Patent Description:
The invention is defined by the independent claim. A selection of optional features of the invention is set out in the dependent claims.

Referring generally to the FIGURES, systems and methods for providing NPWT and phototherapy are shown, according to various embodiments. NPWT can be provided to both facilitate healing progression of the wound, remove wound exudate, etc., and also to adjust, actuate, change, etc., a surface topology of the wound bed. The phototherapy may include providing UV light, blue light, red light, etc., to the wound bed to facilitate healing or disinfection of the wound. When combined with NPWT, the efficacy of the phototherapy can be improved since varying the surface topology of the wound bed with NPWT (e.g., dynamic or oscillating NPWT) may expose additional surfaces of the wound for phototherapy, thereby improving the disinfection characteristics of phototherapy and facilitating healing progression of the wound. Advantageously, providing phototherapy may also disinfect and function as an anti-microbial for the wound.

Referring now to <FIG>, a NPWT system <NUM> is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. NPWT system <NUM> is shown to include a therapy device <NUM> fluidly connected to a wound dressing <NUM> via tubing <NUM> and <NUM>. Wound dressing <NUM> may be adhered or sealed to a patient's skin <NUM> surrounding a wound <NUM>. Several examples of wound dressings <NUM> which can be used in combination with NPWT system <NUM> are described in detail in <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

Therapy device <NUM> can be configured to provide negative pressure wound therapy by reducing the pressure at wound <NUM>. Therapy device <NUM> can draw a vacuum at wound <NUM> (relative to atmospheric pressure) by removing wound exudate, air, and other fluids from wound <NUM>. Wound exudate may include fluid that filters from a patient's circulatory system into lesions or areas of inflammation. For example, wound exudate may include water and dissolved solutes such as blood, plasma proteins, white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells. Other fluids removed from wound <NUM> may include instillation fluid <NUM> previously delivered to wound <NUM>. Instillation fluid <NUM> can include, for example, a cleansing fluid, a prescribed fluid, a medicated fluid, an antibiotic fluid, or any other type of fluid which can be delivered to wound <NUM> during wound treatment. Instillation fluid <NUM> may be held in an instillation fluid canister <NUM> and controllably dispensed to wound <NUM> via instillation fluid tubing <NUM>. In some embodiments, instillation fluid canister <NUM> is detachable from therapy device <NUM> to allow canister <NUM> to be refilled and replaced as needed.

The fluids <NUM> removed from wound <NUM> pass through removed fluid tubing <NUM> and are collected in removed fluid canister <NUM>. Removed fluid canister <NUM> may be a component of therapy device <NUM> configured to collect wound exudate and other fluids <NUM> removed from wound <NUM>. In some embodiments, removed fluid canister <NUM> is detachable from therapy device <NUM> to allow canister <NUM> to be emptied and replaced as needed. A lower portion of canister <NUM> may be filled with wound exudate and other fluids <NUM> removed from wound <NUM>, whereas an upper portion of canister
<NUM> may be filled with air. Therapy device <NUM> can be configured to draw a vacuum within canister <NUM> by pumping air out of canister <NUM>. The reduced pressure within canister <NUM> can be translated to wound dressing <NUM> and wound <NUM> via tubing <NUM> such that wound dressing <NUM> and wound <NUM> are maintained at the same pressure as canister <NUM>.

Referring particularly to <FIG>, block diagrams illustrating therapy device <NUM> in greater detail are shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Therapy device <NUM> is shown to
include a pneumatic pump <NUM>, an instillation pump <NUM>, a valve <NUM>, a filter <NUM>, and a controller <NUM>. Pneumatic pump <NUM> can be fluidly coupled to removed fluid canister <NUM> (e.g., via conduit <NUM>) and can be configured to draw a vacuum within canister <NUM> by pumping air out of canister <NUM>. In some embodiments, pneumatic pump <NUM> is configured to operate in both a forward direction and a reverse direction. For example, pneumatic pump <NUM> can operate in the forward direction to pump air out of canister <NUM> and decrease the pressure within canister <NUM>. Pneumatic pump <NUM> can operate in the reverse direction to pump air into canister <NUM> and increase the pressure within canister <NUM>. Pneumatic pump <NUM> can be controlled by controller <NUM>, described in greater detail below.

Similarly, instillation pump <NUM> can be fluidly coupled to instillation fluid canister <NUM> via tubing <NUM> and fluidly coupled to wound dressing <NUM> via tubing <NUM>. Instillation pump <NUM> can be operated to deliver instillation fluid <NUM> to wound dressing <NUM> and wound <NUM> by pumping instillation fluid <NUM> through tubing <NUM> and tubing <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Instillation pump <NUM> can be controlled by controller <NUM>, described in greater detail below.

Filter <NUM> can be positioned between removed fluid canister <NUM> and pneumatic pump <NUM> (e.g., along conduit <NUM>) such that the air pumped out of canister <NUM> passes through filter <NUM>. Filter <NUM> can be configured to prevent liquid or solid particles from entering conduit <NUM> and reaching pneumatic pump <NUM>. Filter <NUM> may include, for example, a bacterial filter that is hydrophobic and/or lipophilic such that aqueous and/or oily liquids will bead on the surface of filter <NUM>. Pneumatic pump <NUM> can be configured to provide sufficient airflow through filter <NUM> that the pressure drop across filter <NUM> is not substantial (e.g., such that the pressure drop will not substantially interfere with the application of negative pressure to wound <NUM> from therapy device <NUM>).

In some embodiments, therapy device <NUM> operates a valve <NUM> to controllably vent the negative pressure circuit, as shown in <FIG>. Valve <NUM> can be fluidly connected with pneumatic pump <NUM> and filter <NUM> via conduit <NUM>. In some embodiments, valve <NUM> is configured to control airflow between conduit <NUM> and the environment around therapy device <NUM>. For example, valve <NUM> can be opened to allow airflow into conduit <NUM> via vent <NUM> and conduit <NUM>, and closed to prevent airflow into conduit <NUM> via vent <NUM> and conduit <NUM>. Valve <NUM> can be opened and closed by controller <NUM>, described in greater detail below. When valve <NUM> is closed, pneumatic pump <NUM> can draw a vacuum within a negative pressure circuit by causing airflow through filter <NUM> in a first direction, as shown in <FIG>. The negative pressure circuit may include any component of system <NUM> that can be maintained at a negative pressure when performing negative pressure wound therapy (e.g., conduit <NUM>, removed fluid canister <NUM>, tubing <NUM>, wound dressing <NUM>, and/or wound <NUM>). For example, the negative pressure circuit may include conduit <NUM>, removed fluid canister <NUM>, tubing <NUM>, wound dressing <NUM>, and/or wound <NUM>. When valve <NUM> is open, airflow from the environment around therapy device <NUM> may enter conduit <NUM> via vent <NUM> and conduit <NUM> and fill the vacuum within the negative pressure circuit. The airflow from conduit <NUM> into canister <NUM> and other volumes within the negative pressure circuit may pass through filter <NUM> in a second direction, opposite the first direction, as shown in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, therapy device <NUM> vents the negative pressure circuit via an orifice <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Orifice <NUM> may be a small opening in conduit <NUM> or any other component of the negative pressure circuit (e.g., removed fluid canister <NUM>, tubing <NUM>, tubing <NUM>, wound dressing <NUM>, etc.) and may allow air to leak into the negative pressure circuit at a known rate. In some embodiments, therapy device <NUM> vents the negative pressure circuit via orifice <NUM> rather than operating valve <NUM>. Valve <NUM> can be omitted from therapy device <NUM> for any embodiment in which orifice <NUM> is included. The rate at which air leaks into the negative pressure circuit via orifice <NUM> may be substantially constant or may vary as a function of the negative pressure, depending on the geometry of orifice <NUM>. For embodiments in which the leak rate via orifice <NUM> is variable, controller <NUM> can use a stored relationship between negative pressure and leak rate to calculate the leak rate via orifice <NUM> based measurements of the negative pressure. Regardless of whether the leak rate via orifice <NUM> is substantially constant or variable, the leakage of air into the negative pressure circuit via orifice <NUM> can be used to generate a pressure decay curve for use in estimating volume <NUM> (see <FIG>) of wound <NUM>.

