Abstract:
Skin graft harvesting systems and methods are disclosed that utilize sensors to automate the harvesting of skin grafts or assist a user in deciding when the skin graft is ready to be harvested. Such systems and methods can reduce the burden of visual observation and ensure greater reliability and consistency of the grafts. The invention is particularly useful with harvesters that rely upon suction and/or heating to raise a plurality of small or “micro” blisters simultaneously.
Abstract:
A negative pressure wound therapy device, kit, and method are provided for improved treatment of wounds on complex three-dimensional anatomies. The device includes a conformable manifold made of a porous and permeable material with a pattern of cuts designed to transform the manifold from a relaxed, planar state to a pliable three-dimensional state when extended along the lateral axis. The kit further may include a wound interface layer, an adhesive, breathable drape, and a pneumatic connection to a negative pressure wound therapy device. Finally, a method for treating wounds using reduced pressure and the presently disclosed kit is provided.
Abstract:
Skin graft harvesting systems and methods are disclosed that utilize sensors to automate the harvesting of skin grafts or assist a user in deciding when the skin graft is ready to be harvested. Such systems and methods can reduce the burden of visual observation and ensure greater reliability and consistency of the grafts. The invention is particularly useful with harvesters that rely upon suction and/or heating to raise a plurality of small or “micro” blisters simultaneously.
Abstract:
A system, apparatus, and method for treating a tissue site with reduced pressure includes a connector having a connector body. The connector body includes a cavity and a cavity aperture. The connector also includes a conduit port fluidly coupling a conduit to the cavity. The connector further includes a base adjacent the cavity aperture that is configured to be positioned adjacent a drape. The cavity is configured to be fluidly coupled to a manifold through an aperture of the drape. The connector also includes a sensing probe having a proximal end configured to be fluidly coupled to the conduit and a distal end extending to the cavity aperture. The distal end is configured to be positioned adjacent to and in fluid communication with a manifold.
Abstract:
Dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed that, in some embodiments, relate to treating a tissue site. In one embodiment, a dressing may include a manifold, a retention pouch, a sealing member, and a conduit interface. The manifold may be adapted to distribute reduced pressure to the tissue site, and the retention pouch may be adapted to retain and manage fluid extracted from the tissue site. The sealing member may cover the retention pouch and the manifold to provide a sealed space with the tissue site. The conduit interface may be in fluid communication with the sealed space and an exterior surface of the sealing member. The dressing may be utilized with a therapy device operable to control reduced pressure in the dressing and fluid flow over the sealing member.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
Wounds dressings, systems, and methods are presented that involve using a patient's body heat to enhance liquid removal from the wound dressing through a high-moisture-vapor-transmission-rate drape. Additional heat sources or devices, such as nano-antennas or electrical heating elements, may be added or used separately to enhance the removal liquid from the wound dressing. Other dressings, systems, and methods are presented herein.
Abstract:
A pump generates a vacuum at a wound site via first tubing. A negative pressure circuit is defined by a canister, the first tubing and the wound site. A controller of a therapy device operates the pump to apply a first negative pressure to the entirety of the negative pressure circuit, following which ambient air is allowed to flow into the negative pressure circuit. The controller also operates the pump to apply a second negative pressure to a selected portion of the negative pressure circuit exclusive of the wound site, following which ambient air is allowed to flow into the selected portion. A quantity of fluid to be delivered to the wound site via a second tubing is determined by comparing measured parameters related to the flow of air into the negative pressure circuit to parameters measured with respect to the flow of air into the selected portion.
Abstract:
Methods, devices and systems are disclosed for generating and harvesting skin grafts having improved properties and for ensuring efficient and consistent blister formation and/or reducing patient harm and discomfort. In one aspect, the invention infuses a fluid into skin tissue at the donor site to enhance blister formation. The fluid infusion can occur before or after application of negative pressure—or can be cyclically applied before or after repeated applications of negative pressure.
Abstract:
In one example embodiment, a dressing connector is described that provides a first fluid path between a first connector and a second connector, and a second fluid path between a third connector and a fourth connector. A liquid barrier may be disposed in the first fluid path. The first fluid path and the second fluid path are generally exposed to an exterior surface of the dressing connector. In some embodiments, a tube may also be bonded to the third connector to provide a third fluid path between the dressing connector and another component. In more particular embodiments, the liquid barrier may be a filter, such as a hydrophobic bacterial filter, a sintered polymer filter, and/or a charcoal filter.