Negative pressure wound treatment tank

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a canister for use in a negative pressure wound therapy system. The tank includes a first fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber, and a filter disposed between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber. The first fluid chamber is configured to receive fluid from a tissue site. The filter is configured to filter fluid from the tissue site as fluid moves from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 413,872, filed on October 6, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention as set forth in the appended claims relates generally to tissue treatment systems and more particularly (but not exclusively) to negative pressure wound therapy canisters. Background Art

[0004] Clinical studies and practice have shown that reducing the pressure near a tissue site can increase and accelerate the growth of new tissue at the tissue site. The application of this phenomenon is many, but it has been proven to be particularly beneficial for treating wounds. Regardless of the cause of the wound (whether it is trauma, surgery or other reasons), proper care of the wound is important for the result. Treating wounds or other tissues with reduced pressure is generally referred to as "negative pressure therapy", but is also referred to as other names, including, for example, "negative pressure wound therapy", "reduced pressure therapy", "vacuum therapy", "vacuum assisted closure" and "local negative pressure". Negative pressure therapy can provide many benefits, including migration of epithelial tissue and subcutaneous tissue, improvement of blood flow and micro-deformation of tissue at the wound site. In short, these benefits can increase the development of granulation tissue and reduce healing time.

[0005] It is also generally accepted that cleaning tissue sites can be highly beneficial for new tissue growth. For example, for therapeutic purposes, a wound or cavity can be flushed with a liquid solution. These practices are generally referred to as "flushing" and "irrigation", respectively. "Instillation" is another practice, which generally refers to the process of slowly introducing a fluid into a tissue site and retaining the fluid for a specified period of time before removing the fluid. For example, instillation of a topical treatment solution over a wound bed can be combined with negative pressure therapy to further promote wound healing by loosening soluble contaminants in the wound bed and removing infectious materials. Thus, the soluble bacterial burden can be reduced, contaminants can be removed, and the wound can be cleaned.

[0006] While the clinical benefits of negative pressure therapy and / or infusion therapy are well known, improvements to therapy systems, components, and processes may benefit healthcare providers and patients. Summary of the invention

[0007] New and useful systems, devices and methods for sensing changes at or near a wound site in a negative pressure therapy environment are set forth in the appended claims. Exemplary embodiments are also provided to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the claimed subject matter.

[0008] For example, in some embodiments, a canister for use in a negative pressure wound therapy system is described. The canister may include a first fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber, and a filter disposed between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber. The first fluid chamber may be configured to receive a fluid from a tissue site. The filter may be configured to filter the fluid from the tissue site as it moves from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, the filter may include a filter carrier, a primary filter, and a secondary filter. The filter carrier may be configured to be coupled to the tank between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber. The primary filter may be coupled to the first filter carrier and disposed adjacent to the second fluid chamber. The secondary filter may be coupled to the filter carrier and disposed adjacent to the first fluid chamber.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, the tank may further include a drip fluid passage that may be configured to couple the second fluid chamber fluid to the tissue site. In some exemplary embodiments, the drip fluid passage may be arranged along the exterior of the tank. In some exemplary embodiments, the drip fluid passage may be isolated from the first fluid chamber. In some exemplary embodiments, the tank may further include a negative pressure passage. The negative pressure passage may be configured to couple the first fluid chamber fluid to the tissue site. In some exemplary embodiments, the negative pressure passage may be isolated from the drip fluid passage. In some exemplary embodiments, the tank may further include a filling passage. The filling passage may be configured to couple the second fluid chamber fluid to an external fluid source. In some exemplary embodiments, the filling passage may be isolated from the negative pressure passage and the drip fluid passage. In some exemplary embodiments, the tank may further include a sensor disposed in the drip fluid passage. The sensor may be configured to generate a signal representing the filling state of the second fluid chamber.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, the tank may further include a first sterilization source and a second sterilization source. The first sterilization source may be configured to sterilize the first fluid chamber, and the second sterilization source may be configured to sterilize the second fluid chamber. In some exemplary embodiments, the first sterilization source and the second sterilization source are UV-C emitting devices.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, the tank may further include a fluid changing device disposed within the second fluid chamber. The fluid changing device may be configured to release chemicals into the fluid disposed within the second fluid chamber. In some exemplary embodiments, the fluid changing device may be configured to sterilize the fluid within the second fluid chamber. In some exemplary embodiments, the fluid changing device may be configured to change the chamber characteristics of the fluid within the second fluid chamber.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, the canister may further include a negative pressure filter disposed within the first fluid chamber. The negative pressure filter may be configured to prevent liquid from the tissue site from contacting the negative pressure source.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments, the second fluid chamber may include a port. In some exemplary embodiments, the port may be disposed at an end of the second fluid chamber opposite to the first fluid chamber. In some exemplary embodiments, the tank may also include a plug configured to be removably coupled to the port. In some exemplary embodiments, the port may include a nozzle.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the tank may further include a sensor disposed in the first fluid chamber. The sensor may be configured to generate a signal indicative of a filling state of the first fluid chamber.

[0016] This article also describes a system for treating a tissue site. The system may include a dressing, a negative pressure source, and a tank. The dressing may be configured to be disposed at the tissue site. The negative pressure source may be configured to be fluidically coupled to the dressing and further configured to generate negative pressure at the tissue site. The tank may be configured to be fluidically coupled between the dressing and the negative pressure source. The tank may include a first fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber, and a filter. The first fluid chamber may be configured to receive a fluid from the tissue site and the second fluid chamber may be configured to store the fluid. The filter may be disposed between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber. The filter may be configured to filter the fluid when the fluid from the tissue site moves from the first fluid chamber through the filter to the second fluid chamber.

[0017] In some exemplary embodiments, the system may further include a drip fluid passage configured to fluidically couple the second fluid chamber to the tissue site. In some exemplary embodiments, the system may further include a negative pressure passage configured to fluidically couple the negative pressure source to the first fluid chamber of the dressing and the canister. The negative pressure passage may be isolated from the drip fluid passage.

[0018] A method for treating a tissue site is also described herein. The method may include arranging a dressing at the tissue site, coupling a negative pressure source fluid to the dressing, and coupling a tank fluid between the negative pressure source and the dressing. The tank may include a first fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber, and a filter. The first fluid chamber may be configured to collect fluid from the tissue site. The filter may be arranged between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber. The filter may be configured to filter the fluid when the fluid from the tissue site moves from the first fluid chamber through the filter to the second fluid chamber. The method may also include operating a negative pressure source to generate a negative pressure at the dressing, sucking the fluid from the tissue site into the first fluid chamber of the tank in response to the negative pressure, and filtering the fluid with the filter when the fluid from the tissue site moves from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber.

[0019] In some exemplary embodiments, the method may further include instilling the filtered fluid in the second fluid chamber into the tissue site.

[0020] In some exemplary embodiments, the method may further include disposing of the filtered fluid in the second fluid chamber. In some exemplary embodiments, disposing of the filtered fluid in the second fluid chamber may include removing a plug from a drain port of the second fluid chamber and aspirating the filtered fluid from the second fluid chamber through the drain port.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, the method may further include purifying the fluid in the first fluid chamber with a UV-C source.

[0022] In some exemplary embodiments, the method may further include treating the filtered fluid in the second fluid chamber with a UV-C source.

[0023] In some exemplary embodiments, the second fluid chamber may be configured to receive and contain an instillation fluid.

[0024] In some exemplary embodiments, the method may further include filling the second fluid chamber with an instillation fluid. In some exemplary embodiments, the method may further include coupling the second fluid chamber fluid to the dressing and instilling the instillation fluid from the second fluid chamber to the dressing. In some exemplary embodiments, filling the second fluid chamber with the instillation fluid may include adding the instillation fluid from an external fluid source through a port of the second fluid chamber. In some exemplary embodiments, filling the second fluid chamber with the instillation fluid includes coupling a fluid passage of the canister to the external fluid source and operating a pump to draw fluid from the external fluid source into the second fluid chamber.

[0025] The objects, advantages and preferred modes of making and using the claimed subject matter may be best understood by referring to the accompanying drawings in conjunction with the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a therapy system that can provide negative pressure therapy and infusion therapy according to the present specification;

[0027] Figure 2A It is possible with Figure 1 an exploded view of a recirculation tank associated with some embodiments of the present invention, illustrating additional details that may be associated with some exemplary embodiments;

[0028] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A front view of a recirculation tank illustrating additional details that may be associated with some exemplary embodiments;

[0029] Figure 2C yes Figure 2AA side view of a recirculation tank illustrating additional details that may be associated with some exemplary embodiments;

[0030] Figure 2D yes Figure 2A A rear view of a recirculation tank illustrating additional details that may be associated with some exemplary embodiments;

[0031] Figure 2E It is along Figure 2D The line 2E-2E intercepts Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of a recirculation tank illustrating additional details that may be associated with some exemplary embodiments;

[0032] Figure 3A It is along Figure 2D The line 2E-2E intercepts Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of a recirculation tank illustrating a drip mode of operation;

[0033] Figure 3B It is along Figure 2D The line 2E-2E intercepts Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of a recirculation tank illustrating a negative pressure mode of operation;

[0034] Figure 3C It is along Figure 2D The line 2E-2E intercepts Figure 2A a cross-sectional view of a recirculation tank illustrating fluid being filtered from a first fluid chamber of the tank to a second fluid chamber of the tank;

[0035] Figure 3D It is along Figure 2D The line 2E-2E intercepts Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of a recirculation tank of , illustrating a second fluid chamber containing fluid in the tank;

[0036] Figure 4A It is possible with Figure 1 An exploded view of a reusable canister associated with some embodiments of the present invention illustrating additional details that may be associated with some exemplary embodiments;

[0037] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A front view of a reusable canister illustrating additional details that may be associated with some exemplary embodiments;

[0038] Figure 4C yes Figure 4A A rear view of a reusable canister of , illustrating additional details that may be associated with some exemplary embodiments;

[0039] Figure 4D yes Figure 4AA side view of a reusable canister illustrating additional details that may be associated with some exemplary embodiments;

[0040] Figure 4E It is along Figure 4C The line 4E-4E intercepts Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of a reusable canister illustrating additional details that may be associated with some exemplary embodiments;

[0041] Figure 4F It is an example Figure 4A a cross-sectional view of a second fluid chamber of a reusable canister in FIG. 1 , illustrating additional details that may be associated with some exemplary embodiments;

[0042] Figure 5A It is along Figure 4C The line 4E-4E intercepts Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of a reusable canister illustrating a negative pressure mode of operation;

[0043] Figure 5B It is along Figure 4C The line 4E-4E intercepts Figure 4A a cross-sectional view of a reusable canister illustrating fluid filtering from a first fluid chamber of the reusable canister to a second fluid chamber of the reusable canister;

[0044] Figure 5C It is along Figure 4C The line 4E-4E intercepts Figure 4A a cross-sectional view of a reusable canister of , illustrating fluid being removed from a second fluid chamber of the reusable canister;

[0045] Fig. 6A yes Figure 1 A perspective view of another embodiment of a reusable canister of , illustrating additional details that may be associated with some exemplary embodiments;

[0046] Figure 6B yes Fig. 6A An exploded view of a reusable canister of , illustrating additional details that may be associated with some exemplary embodiments;

[0047] Figure 6C yes Figure 1 A perspective view of another embodiment of a reusable canister of , illustrating additional details that may be associated with some exemplary embodiments;

[0048] Fig.6D yes Figure 6C An exploded view of a reusable canister of , illustrating additional details that may be associated with some exemplary embodiments;

[0049] Fig. 6Eyes Figure 1 A perspective view of another embodiment of a reusable canister of , illustrating additional details that may be associated with some exemplary embodiments;

[0050] Fig. 6F yes Fig. 6E An exploded view of a reusable canister of , illustrating additional details that may be associated with some exemplary embodiments;

[0051] Figure 6G yes Figure 1 A perspective view of another embodiment of a reusable canister of , illustrating additional details that may be associated with some exemplary embodiments;

[0052] Figure 6H yes Figure 6G An exploded view of a reusable canister of , illustrating additional details that may be associated with some exemplary embodiments;

[0053] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a recirculation tank illustrating additional details that may be associated with some exemplary embodiments; and

[0054] Figure 8 It is possible with Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of a recirculating and reusable canister associated with a treatment system of FIG. 1 , illustrating additional details that may be associated with some exemplary embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The following description of exemplary embodiments provides information enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the subject matter set forth in the appended claims, but may omit certain details already known in the art. Therefore, the following detailed description is to be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting.

