Patent Description:
The present disclosure generally relates to wound exudate management systems, and more particularly but not exclusively relates to inline filters for such wound exudate management systems.

Wound healing is composed of four phases: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and maturation. Managing exudate during the hemostasis and proliferation phases of wound healing is vital to prevent maceration, recurring infection, and other adverse effects on the patients. Wound dressings that exert negative pressure at the site of wound absorb excess excaudate and promote healing. Exerting and maintaining negative pressure of wound dressings is ideal for treating and managing various types of chronic or acute dermal wounds stemmed from infection, ulcers, burns, abrasions, incisions, lacerations, punctures, avulsions, and amputations.

Wound exudate management systems comprising a negative pressure generating system (such as a pump or a vacuum source) can be used in conjunction with wound dressings to achieve negative pressure at the site of a wound without the need of a canister. However, exudate from the wound can exceed the absorbing capacity of the wound dressing and subsequently enter the wound exudate management system, which may damage the components of the system, including the pump unit. Additionally, excess exudate can create blockage in the wound exudate management system, disrupting the maintenance of the negative pressure. For these reasons and others, there remains a need for further developments in this technological field.

<CIT> relates to a system for diluting therapeutic gas effluent flowing from a dressing, and including a filter that may comprise a hydrophobic material.

According to the present invention there is provided a wound exudate management system comprising an inline filter according to claim <NUM>. Optional features of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

In other embodiments, the at least one filter membrane is positioned between the one-way check valve and the outlet opening. In still other embodiments, the at least one filter membrane is positioned between the inlet opening and the one-way check valve.

The filter membrane comprises hydrophobic material. In certain instances, the hydrophobic material comprises polyether ether ketone (PEEK), hydrophobic polycarbonate (PCTE), polyester (PETE), polypropylene, hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), hydrophobic polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), or hydrophobic glass fiber.

In certain embodiments, the absorbent material is disposed within the interior cavity of the envelope structure. In certain embodiments, the absorbent material comprises carboxymethylated cellulose fibers. In some instances, the wound contact layer comprises carboxymethylated cellulose fibers. In some instances, the wound contact layer comprises reinforcing nylon stitching. In some instances, the pressure dispersion layer comprises reticulated foam.

In certain embodiments, the wound exudate management systems disclosed herein further comprises fenestrations in the one or more of the plurality of layers of absorbent material. In certain embodiments, the wound exudate management systems further comprise a pressure conveyance disposed within the flexible connector. In some embodiments, the wound exudate management systems disclosed herein further comprise a status indicator, the status indicator providing visual cues indicating when the pump is off, on, or on but malfunctioning.

In some embodiments, the pump maintains a negative pressure of <NUM> mmHg in the wound dressing. In some embodiments, the pump maintains a negative pressure between <NUM> mmHg and <NUM> mmHg. In some embodiments, the pump maintains a negative pressure of <NUM> mmHg in the wound dressing. In some instances, the wound exudate is absorbed and prevented from entering the pump by the at least one filter membrane of the inline filter. In some instances, the pump comprises a status indicator providing visual cues indicating when the pump is off, on, or on but malfunctioning. In some embodiments, the malfunctioning of the pump is triggered by a negative pressure outside of the negative pressure range between <NUM> mmHg to <NUM> mmHg in the wound dressing, or between <NUM> mmHg to <NUM> mmHg in the wound dressing.

Although the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described herein in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the present disclosure and the appended claims.

It should further be appreciated that although reference to a "preferred" component or feature may indicate the desirability of a particular component or feature with respect to an embodiment, the disclosure is not so limiting with respect to other embodiments, which may omit such a component or feature. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included in a list in the form of "at least one of A, B, and C" can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form of "at least one of A, B, or C" can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Items listed in the form of "A, B, and/or C" can also mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Further, with respect to the claims, the use of words and phrases such as "a," "an," "at least one," and/or "at least one portion" should not be interpreted so as to be limiting to only one such element unless specifically stated to the contrary, and the use of phrases such as "at least a portion" and/or "a portion" should be interpreted as encompassing both embodiments including only a portion of such element and embodiments including the entirety of such element unless specifically stated to the contrary.

In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown in certain specific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should be appreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may not necessarily be required. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged in a different manner and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures unless indicated to the contrary. Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular figure is not meant to imply that such feature is required in all embodiments and, in some embodiments, may be omitted or may be combined with other features.

Provided herein are inline filters, including inline filters suitable for use in negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) systems and inline filters suitable for use in wound exudate management systems treating various types of wounds. In some embodiments, the wound exudate management system comprises a wound dressing and a portable pump. In some embodiments, the wound exudate management system creates and maintains a negative pressure at the site of the wound as part of the NPWT. In some embodiments, a wound dressing is applied to a site of a wound as part of a wound exudate management system comprising a portable pump, and a negative pressure is exerted and maintained on the wound by the portable pump. Adequate levels of negative pressure in the wound dressing can be continuously monitored by the pump, and the inline filter prevents excess exudate from entering the pump and or its associated tubing.

Also provided herein are compositions comprising inline filters for use with a wound exudate management system and methods of using the inline filter as part of the wound exudate management system to treat various types of wounds. The inline filter disclosed herein comprises an inlet opening having a fitting or tube connector, an outlet opening having a fitting or tube connector, and a cartridge flanked by the inlet and outlet openings. The cartridge comprises a cavity, a one-way check valve, and at least one filter membrane. In some embodiments, the one-way check valve and the at least one filter membrane are housed inside the cavity of the cartridge and perpendicular to the inlet opening and the outlet opening. In some embodiments, the at least one filter membrane is positioned between the inlet opening and the one-way check valve. In some embodiments, the at least one filter membrane is positioned between the one-way check valve and the outlet opening. In some embodiments, a first filter membrane is positioned between the inlet opening and the one-way check valve, and a second filter membrane is positioned between the one-way check valve and the outlet opening. Disclosed herein are inline filters comprising filter membranes comprising hydrophobic material. The inline filters disclosed herein comprise a pore size of at least <NUM> microns, In some embodiments, the inline filters disclosed herein comprise a pore size of at least <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM>,<NUM> microns or <NUM> microns.

In some embodiments, the wound exudate is absorbed or prevented from entering the pump by the inline filter. In some embodiments, the status of the maintenance of negative pressure is monitored by a status indicator.

With reference to <FIG>, illustrated therein are certain embodiments of the inline filters disclosed herein. <FIG> shows an image of an exemplary inline filter <NUM> next to a luer fitting without an inline filter <NUM>. <FIG> shows a cutaway view of a design of an exemplary inline filter <NUM> as disclosed herein. Fluid flows from left to right in the orientation shown in <FIG>.

The inline filter <NUM> includes an inlet opening <NUM> having a first connector <NUM>, an outlet opening <NUM> having a second connector <NUM>, and a cartridge <NUM> flanked by the inlet opening <NUM> and the outlet opening <NUM>. The cartridge <NUM> comprises a cavity <NUM>, a one-way check valve <NUM>, and at least one filter membrane <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the one-way check valve <NUM> and the at least one filter membrane <NUM> are housed inside the cavity <NUM> and perpendicular to the inlet opening <NUM> and the outlet opening <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the at least one filter membrane <NUM> is positioned between the one-way check valve <NUM> and the outlet opening <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one filter membrane <NUM> may be positioned between the inlet opening <NUM> and the one-way check valve <NUM>. The filter membrane <NUM> comprises a pore size of at least <NUM> microns.

The at least one filter membrane <NUM> comprises hydrophobic material. The hydrophobic material may, for example, comprise polyether ether ketone (PEEK), hydrophobic polycarbonate (PCTE), polyester (PETE), polypropylene, hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), hydrophobic polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), or hydrophobic glass fiber.

With additional reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, illustrated therein is a schematic of an exemplary wound dressing <NUM> for use in combination with the inline filters disclosed here.

