Pressure Indicator

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a device which is intended to deliver and maintain reduced pressure to body surfaces for application of reduced pressure wound therapy (RPWT) also known as negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). During application of this type of therapy, a substantially airtight seal is formed around a section of tissue to be treated. This seal is formed by a dressing which provides fluid communication from a section of tissue to a reduced pressure source. Disclosed herein is a dressing system which is configured to enhance usability and functionality of this dressing. First, the system may be configured to allow full rotation of the fluid communication conduit to the reduced pressure source along the axis substantially normal to the dressing. Second, the system may be configured to include a one-way valve to prevent backflow of any drainage fluids. Third, the system may be configured with transparent windows covered by opaque flaps to allow inspection through the dressing. Fourth, the system may be configured to include an indicator which visually makes clear whether reduced pressure is being applied or not. Fifth, the system is configured to minimize the profile of the dressing system.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A fluid communication conduit for treating tissue, comprising:
 a low profile port, including:
 a port cavity defined by port walls, 
 a port opening in communication with the port cavity, and 
 one or more integrated supports configured to resist collapse of the port walls into the port cavity; and 
   a low profile tubing extending from the low profile port.   
     
     
         2 . The fluid communication conduit of  claim 1 , wherein the port opening is configured to be positioned in communication with the tissue, and wherein the one or more integrated supports are configured to maintain patency within the port cavity and between the port cavity and the tissue through the port opening. 
     
     
         3 . The fluid communication conduit of  claim 1 , wherein the low profile port and the low profile tubing comprise a flexible material. 
     
     
         4 . The fluid communication conduit of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more integrated supports are a plurality of integrated supports projecting outward from the port walls within the port cavity. 
     
     
         5 . The fluid communication conduit of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more integrated supports are a plurality of integrated supports configured to engage opposing port walls to resist collapse of the port cavity under a load. 
     
     
         6 . The fluid communication conduit of  claim 1 , wherein the low profile tubing includes at least one lumen defined within an internal surface of the low profile tubing, the low profile tubing further comprising one or more support walls projecting from the internal surface and configured to prevent collapse of the low profile tubing. 
     
     
         7 . The fluid communication conduit of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one lumen comprises multiple lumens separated by lumen support walls spanning from one portion of the internal surface to another portion of the internal surface. 
     
     
         8 . The fluid communication conduit of  claim 6 , wherein the one or more support walls are a plurality of partial support walls projecting from the internal surface. 
     
     
         9 . The fluid communication conduit of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one lumen is a single lumen, the plurality of partial support walls projecting from the internal surface into the single lumen. 
     
     
         10 . A reduced pressure treatment system, comprising:
 a cover structure configured to provide a seal over the tissue and comprising at least one opening;   the fluid communication conduit of  claim 1 , wherein the port opening of the low profile port is configured to be positioned in communication with the opening in the cover structure; and   a reduced pressure source configured to be positioned in fluid communication with the tissue through the low profile port and the opening in the cover structure.