Patent Publication Number: US-2011054340-A1

Title: Indicative chest seal

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/231,888 filed on Aug. 6, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This disclosure relates generally to devices for wound treatment and specifically to devices for wound treatment that provide information about a wound. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     The outer portion of the lung is composed of two tissue layers: the internal visceral pleura that covers the lungs and the external, parietal pleura that is attached to the chest wall. The space between the visceral and parietal pleura is known as the pleural space. Under normal conditions, the visceral and parietal pleura are nearly flush against one another and the pleural space usually contains only a thin layer of pleural fluid. However, if air enters the pleural space, the resulting air pocket can compress the inner portion of the lung leading to a condition known as a pneumothorax, known colloquially as a “collapsed lung.” 
     Pneumothoracies are generally divided into two types: tension and non-tension. The latter can occur with trauma, various illnesses, or even spontaneously. While non-tension pneumothorax can lead to chest pain and difficulty breathing because the lung is incapable of expanding fully, it is generally of lesser concern than tension pneumothorax, which is a medical emergency. In tension pneumothorax, the air from the lung directly enters the pleural space and becomes trapped therein. The pressure inside the pleural space can increase with every breath, causing the pleural space to expand at the expense of the lung. The result is that the lung is gradually crushed by the rising intrapleural pressure. In some cases, the lung can be pushed into the heart and the other lung, interfering with the functions of these organs. As the blood vessels of the lung are compressed, the vascular pressure increases and puts pressure on the right ventricle of the heart, possibly leading to cardiac failure. 
     A variety of treatments have been used on chest wounds that can potentially help to relieve intrapleural pressure in the event of a tension pneumothorax. Placing an airtight seal over a chest wound is generally not recommended because it can trap air in the chest cavity, maintain pressure in the intrapleural space, and further exacerbate the tension pneumothorax. Some chest dressings have been developed with a vent so as to allow the release of trapped air. 
     Given the seriousness of tension pneumothoracies, medical professionals generally need to treat them quickly through the performance of a needle thoracostomy and insertion of a chest tube into the pleural space so as to relieve the intrapleural pressure. It is also sometimes important to treat a tension pneumothorax prior to any attempt to evacuate the patient by air as lowered atmospheric pressure would only exacerbate the problem. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Disclosed herein are embodiments of indicative chest seals and discrete components thereof. In some embodiments, a pneumothorax detection system comprises a valve assembly and sensor unit capable of detecting a pneumothorax. Some embodiments of the indicative chest seal can be relatively inexpensive disposable units that can be issued as part of a first aid kit for first responders or medical personnel. Typical users can include paramedics, military personnel trained in first aid or health care providers in a hospital setting. The indicative chest seal can be prepackaged in a sterile wrapper from which it can be removed and easily activated by the user. 
     The wound dressing can comprise an adhesive dressing with a vent through which gasses escaping from a pneumothorax can pass. A sensor device is positioned so as to be able to sample gasses passing through the vent. The gasses passing through the vent in the adhesive dressing can pass through a diaphragm that allows the passage of gasses into the unit but restricts the flow out of the unit. When sufficient gas pressure is applied to the diaphragm, the diaphragm can open and allow gas to enter a first and then second gas chamber. This second gas chamber can comprise a sensing device capable of measuring one or more gas characteristics, such as temperature, humidity, and/or pressure. The sensing device can be operably coupled to a processing device capable of analyzing data therefrom. If the data from a sensing device exceeds certain parameters suggestive of a pneumothorax (e.g., a rise in temperature, humidity and/or pressure), the processing device can activate an alert system. The alert system can comprise a visual means of alert such as an indicator light, an audible alert system, and/or a wireless alert system that can be detected by a remote receiving device. In some embodiments, the alert system can transmit information, such as the number of times that the sensing devices have recorded data suggestive of a pneumothorax. 
     In some embodiments, the user can activate the unit by pulling out an activation tab that removes a barrier between the battery and the processing device, thereby powering and activating the unit. Some embodiments can comprise a control switch, enabling the user to deactivate the alert system or toggle among different alert modalities. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a pneumothorax device. 