The illustrated wound dressing <NUM> generally includes a backing layer <NUM> and an adhesive layer <NUM> for adhering the wound dressing <NUM> adjacent the wound. In certain embodiments, the wound dressing <NUM> further comprises a wound contact layer <NUM> for contacting the wound, a pressure dispersion layer <NUM>, a plurality of absorbent material layers <NUM> disposed between the wound contact layer <NUM> and the pressure dispersion layer <NUM>.

The backing layer <NUM> has a first surface <NUM> and a second surface <NUM>, and the first surface <NUM> is adjacent, and in contact with, the pressure dispersion layer <NUM> and the adhesive layer <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the backing layer <NUM> is formed of a polyurethane film. The backing layer <NUM> comprises a port <NUM> through which exudate may flow to a tube <NUM>.

The adhesive layer <NUM> generally defines a border about an opening <NUM> for receiving the wound. In certain embodiments, the adhesive layer <NUM> comprises a silicone adhesive. In certain embodiments, the adhesive layer <NUM> may be perforated.

The wound contact layer <NUM> overlaps the border defined by the adhesive layer <NUM>, and is configured to contact the wound via the opening <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the wound contact layer <NUM> may comprise Medicel™. In certain embodiments, the wound contact layer <NUM> comprises carboxymethylated cellulose fibers. In certain embodiments, the wound contact layer <NUM> may comprise HYDROFIBER®. In certain embodiments, the wound contact layer <NUM> may be reinforced, for example via nylon stitching. Thus, the wound contact layer <NUM> may comprise reinforcing nylon stitching <NUM>.

The pressure dispersion layer <NUM> is adjacent and in contact with the first surface <NUM> of the backing <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the pressure dispersion layer <NUM> may be provided as a polyester foam layer. In certain embodiments, the pressure dispersion layer <NUM> comprises reticulated foam.

The absorbent material layers <NUM> are positioned between the wound contact layer <NUM> and the pressure dispersion layer <NUM>. The wound dressing <NUM> may, for example, comprise eight absorbent material layers <NUM>. In certain embodiments, one or more of the absorbent material layers <NUM> may comprise carboxymethylated cellulose fibers. In certain embodiments, one or more of the absorbent material layers <NUM> may comprise Medicel™. In certain embodiments, one or more of the absorbent material layers <NUM> may comprise HYDROFIBER®. In certain embodiments, one or more of the absorbent material layers <NUM> further comprises fenestrations <NUM>.

The tube <NUM> is connected with the port <NUM> in the backing layer <NUM>. An adhesive ring <NUM> may form a seal between one end <NUM> of the tube <NUM> and the port <NUM>. The opposite end <NUM> of the tube <NUM> may be connected with a fitting such as a Luer lock <NUM>. A disc <NUM>, such as one comprising Medicel™, may be positioned in the port <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the wound dressing <NUM> may include an additional layer <NUM> between the pressure dispersion layer <NUM> and the uppermost absorbent layer <NUM>. The additional layer <NUM> may, for example, be formed of thermoplastic. In certain embodiments, the additional layer <NUM> may be provided as a thermoplastic spun lace layer. In certain embodiments, the wound dressing <NUM> may further comprise a nonwoven spun lace layer <NUM> connected to the wound contact layer <NUM>. In certain embodiments, an envelope structure <NUM> is formed by joining peripheral portions <NUM> of the thermoplastic spun lace layer <NUM> and the nonwoven spun lace layer <NUM> such that the plurality of absorbent material layers <NUM> are disposed substantially within an interior cavity <NUM> of the envelope structure <NUM>, for example as illustrated in <FIG>. In certain embodiments, the absorbent material layers <NUM> are disposed within the interior cavity <NUM> of the envelope structure <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the wound dressing <NUM> may include a further layer <NUM> positioned between the wound contact layer <NUM> and the lowermost absorbent layer <NUM>. The further layer <NUM> may, for example, be a polyester/viscose layer.

With additional reference to <FIG>, illustrated therein is a wound exudate management system <NUM> according to certain embodiments. The wound exudate management system <NUM> comprises a pump <NUM> for generating negative pressure, a wound dressing <NUM> for covering and protecting a wound, an inline filter <NUM>, a first pressure tube <NUM> having a first interior lumen <NUM>, a second pressure tube <NUM> having a second interior lumen <NUM>, and a flexible connector <NUM>. The first pressure tube <NUM> is disposed between the pump <NUM> and the inline filter <NUM>. The second pressure tube <NUM> is disposed between the inline filter <NUM> and the flexible connector <NUM>. The flexible connector <NUM> is disposed between the second pressure tube <NUM> and the wound dressing <NUM> such that the pump <NUM> and the wound dressing <NUM> are in fluid communication via the interior lumens <NUM>, <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the wound dressing <NUM> may be provided along the lines of the above-described wound dressing <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the inline filter <NUM> may be provided along the lines of the above-described inline filter <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, a pressure conveyance <NUM> is disposed within the flexible connector <NUM>.

As described herein, certain embodiments further comprise an absorbent indicator <NUM>, such as the disc <NUM>, and an adhesive member <NUM> such as the adhesive ring <NUM>. The adhesive member <NUM> may adhere the flexible connector <NUM> and the absorbent indicator <NUM> to the wound dressing <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the absorbent indicator is positioned in a flow pathway at a location between the absorbent layers <NUM> and the flexible <NUM>. The absorbent indicator <NUM> is capable of absorbing exudate to indicate the presence of exudate at the side of the absorbent layer <NUM> furthest from the wound. In certain embodiments, the absorbent indicator <NUM> gives a visual indication of the presence of exudate at the side of the absorbent layer <NUM> furthest from the wound.

Certain embodiments of the system <NUM> further comprise a status indicator <NUM> configured to provide visual cues indicating when the pump is off, on, and/or on but malfunctioning.

With additional reference to <FIG>, an exemplary process <NUM> that may be performed using the system <NUM> is illustrated. Blocks illustrated for the processes in the present application are understood to be examples only, and blocks may be combined or divided, and added or removed, as well as re-ordered in whole or in part, unless explicitly stated to the contrary. Additionally, while the blocks are illustrated in a relatively serial fashion, it is to be understood that two or more of the blocks may be performed concurrently or in parallel with one another. Moreover, while the process <NUM> is described herein with specific reference to an implementation of the system <NUM> in which the inline filter <NUM> is provided as the inline filter <NUM> and the dressing <NUM> is provided in the form of the dressing <NUM>, it is to be appreciated that the process <NUM> may be performed with inline filters, dressings 300and/or systems having additional or alternative features.

The process <NUM> may begin with block <NUM>, which generally involves obtaining an inline filter such as the inline filter <NUM>. The inline filter obtained in block <NUM> generally comprises an inlet opening <NUM>, an outlet opening <NUM>, and a cartridge <NUM> flanked by the inlet opening <NUM> and the outlet openings <NUM>. The cartridge <NUM> comprises a <NUM> housing a one-way check valve <NUM> and at least one filter membrane <NUM>.

The process <NUM> may include block <NUM>, which generally involve connecting the outlet opening to a first pressure tube. For example, block <NUM> may involve connecting the outlet opening <NUM> to the first pressure tube <NUM>, wherein the first pressure tube <NUM> is connected to a pump <NUM> on the opposite end of the first pressure tube <NUM> that is connected to the outlet opening <NUM>.

The process <NUM> may include block <NUM>, which generally involves connecting the inlet opening to a second pressure tube. For example, block <NUM> may involve connecting the inlet opening <NUM> to a second pressure tube <NUM>, wherein the second pressure tube <NUM> is connected to the wound dressing <NUM> on the opposite end of the second pressure tube <NUM> that is connected to the inlet opening <NUM>.

