Abstract:
The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods for managing liquid flow associated with a tissue site that involves using reduced pressure to control fluid flow. In one instance, an apparatus includes a first valve and a second valve in fluid communication with a reduced-pressure source. The valves are movable between an open position and a closed position and are operable to change flow status (open to closed or vice versa) based on a presence of reduced pressure. At least one of the first valve or the second valve is in the closed position to obstruct a flow of a liquid while the other is in the open position. The apparatus also includes a reservoir fluidly coupled to the first valve and the second valve. Other systems, methods, and apparatuses are presented.
Abstract:
Microstrain-inducing manifolds, systems, and methods are presented that involve microstrain-inducing manifolds that include a plurality of shaped projections for creating microstrain. The shaped projections may be tapered projections. A system may include a sealing member for placing over the tissue site, a microstrain-inducing manifold, and a reduced-pressure subsystem that delivers reduced pressure to the sealing member. The reduced pressure causes the shaped projections to create microstrain at the tissue site. Other methods, apparatuses, and systems are also presented.
Abstract:
Reduced-pressure canisters and methods for recycling are disclosed. In one instance, a method for performing multiple reduced pressure treatments on one or more patients includes providing a reduced-pressure treatment system that includes a first canister body, a fluid reservoir, and one or more modules, such as a pump control module. The method involves using the reduced-pressure system and then removing one or more modules and placing the one or more modules in fitted shipping receptacle that disallows shipping of the fluid reservoir. The one or more modules may be reconditioned and coupled to a second canister body. Other systems and methods are disclosed.
Abstract:
A reduced pressure treatment system includes a control unit having a control system and a reduced pressure source. The reduced pressure treatment system further includes a manifold unit in fluid communication with the reduced pressure source and a component module to augment treatment. The component module is configured to communicate with the control system of the control unit, and the component module includes a first mounting region configured to be coupled to a complimentary mounting region of the control unit. The component module further includes a second mounting region identical to the complimentary mounting region of the control unit to allow a second component module to be coupled to the first component module.
Abstract:
A disc pump system includes a pump body having a substantially cylindrical shape defining a cavity for containing a fluid, the cavity being formed by a side wall closed at both ends by substantially circular end walls, at least one of the end walls being a driven end wall. The system includes an actuator operatively associated with the driven end wall to cause an oscillatory motion of the driven end wall and an isolator is operatively associated with the peripheral portion of the driven end wall to reduce damping of the displacement oscillations. The isolator comprises a flexible printed circuit material that includes a strain gauge. The strain gauge measures data that may be used to determine the amount of pressure provided by the pump.
Abstract:
Body-fluid containers, methods, and systems are presented that include a container that has a container housing formed, at least in part, by a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable material. The liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable material allows water to evaporate and be transmitted outside of the container. The evaporation allows more fluid to be processed by the container than the container could otherwise hold. Other systems, methods, and apparatuses are presented.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for a reduced-pressure interface for providing reduced pressure through a sealing member to a distribution manifold includes a housing having a flange portion and a cavity wall portion such that the cavity wall portion forms a cavity having a tissue-facing cavity opening. A conduit port is coupled to the cavity wall and has a conduit aperture, such that the conduit port is adapted to receive a reduced-pressure delivery conduit. An attachment device is coupled to a tissue-facing side of the flange portion of the housing such that the attachment device couples the housing to the sealing member. Additionally, a cutting element is at least temporarily coupled to the housing proximate to the tissue-facing cavity opening such that the cutting element is adapted to form an aperture in the sealing member when the cutting element is driven into the sealing member with a driving force.
Abstract:
Systems, devices, and methods for treating a tissue site on a patient with reduced pressure are presented. In one instance, a reduced-pressure interface includes a conduit housing having a cavity divided by a dividing wall into a reduced-pressure-application region and a pressure-detection region. The reduced-pressure interface further includes a reduced-pressure port disposed within the reduced-pressure-application region, a pressure-detection port disposed within the pressure-detection region, and a base connected to the conduit housing, the base having a manifold-contacting surface. The dividing wall includes a surface substantially coplanar with the manifold-contacting surface.
Abstract:
Dressings, systems, and methods for treating a tissue site on a patient involve allowing liquids from the tissue site or a priming fluid to evaporate and exit the dressing through a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable membrane. The dressing is able to process more liquids than would otherwise be possible without evaporation and potentially to create reduced pressure. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.
Abstract:
A disc pump system includes a pump body having a substantially cylindrical shape defining a cavity for containing a fluid. The cavity having a resonant cavity frequency is formed by an internal sidewall and substantially closed at both ends by a first end wall and a driven end wall. The disc pump system includes an actuator that is driven a frequency (f) that corresponds to the fundamental resonant frequency of the actuator. The internal sidewall is configured to expand and contract in response to changes in temperature, thereby causing the actuator and cavity to have approximately the same resonant frequencies over a range of operating temperatures.