WO2025153871A1

WO2025153871A1 - Dynamic communication system for negative pressure wound therapy

Info

Publication number: WO2025153871A1
Application number: PCT/IB2024/062456
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benjamin A. Pratt; Dominic Nolan; Robert Howard
Original assignee: Solventum Intellectual Properties Co
Current assignee: Solventum Intellectual Properties Co
Priority date: 2024-01-19
Filing date: 2024-12-10
Publication date: 2025-07-24
Anticipated expiration: 2026-07-19

Abstract

Examples of monitoring and transmission of wound parameters of a wound site by a negative 5 pressure wound therapy system, are described. In an example, a system may determine a rate of change in value of a wound parameter of wound subjected to a negative pressure applied by a negative pressure device. Thereafter, the rate if change may be compared with a predefined value. Thereafter, a sampling rate of sensors may be varied from a current sampling rate to a first sampling rate, wherein the sampling rate is varied in response to comparison of the rate of change in the value of the wound parameter with 0 the predefined value.

Description

DYNAMIC COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR NEGATIVE PRESSURE WOUND THERAPY

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/622,723, filed on January 19, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Clinical studies and practices have indicated that applying a reduced pressure in proximity to a tissue site which may have experienced trauma, resulting in a wound, stimulates cellular activity and augments development of new tissue at the wound site. Such approaches are referred to by different terms such as “negative pressure wound therapy,” or “reduced pressure therapy.” In addition to stimulating cellular activity at the wound site, negative wound pressure therapy provides a number of benefits, including migration of epithelial and subcutaneous tissues, improved blood flow, removal of wound exudate or other material that may infect the wound site, and micro -deformation of tissue. Cumulatively, these benefits result in increased development of granulation tissue and faster healing times.

[0003] Devices or systems for performing the negative pressure wound therapy may include various components, such as the dressing which may be coupled to a fluid canister, and a pressure device which is to apply the reduced or negative pressure. Owing to the negative pressure formed at the wound site, the wound extmdate or other fluids are collected and deposited into the fluid cannister. The operation of the system may be controlled by a wound therapy module provided at the wound site, which may monitor wound parameters at the wound site. The wound therapy module may communicate with a wound therapy unit which in turn may control the operation of the pressure device to ensure that an optimal pressure level is maintained at the wound site.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0004] Systems and/or methods, in accordance with examples of the present subject matter are now described and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for monitoring and transmission of wound parameters corresponding to the wound site, as per an example;

[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates an example negative pressure wound therapy system for monitoring and transmission of wound parameters, as per an example;

[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram wound therapy unit of a therapy system, as per another example; [0008] FIG. 4 illustrates a graph depicting variations of negative wound pressure as monitored by a therapy system, as per an example;

[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates a graph depicting variations of negative wound pressure as monitored by a therapy system, as per another example;

[0010] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrates another graph depicting variations of negative wound pressure and negative pressure in a therapy system, as per an example;

[0011] FIGS. 7-9 illustrates example methods for monitoring and transmission of wound parameters corresponding to the wound site;

[0012] FIG. 10 illustrates a system environment implementing a non-transitory computer readable medium for monitoring and transmission of wound parameters corresponding to the wound site, as per an example; and

[0013] FIG. 11 illustrates a computing environment for monitoring and transmission of wound parameters corresponding to the wound site, as per an example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] As discussed briefly above, application of a negative pressure in proximity to a wound site stimulates cellular activity and augments development of new tissue at the wound site. In addition to stimulating cellular activity at the wound site, such approaches provides a number of other benefits, including migration of epithelial and subcutaneous tissues, improved blood flow, removal of wound exudate or other material that may infect the wound site, and micro-deformation of tissue.

[0015] The negative pressure wound therapy system (interchangeably referred to as a therapy system) may include a number of components, such as a wound therapy module. The wound therapy module may be provided near the wound site and may be coupled to a fluid canister and a pressure device through fluid conduits. The pressure device applies the reduced or negative pressure which results in a negative wound pressure at the wound site. The wound therapy module may further include a plurality of sensors which, when operating, may monitor a variety of wound parameters. The wound parameters may be collected by the wound therapy module and may be transmitted to a wound therapy unit. Examples of such wound parameters include, but are not limited to, wound pressure being applied to the wound, humidity at a wound site, temperature at the wound site, pH value at the wound site, electrical impedance at the wound site, fluid composition, or gas composition.

[0016] In operation, the wound therapy module may obtain one or more wound parameters through its the sensors. Based on the wound parameters, the wound therapy unit may accordingly generate control instructions for controlling the pressure device. The pressure device in response to the control instructions may generate the appropriate pressure which is applied to the wound site. The wound therapy unit may either be a different standalone device unit or may include the pressure device as an integrated component. The wound therapy module and the wound therapy unit may be powered through a separate and independent power source. [0017] Performant monitoring of wound parameters, and controlling the pressure applied to the wound site ensures that the wound healing is optimum. For monitoring, the sensors provided in the wound therapy module may be activated and the value of the wound parameter may be determined. Thereafter, the sensors may transmit the value of the wound parameters to the wound therapy unit. The wound therapy unit, based on the monitored value of the wound parameters, may accordingly determine the manner in which the pressure device is to be controlled in order to manage the pressure at the wound site.

[0018] Monitoring of the wound parameters by the wound therapy module utilizes power from the power source. Furthermore, such functions would also entail the wound therapy module to be provided with circuity and components that for transmitting the wound parameters. These, in turn, would also draw power from the power source during the course of their operations. Such power usage may further increase in instances where the wound parameters is to be transmitted over a wireless interface. Such challenges may be overcome by increasing the size and/or capacity of the power source. However, such solutions may impact the overall portability of the therapy systems and may not enhance the lifespan or the period of use of the therapy system.

[0019] Approaches for monitoring and transmission of wound parameters of a wound site, are described. The present approaches may be implemented by a wound therapy module of a negative wound pressure therapy system. In an example, the wound therapy module is to control the rate at which the wound parameters are sampled or monitored. In an example, the wound therapy module may either include one or more sensors or may be coupled to the sensors, which may be employed for sampling the wound parameters.

[0020] In operation, the wound therapy module may determine a rate of change in the value of any one of the wound parameters. As may be understood, the wound parameters are obtained through a sensor which may sample such wound parameters at a current sampling rate. Thereafter, a rate of change of the values of the wound parameters is determined. Once the rate of change is determined, the same may be compared with a predefined threshold. Depending on the comparison of the rate of change and the predefined threshold, the wound therapy module may vary the sampling rate of the sensors. For example, the sampling rate of the sensors may be changed from the current sampling to a first sampling rate, wherein the first sampling rate is less than the current sampling rate. If, on the other hand, the wound therapy module determines that the rate of change is greater than the predefined threshold, the wound therapy module may allow the sensor to monitor the wound parameters at the current sampling rate.

