Embodiments of apparatuses and methods for determining a positioning of sensors in a wound dressing are disclosed. In some embodiments, a wound monitoring and/or therapy system can include a wound dressing and a plurality of sensors configured to measure one or more wound characteristics. The wound monitor system can also include at least one positioning device configured to indicate position and/or orientation in the wound of a sensor of the plurality of sensors. In some embodiments, a detector can be configured to determine, based on the positioning data, the position and/or orientation in the wound of the sensor of the plurality of sensors. In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors can be positioned on a strip or string of material in communication with the positioning device.

A negative pressure wound therapy device can include one or more antennas and communication circuitry. Various communication protocols can be supported, including short, medium, and long range communication protocols. Depending on the environment and application, various data related to the status of the negative pressure wound therapy device or any of the accessories can be transmitted using the one or more communication protocols.

A canister for a wound therapy includes a canister body and a plurality of superabsorbent projections. The canister body is configured to contain wound exudate collected from a wound side. The plurality of superabsorbent projections are fixed to and extend from at least a portion of an interior surface of the canister, and may be formed in a plurality of shapes or patterns comprising circles, squares, hoops/halos, a range of lines, or any combination of said shapes.

Embodiments of reduced pressure systems and methods for operating the systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system can include a source of negative pressure and a controller configured to present GUI screens for controlling and monitoring operation of the system. The controller can be configured to receive, via the GUI, an adjustment of a negative pressure therapy parameter and adjust (or cause adjustment) of the operation of the negative pressure source based on received adjustment. The controller can be further configured to record historical data parameters associated with negative pressure therapy parameters. The controller can also be configured to transmit (or cause transmission) over a communication channel at least some of recorded historical data. The system can be configured to provide external connectivity for accomplishing various activities, such as location tracking, compliance monitoring, tracking of operational data, remote selection and adjustment of therapy settings, etc.

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.

Devices and methods for collecting and sensing fluid flow are provided.

Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a wound dressing, negative pressure source, user interface, sensor, and control circuitry. The user interface can receive an activation input. The sensor can detect whether the wound dressing is positioned over a wound. The control circuitry can cause supply of negative pressure in response to receipt of the activation input and a determination that the sensor detects that the wound dressing is positioned over the wound. In addition, the control circuitry can prevent supply of negative pressure in response to a determination that the sensor does not detect that the wound dressing is positioned over the wound.

The present invention provides an apparatus comprising a wound dressing connected to a fluid container via a pump, wherein the wound dressing is in communication with a mechanical pressure control valve, the fluid container is provided with an inlet and an outlet. Also provided are ( ) flexible fluid containers comprising of at least two layers of film with an integrated vent, (ii) wound dressings and (i) a multi-compartment wound fluid container comprising at least two internal compartments and provided with an outlet and an inlet, in which the container comprises a microporous fluid separator which divides the at least two internal compartments, wherein the microporous fluid separator permits gas flow between the compartments and prevents fluid flow to the outlet of the container. Other apparatus provided comprises a means for detecting the level of fluid within a multi-compartment wound fluid container as described. The invention also provides a system for applying a sub-atmospheric pressure to a wound dressing on a patient using devices and apparatus of the invention and methods of treatment of wounds using such apparatus, devices and systems of the invention.

A wound exudate management system includes a pump for generating negative pressure, a dressing for covering and protecting a wound of a user, a tube including an interior lumen, the tube disposed between the pump and the dressing such that the pump and the dressing are in fluid communication via the interior lumen. The dressing includes an adhesive layer for adhering the dressing adjacent the wound, a wound contact layer, a pressure dispersion layer, a plurality of layers of absorbent material disposed between the wound contact layer and the pressure dispersion layer, a backing layer having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the backing layer being adjacent, and in contact with, the pressure dispersion layer and the adhesive layer, and a flexible connector disposed on the second surface of the backing layer.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses are presented that facilitate the provision of reduced pressure to a tissue site by using a delivery-and-fluid-storage bridge, which separates liquids and gases and provides a flow path for reduced pressure. In one instance, a delivery-and-fluid-storage bridge includes a delivery manifold for delivering reduced pressure to a treatment manifold at the tissue site and an absorbent layer proximate the delivery manifold adapted to receive and absorb liquids. The delivery manifold and the absorbent layer are encapsulated in an encapsulating pouch. A first aperture is formed proximate a first longitudinal end of the delivery-and-fluid-storage bridge for fluidly communicating reduced pressure to the delivery manifold from a reduced-pressure source, and a second aperture is formed on a patient-facing side of the delivery-and-fluid-storage bridge. Reduced pressure is transferred to the tissue site via the second aperture. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed.