Patent Publication Number: US-11654056-B2

Title: Medical system and dressing for use under compression

Description:
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     This application incorporates by reference the following disclosures in their entirety: U.S. Pat. No. 8,814,842, filed Mar. 11, 2011, titled DELIVERY-AND-FLUID-STORAGE BRIDGES FOR USE WITH REDUCED-PRESSURE SYSTEMS; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0012213, filed Dec. 14, 2012, titled RELEASABLE MEDICAL DRAPES; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0119833, filed Sep. 19, 2014, titled DRESSING WITH DIFFERENTIALLY SIZED PERFORATIONS. 
     RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/356,063, entitled “MEDICAL SYSTEM AND DRESSING FOR USE UNDER COMPRESSION,” filed 18 Nov. 2016, which claims the benefit, under 35 USC § 119(e), of the filing of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/257,903, entitled “MEDICAL SYSTEM WITH FLEXIBLE FLUID STORAGE BRIDGE,” filed 20 Nov. 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This application relates generally to medical treatment systems and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to dressings, systems, and methods that may be suitable for treating a tissue site. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Clinical studies and practice have shown that reducing pressure in proximity to a tissue site can augment and accelerate growth of new tissue at the tissue site. The applications of this phenomenon are numerous, but have been proven particularly advantageous for treating wounds. Regardless of the etiology of a wound, whether trauma, surgery, or another cause, proper care of the wound is important to the outcome. Treatment of wounds or other tissue with reduced pressure may be commonly referred to as “reduced-pressure therapy.” However, such treatment may also be known by other names including “negative-pressure therapy,” “negative-pressure wound therapy,” “vacuum therapy,” “vacuum-assisted closure,” and “topical negative-pressure,” for example. Reduced-pressure therapy may provide a number of benefits, including migration of epithelial and subcutaneous tissues, improved blood flow, and micro-deformation of tissue at a tissue site. Together, these benefits can increase development of granulation tissue and reduce healing times. Improvements to therapy systems, components, and processes may benefit manufacturers, healthcare providers, and patients. 
     SUMMARY 
     In some illustrative, non-limiting examples, a bridge assembly for treating a tissue site may include a storage bridge. The storage bridge may include a receiving end and a transmitting end separated by a length. The storage bridge may include a bridge envelope, a bridge absorbent, and a bridge sealing member. The bridge envelope may extend along the length of the storage bridge and may define an internal volume. The bridge absorbent may be disposed within the internal volume of the bridge envelope. The bridge absorbent may include a volume that is less than the internal volume of the bridge envelope. The bridge sealing member may encapsulate the bridge envelope and may define an internal passageway in fluid communication between the receiving end and the transmitting end. 
     In some illustrative, non-limiting examples, a storage bridge for treating a tissue site may include a receiving end and a transmitting end separated by a length. Further, the storage bridge may include a bridge envelope, a bridge absorbent, and a bridge sealing member. The bridge envelope may extend along the length of the storage bridge, and may define an internal volume. Further, the bridge envelope may include a fluid acquisition surface and a fluid distribution surface positioned opposite the fluid acquisition surface. The fluid distribution surface may face the internal volume. The bridge absorbent may be disposed within the bridge envelope. At least a portion of the bridge absorbent may be spaced apart from the fluid distribution surface of the bridge envelope. The bridge sealing member may encapsulate the bridge envelope, and may define an internal passageway in fluid communication between the receiving end and the transmitting end. 
     In some illustrative, non-limiting examples, a storage bridge for treating a tissue site may include a receiving end and a transmitting end separated by a length. Further, the storage bridge may include a first bridge wicking layer, a second bridge wicking layer, a bridge absorbent, and a bridge sealing member. The first bridge wicking layer may extend along the length of the storage bridge, and may comprise a fluid acquisition surface and a fluid distribution surface. The fluid distribution surface may be positioned on an opposite side of the first bridge wicking layer from the fluid acquisition surface. The second bridge wicking layer may extend along the length of the storage bridge, and may comprise a fluid acquisition surface and a fluid distribution surface. The fluid distribution surface may be positioned on an opposite side of the second bridge wicking layer from the fluid acquisition surface. A periphery of the second bridge wicking layer may be coupled to a periphery of the first bridge wicking layer to define an internal volume. The bridge absorbent may be disposed within the internal volume between the first bridge wicking layer and the second bridge wicking layer. The fluid distribution surface of the first wicking layer and the second wicking layer may face the bridge absorbent. The bridge sealing member may include a substantially liquid impermeable and vapor permeable film. Further, the bridge sealing member may define an internal passageway in fluid communication between the receiving end and the transmitting end. The first bridge wicking layer and the second bridge wicking layer may be disposed within the internal passageway. 
     In some illustrative, non-limiting examples, a system for treating a tissue site may include a dressing, a storage bridge, a conduit interface, and a reduced-pressure source. The dressing may be for positioning at the tissue site, and may include a dressing sealing member and a dressing wicking layer. The dressing sealing member may be adapted to provide a sealed space between the dressing sealing member and the tissue site. The dressing wicking layer may be disposed in the sealed space. The storage bridge may include a receiving end and a transmitting end separated by a length. The transmitting end may be adapted to be fluidly coupled to the dressing. Further, the storage bridge may include a bridge envelope, a bridge absorbent, and a bridge sealing member. The bridge envelope may extend along the length of the storage bridge, and may define an internal volume. The bridge absorbent may be disposed within the internal volume of the bridge envelope. The bridge sealing member may encapsulate the bridge envelope. The conduit interface may be adapted to be fluidly coupled to the receiving end of the storage bridge. Further, the conduit interface may be in fluid communication with the dressing through the storage bridge. The reduced-pressure source may be adapted to be positioned in fluid communication with the conduit interface. 
     In some illustrative, non-limiting examples, a system for treating a tissue site may include a dressing, a storage bridge, a conduit interface, and a reduced-pressure source. The dressing may be for positioning at the tissue site, and may include a dressing sealing member and a dressing manifold. The dressing sealing member may be adapted to provide a sealed space between the dressing sealing member and the tissue site. The dressing manifold may be disposed in the sealed space. The storage bridge may include a receiving end and a transmitting end separated by a length. The transmitting end may be adapted to be fluidly coupled to the dressing. Further, the storage bridge may include a bridge envelope, a bridge absorbent, and a bridge sealing member. The bridge envelope may extend along the length of the storage bridge, and may define an internal volume. The bridge absorbent may be disposed within the internal volume of the bridge envelope. The bridge sealing member may encapsulate the bridge envelope. The conduit interface may be adapted to be fluidly coupled to the receiving end of the storage bridge. The conduit interface may be in fluid communication with the dressing through the storage bridge. The reduced-pressure source may be adapted to be positioned in fluid communication with the conduit interface. 
     In some illustrative, non-limiting examples, a system for treating a tissue site may include a dressing, a storage bridge, a conduit interface, and a manual pump. The dressing may be for positioning at the tissue site, and may include a dressing sealing member and a dressing manifold. The dressing sealing member may be adapted to provide a sealed space between the dressing sealing member and the tissue site. The dressing manifold may be disposed in the sealed space. The storage bridge may include a receiving end and a transmitting end separated by a length. The transmitting end may be adapted to be fluidly coupled to the dressing. Further, the storage bridge may include a bridge envelope, a bridge absorbent, and a bridge sealing member. The bridge envelope may extend along the length of the storage bridge, and may define an internal volume. The bridge absorbent may be disposed within the internal volume of the bridge envelope. The bridge absorbent may have a volume that is at least 5 percent less than the internal volume of the bridge envelope. The bridge sealing member may encapsulate the bridge envelope. The conduit interface may be adapted to be fluidly coupled to the receiving end of the storage bridge. The conduit interface may be in fluid communication with the dressing through the storage bridge. The manual pump may be adapted to be positioned in fluid communication with the conduit interface. 
     In some illustrative, non-limiting examples, a method of treating a tissue site may include positioning a dressing at the tissue site. Further, the method may include fluidly coupling a transmitting end of a storage bridge to the dressing, and fluidly coupling a manual pump to a receiving end of the storage bridge. Further, the method may include manually activating the manual pump to cause fluid to move from the tissue site to the storage bridge through the dressing. Further, the method may include storing at least a portion of the fluid in the storage bridge. At least a portion of the fluid may be a liquid. Further, the method may include indicating a level of the fluid stored in the storage bridge with a plurality of fluid capacity indicators positioned along a length of the storage bridge. 
     In some illustrative, non-limiting examples, a system for treating a tissue site may include a dressing, a bridge, a conduit interface, and a reduced-pressure source. The dressing may be for positioning at the tissue site, and may include a dressing sealing member and one or more dressing wicking layers. The dressing sealing member may be adapted to provide a sealed space between the dressing sealing member and the tissue site. The one or more dressing wicking layers may be disposed in the sealed space. The bridge may include a receiving end and a transmitting end separated by a length. The transmitting end may be adapted to be fluidly coupled to the dressing. Further, the bridge may include a bridge sealing member, and one or more wicking members. The bridge sealing member may extend along the length, and may define an internal volume. The one or more bridge wicking layers may be disposed within the internal volume of the bridge sealing member. The conduit interface may be adapted to be fluidly coupled to the receiving end of the bridge. The conduit interface may be in fluid communication with the dressing through the bridge. The reduced-pressure source may be adapted to be positioned in fluid communication with the conduit interface. 
     In some examples, the bridge may additionally or alternatively include a bridge absorbent disposed within the internal volume of the bridge sealing member. The one or more dressing wicking layers may include at least a first dressing wicking layer, a second dressing wicking layer, and a third dressing wicking layer. In some embodiments, the one or more dressing wicking layers may include a first dressing wicking layer and a second dressing wicking layer. In some examples, a peripheral portion of the first dressing wicking layer is coupled to a peripheral portion of the third dressing wicking layer providing a wicking layer enclosure. The dressing may additionally or alternatively include a base layer and an adhesive. The base layer may have a periphery surrounding a central portion and a plurality of apertures disposed through the periphery and the central portion. The adhesive may be in fluid communication with the plurality of apertures at least in the periphery of the base layer. In some examples, the dressing sealing member may include a periphery and a central portion. The periphery of the dressing sealing member may be positioned proximate to the periphery of the base layer. The central portion of the dressing sealing member and the central portion of the base layer may define an enclosure. The one or more dressing wicking layers may be disposed in the enclosure. The dressing may additionally or alternatively include a base layer adapted to be positioned in contact with the tissue site. The base layer may include a non-adherent mesh. The one or more dressing wicking layers may be positioned between the base layer and the dressing sealing member. 
     In some examples, the one or more bridge wicking layers may include a first bridge wicking layer and a second bridge wicking layer. The first bridge wicking layer may have a surface area that is greater than a surface area of the second bridge wicking layer. The first bridge wicking layer may have a density that is greater than a density of the second bridge wicking layer. The first bridge wicking layer may be adapted to be positioned underneath the second bridge wicking layer. 
     In some examples, the one or more bridge wicking layers may include a fluid acquisition surface and a fluid distribution surface positioned opposite the fluid acquisition surface. The fluid distribution surface may face the internal volume of the bridge sealing member. The fluid distribution surface may include a plurality of longitudinal fibers oriented substantially in a longitudinal direction along the length of the bridge. The fluid acquisition surface may include a plurality of vertical fibers oriented substantially normal relative to the longitudinal fibers. The bridge sealing member may sealingly enclose the one or more bridge wicking layers between the receiving end and the transmitting end of the bridge. The bridge sealing member may include a substantially liquid impermeable and vapor permeable film. The system may additional or alternatively include a sealing apparatus adapted to be positioned about a transmitting end aperture and between the transmitting end and the dressing. 
     In some illustrative, non-limiting examples, a system for treating a tissue site may include a dressing, a bridge, a conduit interface, and a reduced-pressure source. The dressing may be for positioning at the tissue site, and may include a dressing sealing member and a dressing manifold. The dressing sealing member may be adapted to provide a sealed space between the dressing sealing member and the tissue site. The dressing manifold may be disposed in the sealed space. The bridge may include a receiving end and a transmitting end separated by a length. The transmitting end may be adapted to be fluidly coupled to the dressing. Further, the bridge may include a bridge sealing member, and one or more wicking members. The bridge sealing member may extend along the length, and may define an internal volume. The one or more bridge wicking layers may be disposed within the internal volume of the bridge sealing member. The conduit interface may be adapted to be fluidly coupled to the receiving end of the bridge. The conduit interface may be in fluid communication with the dressing through the bridge. The reduced-pressure source may be adapted to be positioned in fluid communication with the conduit interface. 
     In some illustrative, non-limiting examples, a system for treating a tissue site may include a dressing, a bridge, a conduit interface, and a manual pump. The dressing may be for positioning at the tissue site, and may include a dressing sealing member and one or more dressing wicking layers. The dressing sealing member may be adapted to provide a sealed space between the dressing sealing member and the tissue site. The one or more dressing wicking layers may be disposed in the sealed space. The bridge may include a receiving end and a transmitting end separated by a length. The transmitting end may be adapted to be fluidly coupled to the dressing. Further, the bridge may include a bridge sealing member, and one or more wicking members. The bridge sealing member may extend along the length, and may define an internal volume. The one or more bridge wicking layers may be disposed within the internal volume of the bridge sealing member. The conduit interface may be adapted to be fluidly coupled to the receiving end of the bridge. The conduit interface may be in fluid communication with the dressing through the bridge. The manual pump may be adapted to be positioned in fluid communication with the conduit interface. 
     In some illustrative, non-limiting examples, a method of treating a tissue site may include positioning a dressing at the tissue site. Further, the method may include fluidly coupling a transmitting end of a bridge to the dressing, and fluidly coupling a manual pump to a receiving end of the bridge. Further, the method may include manually activating the manual pump to cause fluid to move from the tissue site to the bridge through one or more dressing wicking layers of the dressing and to cause fluid to move through one or more bridge wicking layers of the bridge to the manual pump. Further, the method may include storing at least a portion of the fluid in the manual pump. At least a portion of the fluid may be a liquid. 
     In some illustrative, non-limiting examples, a bridge assembly for treating a tissue site may include a bridge. The bridge may include a receiving end and a transmitting end separated by a length. The bridge may include a bridge sealing member, and one or more bridge wicking layers. The bridge sealing member may extend along the length of the bridge and may define an internal passageway in fluid communication between the receiving end and the transmitting end. The one or more bridge wicking layers may be disposed within the internal passageway. The one or more bridge wicking layers may be configured to communicate fluid between the receiving end and the transmitting end of the bridge. 
     In some examples, the bridge assembly may alternatively or additionally include a bridge absorbent disposed within the internal passageway. The bridge absorbent may include a volume that is less than a volume of the internal passageway. The bridge assembly may alternatively or additionally include a conduit interface adapted to be fluidly coupled to the receiving end of the bridge. The conduit interface may be in fluid communication with the transmitting end through the bridge. The bridge assembly may alternatively or additionally include a fluid capacity indicator positioned along the length of the bridge. The bridge sealing member may encapsulate the one or more bridge wicking layers. The bridge sealing member may include a non-woven material. The one or more bridge wicking layers may be moveable within the internal passageway. 
     The one or more bridge wicking layers may include a first bridge wicking layer, a second bridge wicking layer, a third bridge wicking layer. A periphery of the first bridge wicking layer may be coupled to a periphery of the third bridge wicking layer. The second bridge wicking layer may be positioned between the first bridge wicking layer and the third bridge wicking layer. Each of the one or more bridge wicking layers may be comprised of a non-woven material. Each of the one or more bridge wicking layers may include a fluid acquisition surface and a fluid distribution surface positioned opposite the fluid acquisition surface. The fluid distribution surface of each of the one or more bridge wicking layers may face a first direction. The fluid acquisition surface of each of the one or more bridge wicking layers may face a second direction. The bridge sealing member may entirely surround the one or more bridge wicking layers. The bridge sealing member may include a substantially liquid impermeable film. The bridge sealing member may be a vapor permeable film. The bridge sealing member may include a breathable film. The bridge sealing member may include a first sealing layer and a second sealing layer. A periphery of the first sealing layer may be coupled to a periphery of the second sealing layer around the one or more bridge wicking layers. 
     In some examples, the one or more bridge wicking layers may include a first bridge wicking layer and a second bridge wicking layer. The first bridge wicking layer may have a surface area that is greater than a surface area of the second bridge wicking layer. The first bridge wicking layer may have a density that is greater than a density of the second bridge wicking layer. The first bridge wicking layer may be adapted to be positioned underneath the second bridge wicking layer. 
     In some illustrative, non-limiting examples, a bridge for treating a tissue site may include a receiving end and a transmitting end separated by a length. Further, the bridge may include a bridge sealing member, and one or more bridge wicking layers. The bridge sealing member may extend along the length of the bridge, and may define an internal passageway in fluid communication between the receiving end and the transmitting end. Further, the bridge sealing member may include a first sealing layer and a second sealing layer positioned opposite the first sealing layer. The one or more bridge wicking layers may be disposed within the bridge sealing member. At least a portion of the one or more bridge wicking layers may be spaced apart from the bridge sealing member. The one or more bridge wicking layers may include a first bridge wicking layer and a second bridge wicking layer. The first bridge wicking layer may have a surface area that is greater than a surface area of the second bridge wicking layer. The first bridge wicking layer may have a density that is greater than a density of the second bridge wicking layer. The first bridge wicking layer may be adapted to be positioned underneath the second bridge wicking layer. 