The process <NUM> may further include block <NUM>, which generally involves generating negative pressure in the wound dressing by actuating the pump to draw air away from the wound dressing. For example, block <NUM> may involve generating negative pressure in the wound dressing <NUM>/<NUM> by actuating the pump <NUM> to draw air away from the wound dressing <NUM>/<NUM>. In certain embodiments, the pump <NUM> maintains a negative pressure between <NUM> mmHg and <NUM> mmHg in the wound dressing <NUM>/<NUM>. In certain embodiments, the pump <NUM> maintains a negative pressure of <NUM> mmHg in the wound dressing <NUM>/<NUM>. In certain embodiments, the pump maintains a negative pressure of <NUM> mmHg in the wound dressing <NUM>/<NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the wound exudate is absorbed and prevented from entering the pump <NUM> by the at least one filter membrane <NUM> of the inline filter <NUM>/<NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the pump <NUM> comprises a status indicator <NUM> providing visual cues indicating when the pump <NUM> is off, on, and/or on but malfunctioning. In certain embodiments, the malfunctioning of the pump <NUM> is triggered by a negative pressure outside of the negative pressure range between <NUM> mmHg to <NUM> mmHg in the wound dressing <NUM>/<NUM>. In certain embodiments, the malfunctioning of the pump <NUM> is triggered by a negative pressure outside of the negative pressure range between <NUM> mmHg to <NUM> mmHg in the wound dressing <NUM>/<NUM>.

As should be evident from the foregoing, certain embodiments of the present application relate to an inline filter <NUM> comprising an inlet opening <NUM> having a fitting or tube connector <NUM>, an outlet opening <NUM> having a fitting or tube connector <NUM>, and a cartridge <NUM> flanked by the inlet opening <NUM> and the outlet opening <NUM>. A non-limiting exemplary list of fitting or tube connector <NUM>, <NUM> for the inlet and outlet openings <NUM>, <NUM> include compression fittings, quick disconnect fittings, cam fittings, bite-type fittings, mechanical grip fittings, flare fittings, flange fittings, luer locks, push-to-connect connector, quick coupler, threaded fittings, nipple, barb, and valve. In some embodiments, the fitting or tube connector of the inlet and outlet openings further comprise an adapter, coupling, sleeve, union, cap, plug, reducer, olet, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the inlet and outlet openings comprise luer locks to be connected with pressure tubes, where the pressure tubes comprise complementary ends of the luer locks to the inlet and outlet openings. In some instances, the fitting or tube connector of the inlet and outlet openings comprise fitting with added or changed directions such as elbow adapter, 'T' adapter, 'Y' adapter, or cross adapter.

The cartridge <NUM> flanked by the inlet and outlet openings <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a cavity <NUM> and a one-way check valve <NUM>. In some embodiments, the one-way check valve <NUM> is housed inside the cavity <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> and perpendicular to the inlet and outlet openings <NUM>, <NUM>. A non-limiting exemplary list of the one-way check valve <NUM> housed inside the cavity <NUM> includes diaphragm check valve, swing check valve, tilting disc check valve, plug type check valve, ball type check valve, dual disc check valve, clapper valve, stop check valve, life-check valve, in-line check valve, duckbill valve, and pneumatic non-return valve.

The cartridge <NUM> flanked by the inlet and outlet openings <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a cavity <NUM>, a one-way check valve <NUM>, and at least one filter membrane <NUM>. In some embodiments, the one-way check valve <NUM> and the at least one filter membrane <NUM> are housed inside the cavity <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> and perpendicular to the inlet and outlet openings <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, the at least one filter membrane <NUM> is positioned between the inlet opening <NUM> and the one-way check valve <NUM>. In some embodiments, the at least one filter membrane <NUM> is positioned between the one-way check valve <NUM> and the outlet opening <NUM>. In some embodiments, a first filter membrane 236A is positioned between the inlet opening <NUM> and the one-way check valve <NUM>, and a second filter membrane 236B is positioned between the one-way check valve <NUM> and the outlet opening <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the filter membrane <NUM> of the inline filter <NUM> disclosed herein comprises a diameter of less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the filter membrane <NUM> of the inline filter <NUM> comprises a thickness of less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>. The filter membrane <NUM> of the inline filter <NUM> comprises a pore size of at least <NUM> microns. In some embodiments, the filter membrane <NUM> of the inline filter <NUM> comprises a pore size of at least <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM> microns, <NUM>,<NUM> microns or <NUM> microns.

The filter membrane <NUM> comprises hydrophobic material. Non-limiting examples of hydrophobic material for the filter membrane include polyether ether ketone (PEEK), hydrophobic polycarbonate (PCTE), polyester (PETE), polypropylene, hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), hydrophobic polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), or hydrophobic glass fiber. In some embodiments, the first filter membrane and the second filter membrane comprise of the same material. In some embodiment, the first filter membrane and the second filter membrane comprise of different material.

In some embodiments, the inline filters disclosed herein comply with standards which specify usability requirements for the development of and use of medical devices, such as IEC <NUM>-<NUM>. In some embodiments, the inline filters disclosed herein are biocompatible for their intended use and meet requirements for animal derived components. In some embodiments, the inline filters disclosed herein are configured for one-time use. In some embodiments, the inline filters disclosed herein are configured for use by not more than one patient.

In some embodiments, the inline filters disclosed herein are capable of sterilization. In some embodiments, the inline filters are sterilized by electron beam (E-beam), gamma sterilization or ethylene oxide sterilization. In some embodiments, the inline filters still perform to the desired specification following sterilization. In some embodiments, the inline filters disclosed herein do not comprise latex. In some embodiments, the inline filters disclosed herein do not comprise Bis(<NUM>-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP).

In some embodiments, the inline filters disclosed herein comprise an outlet opening <NUM> with a fitting or a connector <NUM> that is configured to form an airtight fitting with a first pressure tube <NUM> connecting the inline filter <NUM> to a pump portion <NUM> of a wound exudate management system <NUM>. In some embodiments, the inline filters disclosed herein comprise an inlet opening <NUM> having a fitting or a connecter <NUM> for forming an airtight connection with a second pressure tube <NUM> connected to the flexible connector <NUM>, which is connected to a wound dressing <NUM>/<NUM>. In some embodiments, the pump <NUM>, first pressure tube <NUM>, inline filter <NUM>, second pressure tube <NUM>, and flexible connector <NUM> create a continuous lumen <NUM> in a wound exudate management system <NUM>. Actuation of the pump <NUM> draws air away from the wound dressing <NUM>, creating a negative pressure in the wound dressing <NUM> and the continuous lumen <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the inline filters disclosed herein prevent exudate from accidentally entering a first pressure tube connected to a pump, and prevent the pump from malfunctioning. For example, the inline filter <NUM>/<NUM> may prevent exudate from accidentally entering the first pressure tube <NUM> to thereby prevent the pump <NUM> from malfunctioning as a result of such exudate. Exudate which comes in contact with the disclosed inline filters <NUM> may also cause a drop in the negative pressure of the entire wound exudate management system <NUM> during use. When a drop in negative pressure exceeds a predetermined range, a status indicator <NUM> on the pump <NUM> can alert a user regarding potential malfunctioning of the wound exudate system <NUM>, which may result in the user replacing the wound dressing <NUM> and/or blocked inline filter <NUM> with a new inline filter <NUM> in order to restore the negative pressure in the wound dressing <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the inline filters disclosed herein are included with a negative pressure wound dressing system such as the negative pressure wound dressing system <NUM>. In some embodiments, the inline filters disclosed herein comprise inline filter packaging systems. Suitable materials for inline filter packaging systems are easily torn and include, by way of non-limiting examples, paper and waxed paper. In some embodiments, the inline filter packaging system protects the product from physical damage during transit and storage. In some embodiments, the inline filter packaging system is openable by hand. In some embodiments, the inline filter packaging system clearly identifies an opening end. In some embodiments, the inline filter packaging system states shipping and storage conditions between -<NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, the inline filters disclosed herein are suitable for storage at temperatures between - <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, the inline filters disclosed herein have a minimum shelf life of <NUM> months.