[0056] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a treatment system 100 that can provide negative pressure therapy as well as instillation of a localized therapeutic solution to a tissue site in accordance with the present specification.

[0057] In this article, the term "tissue site" refers broadly to a wound, defect or other treatment target located on or in a tissue, including but not limited to bone tissue, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, nerve tissue, skin tissue, vascular tissue, connective tissue, cartilage, tendon or ligament. Wounds may include, for example, chronic wounds, acute wounds, traumatic wounds, subacute wounds and dehiscence wounds, partial thickness burns, ulcers (such as diabetic ulcers, pressure sores or venous insufficiency ulcers), flaps and grafts. The term "tissue site" may also refer to an area of ​​any tissue that is not necessarily injured or defective, but rather an area in which it may be desirable to add additional tissue or promote the growth of additional tissue. For example, negative pressure may be applied to a tissue site to allow additional tissue to grow, and then the additional tissue may be removed and transplanted.

[0058] The treatment system 100 may include a negative pressure source or negative pressure supply device (such as negative pressure source 105) and one or more dispensing components. The dispensing components are preferably detachable and can be disposable, reusable, or recyclable. Dressings (such as dressing 110) and fluid containers (such as tank 115) are examples of dispensing components that may be associated with some examples of the treatment system 100. Figure 1 As illustrated in the example of , in some embodiments, the dressing 110 can include or consist essentially of a tissue interface 120, a cover 125, or both.

[0059] A fluid conductor is another illustrative example of a distribution component. In this article, a "fluid conductor" broadly includes a tube, a pipe or hose, a catheter, or other structure having one or more lumens or open passages suitable for conveying fluid between two ends. Typically, the tube is an elongated cylindrical structure with a certain flexibility, but the geometry and rigidity can vary. In addition, some fluid conductors can be molded into other components or otherwise integrally combined with other components. The distribution component may also include or include an interface or fluid port to facilitate the connection and separation of other components. In some embodiments, for example, a dressing interface can facilitate the connection of the fluid conductor to the dressing 110. For example, such a dressing interface can be a SENSAT.RAC available from Kinetic Concepts, Inc., San Antonio, Texas. TM pad.

[0060] The treatment system 100 may also include a regulator or controller, such as controller 130. Additionally, the treatment system 100 may include sensors to measure operating parameters and provide feedback signals indicative of the operating parameters to the controller 130. Figure 1 As illustrated, for example, treatment system 100 may include a first sensor 135 and a second sensor 140 coupled to controller 130 .

[0061] The treatment system 100 may also include an instillation solution source. For example, the solution source 145 may be fluidly coupled to the dressing 110, such as Figure 1 As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of . In some embodiments, the solution source 145 may be fluidly connected to a positive pressure source (such as positive pressure source 150), a negative pressure source (such as negative pressure source 105), or both. A regulator (such as a drip regulator 155) may also be fluidly connected to the solution source 145 and the dressing 110 to ensure that an appropriate dose of infusion solution (e.g., saline) is delivered to the tissue site. For example, the drip regulator 155 may include a piston that can be pneumatically actuated by the negative pressure source 105 to draw the infusion solution from the solution source during the negative pressure interval and drip the solution into the dressing during the ventilation interval. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 130 may be connected to the negative pressure source 105, the positive pressure source 150, or both to control the dose of the infusion solution to the tissue site. In some embodiments, the drip regulator 155 may also be fluidly connected to the negative pressure source 105 through the dressing 110, such as Figure 1 exemplified in the example.

[0062] Some components of the treatment system 100 may be housed within or used in conjunction with other components (such as sensors, processing units, alarm indicators, memory, databases, software, display devices, or user interfaces that further facilitate treatment. For example, in some embodiments, the negative pressure source 105 may be combined with the controller 130, the solution source 145, and other components into a treatment unit 160.

[0063] In general, the components of the treatment system 100 may be coupled directly or indirectly. For example, the negative pressure source 105 may be directly coupled to the tank 115, and may be indirectly coupled to the dressing 110 through the tank 115. The coupling may include a fluid coupling, a mechanical coupling, a thermal coupling, an electrical coupling, or a chemical coupling (such as a chemical bond), or in some cases some combination of couplings. For example, the negative pressure source 105 may be electrically coupled to the controller 130, and may be fluidly coupled to one or more distribution components to provide a fluid path to the tissue site. In some embodiments, the components may also be coupled by means of physical proximity, integration into a single structure, or formation from the same piece of material.

[0064] Negative pressure supply device (such as negative pressure source 105) can be a reservoir of air at negative pressure, or can be a manual or electric device, such as, for example, a vacuum pump, a suction pump, a wall suction port available in many healthcare facilities, or a micro pump. "Negative pressure" generally refers to a pressure less than the local ambient pressure, such as the ambient pressure in the local environment outside the sealed treatment environment. In many cases, the local ambient pressure can also be the atmospheric pressure where the tissue site is located. Alternatively, the pressure can be less than the hydrostatic pressure associated with the tissue at the tissue site. Unless otherwise specified, the value of the pressure stated herein is a gauge pressure. Mentioning the increase in negative pressure generally refers to the reduction in absolute pressure, and the reduction in negative pressure generally refers to the increase in absolute pressure. Although the amount and nature of the negative pressure provided by the negative pressure source 105 can vary according to treatment requirements, the pressure is generally a low vacuum between -5mmHg (-667Pa) and -500mmHg (-66.7kPa), which is also generally referred to as a rough vacuum. The common treatment range is between -50 mm Hg (-6.7 kPa) and -300 mm Hg (-39.9 kPa).

[0065] Canister 115 represents a container, canister, pouch, or other storage component that can be used to manage exudate and other fluids drawn from a tissue site. In many environments, a rigid canister may be preferred or required for collecting, storing, and disposing of fluids. In other environments, fluids may be properly disposed of without rigid canister storage, and reusable canisters may reduce waste and costs associated with negative pressure therapy.

[0066] A controller, such as controller 130, may be a microprocessor or computer programmed to operate one or more components of treatment system 100, such as negative pressure source 105. In some embodiments, for example, controller 130 may be a microcontroller, which typically includes an integrated circuit including a processor core and a memory programmed to directly or indirectly control one or more operating parameters of treatment system 100. For example, the operating parameters may include the power applied to negative pressure source 105, the pressure generated by negative pressure source 105, or the pressure distributed to tissue interface 120. Controller 130 is also preferably configured to receive one or more input signals, such as feedback signals, and is programmed to modify one or more operating parameters based on the input signals.

[0067] Sensors (such as, first sensor 135 and second sensor 140) can be devices operable to detect or measure physical phenomena or characteristics, and generally provide signals indicating the detected or measured phenomena or characteristics. For example, the first sensor 135 and the second sensor 140 can be configured to measure one or more operating parameters of the treatment system 100. In some embodiments, the first sensor 135 can be a transducer configured to measure the pressure in the pneumatic passage and convert the measurement result into a signal indicating the measured pressure. In some embodiments, for example, the first sensor 135 can be a piezoresistive strain gauge. In some embodiments, the second sensor 140 can optionally measure an operating parameter of the negative pressure source 105, such as voltage or current. Preferably, the signals from the first sensor 135 and the second sensor 140 are suitable as input signals to the controller 130, but in some embodiments, some signal conditioning can be appropriately performed. For example, before the signal can be processed by the controller 130, it may be necessary to filter or amplify the signal. Typically, the signal is an electrical signal, but can be represented in other forms, such as an optical signal.

[0068] The tissue interface 120 may generally be adapted to partially or completely contact a tissue site. The tissue interface 120 may take a variety of forms and may have a variety of sizes, shapes, or thicknesses, depending on various factors, such as the type of treatment being performed or the nature and size of the tissue site. For example, the size and shape of the tissue interface 120 may be adapted to the contours of a deep and irregularly shaped tissue site. Any or all surfaces of the tissue interface 120 may have an uneven, rough, or jagged profile.

[0069] In some embodiments, the tissue interface 120 may include or consist essentially of a manifold. The manifold herein may include or consist essentially of a device for collecting or distributing fluids passing through the tissue interface 120 under pressure. For example, the manifold may be adapted to receive negative pressure from a source and distribute the negative pressure across the tissue interface 120 through a plurality of holes, which may have the effect of collecting fluids from the entire tissue site and drawing the fluids toward the source. In some embodiments, the fluid path may be reversed or may be provided to facilitate a secondary fluid path for delivering fluids (such as fluids from an instillation solution source) to the tissue site.

[0070] In some exemplary embodiments, the manifold may include a plurality of passages that may be interconnected to improve the distribution or collection of fluids. In some exemplary embodiments, the manifold may include or be substantially composed of a porous material having interconnected fluid passages. Examples of suitable porous materials that may be suitable for forming interconnected fluid passages (e.g., channels) may include: porous foams, including open-cell foams, such as reticulated foams; porous tissue collections; and other porous materials that typically include pores, edges, and / or walls, such as gauze or felt pads. Liquids, gels, and other foams may also include or be cured to include orifices and fluid passages. In some embodiments, the manifold may additionally or alternatively include projections that form interconnected fluid passages. For example, the manifold may be molded to provide surface projections that define interconnected fluid passages.

