A filter adaptor includes a body that defines an internal passageway disposed between an inlet and an outlet, the passageway configured to permit passage of a fluid in a first direction defined by the inlet and the outlet; and a filter disposed within the passageway and oriented to define a volumetric direction that is different than the first direction. Another filter adaptor includes a body that defines an internal passageway disposed between an inlet and an outlet, and a filter disposed within the passageway, wherein the filter comprises a gelling absorbent material that, when in a dry state, is permeable to gas and that, when contacted by an aqueous fluid, converts to a gel. Such filter adaptors may be used for negative pressure wound therapy, dressing, or as syringe filters.

Systems and methods for delivering a foamed fluid to a wound of a patient (e.g., through a wound dressing covering the wound and coupled to the skin around the wound).

Manifold structures, systems, and methods are disclosed that include using longitudinal members and one or more shaped projections to cause microstrain at a tissue site. In one instance a manifold structure includes a plurality of spaced longitudinal members and at least one shaped projection coupled to at least one of the plurality of longitudinal members for creating a microstrain at a tissue site. The at least one shaped projection includes a columnar member having a distal end and includes an enlarged member positioned at the distal end of the columnar member. The columnar member has a first outer diameter (D.sub.1) and the enlarged member has a second outer diameter (D.sub.2). The second outer diameter of the enlarged member is greater than the first outer diameter of the columnar member (D.sub.2>D.sub.1). Other systems, methods, and structures are presented.

Embodiments of a negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods for operating the systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system includes a pump assembly, canister, and a wound dressing configured to be positioned over a wound. The pump assembly, canister, and the wound dressing can be fluidically connected to facilitate delivery of negative pressure to a wound. The system can be configured to efficiently deliver negative pressure in continuous and intermittent modes. The system can also be configured to gradually ramp up and down to set pressure values. The system can also be configured to detect and indicate presence of certain conditions, such as low pressure, high pressure, leak, canister full, and the like. Detection and indication of the presence of at least some of these conditions can be enabled and disabled.

A method and apparatus are disclosed for determining status of a canister of a topical negative pressure (TNP) system. The method includes the steps of monitoring pressure provided by a pump element of the TNP system, determining at least one characteristic associated with the monitored pressure and determining status of at least one parameter associated with a canister of the TNP system responsive to the determined characteristics.

A new system for negative pressure wound therapy is described. The system includes a patient tube set connecting the wound dressing to the suction container. The patient tube set provides separate channels for applying suction to the wound site and sensing the therapeutic pressure at the wound site. A restrictor valve may also be included in order to introduce a small air leak into the system to prevent occlusions in the patient tube set.

Disclosed herein are devices and methods for reduced pressure tissue therapy. Some variations of suction devices for reduced pressure tissue therapy comprise a housing, a suction force generating mechanism located within the housing, and a storage module configured to retain tissue exudates. In some variations, the storage module includes a sleeve configured to collect tissue exudates. The sleeve may include a support element to help maintain the lateral structural integrity of the sleeve and/or retain the cross-sectional geometry of the sleeve under negative pressure. In use, the storage module may reduce sanitary and/or biohazard risks by preventing the exudates from contacting the housing and/or suction force generating mechanism. The storage module is configured to be replaced so that the housing and suction force generating mechanism can be used for more than one session.

An assembly includes a drape substantially sealable over a wound bed and a trackpad configured to couple a tube to the drape and allow the tube to provide suction to the wound bed. The assembly also includes a vent opening in the drape, a filter coupled to the drape and communicating with the vent opening, a cover coupled to the drape and movable between a first position to cover the vent opening and filter and a second position to uncover the vent opening and the filter, and a fluid indicator coupled to the drape and operable to provide a visual indication that fluid build-up is present in the wound bed.

A portable system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a surgical wound, including a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject and a subatmospheric pressure mechanism dimensioned to be carried or worn by the subject. The subatmospheric pressure mechanism includes a housing having a control unit adapted to draw a vacuum and a canister associated with the housing. The canister has a collection bag disposed therein, which is in fluid communication with the wound dressing to receive exudates from the wound bed. The collection bag is adapted to expand upon receipt of the fluids and has means to release gas from within the collection bag in connection with operation of the control unit. With this arrangement, the canister is attitude independent, i.e., the canister may be positioned on edge, on its side or on its end etc. while still maintaining operation of the control unit. The collection bag may include a hydrophobic vent or material for releasing the gases. In another embodiment, the collection bag comprises a gas permeable material. The collection bag may include one of pleats or bellows.

Systems and methods for controlling and/or calibrating a pump system for use in negative pressure wound therapy are described herein. In some embodiments, a method for controlling a pump system includes calculating an amplitude and an offset for a drive signal based at least in part on previously calculated parameters and a negative pressure setting, generating the drive signal, and applying the drive signal to a pump system. The pump system can be fludicially connected to a wound dressing positioned over a wound.