In some embodiments, therapy device <NUM> includes a variety of sensors. For example, therapy device <NUM> is shown to include a pressure sensor <NUM> configured to measure the pressure within canister <NUM> and/or the pressure at wound dressing <NUM> or wound <NUM>. In some embodiments, therapy device <NUM> includes a pressure sensor <NUM> configured to measure the pressure within tubing <NUM>. Tubing <NUM> may be connected to wound dressing <NUM> and may be dedicated to measuring the pressure at wound dressing <NUM> or wound <NUM> without having a secondary function such as channeling installation fluid <NUM> or wound exudate. In various embodiments, tubing <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be physically separate tubes or separate lumens within a single tube that connects therapy device <NUM> to wound dressing <NUM>. Accordingly, tubing <NUM> may be described as a negative pressure lumen that functions apply negative pressure wound dressing <NUM> or wound <NUM>, whereas tubing <NUM> may be described as a sensing lumen configured to sense the pressure at wound dressing <NUM> or wound <NUM>. Pressure sensors <NUM> and <NUM> can be located within therapy device <NUM>, positioned at any location along tubing <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, or located at wound dressing <NUM> in various embodiments. Pressure measurements recorded by pressure sensors <NUM> and/or <NUM> can be communicated to controller <NUM>. Controller <NUM> use the pressure measurements as inputs to various pressure testing operations and control operations performed by controller <NUM>.

Controller <NUM> can be configured to operate pneumatic pump <NUM>, instillation pump <NUM>, valve <NUM>, and/or other controllable components of therapy device <NUM>. In some embodiments, controller <NUM> performs a pressure testing procedure by applying a pressure stimulus to the negative pressure circuit. For example, controller <NUM> may instruct valve <NUM> to close and operate pneumatic pump <NUM> to establish negative pressure within the negative pressure circuit. Once the negative pressure has been established, controller <NUM> may deactivate pneumatic pump <NUM>. Controller <NUM> may cause valve <NUM> to open for a predetermined amount of time and then close after the predetermined amount of time has elapsed.

In some embodiments, therapy device <NUM> includes a user interface <NUM>. User interface <NUM> may include one or more buttons, dials, sliders, keys, or other input devices configured to receive input from a user. User interface <NUM> may also include one or more display devices (e.g., LEDs, LCD displays, etc.), speakers, tactile feedback devices, or other output devices configured to provide information to a user. In some embodiments, the pressure measurements recorded by pressure sensors <NUM> and/or <NUM> are presented to a user via user interface <NUM>. User interface <NUM> can also display alerts generated by controller <NUM>. For example, controller <NUM> can generate a "no canister" alert if canister <NUM> is not detected.

In some embodiments, therapy device <NUM> includes a data communications interface <NUM> (e.g., a USB port, a wireless transceiver, etc.) configured to receive and transmit data. Communications interface <NUM> may include wired or wireless communications interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters, receivers, transceivers, wire terminals, etc.) for conducting data communications external systems or devices. In various embodiments, the communications may be direct (e.g., local wired or wireless communications) or via a communications network (e.g., a WAN, the Internet, a cellular network, etc.). For example, communications interface <NUM> can include a USB port or an Ethernet card and port for sending and receiving data via an Ethernet-based communications link or network. In another example, communications interface <NUM> can include a Wi-Fi transceiver for communicating via a wireless communications network or cellular or mobile phone communications transceivers.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, various embodiments of a lightguide dressing <NUM> and the therapy device <NUM> are shown. In some embodiments, any of the embodiments of the lightguide dressing <NUM> and the therapy device <NUM> described herein are usable with the NPWT system <NUM> as described in greater detail above with reference to <FIG>. In some embodiments, the lightguide dressing <NUM> and the therapy device <NUM> as described herein are provided as a system for providing NPWT in combination with phototherapy to a wound.

Referring particularly to <FIG>, a lightguide dressing <NUM> (e.g., a wound dressing, a NPWT dressing, etc.) is shown, according to some embodiments. The lightguide dressing <NUM> is configured to facilitate NPWT in addition to phototherapy for a wound <NUM> that the lightguide dressing <NUM> covers. In some embodiments, the lightguide dressing <NUM> is a dual-purpose dressing to facilitate phototherapy and NPWT to facilitate healing and/or disinfection of the wound <NUM>.

The lightguide dressing <NUM> includes a drape <NUM>, a manifold layer <NUM>, a lightguide <NUM>, and a skin interface layer <NUM>, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the skin interface layer <NUM> is configured to directly contact, abut, engage, etc., an exterior surface of the patient's skin surrounding the wound <NUM> (e.g., periwound tissue <NUM>). In some embodiments, the skin interface layer <NUM> is a Dermatac™ material that is manufactured by <NUM>™. In some embodiments, the skin interface layer <NUM> is configured to sealingly couple on one side with the periwound tissue <NUM>, and on an opposite side with the drape <NUM>. In some embodiments, the drape <NUM> and the skin interface layer <NUM> are configured to cooperatively define an inner volume that includes the wound <NUM> therewithin. In some embodiments, the skin interface layer <NUM> and the drape <NUM> are integrally formed and provided as a unitary member. In some embodiments, the skin interface layer <NUM> and the drape <NUM> are Dermatac™ Drape with V A. ® Granufoam™ as manufactured by <NUM>™.