[0071] In some embodiments, the tissue interface 120 may include or consist essentially of a reticulated foam having a pore size and free volume that may vary according to the needs of the prescribed treatment. For example, a reticulated foam having at least 90% free volume may be suitable for many therapeutic applications, and a foam having an average pore size in the range of 400 microns to 600 microns (40 to 50 pores / inch) may be particularly suitable for some types of treatment. The tensile strength of the tissue interface 120 may also vary according to the needs of the prescribed treatment. For example, for the instillation of a local therapeutic solution, the tensile strength of the foam may be increased. The 25% compressive load deflection of the tissue interface 120 may be at least 0.35 pounds per square inch, and the 65% compressive load deflection may be at least 0.43 pounds per square inch. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the tissue interface 120 may be at least 10 pounds per square inch. The tissue interface 120 may have a tear strength of at least 2.5 pounds per inch. In some embodiments, the tissue interface can be a foam composed of a polyol (such as a polyester or a polyether), an isocyanate (such as toluene diisocyanate), and a polymerization modifier (such as an amine and a tin compound). In some examples, the tissue interface 120 can be a reticulated polyurethane foam, such as available from GRANUFOAM. TM Dressing or VACVERAFLO TM Present in dressing.

[0072] The thickness of the tissue interface 120 may also vary depending on the needs of the prescribed treatment. For example, the thickness of the tissue interface may be reduced to reduce tension on the surrounding tissue. The thickness of the tissue interface 120 may also affect the conformability of the tissue interface 120. In some embodiments, a thickness in the range of about 5 mm to 10 mm may be suitable.

[0073] The tissue interface 120 may be hydrophobic or hydrophilic. In examples where the tissue interface 120 may be hydrophilic, the tissue interface 120 may also wick fluid away from the tissue site while continuing to distribute negative pressure to the tissue site. The wicking properties of the tissue interface 120 may wick fluid away from the tissue site by capillary flow or other wicking mechanisms. Examples of materials that may be suitable hydrophilic materials are polyvinyl alcohol, open cell foams such as VACWHITEFOAM available from Kinetic Concepts, Inc. of San Antonio, Texas. TM Dressings. Other hydrophilic foams may include those made from polyethers. Other foams that may exhibit hydrophilic characteristics include hydrophobic foams that have been treated or coated to render them hydrophilic.

[0074] In some embodiments, the tissue interface 120 may be composed of a bioabsorbable material. Suitable bioabsorbable materials may include, but are not limited to, polymer blends of polylactic acid (PLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA). Polymer blends may also include, but are not limited to, polycarbonate, polyfumarate, and caprolactone. The tissue interface 120 may also be used as a scaffold for new cell growth, or a scaffold material may be used in conjunction with the tissue interface 120 to promote cell growth. A scaffold is typically a material or structure for enhancing or promoting cell growth or tissue formation, such as a three-dimensional porous structure that provides a template for cell growth. Illustrative examples of scaffold materials include calcium phosphate, collagen, PLA / PGA, coral hydroxyapatite, carbonate, or treated allograft material.

[0075] In some embodiments, the cover 125 can provide a bacterial barrier and prevent physical trauma. The cover 125 can also be composed of a material that can reduce evaporative losses and provide a fluid seal between two components or two environments (such as between the treatment environment and the local external environment). The cover 125 can include or consist of, for example, an elastomeric film or diaphragm that can provide a seal sufficient to maintain negative pressure at the tissue site for a given negative pressure source.

[0076] In some exemplary embodiments, the cover 125 may be a polymer cover cloth that is permeable to water vapor but impermeable to liquids, such as a polyurethane film. In other embodiments, the cover 125 may be impermeable to both water vapor and liquids. Such a cover cloth generally has a thickness in the range of 25 microns to 50 microns. For permeable materials, the permeability should generally be low enough so that the desired negative pressure can be maintained. The cover 125 may include, for example, one or more of the following materials: polyurethane (PU), such as hydrophilic polyurethane; cellulose; hydrophilic polyamide; polyvinyl alcohol; polyvinyl pyrrolidone; hydrophilic acrylic resin; silicone, such as hydrophilic silicone elastomer; natural rubber; polyisoprene; styrene-butadiene rubber; chloroprene rubber; polybutadiene; nitrile rubber; butyl rubber; ethylene-propylene rubber; ethylene propylene diene monomer; chlorosulfonated polyethylene; polysulfide rubber; ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA); copolyester; and polyether block polyamide copolymer. Such materials are commercially available, for example, from 3M Company, Minneapolis Minnesota. Drapes; polyurethane (PU) drapes commercially available from Avery Dennison Corporation, Pasadena, California; polyether block polyamide copolymers (PEBAX), commercially available, for example, from Arkema SA, Colombes, France; and Exopack Advanced Coatings, commercially available from Exopack Advanced Coatings, Wrexham, United Kingdom 2301 and 2327. In some embodiments, the cover 125 may include a 2600 g / m 2 / 24 hours MVTR (stand-up cup technology) and a thickness of about 30 microns 2301.

[0077] Attachment means can be used to attach cover 125 to an attachment surface, such as an undamaged epidermis, a gasket or another cover. Attachment means can take many forms. For example, attachment means can be a medically acceptable pressure-sensitive adhesive that is configured to bond cover 125 to the epidermis around the tissue site. In some embodiments, for example, some or all of cover 125 may be coated with an adhesive, such as an acrylic adhesive, that may have a coating amount of about 25 grams per square meter to 65 grams per square meter (gsm). In some embodiments, a thicker adhesive or a combination of adhesives may be applied to improve sealing and reduce leakage. Other exemplary embodiments of attachment means may include double-sided tape, paste, aqueous colloid, hydrogel, silicone gel or organic gel.

[0078] Solution source 145 may also be representative of a container, canister, pouch, bag, or other storage component that may provide a solution for infusion therapy. The composition of the solution may vary depending on the prescribed therapy, but examples of solutions that may be suitable for some prescriptions include hypochlorite-based solutions, silver nitrate (0.5%), sulfur-based solutions, biguanides, cationic solutions, and isotonic solutions.

[0079] In operation, the tissue interface 120 can be placed in, above, on, or otherwise adjacent to a tissue site. For example, if the tissue site is a wound, the tissue interface 120 can partially or completely fill the wound, or the tissue interface can be placed above the wound. The cover 125 can be placed above the tissue interface 120 and sealed to an attachment surface near the tissue site. For example, the cover 125 can be sealed to the undamaged epidermis around the tissue site. Therefore, the dressing 110 can provide a sealed treatment environment adjacent to the tissue site that is substantially isolated from the external environment, and the negative pressure source 105 can reduce the pressure in the sealed treatment environment.

[0080] The process of reducing pressure may be illustratively described herein as, for example, "delivering," "distributing," or "generating" negative pressure. Typically, exudates and other fluids flow along a fluid path in the direction of lower pressure. Thus, the term "downstream" typically means a location in a fluid path that is relatively closer to a negative pressure source or farther from a positive pressure source. Conversely, the term "upstream" means a location that is relatively farther from a negative pressure source or closer to a positive pressure source.

[0081] Negative pressure applied across a tissue site through tissue interface 120 in a sealed treatment environment can induce macro- and micro-strains in the tissue site. Negative pressure can also remove exudate and other fluids from the tissue site that may be collected in canister 115.

[0082] In some embodiments, the controller 130 may receive and process data from one or more sensors (such as the first sensor 135). The controller 130 may also control the operation of one or more components of the treatment system 100 to manage the pressure delivered to the tissue interface 120. In some embodiments, the controller 130 may include an input for receiving a desired target pressure, and may be programmed to process data related to the setting and input of the target pressure to be applied to the tissue interface 120. In some exemplary embodiments, the target pressure may be a fixed pressure value set by an operator as the target negative pressure desired for treatment at the tissue site and then provided as an input to the controller 130. The target pressure may vary from tissue site to tissue site based on the type of tissue forming the tissue site, the type of injury or wound (if any), the medical condition of the patient, and the preferences of the attending physician. After selecting the desired target pressure, the controller 130 may operate the negative pressure source 105 in one or more control modes based on the target pressure, and may receive feedback from one or more sensors to maintain the target pressure at the tissue interface 120.

[0083] In some embodiments, the controller 130 may have a continuous pressure mode, wherein the negative pressure source 105 is operated to provide a constant target negative pressure during the treatment duration or until manual deactivation. Additionally or alternatively, the controller may have an intermittent pressure mode. In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 130 may operate the negative pressure source 105 to cycle between the target pressure and the atmospheric pressure. For example, the target pressure may be set to a value of 135 mmHg for a specified period of time (e.g., 5 minutes), followed by deactivation of a specified period of time (e.g., 2 minutes). The cycle may be repeated by activating the negative pressure source 105, which may form a square wave pattern between the target pressure and the atmospheric pressure.

[0084] In some exemplary embodiments, the increase in negative pressure from ambient pressure to target pressure may not be instantaneous. For example, the negative pressure source 105 and the dressing 110 may have an initial rise time. The initial rise time may vary depending on the type of dressing and treatment device used. For example, the initial rise time of one treatment system may be in the range of about 20 mmHg / second-30 mmHg / second, and the initial rise time of another treatment system may be in the range of about 5 mmHg / second-10 mmHg / second. If the treatment system 100 is operated in an intermittent mode, the repetitive rise time may be a value substantially equal to the initial rise time.

[0085] In some exemplary dynamic pressure control modes, the target pressure may vary over time. For example, the target pressure may vary in the form of a triangular waveform, varying between a negative pressure of 50 mmHg to 135 mmHg, wherein the rising rate of the negative pressure is set to a rate of +25 mmHg / minute, and the falling rate is set to -25 mmHg / minute. In other embodiments of the treatment system 100, the triangular waveform may vary between a negative pressure of 25 mmHg to 135 mmHg at a rising rate of about +30 mmHg / minute and a falling rate of about -30 mmHg / minute.

[0086] In some embodiments, the controller 130 can control or determine a variable target pressure in a dynamic pressure mode, and the variable target pressure can vary between a maximum pressure value and a minimum pressure value, which can be set as an input specified by the operator as a range of desired negative pressure. The variable target pressure can also be processed and controlled by the controller 130, which can change the target pressure according to a predetermined waveform (such as a triangular waveform, a sine waveform, or a sawtooth waveform). In some embodiments, the waveform can be set by the operator to a predetermined or time-varying negative pressure desired for treatment.

[0087] In some embodiments, the controller 130 may receive and process data, such as data related to the instillation solution provided to the tissue interface 120. Such data may include the type of instillation solution specified by the clinician, the volume of the fluid or solution to be instilled into the tissue site ("fill volume"), and the amount of time specified for leaving the solution at the tissue site before applying negative pressure to the tissue site ("residence time"). The fill volume may be, for example, between 10mL and 500mL, and the residence time may be between one second and 30 minutes. The controller 130 may also control the operation of one or more components of the treatment system 100 to instill the solution. For example, the controller 130 may manage the fluid distributed to the tissue interface 120 from the solution source 145. In some embodiments, the fluid may be instilled into the tissue site by applying negative pressure from the negative pressure source 105 to reduce the pressure at the tissue site, and the solution may be sucked into the tissue interface 120. In some embodiments, the solution may be instilled into the tissue site by applying positive pressure from the positive pressure source 150 to move the solution from the solution source 145 to the tissue interface 120. Additionally or alternatively, the solution source 145 may be elevated to a height sufficient to allow gravity to move the solution into the tissue interface 120 .