[0021] In a similar manner, the wound therapy module may also vary a transmission rate at which the wound parameters may be transmitted to a wound therapy unit. The wound therapy unit may be any device which is to receive and process the wound parameters, and/or perform other operational functions of the therapy system. In an example, the wound parameters may be shared in chunks or as a data packet comprising values that may have been collected over a certain time period. [0022] During operation, the wound therapy module and the wound therapy unit may be in communication, wherein which the wound therapy unit is to receive the wound parameters from the wound therapy module and, based on the wound parameters, the wound therapy unit may generate and transmit control instructions for the wound therapy module. In certain instances, a loss of communication may occur between the wound therapy module and the wound therapy unit. In such a case, it would not be possible for the wound therapy unit to determine the wound pressure at the wound site. As a result, the wound therapy unit would not be able to determine whether any changes in the negative pressure (applied by the pressure device) are to be made.

[0023] To this end, the wound therapy module may obtain correlation data which correlates values of the pressure being applied by the pressure device and the resulting wound pressure. In the event that the communication between the wound therapy module and the wound therapy unit is lost, a value of a target pressure may be obtained. The value of the target pressure may be such pressure that is desired to be applied to the wound site. Once the target wound pressure is obtained, an estimated negative pressure may be determined based on the correlation data. In response to the estimated negative pressure, the wound therapy module may generate control instmctions for the pressure device so as to result in a target pressure being applied at the wound site.

[0024] As would be explained further, the functions of the wound therapy module may be implemented by way of machine-readable instructions that may be executed by a processing resource, such as a processor. In another example, the functions of the wound therapy module may also be implemented by electronic circuitry configured to perform said functions.

[0025] These and other approaches are further described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying figures. The above-mentioned approaches provide a variety of technical advantages. For example, reducing the rate at which wound parameters are to be monitored or sampled may result in lesser power consumption by the wound therapy module and eventually prolong the operational life of the therapy system. The previously mentioned technical advantage would also be applicable in cases where the transmission rate is lowered in instances where the rate of change is less than the predefined threshold. Furthermore, the subject matter also provides approaches that allow the pressure at the wound site to be managed even in instances where the wound therapy module and the wound therapy unit are no longer in communication with each other. In this manner, an appropriate pressure may be maintained without impacting the healing process at the wound site.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 102 for monitoring and transmitting wound parameters corresponding to the wound site. In an example, the system 102 may be implemented as a wound therapy module. The wound therapy module may in turn be a part of a negative pressure wound therapy system (not shown in FIG. 1). In another example, the system 102 may itself be a negative pressure wound therapy system for monitoring and transmitting wound parameters.

[0027] Continuing further, the system 102 includes a processor 104 and a machine-readable storage medium 106 which is coupled to, and accessible by, the processor 104. The system 102 may be implemented in a negative pressure wound therapy system or within a component of the negative pressure wound therapy system, such as a wound therapy module. The wound therapy module may refer to a module which may be positioned in proximity to the wound site. In an example, the wound therapy module may be positioned and secured using a draping. In an example, the wound therapy module may include one or more sensors for monitoring wound parameters of a wound site. Although not depicted, the system 102 may include other components, such as interfaces to communicate with the sensors, or another wound therapy unit over a wired or a wireless medium.

[0028] The processor 104 may be implemented as a dedicated processor, a shared processor, or a plurality of individual processors, some of which may be shared. The machine-readable storage medium 106 may be communicatively connected to the processor 104. Among other capabilities, the processor 104 may fetch and execute computer-readable instructions, including instructions 108, stored in the machine-readable storage medium 106. The machine-readable storage medium 106 may include non-transitory computer-readable medium including, for example, volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), or non-volatile memory such as EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), flash memory, and the like.

[0029] In an example, the processor 104 may fetch and execute instructions 108. In one example, as a result of the execution of the instructions 110, the system 102 may initially determine a rate of change in value of a wound parameter as measured by a sensor. The wound parameters correspond to conditions or attributes pertaining to the wound. In an example, the wound parameters may be collected over a certain time interval during which the wound is subjected to a negative pressure. The negative pressure may be applied by a negative pressure device (referred to as the pressure device), which in turn may be coupled to the system 102.

[0030] Once the wound parameters are determined, as a result of the instructions 112, the determined rate of change of the wound parameter may be compared with a predefined value. Thereafter, as a result of the instruction 114, based on the comparison, the system 102 may cause the sensors to vary the sampling rate, at which the wound parameters are sampled, to a first sampling rate of the sensor. Thereafter, any subsequent values of the wound parameters are sampled or obtained based on the first sampling rate. In an example, the sampling rate may be varied if a current sampling rate (at which the sensors were previously sampling the wound parameters) is less than the predefined value. On the other hand, the current sampling rate may be maintained if the rate of change in the value of the wound parameter is greater than the predefined value.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a negative pressure wound therapy system 200 to provide a negative pressure to a wound site of a patient, as per one example. The negative pressure wound therapy system 200 (referred to as therapy system 200 or a system 200) comprises a wound therapy module 202, which may be positioned in proximity to the wound site 204. The wound therapy module 202 may be securely held in position relative to the wound site 204, using a draping 206 positioned on the skin surface 208. The draping 206, while retaining to the wound therapy module 202, may also provide an optimal healing environment for the wound therapy module 202 and function as a barrier to external contaminants. The draping 206 may be of non-permeable or semi-permeable material and is to maintain the negative pressure applied to the wound site 204. In an example, the wound therapy module 202 may further include one or more sensors (not visible in FIG. 2) for monitoring one or more wound parameters at the wound site 204.

[0032] The system 200 may further include a distribution manifold 210 positioned onto the wound site 204. The distribution manifold 210 may be porous and manufactured from polyurethane or polyvinyl alcohol foam. It may be noted that the material of the distribution manifold 210 is only indicative and is not to construed as a limitation. The distribution manifold 210 may be shaped so as to be accommodated within the wound site 204. The distribution manifold 210 may be replaced during the course of the treatment, and as tissue regeneration occurs at the wound site 204. The distribution manifold 210 may be coupled to a fluid conduit 212. The fluid conduit 212 enables a fluid communication between the distribution manifold 210 and a fluid cannister 214. The fluid cannister 214 in turn may be coupled to a pressure device 216 which is to apply a negative pressure onto the wound site 204. The distribution manifold 210, when the pressure device 216 is operational, is to distribute the negative pressure thus developed by the pressure device 216. In addition, the distribution manifold 210 also enables channeling exudates and other fluids away from the wound site 204.