In some embodiments, the manifold layer <NUM> is a foam layer that is configured to facilitate distribution of negative pressure throughout the inner volume defined by the drape <NUM> and the skin interface layer <NUM>. The manifold layer <NUM> may also be a nonwoven or micro-replicated standoff film. In some embodiments, the manifold layer <NUM> is positioned within the inner volume (e.g., a sealed inner volume). In some embodiments, the manifold layer <NUM> is positioned directly below the drape <NUM> and an upper or top surface of the manifold layer <NUM> directly abuts or contacts an interior surface of the drape <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the lightguide <NUM> is positioned directly below or beneath the manifold layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, a bottom surface of the manifold layer <NUM> directly contacts or abuts an upper surface of the lightguide <NUM>. In some embodiments, the lightguide <NUM> is positioned directly above the wound <NUM> between the manifold layer <NUM> and the wound <NUM>. The lightguide <NUM> can be configured to receive light at a first portion, direct, diffuse, refract, etc., light through the lightguide <NUM>, and emit light to the wound <NUM> for phototherapy.

The lightguide dressing <NUM> includes and/or is configured to interface or couple with a coupler assembly <NUM>, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the coupler assembly <NUM> is configured to provide or facilitate delivery of negative pressure and light for the wound <NUM>. The drape <NUM> includes a first opening <NUM> for drawing negative pressure (e.g., removing air from the inner volume defined by the drape <NUM> and the skin interface layer <NUM>) and for providing light to the lightguide <NUM> for phototherapy. In this way, the coupler assembly <NUM> can function as a dual purpose coupler to both draw a negative pressure at the lightguide dressing <NUM> for NPWT, and also to provide or emit light to the lightguide <NUM> for phototherapy of the wound <NUM>. In some embodiments, the coupler assembly <NUM> is adhered with the lightguide dressing <NUM> using a lightguide adhesive that is configured to transfer light through. In some embodiments, the lightguide <NUM> is provided as a coating or layer of adhesive that guides light. In some embodiments, the lightguide <NUM> is provided as a layer of adhesive that is sandwiched between film layers (e.g., transparent or translucent film layers).

In some embodiments, the drape <NUM> includes a first opening <NUM> and a second opening <NUM> with which the coupler assembly <NUM> is operably coupled. In some embodiments, the coupler assembly <NUM> is configured to draw a negative pressure within the dressing by fluidly coupling with the inner volume of the drape <NUM> and the skin interface layer <NUM> through the first opening <NUM>. In some embodiments, the coupler assembly <NUM> includes a coupler <NUM>, a connector <NUM>, and a first tubular member <NUM> and a second tubular member <NUM> (e.g., tubes, conduits, pipes, lines, etc.). In some embodiments, the coupler <NUM> is configured to fluidly couple the inner volume of the lightguide dressing <NUM> with the first tubular member <NUM> via the first opening <NUM> for drawing a negative pressure at the lightguide dressing <NUM>. Specifically, the first tubular member <NUM> can be fluidly coupled with a NPWT device (e.g., therapy device <NUM>) that includes a pump for drawing a negative pressure at the inner volume of the lightguide dressing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first tubular member <NUM> and the second tubular member <NUM> define fluid flow paths or light paths and are provided as a dual function conduit. In some embodiments, the first tubular member <NUM> is a flexible member. In some embodiments, the first tubular member <NUM> is an elongated member with a hollow center for drawing a negative pressure at the inner volume of the lightguide dressing <NUM> and for drawing exuded wound fluid from the inner volume of the lightguide dressing <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first opening <NUM> is positioned above a corresponding portion of the manifold layer <NUM> so that a direct path is formed between the first opening <NUM> and the manifold layer <NUM>. The NPWT device may operate to draw a negative pressure at the inner volume of the lightguide dressing <NUM> via a fluid path defined between the NPWT device and the inner volume of the lightguide dressing <NUM> along the first tubular member <NUM>, the connector <NUM>, the coupler <NUM> (or internal channels thereof), and the first opening <NUM>.

Similarly, the second opening <NUM> can be positioned above an upper surface <NUM> of the lightguide <NUM>, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, a direct path is defined between the second opening <NUM> and the upper surface <NUM> of the lightguide <NUM> so that light can be emitted from the second opening <NUM> to the upper surface <NUM> of the lightguide <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second tubular member <NUM> is a light conduit (e.g., a fiber-optic cable) configured to receive light at a first end (e.g., at the NPWT device), and guide the light through the second tubular member <NUM>, the connector <NUM>, and internal channels (e.g., fiber optic channels) of the coupler <NUM> so that the light is emitted at an opposite end of the light conduit (e.g., at the second opening <NUM>) to the upper surface <NUM> of the lightguide <NUM>. In some embodiments, the lightguide <NUM> is configured to receive the light through the upper surface <NUM> (e.g., a first surface), guide the light through an interior of the lightguide <NUM>, and emit the light out of the lightguide <NUM> (e.g., diffracted light) to the wound <NUM> through a bottom surface <NUM> of the lightguide <NUM>. In some embodiments, a portion of the upper surface <NUM> of the lightguide <NUM> is directly below the second opening <NUM> and at least a portion of the bottom surface <NUM> of the lightguide <NUM> is directly above the wound <NUM> so that light can be received at the upper surface <NUM>, transferred through the lightguide <NUM> and emitted from the bottom surface <NUM> to the wound <NUM>. In some embodiments, the bottom surface <NUM>, or a wound-facing surface of any other components of any of the dressings described herein for providing photo therapy and NPWT are coated with a photosensitizing agent. When the bottom surface <NUM> or the wound-facing surface of the dressing contacts the wound <NUM>, the photosensitizing agent may be absorbed into the wound <NUM> to improve an efficacy of phototherapy.

In some embodiments, the lightguide <NUM> is provided as multiple layers of optical film that are configured to filter or enhance light that is provided to the interior of the lightguide dressing <NUM> via the second tubular member <NUM> and the coupler <NUM>. For example, the light source that provides light to the lightguide <NUM> may be configured to emit visible light towards the multi-layered optical film lightguide and the multi-layered optical film lightguide can be configured to filter out certain wavelengths that are undesired so that only a specific wavelength of light (e.g., blue light, red light, IR light, near IR light, light having a wavelength of <NUM> to <NUM> nanometers, etc.) is provided to the wound <NUM>. Advantageously, providing the lightguide <NUM> as multi-layered optical films can facilitate using a less precise light source (e.g., a visible light source), which is then transformed into appropriate wavelength of light to achieve desired phototherapy results.

Referring particularly to <FIG>, a top view of the lightguide dressing <NUM> is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the coupler assembly <NUM> is positioned on an edge of the manifold layer <NUM> so that the second opening <NUM> can access the lightguide <NUM>, and so that the first opening <NUM> can access the manifold layer <NUM> (e.g., for providing light for disinfection and for drawing negative pressure within the lightguide dressing <NUM>, respectively).

Referring particularly to <FIG>, a bottom view of the lightguide dressing <NUM> is shown, according to some embodiments. The bottom view of the lightguide dressing <NUM> shows the lightguide <NUM> and a tab, protrusion, flap, extending portion, arm, barb, body, elongated portion, tail, etc., shown as flap <NUM> extending outwardly from an edge or outer periphery of a body or main portion of the lightguide <NUM>, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the flap <NUM> is configured to extend beyond the edge of the lightguide <NUM> so that the second opening <NUM> is over or above the flap <NUM>. The flap <NUM> is configured to receive light emitted from the second opening <NUM> (e.g., via the coupler assembly <NUM> and the second tubular member <NUM>), according to some embodiments. The flap <NUM> extends outwardly beyond an outer edge of the manifold layer <NUM> so that the second opening <NUM> can access the flap <NUM> and thereby provide light to the lightguide <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the lightguide <NUM> includes an array of openings, apertures, through-holes, channels, etc., shown as openings <NUM>. The openings <NUM> are configured to facilitate the drawing of negative pressure, fluid, etc., through the lightguide <NUM> when a negative pressure is drawn at the lightguide dressing <NUM>, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the openings <NUM> are circular, elliptical, slits, etc., openings that extend through an entire thickness of the lightguide <NUM> so that fluid can be drawn from the wound <NUM> to the manifold layer <NUM> through the openings <NUM> during negative pressure operations, and/or so that fluid or photosensitizing agent can be provided to the wound <NUM> through the lightguide <NUM>. In some embodiments, the openings <NUM> have a uniform size and/or shape along multiple dimensions of the array (e.g., along two dimensions of the array if the openings <NUM> are provided in a two-dimensional array). In some embodiments, the size and/or shape of the openings <NUM> varies along at least one dimension of the array. In some embodiments, the variation of the size and/or shape of the openings <NUM> along at least one of the directions of the array are configured to achieve specific parameters of the lightguide <NUM> for providing phototherapy (e.g., to achieve a specific light path through the lightguide <NUM>, to achieve a desired refractive index, etc.).

Referring particularly to <FIG>, a perspective view of another embodiment of the lightguide dressing <NUM> is shown, according to some embodiments. The lightguide dressing <NUM> may be provided as a cut-to-shape design so that the lightguide <NUM> and the manifold layer <NUM> can be cut to a particular size and shape as desired by a user or caregiver, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the flap <NUM> is configured to wrap around the manifold layer <NUM> so that the flap <NUM> rests on top of the manifold layer <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The coupler assembly <NUM> is provided on top of the flap <NUM>, above the manifold layer <NUM> and on an exterior surface of the drape <NUM> so that the coupler assembly <NUM> facilitates drawing negative pressure at the lightguide dressing <NUM> and also providing light to the lightguide <NUM> for disinfection. The coupler assembly <NUM> can be positioned on the exterior or outer surface of the drape <NUM> and above an edge of the flap <NUM> so that the first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM> are above the manifold layer <NUM> and the flap <NUM>, respectively, according to some embodiments.

Referring particularly to <FIG>, a diagram <NUM> of the coupler assembly <NUM> and the therapy device <NUM> is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the coupler assembly <NUM> as shown in <FIG> is the same as the coupler assembly <NUM> described in greater detail above with reference to <FIG>. In some embodiments, the coupler assembly <NUM> includes the first tubular member <NUM> and the second tubular member <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first tubular member <NUM> is fluidly coupled with a first inlet/outlet <NUM> of the coupler <NUM> at a first end or is fluidly coupled at the first end with an internal channel of the coupler <NUM> that fluidly couples with the first inlet/outlet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first tubular member <NUM> is configured to couple at a second or distal end (e.g., an end of the first tubular member <NUM> that is opposite the end of the first tubular member <NUM> that fluidly couples with the first opening <NUM>) with the pneumatic pump <NUM> of the therapy device <NUM> for drawing a negative pressure at the lightguide dressing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first inlet/outlet is configured to fluidly couple with an interior of the lightguide dressing <NUM> via the first opening <NUM> of the drape <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second tubular member <NUM> (e.g., the fiber optic cable or cord) is configured to couple with a second inlet/outlet <NUM> of the coupler assembly <NUM> at a first end. In some embodiments, the second tubular member <NUM> couples, at the first end, with an internal channel of the coupler <NUM> that couples with the second inlet/outlet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second inlet/outlet <NUM> fluidly couples with the interior of the lightguide dressing <NUM> via the second opening <NUM> of the drape <NUM>. In some embodiments, a second end of the second tubular member <NUM> is coupled with (e.g., electromagnetically coupled) a light source <NUM> so that light emitted by the light source <NUM> is transferred through the second tubular member <NUM> and emitted out of the second inlet/outlet <NUM> (e.g., to the lightguide <NUM>). <FIG> shows an embodiment where two tubular members (e.g., the first tubular member <NUM> and the second tubular member <NUM>) are used to draw a negative pressure at and to provide light (e.g., UV light) to the lightguide dressing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first tubular member <NUM> is a dual or multipurpose fluid tube for providing instillation fluid to the lightguide dressing <NUM>, drawing a negative pressure at the lightguide dressing <NUM>, providing a photosensitizing agent (e.g., suspended in a liquid such as a saline solution) to the lightguide dressing <NUM>, etc..

As shown in <FIG>, the therapy device <NUM> can include a power source <NUM> (e.g., a battery, a capacitor, a Lithium Ion battery, etc.) that is configured to store and discharge electrical energy to the light source <NUM> for operation. In some embodiments, the power source <NUM> is a rechargeable power source that is on-board the therapy device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the light source <NUM> is configured to draw power from a wall outlet, a permanent power source, a main power source, etc. In some embodiments, the therapy device <NUM> is configured to transition between the power source <NUM> and a main power source based on availability of the main power source. When the main power source is available, the therapy device <NUM> can consume electrical energy from the main power source (e.g., to power the light source <NUM>, the pneumatic pump <NUM>, the instillation pump <NUM>, or any other electrical or electronic component of the therapy device <NUM>), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the power source <NUM> is configured to charge when the therapy device <NUM> is electrically coupled with the main power source so that if connection between the therapy device <NUM> and the main power source fails (e.g., the therapy device <NUM> is unplugged from a wall outlet), the therapy device <NUM> can use electrical energy provided by the power source <NUM> for operation of the light source <NUM>, the pneumatic pump <NUM>, the instillation pump <NUM>, etc. In some embodiments, the light source <NUM> includes one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to emit light (e.g., UV light) having a desired wavelength or frequency. In some embodiments, the light source <NUM> includes an LED that is operationally adjustable to emit light having the desired wavelength or frequency. In some embodiments, the light source <NUM> includes an array of multiple LEDs, each of which are configured to emit light having a predetermined wavelength or frequency. In some embodiments, the therapy device <NUM> may actuate one or more of the LEDs of the array to provide light having the desired wavelength or frequency. For example, a first LED may be actuated to provide light to the lightguide dressing <NUM> having a first wavelength or frequency, or a second LED may be actuated to provide light to the lightguide dressing <NUM> having a second wavelength or frequency, according to some embodiments.