[0088] The controller 130 can also control the fluid dynamics of the instillation by providing a continuous flow of solution or an intermittent flow of solution. Negative pressure can be applied to provide a continuous flow of solution or an intermittent flow. The application of negative pressure can be implemented to provide a continuous pressure operating mode to achieve a continuous flow rate of the instillation solution through the tissue interface 120, or the application of negative pressure can be implemented to provide a dynamic pressure operating mode to change the flow rate of the instillation solution through the tissue interface 120. Alternatively, the application of negative pressure can be implemented to provide an intermittent operating mode to allow the instillation solution to stay at the tissue interface 120. In the intermittent mode, a specific fill volume and residence time can be provided, which depends on, for example, the type of tissue site being treated and the type of dressing being utilized. After or during the instillation of the solution, negative pressure therapy can be applied. The controller 130 can be used to select the operating mode and the duration of the negative pressure therapy before starting another instillation cycle by instilling more solution.

[0089] Negative pressure therapy and instillation therapy can be increasingly performed across more geographic areas in a home environment. Many current tanks and instillation fluid sources for treatment systems are disposable devices intended for use in a hospital or clinic environment. When the device approaches the usable life of the tank and instillation fluid source, they can be removed and replaced from the treatment system. Removing and replacing the tank and instillation fluid source from the treatment system may involve complex fluid connections, which may be best solved by a trained clinician. In a home environment, it may be difficult for patients to handle the removal and replacement of the tank and instillation fluid source required for the complete treatment of the tissue site. Some systems need to interact with many different devices, which may be troublesome. In a home environment, some patients may worry about the environmental impact of disposing of these devices during the treatment of the tissue site. Tank 115 can solve these and other problems by providing a reusable and / or recirculating system that can accommodate both wound exudate and instillation fluid. In some embodiments, tank 115 may be able to filter and / or purify exudate to produce a fluid suitable for discharge to a drain or reuse the purified fluid to clean the tissue site.

[0090] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E Illustrated Figure 1 1 and 2. Various views of an exemplary embodiment of a tank 115 of a treatment system 100 of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the tank 115 can be a recirculation tank. Figure 2B is a front view of the tank 115. Figure 2C is a side view of the tank 115 . Figure 2D It is a rear view of the tank 115. Figure 2E It is along Figure 2D A cross-sectional view of the tank 115 taken along line 2E-2E.

[0091] Figure 2Ais an exploded view of tank 115 illustrating additional details that may be associated with some embodiments. Tank 115 may include tank body 202, tank plate 204, filter 206, one or more negative pressure filters 208, and drip system 210. Tank body 202 may at least partially form interior 230. In some embodiments, tank body 202 may have a stadium or oval shape. In other embodiments, tank body 202 may be other shapes with interior 230. Interior 230 may be configured to receive and retain fluid within tank 115 after tank 115 is assembled.

[0092] In some embodiments, the tank body 202 may include a first wall 218 and a second wall 220. The second wall 220 may be in the shape of a semi-oval. The first wall 218 may be an annular wall having an oval shape and having a first end coupled to an edge 221 of the second wall 220, the edge being formed by a plane that creates the semi-oval shape of the second wall 220. In some embodiments, the second end of the first wall 218 may form an opening 219 into the interior 230 of the tank body 202. The second end of the first wall 218 may be configured to receive the tank plate 204. The tank body 202 may include a first end 214 and a second end 216 opposite the first end 214. The first end 214 may be a top end or surface of the tank body 202, and the second end 216 may be a bottom end or surface of the tank body 202. The tank body 202 may have a first side 222 and a second side 224 extending between the first end 214 and the second end 216. The first side 222 and the second side 224 may be opposite to each other and may form part of the outer surface of the tank body 202. In some embodiments, the first side 222 and the second side 224 can be substantially symmetrical with respect to each other. The first side 222 and the second side 224 can have variations in symmetry to accommodate other elements of the tank 115.

[0093] In some embodiments, the first wall 218 of the tank body 202 may include a coupling edge 226. For example, the coupling edge 226 may be a second end of the first wall 218 opposite the second wall 220. The coupling edge 226 may be configured to couple to the tank panel 204 to enclose the interior 230.

[0094] The tank body 202 may also include one or more connectors, such as a first connector 228, a second connector 229, and a third connector 231. In some embodiments, the first connector 228 may be disposed on the first side 222 of the tank body 202, and the second connector 229 may be disposed on the second side 224 of the tank body 202. The first connector 228 and the second connector 229 may be coupled to the first wall 218 of the tank body 202. In some embodiments, the first connector 228 and the second connector 229 may be aligned with each other between the first end 214 and the second end 216. For example, the first connector 228 may be located approximately midway between the first end 214 and the second end 216. Similarly, the second connector 229 may be located approximately midway between the first end 214 and the second end 216. In some embodiments, the first connector 228 and the second connector 229 may be disposed in a groove formed in the outer surface of the first wall 218. The third connector 231 may be coupled to the second end 216 of the tank body 202. The third connector can be centrally located on the second end 216 between the first side 222 and the second side 224. The first connector 228, the second connector 229, and the third connector 231 can include a releasable latch that allows the canister 115 to be coupled to and detached from the treatment system 100. In some embodiments, the first connector 228, the second connector 229, and the third connector 231 can be part of a cantilevered snap-fit ​​type latch configured to be inserted into a receiver of the treatment system 100.

[0095] The tank body 202 may include features within the interior 230 of the tank body 202 to provide a structure for an element such as a filter 206. For example, the tank body 202 may include a channel 233 formed by a first shelf 232 and a second shelf 234. The first shelf 232 and the second shelf 234 may be coupled to the first wall 218 and the second wall 220 on surfaces of the first wall 218 and the second wall 220 facing the interior 230. In some embodiments, the first shelf 232 and the second shelf 234 extend from the first side 222 of the tank body 202 to the second side 224 of the tank body 202. The first shelf 232 and the second shelf 234 may be substantially parallel to each other so that the width of the channel 233 is substantially unchanged. The filter 206 may be disposed within the channel 233 and may divide the tank 115 into a first fluid chamber 282 and a second fluid chamber 284. The first fluid chamber 282 may be configured to receive a fluid from a tissue site and may be disposed between the filter 206 and the first end 214 of the tank body 202. The second fluid chamber 284 may be disposed between the filter 206 and the second end 216 of the canister 202 .

[0096] The tank body 202 may additionally include at least one communication element. In some embodiments, the at least one communication element may be a fluid inlet 236 disposed at or adjacent to the first end 214 of the tank body 202. The fluid inlet 236 may be a port having at least one passage or lumen within the fluid inlet 236 to allow fluid to flow between the external environment and the interior 230 through one or more of the first wall 218 and the second wall 220. In some embodiments, the fluid inlet 236 may be disposed in a groove formed in the exterior of the first wall 218 adjacent to the first end 214. The at least one communication element may also include a fluid outlet 238. The fluid outlet 238 may be a port having at least one passage or lumen within the fluid outlet 238 to allow flow from the interior 230 of the tank body 202 through one or more of the first wall 218 and the second wall 220 to the external environment. In some embodiments, the tank body 202 may additionally include a sensing line 240. The sensing line 240 may include a passage, lumen, or other fluid pathway from the therapy unit 160 through the canister 115 to allow the therapy unit 160 to sense pressure at the dressing 110 .

[0097] In some embodiments, the tank 202 may optionally include a fluid modification device 241. The fluid modification device 241 may be disposed within the second fluid chamber 284. The fluid modification device 241 may be configured to modify a property of the fluid within the second fluid chamber 284. For example, in some embodiments, the fluid modification device 241 may be configured to sterilize the fluid within the second fluid chamber 284. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid modification device 241 may be configured to generate saline from the fluid stored in the second fluid chamber 284. In some embodiments, the fluid modification device 241 may be configured to modify a property of the fluid based on content that is beneficial to a tissue site being treated by the treatment system 100.

[0098] In some embodiments, the tank 202 can optionally include a first sensor 243. The first sensor 243 can be disposed in the first fluid chamber 282. In some embodiments, the first sensor 243 can be configured to generate a signal indicative of a fluid level in the first fluid chamber 282. In some embodiments, the first sensor 243 can be communicatively coupled to at least the controller 130 of the treatment system 100 such that the controller 130 can receive the signal indicative of a fluid level in the first fluid chamber 282 and operate other components of the treatment system 100 in response.

[0099] The tank plate 204 may be stadium or oval in shape, or may be another shape that aligns with the coupling edge 226 of the first wall 218 of the tank body 202. The tank plate 204 may have a first end 242 and a second end 244 opposite the first end 242. The tank plate 204 may include a first side 246 extending from the first end 242 to the second end 244 and a second side 248 opposite the first side 246. The tank plate 204 may have a first recess 250 in the first side 246 and a second recess 252 in the second side 248. The first recess 250 and the second recess 252 may both align with a groove in the first wall 218 in which the first connector 228 and the second connector 229 of the tank body 202 are disposed.

[0100] The tank body 204 may further include an outer surface 254 and an inner surface 256 opposite the outer surface 254. The outer surface 254 of the tank plate 204 may include a channel 258, which may be configured to receive one or more components of the drip system 210. The channel 258 may have a first end 260 and a second end 262 opposite the first end 260. The first end 260 may include a first opening 264, and the second end 262 may include a second opening 266. In some embodiments, the tank plate 204 may be coupled to the coupling edge 226 of the first wall 218, and the second opening 266 may be aligned with the fluid outlet 238 of the tank body 202.

[0101] The tank plate 204 may also include a pressure sensor opening 268 and a negative pressure opening 270. The pressure sensor opening 268 and the negative pressure opening 270 may each be located adjacent to the first end 242 of the tank plate 204. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor opening 268 may be centrally located between the first side 246 and the second side 248 and between the channel 258 and the first end 242 of the tank plate 204. The negative pressure opening 270 may be located between the pressure sensor opening 268 and the first side 246. In some embodiments, the tank plate 204 may be coupled to the coupling edge 226 of the first wall 218, and the pressure sensor opening 268 may be fluidly coupled to the sensing line 240, and the negative pressure opening 270 may be fluidly coupled to the interior 230 of the tank body 202.

[0102] In some embodiments, the tank plate 204 may optionally include one or more sterilization sources, such as a first sterilization source 294 and a second sterilization source 296. In some embodiments, the first sterilization source 294 may be located adjacent to the first fluid chamber 282, and the second sterilization source 296 may be located adjacent to the second fluid chamber 284. The one or more sterilization sources may be configured to sterilize the first fluid chamber 282 and the second fluid chamber 284. For example, the one or more sterilization sources may be configured to sterilize, reduce or eliminate any bacteria, mold, virus or other potentially harmful contaminants located within the tank 115. In some embodiments, the one or more sterilization sources may be diodes, such as UV-C light emitting diodes. In some embodiments, the UV-C light emitting diodes may emit electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength range between about 100 nanometers and about 280 nanometers.