         FIG. 2  is a first lateral view of the pneumothorax device. 
         FIG. 3  is a second lateral view of the pneumothorax device. 
         FIG. 4  is a third lateral view of the pneumothorax device. 
         FIG. 5  is a fourth lateral view of the pneumothorax device. 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the pneumothorax device. 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the pneumothorax device. 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom perspective view of the pneumothorax device. 
         FIG. 9  is a first cross section of the pneumothorax device. 
         FIG. 10  is a second cross section of the pneumothorax device. 
         FIG. 11  is a view of an indicative chest seal, including a wound dressing. 
         FIG. 12  is a view of the ventilated wound dressing separated from the pneumothorax detection device that is, in turn, separated into its valve assembly and sensor unit components. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In some embodiments, an indicative chest seal  3  (hereafter ICS  3 ) can comprise a pneumothorax detection device  1  mounted on a base comprising a ventilated wound dressing  2  (hereafter “wound dressing”). The pneumothorax detection device  1  itself can comprise a valve assembly  100  and a sensor unit  200 . In some embodiments, the pneumothorax detection device  1  is a small, lightweight unit, typically a few centimeters in diameter. Many of the structural components of the pneumothorax detection device  1  can be constructed of materials such as plastic, abs plastic, polyvinyl chloride, aluminum or another type of metal. 
     In some embodiments, the wound dressing  2  comprises a commercially available HALO chest seal. However, a variety of embodiments other than the HALO chest seal are possible. Various embodiments of the wound dressing  2  can have a variety of shapes and sizes appropriate for secure placement over chest wounds. For example, embodiments can be circular, substantially circular, rectangular, or any number of shapes. In some embodiments, the wound dressing  2  can be greater than or equal to about 10 centimeters and/or less than or equal to about 20 centimeters in length and width; however, a variety of sizes are possible as wound dressing  2  component of the ICS  3  can comprise virtually any type of wound dressing material or chest seal. 
     The wound dressing  2  can be self-adhesive. In some embodiments, there can be a removable backing that the operator can remove to expose the adhesive surface prior to applying to the patient. The wound dressing  2  can be sufficiently adhesive so that it will not become easily dislodged with movement by the patient. In some embodiments, the wound dressing  2  can be sufficiently flexible to help to promote adherence when the patient moves. However, it generally should not be so adherent that the patient&#39;s skin will be damaged when the wound dressing  2  is removed. In some embodiments, the wound dressing  2  is not self-adhesive and can be affixed to the patient by taping the dressing to the patient or by applying an adhesive material to the inferior surface of the dressing. 
     In some embodiments, the wound dressing  2  comprises multiple layers, including (from the inferior surface to the superior surface) an adhesive layer, a bottom permeable layer, a hydrophilic layer, and a second top layer covering the hydrophilic layer. In some embodiments, the hydrophilic layer comprises a hydrogel or similar substance. In some embodiments, the hydrophilic layer can absorb fluids and moisture from the patient, help to keep the wound dry, reduce the risk of infection, and promote healing. In some embodiments, the top and bottom layers are fused together around the edges of dressing so as to contain the hydrogel therein. In some embodiments, the top layer can be impermeable to fluids and gasses. 
     The wound dressing  2  can comprise a vent  4  in the form of one or more openings at or near the center of the dressing  4 . The vent  4  can be circular, substantially circular, or another shape. The bottom layer and the top layer of the wound dressing  2  can be fused around this opening so as to prevent the leakage of the hydrogel layer. The diameter of the vent  4  can vary. In some embodiments, it can range from less than one centimeter to several centimeters. In some embodiments, the vent  4  can be large enough to allow a sufficient amount of gas to pass through the wound to relieve gas pressure and to allow for effective gas sampling, but not so large as to compromise the adhesive properties or structural integrity of the wound dressing  2  or to prevent the attachment of a pneumothorax detection device  1  to the wound dressing  2 . In some embodiments, the vent  4  can be surrounded by a collar that can be securely affixed to the wound dressing  2  and that can help to hold the sensor device in position. 
