from the wound and to resist compression under suction. The tunnel dressing also has a wound contact surface adapted to minimize tissue entanglement to facilitate removal. The support structure and wound contact surface may be formed from the same material or from two adjacent layers of different material.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for promoting the healing of a wound in a mammal is disclosed. An exemplary device comprises a permeable structure having a plurality of depressions formed in a surface thereof. In use, the surface having the depressions is disposed adjacent a surface of the wound. A method of treating a wound comprises the steps of providing a permeable structure comprising a plurality of randomly disposed fibers and having i) a plurality of wound surface contact elements disposed between end portions of the structure, and ii) a plurality of voids defined by the contact elements; and applying the permeable structure to at least one surface of the wound.

Abstract: A composite wound dressing and delivery apparatus includes a substantially transparent dressing layer having a lower surface that is coated with a pressure sensitive for applying the dressing layer over a wound to define a reservoir in which a negative pressure may be maintained. A substantially transparent backing layer adhered to the lower surface of the dressing layer in a releasable manner, and a vacuum port is centrally located on the dressing layer. The vacuum port is adapted to provide fluid communication between a vacuum source and the reservoir through the dressing layer. A targeting grid associated with either the dressing layer or the backing layer includes regularly spaced reference marks along at least two axes extending from the vacuum port.

Abstract: The tissue therapy device includes a sealant layer and a suction apparatus. The sealant layer creates a sealed enclosure between it and the surface of a patient by forming an airtight seal around an area of tissue. The suction apparatus is in fluid communication with the sealant layer and together, create a closed, reduced pressure therapy system. The suction apparatus self-creates reduced pressure by decreasing the density of air molecules underneath the sealant layer by expanding the volume of the air molecules.

Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment appliance is provided for enclosing and providing reduced pressure treatment to an object or a portion of an object. In some embodiments, the reduced pressure treatment appliance may be used to treat wounds and other conditions, such as lymphedema, varicose veins, venous insufficiency and stasis, and other infirmities. In other embodiments, the appliance may be used to provide reduced pressure (or vacuum) treatment for non-medical purposes. In some embodiments, the appliance comprises a flexible chamber and a collapsible frame that may be collapsed while the appliance is not in use. In yet other embodiments, the appliance also includes a vacuum system to supply reduced pressure to the volume within the chamber, a pressurized fluid system to inflate the collapsible frame, a drainage system to remove fluids from the appliance, and a treatment port and a forced entry treatment system to introduce fluids and other treatment instrumentalities into the volume within the chamber.

Abstract: Pump cassettes, wound-treatment apparatuses and methods. In some embodiments, a pump cassette comprises: a pump body having a pump chamber, an inlet valve in fluid communication with the pump chamber, and an outlet valve in fluid communication with the pump chamber; a diaphragm coupled to the pump body such that the diaphragm is movable to vary a volume in the pump chamber; and an identifier configured to store one or more properties of the pump cassette such that the identifier is readable by an automated reader to determine the one or more properties. In some embodiments, the pump cassette is configured to be removably coupled to a wound-treatment apparatus having an actuator such that the actuator can be activated to move the diaphragm.

Abstract: The present application relates to a urinary catheter movement system for use with a urinary catheter located within an interior volume of a urinary catheter pouch. The system can include a catheter movement controller configured to selectively control longitudinal movement of the catheter relative to a port in the pouch. The system further can include a gripper assembly configured for gripping the catheter located within the interior volume of the urinary catheter pouch.