[0103] In some embodiments, the outer surface 254 of the tank plate 204 can be configured to couple with the treatment unit 160. In some embodiments, the first sterilization source 294 and the second sterilization source 296 can be windows through the tank plate 204. The treatment unit 160 can include one or more sterilization sources, such as UV-C light emitting diodes, which can be configured to align with the windows through the tank plate 204. The windows can be configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation from the one or more sterilization source light emitting diodes to the interior 230 of the tank body 202. In some embodiments, there can be one sterilization source that can be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation through each window in the tank plate 204. Alternatively, there can be more than one sterilization source.

[0104] The one or more sterilization sources may be communicatively coupled to the controller 130 of the treatment unit 160. The one or more sterilization sources may be configured to be actuated to sterilize the interior 230 of the tank 202. In some embodiments, the first sterilization source 294 may be configured to sterilize the first fluid chamber 282, and the second sterilization source 296 may be configured to sterilize the second fluid chamber 284.

[0105] The drip system 210 may include an inlet 272, an outlet 274, and a conduit 276. The inlet 272 may couple the conduit 276 to the first opening 264. In some embodiments, the inlet 272 may provide a fluid path from the lumen 281 of the conduit 276 to the first opening 264. The inlet 272 may include a first part 271 and a second part 273. The first part 271 may be a grommet or other seal configured to couple the inlet 272 to the first opening 264 while maintaining a fluid-tight seal between the fluid passage through the inlet 272 and the first opening 264. The second part 273 may be an elbow connector or other device configured to receive a fluid flowing in a first direction and direct the fluid into a second direction. There may be a first lumen 283 extending through the first part 271 and a second lumen 285 extending through the second part 273. The first lumen 283 and the second lumen 285 may provide a path for fluid to move through the first part 271 and the second part 273.

[0106] The outlet 274 may couple the conduit 276 to the second opening 266. In some embodiments, the outlet 274 may provide a fluid path from the lumen of the conduit 276 to the second opening 266. The outlet 274 may include a first part 275 and a second part 277. The first part 275 may be a grommet or other seal configured to couple the outlet 274 to the second opening 266 while maintaining a fluid-tight seal between the fluid passage through the outlet 274 and the second opening 266. The second part 277 may be an elbow connector or other device configured to receive a fluid flowing in a first direction and direct the fluid into a second direction. There may be a first lumen 287 extending through the first part 275 and a second lumen 289 extending through the second part 277. The first lumen 287 and the second lumen 289 may provide a path for fluid to move through the first part 275 and the second part 277.

[0107] In some embodiments, the drip system 210 may further include a second sensor 279. The second sensor 279 may be configured to generate a signal indicative of a fill state of the second fluid chamber 284. For example, the second sensor 279 may be configured to sense when the second fluid chamber 284 is empty. In some embodiments, the second sensor 279 may be communicatively coupled to at least the controller 130 of the treatment system 100, such that if the controller 130 receives a signal from the second sensor 279 indicating that the second fluid chamber 284 is empty, the controller 130 may stop the drip treatment of the treatment system 100.

[0108] In some embodiments, the drip system 210 may further include one or more valves. The valve may be a one-way valve and may be located within the drip system 210 to prevent fluid from flowing through the drip system 210 into the tank 115. In some embodiments, the components of the drip system 210 may be formed of plastics, polymers, thermoplastics, metals, metal alloys, composite materials, fiber-type materials, and other similar materials.

[0109] In some embodiments, the one or more negative pressure filters 208 may include a first filter 278 and a second filter 280. The first filter 278 may be configured to be located adjacent to the inner surface 256 of the tank plate 204 to cover the pressure sensor opening 268. The second filter 280 may be configured to be located adjacent to the inner surface 256 of the tank plate 204 to cover the negative pressure opening 270. The first filter 278 may be a liquid-air separator and configured to prevent liquid and exudate from the interior 230 of the tank body 202 from leaving the tank 115 through the pressure sensor opening 268. The second filter 280 may be a liquid-air separator and configured to prevent liquid and exudate from the interior 230 of the tank body 202 from leaving the tank 115 through the negative pressure opening 270.

[0110] In some embodiments, the filter 206 may be located in the channel 233 and maintained in a position between the first shelf 232 and the second shelf 234. In some embodiments, the filter 206 may be supported by the first shelf 232 and the second shelf 234 of the tank 202. The filter 206 may include a filter carrier 286, a primary filter 288, and a secondary filter 290. The filter carrier 286 may be disposed between the primary filter 288 and the secondary filter 290, and may be configured to provide support for one or both of the primary filter 288 and the secondary filter 290. The primary filter 288 may be coupled to the filter carrier 286 and disposed adjacent to the second fluid chamber 284. The secondary filter 290 may be adjacent to or coupled to the filter carrier 286 and may be disposed adjacent to the first fluid chamber 282. In some embodiments, the secondary filter 290 may be configured to rest on the first shelf 232, and the filter carrier 286 and the primary filter 288 may be disposed between the first shelf 232 and the second shelf 234.

[0111] The filter 206 can be configured to filter the fluid from the tissue site as it moves from the first fluid chamber 282 to the second fluid chamber 284. In some embodiments, the filter 206 can include a material capable of physically filtering the fluid such that water (H2O) molecules can pass through the filter 206 while larger bacteria molecules are captured by the filter 206. Additionally, one or more of the filter carrier 286, the primary filter 288, or the secondary filter 290 of the filter 206 can be positively or negatively charged to capture bacteria while allowing plasma to pass through the filter 206.

[0112] The drip system 210 can be configured to fluidically couple the second fluid chamber 284 to the dressing 110. More specifically, the fluid in the second fluid chamber 284 can be delivered from the second fluid chamber 284, through the drip system 210, through the fluid outlet 238, to the dressing 110 at the tissue site. The drip system 210 can be configured to deliver the fluid of the second fluid chamber 284 to the dressing 110 while maintaining fluid isolation from the first fluid chamber 282.

[0113] In some embodiments, the tank 115 can be manufactured so that it is received by a user or a medical staff, and the second fluid chamber 284 has a drip fluid. Additionally or alternatively, the tank 115 can be received by a user or a medical staff, and the second fluid chamber 284 does not contain any fluid. The drip fluid can be introduced into the second fluid chamber 284 before using the tank 115 to treat the tissue site. In some embodiments, before using the tank 115 and the treatment system 100 to treat the tissue site, the tank 115 can be connected to an external fluid source. More specifically, the external fluid source can be connected to the drip system 210 through a tube, a catheter or another element. The controller 130 can be configured to reversely operate the positive pressure source 150 so that the drip fluid stored in the external fluid source can be pulled from the external fluid source into the second fluid chamber 284 of the tank 115. For example, the fluid can flow from the external fluid source through a tube or a catheter to the fluid outlet 238. From the fluid outlet 238, the fluid may flow through the first part 275 and the second part 277 of the outlet 274, through the conduit 276, and through the second part 273 and the first part 271 of the inlet 272 to reach the second fluid chamber 284. Once the instillation fluid is stored in the second fluid chamber 284, the treatment system 100 may be able to instill the instillation fluid from the second fluid chamber 284 to the dressing 110.

[0114] In some embodiments, the instillation fluid may not be introduced into the canister 115 prior to operating the treatment system 100 to treat a tissue site. The treatment system 100 may be operated to draw the dressing 110 to a desired negative pressure, which may draw fluid from the dressing 110 into the first fluid chamber 282 of the canister 115. The fluid may be filtered through the filter 206 as described above, so that the purified or filtered fluid may be stored in the second fluid chamber 284. Once a predetermined amount of fluid is stored in the second fluid chamber 284, the treatment system 100 may be able to instill the fluid from the second fluid chamber 284 into the dressing 110.

[0115] In some embodiments, the tank 115 may also include a communication element that can be communicatively coupled to the treatment unit 160 of the treatment system 100. In some embodiments, the communication element can utilize RFID technology, which can enable the treatment system 100 to be used only with a specific patient and / or treatment unit. For example, the communication element can be configured to track one or more devices and / or patients that the tank 115 has been used with, and to keep a record of the life of the patient and the tank 115. This information can be configured to be stored in a database that can be accessed by a medical service provider. The communication element of the tank 115 can also track the number of dressings to which the tank 115 is coupled. In some embodiments, the data can be used to optimize the performance of the tank 115.

[0116] In some embodiments, the tank body 202 and the tank plate 204 can be transparent. In other embodiments not shown herein, the tank body 202 and / or the tank plate 204 can be transparent, and the part can be opaque, or the tank body 202 and the tank plate 204 can be opaque. The tank body 202 and the tank plate 204 can be formed by plastics, polymers, thermoplastics, metals, metal alloys, composite materials, fiber-type materials and other similar materials. The plastics described herein can be a material or structure that can be formed or molded under the condition of applying or not applying heat, and a generally synthetic polymer combined with other components (such as curing agents, fillers, reinforcing agents, plasticizers, etc.). Plastics can be formed or molded under heat and pressure in its original state, and machined to high dimensional accuracy, finishing and polishing in its hardened state. Thermoplastic types can be softened to their original state by heating. In addition, plastics can refer to engineering plastics, such as those plastics that can withstand high levels of stress and can be processed and dimensionally stable. Some exemplary plastics are nylon, acetyl, polycarbonate, ABS resin, PPO / styrene, ISOPLAST 2530, TURLUX HS2822, and polybutylene terephthalate. The thermoplastics described herein may be polymers that soften when exposed to heat and return to their original state when cooled to room temperature.

[0117] Figure 3A It is along Figure 2D The line 2E-2E intercepts Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the recirculation tank 115 is provided, and illustrates the drip mode of operation. Figure 3A115 , the fluid 302 is delivered from the second fluid chamber 284 through the first lumen 283 of the first part 271, the second lumen 285 of the second part 273, the lumen 281 of the conduit 276, the first lumen 287 of the first part 275, the second lumen 289 of the second part 277, and the fluid outlet 238. In some embodiments, a conduit not shown herein may be coupled to the fluid outlet 238 and to the dressing 110 to couple the canister 115 to the dressing 110. In some embodiments, the fluid path from the second fluid chamber 284 to the dressing 110 may be a drip fluid passage 303.

[0118] In some embodiments, the fluid 302 may be pre-filled in the second fluid chamber 284. For example, the fluid 302 may be added to the second fluid chamber 284 of the tank body 202 during assembly of the tank 115. In operation, the fluid 302 may be stored in the second fluid chamber 284 until it is desired to provide instillation therapy to the tissue site. When instillation therapy is desired, the controller 130 may be configured to operate the positive pressure source 150 to draw the fluid 302 from the second fluid chamber 284 through the instillation fluid passage 303. In some embodiments, the controller 130 may operate the positive pressure source to move the fluid 302 through the instillation fluid passage 303 to the dressing 110 until the second fluid chamber 284 becomes empty.

[0119] Figure 3B It is along Figure 2D The line 2E-2E intercepts Figure 2A 105 , illustrating a negative pressure mode of operation. The tank 115 can be fluidly coupled between the negative pressure source 105 and the dressing 110. The controller 130 can actuate the negative pressure source 105, and fluid 308 from the dressing 110 can be drawn from the dressing 110 into the first fluid chamber 282. In some embodiments, the negative pressure source 105 can be configured to stop the negative pressure mode of operation when the first sensor 243 detects a predetermined fill level of the first fluid chamber 282.