[0033] The pressure device 216 may be coupled with a wound therapy unit 218. It may be noted that although depicted as being external to the wound therapy unit 218, the pressure device 216 may be implemented as part of the wound therapy unit 218, without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter. Continuing further, the wound therapy unit 218 may further include a control unit 220. The wound therapy unit 218 may, during the course of its operation (and as will be explained in detail), also store wound parameters as wound parameters 222. The wound parameters 222 may include a variety of parameters or values corresponding to the conditions that may be present at the wound site 204. Examples of such wound parameters 222 include, but are not limited, pressure applied to the wound, humidity at a wound site, temperature at the wound site, pH value at the wound site, electrical impedance at the wound site, fluid composition, and gas composition. The wound parameters 222 may be monitored and determined through sensors present in the wound therapy module 202.

[0034] The wound therapy unit 218 may be any processor-based electronic device which may be capable of receiving and transmitting data and information to the wound therapy module 202. In an example, the wound therapy module 202 may be specifically configured device which is to be operated along with the wound therapy module 202. In another example, the wound therapy unit 218 may be any handheld computing device, such as a mobile phone, or a tablet computer. In cases wherein the wound therapy unit 218 is a computing device, the control unit 220 may be implemented by a processor, which is similar to the processor of the wound therapy module 202.

[0035] The wound therapy unit 218 may be communicatively coupled with the wound therapy module 202. The communication between the wound therapy module 202 and the wound therapy unit 218 may be either through a wired communication channel or a wireless communication channel. Examples of wired communication may include electrical cables made of electrically conducting material that may allow communication of information or data between the wound therapy module 202 and the wound therapy unit 218. The communication channel may be implemented through a wireless protocol, examples of which include Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi. The present examples are only indicative and other forms of communication modes (wired or wireless) would also be within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0036] The functioning and operation of the wound therapy module 202 is further explained in conjunction with FIG. 3. FIG. 3 depicts various functional blocks of the wound therapy module 202, as an example. As per FIG. 3, the wound therapy module 202 includes a processor 302, interface(s) 304, memory(s) 306 and sensor(s) 308. The processor 302 may be implemented as microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or other devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. The interface(s) 304 may allow the connection or coupling of the wound therapy module 202 with one or more other devices (such as the wound therapy unit 218), through a wired (e.g., Local Area Network, i.e., LAN) connection or through a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi). The interface(s) 304 may also enable intercommunication between different logical as well as hardware components of the wound therapy module 202, such as the pressure device 216.

[0037] The memory(s) 306 may be a computer-readable medium, examples of which include volatile memory (e.g., RAM), and/or non-volatile memory (e.g., Erasable Programmable read-only memory, i.e., EPROM, flash memory, etc.). The memory(s) 306 may be an external memory, or internal memory, such as a flash drive, a compact disk drive, an external hard disk drive, or the like. The memory(s) 306 may further include data which either may be utilized or generated during the operation of the wound therapy module 202.

[0038] The sensor(s) 308 may refer to a single sensor or a plurality of sensors for monitoring wound conditions at the wound site 204. Based on the monitoring by the sensor(s) 308, a value representing the same may be stored as wound parameters 222. Examples of wound parameters the sensor(s) 308 may monitor include, but are not limited, pressure applied to the wound, humidity at a wound site, temperature at the wound site, pH value at the wound site, electrical impedance at the wound site, fluid composition, and gas composition. During the course of operation, the sensor(s) 308 may be monitoring the wound site 204 at a current sampling rate. The current sampling rate may be common for one or more wound parameters. In another example, the current sampling rate for monitoring different wound parameters may be different. For example, the wound pressure may be sampled at the rate of 5 Hz but the wound temperature may be monitored at a lower rate of 0.1 Hz. The sampled values may be stored as wound parameters 222 in the wound therapy module 202.

[0039] The wound therapy module 202 may further include engine(s) 310 and data 312. The engine(s) 310 may be implemented as a combination of hardware and programming, for example, programmable instructions to implement a variety of functionalities of the engine(s) 310. In examples described herein, such combinations of hardware and programming may be implemented in several different ways. For example, the programming for the engine(s) 310 may be executable instructions. Such instructions may be stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium which may be coupled either directly with the wound therapy module 202 or indirectly (for example, through networked means). In an example, the engine(s) 310 may include a processing resource, for example, either a single processor or a combination of multiple processors, to execute such instructions. In the present examples, the non-transitory machine-readable storage medium may store instructions that, when executed by the processing resource, implement engine(s) 310. In other examples, the engine(s) 310 may be implemented as electronic circuitry.

[0040] The engine(s) 310 includes a processing engine 314 and other engine(s) 316. The other engine(s) 316 may implement functionalities that supplement functions performed by the wound therapy module 202 or any of the engine(s) 310. The data 312, on the other hand, includes data that is either stored or generated as a result of functions implemented by any of the engine(s) 310 or the wound therapy module 202. It may further be noted that information stored and available in data 312 may be utilized by the engine(s) 310 for performing various functions by the wound therapy module 202. In an example, data 312 may include current sampling rate 318, rate of change 320, predefined value 322, first sampling rate 324, subsequent sampling rate 326, transmission rate 328 and other data 330. It may be noted that such examples are only indicative. Other types of data may also be stored or available within the wound therapy module 202. Such examples would also fall within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0041] The wound therapy module 202 may also include a power source 332. The power source 332 may be used for powering the different functions of the wound therapy module 202. The power source 332 may be replaceable or may be rechargeable. In another example, the wound therapy module 202, the interface(s) 304 may be used to couple the wound therapy module 202 to another power source in case the power source 332 has depleted.

[0042] As described previously, the wound therapy module 202 is to also communicate the sampled wound parameters 222 to the wound therapy unit 218. In an example, the wound therapy module 202 comprises a transceiver(s) 334 for communicating the collected and sampled wound parameters 222 to the wound therapy unit 218. The wound therapy module 202, through the transceiver(s) 334, may transmit the wound parameters 222 either continuously (i.e., as it samples the wound parameters 222) or may transmit the wound parameters 222 intermittently after a certain time period has elapsed. For example, the wound therapy module 202 may transmit the wound parameters 222 to the wound therapy unit 218 after every 5 minutes. The wound therapy module 202 may transmit the wound parameters 222 over a wired or a wireless communication channel. Accordingly, the wound therapy module 202 may establish a communication channel as per the applicable communications protocol with the wound therapy unit 218, and thereafter transmit the wound parameters 222 using the transceiver(s) 334. To this end, the transceiver(s) 334 may transmit the wound parameters 222 through the interface(s) 304 of the wound therapy module 202.