In some embodiments, the inline filters disclosed herein are configured for use as or with a stand-alone infection detection (SID) device. Current practices identifying infection / bioburden in wounds (including clinical signs and microbiology) can be subjective and lead to an incorrect diagnosis. The inline filters disclosed herein can allow early detection of wound infection and lead to faster treatment of infection along with more appropriate use of antibiotics and improved clinical and economic outcomes. In some embodiments, the inline filters are swabbed and the swab is contacted with indicator strips allowing detection of markers of infection such as pH, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and human neutrophil elastase (HNE). In some embodiments, the inline filter is directly contacted with indicator strips allowing detection of markers of infection. In some embodiments, the inline filters disclosed herein comprise a removable cartridge <NUM> for sampling. In some embodiments, the inline filters disclosed herein comprise a Y-connector or straight inline SID system, or a combination of one or more systems.

Provided herein are wound exudate management systems comprising a pump for generating negative pressure, a wound dressing for covering and protecting a wound, an inline filter, a first pressure tube for connecting the pump to the inline filter, and a second pressure tube for connecting the inline filter to a flexible connector. For example, the wound exudate management system <NUM> comprising a pump <NUM> for generating negative pressure, a wound dressing <NUM> for covering and protecting a wound, an inline filter <NUM>, a first pressure tube <NUM> for connecting the pump <NUM> to the inline filter <NUM>, and a second pressure tube <NUM> for connecting the inline filter <NUM> to a flexible connector <NUM>. The flexible connector <NUM> is connected to the wound dressing <NUM> on the opposite end of the flexible connector that is connected to the second pressure tube <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first and/or second pressure tube <NUM>, <NUM> has a length of <NUM> or more. In some embodiments, the pump unit <NUM> comprises an indicator <NUM> which indicates when a target pressure (such as -<NUM> mmHg) is established. In some embodiments, the pump unit <NUM> comprises an indicator <NUM> which indicates when a target pressure (such as -<NUM>±<NUM> mmHg) is unable to be maintained. In some embodiments, the pump unit <NUM> establishes negative pressure within <NUM> seconds following connection to the wound dressing <NUM>.

Certain embodiments relate to a wound exudate management system <NUM> comprising a pump <NUM> for generating negative pressure, a wound dressing <NUM> (e.g., the wound dressing <NUM>) for covering and protecting a wound, first and a second pressure tubes <NUM>, <NUM> having interior lumens <NUM>, <NUM>, an inline filter <NUM> (e.g., the inline filter <NUM>) disposed between the pump <NUM> and the wound dressing <NUM>, a flexible connector <NUM> connecting the wound dressing <NUM> to the second pressure tube <NUM>, and an indicator <NUM> (e.g., the disc <NUM>) disposed between the wound dressing <NUM> and the flexible connector <NUM>. In some embodiments, the flexible connectors <NUM> are no more than <NUM> in any dimension. In some embodiments, the total tubing length of the wound exudate management system is no more than <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the pressure tubes <NUM>, <NUM> between the wound dressing <NUM> and the pump <NUM> are able to withstand the maximum negative pressure generated by the pump unit <NUM> in a fault mode. In some embodiments, disclosed herein are wound exudate management systems comprising a pump for generating negative pressure, wherein the pump <NUM> comprises a status indicator <NUM>. In some embodiments, the status indicator <NUM> provides visual cues indicating when the pump is off, on, and/or on but malfunctioning. Malfunctioning includes when the pump <NUM> is not maintaining a predetermined range of negative pressure. In some embodiments, the pressure created and maintained by the pump <NUM> during the use of the wound exudate management system is measured barometrically. In some embodiments, the pressure is measured mechanically or digitally.

In some embodiments, the pump <NUM> comprises a status indicator <NUM> which indicates if the negative pressure is below about <NUM> mmHg, about <NUM> mmHg, about <NUM> mmHg, about <NUM> mmHg, about <NUM> mmHg, about <NUM> mmHg, about <NUM> mmHg, about <NUM> mmHg, about <NUM> mmHg, about <NUM> mmHg, about <NUM> mmHg, about <NUM> mmHg, about <NUM> mmHg, about <NUM> mmHg, or about <NUM> mmHg. In some embodiments, the pump <NUM> comprises a status indicator <NUM> that indicates if the negative pressure is below about <NUM> mmHg, or above about <NUM> mmHg. In some embodiments, the pump <NUM> comprises a status indicator <NUM> that indicates if the negative pressure is below about <NUM> mmHg or above about <NUM> mmHg, for example <NUM> mmHg. In some embodiments, the pump <NUM> comprises a status indicator <NUM> that indicates if the pressure is outside of a set range. In some embodiments, the set range is between about <NUM> mmHg to about <NUM> mmHg, between about <NUM> mmHg to about <NUM> mmHg, between about <NUM> mmHg to about <NUM> mmHg, between about <NUM> mmHg to about <NUM> mmHg, for example, <NUM> mmHg.

In some embodiments, a connection between the pump unit <NUM> and the wound dressing <NUM> enables a user to correctly assemble the wound exudate management system <NUM> (e.g., by connecting the wound dressing <NUM> to the pump <NUM>). In some embodiments, the one-way check valve <NUM> housed inside the cartridge <NUM> of the inline filter <NUM> maintains the negative pressure in the wound dressing <NUM>/<NUM> when the pump <NUM> is temporarily disconnected or non-operational.

Provided herein are wound exudate management systems comprising a wound dressing for covering and protecting a wound. The wound dressing <NUM>/<NUM> covers and protects the wound. In some embodiments, the wound dressing <NUM>/<NUM> comprises absorbent material, absorbs wound exudate, and promotes healing of the wound. In some embodiments, the wound dressing <NUM>/<NUM> comprises an adhesive layer for adhering the wound dressing adjacent the wound.

In some embodiments, the wound dressing <NUM> of the wound management system <NUM> comprises a wound contact layer for contacting the wound. For example, the wound dressing <NUM> may be provided in the form of the wound dressing <NUM>, which comprises a wound contact layer <NUM> as described above. In some embodiments, the wound dressing of the wound management system optionally comprises a pressure dispersion layer such as the above-described pressure dispersion layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, the wound dressing <NUM> of the wound management system <NUM> comprises a plurality of absorbent material layers <NUM> disposed between the wound contact layer <NUM> and the pressure dispersion layer <NUM>. In some instances, the wound dressing <NUM> further comprises a backing layer <NUM> having a first surface <NUM> and a second surface <NUM>, wherein the first surface <NUM> of the backing layer <NUM> is adjacent and in contact with the pressure dispersion layer <NUM> and the adhesive layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, the wound exudate management systems described herein comprises a wound dressing which comprises an envelope structure <NUM> formed by joined peripheral portions <NUM> of the pressure dispersion layer <NUM> and the wound contact layer <NUM>.

In some embodiments, provided herein are wound exudate management systems comprising a wound dressing for covering and protecting a wound, wherein the wound dressing for covering and protecting the wound comprises an adhesive layer <NUM> for adhering the wound dressing adjacent the wound, a wound contact layer <NUM> for contacting the wound, a pressure dispersion layer <NUM>, a plurality of layers <NUM> of absorbent material disposed between the wound contact layer <NUM> and the pressure dispersion layer <NUM>, and a backing layer <NUM> having a first surface <NUM> and a second surface <NUM>, wherein the first surface <NUM> of the backing layer <NUM> is adjacent and in contact with the pressure dispersion layer <NUM> and the adhesive layer <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the wound exudate management systems described herein comprise a wound dressing which comprises an envelope structure formed by joined peripheral portions of the pressure dispersion layer and the wound contact layer, wherein the envelope structure defines a cavity. In some instances, the wound exudate management system comprises a wound dressing <NUM> comprising a thermoplastic spun lace layer <NUM> connected to a pressure dispersion layer <NUM>, and a nonwoven spun lace layer <NUM> connected to a wound contact layer <NUM>, wherein an envelope structure <NUM> is formed by joining peripheral portions <NUM> of the thermoplastic spun lace layer <NUM> and the nonwoven spun lace layer <NUM> such that the plurality of layers <NUM> of absorbent material are disposed substantially within an interior cavity <NUM> of the envelope structure <NUM>. In some embodiments, the wound exudate management systems disclosed herein comprise a wound dressing comprising absorbent material disposed within the cavity <NUM> of an envelope structure <NUM> formed by joining peripheral portions <NUM> of the thermoplastic spun lace layer <NUM> and a nonwoven spun lace layer <NUM>.