Referring particularly to <FIG>, a diagram <NUM> of the coupler assembly <NUM> and the therapy device <NUM> is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the coupler assembly <NUM> as shown in <FIG> is similar to the coupler <NUM> as described in greater detail above with reference to <FIG> but is configured for use with three tubular members. Specifically, the coupler assembly <NUM> is configured for use with the first tubular member <NUM>, the second tubular member <NUM>, and a third tubular member <NUM>. The third tubular member <NUM> is configured to fluidly couple with a third inlet/outlet <NUM> of the coupler <NUM> for providing instillation fluid to an interior of the lightguide dressing <NUM> (e.g., at a first end), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the third tubular member <NUM> is configured to fluidly couple at an opposite end (e.g., a second end) with the instillation pump <NUM>. In some embodiments, the instillation pump is configured to pump or drive fluid from a photosensitizing agent reservoir <NUM> to the interior of the lightguide dressing <NUM> through the third tubular member <NUM>, the coupler <NUM>, and the third inlet/outlet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the third tubular member <NUM> is optional and the first tubular member <NUM> is configured to be selectably or transitionably fluidly coupled with the pneumatic pump <NUM> and the instillation pump <NUM> so that the first tubular member <NUM> can serve a dual-purpose (e.g., both for providing instillation fluid and/or a photosensitizing agent that may be suspended in the instillation fluid, and also for drawing a negative pressure at the lightguide dressing <NUM>). In some embodiments, the pneumatic pump <NUM> and the instillation pump <NUM> are provided as a single pump that can operate to either push fluid into the lightguide dressing <NUM> (e.g., when fluidly coupled with the photosensitizing agent reservoir <NUM>) or to draw fluid from the lightguide dressing <NUM> (e.g., when fluidly coupled with the removed fluid canister <NUM>).

Referring particularly to <FIG>, a diagram <NUM> of the coupler assembly <NUM> and the therapy device <NUM> is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the light source <NUM> is provided within the coupler <NUM> and is configured to emit light having a desired wavelength or frequency out of the coupler <NUM> to the lightguide <NUM> (e.g., via the second opening <NUM> of the drape <NUM>). The light source <NUM> can be embedded within the coupler <NUM> and receive power from the power source <NUM> via the second tubular member <NUM>. Specifically, the second tubular member <NUM> can be provided as an electrical cord or may include a conductor therewithin for transferring electrical energy from the power source <NUM> to the light source <NUM>, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the coupler <NUM> may include the light source <NUM> therewithin, and may also be configured to fluidly coupled with the pneumatic pump <NUM> and the instillation pump <NUM> (e.g., via the first tubular member <NUM> and the third tubular member <NUM>). In this way, the embodiments shown in <FIG> and <FIG> may be combined so that photosensitizing agent can be provided to the interior of the lightguide dressing <NUM>.

Referring particularly to <FIG>, diagrams <NUM> and <NUM> show the lightguide dressing <NUM> having LEDs provided within the dressing, according to some embodiments. Diagram <NUM> and <NUM> show embodiments of the lightguide dressing <NUM> where the lightguide <NUM> is not used and instead LEDs are positioned to provide light directly to the wound <NUM>, according to some embodiments. The lightguide dressing <NUM> can include an array of LEDs <NUM> that are positioned along an interior surface of the drape <NUM> and configured to emit light towards the wound <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the array of LEDs <NUM> are configured to emit light through one or more openings or micro-openings of the manifold layer <NUM> to the wound <NUM>. The lightguide dressing <NUM> can include the array of LEDs <NUM> positioned alone a wound-facing side of the manifold layer <NUM> or embedded within a bottom surface of the manifold layer <NUM>, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, positioning the array of LEDs <NUM> within the lightguide dressing <NUM> facilitates reducing a number of components of the lightguide dressing <NUM>, namely, providing a dressing that is configured for use with both phototherapy and negative pressure wound therapy without requiring the additional component of a lightguide structure. In some embodiments, the LEDs <NUM> are organic LEDs (OLEDs).

In some embodiments, the LEDs <NUM> are used in combination with the lightguide <NUM>. For example, the LEDs <NUM> can be positioned on a bottom side of the manifold layer <NUM> and configured to introduce light to the lightguide <NUM> at different positions along the lightguide <NUM>. In some embodiments, using the lightguide <NUM> in combination with the LEDs <NUM> facilitates using a reduced number of LEDs <NUM> since the lightguide <NUM> may improve efficiency of the LEDs <NUM>.

Referring particularly to <FIG>, a diagram <NUM> of a wound facing surface <NUM> of a dressing member <NUM> is shown, according to some embodiments. The wound facing surface <NUM> is a surface of the dressing member <NUM> (e.g., the lightguide <NUM>, the manifold layer <NUM>, etc.) that is configured to abut, engage, directly contact, touch, etc., the wound <NUM>, according to some embodiments. The dressing member <NUM> can be any layer, member, element, etc., of a dressing that is configured to engage a wound (e.g., a wound interface layer). In some embodiments, the wound facing surface <NUM> of the dressing member <NUM> includes one or more microstructures <NUM> that are arranged about the wound facing surface <NUM>. The microstructures <NUM> can be any micro-replicated feature or geometry that is provided along the wound facing surface <NUM> (e.g., in an array, in a pattern, etc.). The microstructures <NUM> can be hook and latch features, channels, protrusions, biofilm breakers, light extractors, fluidic channels, etc., or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the microstructures <NUM> include any structural feature that protrudes from the wound facing surface <NUM> towards the wound <NUM>. In some embodiments, the microstructures <NUM> can be configured to provide light (e.g., light that is diffracted or transferred through the dressing member <NUM>) to an interior of the wound <NUM> in various directions. In some embodiments, the microstructures <NUM> can be configured to move as negative pressure is drawn at the wound <NUM> to thereby penetrate a biofilm of the wound <NUM> and facilitate deeper penetration of light provided using any of the dressings or techniques described herein.

In some embodiments, the wound facing surface <NUM> includes an ultra-low index (ULI) film. In some embodiments, the dressing member <NUM> is the lightguide <NUM>. In some embodiments, the microstructures <NUM> are extraction dots that are positioned across the wound facing surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the microstructures <NUM> are extraction dots with increased dot density and/or increased dot size with increased distance from a light injection edge (e.g., an edge or end of the lightguide <NUM> at which light is introduced).