Abstract: A holder for a therapeutic device for treating wounds of the type having a housing equipped with a fluid mover for one of raising, compressing, or transferring fluid, and a therapeutic member operably connected to the fluid mover and actuated thereby, the therapeutic member operably disposably used on a patient in a manner to deliver therapy to the patient as a function of actuation of said fluid mover, includes a removable receiving compartment for removably receiving the device therein, and an outwardly disposed connecting surface to provide for the compartment to be suspended on an object elevated from a floor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a body fluid suction reservoir including a flexible bag, two plates for supporting the bag, and a spring put between the two plates. The body fluid suction reservoir further includes a lock having a hook and a release part and consisting of a member different from the two plates, by which lock the spring is held in a state compressed between the two plates, and the held state is releasable. The lock has flexibility and is held by one of the plates so as to be deformable from a first state in which the hook is engaged with the other plate to a second state in which the hook is not engaged, and the lock is urged to take the first state.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a sub-atmospheric wound-care (SAWS) system for treating an open wound. The SAWS system includes a regulated vacuum source for developing a negative pressure, a flow rate meter configured to measure a flow rate of liquid removed from the wound, a primary pressure regulating sensor located proximate the wound for directly measuring the negative pressure at the wound, a backup pressure regulating sensor located vacuum tube, a porous dressing suitable to be sealed airtight which is positioned within a wound interface chamber, a collection canister configured to collect said liquid removed from the wound, and an adapter configured to use wall suction a primary regulated vacuum source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (100) for treating wounds of the human or animal body using a vacuum and having a gas-tight wound-covering element (4), which, when placed in contact with the body of the patient, forms a wound space (10) between the respective wound and the wound-covering element, at least one connecting site (5.1; 5.2), which is in contact with the wound space (10), an absorption body (2), which is a layer, enclosed in an envelope, of a textile section, interspersed with super-absorbing particles, the envelope being permeable to liquids and having pores, the size of which does not exceed that of the super-absorbing particles.

Abstract: Wound fluid blood detection systems and methods are described that are operable in conjunction with reduced pressure wound treatment (RPWT) systems, as well as ancillary therapy and monitoring systems applied concurrently with RPWT systems. The blood detection monitor operates by optically characterizing the content of wound fluids to the extent of identifying percentage blood content. This identification relies upon the transmission of select wavelengths of light across a volume of wound fluid to a photo detector (connected to signal processing instrumentation) capable of quantifying the absorption characteristics of the fluid. The detection components may be implemented in conjunction with either a fluid flow conduit (i.e. the reduced pressure tubing directing fluid away from the wound dressing) or more directly in association with the materials that comprise the wound dressing positioned within the wound bed itself.

Abstract: A medical device that seals a wound and facilitates wound drainage with suction is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a suction portion, having both an inlet valve and an outlet valve, for suctioning fluids from the wound, and a sealing portion for sealing the wound by engaging the skin adjacent the wound, the suction portion and sealing portion being integral with one another. A method for draining a wound comprises the steps of under-packing the wound with a packing material; sealing the wound; and applying suction to the wound to promote wound drainage and to promote intimate contact between the wound and the packing material.

Abstract: An adhesive flange attachment reinforcer for a suction port of tubing for a wound healing device includes a polymer film which has one side including an adhesive wherein the film includes a slit extending inwardly from an edge of the film and defines an opening to receive the flange of a suction port therethrough. The reinforcer includes at least one aspect of its peripheral configuration which is larger than the peripheral configuration of the suction port and interconnection thereof with a treatment site which includes use of a semi-permeable and flexible plastic sheet having an opening therein which is generally aligned with the suction port and to which the reinforcer adheres. A disposable therapeutic device includes employing the suction port which can include the reinforcer.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus (10) includes a negative pressure source (12), a bandage (22) configured to cover a wound and provide a sealed region around the wound, a drainage tube (21) coupled to the bandage (22) and the negative pressure source (12) to drain fluid from the wound. The apparatus (10) also includes a controller (14) coupled to the negative pressure source (12) and at least one of an oxygen sensor (26), a carbon dioxide sensor (30), a pH sensor (28), and a temperature sensor (29) in fluid communication with the drainage tube (26).

Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment system includes a processing unit, a reduced pressure source, and a conduit fluidly connected between the reduced pressure source and a tissue site of a patient. The reduced pressure source is configured to operate at a target power level to apply a reduced pressure to the tissue site. A canister is provided to collect fluid drawn from the tissue site. A sensor is provided in communication with the reduced pressure source to determine a source pressure at the reduced pressure source, and an alarm indicator is provided in communication with the processing unit. The processing unit communicates a leak alarm signal or a canister disengaged alarm signal to the alarm indicator when an actual power level of the reduced pressure source exceeds the target power level for a selected period of time.

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 impermeable flexible overlay comprises suction assistance means, such as channels, which assist in the application of reduced pressure to the area of the wound and removal of exudate from 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.