[0120] There may be a conduit (not shown herein) that may couple the dressing 110 to the fluid inlet 236. The fluid 308 may be drawn from the dressing 110, through the conduit, and into the first fluid chamber 282. The path taken by the fluid 308 from the dressing 110 to the first fluid chamber 282 may be a negative pressure path 310. The negative pressure path 310 may be offset from the drip fluid path 303. For example, the negative pressure path 310 may direct the fluid 308 from the fluid inlet 236 toward the first side 222 of the canister 202 to reach the first fluid chamber 282. By isolating the negative pressure path 310 from the drip fluid path 303, the fluid 308 may not contaminate or contact the fluid 302.

[0121] Figure 3C It is along Figure 2DThe line 2E-2E intercepts Figure 2A 1, illustrating fluid being filtered from the first fluid chamber 282 of the tank 115 to the second fluid chamber 284 of the tank 115. During the negative pressure operating mode, the first fluid chamber 282 may be filled with fluid 308. The filter 206 may be configured to filter the fluid 308 from the first fluid chamber 282 to the second fluid chamber 284, as indicated by arrow 312. The fluid 308 may naturally flow through the filter 206 under the action of gravity. In some embodiments, the fluid 308 may flow through the filter 206 due to the pressure difference between the first fluid chamber 282 and the second fluid chamber 284. More specifically, the fluid 308 starts in the first fluid chamber 282 and may then pass through the secondary filter 290, the filter carrier 286, and the primary filter 288 to reach the second fluid chamber 284.

[0122] The fluid 308 in the first fluid chamber 282 may be wound exudate from a tissue site being treated by the treatment system 100. As the fluid 308 passes through each element of the filter 206, the fluid 308 may be purified and cleaned such that contaminants (such as bacteria, red blood cells, and / or viruses) are removed by the primary filter 288 or the secondary filter 290, and the filtered or purified fluid entering the second fluid chamber 284 is of a quality that can be discharged to a drain or can be dripped back into the tissue site being treated by the treatment system 100. In some embodiments, the filter 206 may convert the fluid 308 to saline, or the fluid 302 may be converted to saline by the fluid altering device 241 of the second fluid chamber 284. In other embodiments, the filter 206 may be configured to allow certain components of the fluid 308 that may be beneficial to the tissue site to pass through to the second fluid chamber 284, while capturing harmful or unhelpful components in at least one component of the filter 206. As described above, the filter 206 can filter the fluid so that water (H2O) molecules can pass through the filter 206, while larger bacteria molecules are captured by the filter 206. In some embodiments, the filter 206 can be sized to capture bacteria and red blood cells, thereby inhibiting the bacteria and red blood cells from entering the second fluid chamber 284. Additionally, one or more of the filter carrier 286, the primary filter 288, or the secondary filter 290 of the filter 206 can be positively or negatively charged to capture bacteria while allowing components of plasma to pass through the filter 206. In some embodiments, the filter 206 can also be configured to capture viruses to inhibit or prevent viruses from passing through the filter 206 into the second fluid chamber 284.

[0123] Figure 3D It is along Figure 2D The line 2E-2E intercepts Figure 2A1, illustrating a second fluid chamber 284 of the tank 115 containing fluid. The second fluid chamber 284 can contain fluid 314 from the first fluid chamber 282 through the filter 206 to the second fluid chamber 284. In some embodiments, the fluid 314 can be mixed with the fluid 314 as shown in FIG. Figure 3A The fluid 302 discussed above for instillation into the tissue site from the second fluid chamber 284 is the same or similar. In some embodiments, once the fluid 308 has been completely filtered through the filter 206 to become the fluid 314 stored in the second fluid chamber 284, the treatment system 100 can be ready to instill the fluid 314 from the second fluid chamber 284 into the tissue site. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D The described process can be repeated for as many cycles as necessary to treat the tissue site. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D The process described above is described as long as the filter 206 is considered to be of good quality. If the fluid passing through the second fluid chamber 284 is of the desired quality, the filter can be considered to be of high quality. For example, if the filter 206 allows bacteria or other contaminants to enter the second fluid chamber 284, the filter 206 may be considered to be of poor quality. In addition, if the filter 206 takes longer than a predetermined time to filter the fluid 308 from the first fluid chamber 282 to the second fluid chamber 284, the filter 206 may be considered to be of poor quality. More specifically, if a predetermined amount of fluid 308 has not flowed through the filter 206 within a predetermined amount of time, the filter 206 may be at the end of its life and the filter 206 may need to be replaced.

[0124] 4A to 4F Illustrated Figure 1 1 and 2. Various views of an exemplary embodiment of a canister 115 of a treatment system 100. In some embodiments, the canister 115 is reusable. Figure 4A It is available with Figure 1 1 is an exploded view of the tank 115 associated with some embodiments. Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A front view of the tank 115. Figure 4C yes Figure 4A A rear view of the tank 115. Figure 4D yes Figure 4A A side view of tank 115 is shown. Figure 4E It is along Figure 4C The line 4E-4E intercepts Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of tank 115 . Figure 4F yes Figure 4A 0014] A cross-sectional view of a second fluid chamber of a reusable canister in FIG. 1 illustrates additional details that may be associated with some exemplary embodiments.

[0125] The tank 115 may include a tank body 202, a tank plate 204, a filter 206, one or more negative pressure filters 208, and a plug 410. Although not shown herein, the tank 115 may further include one or more of a fluid changing device 241, a first sterilization source 294, a second sterilization source 296, or a first sensor. In some embodiments, the fluid outlet 238 may be removed from the tank body 202. For example, the tank 115 may be a reusable tank that can receive fluid from a tissue site, be discharged, and then be used again for treatment to receive more fluid from a tissue site. In these embodiments, drip therapy may not be performed, and the tank body 202 may be formed without a fluid outlet 238.

[0126] In embodiments where the tank 115 may not be used to provide infusion therapy, the infusion system 210 may be removed. The tank plate 204 may include a port or opening 458. The opening 458 may be centrally disposed between the first side 246 and the second side 248 and adjacent to the second end 244. The opening 458 may extend through the tank plate 204, thereby allowing fluid communication of the tank plate 204. In some embodiments, an annular wall 459 may be coupled to the inner surface 256. The annular wall 459 may surround the opening 458 and extend downward into the interior 230 of the tank 115. In some embodiments, a bevel, chamfer, or fillet may be disposed at the connection of the annular wall 459 and the opening 458, thereby forming a recess 460 that may surround the opening 458. In some embodiments, a groove 462 or cavity may be formed in the tank plate 204 adjacent to the opening 458. The groove 462 may extend downward into the tank plate 204. In some embodiments, the groove 462 may not allow fluid communication between the tank plate 204 and the interior 230 of the tank 115. In some embodiments, a portion of the groove 462 may be coupled to the recess 460. In some embodiments, the opening 458 may be configured to receive the plug 410.

[0127] The tank plate 204 may also include structures, such as a baffle 464. The baffle 464 may be coupled to the inner surface 256 and extend downward into the interior 230 of the tank 115. In some embodiments, the baffle 464 may be disposed on the inner surface 256 adjacent the opening 458 and the annular wall 459. The baffle 464 may have a height greater than the annular wall 459. The baffle 464 may have an inverted V-shape having a central portion aligned with the center of the opening 458. The baffle 464 may have two lateral portions, a first lateral portion extending toward the first side 246 and terminating near it, and a second lateral portion extending toward the second side 248 and terminating near it. In some embodiments, the distal ends of the lateral portions may be disposed between the central portion of the baffle 464 and the second end 244 of the tank plate 204.

[0128] The plug 410 may be configured to be disposed within the opening 458 and prevent fluid communication through the opening 458. In some embodiments, the plug 410 may include a sealing plug 472. In some embodiments, the sealing plug 472 may be a cylinder having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the opening 458. The height of the sealing plug 472 may be substantially equal to the height of the annular wall 459, so that if the sealing plug 472 is disposed within the opening 458, the end of the sealing plug 472 may be flush with the end of the annular wall 459. In some embodiments, the sealing plug 472 may include one or more recesses 473 extending downward into the sealing plug 472. When the tank 115 is assembled, the recess 473 may be exposed to the interior 230 and may be in contact with the fluid stored in the tank 115. The plug 410 may further include a sealing ring 474 coupled to the sealing plug 472. The sealing ring 474 may be coupled to the end of the sealing plug 472 opposite to the recess 473. The plug 410 may also include a gripping portion 476 coupled to the sealing ring 474. In operation, the plug 410 may be inserted into the opening 458. The sealing plug 472 may be coupled to the tank plate 204 in an interference fit, thereby preventing fluid from flowing through the opening 458. The sealing ring 474 may contact the recess 460, thereby providing a further seal between the tank plate 204 and the plug 410. The gripping portion 476 may fit within the groove 462 so that the plug 410 may be flush with the outer surface 254 of the tank plate 204. The plug 410 may provide a fluid seal at the opening 458 of the tank plate 204, thereby preventing the tank plate 204 from communicating with the fluid of the interior 230 through the opening 458. In some embodiments, the plug 410 may be removable, and in other embodiments, the plug 410 may be permanently attached to the tank plate 204. The plug 410 may be formed of any of the materials described above with reference to the tank body 202 and the tank plate 204.

[0129] Figure 5A It is along Figure 4C The line 4E-4E intercepts Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of the tank 115 of FIG. 1 illustrates a negative pressure mode of operation. The negative pressure mode of operation may be substantially similar to that described above with reference to FIG. Figure 3B For example, there may be a conduit (not shown herein) that couples the dressing 110 to the fluid inlet 236. The fluid 502 may be drawn from the dressing 110, through the conduit, and into the first fluid chamber 282. The path taken by the fluid 502 from the dressing 110 to the first fluid chamber 282 may be a negative pressure path.

[0130] Figure 5B It is along Figure 4C The line 4E-4E intercepts Figure 4A115, illustrating the negative pressure mode of operation when fluid 502 is filtered from the first fluid chamber 282 of the tank 115 to the second fluid chamber 284 of the tank 115. Figure 5B , the negative pressure source 105 is operating and the first fluid chamber 282 is partially filled with the fluid 502. The second fluid chamber 284 is partially filled with the fluid 508 that has been filtered through the filter 206. Arrow 510 may represent the process of the fluid 502 being filtered through the filter 206. The process of the fluid 502 being filtered through the filter 206 may be substantially similar to the process described above with reference to Figure 3C Describe the process.

[0131] Fluid 502 can continue to be filtered through filter 206 until second fluid chamber 284 is substantially filled with fluid 508. In some embodiments, first sensor 243 can be configured to determine when second fluid chamber 284 is full. In other embodiments, tank 115 can include additional sensors that can be configured to determine when second fluid chamber 284 is full.

