A wound treatment apparatus is provided for treating tissue damage, which comprises a fluid impermeable wound cover sealed over a site for purposes of applying a reduced pressure to the site. The apparatus also can include a cover with protrusions on its surface for purposes of monitoring pressure at the site. One or more sensors can be positioned under the cover to provide feedback to a suction pump controller. The apparatus can have a miniature and portable vacuum source connected to the wound cover.

A dressing assembly for use with a reduced pressure treatment system, the dressing assembly develops a directed force under reduced pressure. The directed force may be a radial force or a closing force. The dressing assembly includes a shaped dressing bolster having a shaped extremity that is operable to evenly deliver the radial force and to distribute reduced pressure. Numerous shapes may be used for the shaped extremity. The dressing assembly may further include an over-drape to assist in creating a seal over the shaped dressing bolster and against a portion of a patient's epidermis.

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

A medical dressing for securing a tubiform component of a medical device is provided. The dressing includes a body having first and second major surfaces, a first flap, a first lateral extension extending in a first direction away from the first flap and a second lateral extension extending in a second direction, opposite the first direction, away from the first flap. The dressing further comprises an adhesive disposed on the second major surface of the first flap, the first lateral extension, and the second lateral extension. Optionally, the medical dressing further comprises a second flap, a third lateral extension extending in a third direction away from the second flap, and a fourth lateral extension extending in a fourth direction opposite the third direction, away from the second flap.

An indicator configured to be attached to a wound dressing includes first and second parts. The wound dressing is configured to collapse in response to an applied negative pressure. The first and second indicator parts are configured to move relative to one another as the wound dressing is collapsed. The movement of the first and second indicator parts is configured to allow a user to easily visualize the compression of the wound dressing and monitor the application of the negative pressure to the wound dressing. A marker is provided along a top surface of the first part and a window is formed on the second part. The changes in the portion of the marker that is visible in the window as the first part is slid into or under the second part are configured to provide for easier detection of the collapse of the wound dressing by the user.

A wound treatment apparatus is provided for treating tissue damage, which comprises a fluid impermeable wound cover sealed over a site for purposes of applying a reduced pressure to the site. The apparatus also can include a cover with protrusions on its surface for purposes of monitoring pressure at the site. One or more sensors can be positioned under the cover to provide feedback to a suction pump controller. The apparatus can have a miniature and portable vacuum source connected to the wound cover.

A wound management system (WMS) is provided that includes dressings, bandages, or implantable medical devices that are equipped with filters, environmental controls, and sensors that promote the formation of a natural biologic seal between the skin and the dressing to form a barrier to microbial invasion into the body that accelerates healing and mitigates wound or exit site infection. Percutaneous access devices (PAD) used with the WMS or other devices including peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters, Steinman pin, Kirschner wires, and chronic indwelling venous access catheters that require skin penetration. The WMS minimizes risk of exit site infection by reducing the bioburden in the exit tunnel environment in the acute and subacute phases of the PD catheter post-implant. Visualization of the wound without taking off the dressing is provided via a window in the wound area or exit-site to visually monitor for signs of infection and the presence of exudate.

The present disclosure relates generally to wound dressings and reduced-pressure wound dressing apparatuses that detect the presence of proteases in a wound upon application. The wound dressings and the reduced-pressure wound dressing apparatus of the present technology can be a visual indicator of the presence of proteases in a wound; and a visual indicator of the wounds healing status.

A liquid indicating article is disclosed. It can have a single layer, but generally will have at least two layers bonded together, wherein a visible layer masks a second colored layer and the visible layer becomes at least semitransparent when wet.