Patent ID: 8715256

Claim:
An apparatus for the application of topical negative pressure therapy to a wound site, the apparatus comprising: a wound contacting element comprising an absorbent member for retaining wound exudate fluid therein; a wound covering element that provides a substantially airtight seal over the wound contacting element and wound site, wherein the wound covering element comprises an aperture; a vacuum connection tube connectable to the wound covering element; a valve interposed between the wound contacting element and the vacuum connection tube when the vacuum connection tube is connected to the wound covering element, wherein the valve is sealed to the wound covering element at the aperture in the wound covering element, wherein the valve is configured to block all liquid transport beyond itself away from the wound site and allow air transport beyond itself away from the wound site; wherein the wound contacting element and the wound covering element are combined in a single physical entity; wherein the valve comprises a flange that bears against an underside of the wound covering element and a circular shoulder and recess which is held in the aperture of the wound covering element; a cup-shaped member seated onto a surface of the wound covering element over the valve; and wherein the wound covering element is a flexible element configured to be roughly level with surrounding skin.