Systems and methods for applying reduced pressure therapy

Abstract

Embodiments of a negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods for operating the systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system includes a pump assembly, canister, and a wound dressing configured to be positioned over a wound. The pump assembly, canister, and the wound dressing can be fluidically connected to facilitate delivery of negative pressure to a wound. The pump assembly can present graphical user interface screens for controlling and monitoring delivery of negative pressure. The system can be configured to efficiently deliver negative pressure and to detect and indicate presence of certain conditions, such as low pressure, high pressure, leak, canister full, and the like. Monitoring and detection of operating condition can be performed by measuring one or more operational parameters, such as pressure, flow rate, and the like.

1 - 37 . (canceled) 
     
     
         38 . An apparatus for applying negative pressure therapy to a wound, the apparatus comprising:
 a housing comprising a source of negative pressure configured to be in fluidic communication with a wound dressing, the source of negative pressure being configured to aspirate fluid from a wound;   a controller configured to operate the source of negative pressure; and   a canister comprising:
 a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, the first and second walls defining an interior volume configured to collect the fluid, and 
 a reinforcement element attached to the first wall and extending toward the second wall, the reinforcement element being dimensioned to prevent collapse of at least one of the first and second walls when negative pressure is applied to the interior volume. 
   
     
     
         39 . The apparatus of  claim 38 , wherein the reinforcement element comprises:
 a base element attached to the first wall; and   a protruding element attached to the base element, the protruding element extending at about a perpendicular angle from the base element.   
     
     
         40 . The apparatus of  claim 39 , wherein the protruding element has a hexagonal shape. 
     
     
         41 . The apparatus of  claim 39 , wherein the protruding element comprises at least one hole. 
     
     
         42 . The apparatus of  claim 39 , wherein at least a part of the protruding element is configured to be in contact with the second wall when negative pressure is not applied the interior volume. 
     
     
         43 . The apparatus of  claim 39 , wherein at least a part of the protruding element is configured to be in contact with the second wall when negative pressure is applied to the interior volume. 
     
     
         44 . The apparatus of  claim 39 , wherein at least a part of the protruding element is configured to not be in contact with the second wall when negative pressure is not applied the interior volume. 
     
     
         45 . The apparatus of  claim 38 , wherein the first and second walls comprise a plastic material, and the interior volume has a volume of about 800 mL. 
     
     
         46 . The apparatus of  claim 38 , further comprising the wound dressing. 
     
     
         47 . A canister for use in negative pressure wound therapy, the canister comprising:
 a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, the first and second walls defining an interior volume configured to collect fluid aspirated from a wound; and   a reinforcement element attached to the first wall and extending toward the second wall, the reinforcement element dimensioned to prevent collapse of at least one of the first and second walls when negative pressure is applied to the interior volume.   
     
     
         48 . The canister of  claim 47 , wherein the reinforcement element comprises:
 a base element attached to the first wall; and   a protruding element attached to the base element, the protruding element extending at about a perpendicular angle from the base element.   
     
     
         49 . The canister of  claim 48 , wherein the protruding element has a hexagonal shape. 
     
     
         50 . The canister of  claim 48 , wherein the protruding element comprises at least one hole. 
     
     
         51 . The canister of  claim 48 , wherein at least a part of the protruding element is configured to be in contact with the second wall when negative pressure is not applied the interior volume. 
     
     
         52 . The canister of  claim 48 , wherein at least a part of the protruding element is configured to be in contact with the second wall when negative pressure is applied to the interior volume. 
     
     
         53 . The canister of  claim 48 , wherein at least a part of the protruding element is configured to not be in contact with the second wall when negative pressure is not applied the interior volume. 
     
     
         54 . The canister of  claim 47 , wherein the first and second walls comprise a plastic material, and the interior volume has a volume of about 800 mL. 
     
     
         55 . The canister of  claim 47 , in combination with a housing comprising a source of negative pressure configured to be in fluidic communication with a wound dressing, the source of negative pressure being configured to aspirate the fluid from a wound.