     In some examples, the bridge may additionally or alternatively include an absorbent disposed within the bridge sealing member. At least a portion of the absorbent may be spaced apart from the first sealing layer and the second sealing layer of the bridge sealing member. The bridge sealing member may entirely surround the one or more bridge wicking layers. The one or more bridge wicking layers may include a first bridge wicking layer, a second bridge wicking layer, and a third bridge wicking layer. A periphery of the first bridge wicking layer may be coupled to a periphery of the third bridge wicking layer. The second bridge wicking layer may be disposed between the first bridge wicking layer and the third bridge wicking layer. Each of the one or more bridge wicking layers may include of a non-woven material. Each of the one or more bridge wicking layers may include a fluid acquisition surface and a fluid distribution surface positioned opposite the fluid acquisition surface. The fluid distribution surface of each of the one or more bridge wicking layers may face a first direction. The fluid acquisition surface of each of the one or more bridge wicking layers may face a second direction. The bridge sealing member may include a substantially liquid impermeable and vapor permeable film. 
     In some illustrative, non-limiting examples, a bridge for treating a tissue site may include a receiving end and a transmitting end separated by a length. Further, the bridge may include a first set of one or more bridge wicking layers, a second set of one or more bridge wicking layers, and a bridge sealing member. The first set of one or more bridge wicking layers may extend along the length of the bridge, and may include a fluid acquisition surface and a fluid distribution surface. The fluid distribution surface may be positioned on an opposite side of at least one bridge wicking layer of the first set of one or more bridge wicking layers from the fluid acquisition surface. The second set of one or more bridge wicking layers may extend along the length of the storage bridge, and may include a fluid acquisition surface and a fluid distribution surface. The fluid distribution surface may be positioned on an opposite side of at least one bridge wicking layer of the second set of one or more bridge wicking layers from the fluid acquisition surface. A periphery of at least one bridge wicking layer of the second set of one or more bridge wicking layers may be coupled to a periphery of at least one bridge wicking layer of the first set of one or more bridge wicking layers to define an internal volume. The bridge sealing member may include a substantially liquid impermeable and vapor permeable film. Further, the bridge sealing member may define an internal passageway in fluid communication between the receiving end and the transmitting end. The first set of one or more bridge wicking layers and the second set of one or more bridge wicking layers may be disposed within the internal passageway. 
     In some embodiments, the bridge may alternatively or additionally a bridge absorbent disposed within the internal volume between the first set of one or more bridge wicking layers and the second set of one or more bridge wicking layers. The fluid distribution surface of the at least one bridge wicking layer of the first set of one or more bridge wicking layers and the at least one bridge wicking layer of the second set of one or more bridge wicking layers may face the bridge absorbent. At least a portion of the bridge absorbent may be spaced apart from the fluid distribution surface of the at least one bridge wicking layer of the first set of one or more bridge wicking layers and the at least one bridge wicking layer of the second set of one or more bridge wicking layers. The fluid distribution surface of the at least one bridge wicking layer of the first set of one or more bridge wicking layers and the at least one bridge wicking layer of the second set of one or more bridge wicking layers may include a plurality of longitudinal fibers oriented substantially in a longitudinal direction along the length. The fluid acquisition surface of the at least one bridge wicking layer of the first set of one or more bridge wicking layers and the at least one bridge wicking layer of the second set of one or more bridge wicking layers may include a plurality of vertical fibers oriented substantially normal relative to the longitudinal fibers. 
     In some illustrative, non-limiting examples, a bridge for treating a tissue site may include a receiving end and a transmitting end separated by a length. Further, the bridge may include a first bridge wicking layer, a second bridge wicking layer, and a bridge sealing member. The first bridge wicking layer may extend along the length of the bridge, and may include a fluid acquisition surface and a fluid distribution surface. The fluid distribution surface may be positioned on an opposite side of the first bridge wicking layer from the fluid acquisition surface. The second bridge wicking layer may extend along the length of the storage bridge, and may include a fluid acquisition surface and a fluid distribution surface. The fluid distribution surface may be positioned on an opposite side of the second bridge wicking layer from the fluid acquisition surface. A periphery of the second bridge wicking layer may be coupled to a periphery of the first bridge wicking layer to define an internal volume. The bridge sealing member may include a substantially liquid impermeable and vapor permeable film. Further, the bridge sealing member may define an internal passageway in fluid communication between the receiving end and the transmitting end. The first bridge wicking layer and the second bridge wicking layer may be disposed within the internal passageway. 
     In some embodiments, the bridge may alternatively or additionally a bridge absorbent disposed within the internal volume between the first bridge wicking layer and the second bridge wicking layer. The fluid distribution surface of the first bridge wicking layer and the second bridge wicking layer may face the bridge absorbent. At least a portion of the bridge absorbent may be spaced apart from the fluid distribution surface of the first bridge wicking layer and the second bridge wicking layer. The fluid distribution surface of the first bridge wicking layer and the second bridge wicking layer may include a plurality of longitudinal fibers oriented substantially in a longitudinal direction along the length. The fluid acquisition surface of the first bridge wicking layer and the second bridge wicking layer may include a plurality of vertical fibers oriented substantially normal relative to the longitudinal fibers. 
     Other aspects, features, and advantages of the illustrative examples will become apparent with reference to the drawings and detailed description that follow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a cut-away view of an illustrative example of a system for treating a tissue site depicting an illustrative example of a dressing deployed at the tissue site; 
         FIG.  2    is a cut-away view of the dressing of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is detail view taken at reference  FIG.  3   , shown in  FIG.  1   , illustrating the dressing of  FIG.  1    positioned proximate to tissue surrounding the tissue site; 
         FIG.  4 A  is an exploded view of the dressing of  FIG.  1   , depicted without a conduit interface and with an illustrative example of a release liner for protecting the dressing prior to application at the tissue site; 
         FIG.  4 B  is a plan view of an illustrative example of a base layer depicted in the dressing of  FIG.  4 A ; 
         FIG.  5    is a cut-away view of an illustrative example of a fluid management assembly suitable for use with the dressing and system of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a cut-away view of another illustrative example of a fluid management assembly suitable for use with the dressing and system of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a cut-away view of an illustrative example of a conduit interface shown with the dressing of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a cut-away view of another illustrative example of a dressing and a fluid management assembly suitable for use with the system of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a plan view of an illustrative example of a bridge assembly suitable for use with the system and the dressing of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  10    is a cross-section of an illustrative example of a storage bridge shown with the bridge assembly of  FIG.  9   , taken at lines  10 - 10 ; 
         FIG.  11    is an exploded view of the bridge assembly of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a graph illustrating reduced pressure communication to a dressing through a bridge assembly according to this disclosure during application of fluid to the dressing; 
         FIG.  13    is a cut-away view of an illustrative example of a system for treating a tissue site depicting another illustrative example of a dressing deployed at the tissue site; 
         FIG.  14    is a cut-away view of the dressing of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  15    is a detail view taken at reference  FIG.  15   , shown in  FIG.  13   , illustrating the dressing of  FIG.  13    positioned proximate to tissue surrounding the tissue site; 
         FIG.  16 A  is an exploded view of the dressing of  FIG.  13   , depicted without a conduit interface and with an illustrative example of a release liner for protecting the dressing prior to application at the tissue site; 
         FIG.  16 B  is a plan view of an illustrative example of a base layer depicted in the dressing of  FIG.  16 A ; 
         FIG.  17    is a cut-away view of an illustrative example of a fluid management assembly suitable for use with the dressing and system of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  18    is a cut-away view of an illustrative example of a conduit interface shown with the dressing of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  19    is a cut-away view of another illustrative example of a dressing and a fluid management assembly suitable for use with the system of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  20    is a plan view of an illustrative example of a bridge assembly suitable for use with the system and the dressing of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  21    is a cross-section of an illustrative example of a bridge shown with the bridge assembly of  FIG.  20   , taken at lines  11 - 11 ; and 
         FIG.  22    is an exploded view of the bridge assembly of  FIG.  20   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following detailed description of illustrative example embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of this disclosure. Other embodiments may be used, and logical, structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Further, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the following detailed description is non-limiting, and the appended claims define the scope of the illustrative embodiments. Further, as used throughout this disclosure, “or” does not require mutual exclusivity. 
     Referring to the drawings,  FIG.  1    depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system  102  for treating a tissue site  104  of a patient. The tissue site  104  may extend through or otherwise involve an epidermis  106 , a dermis  108 , and a subcutaneous tissue  110 . The tissue site  104  may be a sub-surface tissue site as depicted in  FIG.  1    that may extend below the surface of the epidermis  106 . Further, the tissue site  104  may be a surface tissue site (not shown) that may predominantly reside on the surface of the epidermis  106 , such as, for example, an incision. The system  102  may provide therapy to, for example, the epidermis  106 , the dermis  108 , and the subcutaneous tissue  110 , regardless of the positioning of the system  102  or the type of tissue site. The system  102  may also be used without limitation at other tissue sites. 
     The tissue site  104  may be the bodily tissue of any human, animal, or other organism, including bone tissue, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, dermal tissue, vascular tissue, connective tissue, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, or any other tissue. Treatment of the tissue site  104  may include the removal of fluids, such as exudate or ascites. 
     Continuing with  FIG.  1   , the system  102  may include an optional tissue interface, such as an interface manifold  120 . Further, the system  102  may include a dressing  124  and a reduced-pressure source  128 . The reduced-pressure source  128  may be a component of an optional therapy unit  130 . In some embodiments, the reduced-pressure source  128  and the therapy unit  130  may be separate components. Further, in some embodiments, the interface manifold  120  may be omitted for different types of tissue sites or different types of therapy, such as, for example, epithelialization. If equipped, the interface manifold  120  may be adapted to be positioned proximate to or adjacent to the tissue site  104 , such as, for example, by cutting or otherwise shaping the interface manifold  120  in any suitable manner to fit the tissue site  104 . As described below, the interface manifold  120  may be adapted to be positioned in fluid communication with the tissue site  104  to distribute reduced pressure to the tissue site  104 . In some embodiments, the interface manifold  120  may be positioned in direct contact with the tissue site  104 . 
     The tissue interface or the interface manifold  120  may be formed from any manifold material or flexible bolster material that provides a vacuum space, or treatment space, such as, for example, a porous and permeable foam or foam-like material, a member formed with pathways, a graft, or a gauze. In some embodiments, the interface manifold  120  may be a reticulated, open-cell polyurethane or polyether foam that may be fluid permeable while under a reduced pressure. One such foam material is VAC® GranuFoam® material available from Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (KCI) of San Antonio, Tex. Further, in some embodiments, any material or combination of materials may be used as a manifold material for the interface manifold  120  provided that the manifold material is operable to distribute or collect fluid. For example, herein the term manifold may refer to a substance or structure configured for delivering fluids to or removing fluids from a tissue site through a plurality of pores, pathways, or flow channels. The plurality of pores, pathways, or flow channels may be interconnected to improve the distribution of fluids provided to and removed from an area around the manifold. Examples of manifolds may include, without limitation, devices that have structural elements arranged to form flow channels, cellular foam, such as open-cell foam, porous tissue collections, and liquids, gels, and foams that include or cure to include flow channels. 
     In some embodiments, a material with a higher or lower density than GranuFoam® material may be desirable for the interface manifold  120  depending on the application. Among the many possible materials, the following may be used without limitation: GranuFoam® material; Foamex® technical foam (www.foamex.com); a molded bed of nails structure; a patterned grid material, such as those manufactured by Sercol Industrial Fabrics; 3D textiles, such as those manufactured by Baltex of Derby, U.K.; a gauze; a flexible channel-containing member; or a graft. Further, in some embodiments, ionic silver may be added to the interface manifold  120  by, for example, a micro bonding process. Other substances, such as anti-microbial agents, may be added to the interface manifold  120  as well. 
     In some embodiments, the interface manifold  120  may comprise a porous, hydrophobic material. The hydrophobic characteristics of the interface manifold  120  may prevent the interface manifold  120  from directly absorbing fluid, such as exudate, from the tissue site  104 , but allow the fluid to pass through. 
     In some embodiments, the dressing  124  may include a base layer  132 , an adhesive  136 , a sealing member  140 , a fluid management assembly  144 , and a conduit interface  148 . Components of the dressing  124  may be added or removed to suit a particular application. In some embodiments, the dressing  124  may be adapted to provide reduced pressure from the reduced-pressure source  128  to the interface manifold  120 , and to extract fluid from the tissue site  104  through the interface manifold  120 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 4 B , the base layer  132  may have a periphery  152  surrounding a central portion  156 , and a plurality of apertures  160  disposed through the periphery  152  and the central portion  156 . The base layer  132  may also have corners  158  and edges  159 . The corners  158  and the edges  159  may be part of the periphery  152 . One of the edges  159  may meet another of the edges  159  to define one of the corners  158 . Further, the base layer  132  may have a border  161  substantially surrounding the central portion  156  and positioned between the central portion  156  and the periphery  152 . In some embodiments, the border  161  may be free of the apertures  160 . In some embodiments, the base layer  132  may be adapted to cover the interface manifold  120  and tissue surrounding the tissue site  104  such that the central portion  156  of the base layer  132  is positioned adjacent to or proximate to the interface manifold  120 , and the periphery  152  of the base layer  132  is positioned adjacent to or proximate to tissue surrounding the tissue site  104 . In such embodiments, the periphery  152  of the base layer  132  may surround the interface manifold  120 . Further, the apertures  160  in the base layer  132  may be in fluid communication with the interface manifold  120  and tissue surrounding the tissue site  104 . 
     The apertures  160  in the base layer  132  may have any shape, such as, for example, circles, squares, stars, ovals, polygons, slits, complex curves, rectilinear shapes, triangles, or other shapes. The apertures  160  may be formed by cutting, by application of local RF energy, or other suitable techniques for forming an opening. Each of the apertures  160  of the plurality of apertures  160  may be substantially circular in shape, having a diameter and an area. The area of the apertures  160  described in the illustrative embodiments herein may be substantially similar to the area in other embodiments for the apertures  160  that may have non-circular shapes. Further, the area of each of the apertures  160  may be substantially the same, or each of the areas may vary, for example, based on the position of the aperture  160  in the base layer  132 . For example, the area of the apertures  160  in the periphery  152  of the base layer  132  may be larger than the area of the apertures  160  in the central portion  156  of the base layer  132 . The apertures  160  may have a uniform pattern or may be randomly distributed on the base layer  132 . The size and configuration of the apertures  160  may be designed to control the adherence of the dressing  124  to the epidermis  106  as described below. 
     In some embodiments, the apertures  160  positioned in the periphery  152  may be apertures  160   a , the apertures  160  positioned at the corners  158  of the periphery  152  may be apertures  160   b , and the apertures  160  positioned in the central portion  156  may be apertures  160   c . In some embodiments, the apertures  160   a  may have an area greater than the apertures  160   b . Further, in some embodiments, the apertures  160   b  may have an area greater than the apertures  160   c . The dimensions of the base layer  132  may be increased or decreased, for example, substantially in proportion to one another to suit a particular application. Further, although the central portion  156 , the border  161 , and the periphery  152  of the base layer  132  are shown as having a substantially square shape, these and other components of the base layer  132  may have any shape to suit a particular application. 
     The base layer  132  may be a soft, pliable material suitable for providing a fluid seal with the tissue site  104  as described herein. For example, the base layer  132  may comprise a silicone gel, a soft silicone, hydrocolloid, hydrogel, polyurethane gel, polyolefin gel, hydrogenated styrenic copolymer gel, a foamed gel, a soft closed cell foam such as polyurethanes and polyolefins coated with an adhesive as described below, polyurethane, polyolefin, or hydrogenated styrenic copolymers. In some embodiments, the base layer  132  may include a silicone such as Scapa Soft-Pro®. The base layer  132  may have a thickness between about 500 microns (μm) and about 1000 microns (μm). In some embodiments, the base layer  132  may have a stiffness between about 5 Shore OO and about 80 Shore OO. Further, in some embodiments, the base layer  132  may be comprised of hydrophobic or hydrophilic materials. 
     In some embodiments (not shown), the base layer  132  may be a hydrophobic-coated material. For example, the base layer  132  may be formed by coating a spaced material, such as, for example, woven, nonwoven, molded, or extruded mesh with a hydrophobic material. The hydrophobic material for the coating may be a soft silicone, for example. In this manner, the adhesive  136  may extend through openings in the spaced material analogous to the apertures  160 . 
     In some embodiments, the adhesive  136  may be exposed to the apertures  160  in at least the periphery  152  of the base layer  132 . Further, in some embodiments, the adhesive  136  may be positioned adjacent to, or positioned in fluid communication with, the apertures  160  in at least the periphery  152  of the base layer  132 . Further, in some embodiments, the adhesive  136  may be exposed to or in fluid communication with tissue surrounding the tissue site  104  through the apertures  160  in the base layer  132 . As described further below and shown in  FIG.  3   , the adhesive  136  may extend, deform, or be pressed through the plurality of apertures  160  to contact the epidermis  106  for securing the dressing  124  to, for example, tissue surrounding the tissue site  104 . The apertures  160  may provide sufficient contact of the adhesive  136  to the epidermis  106  to secure the dressing  124  about the tissue site  104 . However, the configuration of the apertures  160  and the adhesive  136 , described below, may permit release and repositioning of the dressing  124  about the tissue site  104 . 