In some instances, the wound exudate management systems disclosed herein comprise a wound dressing <NUM> comprising absorbent material comprising carboxymethylated cellulose fibers. In some embodiments, the wound contact layer <NUM> of the wound dressing of the wound exudate management systems disclosed herein comprise carboxymethylated cellulose fibers and have reinforcing nylon stitching <NUM>. In some instances, the wound exudate management systems described herein comprise a wound dressing comprising a pressure dispersion layer <NUM> comprising reticulated foam. In certain instances, the wound exudate management systems disclosed herein further comprise fenestrations <NUM> in one or more of a plurality of layers <NUM> of absorbent material in a wound dressing <NUM> and a pressure conveyance member <NUM> disposed within a flexible connector <NUM> connected to a second surface <NUM> of a backing layer <NUM> of the wound dressing <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the pressure conveyance <NUM> is disposed within the flexible connector <NUM>. The pressure conveyance enables the flexible connector <NUM> to convey fluid flow and/or pressure within the flexible connector, preventing collapsing when the flexible connector is made of a thin-walled flexible material, thereby enabling the wound dressing to experience or exhibit negative pressure generated by the pump. The pressure conveyance <NUM> may include various materials including, but not limited to, nylon. Further, the pressure conveyance <NUM> may be comprised of a lattice structure. The shape, material and arrangement of the pressure conveyance enables continued fluid flow along the flexible connector <NUM> that may otherwise be hindered by the shape, flexibility, material or arrangement of the flexible connector in light of negative pressure generated by the pump <NUM> and in light of general wound exudate management system use and positioning.

In some embodiments, the wound exudate management systems disclosed herein comprise an absorbent indicator <NUM> such as the disk <NUM> and an adhesive member <NUM> such as the adhesive ring <NUM>, wherein the adhesive member <NUM> adheres a flexible connector such as the flexible connector <NUM> and the absorbent indicator <NUM> to a backing layer <NUM> of a wound dressing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the wound exudate management systems disclosed herein comprise an absorbent indicator <NUM> positioned in a pathway at a location between an absorbent layer <NUM> of a wound dressing and the flexible connector <NUM>, wherein the absorbent indicator <NUM>/<NUM> is capable of absorbing exudate in order to indicate the presence of exudate at a side of the absorbent layer <NUM> furthest from a wound <NUM>. In some embodiments, the absorbent <NUM>/ <NUM> indicator gives a visual indication of the presence of exudate at the side of the absorbent layer furthest from the wound. In some embodiments, the signal generated by the absorbent indicator absorbing exudate may be visual, audible, vibrational, etc..

Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are wound dressings configured to function in combination with the inline filters disclosed herein, including wound dressings configured to function in negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) systems. In some embodiments, the wound dressings disclosed herein limit the transmission of liquid into the pressure tubes, including any part of the wound exudate management system between the medical disc and the pump unit. In some embodiments, the wound dressings disclosed herein can be disconnected from the pump at least once a day for seven days without affecting the system's ability to transmit pressure and handle fluid (including not causing a leak).

In some embodiments, the wound dressings disclosed herein comprise a backing layer such as the backing layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, the wound dressings disclosed herein comprise at least one absorbent layer such as the absorbent layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, the wound dressings disclosed herein comprise a perforated hydrophobic layer and a release liner comprising at least a first edge located opposite to a second edge. In some embodiments, the wound dressings optionally comprise an outer cover layer, which completely overlies the other layers of the wound dressing. In some embodiments, beneath the cover layer is an absorbent pad forming a central raised island beneath the cover layer. In some embodiments, the absorbent pad comprises a plurality of absorbent material layers <NUM>. The absorbent layer is capable of absorbing exudate from a wound. In some embodiments, the outer cover layer covers the side of the absorbent layer furthest from the wound. In some embodiments, the cover layer, also referred to as the backing layer, is adapted to enable negative pressure to be applied at the wound and has a port <NUM> in fluid communication with the absorbent layer(s) <NUM>. The conduit, or tubing, allows fluid communication between the port and a source of negative pressure, the conduit being connected to the outer layer by an adhesive ring <NUM>.

An indicator means, or absorbent indicator <NUM>, is disposed between the wound dressing <NUM> and the second pressure tube <NUM>. In some embodiments, the signal generated by the absorbent indicator <NUM> absorbing exudate may be visual, audible, vibrational, etc. In one embodiment the indicator means comprises a layer of gel forming fibers. Alternatively, the indicator means may also be provided still in the port, but above the cover layer. In some embodiments, the wound dressing further comprises a wound contact layer <NUM> adhered to the absorbent layer <NUM> by a layer of heat sealable lace consisting of a polyamide lace layer. The wound dressing can further comprise an exudate and pressure distribution layer, also referred to as a pressure dispersing layer <NUM>, preferably of polyester foam which serves to spread exudate across the absorbent layer(s) <NUM> and smooth the application of negative pressure across the wound dressing. A further heat sealable lace layer may be provided between the distribution layer and the cover layer. The heat sealable layers assist in adhering the layers together. In some embodiments, the absorbent layer(s) <NUM>, the wound contact layer <NUM> and the indicator means <NUM> comprise gel forming fibers in the form of a layer or layers carboxymethylated cellulose fabric.

In some embodiments, the wound dressings configured to function in combination with the inline filters disclosed herein comprise materials suitable for use in bandages. Suitable materials for bandages are non-irritating, durable, and flexible and include, by way of non-limiting examples, textiles of natural fiber (e.g., cotton, linen, and hemp), textiles of synthetic fiber (e.g., nylon, polyester, aramid, olefin, and acrylic), and plastic (e.g., polyvinyl chloride, low-density polyethylene, and polypropylene). In some embodiments, the wound dressings disclosed herein comprise wound dressing packaging and release liner systems. Suitable materials for wound dressing packaging and release liner systems are easily torn and include, by way of non-limiting examples, paper and waxed paper. In some embodiments, the wound dressings disclosed herein are dimensioned to fit different parts of the body, such as wound dressings dimensioned to fit a human finger, or a human knee. In some embodiments, the wound dressings disclosed herein are dimensioned in standard sizes, including for example, <NUM> x <NUM>, <NUM> x <NUM>, <NUM> x <NUM>, <NUM> x <NUM>, <NUM> x <NUM>, <NUM> x <NUM>, <NUM> x <NUM>, <NUM> x <NUM>, <NUM> x <NUM>, <NUM> x <NUM>, <NUM> x <NUM>, <NUM> x <NUM>, <NUM> x <NUM>, <NUM> x <NUM>, <NUM> x <NUM>, or sizes in-between any of these exemplary sizes. In some embodiments, the wound dressings disclosed herein are <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more millimeters long or wide, including increments therein. In some embodiments, the wound dressings disclosed herein are <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more centimeters long or wide, including increments therein. In some embodiments, suitable shapes for the wound dressings disclosed herein include square, rectangular, oval, round, and butterfly-shape wound dressings. In some embodiments, the wound dressings disclosed herein comprise wound dressings with multiple sites for the location of the absorbent layer and multiple sites for the location of the perforated hydrophobic layer.