[0043] The wound therapy module 202 may manage and control the rate of sampling of the parameters of the wound site 204. At the outset, the sensor(s) 308 within the wound therapy module 202 may be set to monitor the wound site 204 at the current sampling rate 318. The wound parameters 222 thus collected may then be subsequently transmitted to the wound therapy unit 218. To ensure that the wound healing is achieved, the wound therapy unit 218 may control the pressure device 216. For example, if any one of the wound parameters 222, such as wound pressure, is to change beyond a certain limit, the wound therapy unit 218 may activate the pressure device 216 to bring the wound pressure within permissible limits. In a similar manner, other wound parameters 222 may be considered and processed by the wound therapy unit 218 to determine if any action is to be taken.

[0044] During operation of the system 200, the wound conditions, i.e., wound parameters 222 are not likely to vary, or vary within certain limits under normal circumstances. Considering that the wound parameters 222 are not likely to vary, the sampling rate may be varied without impacting the overall wound healing. For example, if the wound conditions are not varying much (as evident from a lower rate of change of the wound parameters 222) the current sampling rate 318 may be reduced to the first sampling rate 324. Such a reduction of the sampling rate from the current sampling rate 318 to the first sampling rate 324 may thus result in a lesser power consumption and may prolong the life of the power source 332 present in the wound therapy module 202. As will be explained subsequently, the sampling rate at which the wound parameters 222 may be sampled by the wound therapy module 202 may be further varied if the rate of change 320 continues to be less than the predefined value 322. Such variation in the sampling rate may ensure that the power consumption is further reduced.

[0045] To this end, the processing engine 314 of the wound therapy module 202 may determine the rate at which the value of any one or more of the wound parameters 222 is changing over a period of time. As may be understood, the wound parameters 222 may change gradually over a period of time in an expected manner or may change abruptly or quickly over a short period of time. For the latter situations, such changes may occur due to faults, such as pressure leakages, fluid leakages, or such.

[0046] The processing engine 314 may obtain any two values of a given wound parameter spaced by a certain time period and accordingly determine a rate at which the value of the given wound parameters 222 may have changed. For example, the processing engine 314 may retrieve a value of the wound pressure that may have been sampled or measured at a target instant, say a first time instant. In a similar manner, the processing engine 314 may further retrieve another measured value of the wound parameter that may have been sampled at a later target instant, say a second time instant. In an example, the processing engine 314 may retrieve the values of the wound parameters from the wound parameters 222. Based on the retrieved values, the processing engine 314 may determine a rate of change in the value of the wound pressure. Although the present example has been explained in relation to wound pressure, similar approaches may be followed for other wound parameters. In such cases, the processing engine 314 may retrieve the appropriate values of the pertinent wound parameters 222 and accordingly determine the rate of change 320 for said wound parameters 222. In an example, the rate of change 320 may include a mapping of different rate of changes to the corresponding wound parameters 222.

[0047] Returning to the present example, the processing engine 314 on determining the rate of change 320 may then proceed and compare the rate of change 320 with the predefined value 322. The predefined value 322 may prescribe various threshold values for different categories of wound parameters 222. This aspect is explained in the context of wound pressure as one of the wound parameters 222. The processing engine 314 on determining the rate of change 320 for wound pressure may thereafter retrieve the predefined value 322 provided for wound pressure. The corresponding predefined value 322 is obtained and then compared with the rate of change 320 determined for the wound pressure. Depending on the comparison, the processing engine 314 may vary the current sampling rate 318 of the sensor(s) 308. For example, the processing engine 314 may determine whether the rate of change 320 of the wound pressure has exceeded 5 mm of Hg in 60 seconds (as specified in the predefined value 322). If the rate of change 320 for the wound pressure is determined to be greater than the above-mentioned example predefined value (i.e., 5 mm of Hg in 60 seconds), the processing engine 314 may allow the sensor(s) 308 to sample the wound pressure at the corresponding current sampling rate 318. In an example, the processing engine 314 may also generate control instructions that may vary certain operational characteristics of the system 200 to ensure that the healing of the wound site 204 is not impacted.

[0048] In case the processing engine 314 determines that the rate of change 320 is less than the predefined value 322 (e.g., less 5 mm of Hg in 60 seconds), the processing engine 314 may thereafter cause the sensor(s) 308 to sample the wound parameters 222 (e.g., wound pressure) at a different rate. In an example, the processing engine 314 may change the configuration or corresponding settings for the sensor(s) 308 such that they may subsequently sample the wound pressure at the first sampling rate 324 (as opposed to the current sampling rate 318). In the current example, the first sampling rate 324 is less than the current sampling rate 318. As explained previously, consistent values (or values with minor variations) of the wound parameters 222 represent that the conditions at the wound site 204 are not varying. Hence, such wound parameters 222 may be sampled at lower frequency which in turn will conserve power and prolong the life of the wound therapy module 202, without impacting the healing at the wound site 204.

[0049] Once the sampling rate of the sensor(s) 308 has been changed to first sampling rate 324, the processing engine 314 may continue to monitor if the wound parameters 222 further change, over a period of time. The processing engine 314 may determine subsequent rate of change 320 of the wound parameters 222 sampled at the first sampling rate 324. For example, the processing engine 314 may retrieve the values of the wound parameters 222 (obtained when sampled at the first sampling rate 324) and determine the rate of change in the wound parameters 222. The processing engine 314 on determining the subsequent rate of change 320, may compare it with another predefined threshold prescribed in the predefined value 322. If, based on the comparison, it is determined that the subsequent rate of change 320 is less than the other predefined value, the processing engine 314 may vary the sampling rate of the sensor(s) 308 to the subsequent sampling rate 326. In an example, the subsequent sampling rate 326 is less than the first sampling rate 324. As may be noted, a further reduction in the sampling rate may further reduce the power consumption of the power source 332 of the wound therapy module 202.

[0050] The processing engine 314, on determining that the subsequent rate of change 320 is greater than the other predefined value, may cause sampling of the parameters at the wound site 204 at the first sampling rate 324 or may revert the sampling rate back to the current sampling rate 318. A similar determination may be made when the sensor(s) 308 are to sample at any one of the subsequent sampling rate 326. To this end, the processing engine 314 on determining whether the rate of change 320 is greater than the appropriate predefined value 322, may vary the sampling rate to the previously set sampling rate or may revert back to the first sampling rate 324, depending on the rate of change of the wound parameters 222.