     In some embodiments, the apertures  160   b  at the corners  158  of the periphery  152  may be smaller than the apertures  160   a  in other portions of the periphery  152 . For a given geometry of the corners  158 , the smaller size of the apertures  160   b  compared to the apertures  160   a  may enhance or increase the surface area of the adhesive  136  exposed to the apertures  160   b  and to tissue through the apertures  160   b  at the corners  158 . The size and number of the apertures  160   b  in the corners  158  may be adjusted as necessary, depending on the chosen geometry of the corners  158 , to enhance or increase the exposed surface area of the adhesive  136  as described above. 
     Similar to the apertures  160   b  in the corners  158 , any of the apertures  160  may be adjusted in size and number to increase the surface area of the adhesive  136  exposed to or in fluid communication with the apertures  160  for a particular application or geometry of the base layer  132 . For example, in some embodiments (not shown) the apertures  160   b , or apertures of another size, may be positioned in the periphery  152  and at the border  161 . Similarly, the apertures  160   b , or apertures of another size, may be positioned as described above in other locations of the base layer  132  that may have a complex geometry or shape. 
     The adhesive  136  may be a medically-acceptable adhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive  136  may be deformable or flowable. For example, the adhesive  136  may comprise an acrylic adhesive, rubber adhesive, high-tack silicone adhesive, polyurethane, or other adhesive substance. In some embodiments, the adhesive  136  may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive comprising an acrylic adhesive. The adhesive  136  may be a layer having substantially the same shape as the periphery  152  of the base layer  132 . In some embodiments, the adhesive  136  may be continuous or discontinuous. Discontinuities in the adhesive  136  may be provided by apertures (not shown) in the adhesive  136 . Apertures in the adhesive  136  may be formed after application of the adhesive  136  or by coating the adhesive  136  in patterns on a carrier layer, such as, for example, a side of the sealing member  140  adapted to face the epidermis  106 . Further, apertures in the adhesive  136  may be sized to control the amount of the adhesive  136  extending through the apertures  160  in the base layer  132  to reach the epidermis  106 . Apertures in the adhesive  136  may also be sized to enhance the Moisture Vapor Transfer Rate (MVTR) of the dressing  124 , described further below. 
     Factors that may be utilized to control the adhesion strength of the dressing  124  may include the diameter, area, and number of the apertures  160  in the base layer  132 , the thickness of the base layer  132 , the thickness and amount of the adhesive  136 , and the tackiness of the adhesive  136 . An increase in the amount of the adhesive  136  extending through the apertures  160  may correspond to an increase in the adhesion strength of the dressing  124 . A decrease in the thickness of the base layer  132  may correspond to an increase in the amount of adhesive  136  extending through the apertures  160 . Thus, the diameter, area, and configuration of the apertures  160 , the thickness of the base layer  132 , and the amount and tackiness of the adhesive utilized may be varied to provide a desired adhesion strength for the dressing  124 . 
     In some embodiments, the tackiness of the adhesive  136  may vary in different locations of the base layer  132 . For example, in locations of the base layer  132  where the apertures  160  are comparatively large, such as the apertures  160   a , the adhesive  136  may have a lower tackiness than other locations of the base layer  132  where the apertures  160  are smaller, such as the apertures  160   b  and  160   c . In this manner, locations of the base layer  132  having larger apertures  160  and lower tackiness adhesive  136  may have an adhesion strength comparable to locations having smaller apertures  160  and higher tackiness adhesive  136 . 
     A release liner  162  may be attached to or positioned adjacent to the base layer  132  to protect the adhesive  136  prior to application of the dressing  124  to the tissue site  104 . Prior to application of the dressing  124  to the tissue site  104 , the base layer  132  may be positioned between the sealing member  140  and the release liner  162 . Removal of the release liner  162  may expose the base layer  132  and the adhesive  136  for application of the dressing  124  to the tissue site  104 . The release liner  162  may also provide stiffness to assist with, for example, deployment of the dressing  124 . The release liner  162  may be, for example, a casting paper, a film, or polyethylene. Further, the release liner  162  may be a polyester material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or similar polar semi-crystalline polymer. The use of a polar semi-crystalline polymer for the release liner  162  may substantially preclude wrinkling or other deformation of the dressing  124 . For example, the polar semi-crystalline polymer may be highly orientated and resistant to softening, swelling, or other deformation that may occur when brought into contact with components of the dressing  124 , or when subjected to temperature or environmental variations, or sterilization. Further, a release agent may be disposed on a side of the release liner  162  that is configured to contact the base layer  132 . For example, the release agent may be a silicone coating and may have a release factor suitable to facilitate removal of the release liner  162  by hand and without damaging or deforming the dressing  124 . In some embodiments, the release agent may be fluorosilicone. In other embodiments, the release liner  162  may be uncoated or otherwise used without a release agent. 
     Continuing with  FIGS.  1 - 4 B , the sealing member  140  may also be referred to as a dressing sealing member  140 . The sealing member  140  may have a periphery  164  and a central portion  168 . The sealing member  140  may additionally include an aperture  170 . The periphery  164  of the sealing member  140  may be positioned proximate to the periphery  152  of the base layer  132  such that the central portion  168  of the sealing member  140  and the central portion  156  of the base layer  132  define an enclosure  172 . The adhesive  136  may be positioned at least between the periphery  164  of the sealing member  140  and the periphery  152  of the base layer  132 . The sealing member  140  may cover the tissue site  104  and the interface manifold  120  to provide a fluid seal and a sealed space  174  between the tissue site  104  and the sealing member  140  of the dressing  124 . Further, the sealing member  140  may cover other tissue, such as a portion of the epidermis  106 , surrounding the tissue site  104  to provide the fluid seal between the sealing member  140  and the tissue site  104 . In some embodiments, a portion of the periphery  164  of the sealing member  140  may extend beyond the periphery  152  of the base layer  132  and into direct contact with tissue surrounding the tissue site  104 . In other embodiments, the periphery  164  of the sealing member  140 , for example, may be positioned in contact with tissue surrounding the tissue site  104  to provide the sealed space  174  without the base layer  132 . Thus, the adhesive  136  may also be positioned at least between the periphery  164  of the sealing member  140  and tissue, such as the epidermis  106 , surrounding the tissue site  104 . The adhesive  136  may be disposed on a surface of the sealing member  140  adapted to face the tissue site  104  and the base layer  132 . 
     The sealing member  140  may be formed from any material that allows for a fluid seal. A fluid seal may be a seal adequate to maintain reduced pressure at a desired site given the particular reduced pressure source or system involved. The sealing member  140  may comprise, for example, one or more of the following materials: hydrophilic polyurethane; cellulosics; hydrophilic polyamides; polyvinyl alcohol; polyvinyl pyrrolidone; hydrophilic acrylics; hydrophilic silicone elastomers; an INSPIRE 2301 material from Expopack Advanced Coatings of Wrexham, United Kingdom having, for example, an MVTR (inverted cup technique) of 14400 g/m 2 /24 hours and a thickness of about 30 microns; a thin, uncoated polymer drape; natural rubbers; polyisoprene; styrene butadiene rubber; chloroprene rubber; polybutadiene; nitrile rubber; butyl rubber; ethylene propylene rubber; ethylene propylene diene monomer; chlorosulfonated polyethylene; polysulfide rubber; polyurethane (PU); EVA film; co-polyester; silicones; a silicone drape; a 3M Tegaderm® drape; a polyurethane (PU) drape such as one available from Avery Dennison Corporation of Pasadena, Calif.; a polyurethane (PU) film such as Scapa Bioflex 130 polyurethane Film®; polyether block polyamide copolymer (PEBAX), for example, from Arkema, France; Expopack 2327; or other appropriate material. 
     The sealing member  140  may be vapor permeable and liquid impermeable, thereby allowing vapor and inhibiting liquids from exiting the sealed space  174  provided by the dressing  124 . In some embodiments, the sealing member  140  may be a flexible, breathable film, membrane, or sheet having a high MVTR of, for example, at least about 300 g/m 2  per 24 hours. In other embodiments, a low or no vapor transfer drape may be used. The sealing member  140  may comprise a range of medically suitable films having a thickness between about 15 microns (μm) to about 50 microns (μm). 
     The fluid management assembly  144  may be disposed in the enclosure  172 . In some embodiments, the fluid management assembly  144  may include a first dressing wicking layer  176 , a second dressing wicking layer  180 , and an absorbent layer  184 . The absorbent layer  184  may also be referred to as a dressing absorbent  184 . The absorbent layer  184  may be positioned in fluid communication between the first dressing wicking layer  176  and the second dressing wicking layer  180 . The first dressing wicking layer  176  may have a grain structure adapted to wick fluid along a surface of the first dressing wicking layer  176 . Similarly, the second dressing wicking layer  180  may have a grain structure adapted to wick fluid along a surface of the second dressing wicking layer  180 . For example, the first dressing wicking layer  176  and the second dressing wicking layer  180  may wick or otherwise transport fluid in a lateral direction along the surfaces of the first dressing wicking layer  176  and the second dressing wicking layer  180 , respectively. The surface of the first dressing wicking layer  176  may be normal relative to the thickness of the first dressing wicking layer  176 , and the surface of the second dressing wicking layer  180  may be normal relative to the thickness of the second dressing wicking layer  180 . The wicking of fluid along the first dressing wicking layer  176  and the second dressing wicking layer  180  may enhance the distribution of the fluid over a surface area of the absorbent layer  184 , which may increase absorbent efficiency and resist fluid blockages. Fluid blockages may be caused by, for example, fluid pooling in a particular location in the absorbent layer  184  rather than being distributed more uniformly across the absorbent layer  184 . The laminate combination of the first dressing wicking layer  176 , the second dressing wicking layer  180 , and the absorbent layer  184  may be adapted as described above to maintain an open structure, resistant to blockage, capable of maintaining fluid communication with, for example, the tissue site  104 . 
     Referring to the embodiments of the fluid management assembly  144  depicted in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 ,  5 , and  6   , a peripheral portion  186  of the first dressing wicking layer  176  may be coupled to a peripheral portion  187  of the second dressing wicking layer  180  to define a wicking layer enclosure  188  between the first dressing wicking layer  176  and the second dressing wicking layer  180 . In some embodiments, the wicking layer enclosure  188  may surround or otherwise encapsulate the absorbent layer  184  between the first dressing wicking layer  176  and the second dressing wicking layer  180 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5  and  6   , in some embodiments, the fluid management assembly  144  may include, without limitation, any number of wicking layers and absorbent layers as desired for treating a particular tissue site. For example, the absorbent layer  184  may be a plurality of absorbent layers  184  positioned in fluid communication between the first dressing wicking layer  176  and the second dressing wicking layer  180 . Further, as shown in  FIG.  6   , in some embodiments, at least one intermediate wicking layer  189  may be disposed in fluid communication between the plurality of absorbent layers  184 . Similar to the absorbent layer  184 , the plurality of absorbent layers  184  and the at least one intermediate wicking layer  189  may be positioned within the wicking layer enclosure  188 . In some embodiments, the absorbent layer  184  may be disposed between the sealing member  140  and the interface manifold  120 , and the first dressing wicking layer  176  and the second dressing wicking layer  180  may be omitted. 
     Continuing with  FIGS.  5  and  6   , sides  184   a  of the absorbent layers  184  may remain in fluid communication with one another for enhancing efficiency. Similarly, sides  189   a  of the at least one intermediate wicking layer  189  shown in  FIG.  6    may remain in fluid communication with one another and with the sides  184   a  of the absorbent layers  184 . Further, including additional absorbent layers  184  may increase the absorbent mass of the fluid management assembly  144  and generally provide greater fluid capacity. However, for a given absorbent mass, multiple light coat-weight absorbent layers  184  may be utilized rather than a single heavy coat-weight absorbent layer  184  to provide a greater absorbent surface area for further enhancing the absorbent efficiency. 
     In some embodiments, the absorbent layer  184  may be a hydrophilic material adapted to absorb fluid from, for example, the tissue site  104 . Materials suitable for the absorbent layer  184  may include, without limitation, super absorbent polymers and similar absorbent materials; Luquafleece® material; TEXSUS FP2326; BASF 402C; Technical Absorbents 2317, available from Technical Absorbents, Ltd. of Lincolnshire, United Kingdom; sodium polyacrylate super absorbers; cellulosics (carboxy methyl cellulose and salts such as sodium CMC); Gelok® 30040-76 S/S/S 300 gsm absorbent; or alginates. Materials suitable for the first dressing wicking layer  176  and the second dressing wicking layer  180  may include, without limitation, any material having a grain structure capable of wicking fluid as described herein, such as, for example, LIBELTEX TDL2, 80 gsm, or similar materials, which may be non-woven. 
     The fluid management assembly  144  may be manufactured as a pre-laminated structure, or supplied as individual layers of material that can be stacked upon one another as described above. Individual layers of the fluid management assembly  144  may be bonded or otherwise secured to one another without adversely affecting fluid management by, for example, utilizing a solvent or non-solvent adhesive, or by thermal welding. Further, the fluid management assembly  144  may be coupled to the border  161  of the base layer  132  in any suitable manner, such as, for example, by a weld or an adhesive. The border  161 , being free of the apertures  160  as described above, may provide a flexible barrier between the fluid management assembly  144  and the tissue site  104  for enhancing comfort. 
     The dressing  124  may be modified in various embodiments to suit a particular application. In some embodiments, the absorbent layer  184  may be omitted from the fluid management assembly  144 , which may be beneficial, but not required, for communicating fluid exterior to or away from the dressing  124  and the tissue site  104  for offsite or remote storage. In such an embodiment, the first dressing wicking layer  176  and the second dressing wicking layer  180  may wick or draw fluid away from the tissue site  104  for transport to a location exterior to the dressing  124 . Further, the configuration of the first dressing wicking layer  176  and the second dressing wicking layer  180  described herein may preference fluid away from the tissue site  104  and prevent the fluid from returning to the tissue site  104  prior to removal of the fluid from the dressing  124 , for example, by the application of reduced pressure. The wicking layer enclosure  188  may enhance this ability to preference fluid away from the tissue site  104  and to prevent the fluid from returning to the tissue site  104 . 
     The dressing  124  may be further modified in various embodiments that may be suitable for some applications that communicate fluid from the tissue site  104  exterior to the dressing  124 . For example, in some embodiments, the first dressing wicking layer  176  or the second dressing wicking layer  180  may be omitted along with the absorbent layer  184  and the base layer  132 . In such an embodiment, the dressing  124  may comprise the sealing member  140  and one of the first dressing wicking layer  176  or the second dressing wicking layer  180  for disposing in the sealed space  174  between the sealing member  140  and the tissue site  104 . Further, in some embodiments, the fluid management assembly  144  may be omitted from the dressing  124 , and a dressing manifold (not shown) may be positioned in the enclosure  172  in place of the fluid management assembly  144 . The dressing manifold may be configured as a layer and may be comprised of any material suitable for removing fluids from a tissue site through a plurality of pores, pathways, or flow channels as described herein, such as, without limitation, a foam, a woven material, a cast silicone, a polyurethane material, or any of the materials recited above for the interface manifold  120 . Further, in some embodiments, the dressing  124  may be modified by omitting the base layer  132  and replacing the fluid management assembly  144  with the above-described dressing manifold. In such an embodiment, the dressing  124  may comprise the sealing member  140  and the dressing manifold for disposing in the sealed space  174  between the sealing member  140  and the tissue site  104 . Further, in some embodiments, the absorbent layer  184  may be omitted and replaced with the dressing manifold such that the dressing manifold is positioned between the first dressing wicking layer  176  and the second dressing wicking layer  180 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , in some embodiments, the enclosure  172  defined by the base layer  132  and the sealing member  140  may include an optional anti-microbial layer  190 . The addition of the anti-microbial layer  190  may reduce the probability of excessive bacterial growth within the dressing  124  to permit the dressing  124  to remain in place for an extended period. The anti-microbial layer  190  may be, for example, an additional layer included as a part of the fluid management assembly  144 , or a coating of an anti-microbial agent disposed in any suitable location within the dressing  124 . The anti-microbial layer  190  may be comprised of elemental silver or a similar compound, for example. In some embodiments, the anti-microbial agent may be formulated in any suitable manner and associated with other components of the dressing  124 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  7   , the conduit interface  148  may be positioned proximate to the sealing member  140  and in fluid communication with the enclosure  172  of the dressing  124 . For example, the conduit interface  148  may be in fluid communication with the dressing  124  through the aperture  170  in the sealing member  140 . The conduit interface  148  may provide reduced pressure from the reduced-pressure source  128  to the dressing  124 . The conduit interface  148  may also be adapted to be positioned in fluid communication with the optional interface manifold  120 . An optional liquid trap  192  may be positioned in fluid communication between the dressing  124  and the reduced-pressure source  128 . The liquid trap  192  may be any suitable containment device having a sealed internal volume capable of retaining liquid, such as condensate or other liquids. 
     The conduit interface  148  may comprise a medical-grade, soft polymer or other pliable material. As non-limiting examples, the conduit interface  148  may be formed from polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), fluorosilicone, or ethylene-propylene. In some illustrative, non-limiting embodiments, conduit interface  148  may be molded from DEHP-free PVC. The conduit interface  148  may be formed in any suitable manner such as by molding, casting, machining, or extruding. Further, the conduit interface  148  may be formed as an integral unit or as individual components and may be coupled to the dressing  124  by, for example, adhesive or welding. 