In some embodiments, the wound dressings configured to function in combination with the inline filters disclosed herein comprise a backing. In some embodiments, the backing is made from polyurethane (PU). In some embodiments, the backing is made from film. In some embodiments, the backing is made from polyurethane film laminated to polyurethane foam. In some embodiments, the polyurethane has a thickness between <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, the backing is transparent. In some embodiments, the backing has a high moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) and allows moisture to permeate through a wound dressing and evaporate from the wound. In some embodiments, the backing has a MVTR of at least <NUM>,<NUM> grams/meter<NUM>/day. In some embodiments, the backing has a MVTR in the range of from <NUM>,<NUM> grams/meter<NUM>/day to <NUM>,<NUM> grams/meter<NUM>/day, or from <NUM>,<NUM> grams/meter<NUM>/day to <NUM>,<NUM> grams/meter<NUM>/day. In some embodiments, the MVTR is measured using the liquid in contact ISO standard. In some embodiments, the backing is made from backing film or a strikethrough film.

In some embodiments, the wound dressings configured to function in combination with the inline filters disclosed herein comprise an absorbent layer substantially insoluble in water. In some embodiments, the absorbent layer is a non-adherent layer. In some embodiments, the absorbent layer comprises fiber selected from the group consisting of sodium carboxymethylcellulose fiber, alginate fiber, chitosan or chitosan derivative fiber, acrylic fiber, non-gelling fiber, superabsorbent fiber, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the absorbent layer comprises an antimicrobial fiber, such as an antimicrobial fiber comprising silver ions or metal ions. In some embodiments, the wound dressings comprise one or more medicaments selected from the group consisting of an antibiotic, an anesthetic, an antiinflammatory agent, a skin protective agent, and an odor-absorbing agent. In some embodiments, the fiber comprises chemically modified cellulose. In some embodiments, the fiber is carboxymethylcellulose fiber with a degree of substitution between <NUM> and <NUM> carboxymethyl groups per cellulose unit. In some embodiments, the fiber is an acrylic fiber which incorporates a co-monomer and provides dye-sites in the fiber. In some embodiments, the co-monomer is selected from the group consisting of itaconic acid and <NUM>-acrylamido methyl propane sulphonic acid. Where the fiber is an alginate fiber, it may be a calcium alginate fiber or a mixed metal alginate fiber such as a calcium/sodium alginate fiber. The alginate polymer may be one with a high mannuoronate or a high guluronate. In some embodiments, the wound dressings comprise an absorbent layer comprising chemically modified cellulose. In some embodiments, the wound dressings comprise an absorbent layer comprising, for example, carboxymethylcellulose, carboxyethylcellulose, or other chemically modified cellulose. In some embodiments, the carboxymethylcellulose is sodium carboxymethylcellulose. In some embodiments, the absorbent layer comprises HYDROFIBER® (ConvaTec, United Kingdom).

In some embodiments, the wound dressings described herein provide advantages to the healing of the wound including the advantages of locking in exudate and trapping bacteria (including advantages such as protecting periwound skin and reducing maceration and minimizing wound and cross-infection during wound dressing removal), micro-contouring to a wound bed (including advantages such as minimizing "dead space" where bacteria can grow and maintaining the moisture balance in the wound bed), and responding to wound fluid levels forming a cohesive gel (including advantages such as forming a cohesive gel when the wound dressing comes in contact with exudates and providing a rapid and sustained antimicrobial activity on demand, such as when the wound dressing comprises ionic silver).

In some embodiments, the wound dressings configured to function in combination with the inline filters disclosed herein absorb exudate from a wound. In some embodiments, the wound dressings described herein comprise an absorbent layer with a minimum level of absorbency. In some embodiments, the absorbency of the wound dressings described herein may be measured by the free swell absorbency method. In some embodiments, the absorbency of the wound dressings described herein is at least <NUM>/cm<NUM>, or at least <NUM>/cm<NUM>, or at least <NUM>/cm<NUM>. In some embodiments, the wound dressings are configured to handle <NUM>/cm<NUM>/day of fluid for three days without the need for a canister to collect the exudate (such as for moderately exuding wounds). In some embodiments, the wound dressings are configured to handle <NUM>/cm<NUM>/day of fluid for seven days without the need for a canister to collect the exudate (such as for low exuding wounds). In some embodiments, the wound dressings described herein comprise a gelling fiber, an absorbent fiber, or a hydrophilic foam.

In some embodiments, the wound dressings disclosed herein comprise an absorbent core comprising a material selected from the group consisting of foam, polyurethane foam, absorbent textiles, hydrogels, superabsorbent fibers, superabsorbent powder-fiber blends, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the absorbent core comprises a gelling blend of a material selected from the group consisting of foam, polyurethane foam, absorbent textiles, hydrogels, superabsorbent fibers, superabsorbent powder-fiber blends, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the absorbent core comprises a non-gelling blend of a material selected from the group consisting of foam, polyurethane foam, absorbent textiles, hydrogels, superabsorbent fibers, superabsorbent powder-fiber blends, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the wound dressings disclosed herein comprise an absorbent hydrophilic layer comprising a material selected from the group consisting of HYDROFIBER® (ConvaTec, United Kingdom), gelling fiber, gelling fiber blend, gelling fiber - synthetic fiber blend, superabsorbent fiber, superabsorbent powder-fiber blend, and mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the wound dressings configured to function in combination with the inline filters disclosed herein comprise a perforated adherent layer, such as the adhesive layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, the perforated adherent layer comprises a perforated hydrophobic layer. In some embodiments, the perforated adherent layer is not hydrophobic, as may be the case when the perforated adherent layer comprises a hydrogel adhesive. In some embodiments, the wound dressings described herein comprise an adherent or hydrophobic layer selected from the group consisting of an adherent or hydrophobic layer comprising cuts, an adherent or hydrophobic layer comprising slits, an adherent or hydrophobic layer comprising holes, an adherent or hydrophobic layer comprising apertures, an adherent or hydrophobic layer comprising discontinuities, and an adherent or hydrophobic layer comprising bevels. In some embodiments, the perforated adherent layer or perforated hydrophobic layer is selected from the group consisting of silicone adhesive, hydrocolloid adhesive, polyurethane adhesive, rubber-based adhesive, acrylic adhesive, coated woven material, hydrogel adhesive, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the distribution and spacing of the perforations are regularly arranged with a separation substantially greater than their area. In some embodiments, the perforations are in a shape selected from a circle, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, an oval, a pentagon, a hexagon, and a rounded rectangle. In some embodiments, the perforations are circular and between <NUM> and <NUM>, or between <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, the spacing between the perforations is between <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, the number of perforations per unit area is between <NUM> and <NUM>, or between <NUM> and <NUM>, or between <NUM> and <NUM> perforations/cm<NUM>. In some embodiments, the wound dressings disclosed herein comprise an open structure, hydrophobic layer comprising a material selected from the group consisting of silicone adhesive, hydrocolloid adhesive, polyurethane adhesive, hydrogel, acrylic adhesive, coated woven material, and mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the wound dressings configured to function in combination with the inline filters disclosed herein comprise an adhesive surrounding the absorbent layer that adheres the wound dressing to the wound. In some embodiments, the absorbent layer is a non-adherent layer. The adhesive holds the absorbent component in direct contact with the wound and may seal the wound dressing to the skin surrounding the wound. The adhesive is preferably a silicone adhesive and more preferably a pressure sensitive silicone adhesive such as Dow Corning MD7-<NUM> or M67-<NUM> (DowDuPont, USA) or Wacker Chemie AG SILPURAN® <NUM> (Wacker Chemie, Germany). The adhesive may also be a hydrocolloid, polyurethane, rubber based adhesive or acrylic adhesive.