Referring particularly to <FIG>, a diagram <NUM> of the lightguide dressing <NUM> with a fluidic lightguide is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the lightguide dressing <NUM> includes the first opening <NUM>, the second opening <NUM>, and a third opening <NUM> in the drape <NUM>. In some embodiments, the coupler assembly <NUM> is configured to couple with the first tubular member <NUM>, the second tubular member <NUM>, and the third tubular member <NUM>. In some embodiments, each of the first tubular member <NUM>, the second tubular member <NUM>, and the third tubular member <NUM> fluidly coupled with a corresponding one of the first opening <NUM>, the second opening <NUM>, and the third opening <NUM>. In some embodiments, the lightguide dressing <NUM> as shown in <FIG> is configured for flooding of an interior of the lightguide dressing <NUM> with a fluidic solution that functions as a lightguide to refract, diffuse, direct, etc., light throughout the fluidic solution into the wound <NUM>. For example, the lightguide dressing <NUM> as shown in <FIG> may be coupled with the therapy device <NUM> so that the therapy device <NUM> can provide instillation fluid that includes one or more additives to facilitate transmission of light through the fluid.

In some embodiments, once an interior of the lightguide dressing <NUM> is flooded with the fluid, the therapy device <NUM> can be operated to provide light (e.g., UV light) to the interior of the lightguide dressing <NUM> while the fluid is in the interior of the lightguide dressing <NUM> and functions as a lightguide for the light provided to the interior of the lightguide dressing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the light is provided to the interior of the lightguide dressing <NUM> using the embodiment of the light source <NUM> shown in <FIG> where the light source <NUM> is provided at the therapy device <NUM> and the light is transferred to the interior of the lightguide dressing <NUM> through the second tubular member <NUM>. In some embodiments, the light is provided to the interior of the lightguide dressing <NUM> using the embodiment of the light source <NUM> shown in <FIG> where the light source <NUM> is positioned at the coupler assembly <NUM>. In some embodiments, the light is provided to the interior of the lightguide dressing <NUM> through the fluid as it is provided to the interior of the lightguide dressing <NUM> through the third tubular member <NUM>. For example, the light source <NUM> may be positioned at the therapy device <NUM> and configured to emit light into an interior of the third tubular member <NUM> so that the light is transferred through fluid or liquid in the interior of the third tubular member <NUM>, and into the interior of the lightguide dressing <NUM> that is flooded with the fluid or liquid (e.g., to act as a lightguide).

In some embodiments, an interior or wound facing surface of the drape <NUM> is reflective so that light that is reflected, refracted, etc., within the interior of the lightguide dressing <NUM> is reflected back towards the wound <NUM> to facilitate improved efficiency of the phototherapy (e.g., reducing leakage of the light into surrounding environment). In some embodiments, providing a reflective inner surface of the drape <NUM> configures the lightguide dressing <NUM> and the wound <NUM> to form or define a recycling cavity so that light is maintained within the lightguide dressing <NUM> to improve efficiency of the light source (e.g., to reduce a required amount of energy of the light source <NUM>).

Referring again to <FIG>, the manifold layer <NUM> can be manufactured from lofted nonwoven fibers to both guide light and to also function as a manifold layer. In some embodiments, a structured film or molded material can also be used as a combination light delivery and manifold layer. In some embodiments, such a construction is advantageous for tunneling wounds so that the manifold layer <NUM> can be packed into the wound <NUM> beneath the skin.

Referring particularly to <FIG>, a process <NUM> for providing phototherapy and negative pressure to a wound is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, process <NUM> includes steps <NUM>-<NUM> and can be performed using the lightguide dressing <NUM> and/or the therapy device <NUM> as shown in any of the configurations or embodiments shown in <FIG> and <FIG> or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, process <NUM> is performed to facilitate healing and disinfection of a wound.

Process <NUM> includes providing a dressing including a coupler for negative pressure and phototherapy (step <NUM>), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the dressing is the lightguide dressing <NUM> as described in greater detail above with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. For example, the lightguide dressing <NUM> includes the coupler assembly <NUM> configured for use with one, two, or three tubular members. For example, the dressing provided in step <NUM> may be the embodiment of the lightguide dressing <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> where the light source <NUM> is provided within the therapy device <NUM> and light for disinfection or phototherapy can be provided to the interior of the lightguide dressing <NUM> (e.g., through the lightguide <NUM>) via a fiber optic cable. In some embodiments, step <NUM> includes providing the therapy device <NUM> and operably coupling the therapy device <NUM> with the dressing. In some embodiments, step <NUM> includes sealing a drape of the dressing with periwound tissue so that the dressing is placed over a wound.

Process <NUM> includes operating a pump to provide a photosensitizing agent to an interior of the dressing (step <NUM>), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, step <NUM> includes performing the instillation pump <NUM> (e.g., shown in <FIG>) to provide the photosensitizing agent to the interior of the dressing. In some embodiments, the photosensitizing agent is suspended in a fluid so that the photosensitizing agent can be provided to the interior of the dressing through a tubular member that fluidly couples with the pump at one and, and fluidly couples with the interior of the dressing at an opposite end. In some embodiments, the photosensitizing agent includes Methylene blue or O-toluidine blue. In some embodiments, interior surfaces of the wound over which the dressing is placed are coated with the photosensitizing agent when the pump is operated to provide the photosensitizing agent to the interior of the dressing. In some embodiments, the photosensitizing agent is configured to increase an absorption of light (e.g., UV light) that is provided at step <NUM> to facilitate the phototherapy and healing of the wound. In some embodiments, the photosensitizing agent is provided as particulate matter that is suspended in instillation fluid (e.g., a saline solution). In some embodiments, the photosensitizing agent is configured to increase an efficacy of the phototherapy that is performed by providing the light to the interior of the wound. In some embodiments, step <NUM> is optional.

In some embodiments, step <NUM> is performed manually by a clinician to provide the photosensitizing agent to the interior of the dressing. The clinician can perform step <NUM> by injecting, pouring, or otherwise introducing the photosensitizing agent to the interior of the dressing, and then subsequently placing the dressing over the wound with the photosensitizing agent introduced.

Process <NUM> includes operating a negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) device to draw a negative pressure at the dressing via the coupler (step <NUM>), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, step <NUM> includes operating the therapy device <NUM> to draw the negative pressure at the dressing via the coupler. In some embodiments, step <NUM> includes operating the pneumatic pump <NUM> to draw the negative pressure at the dressing via a tubular member (e.g., a dedicated tubular member for NPWT) and the coupler (e.g., the coupler assembly <NUM>). In some embodiments, the NPWT device is the therapy device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the NPWT device is operated to provide a static negative pressure or to provide a dynamic negative pressure. In some embodiments, a member of the dressing that is wound facing includes one or more microstructures (e.g., the microstructures <NUM>) and providing a dynamic or varying negative pressure at the dressing causes the microstructures to break a biofilm barrier. In some embodiments, providing the dynamic negative pressure causes the wound to vary in shape or geometry (e.g., adjusts, changes, or otherwise actuates surface topology of the wound <NUM> or of the wound bed), thereby exposing additional surfaces of the wound for phototherapy. In some embodiments, providing dynamic negative pressure includes varying the negative pressure (e.g., oscillating the negative pressure over time) between a first negative pressure and a second negative pressure. Oscillating the negative pressure over time may cause geometry of the wound <NUM> to change over time, thereby exposing additional tissue for the phototherapy.