     In some embodiments, the conduit interface  148  may be formed of an absorbent material having absorbent and evaporative properties. The absorbent material may be vapor permeable and liquid impermeable, thereby being configured to permit vapor to be absorbed into and evaporated from the material through permeation while inhibiting permeation of liquids. The absorbent material may be, for example, a hydrophilic polymer such as a hydrophilic polyurethane. Although the term hydrophilic polymer may be used in the illustrative embodiments that follow, any absorbent material having the properties described herein may be suitable for use in the system  102 . Further, the absorbent material or hydrophilic polymer may be suitable for use in various components of the system  102  as described herein. 
     The use of such a hydrophilic polymer for the conduit interface  148  may permit liquids in the conduit interface  148  to evaporate, or otherwise dissipate, during operation. For example, the hydrophilic polymer may allow the liquid to permeate or pass through the conduit interface  148  as vapor, in a gaseous phase, and evaporate into the atmosphere external to the conduit interface  148 . Such liquids may be, for example, condensate or other liquids. Condensate may form, for example, as a result of a decrease in temperature within the conduit interface  148 , or other components of the system  102 , relative to the temperature at the tissue site  104 . Removal or dissipation of liquids from the conduit interface  148  may increase visual appeal and prevent odor. Further, such removal of liquids may also increase efficiency and reliability by reducing blockages and other interference with the components of the system  102 . 
     Similar to the conduit interface  148 , the liquid trap  192 , and other components of the system  102 , may also be formed of an absorbent material or a hydrophilic polymer. The absorptive and evaporative properties of the hydrophilic polymer may also facilitate removal and dissipation of liquids residing in the liquid trap  192 , and other components of the system  102 , by evaporation. Such evaporation may leave behind a substantially solid or gel-like waste. The substantially solid or gel-like waste may be cheaper to dispose than liquids, providing a cost savings for operation of the system  102 . The hydrophilic polymer may be used for other components in the system  102  where the management of liquids is beneficial. 
     In some embodiments, the absorbent material or hydrophilic polymer may have an absorbent capacity in a saturated state that is substantially equivalent to the mass of the hydrophilic polymer in an unsaturated state. The hydrophilic polymer may be fully saturated with vapor in the saturated state and substantially free of vapor in the unsaturated state. In both the saturated state and the unsaturated state, the hydrophilic polymer may retain substantially the same physical, mechanical, and structural properties. For example, the hydrophilic polymer may have a hardness in the unsaturated state that is substantially the same as a hardness of the hydrophilic polymer in the saturated state. The hydrophilic polymer and the components of the system  102  incorporating the hydrophilic polymer may also have a size that is substantially the same in both the unsaturated state and the saturated state. Further, the hydrophilic polymer may remain dry, cool to the touch, and pneumatically sealed in the saturated state and the unsaturated state. The hydrophilic polymer may also remain substantially the same color in the saturated state and the unsaturated state. In this manner, this hydrophilic polymer may retain sufficient strength and other physical properties to remain suitable for use in the system  102 . An example of such a hydrophilic polymer is offered under the trade name Techophilic HP-93A-100, available from The Lubrizol Corporation of Wickliffe, Ohio, United States. Techophilic HP-93A-100 is an absorbent hydrophilic thermoplastic polyurethane capable of absorbing 100% of the unsaturated mass of the polyurethane in water and having a durometer or Shore Hardness of about 83 Shore A. 
     The conduit interface  148  may carry an odor filter  194  adapted to substantially preclude the passage of odors from the tissue site  104  out of the sealed space  174 . Further, the conduit interface  148  may carry a primary hydrophobic filter  195  adapted to substantially preclude the passage of liquids through the primary hydrophobic filter  195 . The odor filter  194  and the primary hydrophobic filter  195  may be disposed in the conduit interface  148  or other suitable location such that fluid communication between the reduced-pressure source  128 , or optional therapy unit  130 , and the dressing  124  is provided through the odor filter  194  and the primary hydrophobic filter  195 . In some embodiments, the odor filter  194  and the primary hydrophobic filter  195  may be secured within the conduit interface  148  in any suitable manner, such as by adhesive or welding. In other embodiments, the odor filter  194  or the primary hydrophobic filter  195  may be omitted, or positioned proximate to any exit location in the system  102  or the dressing  124  that is in fluid communication with the atmosphere, the reduced-pressure source  128 , or the optional therapy unit  130 . 
     The odor filter  194  may be comprised of a carbon material in the form of a layer or particulate. For example, the odor filter  194  may comprise a woven carbon cloth filter such as those manufactured by Chemviron Carbon, Ltd. of Lancashire, United Kingdom. The primary hydrophobic filter  195  may be comprised of a material that is liquid impermeable and vapor permeable. For example, the primary hydrophobic filter  195  may comprise a material manufactured under the designation MMT-314 by W.L. Gore &amp; Associates, Inc. of Newark, Del., United States, or similar materials. The primary hydrophobic filter  195  may be provided in the form of a membrane or layer. 
     Continuing with  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  7   , the reduced-pressure source  128  may provide reduced pressure to the dressing  124  and the sealed space  174 . The reduced-pressure source  128  may be any suitable device for providing reduced pressure, such as, for example, a vacuum pump, wall suction, hand pump, manual pump, or other source. In some embodiments, the reduced-pressure source  128  may be a component of the therapy unit  130 . The therapy unit  130  may include control circuitry and sensors, such as a pressure sensor, that may be configured to monitor reduced pressure at the tissue site  104 . The therapy unit  130  may also be configured to control the amount of reduced pressure from the reduced-pressure source  128  being applied to the tissue site  104  according to a user input and a reduced-pressure feedback signal received from the tissue site  104 . In some embodiments, the reduced pressure source  128  (such as a manual pump, hand pump, or the like) may comprise a container or may be fluidly connected to a container that receives fluid collected from the tissue site  104 . Thus, when the reduced pressure source  128  generates reduced pressure, fluid may be communicated from the tissue site, through the dressing, through the bridge, and received and stored in the container of the reduced pressure source  128  or fluidly connected to the reduced pressure source  128 . 
     As used herein, “reduced pressure” may refer to a pressure less than the ambient pressure at a tissue site being subjected to treatment. In some embodiments, the reduced pressure may be less than the atmospheric pressure. Further, in some embodiments, the reduced pressure may also be less than a hydrostatic pressure at a tissue site. Unless otherwise indicated, values of pressure stated herein are gauge pressures. While the amount and nature of reduced pressure applied to a tissue site may vary according to the application, in some embodiments, the reduced pressure may be between −5 mm Hg and −500 mm Hg. In some embodiments, the reduced pressure may be between −100 mm Hg and −200 mm Hg. 
     The reduced pressure delivered may be, for example, constant, varied, patterned, or random. Further, the reduced pressure may be delivered continuously or intermittently. Although the terms “vacuum” and “negative pressure” may be used to describe the pressure applied to a tissue site, the actual pressure applied to the tissue site may be more than the pressure normally associated with a complete vacuum. Consistent with the use herein, an increase in reduced pressure or vacuum pressure may refer to a relative reduction in absolute pressure. Further, an increase in reduced pressure may correspond to a reduction in pressure (more negative relative to ambient pressure), and a decrease in reduced pressure may correspond to an increase in pressure (less negative relative to ambient pressure). 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  7   , a conduit  196  having an internal lumen  197  may be coupled in fluid communication between the reduced-pressure source  128  and the dressing  124 . The internal lumen  197  may have an internal diameter between about 0.5 millimeters to about 3.0 millimeters. In some embodiments, the internal diameter of the internal lumen  197  may be between about 1 millimeter to about 2 millimeters. The conduit interface  148  may be coupled in fluid communication with the dressing  124  and adapted to connect between the conduit  196  and the dressing  124  for providing fluid communication with the reduced-pressure source  128 . The conduit interface  148  may be fluidly coupled to the conduit  196  in any suitable manner, such as, for example, by an adhesive, solvent or non-solvent bonding, welding, or interference fit. The aperture  170  in the sealing member  140  may provide fluid communication between the dressing  124  and the conduit interface  148 . For example, the conduit interface  148  may be in fluid communication with the enclosure  172  or the sealed space  174  through the aperture  170  in the sealing member  140 . In some embodiments, the conduit  196  may be inserted into the dressing  124  through the aperture  170  in the sealing member  140  to provide fluid communication with the reduced-pressure source  128  without use of the conduit interface  148 . The reduced-pressure source  128  may also be directly coupled in fluid communication with the dressing  124  or the sealing member  140  without use of the conduit  196 . In some embodiments, the conduit  196  may be, for example, a flexible polymer tube. A distal end of the conduit  196  may include a coupling  198  for attachment to the reduced-pressure source  128 . 
     The conduit  196  may have a secondary hydrophobic filter  199  disposed in the internal lumen  197  such that fluid communication between the reduced-pressure source  128  and the dressing  124  is provided through the secondary hydrophobic filter  199 . The secondary hydrophobic filter  199  may be, for example, a porous, sintered polymer cylinder sized to fit the dimensions of the internal lumen  197  to substantially preclude liquid from bypassing the cylinder. The secondary hydrophobic filter  199  may also be treated with an absorbent material adapted to swell when brought into contact with liquid to block the flow of the liquid. The secondary hydrophobic filter  199  may be positioned at any location within the internal lumen  197 . However, positioning the secondary hydrophobic filter  199  within the internal lumen  197  closer toward the reduced-pressure source  128 , rather than the dressing  124 , may allow a user to detect the presence of liquid in the internal lumen  197 . 
     In some embodiments, the conduit  196  and the coupling  198  may be formed of an absorbent material or a hydrophilic polymer as described above for the conduit interface  148 . In this manner, the conduit  196  and the coupling  198  may permit liquids in the conduit  196  and the coupling  198  to evaporate, or otherwise dissipate, as described above for the conduit interface  148 . The conduit  196  and the coupling  198  may be, for example, molded from the hydrophilic polymer separately, as individual components, or together as an integral component. Further, a wall of the conduit  196  defining the internal lumen  197  may be extruded from the hydrophilic polymer. The conduit  196  may be less than about 1 meter in length, but may have any length to suit a particular application. 
     Referring to  FIG.  8   , another embodiment of a fluid management assembly  244  suitable for use with the dressing  124  and the system  102  is shown. The fluid management assembly  244  may include a first dressing wicking layer  276 , a second dressing wicking layer  280 , and an absorbent layer  284  comprised of substantially the same materials and properties as those described above in connection with the fluid management assembly  144 . Thus, the first dressing wicking layer  276 , the second dressing wicking layer  280 , and the absorbent layer  284  may be analogous to the first dressing wicking layer  176 , the second dressing wicking layer  180 , and the absorbent layer  184 , respectively. 
     In the fluid management assembly  244 , the second dressing wicking layer  280  may have a peripheral portion  287 . The second dressing wicking layer  280  and the peripheral portion  287  of the second dressing wicking layer  280  may be positioned in contact with the sealing member  140 . The absorbent layer  284  may have a peripheral portion  285  extending beyond the peripheral portion  287  of the second dressing wicking layer  280 . The absorbent layer  284  may be positioned adjacent to or proximate to the second dressing wicking layer  280  such that the peripheral portion  285  of the absorbent layer  284  is in contact with the sealing member  140  surrounding the peripheral portion  287  of the second dressing wicking layer  280 . Similarly, the first dressing wicking layer  276  may have a peripheral portion  286  extending beyond the peripheral portion  285  of the absorbent layer  284 . The first dressing wicking layer  276  may be positioned adjacent to or proximate to the absorbent layer  284  such that the peripheral portion  286  of the first dressing wicking layer  276  is in contact with the sealing member  140  surrounding the peripheral portion  285  of the absorbent layer  284 . Further, the first dressing wicking layer  276  may be positioned adjacent to or proximate to the base layer  132 . Thus, at least the peripheral portion  287 , the peripheral portion  285 , and the peripheral portion  286  may be coupled to the sealing member  140 , such as, for example, by an adhesive coating disposed on a surface of the sealing member  140  facing the base layer  132 . The adhesive coating may be analogous to the adhesive  136  that may be applied across the surface of the sealing member  140  facing the base layer  132 . The second dressing wicking layer  280 , the absorbent layer  284 , and the first dressing wicking layer  276  may respectively have increasing surface areas to enhance contact with the adhesive coating described above. In other embodiments, the fluid management assembly  244  may include any number of absorbent layers and wicking layers for treating a particular tissue site. 
     In operation, according to some illustrative embodiments, the interface manifold  120  may be disposed against or proximate to the tissue site  104 . The dressing  124  may be applied over or covering the interface manifold  120  and the tissue site  104  to form the sealed space  174 . For example, the base layer  132  may be applied covering the interface manifold  120  and tissue surrounding the tissue site  104 . The materials described above for the base layer  132  may have a tackiness that may hold the dressing  124  initially in position. The tackiness may be such that if an adjustment is desired, the dressing  124  may be removed and reapplied. Once the dressing  124  is in the desired position, a force may be applied, such as hand pressure, on a side of the sealing member  140  facing outward or opposite the tissue site  104 . The force applied to the sealing member  140  may cause at least some portion of the adhesive  136  to penetrate or extend through the plurality of apertures  160  and into contact with tissue surrounding the tissue site  104 , such as the epidermis  106 , to releasably adhere the dressing  124  about the tissue site  104 . In this manner, the configuration of the dressing  124  described above may provide an effective and reliable seal against challenging anatomical surfaces, such as an elbow or heal, at and around the tissue site  104 . Further, the dressing  124  may permit re-application or re-positioning to, for example, correct air leaks caused by creases and other discontinuities in the dressing  124  and the tissue site  104 . The ability to rectify leaks may increase the reliability of the therapy and reduce power consumption. 
     As the dressing  124  comes into contact with fluid from the tissue site  104 , the fluid may move through the apertures  160  toward the fluid management assembly  144 ,  244 . The fluid management assembly  144 ,  244  may wick or otherwise move the fluid away from the tissue site  104 , and through the interface manifold  120 , if equipped. As described above, the interface manifold  120  may be adapted to communicate fluid from the tissue site  104  rather than store the fluid. Thus, the fluid management assembly  144 ,  244  may be adapted to wick, pull, draw, or otherwise attract fluid from the tissue site  104  through the interface manifold  120 . In the fluid management assembly  144 ,  244 , the fluid may initially come into contact with the first dressing wicking layer  176 ,  276 . The first dressing wicking layer  176 ,  276  may distribute the fluid laterally along the surface of the first dressing wicking layer  176 ,  276  for absorption or removal from the dressing  124 . Similarly, fluid may come into contact with the second dressing wicking layer  180 ,  280  and may be distributed laterally along the surface of the second dressing wicking layer  180 ,  280  for absorption or removal from the dressing  124 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  9 - 11   , in some embodiments, a bridge assembly  310  may extend away from the tissue site  104  and the dressing  124  to define a fluid passageway between the tissue site  104  and the reduced-pressure source  128 . For example, the bridge assembly  310  may be coupled in fluid communication between the dressing  124  and the reduced-pressure source  128 . However, other applications for the bridge assembly  310  are possible. In some embodiments, the bridge assembly  310  may include a storage bridge  320 , a sealing apparatus  330 , and the conduit interface  148 . It should be understood, that while dressing  124  is described with reference to  FIGS.  9 - 11   , dressings  324  or dressings  424 , discussed herein, may additionally or alternatively be used with reference to  FIGS.  9 - 11   . 
     The storage bridge  320  may include a receiving end  334  separated or spaced apart from a transmitting end  338  by a length  340 . The receiving end  334  may have a receiving end aperture  342 , and the transmitting end  338  may have a transmitting end aperture  346 . The receiving end  334  and the receiving end aperture  342  may be in fluid communication with the transmitting end  338  and the transmitting end aperture  346  through the length  340  of the storage bridge  320 . 
     The conduit interface  148  may be adapted to be fluidly coupled to the receiving end  334  of the storage bridge  320  through, for example, the receiving end aperture  342 . Thus, the conduit interface  148  may be in fluid communication with the transmitting end  338  through the length  340  of the storage bridge  320 . The sealing apparatus  330  may be positioned about the transmitting end aperture  346  and between the transmitting end  338  and the dressing  124  for coupling the transmitting end  338  to the dressing  124  and in fluid communication with the dressing  124  through the transmitting end aperture  346 . Thus, the conduit interface  148  may be positioned in fluid communication with the dressing  124  through the storage bridge  320 . The sealing apparatus  330  may be any suitable device for making the connections described above, such as, without limitation, an adhesive ring or weld. 
     In some embodiments, the storage bridge  320  may include a bridge envelope  350 , a bridge absorbent  354 , and a bridge sealing member  358 . The bridge envelope  350  may extend along the length  340  of the storage bridge  320 . Further, the bridge envelope  350  may define an internal volume  360 . The bridge absorbent  354  may be disposed within the internal volume  360  of the bridge envelope  350 . In some embodiments, the bridge absorbent  354  may have a volume  362 , in an unsaturated state, which is less than the internal volume  360  of the bridge envelope  350 . In some embodiments, the bridge absorbent  354  may have a volume  362 , in an unsaturated state, which is at least 5 percent less than the internal volume  360  of the bridge envelope  350 . In some embodiments, the bridge absorbent  354  may have a volume  362 , in an unsaturated state, which is at least 10 percent less than the internal volume  360  of the bridge envelope  350 . In some embodiments, the bridge absorbent  354  may have a volume  362 , in an unsaturated state, which is between 20 percent to about 90 percent of the internal volume  360  of the bridge envelope  350 . In some embodiments, a cross-sectional area  364  of the bridge absorbent  354  may be less than a cross-sectional area  366  of the bridge envelope  350 . The bridge absorbent  354  having a volume  362  or cross-sectional area  364  less than the internal volume  360  or cross-sectional area  366  of the bridge envelope  350  may allow for free movement of fluids and distribution of pressure around the bridge absorbent  354  when positioned within the internal volume  360  of the bridge envelope  350 . In some embodiments, the bridge envelope  350  may entirely surround the bridge absorbent  354 . Further, in some embodiments, the bridge envelope  350  may encapsulate the bridge absorbent  354 . Further, in some embodiments, the bridge absorbent  354  may be moveable, expandable, or swellable within the internal volume  360  of the bridge envelope  350 . For example, the bridge absorbent  354  may be configured to move, expand, or swell when the bridge absorbent  354  becomes fully or partially saturated with a liquid. 
     Further, the bridge envelope  350  may include an internal surface  368  and the bridge absorbent  354  may include an external surface  370 . In some embodiments, at least a portion of the external surface  370  of the bridge absorbent  354  may be spaced apart or separated from the internal surface  368  of the bridge envelope  350 . Further, in some embodiments, the entire external surface  370  of the bridge absorbent  354  may be separated or spaced apart from the internal surface  368  of the bridge envelope  350 . Such a separation or space between the external surface  370  of the bridge absorbent  354  and the internal surface  368  of the bridge envelope  350  may occur, for example, as a result of fluids positioned between the external surface  370  and the internal surface  368  during operation. 
     In some embodiments, the bridge envelope  350  may include a fluid acquisition surface  372  and a fluid distribution surface  374 . The fluid distribution surface  374  may be positioned opposite the fluid acquisition surface  372 . The fluid distribution surface  374  may face the internal volume  360  of the bridge envelope  350  and the bridge absorbent  354 . In some embodiments, at least a portion of the bridge absorbent  354  may be spaced apart from the fluid distribution surface  374  of the bridge envelope  350 . In some embodiments, the fluid distribution surface  374  may include a plurality of longitudinal fibers  391  oriented substantially in a longitudinal direction along the length  340  of the storage bridge  320 . Further, in some embodiments, the fluid acquisition surface  372  may include a plurality of vertical fibers  393  oriented substantially normal relative to the longitudinal fibers  391 . 
     In some embodiments, the bridge envelope  350  may include a first bridge wicking layer  380  and a second bridge wicking layer  382 . The first bridge wicking layer  380  and the second bridge wicking layer  382  may each extend along the length  340  of the storage bridge  320 , and may be disposed within an internal passageway  384  that may be defined by the bridge sealing member  358 . A periphery or edge of the first bridge wicking layer  380  may be coupled to a periphery or edge of the second bridge wicking layer  382  in any suitable manner, such as, for example, by a weld  386 , to define the internal volume  360  of the bridge envelope  350 . The bridge absorbent  354  may be positioned between the first bridge wicking layer  380  and the second bridge wicking layer  382 . The first bridge wicking layer  380  and the second bridge wicking layer  382  may each include the fluid acquisition surface  372  and the fluid distribution surface  374 . The fluid distribution surface  374  may be positioned on an opposite side of the first bridge wicking layer  380  and the second bridge wicking layer  382  from the fluid acquisition surface  372 . Further, the fluid distribution surface  374  of the first bridge wicking layer  380  and the second bridge wicking layer  382  may face the bridge absorbent  354 . In some embodiments, at least a portion of the bridge absorbent  354  may be spaced apart or separated from the fluid distribution surface  374  of the first bridge wicking layer  380  and the second bridge wicking layer  382 . 
     In some embodiments, the bridge envelope  350  may comprise a non-woven material or structure such as, without limitation, a polyester, co-polyester, polyolefin, cellulosic fiber, and combinations or blends of the foregoing materials. In some embodiments, the bridge envelope  350  may comprise LIBELTEX TDL4 or LIBELTEX TDL2, or any of the materials recited above for the first dressing wicking layer  176  and the second dressing wicking layer  180 . Further, in some embodiments, the bridge envelope  350  may comprise laminations with fiber or foam structures. The first bridge wicking layer  380  and the second bridge wicking layer  382  may each be comprised of the same materials recited above for the bridge envelope  350 . In some embodiments, the bridge absorbent  354  may include a super-absorbent polymer or similar absorbent material, such as, without limitation, TEXSUS FP2325, or Gelok® 30040-76 S/S/S 300 gsm absorbent. Further, in some embodiments, the bridge absorbent  354  may comprise any of the materials recited above for the dressing absorbent  184 . 
     The bridge sealing member  358  may encapsulate the bridge envelope  350 , and may define the internal passageway  384 . The internal passageway  384  may be in fluid communication between the receiving end  334  and the transmitting end  338  of the storage bridge  320 . In some embodiments, the bridge sealing member  358  may entirely surround the bridge envelope  350 . In some embodiments, the bridge envelope  350  may be disposed within the internal passageway  384  defined by the bridge sealing member  358 . In some embodiments, the bridge sealing member  358  may sealingly enclose the bridge envelope  350  between the receiving end  334  and the transmitting end  338  of the storage bridge  320 . 
     The bridge sealing member  358  may be comprised of similar materials described above for the dressing sealing member  140 . For example, in some embodiments, the bridge sealing member  358  may comprise a substantially liquid impermeable film. Further, in some embodiments, the bridge sealing member  358  may comprise a vapor permeable film. Further, in some embodiments, the bridge sealing member  358  may comprise a breathable film. Additional examples of materials suitable for the bridge sealing member  358  may include, without limitation, a polyurethane drape or film such as Scapa Bioflex 130 polyurethane Film®; films formed from polymers, such as polyester and co-polyester; polyamide; polyamide/block polyether; acrylics; vinyl esters; polyvinyl alcohol copolymers; films with and without adhesive; and high Moisture Vapor Transfer Rate (MVTR) films, such as, for example, an INSPIRE 2305 polyurethane drape. High MVTR films may provide for evaporation of condensate, which may occur around the entire exterior surface of the storage bridge  320 . In this manner, capacity, fluid handling, and evaporative properties of the storage bridge  320  may be enhanced or improved due at least to increased surface area and air movement provided around all sides and portions of the exterior surface of the storage bridge  320 . 
     In some embodiments, the bridge sealing member  358  may include a first sealing layer  388  and a second sealing layer  390 . A first periphery or edge of the first sealing layer  388  may be coupled to a second periphery or edge of the second sealing layer  390  around the bridge envelope  350  in any suitable manner, such as, for example, by a weld  392  for forming the bridge sealing member  358  and encapsulating the bridge envelope  350  therein. In other embodiments, the bridge sealing member  358  may be formed from a single layer of material. 
     The bridge assembly  310  may include features to indicate a level of fluid retained in the storage bridge  320 . For example, the storage bridge  320  may include a fluid capacity indicator  394  or a plurality of fluid capacity indicators  394  positioned along the length  340  of the storage bridge  320 . In some embodiments, the fluid capacity indicators  394  may be positioned sequentially along the length  340  of the storage bridge  320  to indicate an amount of fluid present or fluid capacity remaining in the storage bridge  320 . The fluid capacity indicators  394  may each identify a fraction or percentage of the total fluid capacity of the storage bridge  320 . Further, in some embodiments, a liquid changing dye (not shown) may be positioned within the internal passageway  384  defined by the bridge sealing member  358  in any suitable manner, such as, for example, as a coating, layer, or particulate. The liquid changing dye may also indicate a level of fluid retained in the storage bridge  320 . Materials suitable for use as the liquid changing dye may include, without limitation, water soluble or swellable polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol and copolymers; acrylics; polyurethanes; and soluble salts, such as sodium, potassium, and sodium acrylate. Water soluble dyes, such as, for example, indigo carmine or fast green FCF, may be mixed into the water soluble polymers set forth above. Such a compound may swell or dissolve when exposed to fluid, which may release the dye, indicating the fluid level in the storage bridge  320 . 
     In operation, the reduced-pressure source  128  may be fluidly coupled to the receiving end  334  of the storage bridge  320 . For example, the conduit interface  148  may be fluidly coupled to the receiving end  334 , and the conduit  196  may be fluidly coupled between the conduit interface  148  and the reduced-pressure source  128  analogous to the previously described embodiments. The transmitting end  338  of the storage bridge  320  may be fluidly coupled to the dressing  124  as described above. The reduced-pressure source  128  may be activated to provide reduced pressure to the dressing  124  through the storage bridge  320 , which may draw, wick, or pull fluids from the tissue site  104  and the dressing  124  into the storage bridge  320 . 
     The structure of the storage bridge  320  may be configured to be more hydrophilic or absorbent than the dressing  124 . For example, in some previously described embodiments, the dressing  124  may be configured without an absorbent while the storage bridge  320  is configured with the bridge absorbent  354 . In other embodiments, the dressing  124  may include components that possess some absorbency, but less absorbency than the storage bridge  320 . Accordingly, the system  102  may be configured with an absorbent gradient that increases in absorbency or hydrophilicity with increasing distance away from the tissue site  104 , such as, for example, from the dressing  124  toward the reduced-pressure source  128 . Therefore, fluids may be drawn from the tissue site  104  into the storage bridge  320  by the application of the reduced pressure and by operation of attractive forces that may be exerted on the fluid by the absorbent gradient. 
     As fluid enters the storage bridge  320 , the fluid may first contact portions of the bridge absorbent  354  near the transmitting end  338  of the storage bridge  320 , which may become saturated with the fluid or blocked. Such fluid saturation or blockage near the transmitting end  338  of the storage bridge  320  may force the fluid to move along the length  340  of the storage bridge  320 , between the external surface  370  of the storage bridge  320  and the internal surface  368  of the bridge envelope  350 , toward the receiving end  334  of the storage bridge  320  for absorption. The internal surface  368  of the bridge envelope  350  may also be the fluid distribution surface  374  of the bridge envelope  350 , which may enhance the movement and distribution of the fluid within the internal volume  360  of the bridge envelope  350  and the bridge absorbent  354 . The fluid may also wick or travel along the fluid acquisition surface  372  along the length  340  of the storage bridge  320  and pass through or permeate the bridge envelope  350  to the fluid distribution surface  374  for distribution to the bridge absorbent  354 . The fluid may continue to travel in this manner along the length  340  of the storage bridge  320  from the transmitting end  338  to the receiving end  334  until the storage bridge  320  reaches full fluid capacity. Portions of the storage bridge  320  that become saturated or blocked with fluid may swell and serve as an indication of the level of fluid contained in the storage bridge  320 . The fluid capacity indicator  394  and the liquid changing dye may also provide an indication of fluid capacity as described above. 
     Referring to  FIG.  12   , a graphical plot of pressure in the dressing  124  versus fluid volume is shown as a result of performance testing. In the testing, the storage bridge  320  was assembled with the dressing  124  according to this disclosure. The storage bridge  320  was held in a vertical position, and a reduced pressure of 125 mmHg was applied to the dressing  124  through the storage bridge  320 . Pressure measurements were taken in the dressing  124  at an edge Y and a center X of the dressing  124 , shown in  FIG.  9   , during delivery of saline fluid to the dressing  124  at a rate of 0.83 cc per hour. As shown in  FIG.  12   , the measured pressure remained stable between about 115 mmHg to about 125 mmHg, illustrating that no significant drop in reduced pressure occurred in the system  102  or though the storage bridge  320  during the addition of the saline in the testing. 
     Among other benefits described above, the storage bridge  320  may reduce power consumption, leakage, and other challenges that may be associated with fluid head pressure caused by a static column of fluid that can reside in a conventional tube or similar structure providing fluid communication between a dressing and a reduced-pressure source. Further, a mass of fluid removed from a tissue site may be moved away from the surface of the tissue site. The storage bridge  320  may also provide a low-profile and conformable solution for providing fluid communication with a tissue site, which may enhance patient comfort. 
     Referring to the drawings,  FIG.  13    depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system  302  for treating a tissue site  104  of a patient. The tissue site  104  may extend through or otherwise involve an epidermis  106 , a dermis  108 , and a subcutaneous tissue  110 . The tissue site  104  may be a sub-surface tissue site as depicted in  FIG.  13    that may extend below the surface of the epidermis  106 . Further, the tissue site  104  may be a surface tissue site (not shown) that may predominantly reside on the surface of the epidermis  106 , such as, for example, an incision. The system  302  may provide therapy to, for example, the epidermis  106 , the dermis  108 , and the subcutaneous tissue  110 , regardless of the positioning of the system  302  or the type of tissue site. The system  302  may be used to treat wound and shallow wounds on a patient such as venous leg ulcers (VLUs). The system may also be attached to a patient over or near a wound and compressed against tissue at or near the wound using bandages and/or compression garments (such as a compression garment with a hydrophobic coating). A compression garment (such as a compression garment with a hydrophobic coating) may prevent evaporated fluid from pooling in the dressing of the system  302 , reduce the likelihood of infection, and the negative impact on patient wellbeing as a result of odor. In some embodiments, a compression garment may include an activated charcoal component to mitigate odor. The activated charcoal component may increase evaporation rates from the dressing of the system  302  as fluid molecules will be drawn to the coated compression garment. The system  302  under compression against tissue may provide a low profile on a patient. The system  302  may also be used without limitation at other tissue sites. 
     The tissue site  104  may be the bodily tissue of any human, animal, or other organism, including bone tissue, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, dermal tissue, vascular tissue, connective tissue, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, or any other tissue. Treatment of the tissue site  104  may include the removal of fluids, such as exudate or ascites. 
     Continuing with  FIG.  13   , the system  302  may include an optional tissue interface, such as an interface manifold  120 . Further, the system  302  may include a dressing  324  and a reduced-pressure source  128 . The reduced-pressure source  128  may be a component of an optional therapy unit  130 . In some embodiments, the reduced-pressure source  128  and the therapy unit  130  may be separate components. Further, in some embodiments, the interface manifold  120  may be omitted for different types of tissue sites or different types of therapy, such as, for example, epithelialization. If equipped, the interface manifold  120  may be adapted to be positioned proximate to or adjacent to the tissue site  104 , such as, for example, by cutting or otherwise shaping the interface manifold  120  in any suitable manner to fit the tissue site  104 . As described below, the interface manifold  120  may be adapted to be positioned in fluid communication with the tissue site  104  to distribute reduced pressure to the tissue site  104 . In some embodiments, the interface manifold  120  may be positioned in direct contact with the tissue site  104 . 
     The tissue interface or the interface manifold  120  may be formed from any manifold material or flexible bolster material that provides a vacuum space, or treatment space, such as, for example, a porous and permeable foam or foam-like material, a member formed with pathways, a graft, a non-adherent material, a non-adherent copolymer mesh, or a gauze. In some embodiments, the interface manifold  120  may be a reticulated, open-cell polyurethane or polyether foam that may be fluid permeable while under a reduced pressure. One such foam material is VAC® GranuFoam® material available from Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (KCI) of San Antonio, Tex. Further, in some embodiments, any material or combination of materials may be used as a manifold material for the interface manifold  120  provided that the manifold material is operable to distribute or collect fluid. For example, herein the term manifold may refer to a substance or structure configured for delivering fluids to or removing fluids from a tissue site through a plurality of pores, pathways, or flow channels. The plurality of pores, pathways, or flow channels may be interconnected to improve the distribution of fluids provided to and removed from an area around the manifold. Examples of manifolds may include, without limitation, devices that have structural elements arranged to form flow channels, cellular foam, such as open-cell foam, porous tissue collections, and liquids, gels, and foams that include or cure to include flow channels. 
     In some embodiments, a material with a higher or lower density than GranuFoam® material may be desirable for the interface manifold  120  depending on the application. Among the many possible materials, the following may be used without limitation: GranuFoam® material; Foamex® technical foam (www.foamex.com); a molded bed of nails structure; a patterned grid material, such as those manufactured by Sercol Industrial Fabrics; 3D textiles, such as those manufactured by Baltex of Derby, U.K.; a gauze; a flexible channel-containing member; or a graft. Further, in some embodiments, ionic silver may be added to the interface manifold  120  by, for example, a micro bonding process. Other substances, such as anti-microbial agents, may be added to the interface manifold  120  as well. 
     In some embodiments, the interface manifold  120  may comprise a porous, hydrophobic material. The hydrophobic characteristics of the interface manifold  120  may prevent the interface manifold  120  from directly absorbing fluid, such as exudate, from the tissue site  104 , but allow the fluid to pass through. 
