Abstract:
A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining pressure provided by a pump of a topical negative pressure (TNP) system. The method includes the steps of determining a value associated with a measured pressure, determining a difference between the measured pressure value and a predetermined desired value and increasing or decreasing a speed of pumping of the pump responsive the to difference.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses for detecting full waste canister and/or fluid flow path blockage conditions are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods and apparatuses for controlling a pump. In some embodiments, flow of fluid can be restricted in a portion of the fluid flow path. A controller can be configured to compare a difference in pressure values upstream and downstream of a fluid flow restrictor to a pressure difference threshold, and determine based on the comparison whether to activate an alarm indicating the full waste canister condition or the fluid flow path blockage condition. The controller can be additionally or alternatively configured to determine a fluid flow using a flow meter, open a selectable valve in response to a comparison of the fluid flow with a fluid flow threshold, determine fluid flow after opening the valve, and determine based on the fluid flow after opening the valve whether to activate the alarm.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses for detecting full waste canister and/or fluid flow path blockage conditions are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods and apparatuses for controlling a pump. In some embodiments, flow of fluid can be restricted in a portion of the fluid flow path. A controller can be configured to compare a difference in pressure values upstream and downstream of a fluid flow restrictor to a pressure difference threshold, and determine based on the comparison whether to activate an alarm indicating the full waste canister condition or the fluid flow path blockage condition. The controller can be additionally or alternatively configured to determine a fluid flow using a flow meter, open a selectable valve in response to a comparison of the fluid flow with a fluid flow threshold, determine fluid flow after opening the valve, and determine based on the fluid flow after opening the valve whether to activate the alarm.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for alerting a user of topical negative pressure therapy apparatus to a non-flow condition of aspirant fluid in the apparatus are described, the apparatus comprising: a device having vacuum pump means and a waste canister connected to the device; the waste canister being operably connected to a wound dressing by aspiration conduit means for aspirating fluid from the wound; the aspiration conduit means, the waste canister and the device providing a fluid flow path therethrough and the vacuum pump means providing for fluid flow therethrough; the device having first pressure sensing means at an upstream position between an outlet port for aspirated fluid from said waste canister and said pump means; said waste canister having further provision selected from one of, selectable vent means for admission of ambient air to said waste canister and selectable second pressure sensing means for sensing pressure in said waste canister; and, a control system for receiving signals from said sensors and initiating control signals in response and activating an appropriate user alarm.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining pressure provided by a pump of a topical negative pressure (TNP) system. The method includes the steps of determining a value associated with a measured pressure, determining a difference between the measured pressure value and a predetermined desired value and increasing or decreasing a speed of pumping of the pump responsive the to difference.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining pressure provided by a pump element of a topical negative pressure (TNP) system. The method includes the steps of determining a current pressure provided by a pump element of a TNP system, comparing the determined pressure with a predetermined pressure and selecting a target pressure intermediate the current and predetermined pressure and increasing or decreasing pump speed to respectively increase or decrease pressure until the current pressure matches the target pressure.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
Apparatus and a method are described for the provision of topical negative pressure therapy, the apparatus comprising: an aspirant pump for moving aspirated fluid through said apparatus; aspirant conduit means operably connected to a dressing covering a wound being aspirated; a waste container operably connected to the aspirant conduit and for receiving wound exudate therein; the waste container having a fluid exit port for the flow of gaseous aspirated fluid therefrom, the exit port having filter means associated therewith for preventing aspirated liquid from passing therethrough; a fluid flow path on the exit side of said waste container for the flow of aspirated gaseous fluid therethrough;the fluid flow path having therein a flow meter and a pressure monitor; and a control system for interrogating and interpreting signals from said flow meter and pressure monitor. The apparatus and method alerts a user to an approaching waste canister full condition.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for alerting a user of topical negative pressure therapy apparatus to a full waste canister condition are described, the apparatus comprising a device having vacuum pump means and a waste canister connected to the device and the waste canister operably connected to a wound dressing by aspiration conduit means for aspirating fluid from the wound, the aspiration conduit means, the waste canister and the device providing a fluid flow path therethrough and the vacuum pump means providing fluid flow through the apparatus, the apparatus further comprising fluid flow restriction means in the fluid flow path of said vacuum pump and fluid pressure sensing means upstream and downstream of said fluid flow restriction means.