New and useful systems, methods, and apparatuses for automatically identifying alternative cell chemistries of batteries that power portable electric devices and adjusting the characteristics of such devices in response to the identification of such cells in a reduced-pressure therapy environment are set forth in the appended claims.

Some embodiments of a manifold pad may be configured to distribute reduced pressure relative to a tissue site and to provide a lateral contractive force relative to the tissue site. In some embodiments, the manifold pad may comprise a foam having a cell-structure forming ovoidal or ellipsoidal pores. In some embodiments, the manifold pad may be configured to preferentially contract radially or laterally upon application of negative pressure. For example, the manifold pad may be configured to be more resistant to collapse of the thickness of the manifold pad than to collapse radially or laterally. Other apparatus, dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Systems, apparatuses, and methods for providing negative pressure to a tissue site are closed. Illustrative embodiments may include a system comprising a dressing having tissue interface in fluid communication with the tissue site. Such system may also comprise a canister having a fluid inlet fluidly coupled to the canister and an ambient inlet fluidly coupled to ambient air outside the collection chamber. Such system may further comprise a first outlet fluidly coupled to the canister and adapted to receive negative pressure from a source of negative pressure, and a second outlet. Such system also may comprise a fluid conductor fluidly coupled between the second outlet and the tissue interface, wherein the fluid conductor may be adapted to deliver ambient air to the tissue site. In some embodiments, such system may also comprise a regulator fluidly coupled between the second outlet and the ambient inlet, wherein the regulator is adapted to provide ambient air through the fluid conductor to the tissue site in a controlled fashion.

Disclosed embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods for wound treatment with ultrasound. In certain embodiments, a therapeutic ultrasound wound treatment apparatus includes a wound dressing configured to be positioned over a wound to provide a substantially fluid impermeable seal over the wound and a transducer to deliver therapeutic ultrasound to tissue. The therapeutic ultrasound wound treatment apparatus may further include a wound contact layer configured to be positioned in contact with the wound, a transmission layer positioned above the wound contact layer, an absorbent layer positioned above the transmission layer and configured to absorb wound fluid, and a backing layer positioned above the absorbent layer and including an orifice. Also disclosed are multiple parameters for the therapeutic ultrasound signal.

An indicator, wound dressing system, and negative pressure wound treatment kit configured to provide near real-time, dynamic indication of the fluid status (e.g., fill level, fluid absorbency capacity) of an article is described according to various embodiments. The indicator for detecting a fluid status of a wound dressing may include at least (i) a top side comprising PVDF and one or more markings configured to show fluid levels (ii) a bottom side comprising a pattern-printed adhesive, and (iii) a buffer layer, wherein the buffer layer has a top side comprising a polyurethane film and a bottom side comprising a film retention adhesive. Methods of using the indicator, wound dressing system, and kit are also provided herein.

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for safe operation of a wound treatment apparatus with electronic components integrated on or within a wound dressing. In some embodiments, the electronic components include a power source, an isolation circuit, a controller, a capacitor, and a negative pressure source. The isolation circuit provides multiple activation states with at least one state preventing application of power to the other electronic components capable of storing electrical energy, thereby providing a safe operation of the apparatus. For example, sterilization of the apparatus can be performed safely.

A negative pressure wound therapy device includes at least one piezoelectric pump and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to generate a first control signal to control operation of the at least one piezoelectric pump, the control signal having a first root mean square (RMS) voltage, transmit the first control signal to the at least one piezoelectric pump, identify at least one of a change of state of the at least one piezoelectric pump or an expiration of a duration of time associated with operation of the at least one piezoelectric pump, responsive to identifying the at least one of the change of state or the expiration of the duration of time, generate a second control signal having a second RMS voltage less than the first RMS voltage, and transmit the second control signal to the at least one piezoelectric pump.

A negative pressure wound treatment (NPWT) system including a NWPT therapy unit and a wound dressing configured to overlay a wound bed. The NPWT system includes a first length of tubing comprising a first end and a second end, the first end of the first length of tubing coupled to the NWPT therapy unit and the second end of the first length of tubing having a first coupling half, as well as a second length of tubing having a first end and second end, the first end of the second length of tubing coupled to the wound dressing and the second end of the second length of tubing having a second coupling half. The NPWT system includes an inline filter comprising a sintered polymer and a superabsorbent material, and an inline coupling, wherein the inline coupling is configured to operably couple and de-couple the NPWT therapy unit and wound dressing.

A method for accurately, rapidly and consistently cutting an opening in drape material for negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) uses a cutting device that includes a plurality of cutting members that can extend from a bottom surface of the cutting device. A cover may fit over the bottom to protect the cutting members. The cutting members may be positioned to define a cut-out shape having dimensions designed for use with a NPWT system. An adhesive material may be formed on the bottom surface of the cutting device, inside of the cut-out shape defined by the cutting members. In use, the user presses the cutting tool onto the drape to cause the cutting members to cut into the drape and the adhesive to stick to the drape. When the user lifts the device, the drape, cut to the correct size and shape, is removed from the foam dressing covering the wound.

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 an obscuring layer that may hide fluid contained therein and a stabilizing structure that may aid in wound closure.