Apparatus for the application of topical negative pressure therapy to a wound site is described, the apparatus comprising: a wound contacting element for retaining wound exudate fluid therein; a wound covering element that provides a substantially airtight seal over the wound contacting element and wound site; a vacuum connection tube connecting a wound cavity to a vacuum source; and a vacuum source connected to a distal end of the vacuum connection tube.

A surgical drain system for use during and following surgery is provided. A collection reservoir is placed in fluid communication with the body of a user through a collection port. A pump creates a vacuum pressure to urge fluid into the collection reservoir. Fluid exits the collection reservoir through a drain port. A drain mechanism allows air to come into the collection reservoir through an air intake aperture and collected fluid to leave the reservoir simultaneously. The drain system can be worn beneath clothes.

Methods of assembling a manifold for a medical waste collection system. A flapper valve unit is secured to a head of a cap. A filter element is positioned within a shell. Basket hands of the filter element are fitted between first pairs of ribs of the cap skirt. Fingers of the shell are fitted between second pairs of ribs of the cap skirt. The cap is secured to the shell to cover an open distal end of the shell. A drip stop is secured to the proximal end base of the shell to seat within the outlet opening. Ears may be fitted through holes defined by the flapper valve unit and cap holes defined by the cap so as to snap lock to the head of the cap. The hub of the flapper valve unit may be compressed with the ears snap locked to the head of the cap.

A method and apparatus are disclosed for dressing a wound. The apparatus comprises a sealing layer comprising at least one orifice, an absorbent layer over the sealing layer, absorbing wound exude and a liquid impermeable, gas permeable filter layer over the absorbent layer.

A waste collection unit for collecting waste material. First and second waste containers are supported on a portable cart. A control panel is configured to receive one or more inputs of selectively set vacuum levels in the first and/or second waste containers. A control system controls operation of vacuum regulators based on the input(s) to regulate levels of vacuums being drawn in each of the waste containers. Pressure sensors in communication with the control system may be positioned to monitor pressure in the waste containers. A back up port support on the portable cart may be provided to receive a vacuum line for coupling a vacuum manifold to a remote vacuum source not located on the portable cart. Container lamps may be coupled to the first and/or second waste containers and configured to illuminate the waste material within the waste containers to be viewed through transparent windows.

An assembly is disclosed for collecting fluid during a medical or a surgical operation. The assembly can include a canister having an openable lid and a collection liner. The collection liner can include a closed bag portion and an inlet for a collection container. The inlet has a first end and a second end, which opens into the bag portion. The bag portion is placed inside the canister. The first end of the inlet for a collection container extends from between the edge of the canister and the edge of the lid to the outside of the canister when the lid is closed.

A reduced pressure dressing for applying reduced pressure treatment to a tissue site includes an interface layer adapted to be positioned at the tissue site. An absorbent layer is in fluid communication with the interface layer to absorb liquid from at least one of the interface layer and the tissue site. A pump is in fluid communication with the absorbent layer to deliver a reduced pressure to the tissue site. A cover is positioned over the pump, the absorbent layer, and the interface layer to maintain the reduced pressure at the tissue site, and a liquid-air separator is positioned between the absorbent layer and the pump to inhibit liquid from entering the pump.

Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy apparatuses and methods for using such apparatuses are disclosed. In some embodiments, a negative pressure wound therapy apparatus includes a controller configured to determine a level of exudate in a canister (or a dressing) based at least in part on one or more characteristics of pressure signals generated by a negative pressure source and monitored by a pressure sensor. One such characteristic of the pressure signals can be amplitude, which may increase as a level of exudate in the canister (or dressing) increases. The canister (or dressing) can include a filter configured to become occluded in order to prevent overflow of the canister (or dressing). The controller can be additionally configured to detect and indicate a canister (or dressing) pre-full condition before the filter becomes occluded. More efficient and reliable operation of the negative pressure wound therapy apparatus can thereby be attained.

A device for drainage includes a tubular reservoir having a tubular pliable wall, a rigid cover, and a rigid bottom, and also includes at least one spring which applies a force that presses the cover and the bottom apart, wherein the cover is movable in the direction of the bottom in order to place the spring into a start position. One or more magnets are configured such that the magnets apply an additional force on the reservoir in such a way that a resulting force pressing the cover and the bottom apart is substantially constant across as the spring is deflected.

Systems, apparatuses, and methods for instilling fluid to a tissue site in a negative-pressure therapy environment are described. Illustrative embodiments may include a pneumatically-actuated instillation pump that can draw a solution from a solution source during a negative-pressure interval, and instill the solution to a dressing during a venting interval. A pneumatic actuator may be mechanically coupled to a disposable distribution system that can provide a fluid path between the solution source and a distribution component. A bacterial filter may be disposed in the fluid path between the actuator and the distribution component to prevent contamination of the actuator during operation. The distribution system may be separated from the actuator and disposed of after operation, and the actuator may be re-used.