Self contained wound dressing apparatus

Abstract

The composite wound dressing apparatus promotes healing of a wound via the use of a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump applies a vacuum pressure to the wound to effectively draw wound fluid or exudate away from the wound bed. The vacuum pump is tethered to the wound dressing and is portable, preferably, carried by the patient in a support bag, which permits patient mobility. Moreover, the patient does not need to be constrained for any period of time while exudate is being removed from the wound.

1 .- 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A wound dressing comprising:
 a first layer and a second layer arranged in superposed relation, the first layer configured to be in direct contact with a wound and the second layer configured to absorb wound fluid, the second layer positioned over the first layer; and   a plurality of sensors incorporated into one or more of the first or second layers, the plurality of sensors comprising:
 a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure within the wound dressing; 
 an oxygen sensor configured to detect an oxygen level of the wound; and 
 a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the wound. 
   
     
     
         15 . The wound dressing of  claim 14 , wherein the oxygen sensor is further configured to detect an oxygen level adjacent the wound. 
     
     
         16 . The wound dressing of  claim 14 , wherein the first layer comprises a plurality of perforations configured to allow unidirectional flow of the wound fluid toward the second layer. 
     
     
         17 . The wound dressing of  claim 14 , wherein the second layer comprises an absorbent material. 
     
     
         18 . The wound dressing of  claim 17 , wherein the absorbent material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of foams, nonwoven composite fabrics, cellulosic fabrics, super absorbent polymers, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         19 . The kit comprising the wound dressing of  claim 14  and a vacuum pump configured to be fluidically connected to the wound dressing. 
     
     
         20 . The kit of  claim 19 , further comprising a controller configured to control the vacuum pump. 
     
     
         21 . The kit of  claim 20 , wherein the controller is configured to control the vacuum pump in response to the pressure detected by the pressure sensor. 
     
     
         22 . A wound dressing comprising:
 a first layer and a second layer arranged in superposed relation, the first layer configured to be in direct contact with a wound and the second layer configured to absorb wound fluid, the second layer positioned over the first layer; and   a plurality of sensors incorporated into one or more of the first or second layers, the plurality of sensors comprising:
 a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure within the wound dressing; and 
 a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the wound. 
   
     
     
         23 . The wound dressing of  claim 22 , wherein the first layer comprises a plurality of perforations configured to allow unidirectional flow of the wound fluid toward the second layer. 
     
     
         24 . The wound dressing of  claim 22 , wherein the second layer comprises an absorbent material. 
     
     
         25 . The wound dressing of  claim 24 , wherein the absorbent material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of foams, nonwoven composite fabrics, cellulosic fabrics, super absorbent polymers, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         26 . The kit comprising the wound dressing of  claim 22  and a vacuum pump configured to be fluidically connected to the wound dressing. 
     
     
         27 . The kit of  claim 26 , further comprising a controller configured to control the vacuum pump. 
     
     
         28 . The kit of  claim 27 , wherein the controller is configured to control the vacuum pump in response to the pressure detected by the pressure sensor.