     In some embodiments, the dressing  324  may include a base layer  132 , an adhesive  136 , a sealing member  140 , a fluid management assembly  344 , and a conduit interface  148 . Components of the dressing  324  may be added or removed to suit a particular application. In some embodiments, the dressing  324  may be adapted to provide reduced pressure from the reduced-pressure source  128  to the interface manifold  120 , and to extract fluid from the tissue site  104  through the interface manifold  120 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  13 - 16 B , the base layer  132  may have a periphery  152  surrounding a central portion  156 , and a plurality of apertures  160  disposed through the periphery  152  and the central portion  156 . The base layer  132  may also have corners  158  and edges  159 . The corners  158  and the edges  159  may be part of the periphery  152 . One of the edges  159  may meet another of the edges  159  to define one of the corners  158 . Further, the base layer  132  may have a border  161  substantially surrounding the central portion  156  and positioned between the central portion  156  and the periphery  152 . In some embodiments, the border  161  may be free of the apertures  160 . In some embodiments, the base layer  132  may be adapted to cover the interface manifold  120  and tissue surrounding the tissue site  104  such that the central portion  156  of the base layer  132  is positioned adjacent to or proximate to the interface manifold  120 , and the periphery  152  of the base layer  132  is positioned adjacent to or proximate to tissue surrounding the tissue site  104 . In such embodiments, the periphery  152  of the base layer  132  may surround the interface manifold  120 . Further, the apertures  160  in the base layer  132  may be in fluid communication with the interface manifold  120  and tissue surrounding the tissue site  104 . 
     The apertures  160  in the base layer  132  may have any shape, such as, for example, circles, squares, stars, ovals, polygons, slits, complex curves, rectilinear shapes, triangles, or other shapes. The apertures  160  may be formed by cutting, by application of local RF energy, or other suitable techniques for forming an opening. Each of the apertures  160  of the plurality of apertures  160  may be substantially circular in shape, having a diameter and an area. The area of the apertures  160  described in the illustrative embodiments herein may be substantially similar to the area in other embodiments for the apertures  160  that may have non-circular shapes. Further, the area of each of the apertures  160  may be substantially the same, or each of the areas may vary, for example, based on the position of the aperture  160  in the base layer  132 . For example, the area of the apertures  160  in the periphery  152  of the base layer  132  may be larger than the area of the apertures  160  in the central portion  156  of the base layer  132 . The apertures  160  may have a uniform pattern or may be randomly distributed on the base layer  132 . The size and configuration of the apertures  160  may be designed to control the adherence of the dressing  124  to the epidermis  106  as described herein. 
     In some embodiments, the apertures  160  positioned in the periphery  152  may be apertures  160   a , the apertures  160  positioned at the corners  158  of the periphery  152  may be apertures  160   b , and the apertures  160  positioned in the central portion  156  may be apertures  160   c . In some embodiments, the apertures  160   a  may have an area greater than the apertures  160   b . Further, in some embodiments, the apertures  160   b  may have an area greater than the apertures  160   c . The dimensions of the base layer  132  may be increased or decreased, for example, substantially in proportion to one another to suit a particular application. Further, although the central portion  156 , the border  161 , and the periphery  152  of the base layer  132  are shown as having a substantially square shape, these and other components of the base layer  132  may have any shape to suit a particular application. 
     The base layer  132  may be a soft, pliable material suitable for providing a fluid seal with the tissue site  104  as described herein. For example, the base layer  132  may comprise a silicone gel, a soft silicone, hydrocolloid, hydrogel, polyurethane gel, polyolefin gel, hydrogenated styrenic copolymer gel, a foamed gel, a soft closed cell foam such as polyurethanes and polyolefins coated with an adhesive as described below, polyurethane, polyolefin, or hydrogenated styrenic copolymers. In some embodiments, the base layer  132  may include a silicone such as Scapa Soft-Pro®. The base layer  132  may have a thickness between about 500 microns (μm) and about 1000 microns (μm). In some embodiments, the base layer  132  may have a stiffness between about 5 Shore OO and about 80 Shore OO. Further, in some embodiments, the base layer  132  may be comprised of hydrophobic or hydrophilic materials. 
     In some embodiments (not shown), the base layer  132  may be a hydrophobic-coated material. For example, the base layer  132  may be formed by coating a spaced material, such as, for example, woven, nonwoven, molded, or extruded mesh with a hydrophobic material. The hydrophobic material for the coating may be a soft silicone, for example. The base layer  132  may additionally or alternatively be a non-adherent copolymer mesh. In this manner, the adhesive  136  may extend through openings in the spaced material analogous to the apertures  160 . 
     In some embodiments, the adhesive  136  may be exposed to the apertures  160  in at least the periphery  152  of the base layer  132 . Further, in some embodiments, the adhesive  136  may be positioned adjacent to, or positioned in fluid communication with, the apertures  160  in at least the periphery  152  of the base layer  132 . Further, in some embodiments, the adhesive  136  may be exposed to or in fluid communication with tissue surrounding the tissue site  104  through the apertures  160  in the base layer  132 . As described herein and shown in  FIG.  15   , the adhesive  136  may extend, deform, or be pressed through the plurality of apertures  160  to contact the epidermis  106  for securing the dressing  324  to, for example, tissue surrounding the tissue site  104 . The apertures  160  may provide sufficient contact of the adhesive  136  to the epidermis  106  to secure the dressing  124  about the tissue site  104 . However, the configuration of the apertures  160  and the adhesive  136 , described herein, may permit release and repositioning of the dressing  324  about the tissue site  104 . 
     In some embodiments, the apertures  160   b  at the corners  158  of the periphery  152  may be smaller than the apertures  160   a  in other portions of the periphery  152 . For a given geometry of the corners  158 , the smaller size of the apertures  160   b  compared to the apertures  160   a  may enhance or increase the surface area of the adhesive  136  exposed to the apertures  160   b  and to tissue through the apertures  160   b  at the corners  158 . The size and number of the apertures  160   b  in the corners  158  may be adjusted as necessary, depending on the chosen geometry of the corners  158 , to enhance or increase the exposed surface area of the adhesive  136  as described above. 
     Similar to the apertures  160   b  in the corners  158 , any of the apertures  160  may be adjusted in size and number to increase the surface area of the adhesive  136  exposed to or in fluid communication with the apertures  160  for a particular application or geometry of the base layer  132 . For example, in some embodiments (not shown) the apertures  160   b , or apertures of another size, may be positioned in the periphery  152  and at the border  161 . Similarly, the apertures  160   b , or apertures of another size, may be positioned as described above in other locations of the base layer  132  that may have a complex geometry or shape. 
     The adhesive  136  may be a medically-acceptable adhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive  136  may be deformable or flowable. For example, the adhesive  136  may comprise an acrylic adhesive, rubber adhesive, high-tack silicone adhesive, polyurethane, or other adhesive substance. In some embodiments, the adhesive  136  may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive comprising an acrylic adhesive. The adhesive  136  may be a layer having substantially the same shape as the periphery  152  of the base layer  132 . In some embodiments, the adhesive  136  may be continuous or discontinuous. Discontinuities in the adhesive  136  may be provided by apertures (not shown) in the adhesive  136 . Apertures in the adhesive  136  may be formed after application of the adhesive  136  or by coating the adhesive  136  in patterns on a carrier layer, such as, for example, a side of the sealing member  140  adapted to face the epidermis  106 . Further, apertures in the adhesive  136  may be sized to control the amount of the adhesive  136  extending through the apertures  160  in the base layer  132  to reach the epidermis  106 . Apertures in the adhesive  136  may also be sized to enhance the Moisture Vapor Transfer Rate (MVTR) of the dressing  124 , described further herein. 
     Factors that may be utilized to control the adhesion strength of the dressing  324  may include the diameter, area, and number of the apertures  160  in the base layer  132 , the thickness of the base layer  132 , the thickness and amount of the adhesive  136 , and the tackiness of the adhesive  136 . An increase in the amount of the adhesive  136  extending through the apertures  160  may correspond to an increase in the adhesion strength of the dressing  324 . A decrease in the thickness of the base layer  132  may correspond to an increase in the amount of adhesive  136  extending through the apertures  160 . Thus, the diameter, area, and configuration of the apertures  160 , the thickness of the base layer  132 , and the amount and tackiness of the adhesive utilized may be varied to provide a desired adhesion strength for the dressing  324 . 
     In some embodiments, the tackiness of the adhesive  136  may vary in different locations of the base layer  132 . For example, in locations of the base layer  132  where the apertures  160  are comparatively large, such as the apertures  160   a , the adhesive  136  may have a lower tackiness than other locations of the base layer  132  where the apertures  160  are smaller, such as the apertures  160   b  and  160   c . In this manner, locations of the base layer  132  having larger apertures  160  and lower tackiness adhesive  136  may have an adhesion strength comparable to locations having smaller apertures  160  and higher tackiness adhesive  136 . 
     A release liner  162  may be attached to or positioned adjacent to the base layer  132  to protect the adhesive  136  prior to application of the dressing  324  to the tissue site  104 . Prior to application of the dressing  324  to the tissue site  104 , the base layer  132  may be positioned between the sealing member  140  and the release liner  162 . Removal of the release liner  162  may expose the base layer  132  and the adhesive  136  for application of the dressing  324  to the tissue site  104 . The release liner  162  may also provide stiffness to assist with, for example, deployment of the dressing  324 . The release liner  162  may be, for example, a casting paper, a film, or polyethylene. Further, the release liner  162  may be a polyester material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or similar polar semi-crystalline polymer. The use of a polar semi-crystalline polymer for the release liner  162  may substantially preclude wrinkling or other deformation of the dressing  324 . For example, the polar semi-crystalline polymer may be highly orientated and resistant to softening, swelling, or other deformation that may occur when brought into contact with components of the dressing  324 , or when subjected to temperature or environmental variations, or sterilization. Further, a release agent may be disposed on a side of the release liner  162  that is configured to contact the base layer  132 . For example, the release agent may be a silicone coating and may have a release factor suitable to facilitate removal of the release liner  162  by hand and without damaging or deforming the dressing  324 . In some embodiments, the release agent may be fluorosilicone. In other embodiments, the release liner  162  may be uncoated or otherwise used without a release agent. In some embodiments, the base layer  132  may be adapted to be positioned in direct contact with the tissue site  104 . In some embodiments, the base layer  132  may include a non-adherent mesh and one or more wicking layers of the dressing as discussed herein may be positioned between the base layer  132  and a dressing sealing member as discussed herein. 
     Continuing with  FIGS.  13 - 16 B , the sealing member  140  may also be referred to as a dressing sealing member  140 . The sealing member  140  may have a periphery  164  and a central portion  168 . The sealing member  140  may additionally include an aperture  170 . The periphery  164  of the sealing member  140  may be positioned proximate to the periphery  152  of the base layer  132  such that the central portion  168  of the sealing member  140  and the central portion  156  of the base layer  132  define an enclosure  172 . The adhesive  136  may be positioned at least between the periphery  164  of the sealing member  140  and the periphery  152  of the base layer  132 . The sealing member  140  may cover the tissue site  104  and the interface manifold  120  to provide a fluid seal and a sealed space  174  between the tissue site  104  and the sealing member  140  of the dressing  324 . Further, the sealing member  140  may cover other tissue, such as a portion of the epidermis  106 , surrounding the tissue site  104  to provide the fluid seal between the sealing member  140  and the tissue site  104 . In some embodiments, a portion of the periphery  164  of the sealing member  140  may extend beyond the periphery  152  of the base layer  132  and into direct contact with tissue surrounding the tissue site  104 . In other embodiments, the periphery  164  of the sealing member  140 , for example, may be positioned in contact with tissue surrounding the tissue site  104  to provide the sealed space  174  without the base layer  132 . Thus, the adhesive  136  may also be positioned at least between the periphery  164  of the sealing member  140  and tissue, such as the epidermis  106 , surrounding the tissue site  104 . The adhesive  136  may be disposed on a surface of the sealing member  140  adapted to face the tissue site  104  and the base layer  132 . 
     The sealing member  140  may be formed from any material that allows for a fluid seal. A fluid seal may be a seal adequate to maintain reduced pressure at a desired site given the particular reduced pressure source or system involved. The sealing member  140  may comprise, for example, one or more of the following materials: hydrophilic polyurethane; cellulosics; hydrophilic polyamides; polyvinyl alcohol; polyvinyl pyrrolidone; hydrophilic acrylics; hydrophilic silicone elastomers; an INSPIRE 2301 material from Expopack Advanced Coatings of Wrexham, United Kingdom having, for example, an MVTR (inverted cup technique) of 14400 g/m 2 /24 hours and a thickness of about 30 microns; a thin, uncoated polymer drape; natural rubbers; polyisoprene; styrene butadiene rubber; chloroprene rubber; polybutadiene; nitrile rubber; butyl rubber; ethylene propylene rubber; ethylene propylene diene monomer; chlorosulfonated polyethylene; polysulfide rubber; polyurethane (PU); EVA film; co-polyester; silicones; a silicone drape; a 3M Tegaderm® drape; a polyurethane (PU) drape such as one available from Avery Dennison Corporation of Pasadena, Calif.; a polyurethane (PU) film such as Scapa Bioflex 130 polyurethane Film®; polyether block polyamide copolymer (PEBAX), for example, from Arkema, France; Expopack 2327; or other appropriate material. 
     The sealing member  140  may be vapor permeable and liquid impermeable, thereby allowing vapor and inhibiting liquids from exiting the sealed space  174  provided by the dressing  324 . In some embodiments, the sealing member  140  may be a flexible, breathable film, membrane, or sheet having a high MVTR of, for example, at least about 300 g/m 2  per 24 hours. In other embodiments, a low or no vapor transfer drape may be used. The sealing member  140  may comprise a range of medically suitable films having a thickness between about 15 microns (μm) to about 50 microns (μm). 
     The fluid management assembly  344  may be disposed in the enclosure  172 . In some embodiments, the fluid management assembly  344  may include one or more dressing wicking layers  345 . For example, a first dressing wicking layer  376 , a second dressing wicking layer  378 , and a third dressing wicking layer  381 . The one or more dressing wicking layers  345  may wick fluid along a surface of one or more of the first dressing wicking layer  376 , the second dressing wicking layer  378 , and the third dressing wicking layer  381 . For example, one or more dressing wicking layer  345  may wick or otherwise transport fluid in a lateral direction along the surfaces of one of the first dressing wicking layer  376 , the second dressing wicking layer  378 , or the third dressing wicking layer  381 , respectively. The surface of the first dressing wicking layer  376  may be normal relative to the thickness of the first dressing wicking layer  176 . The surface of the second dressing wicking layer  378  may be normal relative to the thickness of the second dressing wicking layer  378 . The surface of the third dressing wicking layer  381  may be normal relative to the thickness of the third dressing wicking layer  381 . The wicking of fluid along the one or more dressing wicking layers  345  may enhance the distribution of the fluid. A laminate combination of the first dressing wicking layer  376 , the second dressing wicking layer  378 , and the third dressing wicking layer  381  may be adapted as described herein to maintain an open structure, resistant to blockage, capable of maintaining fluid communication with, for example, the tissue site  104 . 
     Referring to the embodiments of the fluid management assembly  344  depicted in  FIGS.  13 ,  14 , and  17   , a peripheral portion  186  of the first dressing wicking layer  376  may be coupled to a peripheral portion  187  of the third dressing wicking layer  381  to define a wicking layer enclosure  389  between the first dressing wicking layer  376  and the third dressing wicking layer  381 . In some embodiments, the wicking layer enclosure  389  may surround or otherwise encapsulate the second dressing wicking layer  378  between the first dressing wicking layer  376  and the third dressing wicking layer  381 . Materials suitable for the first dressing wicking layer  376 , the second dressing wicking layer  378 , and the third dressing wicking layer  381  may include, without limitation, any material having a grain structure capable of wicking fluid as described herein, such as, for example, LIBELTEX TDL2, 80 gsm, or similar materials, which may be non-woven. 
     The fluid management assembly  344  may be manufactured as a pre-laminated structure, or supplied as individual layers of material that can be stacked upon one another as described above. Individual layers of the fluid management assembly  344  may be bonded or otherwise secured to one another without adversely affecting fluid management by, for example, utilizing a solvent or non-solvent adhesive, or by thermal welding. Further, the fluid management assembly  344  may be coupled to the border  161  of the base layer  132  in any suitable manner, such as, for example, by a weld or an adhesive. The border  161 , being free of the apertures  160  as described above, may provide a flexible barrier between the fluid management assembly  344  and the tissue site  104  for enhancing comfort. In some embodiments, the base layer  132  may include a non-adherent interface. The non-adherent interface may be used with VLUs to accommodate a sensitive and/or a sore tissue site. The non-adherent interface may include a co-polymer mesh. 
     The dressing  324  may be modified in various embodiments to suit a particular application. The first dressing wicking layer  376 , the second dressing wicking layer  378 , and the third dressing wicking layer  381  may wick or draw fluid away from the tissue site  104  for transport to a location exterior to the dressing  324 . Further, the configuration of the first dressing wicking layer  376 , the second dressing wicking layer  378 , and the third dressing wicking layer  381  described herein may preference fluid away from the tissue site  104  and prevent the fluid from returning to the tissue site  104  prior to removal of the fluid from the dressing  324 , for example, by the application of reduced pressure. The wicking layer enclosure  389  may enhance this ability to preference fluid away from the tissue site  104  and to prevent the fluid from returning to the tissue site  104 . In some embodiments, the dressing  324  may comprise a winged profile to allow for greater adhesion between the dressing  324  and a leg or an arm, for example. 