[0132] Figure 5C It is along Figure 4C The line 4E-4E intercepts Figure 4A 458. A cross-sectional view of the canister 115 of FIG. 1 illustrates fluid being removed from the second fluid chamber 284 in an emptying mode. The emptying mode may follow the negative pressure mode of operation so that the fluid 502 does not flow into the first fluid chamber 282 during the emptying mode. During the emptying mode, the plug 410 may be removed from the opening 458. For example, a user may separate the canister 115 from the treatment system 100, thereby exposing the plug 410. The user may grasp the grip portion 476 and apply force to the plug 410, thereby moving the sealing ring 474 and the sealing plug 472 away from the recess 460 and the opening 458, respectively. If the plug 410 is removed from the canister 115, the fluid 508 in the second fluid chamber 284 may flow through the opening 458 to exit the canister 115. Arrow 512 may indicate that the fluid 508 flows out of the second fluid chamber 284. The fluid 508 may be of a quality that can be disposed of in a standard drain and does not need to be disposed of as medical waste. Purifying fluid 502 into fluid 508 through filter 206 may allow a user to drain canister 115 and continue to use canister 115 and therapy system 100 after canister 115 has been drained. In some embodiments, canister 115 may allow a user to repeatedly operate multiple negative pressure therapy cycles in a home environment using therapy system 100. For example, when canister 115 is filled, a user may dispose of fluid 508 from second fluid chamber 284, reattach canister 115 to therapy system 100, and continue therapy.

[0133] Reference Figure 5A5D can be repeated until treatment of the tissue site is complete. In some embodiments, the process can be repeated until the life cycle of the filter 206 is reached. For example, if a predetermined amount of fluid 502 has not flowed through the filter 206 within a predetermined amount of time, the filter 206 may be at the end of its life and the filter 206 may be replaced.

[0134] Fig. 6A 4 is an assembly diagram of another embodiment of a portion of the plug 410 and the tank plate 204, illustrating additional details that may be associated with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the opening 458 can be a straight hole formed through the tank plate 204. The opening 458 can be defined by a generally cylindrical wall having threads 610 formed thereon. In some embodiments, the opening 458 can have a seat 611 formed in the opening 458 adjacent to the inner surface 256. The seat 611 can provide a shelf having a surface facing away from the interior 230.

[0135] In some embodiments, the plug 410 is configured to be coupled to the tank plate 204 at the opening 458 by a pair of mating threads. The plug 410 may include a fastener 602 and a seal 604. In some embodiments, the fastener 602 may be a disc-shaped body having a sidewall. In some embodiments, the sidewall may include threads 603. The threads 603 may be configured to mate with the threads 610. In some embodiments, the fastener 602 may include a recess 606 and a protrusion 608. For example, the recess 606 may be disposed in a surface of the fastener 602 that is configured to face away from the interior 230. The recess 606 may extend downward into the surface of the fastener 602. In some embodiments, the recess 606 may be disposed adjacent to the edge of the surface of the fastener 602. In other embodiments, the recess 606 may be disposed adjacent to the center of the surface of the fastener 602. The protrusion 608 may be disposed on a surface of the fastener 602 that is configured to face away from the interior 230. The protrusion 608 may be aligned with the recess 606. For example, the protrusion 608 may have an axis that is aligned with the center of the recess 606. In some embodiments, the recess 606 and the protrusion 608 may provide texture to the surface of the fastener 602, thereby allowing a user to apply sufficient force to the fastener 602 so that the fastener 602 can be secured to and removed from the tank plate 204.

[0136] The seal 604 may be a ring configured to fit within the opening 458 of the tank plate 204. The seal 604 may be configured to be disposed on a seat 611 within the opening 458. The fastener 602 may be secured to the tank plate 204 via threads 603 and threads 610, thereby compressing the seal between the fastener 602 and the seat 611.

[0137] Figure 6B yes Fig. 6A4 and a perspective view of a portion of the tank plate 204, illustrating additional details that may be associated with some embodiments. Figure 6B As shown, when the fastener 602 is adjacent to the opening 458, the fastener 602 can be rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise motion. The threads 603 can engage the threads 610 of the opening 458 to secure the plug 410 to the tank plate 204. In some embodiments, the surface of the fastener 602 having the recess 606 and the protrusion 608 can be flush with the outer surface 254 of the tank plate 204.

[0138] Figure 6C 4 is an assembly diagram of another embodiment of a portion of a plug 410 and a tank plate 204, illustrating additional details that may be associated with some embodiments. Figure 6C As shown, the opening 458 can have a generally rectangular shape with semicircular ends. Typically, the linear sides of the opening 458 can be oriented adjacent to the second end 244. One of the semicircular ends can be adjacent to the respective first side 246 and second side 248. In some embodiments, the groove 462 can extend from the opening 458 toward the first end 242 of the tank plate 204.

[0139] In some embodiments, the plug 410 may have a first portion 620 and a second portion 622. The first portion 620 may be shaped to fit with the opening 458 so that the first portion 620 may be inserted into the opening 458. In some embodiments, the first portion 620 may be configured to substantially fill the opening 458, thereby sealing the opening 458. In some embodiments, the first portion 620 may include a central portion 624 and one or more gripping portions 626 surrounding the central portion 624. The second portion 622 may extend from the first portion 620. For example, the second portion may have a first end configured to be coupled to a linear side of the first portion 620. The second portion 622 may extend away from the first portion so that the second end of the second portion 622 may be separated from the first portion 620. In some embodiments, the second end of the second portion 622 may be coupled to the tank plate 204 adjacent to the opening 458. For example, the second end of the second portion 622 may be disposed in the groove 462 and coupled to the tank plate 204. In some embodiments, the second portion 622 may include a hinge 623. The hinge 623 can be disposed between the first end and the second end of the second portion 622. In some embodiments, the hinge 623 can be configured to allow the first portion 620 to swing away from the tank plate 204 along at least one axis of rotation.

[0140] Fig.6D yes Figure 6C 4 and a perspective view of a portion of the tank plate 204, illustrating additional details that may be associated with some embodiments. Fig.6DAs shown, the second portion 622 can couple the plug 410 to the tank plate 204 so that the plug 410 can remain connected to the tank plate 204 when the first portion 620 is removed from the opening 458. To remove the plug 410 from the opening 458, a user can grasp the central portion 624 by inserting one or more fingers into the one or more gripping portions 626 and can pull the first portion 620 from the opening 458. The second portion 622 can remain in contact with the tank plate 204 so that the plug 410 is not lost or discarded when the fluid is removed from the tank 115. In some embodiments, the baffle 464 can be shaped to accommodate Figure 6C and Fig.6D Opening 458.

[0141] Fig. 6E 4 is an assembly diagram of another embodiment of a portion of a plug 410 and a tank plate 204, illustrating additional details that may be associated with some embodiments. The plug 410 and the opening 458 may include a sliding door type mechanism. Fig. 6E As shown, the plug 410 may be in an open position. The opening 458 may be generally rectangular with semicircular ends. The linear portion of the opening 458 may be oriented adjacent to the first side 246 and the second side 248, respectively. In some embodiments, the semicircular portion may be oriented adjacent to the first end 242 and the second end 244 of the tank plate 204. The diameter of the semicircular portion of the opening 458 may be substantially equal to the diameter of the plug 410, thereby allowing the plug 410 to fit within the opening 458. The plug portion 630 may be built into the tank plate 204 so that at least a portion of the plug 410 may be within the plug portion 630 of the tank plate 204 in both the closed position and the open position of the plug. The plug portion 630 may extend from the opening 458 toward the first end 242 of the tank plate 204. The plug portion 630 may be a hollow portion of the tank plate 204 between the outer surface 254 and the inner surface 256 of the tank plate 204.

[0142] The plug 410 may include a contact portion 632 and a sliding portion 634. The contact portion 632 may extend beyond the outer surface 254 so that a user may engage the contact portion 632. The sliding portion 634 may be received by the plug portion 630 of the tank plate 204. When the plug 410 is configured to close the opening from the surrounding environment, the sliding portion 634 may extend partially into the plug portion 630. When the opening 458 is exposed to allow fluid to be removed from the tank 115, the sliding portion 634 may be fully inserted into the plug portion 630. By sliding within the plug portion 630 to close and expose the opening 458, the plug 410 may be configured to remain in contact with the tank plate 204 so that the plug 410 is not lost or discarded when the fluid is removed from the tank 115.

[0143] Figure 6G4 is an assembly diagram of another embodiment of a portion of the plug 410 and the tank plate 204, illustrating additional details that may be associated with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the opening 458 can be a straight hole formed through the tank plate 204. The opening 458 can be defined by a substantially circular wall configured to accommodate the plug 410. In some embodiments, the opening 458 can include a seat 639 formed in the opening 458 adjacent to the inner surface 256 of the tank plate 204.

[0144] In some embodiments, the stopper 410 may include an outer wall 641 that may engage the seat 639 of the opening 458. The stopper 410 may include a cap 640 that may be coupled to a body 643 of the stopper 410 via a connector 642. In some embodiments, the connector 642 may be a hinge that allows the cap 640 to be opened while remaining connected to the body 643 of the stopper 410.

[0145] Figure 6H yes Fig. 6A 4 and a perspective view of a portion of the tank plate 204, illustrating additional details that may be associated with some embodiments. Figure 6H As shown, the cap 640 can be removed from the body 643 of the plug 410. In some embodiments, the body 643 of the plug 410 can be pulled away from the inner surface 256 of the tank plate 204 toward the outer surface 254 to allow easier access to the cover 640.

[0146] exist 6A to 6H In any of the embodiments, the stopper 410 can utilize the negative pressure in the tank 115 while the negative pressure source 105 operates to fluidly seal the tank 115. Additionally, the stopper 410 can be used as a nozzle to improve control when emptying the tank 115. In some embodiments, the baffle 464 can also help control the fluid as it leaves the tank 115 through the opening 458. In other embodiments, the stopper 410 and the opening 458 can have different sizes, shapes, and configurations, but can maintain a fluid seal so that the fluid cannot escape from the tank 115 when the stopper 410 seals the opening 458.

[0147] Reference Figure 7 , showing Figure 1 Another embodiment of an exemplary embodiment of the tank 115 of the treatment system 100 of FIG. The tank 115 may be similar to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E and FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D The tank 115 may be substantially similar to the recycle tank 115 shown in FIG. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E and FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D203 and the negative pressure passage 310. The filling passage 704 may extend from the second fluid chamber 284, through the tank body 202 to the filling inlet 702 to connect to a conduit (not shown herein), which may be connected to an external fluid source. In some embodiments, the filling passage 704 may include a component of the drip system 210. For example, the filling passage 704 may extend from the second fluid chamber 284 through the first lumen 283 of the first part 271, the second lumen 285 of the second part 273, the lumen 281 of the conduit 276, the first lumen 287 of the first part 275, the second lumen 289 of the second part 277, the fluid outlet 238, and the filling inlet 702 to reach the conduit that connects the filling inlet to the external fluid source. Fill passage 704 may be isolated from first fluid chamber 282 such that fluid from an external fluid source is inserted into second fluid chamber 284 without contacting filter 206 or first fluid chamber 282 .