Process <NUM> includes operating a light source to provide phototherapy (step <NUM>), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, step <NUM> includes providing the light to the wound. In some embodiments, step <NUM> includes operating a light source to provide light (e.g., UV light, light having a wavelength of <NUM> nanometers, red light, blue light, near infrared (IR) light, etc.) to the wound for phototherapy. In some embodiments, step <NUM> includes operating the light source to provide a single wavelength of light to the wound. In some embodiments, step <NUM> includes operating the light source to provide light at a single wavelength to the wound. In some embodiments, step <NUM> includes operating the light source to provide light at a first wavelength over a first time, and to provide light at a second wavelength over a second time period. In some embodiments, step <NUM> includes operating the light source to provide multiple streams of light having different wavelengths. Red or near-IR light may advantageously be used to induce biological effects that promote or facilitate healing of the wound, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, blue light can be used to induce antibiotic sensitivity in antibiotic resistant organisms and/or to provide cytotoxic effects on microorganisms that are within the wound. In some embodiments, UVC light having a wavelength of <NUM> nanometers is used due to UVC light with a wavelength of <NUM> nanometers killing bacteria without apparent harm to human cells. The light source can be provided within the dressing (e.g., as shown in <FIG>), within the coupler (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) or within the NPWT device (e.g., as shown in <FIG>), according to some embodiments.

It should be understood that steps <NUM>-<NUM> are not necessarily performed in subsequent order. For example, steps <NUM>-<NUM> can be performed at least partially concurrently or simultaneously so that negative pressure is provided to the wound while phototherapy is also provided to the wound. Providing negative pressure (e.g., dynamically or statically) may affect a geometry of the wound bed, thereby exposing different surfaces of the wound bed to the light provided during phototherapy, and thereby improving the efficacy of the phototherapy. Advantageously, the combination of NPWT and phototherapy may have a combined advantage of facilitating healing progression of the wound.

In some embodiments, step <NUM> is performed in response to step <NUM> and a pause or a time delay is performed prior to performing step <NUM>. For example, the photosensitizing agent can be provided to the interior of the dressing to thereby coat interior surfaces of the wound, and then the light source can be operated to provide phototherapy for a time duration (e.g., <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, half an hour, etc.) prior to performing step <NUM> and operating the NPWT device to draw the negative pressure at the wound. In some embodiments, the configuration of the lightguide or the specific photosensitizing agent used (e.g., in steps <NUM> and <NUM>) is tailored or designed for use with a specific wavelength of the light that is provided during phototherapy. For example, if light having a wavelength substantially ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> nanometers is to be used in step <NUM>, a lightguide of the dressing as provided in step <NUM> may have a specific refractive index (RI) configured for use with light having a wavelength from <NUM> to <NUM> nanometers.

Referring particularly to <FIG>, a block diagram of the therapy device <NUM> configured to operate the pneumatic pump <NUM> (e.g., for NPWT), the instillation pump <NUM> (e.g., for providing instillation fluid, a saline solution, a solution including a photosensitizing agent, etc.), and the light source <NUM> (e.g., for phototherapy) is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the power source <NUM> is configured to provide electrical power to any of the controller <NUM>, the pneumatic pump <NUM>, the instillation pump <NUM>, or the light source <NUM>. In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> is also configured to obtain sensor data from the pressure sensors <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> is configured to generate control signals for the pneumatic pump <NUM>, the instillation pump <NUM>, and/or the light source <NUM> to provide NPWT and/or phototherapy to a patient's wound.

The controller <NUM> is shown to include processing circuitry <NUM> including a processor <NUM> and memory <NUM>. The processing circuitry <NUM> can be communicably connected to the communications interface <NUM> such that the processing circuitry <NUM> and the various components thereof can send and receive data via the communications interface <NUM>. The processor <NUM> can be implemented as a general purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components.

The memory <NUM> (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, etc.) can include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present application. The memory <NUM> can be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The memory <NUM> can include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present application. According to some embodiments, the memory <NUM> is communicably connected to the processor <NUM> via the processing circuitry <NUM> and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by the processing circuitry <NUM> and/or the processor <NUM>) one or more processes described herein.

Referring to <FIG>, a lightguide <NUM> is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the lightguide <NUM> is substantially the same or similar as the lightguide <NUM> as described in greater detail above with reference to at least <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> shows the lightguide <NUM> including a body <NUM> and a tab <NUM>. The tab <NUM> may be the same as the flap <NUM>. The body <NUM> includes several arrays of holes <NUM> that extend through the body <NUM> and are arranged in a staggered pattern. The body <NUM> of the lightguide <NUM> is shown having a length <NUM> and a width <NUM>. In some embodiments, the length <NUM> and the width <NUM> are equal dimensions so that the body <NUM> is a square. In some embodiments, the length <NUM> and the width <NUM> are both five inches. In some embodiments, an edge of the body <NUM> with which the <NUM> is an injection edge through which light originates or is provided. As shown in <FIG>, the body <NUM> of the lightguide <NUM> (or similarly, the entire lightguide <NUM>) may include a first silicone layer <NUM>, a second silicone layer <NUM>, and an adhesive layer <NUM> positioned between the first silicone layer <NUM> and the second silicone layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer <NUM> is a double-sided adhesive layer configured to adhere to both the first silicone layer <NUM> and the second silicone layer <NUM>.

<FIG> show results of a test to measure light transmission efficiency of a first embodiment of the lightguide <NUM> where the holes <NUM> have a diameter of <NUM> millimeters, according to some embodiments. <FIG> shows a diagram <NUM> of the lightguide <NUM> visually illustrating the transmission of light through the lightguide <NUM> from the injection edge in direction <NUM>. A graph <NUM> illustrates a power density (e.g., Watts per square millimeter) of the lightguide <NUM> having <NUM> holes along an X-dimension of the lightguide <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the power density of the light in the lightguide <NUM> is high at the injection edge but quickly decreases. <FIG> is a diagram <NUM> illustrating light paths of light transferring through the lightguide <NUM> with <NUM> diameter holes. As shown in <FIG>, when the lightguide <NUM> has <NUM> diameter holes, the light path may be blocked by the through holes, leading to decreased efficiency.

<FIG> shows results of a test to measure light transmission efficiency of a second embodiment of the lightguide <NUM> where the holes <NUM> have a diameter of <NUM> millimeters, according to some embodiments. <FIG> shows a diagram <NUM> of the lightguide <NUM> visually illustrating the transmission of light through the lightguide <NUM> from the injection edge in direction <NUM>. A graph <NUM> illustrates a power density (e.g., Watts per square millimeter) of the lightguide <NUM> having <NUM> diameter holes along an X-dimension of the lightguide <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the power density of the light in the lightguide <NUM> is more distributed and even along the length of the lightguide <NUM> than in <FIG>. The power density of the light in the lightguide <NUM> results in a lightguide efficiency of <NUM>%. Advantageously, reducing the size or diameter of the holes <NUM> from <NUM> to <NUM> is shown to facilitate an improved transmission of light through the lightguide <NUM>.

