Wound exudate removal and isolation system

Abstract

A wound exudate removal and isolation system includes a porous dressing, a canister in fluid communication with the dressing, and a first valve positioned between the dressing and the canister. The first valve is positionable between an open position and a closed position. A disposal line is fluidly connected to the canister and includes a second valve that is positionable between an open position and a closed position. A pump is fluidly connected to the canister and is configured to draw wound exudate from the dressing into the canister when the first valve is open and the second valve is closed. The pump is configured to force wound exudate from the canister into the disposal line when the first valve is closed and the second valve is open.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A wound stasis and isolation apparatus comprising:
 an open-cell, reticulated foam dressing having an average pore size less than about 200 microns, the foam dressing being positionable adjacent a wound;   a drape to cover the foam dressing and the wound; and   a pump in fluid communication with the foam dressing to draw wound exudate from the wound at a pressure less than about 125 mmHg to maintain wound drainage and moisture control at the wound but minimize tissue in-growth into the foam dressing.   
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the average pore size of the foam dressing is less than or equal to about 100 microns. 
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the pore size of the foam dressing minimizes tissue in-growth but allows drainage of fluids from the wound. 
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the pressure is between about 25 and 75 mmHg. 
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , further comprising:
 a canister-positioned between the foam dressing and the pump to collect the wound exudate, the canister having a drainage outlet; and   wherein the pump is selectively operable to force wound exudate from the canister through the drainage outlet.   
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 24 , further comprising a disposable container positionable in fluid communication with the drainage outlet to collect wound exudate from the canister. 
     
     
         26 . A method of providing stasis and isolation to a wound comprising:
 positioning an open-cell, reticulated foam dressing adjacent the wound, the foam dressing having an average pore size less than about 200 microns;   positioning a drape over the foam dressing and the wound; and   applying a reduced pressure of less than about 100 mmHg to the foam dressing.   
     
     
         27 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein the average pore size of the foam dressing is less than or equal to about 100 microns. 
     
     
         28 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein the pore size of the foam dressing minimizes tissue in-growth but allows drainage of fluids from the wound. 
     
     
         29 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein the reduced pressure is between about 25 and 75 mmHg. 
     
     
         30 . A wound stasis and isolation apparatus comprising:
 an open-cell, reticulated foam dressing having an average pore size less than about 200 microns, the foam dressing being positionable adjacent a wound;   a drape to cover the foam dressing and the wound; and   a pump in fluid communication with the foam dressing to draw wound exudate from the wound.   
     
     
         31 . The apparatus of  claim 30 , wherein the average pore size of the foam dressing is less than or equal to about 100 microns. 
     
     
         32 . The apparatus of  claim 30 , wherein the pore size of the foam dressing minimizes tissue in-growth but allows drainage of fluids from the wound. 
     
     
         33 . The apparatus of  claim 30 , wherein the pump is adapted to minimize tissue in-growth into the foam dressing. 
     
     
         34 . The apparatus of  claim 30 , wherein the pump is adapted to draw wound exudate from the wound at a pressure less than about 125 mmHg. 
     
     
         35 . The apparatus of  claim 30 , wherein the pump is adapted to draw wound exudate from the wound at a pressure between about 25 mmHg and about 75 mmHg. 
     
     
         36 . The apparatus of  claim 30 , further comprising:
 a canister positioned between the foam dressing and the pump to collect the wound exudate, the canister having a drainage outlet; and   wherein the pump is selectively operable to force wound exudate from the canister through the drainage outlet.   
     
     
         37 . The apparatus of  claim 36 , further comprising a disposable container positionable in fluid communication with the drainage outlet to collect wound exudate from the canister. 
     
     
         38 . The apparatus of  claim 30 , wherein the porous dressing includes an antimicrobial agent. 
     
     
         39 . The apparatus of  claim 38 , wherein the antimicrobial agent is silver. 
     
     
         40 . The apparatus of  claim 38 , wherein the antimicrobial agent is coated onto the porous dressing. 
     
     
         41 . The apparatus of  claim 38 , wherein the antimicrobial agent is impregnated in the porous dressing.