     In some embodiments, a valve assembly  100  can be positioned on the superior surface of the wound dressing  2  so as to generally or entirely cover the vent  4 . The valve assembly  100  can be attached to the collar surrounding the vent  4 . In some embodiments, the valve assembly  100  can be affixed directly to the wound dressing  2 . In some embodiments, the valve assembly  100  can be affixed to the wound dressing  2  through the use of an adhesive or via mechanical means such as a system of small bolts or clamps. 
     The valve assembly  100  can comprise a circular or substantially circular outer collar  101 . This outer collar  101  can be affixed directly to the wound dressing  2  via an adhesive or other mechanism of attachment. The outer collar  101  can also serve to hold a valve frame  102  in position at the site of the vent  4 . In addition, the outer collar  101  can also serve as an attachment point for a sensor unit  200  (described below). In addition to the outer collar  101 , the inferior portion of the valve frame  102  can comprise a series of radial projections  103 . The gaps between the various radial projections  103  can be sufficiently wide to allow for the passage of gasses. The superior part of the valve assembly  100  can comprise a valve assembly dome  105  with an interchamber vent  112 . In the illustrated embodiment, within the valve assembly  100  is a first valve assembly gas chamber  110  wherein gasses can enter through the gaps among the radial projections  103  when the diaphragm  104  is in a raised/open position, and can subsequently exit through the interchamber vent  112  of the valve assembly dome  105 . 
     The valve frame  102  can be positioned within an outer collar  101  and can be held in position thereby. The valve frame  102  can comprise a circular framework that generally or substantially surrounds the vent  4 . In some embodiments, the valve frame  102  can comprise a plurality of radial projections  103  extending from the inner surface of the valve frame  102  so as to converge at a position at or approximately above the center of the vent  4 . The gaps among these radial projections  103  can allow gasses to enter the valve assembly  100  from the vent  4  of the wound dressing  2 . The remainder of vent  4  can be occluded by the inferior surface of the valve frame  102  and/or outer collar  101 . 
     In some embodiments, there can be a valve retainer, such as a T-shaped projection  108 , that helps to retain a valve member, such as a diaphragm  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the T-shaped projection  103  rises above the convergence site of the radial projections  103 . The T-shaped projection  108  can comprise a shaft  107  and a wider top component  106 . 
     In some embodiments, the diaphragm  104  is a gas impermeable seal that functions as a valve that can be opened by gasses passing in one direction only. In some embodiments, the diaphragm  104  is circular with a small hole in the middle that the vertical shaft of the T-shaped projection  107  can pass through. In some embodiments, the diaphragm  104  is mounted on the shaft of the T-shaped projection  107  so as to limit lateral movement, and the diaphragm  104  can move vertically to some extent along the shaft of the T-shaped projection  107 . The movement of the diaphragm  104  can be limited superiorly by the presence of the top component of the T-shaped projection  106  and inferiorly by the valve frame  102  and/or radial projections  103 . The diaphragm  104  can be generally round and positioned so that it can form a gas seal above the gaps between the radial projections  103 , thereby preventing the passage of gasses therethrough. In some embodiments, the diaphragm  104  can be configured in a concave shape with the outer edges facing down in the direction of the radial projections  103  and valve frame  102 . In some embodiments, the outer edge of the diaphragm  104  can be in contact with the valve frame  102  when in the down/closed position thereby forming a seal impermeable to gasses. 
     The diaphragm  104  can function as a valve allowing the passage of gasses into the first gas chamber  110 , while restricting the passage of gasses out of the first gas chamber  110 . The biased position of the diaphragm  104  can be in a down/closed position wherein it is substantially flush against the superior surface of the radial projections  103 . The edges of the diaphragm  104  can be flush against the valve frame  102  when in the down position in some embodiments, thereby preventing the passage of gasses between the vent  4  and first gas chamber  110 . When the diaphragm  104  is in the down/closed position, it can impede gasses within the first gas chamber  110  from pushing it open, as the diaphragm  104  is already generally sealed against the valve frame  102 . However, if a sufficient quantity of gas pressure pushes against the diaphragm  104  from below, it can force the diaphragm  104  up along the shaft of the T-shaped projection  107 , thereby lifting the diaphragm  104  away from the valve frame  102 , and thereby allowing the passage of gasses in the resultant gap between these two components. If gas pressure coming from the vent  4  exceeds that of the first gas chamber  110 , the diaphragm  104  can open, and if the gas pressure within the first gas chamber  110  is generally equal to or higher than the gas pressure coming from the vent  4 , the diaphragm  104  can remain shut. In some embodiments, the diaphragm  104  can open with small changes in pressure coming through the vent  4 . In some embodiments, the diaphragm  104  can be opened by differences in pressure of about 1 mm Hg or less; however, a variety of minimum opening pressures are possible. 
     In some embodiments, the down/closed bias of the diaphragm  104  can be maintained by gravity alone. In other embodiments, a closure mechanism, such as a small spring or other source of tension between the diaphragm  104  and the top component of the T-shaped projection  106  can keep the diaphragm  104  shut until sufficient air pressure is applied through the vent  4  to open it. In some embodiments, small amounts of pressure, typically about 1 mm Hg or less can move the diaphragm  104  into the raised/open position and allow for the passage of gasses. 
     In some embodiments, the valve assembly dome  105  covers the superior portion of the valve assembly  100 . The valve assembly dome  105  can be affixed to the outer collar  101  and can encase the valve frame  102  and T-shaped projection  108 . The interchamber vent  112  can be positioned at or near the center of the valve assembly dome  105  in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the upward sloping roof of the valve assembly dome  105  can help to focus the flow of any gas passing through the diaphragm  104  through the interchamber vent  112  via a venturi effect, thereby facilitating the detection of gasses passing therethrough. The valve assembly dome  105  and outer collar  101  can be airtight; in addition, the diaphragm  104  can restrict the outflow of gasses back into the vent  4  when in the closed position. Thus, gasses entering through vent  4  can be directed through the interchamber vent  112  to escape from the first gas chamber  110  when the diaphragm  104  is in the closed position. 
     A sensor unit  200  can be positioned superior or functionally near the valve assembly  100 . The sensor unit  200  can comprise an outer casing  211  perforated by one or more gas exit vents  204 . The outer casing  211  can house a circuit board  220 , a sensor array  221 , and a processing device. The processing device can be integrated into the circuit board  220  in some embodiments. The sensor unit  200  can comprise a battery  222  or other power source. In some embodiments, the outer casing  211  can comprise one or more access points  205  and  206 , wherein one or more indicator lights  203 , an alert toggle switch  202  and an activation tab  201  or other components are visible to and/or can be manipulated by an operator. 
     In some embodiments, the sensor unit  200  assembly and valve assembly  100  can have similar dimensions of length, width, and/or diameter so that they can appear as a single compact unit and thereby minimize the possibility of snagging. The point of contact between the sensor unit  200  assembly and the valve frame  102  can be impermeable to gasses. However, in some embodiments, one or more gas exit vents  204  and  102  can be located at the point of contact between the sensor unit  200  assembly and the valve assembly  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the valve assembly  100  and the sensor unit can be removably attached. In some embodiments, a plurality of projections from the outer collar  101  of the valve assembly  100  can apply pressure on the outer casing  211  of the sensor unit  200  so as to help secure the sensor unit  200  into position. In some embodiments, the sensor unit  200  can be removed from the valve assembly  100 . In some embodiments, the sensor unit  200  assembly can be threadably attached to the outer collar  101 . In other embodiments, the sensor unit  200  assembly can be removably attached to the outer collar  101  of the valve assembly  100  by a plurality of projections on the outer surface of the valve assembly  100  that can overlap with complementary projections on the surface of the sensor unit  200  assembly and thereby secure the latter into position. 