<FIG> shows results of a test to measure light transmission efficiency of a third embodiment of the lightguide <NUM> where the holes <NUM> have a diameter of <NUM>. <FIG> shows a diagram <NUM> of the lightguide <NUM> visually illustrating the transmission of light through the lightguide <NUM> from the injection edge in direction <NUM>. A graph <NUM> illustrates a power density (e.g., Watts per square millimeter) of the lightguide <NUM> having <NUM> diameter holes along an X-dimension of the lightguide <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the light path may be blocked by the <NUM> holes, thereby limiting efficiency of light transfer through the lightguide <NUM>.

<FIG> show results of a test to measure light transmission efficiency of a third embodiment of the lightguide <NUM> where the holes <NUM> have an elongated shape (e.g., elongated in a direction <NUM> in which light is emitted into the lightguide <NUM>). The shape and size of the holes <NUM> can be adjusted to optimize both uniformity of light transmission through the lightguide <NUM> and efficiency of light transmission through the lightguide <NUM>. As shown in a diagram <NUM>, light is introduced to the lightguide <NUM> along an injection edge in direction <NUM>. <FIG> includes a graph <NUM> that illustrates power density of light in the lightguide <NUM> along an X-direction of the lightguide <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the elongated holes facilitate improved efficiency (approximately <NUM>%) of the transfer of light through the lightguide <NUM>, and improved uniformity. <FIG> shows a diagram <NUM> of light paths through the lightguide <NUM> with elongated holes.

Referring to <FIG>, diagrams <NUM> and <NUM> illustrate different shapes and sizes of the holes <NUM> according to various embodiments. <FIG> shows the holes <NUM> having a circular shape, while <FIG> shows the holes <NUM> having an elliptical shape. Using the elliptical shapes can increase a width wise dimension of the holes <NUM> to facilitate improved efficiency of light transmission through the lightguide <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the holes <NUM> or <NUM> may be arranged according to a rectangular pattern or a staggered pattern. In some embodiments, a rectangular pattern may facilitate improved transfer of light through the lightguide <NUM> or <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a lightguide <NUM> for providing zoned lighting or phototherapy is shown, according to some embodiments. The lightguide <NUM> can be used with the lightguide dressing <NUM> (e.g., in place of the lightguide <NUM>). The lightguide <NUM> may include any similar features to the lightguide <NUM> or the lightguide <NUM> and may include various through holes or perforations so that negative pressure can be drawn through the lightguide <NUM>.

Referring particularly to <FIG>, a diagram <NUM> illustrates a top view of the lightguide <NUM>, according to some embodiments. The lightguide <NUM> includes a first zone <NUM> and a second zone <NUM>. The first zone <NUM> and the second zone <NUM> are configured to provide light to the wound <NUM> and/or the periwound tissue <NUM> (or to different parts of the wound <NUM>) with different wavelengths or different power. For example, the first zone <NUM> may be configured to provide light having a first wavelength, power, or intensity, etc., while the second zone <NUM> provides light having a second wavelength, power, or intensity, etc. In some embodiments, the first zone <NUM> is configured to provide light having the first wavelength, power, or intensity to the wound <NUM>, while the second zone <NUM> is configured to provide light having the second wavelength, power, or intensity to the periwound <NUM>. Advantageously, providing light having different wavelengths to different parts of the wound <NUM> and the periwound <NUM> facilitates targeted healing or disinfection of the wound <NUM> and/or the periwound <NUM>. For example, the periwound <NUM> may be configured to receive light having a wavelength of approximately <NUM> nanometers, while the wound <NUM> receives light having a different wavelength to facilitate perfusion of the wound <NUM> and the periwound <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first zone <NUM> and the second zone <NUM> are different materials or materials with different refractive indices so that light having different wavelengths or different powers are provided to the wound <NUM> and the periwound <NUM>, respectively, or so that different wavelengths of light or different powers are provided to different portions of the wound <NUM> or different portions of the periwound <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the wound <NUM> and/or the periwound <NUM> receive different wavelengths or powers of light depending on a refractive index of a type of tissue (e.g., skin, clean wound bed, biofilm, etc.). For example, the lightguide <NUM> may include one or more sensors that are positioned about a bottom surface of the lightguide <NUM> and are configured to detect a type of tissue that is proximate each sensor. In some embodiments, the lightguide <NUM> includes the LEDs <NUM> positioned above or on a bottom surface of the lightguide <NUM>. The LEDs <NUM> can be configured to provide variable or controllable wavelength of light to the wound <NUM> and/or the periwound <NUM>. In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> is configured to receive sensor data from the one or more sensors and operate the LEDs <NUM> to provide light having different wavelengths or different powers at the first zone <NUM> and the second zone <NUM> for the different types of tissue.

Referring to <FIG>, the lightguide dressing <NUM> is shown to include the coupler assembly <NUM> for use with three devices, according to some embodiments. The coupler assembly <NUM> includes the first inlet/outlet <NUM> for providing light for phototherapy to the lightguide <NUM>, the first inlet/outlet <NUM> for drawing a negative pressure at the dressing <NUM>, and a camera <NUM> for viewing an interior of the lightguide dressing <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the camera <NUM> is positioned in place of the third inlet/outlet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the camera <NUM> is provided in addition to the third inlet/outlet <NUM> for providing instillation fluid to the interior or inner volume of the lightguide dressing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the camera <NUM> is communicably coupled with the controller <NUM> of the therapy device <NUM> to provide image data to the controller <NUM>. In some embodiments, the camera <NUM> is positioned at the coupler assembly <NUM>. In some embodiments, the camera <NUM> is positioned within the lightguide dressing <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A wound dressing for use with a negative pressure wound therapy, NPWT, device, the wound dressing comprising:
a manifold layer (<NUM>) extending over a wound (<NUM>) for NPWT;
a lightguide (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) positioned below the manifold layer (<NUM>) and above the wound, the lightguide (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to receive light at a first portion, transfer the light through the lightguide, and emit the light towards the wound at a second portion for phototherapy of the wound (<NUM>);
a drape layer (<NUM>) covering the manifold layer (<NUM>) and the lightguide (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the drape layer (<NUM>) sealingly coupling with skin surrounding the wound (<NUM>) and defining a sealed inner volume of the wound dressing;
wherein the drape layer (<NUM>) comprises a first opening (<NUM>) for drawing a negative pressure at the sealed inner volume of the wound dressing, and a second opening (<NUM>) for providing light to the first portion of the lightguide (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for phototherapy of the wound; characterised in that
an interior surface of the drape layer (<NUM>) comprises a reflective material, wherein the reflective material is configured to reflect light towards the wound (<NUM>) to improve an efficacy of the phototherapy.