An image coding method includes: performing context arithmetic coding to consecutively code (i) first information indicating whether or not to perform sample adaptive offset (SAO) processing for a first region of an image and (ii) second information indicating whether or not to use, in the SAO processing for the first region, information on SAO processing for a region other than the first region, the context arithmetic coding being arithmetic coding using a variable probability, the SAO processing being offset processing on a pixel value; and performing bypass arithmetic coding to code other information which is information on the SAO processing for the first region and different from the first information or the second information, after the first information and the second information are coded, the bypass arithmetic coding being arithmetic coding using a fixed probability.

Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for joint to pump elevation level user interfaces, autocalibration for joint elevation, and joint pressure estimation are provided. In general, an arthroscopic pump can be configured to estimate fluid pressure at a surgical site, e.g., at a joint, to provide an accurate indication of fluid pressure to users. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid pressure estimation is based on a fluid pressure measurement at the pump that is adjusted at the pump, e.g., by a processor at the pump that executes instructions stored in a memory at the pump, using one or more control algorithms that adjust for one or more factors, such as pressure loss in tubing and sheath through which fluid flows between the pump and the surgical site and elevation difference between the pump and the surgical site.

Devices and methods for managing chest drainage include a drainage system with a chest tube having a chest tube drainage lumen and a drainage reservoir in fluid communication with the chest tube drainage lumen. A pump may be in fluid communication with the chest tube drainage lumen and a pressure sensor may be positioned proximal to the chest tube and in communication with the chest tube drainage lumen. A controller may be in communication with the pressure sensor and the pump, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the pump at a first suction level sufficient to drain a fluid from the chest tube drainage lumen. The controller is further configured to actuate the pump at a second suction level which is different from the first suction level such that an absence of attenuation in the second suction level over time is indicative of an obstruction in the chest tube.

A negative pressure wound therapy apparatus can include a wound dressing, a fluid collection container, a vacuum pump comprising a pump motor, and tubing. Additionally, the apparatus can include a pressure sensor that measures a pressure in the tubing. One or more tubes can channel a fluid between the wound dressing, the fluid collection canister, and the pump. In addition, first and second control circuits can be provided for controlling the pump motor without using a processor. The first control circuit can generate a difference signal between a desired pressure input and a pressure sensor input, and can further generate a motor control signal responsive to the difference signal. Moreover, a second control circuit can provide an override signal based at least in part on the difference signal and at least one reference signal. The override signal beneficially overrides the motor control signal to prevent the pump motor from stalling.

In some embodiments, a negative pressure wound therapy system can detect and classify one or more operational conditions, including detection of a wound bleeding. The system can react to detection of blood by providing an indication, reducing the intensity or stopping therapy, releasing negative pressure, etc. In certain embodiments, the system can detect one or more additional operational conditions, such as change in vacuum pressure, gas leak rate change, exudate flow rate change, water flow rate change, presence of exudate, presence of water, etc. The system can detect and distinguish between different operational conditions and provide indication or take remedial action.

A surgical suction device that uses positive pressure gas is shown and described. The surgical suction device includes an air amplifier. The air amplifier includes a structure defining a generally cylindrical cavity having a first opening at a first end and a second opening at a second end. The cylindrical cavity is defined by an inner wall of the cavity. The air amplifier includes an annular opening in the inner wall near the first end. The annular opening defines a jet opening adapted to allow a pressurized gas to flow out of the annular opening such that a low pressure region is produced at the first end and an amplified flow is produced at the second end. The annular opening is further configured such that the pressurized gas enters the cavity at an angle with respect to the inner wall of the cavity that is towards the second end.

Negative-pressure therapy systems and methods can implement a feedback module within a pump which includes multiple sensors and fluid passageway(s). Another aspect of a negative-pressure therapy system and method include a feedback module including multiple pressure sensors and/or an electrical circuit within a manually-operably pump where the module is located between a compressible end cap or inlet nozzle and a charging chamber. A further negative-pressure therapy system and method provide a pump coupled to a wound dressing where the pump includes a first sensor which operably senses negative pressure from the dressing, a second sensor which operably senses if a blockage is present at the dressing or tubing therefrom, and at least a third sensor which operably senses pressure associated with a charging chamber of the pump.

Systems and methods for controlling a pump system for use in negative pressure wound therapy are described herein. In some embodiments, a method for controlling a pump system includes causing provision of negative pressure, via a flow path, to a wound dressing configured to be positioned over a wound, the flow path configured to fluidically connect the pump system to the wound dressing, measuring a first pressure value in the flow path at a first time, measuring a second pressure value in the flow path at a second time, calculating a first rate of pressure change using the first and second pressure values, and in response to determining that the calculated first rate of pressure change satisfies a threshold rate of change, providing an indication that the wound dressing is full, wherein the method is performed under control of a controller of the pump system.

A wound treatment appliance is provided for treating all or a portion of a wound. In some embodiments, the appliance comprises a cover or 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. 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 cover or in the area under the flexible overlay. Methods are provided for using various embodiments of the invention.

A digitally controlled aspirator is provided with a processor that allows the user to select operating conditions including one or more default settings. The processor further includes sensors for sensing operational and environmental conditions and adjusts the operation of the aspirator to reflect the sensed conditions.