In some embodiments, the wound dressings configured to function in combination with the inline filters disclosed herein comprise a foam layer. The foam layer can be an open cell foam layer. The foam layer can be a hydrophilic foam layer. In some embodiments, the hydrophilic foam layer is a polyurethane foam, such as a hydrophilic open celled foam. The foam typically has a thickness of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> and most preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>. The foam layer preferably has an absorbency of <NUM> to <NUM>/g when measured by the free swell absorptive capacity method. In some embodiments, the foam layer includes a metal-based antimicrobial agent that undergoes a controlled release when the binder layer comes into contact with moisture. In some embodiments, the foam layer includes an inorganic antimicrobial agent. In some embodiments, the foam layer does not include an inorganic antimicrobial agent.

The foam layer may be bonded to the wound contacting layer preferably by a polymer based melt layer, by an adhesive, by flame lamination or by ultrasound, or by curing directly to the foam layer. The foam layer may be directly bonded to the wound contact layer to make a laminate structure where the layers co-extend and are separated by the bonding line or the foam layer may form an island in the upper surface of the component surrounded by the wound contacting layer. By forming an island of foam in the upper surface of the absorbent component in this way, the tendency of the foam to laterally spread the exudate in the foam layer and rewet the wound contacting layer can be physically limited.

A textile layer may be positioned between the wound contact layer and the foam layer to limit distortion of the component that may occur when the foam layer expands on absorption of exudate. The textile layer is preferably made from absorbent fibers such as polyester, nylon, or cotton which may contain superabsorbent components such as cross linked sodium polyacrylate or may be made from a superabsorbent fiber such as polyacrylate.

In some embodiments, a one-way wicking layer is positioned between the wound contact layer and the foam layer to assist in the prevention of exudate rewetting the wound contact layer outside the area of the wound by transfer down from the foam towards the wound. The one-way wicking layer has the property that it resists the passage of exudate in one direction. The one-way wicking layer may, for example, be an embossed perforated film made from ethylene-methyl acrylate/ethylene vinyl acetate.

Disclosed herein are methods of using an inline filter to maintain negative pressure in a wound dressing and protect a wound exudate management system from wound exudate. The wound exudate is absorbed by the inline filters disclosed herein and prevented from entering a pump by a filter membrane in the inline filter. The methods of protecting a wound exudate management system disclosed herein comprise obtaining an inline filter <NUM> comprising an inlet opening <NUM>, an outlet opening <NUM>, a one-way check valve <NUM>, and at least one filter membrane <NUM>; connecting the outlet opening <NUM> to a first pressure tube <NUM>, wherein the first pressure tube <NUM> is connected to a pump <NUM> in the wound exudate management system <NUM> on the opposite end of the first pressure tube <NUM> that is connected to the outlet opening <NUM> of the inline filter <NUM>; connecting the inlet opening <NUM> to a second pressure tube <NUM>, wherein the second pressure tube is connected to the wound dressing <NUM> on the opposite end of the second pressure tube <NUM> that is connected to the inlet opening <NUM> of the inline filter <NUM>; generating a negative pressure in the wound dressing <NUM> by actuating the pump <NUM> of the wound exudate management system <NUM> and drawing air away from the wound dressing <NUM>.

The pump <NUM> maintains a negative pressure between <NUM> mmHg to <NUM> mmHg in the wound dressing <NUM>/<NUM>. The one-way check valve <NUM> housed inside the cartridge <NUM> of the inline filter is able to maintain a negative pressure of <NUM>±<NUM> mmHg across the wound dressing pad area when the wound dressing <NUM>/<NUM> is disconnected from the pump <NUM>. The one-way check valve <NUM> housed inside the cartridge <NUM> of the inline filter <NUM> is able to maintain a negative pressure of <NUM>±<NUM> mmHg across the wound dressing pad area when the wound dressing <NUM>/<NUM> is disconnected from the pump <NUM> for at least <NUM> hour, <NUM> hours, <NUM> hours, <NUM> hours, <NUM> hours, <NUM> hours, <NUM> hours, <NUM> hours, or <NUM> hours. The pump <NUM> further comprises a status indicator <NUM> providing visual cues indicating when the pump <NUM> is off, on, and/or on but malfunctioning. Malfunctioning of the pump <NUM> is caused by the pump <NUM> sensing a negative pressure outside of the negative pressure range between <NUM> mmHg to <NUM> mmHg in the wound dressing <NUM>/<NUM>. Malfunctioning of the pump <NUM> is caused by the pump <NUM> sensing a negative pressure outside of the negative pressure range between <NUM> mmHg to <NUM> mmHg, for example, outside of <NUM> mmHg.

Provided herein are methods of treating wounds by applying negative pressure to a wound dressing covering a wound. Methods disclosed herein are suitable for treating moderately exuding wounds. The methods disclosed herein are suitable for treating low exuding wounds. The level of exudate from a wound is determined by weighing soiled wound dressings before and after application to a wound. The level of exudate from a wound is determined by measuring the contents of wound drainage bags or canisters. The level of exudate from a wound is determined based on the saturation of a wound dressing at specific intervals, such as every <NUM> or <NUM> hours. The level of exudate from a wound is determined based on the appearance of the wound bed. For example, when a wound is highly exuding, the skin around the wound may be macerated and can be recognized by a whitish, plump, or soggy appearance which breaks down easily and can result in an increase in the overall size of the wound. Alternatively, for non- to low-exuding wounds, the determination may be made by identifying that a wound dressing has dehydrated and caused a slight adhesion to the wound bed, in which case the wound dressing must be hydrated with fluid (such as saline) in order to allow removal of the wound dressing without discomfort to the patient.

The method of treating wounds comprises using the wound exudate management system <NUM> to exert and maintain a negative pressure in the wound dressing <NUM>/<NUM> contacted with the wound <NUM>. The wound exudate management system <NUM> comprises an absorbent indicator <NUM>/<NUM> disposed between the wound dressing <NUM>/<NUM> and the second pressure tube <NUM>. The absorbent indicator signals the exudate being absorbed beyond the capacity of the wound dressing <NUM>/<NUM>. The signal generated by the absorbent indicator absorbing exudate may be visual, audible, vibrational, etc..

The method of treating wounds disclosed herein comprise of monitoring whether the wound exudate has reached and been absorbed by inline filter, creating a partial blockage in the lumen <NUM> connecting the wound dressings <NUM>/<NUM> to the pump <NUM>. The method of treating wounds comprises monitoring the status indicator <NUM> on the pump <NUM>. A partial blockage of exudate by the inline filter <NUM>/<NUM> drops negative pressure to below the predetermined negative pressure range.

An example of treatment of a wound with a wound exudate management system will now be described. A medical care provider obtains a wound dressing <NUM> for use in a negative pressure wound therapy system <NUM>. The wound dressing <NUM> includes a silicone adhesive border <NUM> with a centrally placed absorbent pad <NUM> covered by a Polyurethane film <NUM>, and contains an integral flexible airway sited over a Medicel™ disc <NUM>, which is in direct contact with the absorbent pads <NUM> and attached via an adhesive ring <NUM>. The opposite end of the airway is fitted with a luer fitting <NUM> comprising an inline filter <NUM>, which enables attachment of the wound dressing <NUM> to the pump tubing supplied with the pump unit <NUM>. The medical care provider covers the patient's wound <NUM> with the wound dressing <NUM>. The actuation of the pump <NUM> exerts negative pressure in the wound dressing <NUM>/<NUM>. Contemporaneously, the dressings are highly saturated with exudate. Exudate enters the tubing <NUM> connecting the dressing <NUM> to the pump <NUM> but is prevented from reaching the pump by the inline filter <NUM>/<NUM>. The blockage of the inline filter <NUM>/<NUM> by exudate disrupts airflow and causes a drop in negative pressure in the wound dressing <NUM>/<NUM>. As a result of the loss of suction in the dressing <NUM>/<NUM>, the dressing <NUM>/<NUM> no longer closely conforms to the wound and/or the periwound area, which provides a visual indication to the medical care provider that the inline filter <NUM>/<NUM> is in need of change. The medical care provider replaces the wound dressing <NUM> comprising the blocked inline filter <NUM> with a new wound dressing <NUM>/<NUM> containing an inline filter and reconnects the tubing disposed among the wound dressings, inline filter, and pump.

