A fluid delivery system, method, and apparatus for providing instillation therapy with a negative-pressure source is described. The apparatus includes a housing having an ambient chamber and a negative-pressure chamber fluidly isolated from each other. The apparatus also includes a moveable barrier disposed in the housing between the ambient chamber and the negative-pressure chamber. The moveable barrier is operable to move between a charge position and a discharge position in response to negative pressure. A fluid source is disposed in the negative-pressure chamber and is collapsible in response to movement of the moveable barrier to the discharge position. The apparatus also includes a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the fluid source, a negative-pressure port in fluid communication with the negative-pressure chamber and configured to be coupled to a negative-pressure source, and a vent formed in the housing and fluidly coupled to the ambient chamber.

A reduced-pressure system for delivering reduced pressure for medical purposes to a desired site and to receive fluids in one instance includes a reservoir having an interior space operable to contain the fluids. A reduced-pressure delivery conduit is placed in fluid communication with the interior space for delivering the reduced pressure to the desired site. A source conduit and a pressure sensor conduit are placed in fluid communication with the interior space. A pressure sensor is placed in fluid communication with the pressure sensor conduit. A reduced-pressure source is placed in fluid communication with the source conduit. A reduced-pressure control unit is associated with the pressure sensor and the reduced-pressure source and is operable to receive pressure data from the pressure sensor and supply data from the reduced-pressure source and to determine when a reservoir-full/blockage condition exists. Other systems and methods are presented.

Apparatuses for use in negative pressure wound therapy are described herein. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a pump assembly having a pump housing, a magnet, an electrically conductive coil, and a diaphragm, wherein the electrically conductive coil is configured to move a portion of the diaphragm to pump a fluid through the pump apparatus, and a dampener positioned within the pump assembly configured to reduce sound generated by the pump assembly during operation of the pump assembly. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a housing having a first section and a second section, and an illumination source disposed within the housing adjacent the first section, wherein the illumination source is configured to illuminate the first section, wherein the first section is one of transparent and translucent, and wherein the first section is thinner than the second section as measured perpendicularly from inside to outside the housing. In some embodiments, the pump apparatus includes components configured to be laser welded together.

Embodiments of a reduced pressure system and methods for operating the system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system can include one or more processors responsible for various functions associated with various levels of responsiveness, such as interfacing with a user, controlling a vacuum pump, providing network connectivity, etc. The system can present GUI screens for controlling and monitoring its operation. The system can determine and monitor flow of fluid in the system by utilizing one or more of the following: monitoring the speed of a pump motor, monitoring flow of fluid in a portion of a fluid flow path by using a calibrated fluid flow restrictor, and monitoring one or more characteristics of the pressure pulses. The system can provide external connectivity for accomplishing various activities, such as location tracking of the system, compliance monitoring, tracking of operational data, remote selection and adjustment of therapy settings, etc.

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 are provided for sensing fluid in a dressing on a patient and producing an electrical signal. In one instance, a galvanic cell is used as an electronic detection device. The galvanic cell is placed in the dressing and produces voltage when the dressing is substantially saturated. In one instance, the dressing is a reduced-pressure, absorbent dressing. Other systems, methods, and dressings 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 pump assembly can be configured to communicate data to a remote computer. The data can include location information, usage information, therapy information, and the like. Remote management and tracking of the pump assembly can be performed.

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.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing feedback for reduced-pressure treatment of a tissue site are described. A regulator may include a supply chamber fluidly coupled to the dressing, a control chamber fluidly coupled to the dressing, a charging chamber fluidly coupled to the supply chamber through a port, and a regulator valve operable to control fluid communication through the port based on a pressure differential between the control chamber and a therapy pressure. The feedback system may include one or more mechanical feedback interfaces fluidly coupled to the regulator to provide a signal of at least one of an application of reduced-pressure therapy, a leak condition, a blockage condition, and a canister full condition.

A wound fluid collection system includes a canister adapted to collect bodily fluids from a tissue site. The canister includes an acoustic transducer adapted and positioned to insonify a cavity within the canister, the cavity being defined by a wall of the canister and the bodily fluids collected within the canister. A resonant frequency may be calculated based on a resulting received signal from the insonification. The resonant frequency may indicate a volume of the cavity within the canister. The difference between a known volume of the canister and the calculated volume of the cavity provides the volume of bodily fluid collected in the canister.