Abstract: A device for the topical delivery of nitric oxide gas to an infected area of skin includes a source of nitric oxide gas, a bathing unit, a flow control valve, and a vacuum unit. The bathing unit is adapted to surround the area of the infected skin and form a substantially air-tight seal with the skin surface. The bathing unit is also in fluidic communication with the source of nitric oxide. The flow control valve is position downstream of the source of nitric oxide and upstream of the bathing unit. The flow control valve controls the amount of nitric oxide gas that is delivered to the bathing unit. The vacuum unit is positioned downstream of the bathing unit and is used to withdraw gas from the bathing unit. Application of nitric oxide gas to the infected area of skin reduces levels of bacteria in the infected area and promotes the healing process.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to wound care devices which are capable of one-way, directional flow of fluids and contaminants away from the wound site to the opposite side of the wound care device, which functions as a fluid reservoir. This fluid transport mechanism generally aids in reducing wound maceration by removing excess fluid, and potentially even bacteria, and is carried out without loss of physical integrity of the wound care device itself. In addition to providing a uni-directional fluid transport mechanism, the wound care device may contain a topically applied silver-based antimicrobial finish which provides certain levels of antimicrobial agent to the wound in order to clear infection from the wound site and control bacterial growth in the wound care dressing. Exemplary topical antimicrobial finishes include silver ion-releasing compounds.

Abstract: A device (2) for carrying on the body of a user to generate a vacuum for medical applications, in particular, for the vacuum therapy of wounds on the human or animal body, has a vacuum-producing device and a vessel (10) that is disposable after use for receiving body fluids, in particular, wound exudates suctioned out of the wound, and with a connection (12) for a suction tube leading to the body for this purpose, wherein the vacuum-producing device is disposed in a first housing part (4) of the device and the vessel (10) forms a second housing part (8) of the device or is disposed in or on the second housing part (8), and the housing parts (4, 8) are separably fixed one against the other, the device (2) having fastening means so that it can be worn and carried on the body of the user.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a wound dressing system is presented. The wound dressing system includes a fluid permeable support layer, the support layer configured for positioning within a wound and adapted to generally conform to a topography of the wound, and to permit exudates from the wound to pass therethrough. The wound dressing system further includes a plurality of beads supported by the support layer, the beads defining an insulated inter-connected elongate member and an electrode embedded within and extending through at least a portion of the elongate member. Also, a current is generated by an external energy source that electrically flows through the electrode.

Abstract: A breathable interface system including an applicator having an aperture therethrough; a drape substantially covering the applicator; a first pad section located between the drape and the applicator; a second pad section substantially covering the aperture and located between the drape and the applicator, the second pad section substantially adjacent to the first pad section; and a fabric layer located at least partially between the second pad section and the drape; and a reduced pressure conduit in communication with one of the first pad section and the fabric layer for providing reduced pressure to the aperture; wherein the drape is secured to the applicator, covering the first pad section, the second pad section, and the fabric layer in a substantially sealed environment.

Abstract: A method for providing negative pressure wound healing in a deep wound having a cavity includes the steps of (a) fashioning at least a first part of a therapeutic dressing to fit generally within the cavity, (b) operably associating a fluid moving means with the therapeutic dressing for enabling one of compressing the therapeutic dressing and transferring fluid across at least part of the therapeutic dressing, and (c) enabling the fluid moving means in a manner to deliver therapy to the patient. A therapeutic member for use in negative pressure wound healing includes a porous member formed and includes a hydrogel coating on a side thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides medical articles having a fluid control film component which comprise a sheet having microchannels that permit directional flow of a liquid. Articles incorporating the fluid control film include: wound dressings, wound drains, tympanostomy fluid wicks, intravenous access site dressings, drug delivery dressings, and sweat collection patches.

Abstract: A fluid collection canister including a chamber to collect fluids and a canister top disposed over the chamber. The canister top includes a bottom side facing into the chamber, including first and second ribs disposed thereon, a filter membrane attached to the first and second ribs, a first port to communicate with the chamber and a pressure source external to the chamber, and a second port to communicate with the chamber and a sensor external to the chamber. The first port is in fluid communication with a first area, which is bounded by the filter membrane, the first and second ribs and the bottom side of the canister top. The second port is in fluid communication with a second area, which is bounded by the filter membrane, the second rib and the bottom side of the canister top.

Abstract: A bandage has a first sheet overlying a wound and located adjacent to it and a top sheet overlying the first sheet. The first sheet has a plurality of discrete passageways overlying the wound and adapted to communicate negative pressure established by a negative pressure source to the wound.

Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment appliance is provided for treating a wound on the body of a patient. In some embodiments, the appliance comprises an overlay, which is further comprised of cup members that may be detached or cut away from the overlay so that the overlay can be adjusted in size and shape. Also, in some embodiments, the overlay is further comprised of a pressure venting valve to maintain a predetermined level of reduced pressure at the site of the wound. In other embodiments, the wound treatment appliance also includes a vacuum system to supply reduced pressure to the site of the wound in the volume under the overlay. In yet other embodiments, the treatment appliance also includes wound packing means to prevent overgrowth of the wound or to encourage growth of wound tissue into an absorbable matrix comprising the wound packing means. In still other embodiments, a suction bulb may be used to provide a source of reduced pressure to an overlay that covers the wound.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a fluid permeable dressing and a cover membrane configured to extend over the fluid permeable dressing. A tube is coupled to the fluid permeable dressing and is configured to apply suction through the fluid permeable dressing. A fluid reservoir is coupled to the cover membrane, the fluid vessel including an inlet port configured to receive a fluid and an outlet port fluidically coupled to the fluid permeable dressing.

Abstract: It comprises a variable volume chamber (2) having a first opening (3) connectable to a vacuum source (40) and a second opening (4) connectable to a suction conduit (52; 36), such that, in use, the chamber (2) may be put in fluid communication with the vacuum source (40) and vacuum may be generated in the chamber to cause suction through the suction conduit (52; 36); the valve comprises a bellows (1; 1a) with at least one pleat, arranged to define the chamber (2) and operable to move, in use, between an expanded condition in which the first opening (3) of the chamber (2) remains open, and a contracted condition in which it causes the closure of the first opening (3). It constitutes a very simple and trouble-free device for draining a wound at a relatively low vacuum level using a high vacuum suction bottle.

Abstract: A system, dressing, and method for providing reduced pressure treatment to a tissue site on a wound bed of a patient includes a variable wound dressing having a variable cover that is pliable at ambient pressure and less-pliable when placed under reduced pressure. The variable wound dressing has a first side and a second, patient-facing side, and in use, a treatment space is formed between the second, patient-facing side of the variable dressing and the wound bed. One or more ports are used to supply reduced pressure within the variable cover and to the wound site. A reduced-pressure subsystem is also included that is operable to supply reduced pressure to the one or more ports.

Abstract: A wound therapy device and a kit for same with a housing material, a gasket disposed around at least a portion of the housing material, a non-woven absorption material, and a port. The gasket is sized and configured such that at least a first portion of the gasket will be adhered to a second portion of the gasket upon a folding of the housing material. A method of using a wound therapy device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a test unit for wound drainage coverings comprising: a base body with at least one cavity; at least one supply line that runs through the base body and which connects an outer side of the base body to the cavity; a surface of the base body that is embodied as a support surface for supporting wound coverings and the wound drainage coverings thereof and several channels that run through the base body, the channels connecting the cavities to the support surface. Low pressure can be produced in the cavity and the channels when the support surface is covered in an air-tight manner. As a result, wound drainage applications are tested in different ways using simple and economical means.

Abstract: A surgical tissue therapy device includes a sealant layer and a collection chamber. The sealant layer functions so as to create a sealed enclosure, or space between it and the surface of a patient, by forming an airtight seal around a surgical area of skin trauma. The closed incision tissue therapy device also comprises a collection chamber, which may comprise an elongate tubular chamber with a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings. The collection chamber may be configured to be in fluid communication with the sealant layer and the area of skin trauma and functions as to distribute the negative pressure applied to a surgically closed area of skin trauma. Preferably, the pressure under the sealant layer is reduced by expanding the volume of the enclosure space and thereby decreasing the density of air molecules under the sealant layer. The collection material may comprise a material and/or a configuration that permits length changes based upon the length of the corresponding surgical wound or incision.

Abstract: A system for stimulating the healing of tissue comprises a porous pad positioned within a wound cavity, and an airtight dressing secured over the pad, so as to provide an airtight seal to the wound cavity. A proximal end of a conduit is connectable to the dressing. A distal end of the conduit is connectable to a negative pressure source, which may be an electric pump housed within a portable housing, or wall suction. A canister is positioned along the conduit to retain exudates suctioned from the wound site during the application of negative pressure. A first hydrophobic filter is positioned at an opening of the canister to detect a canister full condition. A second hydrophobic filter is positioned between the first filter and the negative pressure source to prevent contamination of the non-disposable portion of the system by exudates being drawn from the wound. An odor filter is positioned between the between the first and second hydrophobic filters to aid in the reduction of malodorous vapors.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing wounds in which irrigant fluid containing one or more physiologically active components from a means for supplying physiologically active agents from cells or tissue to the wound, e.g. an irrigant reservoir connected to a container that contains a cell or tissue component, in turn connected to a supply tube, connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are moved by a device (which may be a single pump or two or more pumps) for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for providing simultaneous aspiration and irrigation of the wound. The latter removes materials deleterious to wound healing, while distributing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing from cells or tissue and the physiologically active components in therapeutically active amounts in a precise and time-controlled manner over the wound bed.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing and promoting tissue growth in wounds, in which irrigant fluid optionally containing cell nutrients and/or other 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, a biodegradable scaffold in contact with the wound bed and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. The apparatus has means for supplying thermal energy to the fluid in the wound. 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 and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: A wound cover connecting device for the sealing connection of a drainage tube and a wound cover covering a wound has a base body for the sealing contact on an outside of the cover. According to the invention, the device comprises at least one penetration element for producing a through-passage in the cover. The device enables a simple, fast, and tight connection between the cover and the tube. In addition, it enables a treatment of the wound that is as uniform and has as large a surface as possible.

Abstract: A wound dressing apparatus for use in subatmospheric pressure therapy includes an outer member dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed and defining an internal reservoir, a port associated with the outer member and in communication with the internal reservoir for applying subatmospheric pressure to the internal reservoir to facilitate treatment of the wound bed and removal of fluid therefrom, an inner member at least partially positionable within the wound bed and confined within the outer member, and an adhesive agent in contact with a peripheral section of the outer member to facilitate attachment of the peripheral section to the periwound tissue. The adhesive agent is preferably substantially devoid of contact with the inner member. In one embodiment, a layer of adhesive material is disposed on the peripheral section of the outer member.

Abstract: A wound therapy device is disclosed. The wound therapy device may include a housing for covering at least a portion of a wound and for sealing to a body surface of a patient. The housing may also include a liquid collector for retaining liquid therein and a vacuum connection for coupling to a vacuum source. The vacuum connection may be in gaseous communication with the liquid collector. The vacuum connection may be separated from the liquid collector by a liquid barrier.

Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment appliance is provided for treating a wound on the body of a patient. In some embodiments, the appliance comprises an overlay, which is further comprised of cup members that may be detached or cut away from the overlay so that the overlay can be adjusted in size and shape. Also, in some embodiments, the overlay is further comprised of a pressure venting valve to maintain a predetermined level of reduced pressure at the site of the wound. In other embodiments, the wound treatment appliance also includes a vacuum system to supply reduced pressure to the site of the wound in the volume under the overlay. In yet other embodiments, the treatment appliance also includes wound packing means to prevent overgrowth of the wound or to encourage growth of wound tissue into an absorbable matrix comprising the wound packing means. In still other embodiments, a suction bulb may be used to provide a source of reduced pressure to an overlay that covers the wound.

Abstract: A negative wound pressure therapy apparatus includes a wound dressing for defining a reservoir over a wound in which a negative pressure may be maintained by forming a substantially fluid-tight seal around wound tissue. The apparatus also includes a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the reservoir. The fluid conduit defines a fluid flow path for carrying fluids from the reservoir. The apparatus also includes a vacuum source in fluid communication with the fluid conduit. The vacuum source is suitable for providing an appropriate negative pressure to the reservoir to stimulate healing of the wound. The apparatus also includes at least one biomedical electrode mounted with respect to the wound dressing for transmitting electrical energy to stimulate healing of the wound tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steerable wound drainage device which permits control of the positioning within the body of the device thereby affording the practitioner the ability to re-position the wound drain within the body while avoiding unnecessary trauma to surrounding tissues and organs. In one embodiment, the wound drainage device contains at least one longitudinal duct, at least one internal lumen, and at least one lateral opening communicating therewith, and an internal steering apparatus adapted to controllably position the catheter within the body.

Abstract: Assemblies, systems, and methods convey fluid from an internal wound site or body cavity by applying negative pressure from a source outside the internal wound site or body cavity through a wound drain assembly that is placed directly inside the internal wound site or body cavity.