Another example involves the testing of certain negative pressure wound therapy systems to evaluate the efficacy of the systems and methods described herein. As a first baseline, a negative pressure wound therapy system was initially tested without an inline filter being utilized. More particularly, the first baseline evaluation involved the use of a conventional luer lock fitting to connect a wound dressing to a pump for providing a negative pressure. Each luer lock fitting was provided with a check valve to prevent leakage of air in the dressing, but was not provided with any filter. With no filter present, exudate was able to pass through the luer lock and into the pump. After a trial period of three days, <NUM>% of the baseline systems experienced exudate in the pump, often leading to damage of the pump.

In a second baseline trial, the luer lock fittings were provided with a first filter, which was formed of PTFE with an average pore size of about <NUM> microns. A new test method involving direct contact of the wound dressing with a test solution was developed in order to facilitate rapid testing of the filters. The filters evaluated in this stage of testing exhibited a pass rate of about <NUM>%. While an improved result over the <NUM>% pass rate for conventional fittings lacking filters, there remained a need for improvement.

A third trial involved the use of glass silicone membranes having an average pore size of about <NUM> microns. A first group of these filters was tested prior to sterilization, and a second group was evaluated following sterilization according to the ethylene oxide (EO) method of sterilization. While the non-sterilized filters performed well in this test, with a pass rate of <NUM>%, it was unexpectedly found that sterilizing the filters led to a degradation in performance. More particularly, filters sterilized according to the EO method of sterilization were found to have a pass rate of just <NUM>%. While an improvement over the <NUM>% pass rate for conventional fittings, the sterilized group lacked the performance of the second baseline trial. As such, there remained a further need for improvement.

A fourth trial involved evaluation of a filter according to certain embodiments of the present application. The filters evaluated in this trial were formed of PESU, and a larger average pore size of about <NUM> microns was selected. Again, both sterile and non-sterile filters were evaluated. In this case, both the non-sterile filters and the filters sterilized by EO sterilization were found to have a <NUM>% pass rate. Thus, contrary to expectations, the filters having the larger average pore size were found to have improved exudate-blocking characteristics in comparison to the filters evaluated in the second and third trials, each of which had smaller average pore sizes.

Certain embodiments of the present application relate to a wound dressing, comprising: an adhesive layer for adhering the wound dressing adjacent to a wound; a wound contact layer for contacting the wound; a pressure dispersion layer; a plurality of layers of absorbent material disposed between the wound contact layer and the pressure dispersion layer, wherein the plurality of layers of absorbent material includes a first absorbent material layer facing the wound contact layer and a second absorbent material layer facing the pressure dispersion layer; a backing layer having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the backing layer being adjacent, and in contact with, the pressure dispersion layer and the adhesive layer, wherein a port is defined in the backing layer; and an absorbent indicator aligned with the port, the absorbent indicator configured to absorb exudate to indicate the presence of exudate in the second absorbent material layer.

In certain embodiments, the wound dressing further comprises an envelope structure defining a cavity; wherein the plurality of layers of absorbent material are received within the cavity. In certain embodiments, the envelope structure is defined at least in part by the pressure dispersion layer and the wound contact layer; and peripheries of the pressure dispersion layer and the wound contact layer are joined to at least partially define the envelope structure.

In certain embodiments, the wound dressing further comprises: a flexible connector mounted adjacent the port; and a tube having a first end connected with the flexible connector and an opposite second end. In certain embodiments, the wound dressing further comprises an inline filter coupled to the second end of the tube. In certain embodiments, the absorbent indicator is visible through the flexible connector. In certain embodiments, the wound dressing further comprises a pressure conveyance coupled to the flexible connector.

In certain embodiments, the wound dressing further comprises: a nonwoven spun lace layer positioned between the wound contact layer and the first absorbent material layer; and a thermoplastic spun lace layer positioned between the pressure dispersion layer and the second absorbent material layer. In certain embodiments, peripheries of the nonwoven spun lace layer and the thermoplastic spun lace layer are joined to define an envelope structure in which the plurality of layers of absorbent material are disposed.

Certain embodiments of the present application relate to a wound exudate management system, comprising: a pump for generating negative pressure; a wound dressing for covering and protecting a wound; a first pressure tube having a first interior lumen; a second pressure tube having a second interior lumen; an inline filter disposed between the first pressure tube and the second pressure tube; and a flexible connector; wherein the first pressure tube is disposed between the pump and the inline filter; wherein the second pressure tube is disposed between the inline filter and the flexible connector; and wherein the flexible connector is disposed between the second pressure tube and the wound dressing such that the pump and the wound dressing are in fluid communication via the interior lumens and the inline filter.

In certain embodiments, the wound dressing comprises an adhesive layer for adhering the wound dressing adjacent to a wound. In certain embodiments, the wound dressing comprises: a wound contact layer for contacting a wound; a pressure dispersion layer; a plurality of layers of absorbent material disposed between the wound contact layer and the pressure dispersion layer; and a backing layer having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the backing layer being adjacent, and in contact with, the pressure dispersion layer and an adhesive layer. In certain embodiments, the wound dressing further comprises: a thermoplastic spun lace layer connected to the pressure dispersion layer; and a nonwoven spun lace layer connected to the wound contact layer; wherein an envelope structure is formed by joining peripheral portions of the thermoplastic spun lace layer and the nonwoven spun lace layer such that the plurality of layers of absorbent material are disposed substantially within an interior cavity of the envelope structure. In certain embodiments, the absorbent material is disposed within the interior cavity of the envelope structure. In certain embodiments, the absorbent material and/or the wound contact layer comprises carboxymethylated cellulose fibers. In certain embodiments, the wound contact layer comprises reinforcing nylon stitching. In certain embodiments the wound dressing further comprises fenestrations in the one or more of the plurality of layers of absorbent material.

In certain embodiments, the system further comprises an absorbent indicator and an adhesive member, wherein the adhesive member adheres the flexible connector and the absorbent indicator to the wound dressing. In certain embodiments, the absorbent indicator is positioned in a flow pathway at a location between the absorbent layer and the flexible connector; and the absorbent indicator is capable of absorbing exudate to indicate the presence of exudate at the side of the absorbent layer furthest from the wound. In certain embodiments, the wound exudate management system further comprises a status indicator, wherein the status indicator provides visual cues indicating when the pump is off, on, and/or on but malfunctioning.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the invention are desired to be protected.

Claim 1:
A wound exudate management system comprising an inline filter (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the inline filter (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
an inlet opening (<NUM>) having a connector (<NUM>); an outlet opening (<NUM>) having a connector (<NUM>); and a cartridge (<NUM>) flanked by the inlet and outlet openings (<NUM>, <NUM>), the cartridge (<NUM>) comprising a cavity (<NUM>), a one-way check valve (<NUM>), and at least one filter membrane (<NUM>), wherein the filter membrane comprises hydrophobic material and the filter membrane comprises a pore size of at least <NUM> microns;
wherein the wound exudate management system further comprises:
a pump (<NUM>) for generating negative pressure; a wound dressing (<NUM>, <NUM>) for covering and protecting a wound; and a first pressure tube (<NUM>) having an interior lumen (<NUM>), a second pressure tube (<NUM>) having an interior lumen (<NUM>), and a flexible connector (<NUM>),
wherein the first pressure tube (<NUM>) is disposed between the pump (<NUM>) and the inline filter (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the second pressure tube (<NUM>) is disposed between the inline filter (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and the flexible connector (<NUM>), and the flexible connector (<NUM>) is disposed between the second pressure tube (<NUM>) and the wound dressing (<NUM>) such that the pump (<NUM>) and the wound dressing (<NUM>, <NUM>) are in fluid communication via the interior lumen (<NUM>).