Subatmospheric pressure mechanism for wound therapy system and related methods therefor

Abstract

A portable system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a surgical wound is provided. The system includes a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject, and a collection canister in fluid communication with the wound dressing. The canister includes a base defining a fluid receiving cavity and having a fluid inlet port and a vacuum port. The fluid inlet port is configured for fluid communication with a wound dressing. The system further includes a cover selectively engageable to the base, e.g., in a snap-fit manner. The cover is configured to receive a control unit and has a vent assembly for exhausting the control unit. A seal member is interposed relative to the base and the cover to establish and maintain a substantial sealed relationship between the two components when assembled.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A portable system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a surgical wound, which comprises:
 a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject; and   a collection canister in fluid communication with the wound dressing, the canister including:   a base defining a fluid receiving cavity and having a fluid inlet port and a vacuum port, the fluid inlet port being configured for fluid communication with a wound dressing, wherein at least one of the fluid inlet port and the vacuum port are configured to receive a cap;   a cover selectively engageable to the base, the cover configured to receive a control unit and including a vent assembly for exhausting the control unit; and   a seal member interposed relative to the base and the cover, the seal member adapted to establish a substantial sealed relation between the base and the cover.   
     
     
         2 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein the control unit includes a vacuum source and a power source. 
     
     
         3 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein including a hydrophobic membrane covering the vacuum port. 
     
     
         4 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein the seal member comprises a gel. 
     
     
         5 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein the vent assembly is recessed relative to the cover. 
     
     
         6 . The system according to  claim 1  further including a divider having a plurality of longitudinal grooves formed on an underside thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The system according to  claim 6  wherein the divider further includes a channel fluidly communicating the plurality of longitudinal grooves with at least one of the fluid inlet port and the vacuum port. 
     
     
         8 . The system according to  claim 1  including a cap positionable within at least one of the fluid inlet port and the vacuum port.