     The dressing  324  may be further modified in various embodiments that may be suitable for some applications that communicate fluid from the tissue site  104  exterior to the dressing  324 . For example, the fluid management assembly  344  may be omitted from the dressing  324 , and a dressing manifold (not shown) may be positioned in the enclosure  172  in place of the fluid management assembly  344 . The dressing manifold may be configured as a layer and may be comprised of any material suitable for removing fluids from a tissue site through a plurality of pores, pathways, or flow channels as described herein, such as, without limitation, a foam, a woven material, a cast silicone, a polyurethane material, or any of the materials recited above for the interface manifold  120 . Further, in some embodiments, the dressing  324  may be modified by omitting the base layer  132  and replacing the fluid management assembly  344  with the above-described dressing manifold. In such an embodiment, the dressing  324  may comprise the sealing member  140  and the dressing manifold for disposing in the sealed space  174  between the sealing member  140  and the tissue site  104 . 
     In some embodiments, the fluid management assembly  344  may include a film, a first wicking layer, and a second wicking layer. The film may be a base layer of adhesive coated polyurethane (PU) film. The adhesive coated on the film may adhere the first wicking layer to an inner surface of the fluid management assembly (i.e. a surface forming the wicking layer enclosure  188  and exposed to the wicking layer enclosure  188 ). The first wicking layer may be stacked or placed below or underneath the second wicking layer such that fluid (such a fluid of exudate) is communicated from the first wicking layer to the second wicking layer and out the conduit interface  148 . The first wicking layer may have a wider base and a higher density relative to the second wicking layer. The first wicking layer may have a surface area that is greater than a surface area of the second wicking layer. The first wicking layer may have a greater thickness (such as 50 mm) relative to the second wicking layer thickness (such as 20 mm). The first wicking layer may include a profile to spread the fluid out over an entire surface of the first wicking layer to increase evaporation. The second wicking layer may be used to pull fluid from the wound towards to the conduit interface  148 . In some embodiments, the second wicking layer may alternatively or additionally include a profile like the profile of the first wicking layer to spread fluid out over an entire surface of the second wicking layer. The profile of the second wicking layer may also be used to increase evaporation. In some embodiments, the fluid management assembly  344  may include a film positioned to adhere to the second wicking layer on a surface of the second wicking layer opposite the first wicking layer. The film positioned to adhere to the second wicking layer may include one or more of the same properties as the film that may adhere to the first wicking layer described herein. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  13 ,  14 , and  18   , the conduit interface  148  may be positioned proximate to the sealing member  140  and in fluid communication with the enclosure  172  of the dressing  324 . For example, the conduit interface  148  may be in fluid communication with the dressing  324  through the aperture  170  in the sealing member  140 . The conduit interface  148  may provide reduced pressure from the reduced-pressure source  128  to the dressing  324 . The conduit interface  148  may also be adapted to be positioned in fluid communication with the optional interface manifold  120 . An optional liquid trap  192  may be positioned in fluid communication between the dressing  324  and the reduced-pressure source  128 . The liquid trap  192  may be any suitable containment device having a sealed internal volume capable of retaining liquid, such as condensate or other liquids. 
     The conduit interface  148  may comprise a medical-grade, soft polymer or other pliable material. As non-limiting examples, the conduit interface  148  may be formed from polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), fluorosilicone, or ethylene-propylene. In some illustrative, non-limiting embodiments, conduit interface  148  may be molded from DEHP-free PVC. The conduit interface  148  may be formed in any suitable manner such as by molding, casting, machining, or extruding. Further, the conduit interface  148  may be formed as an integral unit or as individual components and may be coupled to the dressing  324  by, for example, adhesive or welding. 
     In some embodiments, the conduit interface  148  may be formed of an absorbent material having absorbent and evaporative properties. The absorbent material may be vapor permeable and liquid impermeable, thereby being configured to permit vapor to be absorbed into and evaporated from the material through permeation while inhibiting permeation of liquids. The absorbent material may be, for example, a hydrophilic polymer such as a hydrophilic polyurethane. Although the term hydrophilic polymer may be used in the illustrative embodiments that follow, any absorbent material having the properties described herein may be suitable for use in the system  302 . Further, the absorbent material or hydrophilic polymer may be suitable for use in various components of the system  302  as described herein. 
     The use of such a hydrophilic polymer for the conduit interface  148  may permit liquids in the conduit interface  148  to evaporate, or otherwise dissipate, during operation. For example, the hydrophilic polymer may allow the liquid to permeate or pass through the conduit interface  148  as vapor, in a gaseous phase, and evaporate into the atmosphere external to the conduit interface  148 . Such liquids may be, for example, condensate or other liquids. Condensate may form, for example, as a result of a decrease in temperature within the conduit interface  148 , or other components of the system  302 , relative to the temperature at the tissue site  104 . Removal or dissipation of liquids from the conduit interface  148  may increase visual appeal and prevent odor. Further, such removal of liquids may also increase efficiency and reliability by reducing blockages and other interference with the components of the system  302 . 
     Similar to the conduit interface  148 , the liquid trap  192 , and other components of the system  302 , may also be formed of an absorbent material or a hydrophilic polymer. The absorptive and evaporative properties of the hydrophilic polymer may also facilitate removal and dissipation of liquids residing in the liquid trap  192 , and other components of the system  302 , by evaporation. Such evaporation may leave behind a substantially solid or gel-like waste. The substantially solid or gel-like waste may be cheaper to dispose than liquids, providing a cost savings for operation of the system  302 . The hydrophilic polymer may be used for other components in the system  302  where the management of liquids is beneficial. 
     In some embodiments, the absorbent material or hydrophilic polymer may have an absorbent capacity in a saturated state that is substantially equivalent to the mass of the hydrophilic polymer in an unsaturated state. The hydrophilic polymer may be fully saturated with vapor in the saturated state and substantially free of vapor in the unsaturated state. In both the saturated state and the unsaturated state, the hydrophilic polymer may retain substantially the same physical, mechanical, and structural properties. For example, the hydrophilic polymer may have a hardness in the unsaturated state that is substantially the same as a hardness of the hydrophilic polymer in the saturated state. The hydrophilic polymer and the components of the system  302  incorporating the hydrophilic polymer may also have a size that is substantially the same in both the unsaturated state and the saturated state. Further, the hydrophilic polymer may remain dry, cool to the touch, and pneumatically sealed in the saturated state and the unsaturated state. The hydrophilic polymer may also remain substantially the same color in the saturated state and the unsaturated state. In this manner, this hydrophilic polymer may retain sufficient strength and other physical properties to remain suitable for use in the system  302 . An example of such a hydrophilic polymer is offered under the trade name Techophilic HP-93A-100, available from The Lubrizol Corporation of Wickliffe, Ohio, United States. Techophilic HP-93A-100 is an absorbent hydrophilic thermoplastic polyurethane capable of absorbing 100% of the unsaturated mass of the polyurethane in water and having a durometer or Shore Hardness of about 83 Shore A. 
     The conduit interface  148  may carry an odor filter  194  adapted to substantially preclude the passage of odors from the tissue site  104  out of the sealed space  174 . Further, the conduit interface  148  may carry a primary hydrophobic filter  195  adapted to substantially preclude the passage of liquids through the primary hydrophobic filter  195 . The odor filter  194  and the primary hydrophobic filter  195  may be disposed in the conduit interface  148  or other suitable location such that fluid communication between the reduced-pressure source  128 , or optional therapy unit  130 , and the dressing  324  is provided through the odor filter  194  and the primary hydrophobic filter  195 . In some embodiments, the odor filter  194  and the primary hydrophobic filter  195  may be secured within the conduit interface  148  in any suitable manner, such as by adhesive or welding. In other embodiments, the odor filter  194  or the primary hydrophobic filter  195  may be omitted, or positioned proximate to any exit location in the system  302  or the dressing  324  that is in fluid communication with the atmosphere, the reduced-pressure source  128 , or the optional therapy unit  130 . 
     The odor filter  194  may be comprised of a carbon material in the form of a layer or particulate. For example, the odor filter  194  may comprise a woven carbon cloth filter such as those manufactured by Chemviron Carbon, Ltd. of Lancashire, United Kingdom. The primary hydrophobic filter  195  may be comprised of a material that is liquid impermeable and vapor permeable. For example, the primary hydrophobic filter  195  may comprise a material manufactured under the designation MMT-314 by W.L. Gore &amp; Associates, Inc. of Newark, Del., United States, or similar materials. The primary hydrophobic filter  195  may be provided in the form of a membrane or layer. 
     Continuing with  FIGS.  13 ,  14 , and  18   , the reduced-pressure source  128  may provide reduced pressure to the dressing  324  and the sealed space  174 . The reduced-pressure source  128  may be any suitable device for providing reduced pressure, such as, for example, a vacuum pump, wall suction, hand pump, manual pump, or other source. In some embodiments, the reduced-pressure source  128  may be a component of the therapy unit  130 . The therapy unit  130  may include control circuitry and sensors, such as a pressure sensor, that may be configured to monitor reduced pressure at the tissue site  104 . The therapy unit  130  may also be configured to control the amount of reduced pressure from the reduced-pressure source  128  being applied to the tissue site  104  according to a user input and a reduced-pressure feedback signal received from the tissue site  104 . In some embodiments, the reduced pressure source  128  (such as a manual pump, hand pump, or the like) may comprise a container or may be fluidly connected to a container that receives fluid collected from the tissue site  104 . Thus, when the reduced pressure source  128  generates reduced pressure, fluid may be communicated from the tissue site, through the dressing, through the bridge, and received and stored in the container of the reduced pressure source  128  or fluidly connected to the reduced pressure source  128 . 
     As used herein, “reduced pressure” may refer to a pressure less than the ambient pressure at a tissue site being subjected to treatment. In some embodiments, the reduced pressure may be less than the atmospheric pressure. Further, in some embodiments, the reduced pressure may also be less than a hydrostatic pressure at a tissue site. Unless otherwise indicated, values of pressure stated herein are gauge pressures. While the amount and nature of reduced pressure applied to a tissue site may vary according to the application, in some embodiments, the reduced pressure may be between −5 mm Hg and −500 mm Hg. In some embodiments, the reduced pressure may be between −100 mm Hg and −200 mm Hg. 
     The reduced pressure delivered may be, for example, constant, varied, patterned, or random. Further, the reduced pressure may be delivered continuously or intermittently. Although the terms “vacuum” and “negative pressure” may be used to describe the pressure applied to a tissue site, the actual pressure applied to the tissue site may be more than the pressure normally associated with a complete vacuum. Consistent with the use herein, an increase in reduced pressure or vacuum pressure may refer to a relative reduction in absolute pressure. Further, an increase in reduced pressure may correspond to a reduction in pressure (more negative relative to ambient pressure), and a decrease in reduced pressure may correspond to an increase in pressure (less negative relative to ambient pressure). 
     Referring to  FIGS.  13  and  18   , a conduit  196  having an internal lumen  197  may be coupled in fluid communication between the reduced-pressure source  128  and the dressing  324 . The internal lumen  197  may have an internal diameter between about 0.5 millimeters to about 3.0 millimeters. In some embodiments, the internal diameter of the internal lumen  197  may be between about 1 millimeter to about 2 millimeters. The conduit interface  148  may be coupled in fluid communication with the dressing  324  and adapted to connect between the conduit  196  and the dressing  324  for providing fluid communication with the reduced-pressure source  128 . The conduit interface  148  may be fluidly coupled to the conduit  196  in any suitable manner, such as, for example, by an adhesive, solvent or non-solvent bonding, welding, or interference fit. The aperture  170  in the sealing member  140  may provide fluid communication between the dressing  324  and the conduit interface  148 . For example, the conduit interface  148  may be in fluid communication with the enclosure  172  or the sealed space  174  through the aperture  170  in the sealing member  140 . In some embodiments, the conduit  196  may be inserted into the dressing  324  through the aperture  170  in the sealing member  140  to provide fluid communication with the reduced-pressure source  128  without use of the conduit interface  148 . The reduced-pressure source  128  may also be directly coupled in fluid communication with the dressing  324  or the sealing member  140  without use of the conduit  196 . In some embodiments, the conduit  196  may be, for example, a flexible polymer tube. A distal end of the conduit  196  may include a coupling  198  for attachment to the reduced-pressure source  128 . 
     The conduit  196  may have a secondary hydrophobic filter  199  disposed in the internal lumen  197  such that fluid communication between the reduced-pressure source  128  and the dressing  324  is provided through the secondary hydrophobic filter  199 . The secondary hydrophobic filter  199  may be, for example, a porous, sintered polymer cylinder sized to fit the dimensions of the internal lumen  197  to substantially preclude liquid from bypassing the cylinder. The secondary hydrophobic filter  199  may also be treated with an absorbent material adapted to swell when brought into contact with liquid to block the flow of the liquid. The secondary hydrophobic filter  199  may be positioned at any location within the internal lumen  197 . However, positioning the secondary hydrophobic filter  199  within the internal lumen  197  closer toward the reduced-pressure source  128 , rather than the dressing  324 , may allow a user to detect the presence of liquid in the internal lumen  197 . 
     In some embodiments, the conduit  196  and the coupling  198  may be formed of an absorbent material or a hydrophilic polymer as described above for the conduit interface  148 . In this manner, the conduit  196  and the coupling  198  may permit liquids in the conduit  196  and the coupling  198  to evaporate, or otherwise dissipate, as described above for the conduit interface  148 . The conduit  196  and the coupling  198  may be, for example, molded from the hydrophilic polymer separately, as individual components, or together as an integral component. Further, a wall of the conduit  196  defining the internal lumen  197  may be extruded from the hydrophilic polymer. The conduit  196  may be less than about 1 meter in length, but may have any length to suit a particular application. 
     Referring to  FIG.  19   , another embodiment of a fluid management assembly  444  suitable for use with the dressing  424  and the system  402  is shown. The fluid management assembly  444  may include one or more dressing wicking layers  484  such as a first dressing wicking layer  476 , a second dressing wicking layer  478 , and a third dressing wicking layer  480  comprised of substantially the same materials and properties as those described above in connection with the fluid management assembly  144 . Thus, the first dressing wicking layer  476 , the second dressing wicking layer  478 , and the third dressing wicking layer  480  may be analogous to the first dressing wicking layer  376 , the second dressing wicking layer  378 , and the third dressing wicking layer  381 , respectively. 
     In the fluid management assembly  444 , the third dressing wicking layer  480  may have a peripheral portion  287 . The third dressing wicking layer  480  and the peripheral portion  287  of the first dressing wicking layer  476  may be positioned in contact with the sealing member  140 . The second dressing wicking layer  478  may have a peripheral portion  285  extending beyond the peripheral portion  287  of the third dressing wicking layer  480 . The second dressing wicking layer  478  may be positioned adjacent to or proximate to the first dressing wicking layer  280  such that the peripheral portion  285  of the second dressing wicking layer  478  is in contact with the sealing member  140  surrounding the peripheral portion  287  of the third dressing wicking layer  480 . Similarly, the first dressing wicking layer  476  may have a peripheral portion  286  extending beyond the peripheral portion  285  of the second dressing wicking layer  478 . The first dressing wicking layer  476  may be positioned adjacent to or proximate to the second dressing wicking layer  478  such that the peripheral portion  286  of the first dressing wicking layer  476  is in contact with the sealing member  140  surrounding the peripheral portion  285  of the second dressing wicking layer  478 . Further, the first dressing wicking layer  476  may be positioned adjacent to or proximate to the base layer  132 . Thus, at least the peripheral portion  287 , the peripheral portion  285 , and the peripheral portion  286  may be coupled to the sealing member  140 , such as, for example, by an adhesive coating disposed on a surface of the sealing member  140  facing the base layer  132 . The adhesive coating may be analogous to the adhesive  136  that may be applied across the surface of the sealing member  140  facing the base layer  132 . The third dressing wicking layer  480 , the second dressing wicking layer  478 , and the first dressing wicking layer  476  may respectively have increasing surface areas to enhance contact with the adhesive coating described above. In other embodiments, the fluid management assembly  444  may include any number of absorbent layers and wicking layers for treating a particular tissue site. 
     In operation, according to some illustrative embodiments, the interface manifold  120  may be disposed against or proximate to the tissue site  104 . The dressing  324 ,  424  may be applied over or covering the interface manifold  120  and the tissue site  104  to form the sealed space  174 . For example, the base layer  132  may be applied covering the interface manifold  120  and tissue surrounding the tissue site  104 . The materials described above for the base layer  132  may have a tackiness that may hold the dressing  324  or  424  initially in position. The tackiness may be such that if an adjustment is desired, the dressing  324 ,  424  may be removed and reapplied. Once the dressing  324 ,  424  is in the desired position, a force may be applied, such as hand pressure, on a side of the sealing member  140  facing outward or opposite the tissue site  104 . The force applied to the sealing member  140  may cause at least some portion of the adhesive  136  to penetrate or extend through the plurality of apertures  160  and into contact with tissue surrounding the tissue site  104 , such as the epidermis  106 , to releasably adhere the dressing  324 ,  424  about the tissue site  104 . In this manner, the configuration of the dressing  324 ,  424  described herein may provide an effective and reliable seal against challenging anatomical surfaces, such as an elbow or heal, at and around the tissue site  104 . Further, the dressing  324 ,  424  may permit re-application or re-positioning to, for example, correct air leaks caused by creases and other discontinuities in the dressing  324 ,  424  and the tissue site  104 . The ability to rectify leaks may increase the reliability of the therapy and reduce power consumption. 
