LOW PROFILE DISTRIBUTION COMPONENTS FOR WOUND THERAPY
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for providing negative pressure to a tissue site are disclosed. Illustrative embodiments may include an apparatus or system for delivering negative-pressure to a tissue site, which can be used in conjunction with low-profile distribution components for wound therapy. Such apparatus may include a low-profile dressing interface or connector comprising at least two fluid pathways fluidly coupled to a recessed space of the connector, one for providing negative pressure to a tissue interface or manifold and the other for sensing the negative pressure within the recessed space adjacent the tissue interface. In some embodiments, a pressure-offloading layer may be disposed against at least one of the fluid pathways. The pressure-offloading layer may comprise a polymeric foam to distribute compressive forces being applied to the dressing interface, thereby enhancing resistance of the fluid pathways to collapsing and blockage when the dressing interface is subject to external compression. In some embodiments, two pressure-offloading layers may be utilized.
1 .- 49 . (canceled)
50 . An apparatus for managing fluid from a tissue site, comprising:
a sealed compartment formed by a first polymeric film and a second polymeric film, wherein the sealed compartment comprises a first fluid pathway; and
a first pressure-offloading layer adapted to be positioned adjacent the first polymeric film of the sealed compartment, wherein the first pressure-offloading layer comprises a polyurethane foam.
51 . The apparatus of claim 50 , wherein the sealed compartment further comprises a second fluid pathway adjacent the first fluid pathway.
52 . The apparatus of claim 51 , wherein the first fluid pathway and the second fluid pathway are formed by a polymeric layer disposed between the first polymeric film and the second polymeric film.
53 . The apparatus of claim 51 , wherein the first polymeric film, the second polymeric film, and the first pressure-offloading layer are welded together.
54 . The apparatus of claim 51 , wherein the first polymeric film comprises a first plurality of bubbles extending into the first fluid pathway of the sealed compartment.
55 . The apparatus of claim 51 , wherein the second polymeric film comprises a second plurality of bubbles extending into the second fluid pathway of the sealed compartment.
56 . The apparatus of claim 50 , wherein the first polymeric film and the second polymeric film comprise polyurethane.
57 . The apparatus of claim 50 , wherein the first polymeric film and the second polymeric film are formed from a single polymeric sheet folded to form the first polymeric film and the second polymeric film.
58 . The apparatus of claim 50 , wherein the first pressure-offloading layer has a thickness of between 2 mm and 8 mm.
59 . The apparatus of claim 50 , further comprising a second pressure-offloading layer adapted to be positioned adjacent the first polymeric film of the sealed compartment, wherein the second pressure-offloading layer comprises the polyurethane foam.
60 . An apparatus for managing fluid from a tissue site, comprising:
an elongated lumen formed from a polymeric film and having a first side and a second side forming a first fluid pathway; and
a first pressure-offloading layer adapted to be positioned adjacent the first side of the elongated lumen, wherein the first pressure-offloading layer comprises a polyurethane foam
61 . The apparatus of claim 60 , wherein the elongated lumen further comprises a second fluid pathway formed between the first side and the second side.
62 . The apparatus of claim 61 , wherein the first fluid pathway and the second fluid pathway are formed by a polymeric layer disposed between the first side and the second side.
63 . The apparatus of claim 61 , wherein the first side comprises a first plurality of bubbles extending into the first fluid pathway.
64 . The apparatus of claim 61 , wherein the second side comprises a second plurality of bubbles extending into the second fluid pathway.
65 . The apparatus of claim 60 , further comprising a second pressure-offloading layer adapted to be positioned adjacent the first side, wherein the second pressure-offloading layer comprises the polyurethane foam.
66 . A method for providing negative pressure to a sealed space in fluid communication with a tissue site, comprising:
applying a tissue interface over the tissue site;
positioning a first port of a first end of a dressing interface over the tissue interface, wherein the dressing interface comprises:
a sealed compartment extending along a length of the dressing interface and formed by a first polymeric film affixed to a second polymeric film, wherein the sealed compartment comprises a first fluid pathway and a second fluid pathway, and
a pressure-offloading layer positioned against the second polymeric film of the sealed compartment, wherein the pressure-offloading layer comprises a polyurethane foam;
connecting a fluid conduit to a second port of a second end of the dressing interface, wherein the fluid conduit comprises a first lumen and a second lumen;
delivering negative pressure from the first lumen of the fluid conduit through the first fluid pathway to the tissue interface; and
sensing the negative pressure in the tissue interface and dressing interface through the second fluid pathway and the second lumen of the fluid conduit.
67 . (canceled)