[0051] The above is further explained in the context of the value of wound parameters 222 pertaining to measured wound pressure. In an example, the processing engine 314 may cause the sampling rate of the sensor(s) 308 to be reduced from a current sampling rate 318 of 10 Hz to a first sampling rate 324 of 4 Hz on determining the rate of change 320 to be less than say, 5 mm of Hg in 60 seconds. Once the sensor(s) 308 are set to sample the wound parameters 222 at the first sampling rate 324, say 4 Hz, the processing engine 314 may further compare the rate of change of the wound parameters 222 that is determined at the first sampling rate 324 with the example predefined value 322, i.e., 5 mm of Hg in 60 seconds. On determining that the rate of change during the monitoring period when the wound parameters 222 were sampled at the first sampling rate 324 (i.e., at 4 Hz), is greater than 5 mm of Hg in 60 seconds, the processing engine 314 may set the sampling rate back to the initial current sampling rate 318, i.e., 10 Hz. However, if processing engine 314 determines that the rate of change 320 is less than the example predefined value 322, i.e., 5 mm of Hg in 60 seconds, the processing engine 314 may cause to change the sampling to a subsequent sampling rate 326, say 0.5 Hz.

[0052] Once the sampling rate is set to 0.5 Hz, the processing engine 314 may then continue to monitor the wound parameters 222 with respect to subsequent predefined value 322 to ascertain whether the conditions at the wound site 204 have changed rapidly. It may be noted that such changes in the wound parameters 222 may occur due to numerous factors. Pressure leakages due to displacement or dislodging of the draping 206 may cause sudden changes to the wound pressure. Furthermore, a blockage (either temporary or permanent) in the fluid conduit 212 may cause fluid buildup at the wound site 204, which in term may result in changes in the temperature, wound pH, impedance measured, fluid constituents, etc. It may be noted that the present examples are only indicative and in no manner limit the scope of the present subject matter. [0053] Returning back to the present example, if the rate of change 320 is determined to be greater than the example predefined value 322, i.e., 5 mm of Hg in 60 seconds, the processing engine 314 may revert the sampling rate to the previous current sampling rate 318, i.e., 10 Hz. In an example, the sampling rate may also be set to a previously set sampling rate value, say the first sampling rate 324. In another example, the sampling rate may be progressively increased to ascertain the conditions of the wound site 204 and accordingly determine if any corrective intervention is required by medical personnel.

[0054] In an example, if the rate of change 320 is still determined to be less than the example predefined value 322, i.e., 5 mm of Hg in 60 seconds, the processing engine 314 may, further decrease the sampling rate to a yet lower subsequent sampling rate 326. Thereafter, the processing engine 314, while monitoring the wound parameters 222 at the set lower predefined value 322, may compare the values of the wound parameters 222 (sampled at the lower subsequent sampling rate 326) to defined threshold range. On determining the sampled wound parameters 222 to be within the threshold range (say within 10% of acceptable limits for the pertinent wound parameter), the processing engine 314 may have the sensor(s) 308 continue to sample the wound parameters 222 at the lower subsequent sampling rate 326. On the other hand, if the value of the wound parameters 222 exceeds the threshold range, the processing engine 314 may vary the sampling rate to a previously set sampling rate. For example, the processing engine 314 may set the sampling rate to the first sampling rate 324 from the subsequent sampling rate 326. It may be noted that different combinations of options involving the varying of the sampling rate are possible. Such implementations, although differing from the examples described above, would still fall within the scope of the present subject matter. It may be further noted that although some of the examples have been described in the context of wound pressure, such similar approaches would also be applicable for other types of wound parameters without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter.

[0055] Similar to the sampling rate, the processing engine 314 may also vary the transmission rate of the wound therapy module 202. As may be understood, the wound parameters 222 would utilize power for transmitting the wound parameters 222 that may have been sampled through the sensor(s) 308. In such cases, varying the transmission rate of the wound therapy module 202 may also consequently reduce the power consumption of the power source 332. For example, the processing engine 314 may initially control the transceiver(s) 334 to transmit the wound parameters 222 sampled over a certain time period at a first transmission rate. Thereafter, the processing engine 314 may determine the rate of change 320 of the wound parameters 222 to determine whether the first transmission rate is to be changed. If the rate of change 320 is less than the predefined value 322, the processing engine 314 may vary the transmission rate of the transceiver(s) 334 from the first transmission rate to a second transmission rate (wherein which the second transmission rate is less than the first transmission rate). If it is greater, it may accordingly revert to the transmission rate to the first transmission rate. In another example, the processing engine 314 may compare the transmission rate of the transceiver(s) 334 with a predefined value or a condition. Based on the variance of the transmission rate from such predefined value, the processing engine 314 may vary the transmission rate accordingly. In an example, the different values of the transmission rates for the transceiver(s) 334 may be stored in the transmission rate 328.

[0056] FIG. 4 depicts the varying of the sampling rate and the transmission rate as described in conjunction with FIGS. 2-3. FIG. 4 illustrates a graph 400 which indicates the variation of wound pressure that may be applied to a wound site, such as the wound site 204. Corresponding variations in the other types of wound parameters may be depicted in a similar manner. The horizontal axis 402 of the graph 400 represents the time over which the negative wound pressure (represented by the vertical axis 404). As depicted in the graph 400, the negative wound pressure is shown to vary between a lower value 406 and an upper value 408 for the negative wound pressure. In an example, the negative wound pressure may be determined through any one of the sensor(s) 308 in the wound therapy module 202.

[0057] As may be noted, the draping 206, although capable of maintaining the negative wound pressure to a certain extent, cannot maintain the same over a period of time. Therefore, the negative wound pressure varies with time. For example, initially the processing engine 314 may communicate to the wound therapy unit 218 which in turn may activate the pressure device 216 which increases the negative wound pressure at the wound site 204 from the value 406 to the value 408, as depicted by the leading edge 410. Thereafter, owing to the draping 206 not being a perfect isolated layer, the negative wound pressure may undergo a gradual decrease over a period of time, as depicted by the trailing edge 412. As may be noted, the slope of the leading edge 410 is greater than the slope of the trailing edge 412 depicting that rate at which the negative wound pressure increases at the wound site 204 (owing to the activation of the pressure device 216) is greater than the rate at which the negative wound pressure decreases. The present depiction is exemplary and is not to be construed as a limitation.