     In some embodiments, the sensor unit  200  and valve assembly  100  can be permanently fixed into position. These components can be attached at the site of manufacture or via an adhesive or any other means of attachment such as fusing or soldering the components together. In some embodiments, one or more of the removable attachment structures (e.g., threadable attachment, the use of complimentary projections, etc.) can also be used to further secure the attachment the valve assembly  100  and sensor unit  200 . 
     In some embodiments, the ability to remove the sensor unit  200  from the valve frame  102  can enable a user to change a battery  222  or other power source that can be located on the inferior surface of the sensor unit  200 . In some embodiments, the indicative chest seal is disposable as a unit and the battery is not generally replaceable. 
     The sensor unit  200  can normally be positioned on the valve assembly  100  in an inverted manner. The outer casing  211  can have a top portion  208 , a beveled transitional edge  209 , and a lateral wall  210 . In some embodiments, the beveling can reduce the risk of snagging by providing smooth edges. 
     Within the sensor unit  200  is a second chamber  111  wherein the sensor array  221  can sample gasses therein. In some embodiments, the lateral surfaces of the second gas chamber  111  are comprised of the lateral wall of the outer casing  210  itself. In some embodiments, the superior surface of second gas chamber  111  comprises the circuit board  220  with the sensor array  221 . The inferior surface of the second gas chamber  111  can comprise the valve assembly dome  105 . Gas can enter the second gas chamber  111  from the first gas chamber  110  through the interchamber vent  112 . Shortly after entering the second gas chamber  111 , gas can contact the sensor array  221  located within the second gas chamber  111 . 
     Gasses within the second gas chamber  111  can exit through a plurality of exit vents  204  located around the periphery of the outer casing  211 . The exit vents  204  can place the second gas chamber  111  in communication with the outside atmosphere. The gas exit vents  204  can be in a variety of shapes including square, round, or oval. In some embodiments, the gas exit vents  204  have no filtration system and are open to the outside air. However, in other embodiments, the exit vents  204  can have a diaphragm or valve system that can inhibit gasses from entering the second gas chamber  111  through said exit vents  204  and thereby create an erroneous reading. 
     The sensor unit  200  can comprise a circuit board  220 . The circuit board  220  can be affixed to the inner walls of the outer casing  211  and thereby held in position. In some embodiments, the circuit board  220  can be secured in position by one or more braces that help to keep said circuit board  220  into position. In some embodiments, the circuit board  220  comprises a sensor array  221  comprising one or more sensing devices. The circuit board  220  can comprise a processing device. The circuit board  220  can comprise a network of electrical connections that can transmit electrical power from the battery  222  to the other electrical components of the sensor unit  200 , can enable the interconnection between the sensor array  221  and the processing device, and/or can enable the processing device to provide power to the alert system. 
     The circuit board  220  can comprise one or more sensors, such as a sensor array  221  in some embodiments. The sensor array  221  can comprise one or more sensing devices within the sensor array  221  capable of measuring one or more gas characteristics, such as temperature, humidity, gas pressure, and/or gas speed. The sensing devices within the sensor array  221  can be positioned so that they can detect changes in the tested gas parameters within the second gas chamber  111 . The sensor array  221  can comprise a sensing device or devices capable of measuring other parameters in some embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, the circuit board  220  comprises a processing device that can monitor data from an operably coupled sensor device. The processing device can be an integral part of the circuit board  220  and can comprise a microprocessor capable of analyzing data and activating an electrical switching system in response to said data. In some embodiments, the microprocessor can be configured to receive data from the sensor array representing one or more of the foregoing values and can determine from such data when a venting has occurred. When the output from an operably coupled sensing device within the sensor array  221  passes a certain predetermined threshold, or when a combination of outputs in relation pass a certain predetermined threshold, the processing device can activate an operably coupled alert system. 
     In some embodiments, this predetermined threshold can be a rise in temperature. This can suggest warm air is passing up from an open chest wound, thereby suggesting a tension pneumothorax. In some embodiments, a sensing device within the sensor array  221  capable of measuring humidity can be set to detect a rise in humidity which can suggest that moist air from the body is passing up through the chest wound. This too can suggest a tension pneumothorax. 
