Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods for operating the systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a negative pressure source can provide negative pressure via a fluid flow path to a wound dressing comprising a stabilizing structure. The stabilizing structure can be inserted into a wound and collapse upon application of negative pressure to the wound when the stabilizing structure is positioned in the wound. A controller can in turn determine a measure of collapse of the stabilizing structure from a pressure in the fluid flow path while the negative pressure source maintains a magnitude of the pressure in the fluid flow path within a negative pressure range. The controller can output an indication responsive to the measure of collapse.

Devices and methods for encapsulating a portion of a wound dressing with a coating are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method can comprise positioning a substantially flexible wound contact layer of the wound dressing on a perforated plate. The wound contact layer can include a first side supporting a plurality of electronic components protruding from a surface of the first side and a second side opposite the first side. The second side can be substantially smooth. The method can further comprise applying a vacuum to the wound contact layer through perforations in the perforated plate to hold the wound contact layer against the perforated plate and coating the wound contact layer with a coating.

A medical dressing comprises at least one light source and at least one light sensor fixedly attached to a substrate and configured to measure a reddening of a portion of skin as an early indicator of phlebitis around the wound site. A method of phlebitis detection and monitoring comprises covering a wound site with a medical dressing comprising at least one light source and at least one light sensor such that the wound site is situated between the two, and whereby reddening of the skin is monitored by analyzing light reflected off the skin.

A wound dressing and a monitor device is disclosed, the wound dressing comprising a top layer; a first adhesive layer with a proximal surface configured for attachment of the wound dressing to the skin surface of a user; an absorbent core layer; an electrode assembly comprising a plurality of electrodes arranged on a distal side of the absorbent core layer; and a monitor interface configured for connecting the wound dressing to a monitor device, the monitor interface comprising a plurality of terminals configured to form electrical connections with respective terminals of the monitor device, wherein the wound dressing comprises a flexible element, the flexible element being bendable and/or twistable between a first flexible element end and a second flexible element end, and wherein the monitor interface comprises a coupling part positioned at the first flexible element end.

A wound treatment apparatus can include a wound dressing configured to be positioned proximate to a wound. Multiple optical fibers positioned at least partly in the wound dressing can include a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber. The wound treatment apparatus can include an emitter and a detector. The emitter can emit first electromagnetic radiation into the first optical fiber so that the first optical fiber passes the first electromagnetic radiation. The detector can generate a signal responsive to second electromagnetic radiation that exits the second optical fiber and contacts the detector.

Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods for operating the systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a negative pressure source can provide negative pressure via a fluid flow path to a wound dressing comprising a stabilizing structure. The stabilizing structure can be inserted into a wound and collapse upon application of negative pressure to the wound when the stabilizing structure is positioned in the wound. A controller can in turn determine a measure of collapse of the stabilizing structure from a pressure in the fluid flow path while the negative pressure source maintains a magnitude of the pressure in the fluid flow path within a negative pressure range. The controller can output an indication responsive to the measure of collapse.

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.

The present invention provides a dermal patch for selectively retaining one or more analyte(s) from a body of a subject comprising: a membrane layer (101) for retaining one or more analyte(s) from a body of a subject, with a first and a second side, wherein the first side is adapted to be in fluid communication with the skin of the subject; optionally holding means for securing the membrane layer in place; an adhesive layer (104); and a backing layer; wherein between the backing layer and the membrane layer (101) there is an expandable layer (103) for applying pressure to the membrane layer.

An optical core-shell microfibrous textile incorporates single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) for the real-time optical monitoring of hydrogen peroxide concentrations and other biochemicals in in vitro wounds. The environmentally sensitive and non-photo-bleachable fluorescence of SWCNTs enable continuous analyte monitoring without a decay in signal over time. The microfibrous textiles spatially resolve chemical indicator concentrations using a camera and are integrated into commercial wound bandages without significant degradation in their optical properties.

An intelligent medical gauze pad is disclosed. The intelligent medical gauze pad is used with a sensing device. The intelligent medical gauze pad includes a main body and an identification module. The identification module is disposed on the main body. The identification module is used to sense a sensing signal emitted by the sensing device and return an identification signal such that the sensing device can locate the intelligent medical gauze pad according to the identification signal.