[0148] Reference Figure 8 , showing Figure 1 Another embodiment of an exemplary embodiment of the tank 115 of the treatment system 100 of the present invention is shown in FIG. The tank 115 can be a combination of a recycling tank and a reusable tank. In some embodiments, the tank 115 can be substantially similar to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E and FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D of tanks, but may include 4A to 4F , FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C and 6A to 6H The canister 115 may be configured to drip fluid from the second fluid chamber 284 into the dressing 110 or drain fluid from the second fluid chamber 284 into the canister plate 204 through the opening 458. In some embodiments, the opening 458 may be configured to couple with the stopper 410 and may include an extension or nozzle 1002 extending from the inner surface 256 of the canister plate 204 away from the outer surface 254 of the canister plate 204. The nozzle 1002 may be configured to facilitate removal of fluid from the second fluid chamber 284.

[0149] In some embodiments, tank 115 may be capable of FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D Additionally, during operation of the treatment system 100, the plug 410 can be removed from the canister plate 204 to remove fluid from the second fluid chamber 284. For example, if the fluid in the second fluid chamber 284 has a quality that should not be dripped back into the tissue site, the fluid can be removed through the nozzle 1002 of the canister 115. Additionally or alternatively, if treatment of the tissue site is completed with the treatment system 100, the fluid can be removed from the second fluid chamber 284 to dispose of the fluid.

[0150] In some embodiments, the opening 458 can be configured to deliver fluid from an external fluid source into the second fluid chamber 284. More specifically, the plug 410 can be removed from the opening 458 to expose the interior 230 of the canister 202 so that fluid from the external fluid source can be poured into the canister 115. After the fluid has been disposed within the second fluid chamber 284, the plug 410 can be reinserted into the opening 458 to seal the canister 115. The canister 115 can then be used with the treatment system 100 to treat a tissue site, as described above with reference to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D as described.

[0151] A method for treating a tissue site is also described herein. The method may include placing a dressing 110 at a tissue site, fluidly coupling a negative pressure source 105 to the dressing 110, and fluidly coupling a tank 115 between the negative pressure source 105 and the dressing 110. The tank 115 may include a first fluid chamber 282, a second fluid chamber 284, and a filter 206. The first fluid chamber 282 may be configured to collect fluid from a tissue site. The filter 206 may be disposed between the first fluid chamber 282 and the second fluid chamber 284. The filter 206 may be configured to filter the fluid when the fluid from the tissue site moves from the first fluid chamber 282 to the second fluid chamber 284 through the filter 206. The method may also include operating the negative pressure source 105 to generate a negative pressure at the dressing 110, sucking the fluid from the tissue site into the first fluid chamber 282 of the tank 115 in response to the negative pressure, and filtering the fluid with the filter 206 when the fluid from the tissue site moves from the first fluid chamber 282 to the second fluid chamber 284.

[0152] In some embodiments, the method may further include instilling the filtered fluid in the second fluid chamber 284 into the tissue site. In some embodiments, the method may further include disposing of the filtered fluid in the second fluid chamber 284. In some exemplary embodiments, the disposal of the filtered fluid in the second fluid chamber 284 may include removing the plug 410 from a drain port (such as the opening 458 of the second fluid chamber 284) and withdrawing the filtered fluid from the second fluid chamber 284 through the drain port.

[0153] In some exemplary embodiments, the method may further include purifying the fluid in the first fluid chamber 282 with a UV-C source, such as the first sterilization source 294 and the second sterilization source 296. In some exemplary embodiments, the method may further include treating the filtered fluid in the second fluid chamber 284 with a UV-C source, such as the first sterilization source 294 and the second sterilization source 296. In some exemplary embodiments, the second fluid chamber 284 may be configured to receive and contain the instillation fluid.

[0154] In some exemplary embodiments, the method may further include filling the second fluid chamber 284 with an instillation fluid. In some exemplary embodiments, the method may further include fluidly coupling the second fluid chamber 284 to the dressing 110 and instilling the instillation fluid from the second fluid chamber 284 to the dressing 110. In some exemplary embodiments, filling the second fluid chamber 284 with the instillation fluid may include adding the instillation fluid from an external fluid source through a port, such as the opening 458 of the second fluid chamber 284. In some exemplary embodiments, filling the second fluid chamber 284 with the instillation fluid includes coupling a fluid pathway, such as the instillation fluid pathway 303 of the tank 115, to the external fluid source and operating a pump, such as the positive pressure source 150, to draw fluid from the external fluid source into the second fluid chamber 284.

[0155] The systems, devices, and methods described herein can provide significant advantages. For example, the embodiments of the canister 115 described herein result in fewer canister changes, reduced size of the treatment system 100, and a simpler system for the user and medical staff to manage. Additionally, the embodiments of the canister 115 described herein result in reduced waste because the filter 206 can clean and purify the fluid from the tissue site so that the fluid can be discharged to a drain and does not need to be processed as medical waste.

[0156] Although shown in several exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein are susceptible to various changes and modifications, and that these changes and modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, descriptions of various alternatives using terms such as "or" do not need to be mutually exclusive, and unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not limit the subject matter to a single instance. For the purpose of sale, manufacture, assembly, or use, components may also be combined or removed in various configurations. For example, in some configurations, the dressing 110, the tank 115, or both may be removed or separated from other components for manufacture or sale. In other example configurations, the controller 130 may also be manufactured, configured, assembled, or sold independently of the other components.

[0157] The appended claims set forth novel and inventive aspects of the subject matter described above, but the claims may also include additional subject matter not specifically described in detail. For example, certain features, elements, or aspects may be omitted from the claims if it is not necessary to distinguish novel and inventive features from features known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Features, elements, and aspects described in the context of some embodiments may also be omitted, combined, or replaced by alternative features that serve the same, equivalent, or similar purposes without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A canister for use in a negative pressure wound therapy system, the canister comprising: a first fluid chamber configured to receive fluid from a tissue site; a second fluid chamber; and A filter is disposed between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber, the filter being configured to filter the fluid from the tissue site as the fluid moves from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber.

2. The canister of claim 1, wherein the filter comprises: a filter carrier configured to be coupled to the canister between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber; a primary filter coupled to the filter carrier and disposed adjacent the second fluid chamber; and A secondary filter is coupled to the filter carrier and disposed adjacent the first fluid chamber.

3. The canister of claim 1, further comprising an instillation fluid pathway configured to fluidly couple the second fluid chamber to the tissue site. The canister of claim 3 , wherein the drip fluid path is disposed along an exterior of the canister.

5. The canister of claim 3, wherein the drip fluid passage is isolated from the first fluid chamber.

6. The canister of claim 3, further comprising a negative pressure passage configured to fluidly couple the first fluid chamber to the tissue site.

7. The canister according to claim 6, wherein the negative pressure passage is isolated from the drip fluid passage.

8. The tank of claim 6, further comprising a fill passage configured to fluidly couple the second fluid chamber to an external fluid source.

9. The tank of claim 8, wherein the filling passage is isolated from the negative pressure passage and the drip fluid passage.

10. The canister of claim 3, further comprising a sensor disposed in the drip fluid path, the sensor being configured to generate a signal indicative of a filling status of the second fluid chamber.

11. The canister of claim 1, further comprising a first sterilization source configured to sterilize the first fluid chamber and a second sterilization source configured to sterilize the second fluid chamber.

12. The canister of claim 11, wherein the first sterilization source and the second sterilization source are UV-C emitting devices.

13. The tank of claim 1, further comprising a fluid changing device disposed in the second fluid chamber, the fluid changing device being configured to release a chemical into a fluid disposed in the second fluid chamber.

14. The canister of claim 13, wherein the fluid altering device is configured to sterilize the fluid within the second fluid chamber.

15. The tank of claim 13, wherein the fluid changing device is configured to change a property of the fluid within the second fluid chamber.

16. The canister of claim 1, further comprising a negative pressure filter disposed within the first fluid chamber and configured to prevent liquid from the tissue site from contacting a negative pressure source.

17. The canister of claim 1, wherein the second fluid chamber comprises a port.

18. The canister of claim 17, wherein the port is disposed at an end of the second fluid chamber opposite the first fluid chamber.

19. The canister of claim 17, further comprising a plug configured to be removably coupled to the port.

20. The canister of claim 17, wherein the port comprises a nozzle.

21. The tank of claim 1, further comprising a sensor disposed in the first fluid chamber, the sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a fill status of the first fluid chamber.

22. A system for treating a tissue site, the system comprising: a dressing configured to be disposed at the tissue site; a negative pressure source configured to be fluidly coupled to the dressing and further configured to generate negative pressure at the tissue site; and a canister configured to be fluidly coupled between the dressing and the negative pressure source, the canister comprising: a first fluid chamber configured to receive fluid from the tissue site; a second fluid chamber configured to store a fluid; and A filter is disposed between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber, the filter being configured to filter the fluid from the tissue site as the fluid moves from the first fluid chamber through the filter to the second fluid chamber.

23. The system of claim 22, further comprising an instillation fluid pathway configured to fluidly couple the second fluid chamber to the tissue site.

24. The system of claim 23, further comprising a negative pressure passage configured to connect the negative pressure source fluid to the dressing and the first fluid chamber of the canister, the negative pressure passage being isolated from the infusion fluid passage.

25. A method for treating a tissue site, the method comprising: placing a dressing at the tissue site; fluidly coupling a source of negative pressure to the dressing; A canister is fluidly coupled between the negative pressure source and the dressing, the canister comprising, a first fluid chamber configured to collect fluid from the tissue site; a second fluid chamber; and a filter disposed between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber, the filter configured to filter the fluid from the tissue site as the fluid moves from the first fluid chamber through the filter to the second fluid chamber; operating the negative pressure source to generate negative pressure at the dressing; drawing the fluid from the tissue site into the first fluid chamber of the canister in response to the negative pressure; as well as The fluid from the tissue site is filtered with the filter as the fluid moves from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising instilling the filtered fluid in the second fluid chamber into the tissue site.

27. The method of claim 25, further comprising disposing of the filtered fluid in the second fluid chamber.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein disposing of the filtered fluid in the second fluid chamber comprises removing a plug from a drain port of the second fluid chamber and draining the filtered fluid from the second fluid chamber through the drain port.

29. The method of claim 25, further comprising purifying the fluid in the first fluid chamber with a UV-C source.

30. The method of claim 25, further comprising treating the filtered fluid in the second fluid chamber with a UV-C source.

31. The method of claim 25, wherein the second fluid chamber is configured to receive and contain an instillation fluid.

32. The method of claim 25, further comprising filling the second fluid chamber with an instillation fluid.

33. The method of claim 32, further comprising fluidly coupling the second fluid chamber to the dressing and instilling the instillation fluid from the second fluid chamber to the dressing.

34. The method of claim 32, wherein filling the second fluid chamber with the instillation fluid comprises adding the instillation fluid from an external fluid source through a port of the second fluid chamber.

35. The method of claim 32, wherein filling the second fluid chamber with the instillation fluid comprises coupling a fluid passage of the canister to an external fluid source and operating a pump to draw fluid from the external fluid source into the second fluid chamber.

36. Systems, apparatus and methods substantially as described herein.

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