     As the dressing  324 ,  424  comes into contact with fluid from the tissue site  104 , the fluid may move through the apertures  160  toward the fluid management assembly  344 ,  444 . The fluid management assembly  344 ,  444  may wick or otherwise move the fluid away from the tissue site  104 , and through the interface manifold  120 , if equipped. As described above, the interface manifold  120  may be adapted to communicate fluid from the tissue site  104  rather than store the fluid. Thus, the fluid management assembly  344 ,  444  may be adapted to wick, pull, draw, or otherwise attract fluid from the tissue site  104  through the interface manifold  120 . In the fluid management assembly  344 ,  444  the fluid may initially come into contact with the first dressing wicking layer  376 ,  476 . The first dressing wicking layer  376 ,  476  may distribute the fluid laterally along the surface of the first dressing wicking layer  376 ,  476  for absorption or removal from the dressing  324 ,  424 . Similarly, fluid may come into contact with the third dressing wicking layer  381 ,  480  and may be distributed laterally along the surface of the third dressing wicking layer  381 ,  480  for absorption or removal from the dressing  324 ,  424 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  21 - 23   , in some embodiments, a bridge assembly  710  may extend away from the tissue site  104  and the dressing  124 ,  324 ,  424  to define a fluid passageway between the tissue site  104  and the reduced-pressure source  128 . For example, the bridge assembly  710  may be coupled in fluid communication between the dressing  124 ,  324 ,  424  and the reduced-pressure source  128 . However, other applications for the bridge assembly  710  are possible. In some embodiments, the bridge assembly  710  may include a bridge  720 , a sealing apparatus  730 , and the conduit interface  148 . 
     The bridge  720  may include a receiving end  734  separated or spaced apart from a transmitting end  738  by a length  740 . The receiving end  734  may have a receiving end aperture  742 , and the transmitting end  738  may have a transmitting end aperture  746 . The receiving end  734  and the receiving end aperture  742  may be in fluid communication with the transmitting end  738  and the transmitting end aperture  746  through the length  740  of the bridge  720 . 
     The conduit interface  148  may be adapted to be fluidly coupled to the receiving end  734  of the bridge  720  through, for example, the receiving end aperture  742 . Thus, the conduit interface  148  may be in fluid communication with the transmitting end  738  through the length  740  of the bridge  720 . The sealing apparatus  730  may be positioned about the transmitting end aperture  746  and between the transmitting end  738  and the dressing  124 ,  324 ,  424  for coupling the transmitting end  738  to the dressing  124 ,  324 ,  424  and in fluid communication with the dressing  124  through the transmitting end aperture  746 . Thus, the conduit interface  148  may be positioned in fluid communication with the dressing  124 ,  324 ,  424  through the bridge  720 . The sealing apparatus  730  may be any suitable device for making the connections described above, such as, without limitation, an adhesive ring or weld. 
     In some embodiments, the bridge  720  may include one or more wicking layers  754 , and a bridge sealing member  758 . The bridge sealing member  758  may extend along the length  740  of the bridge  720 . Further, the bridge sealing member  758  may define an internal passageway  784 . The one or more wicking layers  754  may be disposed within the internal passageway  784  of the bridge sealing member  758 . In some embodiments, the bridge sealing member  758  may entirely surround the one or more wicking layers  754 . Further, in some embodiments, the bridge sealing member  758  may encapsulate the one or more wicking layers  754 . 
     In some embodiments, the one or more wicking layers  754  may include at least one of a first wicking layer  780 , a second wicking layer  781 , or a third wicking layer  782 . In some embodiments, the first wicking layer  780 , the second wicking layer  781 , and the third wicking layer  782  may be referred to as a first bridge wicking layer, a second bridge wicking layer, and a third bridge wicking layer, respectively. Each of the one or more wicking layers  754  may extend along the length  740  of the bridge  720 , and may be disposed within the internal passageway  784  that may be defined by the bridge sealing member  758 . The first wicking layer  780 , the second wicking layer  781 , and the third wicking layer  782  may each be comprised of the same materials recited above for the first dressing wicking layer  176  and the second dressing wicking layer  180 . 
     A periphery or edge of the first wicking layer  780  may be coupled to a periphery or edge of the second wicking layer  781  in any suitable manner, such as, for example, by a weld  786 , to define the internal passageway  784  of the bridge envelope  750 . A periphery or edge of the second wicking layer  781  may be coupled to a periphery or edge of the third wicking layer  782  in any suitable manner, such as, for example, by a weld  786 , to define the internal passageway  784  of the bridge sealing member  758 . The second wicking layer  781  may be positioned between the first wicking layer  780  and the third wicking layer  782 . In some embodiments, the one or more wicking layers  754  (such as the first wicking layer  780 , the second wicking layer  781 , and the third wicking layer  782 ) may be positioned and sealed between the first sealing layer  788  and the second sealing layer  790  without a weld (such as weld  786 ) coupling the one or more wicking layers  754 . In some embodiments, the one or more wicking layer  754  may be separated from each other or may be held together using 
     The first wicking layer  780 , the second wicking layer  781 , and the third wicking layer  782  may each include a fluid acquisition surface  772  and a fluid distribution surface  774 . The fluid distribution surface  774  may be positioned on an opposite side of the first wicking layer  780 , the second wicking layer  781 , and the third wicking layer  782  from the fluid acquisition surface  772 . The fluid acquisition surface  772  of each of the first wicking layer  780 , the second wicking layer  781 , and the third wicking layer  782  may face in a direction of the first sealing layer  788 . Further, the fluid distribution surface  774  of each of the first wicking layer  780 , the second wicking layer  781 , and the third wicking layer  782  may face in a direction of the second sealing layer  790 . The fluid acquisition surface  772  of each of the first wicking layer  780 , the second wicking layer  781 , and the third wicking layer  782  may face in a direction of the second sealing layer  790 . The fluid distribution surface  774  of each of the first wicking layer  780 , the second wicking layer  781 , and the third wicking layer  782  may face in a direction of the first sealing layer  788 . In some embodiments, a fluid acquisition surface  772  of the first wicking layer  780  may face a fluid acquisition surface  772  of the second wicking layer  781 . In some embodiments, a fluid acquisition surface  772  of the second wicking layer  781  may face a fluid acquisition surface  772  of the third wicking layer  782 . In some embodiments, a fluid distribution surface  774  of the first wicking layer  780  may face a fluid distribution surface  774  of the second wicking layer  781 . In some embodiments, a fluid distribution surface  774  of the second wicking layer  781  may face a fluid distribution surface  774  of the third wicking layer  782 . 
     In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first wicking layer  780  may be in direct contact with at least a portion of the second wicking layer  781 . In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first wicking layer  780  may be spaced apart or separated from the second wicking layer  781  by an internal volume  760 . In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second wicking layer  781  may be in direct contact with at least a portion of the third wicking layer  782 . In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second wicking layer  781  may be spaced apart or separated from the third wicking layer  782  by an internal volume  706 . In some embodiments, the fluid distribution surface  774  may include a plurality of longitudinal fibers  791  oriented substantially in a longitudinal direction along the length  740  of the bridge  720 . Further, in some embodiments, the fluid acquisition surface  772  may include a plurality of vertical fibers  793  oriented substantially normal relative to the longitudinal fibers  791 . 
     In some embodiments, the one or more wicking layers  754  may include a first set of one or more bridge wicking layers and a second set of one or more bridge wicking layers. The first set of one or more bridge wicking layers and the second set of one or more bridge wicking layers may each extend along the length  740  of the storage bridge  720 , and may be disposed within an internal passageway  784  that may be defined by the bridge sealing member  758 . A periphery or edge of at least one bridge wicking layer of the first set of one or more bridge wicking layers may be coupled to a periphery or edge of at least one bridge wicking layer of the second set of one or more bridge wicking layers in any suitable manner, such as, for example, by a weld  786 , to define the internal volume  760  of the bridge envelope  750 . A bridge absorbent (such as bridge absorbent  354 ) may be positioned between the first set of one or more bridge wicking layers and the second set of one or more bridge wicking layers. At least one bridge wicking layer of the first set of one or more bridge wicking layers and at least one bridge wicking layer of the second set of one or more bridge wicking layers may each include the fluid acquisition surface  772  and the fluid distribution surface  774 . The fluid distribution surface  774  may be positioned on an opposite side of the at least one bridge wicking layer of the first set of one or more bridge wicking layers and the at least one bridge wicking layer of the second set of one or more bridge wicking layers from the fluid acquisition surface  772 . Further, the fluid distribution surface  774  of the at least one bridge wicking layer of the first set of one or more bridge wicking layers and the at least one bridge wicking layer of the second set of one or more bridge wicking layers may face the bridge absorbent (such as bridge absorbent  354 ). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the bridge absorbent may be spaced apart or separated from the fluid distribution surface  774  of the at least one bridge wicking layer of the first set of one or more bridge wicking layers and the at least one bridge wicking layer of the second set of one or more bridge wicking layers. 
     In some embodiments, the internal passageway  784  may house a film, a first wicking layer, a second wicking layer. The film may be a base layer of adhesive coated polyurethane (PU) film. The adhesive coated on the film may adhere the first wicking layer to an inner surface of the bridge sealing member  758 . The first wicking layer may be stacked or placed below or underneath the second wicking layer such that fluid (such a fluid of exudate) is communicated from the first wicking layer to the second wicking layer and out the conduit interface  148 . The first wicking layer may have a wider base and a higher density relative to the second wicking layer. The first wicking layer may have a greater thickness (such as 50 mm) relative to the second wicking layer thickness (such as 20 mm). The first wicking layer may include a profile to spread the fluid out over an entire surface of the first wicking layer to increase evaporation. The second wicking layer may be used to pull fluid from the wound towards to the conduit interface  148 . In some embodiments, the second wicking layer may alternatively or additionally include a profile like the profile of the first wicking layer to spread fluid out over an entire surface of the second wicking layer. The profile of the second wicking layer may also be used to increase evaporation. 
     The bridge sealing member  758  may define the internal passageway  784 . The internal passageway  784  may be in fluid communication between the receiving end  734  and the transmitting end  738  of the bridge  720 . In some embodiments, the bridge sealing member  758  may entirely surround the one or more wicking layers  754 . In some embodiments, the bridge sealing member  758  may sealingly enclose the one or more wicking layers  754  between the receiving end  734  and the transmitting end  738  of the bridge  720 . 
     The bridge sealing member  758  may be comprised of similar materials described herein for the dressing sealing member  140 . For example, in some embodiments, the bridge sealing member  758  may comprise a substantially liquid impermeable film. Further, in some embodiments, the bridge sealing member  758  may comprise a vapor permeable film. Further, in some embodiments, the bridge sealing member  758  may comprise a breathable film. Additional examples of materials suitable for the bridge sealing member  758  may include, without limitation, a polyurethane (PU) drape or film such as Scapa Bioflex 130 polyurethane Film®; films formed from polymers, such as polyester and co-polyester; polyamide; polyamide/block polyether; acrylics; vinyl esters; polyvinyl alcohol copolymers; films with and without adhesive; and high Moisture Vapor Transfer Rate (MVTR) films, such as, for example, an INSPIRE 2305 polyurethane drape. High MVTR films may provide for evaporation of condensate, which may occur around the entire exterior surface of the bridge  720 . In this manner, capacity, fluid handling, and evaporative properties of the bridge  720  may be enhanced or improved due at least to increased surface area and air movement provided around all sides and portions of the exterior surface of the bridge  720 . 
     The bridge sealing member  758  may comprise a non-woven material or structure such as, without limitation, a polyester, co-polyester, polyolefin, cellulosic fiber, and combinations or blends of the foregoing materials. In some embodiments, the bridge sealing member  758  may comprise LIBELTEX TDL4 or LIBELTEX TDL2, or any of the materials recited above for the first dressing wicking layer  176  and the second dressing wicking layer  180 . Further, in some embodiments, the bridge sealing member  758  may comprise laminations with fiber or foam structures. 
     In some embodiments, the bridge sealing member  758  may include the first sealing layer  788  and the second sealing layer  790 . A first periphery or edge of the first sealing layer  788  may be coupled to a second periphery or edge of the second sealing layer  790  around the bridge envelope  750  in any suitable manner, such as, for example, by a weld  792  for forming the bridge sealing member  758  and encapsulating the bridge envelope  750  therein. In other embodiments, the bridge sealing member  758  may be formed from a single layer of material. 
     In operation, the reduced-pressure source  128  may be fluidly coupled to the receiving end  734  of the bridge  720 . For example, the conduit interface  148  may be fluidly coupled to the receiving end  734 , and the conduit  196  may be fluidly coupled between the conduit interface  148  and the reduced-pressure source  128  analogous to the previously described embodiments. The transmitting end  738  of the bridge  720  may be fluidly coupled to the dressing  124  as described herein. The reduced-pressure source  128  may be activated to provide reduced pressure to the dressing  124  through the bridge  720 , which may draw, wick, or pull fluids from the tissue site  104  and the dressing  124  into the bridge  720 . 
     As fluid enters the bridge  720  through the transmitting end  738 , the fluid may communicate through the internal passageway  784  and contact the fluid acquisition surface  772  of the first wicking layer  780 . The fluid acquisition surface  772  of the first wicking layer  780  may receive the fluid so that the fluid may be transported through the first wicking layer  780 . Subsequently, the fluid distribution surface  774  of the first wicking layer  780  may transmit the fluid from the first wicking layer  780 . In some embodiments, the fluid distribution surface  774  of the first wicking layer  780  may transmit the fluid directly to the receiving end  734 . In some embodiments, the fluid distribution surface  774  of the first wicking layer  780  may transmit fluid into the internal volume  760 . In some embodiments, the fluid distribution surface  774  of the first wicking layer  780  may transmit the fluid to the receiving end  734  through the internal volume  760 . In some embodiments, the fluid distribution surface  774  of the first wicking layer  780  may transmit fluid to the fluid acquisition surface  772  of the second wicking layer  781 . 
     As fluid is transmitted from the fluid distribution surface  774  of the first wicking layer  780 , the fluid may contact the fluid acquisition surface  772  of the second wicking layer  781 . The fluid acquisition surface  772  of the second wicking layer  781  may receive the fluid so that the fluid may be transported through the second wicking layer  781 . Subsequently, the fluid distribution surface  774  of the second wicking layer  781  may transmit the fluid from the second wicking layer  781 . In some embodiments, the fluid distribution surface  774  of the second wicking layer  781  may transmit the fluid directly to the receiving end  734 . In some embodiments, the fluid distribution surface  774  of the second wicking layer  781  may transmit fluid into the internal volume  760 . In some embodiments, the fluid distribution surface  774  of the second wicking layer  781  may transmit the fluid to the receiving end  734  through the internal volume  760 . In some embodiments, the fluid distribution surface  774  of the second wicking layer  781  may transmit fluid to the fluid acquisition surface  772  of the third wicking layer  782 . 
     As fluid is transmitted from the fluid distribution surface  774  of the second wicking layer  781 , the fluid may contact the fluid acquisition surface  772  of the third wicking layer  782 . The fluid acquisition surface  772  of the third wicking layer  782  may receive the fluid so that the fluid may be transported through the third wicking layer  782 . Subsequently, the fluid distribution surface  774  of the third wicking layer  782  may transmit the fluid from the third wicking layer  782 . In some embodiments, the fluid distribution surface  774  of the third wicking layer  782  may transmit the fluid directly to the receiving end  734 . 
     Although the subject matter of this disclosure has been provided by way of example in the context of certain illustrative, non-limiting embodiments, various changes, substitutions, permutations, and alterations can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Any feature described in connection to any one embodiment may also be applicable to any other embodiment. For example, an absorbent layer, such as absorbent layer  184  discussed herein, may be included within the bridge assembly  710 . As such, the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. Further, the steps of the methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. 
     It should be understood, that dressings as discussed herein may include only one or more wicking layers (i.e. a dressing without an absorbent layer) and that a bridge as discussed herein in fluid communication with such dressing may include only one or more wicking layers (i.e. a bridge without an absorbent layer). It should also be understood, that that dressings as discussed herein may include only one or more wicking layers (i.e. a dressing without an absorbent layer) and that a bridge as discussed herein in fluid communication with such dressing may include one or more wicking layers and an absorbent layer. In addition, it should be understood, that dressings as discussed herein may include one or more wicking layers and an absorbent layer and that a bridge as discussed herein in fluid communication with such dressing may include only one or more wicking layers (i.e. a bridge without an absorbent layer). 
     Among other benefits described above, the storage bridge  320  may reduce power consumption, leakage, and other challenges that may be associated with fluid head pressure caused by a static column of fluid that can reside in a conventional tube or similar structure providing fluid communication between a dressing and a reduced-pressure source. Further, a mass of fluid removed from a tissue site may be moved away from the surface of the tissue site. The storage bridge  320  may also provide a low-profile and conformable solution for providing fluid communication with a tissue site, which may enhance patient comfort. 
     In addition, a system with dressings and/or bridges with one or more wicking layers and without absorbents may provide a low profile dressing and bridge so that a patient may discretely wear such a system, for example, by securing it to a tissue site with one or more bandages. In addition, a system with dressings and/or bridges with one or more wicking layers and without absorbents may be used with a manual pump or hand pump to remove fluid from a tissue site due to having relatively less air taken to be taken up by a canister of or in fluid communication with the manual pump or hand pump. This may be due at least in part to the low profile created by the one or more wicking layers. Further, a system with dressings and/or bridges with one or more wicking layers and without absorbents may have relatively less head pressure when reduced pressure is applied by a manual pump or hand pump. A system with dressings and/or bridges with one or more wicking layers and without absorbents may also extend the life of the system and increase mobility by a patient.