[0058] Initially, the wound parameters 222, i.e., the negative wound pressure occurring at the wound therapy module 202 may be sampled by the sensor(s) 308 at the current sampling rate 318. The points in instants of time when the negative wound pressure may be sampled is depicted by the sample points 414 (represented by the shaded dots on the graph 400). As may be gathered, it is at the sample points 414 that the processing engine 314 effects the sampling of the value of the negative wound pressure (i.e., the wound parameters 222). The negative wound pressure continues to be sampled (at the current sampling rate 318) for the time interval depicted as Tl. After Tl, the processing engine 314 may determine the rate of change 320. The rate of change 320 may be compared with the predefined value 322 (as discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 2-3). On determining that the rate of change 320 of the negative wound pressure is less than the predefined value 322 (e.g., 5 mm of Hg in 60 seconds), the processing engine 314 may change the sampling rate of the sensor(s) 308 to the first sampling rate 324. [0059] The time interval when the sensor(s) 308 commence sampling the negative wound pressure at the wound site 204 at the first sampling rate 324, is depicted in the time interval T2. When sampled at the first sampling rate 324, the sampling is done less frequently as depicted by the sample points 416. For example, in comparison to the sampling of the negative wound pressure during Tl, during T2, the negative wound pressure is being sampled one when the negative wound pressure at the wound site 204 is increasing and sampled once when the negative wound pressure at the wound site 204 is decreasing. The example as depicted in graph 400 is for instances wherein a stable leak (i.e., uniform decrease in negative wound pressure) occurs at the wound site 204.

[0060] Instances wherein which the sampling rate may be reverted back to the initial sampling rate are now discussed in relation to the graph depicted in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 provides a graph 500 which depicts the variations in the negative wound pressure at the wound site 204. Similar to FIG. 4, in FIG. 5, the horizontal axis 502 of the graph 500 represents the time over which the negative wound pressure (represented by the vertical axis 504). As depicted in the graph 500, the negative wound pressure is shown to vary between a lower value 506 and an upper value 508 for the negative wound pressure. The negative wound pressure may be determined through any one of the sensor(s) 308 in the wound therapy module 202. Herein also, the negative wound pressure at the wound site 204 undergoes an increase as depicted by the leading edge 510 (which corresponds to the activation of the pressure device 216) and the decrease in the negative wound pressure is depicted by the trailing edge 512.

[0061] During Tl, i.e., when the sensor(s) 308 are sampling the negative wound pressure at the current sampling rate 318, the processing engine 314 may initially determine the rate of change 320 based on the sampled values denoted by the sample points 514. On determining the rate of change 320 to be less than the predefined value 322, the processing engine 314 changes the sampling rate from current sampling rate 318 to the first sampling rate 324. The negative wound pressure thereafter continues to be sampled at the first sampling rate 324, at instants which are denoted as sample points 516.

[0062] The graph 500 depicts that the variations in the negative wound pressure (i.e., the rate of change 320 of the negative wound pressure) during T2 continues to remain consistent with the changes in the negative wound pressure during Tl. In the present example, the variations in the negative wound pressure are depicted to have changed during the time interval T3. Such changes may occur due to numerous factors. For example, such changes may occur if the fluid conduit 212 is changed. Such a change may also be attributable to other such factors, without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter. In an example, that the rate of change 320 has changed may be determined by comparing whether at selected instants, whether the sampled negative wound pressure values corresponds to either one of the lower value 506 or the upper value 508. As may be observed from FIG. 5, during T2, some of the sample points 516 obtained correspond to the lower value 506 and some to the upper value 508. However, during the interval T3, none of the sample points 518 correspond to either the lower value 506 or the upper value 508. Such a deviation may be detected by the processing engine 314 and accordingly it may be ascertained that the rate of change 320 for the negative wound pressure has increased or changed. [0063] As may be gathered, the slope of the leading edge 510 and the trailing edge 512 has changed thus depicting that the increasing and the decreasing of the negative wound pressure itself has changed. This in turn impacts (in the present case, will increase) the rate of change 320 of the negative wound pressure being sampled. To this end, the processing engine 314 may increase the sampling rate to so as to more frequently sample the negative wound pressure at the wound site 204 using the sensor(s) 308. As depicted in the context of the current example, the processing engine 314 may change the sampling rate back to the current sampling rate 318 (for the time interval T4), as depicted by sample points 520. During the time interval T4, the processing engine 314 may determine a pattern corresponding to the change in the value of the wound parameters 222, over the time interval T4. For example, while sampling the wound parameters 222 at the current sampling rate 318 during the time interval T4, the processing engine 314 may determine the time instants at which the maximum value, i.e., the upper value 508 is sampled. In a similar manner, the processing engine 314 may accordingly determine the time instants at which the minimum value, i.e., the lower value 506 may be sampled. Thereafter, the processing engine 314 may process the intervening sampled wound parameters 222 (depicted by the sample points 520) to ascertain the pattern corresponding to the variations in the graph 500. In an example, the once the pattern or the rate of change 320 for the wound parameters 222 during the time interval T4 is determined, the processing engine 314 may further reduce the sampling rate (as depicted for the time interval T5) as shown by the sample points 522.

[0064] It may be noted that the above approaches may be applied to assess the manner in which not only the negative wound pressure but other wound parameters 222 vary and accordingly also vary the sampling rate. As discussed, controlling the sampling rate prolongs the power source 332 of the wound therapy module 202. In an example, the sample rate may also be varied based on a variety of other factors. For example, processing engine 314 may determine the available state of charge that may be available with its power source 332. Based on the available state of charge by comparing the same with the time that may be required for performing the negative wound pressure therapy, the processing engine 314 may change the sampling rate. For example, on determining that the state of charge would not be sufficient for the completion of therapy, the processing engine 314 may accordingly change one or both of the sampling rate or the transmission rate of the wound therapy module 202. In an example, the processing engine 314 may also measure signal strength and accordingly vary the sampling rate, the transmission rate, or both while performing the negative wound pressure therapy.

[0065] As mentioned previously, the wound therapy module 202 may communicate wound parameters 222 to the wound therapy unit 218. The wound therapy unit 218 on receiving the wound parameters 222 (and other data) may perform certain operational functions. For example, based on the wound parameters 222 reported by the wound therapy module 202, the wound therapy unit 218 may control either the wound therapy module 202 or may control the functioning of the pressure device 216. The pressure device 216, when controlled, may change or maintain the negative pressure applied to the wound site 204. [0066] In instances where communication between the wound therapy unit 218 is interrupted or lost, then the wound therapy unit 218 may not be able to effectively control the operation of other components of the therapy system 200. Such circumstances may cause other issues which may impact the wound site 204. One such situation pertain to the occurrence of a blockage in the fluid conduit 212. In the event that a blockage occurs, the control unit 220 of the wound therapy unit 218 may compare the negative wound pressure measured at the wound site 204 and the pressure that may be applied or measured at the pressure device 216. In the event of a blockage, the negative wound pressure at the wound site 204 would be much less than the pressure that is being applied by the pressure device 216. In such instances, the wound therapy unit 218 may generate one or more alerts indicating the occurrence of the blockage. In another example, the control unit 220 may also reduce the pressure being applied by the pressure device 216 such that in the interim if the blockage is to get dislodged suddenly, the same does not result in an increased pressure differential between the pressure device 216 and the wound site 204.