     In some embodiments, a sensing device within the sensor array  221  can directly detect a change in pressure resulting from air passing up from a chest wound into the first and second gas chambers  111 . Some embodiments can be configured to detect very small changes in pressure, e.g. about 1 mm Hg. However, a variety of other threshold values are possible. In some embodiments, a change in the measured pressure can activate the alert system. Some embodiments can be configured to monitor two or more measurements simultaneously and/or to produce a combined value from this plurality of measurements to determine when a chest venting has occurred, which can in turn activate an alert system. 
     In some embodiments, the alarm system of the ICS  3  can include electromechanical components (not shown) for detecting a venting of the chest seal by measuring movement of the diaphragm  104  and/or other valve components. 
     The sensor array  221  can comprise an operably coupled power source. The power source can comprise a battery  222 . In some embodiments, the battery or batteries  222  can comprise a standard button cell or coin cell of the L, S, or C type. However, a variety of configurations are possible. In some embodiments, it may be possible for the user to change the battery  222  by removing the sensor unit  200  from the valve assembly  100  as described above. In such embodiments, the battery  222  can be accessed through the inferior side of the sensor unit  200 . In other embodiments, the entire ICS  3  can comprise a disposable unit and the battery  222  permanently fixed into position. 
     In some embodiments, the battery  222  can provide power to the ICS  3  for an extended period of time, such as at least 18 hours or at least 24 hours. This can generally allow sufficient time for a first responder to provide first aid, seal the chest wound, transport the patient to a medical facility and provide for a thorough evaluation and more definitive medical treatment. 
     In some embodiments, unnecessary electrical drainage of the battery  222  can be prevented prior to use through the use of an activation tab  201  that physically separates the battery  222  leads from the sensor array  221 . This can keep the battery  222  insulated until the user activates the unit thereby prolonging battery life. 
     In some embodiments, the activation tab  201  can function as the means of activating the sensor unit  200 . The activation tab  201  can completely or partially comprise an insulating material that prevents the passage of current. The internal portion of the activation tab  201  can be positioned inside the sensor unit  200  between the battery  222  and the sensor array  221 . The activation tab  201  can be kept in position by a breakable portion  223  that can be affixed to a portion of the battery  222  compartment, sensor array  221 , or other suitable anchoring site. When sufficient pressure is applied on the activation tab  201  by the user, the breakable portion  223  will break, the activation tab  201  removed from the unit. When the activation tab  201  is removed, any battery leads can be operably coupled to the circuit board  220  and thereby provide power to the sensor array  221 , processing device and alert system. 
     In some embodiments, the activation tab can further comprise printed instructions for the user on how the unit can be activated. In some embodiments, such instructions can be as simple as an instruction to “pull.” 
     In some embodiments, the battery  222  can be contained within a battery compartment  223  that can secure the battery  222  into position and ensure that the battery  222  can remain in contact with the circuit board  220  and be capable of providing power thereto. The position of the battery  222  can be biased so as to come into contact with the circuit board  220  with the removal of the activation tab  201 . The bias can be achieved though the use of a spring or another component positioned on the inside surface the battery compartment  223  that can exert tension on the battery  222  in the direction of the sensor array  221 , and thereby keep the battery  222  in functional contact with the circuit board  220  and its operably coupled components when the activation tab  201  has been removed. In some embodiments, the detection system of the ICS  3  cannot be turned off once initially activated to avoid accidental deactivation. 
     In some embodiments, there can be an alert system comprising a visible, auditory, wireless or other means of alerting the user that the system is active and functioning. This can comprise a transient illumination of an indicator light  203 , a brief activation of the auditory alarm, or other means of alerting the user. 
     The sensor array  221  can be operably coupled to an alert system. The alert system can comprise an indicator light  203 , an auditory alarm, a wireless adaptor capable of transmitting the alert to a remote location, or other means of notifying the user that the temperature, humidity, or pressure has exceeded a certain threshold suggestive of possible venting from a pneumothorax. The ICS  3  can also include a data display (not shown), such as an LCD screen for displaying information about the wound, such as the number of ventings, the timing of ventings, the frequency of ventings, and/or the pressure within the wound cavity, etc. 