[0067] It may be gathered that such a determination may be challenging if no communication is present between the wound therapy module 202 and the wound therapy unit 218. While the control unit 220 of the wound therapy unit 218 may maintain the negative pressure to be applied by the pressure device 216, there may not be any other manner in which the occurrence of the blockage may be discerned owing to the loss of communication with the wound therapy module 202. In such instances, the pressure device 216 may continue to maintain the negative wound pressure at the risk of subjecting the wound site 204 to a high pressure differential.

[0068] Whether the wound therapy unit 218 and the wound therapy module 202 are in communication (i.e., whether the wound therapy module 202 is still ‘online’) may be determined based on a variety of techniques. For example, the wound therapy unit 218 may periodically monitor for a status signal being provided by the wound therapy module 202. In case the wound therapy unit does not receive the status signal 218 for a threshold time period, the wound therapy unit 218 may accordingly consider that the wound therapy module 202 is no longer ‘online’. It may be noted that any other approach for determining the communication status may be implemented without limiting the scope of the pending subject matter in any way.

[0069] In an example, when the wound therapy module 202 and the wound therapy unit 218 are in communication or ‘online’, the values of the negative wound pressure measured at the wound site 204 (say by the sensor(s) 308) may be correlated with the applicable negative pressure that may have been applied by the pressure device 216. The correlation between the measured negative wound pressure and the negative pressure may be obtained by a variety of statistical approaches. In an example, the correlation between the negative wound pressure and the negative pressure may be implemented in the form of a mapping which maps certain values (or ranges) of the negative wound pressure with corresponding values of the negative pressure that may have been applied by the pressure device 216. The values of the negative wound pressure and the negative pressure may be based on historical values that may have been obtained through the given therapy system 200 or may be based on similar types of therapy systems, without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter.

[0070] The correlation or the mapping may then be further implemented as correlation data 224. In operation, the control unit 220 of the wound therapy unit 218 may monitor whether the wound therapy module 202 is ‘online’ (i.e., in communication with the wound therapy module 202) or ‘offline’ (no communication with the wound therapy module 202). On determining that a loss of communication has occurred between the wound therapy module 202 and the wound therapy unit 218, the control unit 220 may determine the value of the negative pressure being applied by the pressure device 216. In an example, the value of the negative pressure being applied may be obtained by a pressure sensor implemented at the pressure device 216.

[0071] A target negative wound pressure that is to be applied at the wound site 204 may be obtained. The same may be obtained based on either user input or may be preconfigured based on certain conditions, such as when a loss of communication between the wound therapy module 202 and the wound therapy unit 218 is to occur. Proceeding further, based on the target negative wound pressure, the control unit 220 may determine an estimated negative pressure that is to be applied by the pressure device 216 based on the correlation data 224. With the estimated negative pressure thus obtained, the control unit 220 may generate control instructions to control the pressure device 216 such that the pressure device 216 is able to generate the negative wound pressure at the wound site 204.

[0072] The correlation data 224 may also be useful in controlling the pressure device 216 in instances where a blockage may occur (but is not detected owing to the wound therapy module 202 being ‘offline’). In such a case, the control unit 220 may control the pressure device 216 to account for any pressure differential that may occur due to a sudden and unexpected clearing of the blockage.

[0073] In one such example, the control unit 220 may initially determine whether the negative pressure being applied by the pressure device 216 is less than an upper threshold. The upper threshold in the present example may be set so that any pressure differential that may occur does not adversely impact the wound site 204. On determining whether the negative pressure being applied by the pressure device 216 is less than the upper threshold, the control unit 220 may continue to maintain the negative pressure at a current level and allow the pressure device 216 operate in the same manner.

[0074] The above example is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 6A-6B. FIG. 6A illustrates a graph 600 depicting the variations in the negative pressure (i.e., the pressure measurable at the pressure device 216) denoted as negative pressure 602 and the negative wound pressure that is measured at the wound site 204, which is denoted as wound pressure 604. The wound pressure 604 further be further sampled while the wound therapy module 202 was online. On the wound pressure 604, a point A is present which represents an instant when the wound therapy module 202 loses communication with the wound therapy unit 218.

[0075] On losing communication with the wound therapy module 202, the control unit 220 of the wound therapy unit 218 may determine the negative pressure which may be applied by the pressure device 216. The value of the negative pressure 602 as depicted in FIG. 6 A may then be compared with an upper threshold value. The upper threshold value may be specified considering an upper limit beyond which the wound pressure 604 at the wound site 204, is not to exceed. The above example is only indicative - the selection of the example upper threshold value may differ based on stage of treatment, nature of wound, size of wound, or other such factors.

[0076] In an example, the value of the upper threshold may be 180 mm of Hg. In the context of the present example, since the negative pressure 602 is less that the example upper threshold, the operation of the pressure device 216 may be maintained. Since no change in the operation of the pressure device 216 is effected, the negative pressure 602 continues in the manner as depicted. Similarly, the resulting wound pressure 604 (although not measurable owing to the wound therapy module 202 being offline), would continue in the manner as depicted by the portion 606.

[0077] In the event a blockage had occurred, the change in the wound pressure 604 is indicated by the portion B. As may be noted, as soon as the blockage clears, the same may result in a sudden increase in the wound pressure 604. In the present example, since the negative pressure 602 is less than the upper threshold, the resulting increase may result in the wound pressure 604 becoming equivalent to the negative pressure 602, but it does not exceed the example upper threshold (i.e., a pressure of 180 mm of Hg).

[0078] In other examples, if the negative pressure 604 is higher than another upper threshold, say 140 mm of Hg (as depicted in FIG. 6B), the control unit 220 may control the pressure device 216 in the event that the connection between the wound therapy unit 218 and the wound therapy module 202 is lost. The control unit 220 may reduce the negative pressure 602 by a certain amount. In an example, control unit 220 may control the pressure device 216 to reduce the negative pressure 602 to a last known value of the wound pressure 604 that was sampled and communicated to the wound therapy unit 218. The changed negative pressure is denoted as 608.

[0079] With the negative pressure 602 now reduced to negative pressure 608, as shown in FIG. 6B, the resulting wound pressure 604 changes to a reduced wound pressure 610. Owing to the decrease in the negative pressure 602, the resulting wound pressure 610 would also be consequently less. Such control ensures that in the event that any blockage occurs, the pressure differential that may result owing to the clearing of the blockage, does not adversely impact the wound therapy module 202. Such a situation is depicted by portion of the resulting wound pressure 610, indicated as portion C. Portion C depicts a sudden increase in the resulting wound pressure 610 that may result owing to the sudden clearing of the blockage would be such that even though it may be equal to the negative pressure 602, it would still be less than the upper threshold (which in the present example is 140 mm of Hg. In an example, the reduced wound pressure 610 may reduce to its initial levels once the pressure normalizes. [0080] Alternative to the last known value of the wound pressure 604, the negative pressure 602 may be reduced to any value of negative pressure 602. In an example, such a target wound pressure which may be estimated based on the correlation data 224. In this case, if the wound pressure is to be maintained below a certain value, the control unit 220 may estimate a corresponding negative pressure value based on the correlation data 224. The estimated negative pressure value may be used as a basis to control the pressure device 216 such that the negative pressure applied by the pressure device 216 is to result in a wound pressure which is equivalent to the target pressure.