     In some embodiments, the alert system can comprise an indicator light  203  visible on the outer surface of the outer casing  211 . The indicator light  203  can be operably coupled to the battery  222  and processing device. In some embodiments, the indicator light  203  can pass through the outer casing  211  of the sensor unit  200  through an access point  206  in the outer casing  211 . When the alert system is activated, the processing device can activate the indicator light  203 . 
     The indicator light  203  can be powered by the same battery  222  that powers the processing device. In some embodiments, the indicator light  203  can glow steadily once the alert system is activated in one color, such as green, and then transition to a second color, such as red, upon the occurrence of a venting of the chest seal. In some embodiments, the indicator light  203  can flash when the alert system is activated. For example, the indicator light  203  can be set to flash in a certain sequence depending on the data received by the processing device. The indicator can flash once for each venting occurrence since activation. For example, if one venting from a possible pneumothorax is detected, the indicator light  203  can be set to flash once with a pause between flashes. If two ventings are detected, it can be set to flash twice with a pause between pairs of flashes, etc. Multiple venting events can trigger an appropriate number of flashes so as to alert the user of the likelihood and severity of a possible pneumothorax. A variety of such standardized sequences are possible to alert the user to the detection of venting events and the quantity thereof. In some embodiments, the indicator light  203  can comprise an LED. In other embodiments, the alert system can comprise a light of a type other than an LED. 
     In some embodiments, a venting occurrence can be demonstrated by a change of position of a physical component. For example, in some embodiments, an indicator can be exposed to view from within the ICS  3  to show a venting. In some embodiments, the indicator can be a tab or post with a color that contrasts with the coloring and/or shape of one or more other surfaces of the ICS  3 , thereby rendering the indicator readily viewable from a distance. In some embodiments, the indicator can “pop up” or a component initially blocking the indicator can be removed to communicate that a venting has occurred. 
     In some embodiments, the alert system can comprise an audible alarm system capable of generating a sound that can be heard by an operator. This system can comprise a small speaker operably coupled to the processing device. This speaker can be located near the circuit board  200  or can be positioned at an access point in the outer casing  206 . The audible alarm system can be set to deliver a standardized sound such a beep or whistle when the sensor array  221  detects a venting event suggestive of a possible pneumothorax. In some embodiments, the alarm system can beep once, pause, and then beep again in response to a single detected venting event. If two venting events are detected, the alarm system can beep twice, pause, and then beep twice, etc. A variety of such codes are possible to alert the user to the suspected number of venting events. 
     In some embodiments, the alert system can comprise a wireless transmitter capable of remotely alerting the user to a suspected pneumothorax. This can comprise an infrared or radio transmitter. In such embodiments, the alert system can transmit data via a receivable signal. The signal can be received and processed via a device capable of receiving such signals. A variety of embodiments of such devices are possible including small, handheld monitoring devices that can be carried by first responders or medical personnel. Large fixed monitoring devices in a hospital setting can also be configured to monitor and detect such signals from the alert system. 
     In some embodiments, the sensor unit  200  can further comprise an alert toggle switch  202  (hereafter switch) that can enable the user to change the output of the alert system. The switch  202  can pass through an access point  205  in the outer casing  211  enabling the operator to access the superior portion of the switch  202 . The inferior portion of the switch  202  can interface with the circuit board  220  and can interact with the alert system or the processing device. 
     The switch  202  can be used by an operator in situations wherein there are serious disadvantages to an alert system comprising a flashing indicator light  203 . This can be the case in a combat situation wherein a flashing indicator light can be a target for enemy fire. This switch  202  can comprise a toggle switch, button, touchpad, or other control surface. Said switch  202  is operably coupled to the processing device. In some embodiments, said switch  202  can direct the processing system to disable the alert system entirely. In some embodiments, the same switch  202  can be used to reactivate the alert system. In many such embodiments, the physical position of the switch  202  (e.g., depressed or not depressed) can demonstrate to the user whether the alert system is activated or not. In some embodiments, the switch  202  can deactivate an auditory alert system. In other embodiments, the switch  202  can toggle among some combination of a visual alert and/or auditory alert and no alert. 
     In some embodiments, when the alert system is deactivated by the switch  202 , the ICS  3  can continue to monitor and record venting events. In such embodiments, when the alert system is reactivated, the alert system can notify the user of venting events that took place during all or a portion of the period during which the alert system was deactivated. For example, if no venting events were detected prior to the deactivation of the alert system, and then two venting events are detected while the alert system is deactivated, upon the reactivation of the alert system, the indicator light  203  can flash in a pattern informing the user that two venting events had been detected. 
     Some embodiments of the ICS  3  can further comprise a timing device or clock. Said timing device can be an integral part of the processing device. In some embodiments, the timing device can be activated with the activation of the ICS  3 . The timing device can be configured to record the time when a given venting event is detected. For example, in some embodiments, the timing device can record how long after the installation of the ICS  3  on the patient the venting occurred and/or the timing device can record the time of day when the venting occurred. This data can then be relayed to the alert system and made available in some form to the user. In embodiments wherein the alert system is operably coupled to an external monitoring device, data regarding the timing of venting events can be displayed. For example, a user may be able to see that venting events took place 15 minutes, 19 minutes, and 20 minutes after the ICS  3  was activated. In some embodiments, the external monitoring device can determine how long the ICS  3  has been activated and determine the when such events occurred with reference to the actual time (e.g., a venting event detected at 6:19 PM) or in reference to how much time has passed since the venting event was detected (e.g., 7 minutes ago). The user or the microprocessor can then determine when venting events have occurred, how much time has elapsed since a detected venting event, and any temporal patterns among venting events (e.g., increasing or decreasing in frequency). 
     Some embodiments of the ICS  3  can be packaged in sterile packaging and ready for use by the user. In such embodiments, when used, the user can remove the ICS  3  from the package, remove the adhesive backing of the wound dressing  2 , apply the ICS  3  over the chest wound so that the vent  4  is positioned over the chest wound, and remove the activation tab  201 . In some embodiments, the test signal can then inform the user that the system is active. 
     In some embodiments, as illustrated, the ICS  3  can continue to function as a mechanical chest vent even if the indicative features are not activated, do not function, are not provided, or run out of electrical power. In this way, the patient&#39;s chest can continue to vent as a therapeutic treatment for pneumothorax even if the ICS  3  is not being used as a diagnostic tool. 
     Some embodiments of the ICS  3  can further comprise a pressure sensor that can monitor pressure rising in the wound. In some embodiments, this pressure sensor is positioned on the underside of the ICS  3 , and in some embodiments, this pressure sensor is configured to be positioned inside of the wound. For example, the pressure sensor can be tethered to the ICS  3  by way of a wire or other means to secure it to the ICS  3  and to communicate information to the ICS  3 . Some embodiments of the pressure sensor can detect very small changes in pressure that are still too small to be detected as a full scale venting event that triggers the device, but can still be suggestive of a pneumothorax or the early development thereof. This additional pressure sensor can be operably coupled to the alert system so as to inform the user of a rise in pressure. In some embodiments, the ICS  3  can provide the user with numerical data showing the amount of pressure inside of the wound. In embodiments using a visible alert system such as an indicator light  203 , the said indicator light  203  can glow in one color, such as yellow, when a rise in pressure is detected, and the indicator light  203  can glow in a different color, such as red, when a full venting has occurred. Embodiments utilizing other indicator systems (i.e., audible or remote) can likewise have specific alerts that can inform the user of a buildup of pressure at the wound. 
     This application provides various examples for purposes of illustration, but the inventions should not be limited to the embodiments illustrated or described. In addition, any features or embodiments described above can be combined with any other features or embodiments disclosed herein or known to those of skill in the art.