[0081] It may be noted that the above implementations described are only some of the examples. Other examples are also possible which too would fall within the scope of the present subject matter. Although functional blocks of different components of the wound therapy module 202 are shown, it is possible that one or more such functional blocks may be implemented as part of other components. For example, the components of the wound therapy unit 218 may also be implemented as part of the wound therapy module 202 without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter. In such a case, the wound therapy module 202 (which includes the functional elements of the wound therapy unit 218) may communicate and control the pressure device 216 directly.

[0082] It may be noted that, a pressure differential may be present between a negative pressure applied by a pressure device and the wound pressure measured at the wound site. The pressure differential arises since the entire therapy system 200, i.e., the pressure device 216 applying the negative pressure and the draping 206, is not perfectly sealed. Furthermore, presence of certain leakages may inadvertently lead to pressure differences or offsets between the negative pressure applied by the pressure device 216 and the negative pressure that may be measured at the wound site 204. The same may vary based on the stage or type of treatment being performed by the negative pressure wound therapy unit 218. As an example, a graph depicting negative pressure 602 and the wound pressure 604 is illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6B having a constant pressure differential between the negative pressure 602 and the wound pressure 604. However, as per another example, the pressure differential may not be constant, i.e., the difference between the negative pressure 602 and the wound pressure 604 may vary during pressurizing and depressurizing stages in a predefined manner or based on the correlation data 224. The present example, with non-constant pressure differential, is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 7A-7B. FIG. 7A illustrates a graph 700 depicting the variations in the negative pressure (i.e., the pressure measurable at the pressure device 216) denoted as negative pressure 702 and the negative wound pressure that is measured at the wound site 204, which is denoted as wound pressure 704. From graph 700, it may be noted that, the difference between the negative pressure 702 and the wound pressure 704 is not constant but varies during the pressurizing and depressurizing stages. For example, the difference between the negative pressure 702 and the wound pressure 704 is less for lower pressure values and higher for higher pressure ranges.

[0083] As may be known, the wound pressure 704 may be sampled only when wound therapy module 202 is online. In case the wound therapy module 202 goes offline or in cases where communication is lost with the wound therapy unit 218, the wound pressure 704 may not be sampled or measured. For example, on the graph depicting wound pressure 704, a point A is present which represents an instant when the wound therapy module 202 loses communication with the wound therapy unit 218. On losing communication with wound therapy module 202, the control unit 220 of the wound therapy unit 218 may determine the negative pressure which may be applied by the pressure device 216. Thereafter, the negative wound pressure that is to be applied at the wound site 204 may be obtained. In one example, the negative wound pressure that is to be applied may be obtained based on either user input or may be preconfigured based on certain conditions. Examples of such conditions include loss of communication between the wound therapy module 202 and the wound therapy unit 218 is to occur. Proceeding further, based on the target negative wound pressure, the control unit 220 may determine an estimated negative pressure that is to be applied by the pressure device 216 based on the correlation data 224. In an example, the correlation data 224 may be maintained by the control unit 220 based on the past pressure data to predict future values of negative pressure 702 so that required wound pressure 704 would be maintained at the wound site 204, when connection is lost.

[0084] In an example, while determining the required negative pressure 702, the value of the negative pressure 702 as depicted in FIG. 7A may be compared with an upper threshold value. The upper threshold value may be specified considering an upper limit beyond which the wound pressure 704 at the wound site 204, is not to exceed. The above example is only indicative - the selection of the example upper threshold value may differ based on stage of treatment, nature of wound, size of wound, or other such factors.

[0085] In other examples, if the negative pressure 704 is higher than another upper threshold, say

165 mm of Hg (as depicted in FIG. 7B), the control unit 220 may control the pressure device 216 in the event that the connection between the wound therapy unit 218 and the wound therapy module 202 is lost. The control unit 220 may reduce the negative pressure 702 by a certain amount. In an example, control unit 220 may control the pressure device 216 to reduce the negative pressure 702 to be lower than the upper threshold of 165 mm of Hg. The changed negative pressure is denoted as 706.

[0086] With the negative pressure 702 now reduced to negative pressure 706, as shown in FIG. 7B, the resulting wound pressure 704 changes to a reduced wound pressure 708. Owing to the decrease in the negative pressure 702, the resulting wound pressure 708 would also be consequently less. Such control ensures that in the event that any blockage occurs, the pressure differential that may result owing to the clearing of the blockage, does not adversely impact the wound therapy module 202.

[0087] Alternative to lowering the wound pressure 704 below the upper threshold, the negative pressure 702 may be reduced to last known value of the wound pressure 704 that was sampled and communicated to the wound therapy unit 218. It may be noted that the above implementations described are only some of the examples. Other examples are also possible which too would fall within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0088] FIG. 8 illustrates a method 800 for monitoring and transmission of wound parameters corresponding to the wound site, as per another example. The order in which the above-mentioned method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and some of the described method blocks may be combined in a different order to implement the method, or an alternative method. [0089] Furthermore, the above-mentioned method may be implemented in a suitable hardware, computer-readable instructions, or combination thereof. The steps of such method may be performed by either a system under the instruction of machine executable instructions stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium or by dedicated hardware circuits, microcontrollers, or logic circuits. For example, the method may be performed by a negative wound pressure therapy system, such as the therapy system 200. Herein, some examples are also intended to cover non-transitory computer readable medium, for example, digital data storage media, which are computer readable and encode computerexecutable instructions, where said instructions perform some or all the steps of the above-mentioned methods.

[0090] The method 800 may be implemented within the wound therapy module 202, as per an example. The wound therapy module 202 may further comprise a sensor module, such as the sensor(s) 308. At block 802, the sensor module may obtain a plurality of values of a wound parameter corresponding to a wound. For example, the sensor(s) 308 when controlled by the processing engine 314 may obtain a plurality of values corresponding to the wound parameters 222. In an example, the wound parameters 222 are obtained over a certain time interval. The wound parameters 222 are collected by the sensor(s) 308 from the wound site 204 which may be subjected to a negative pressure applied by a negative pressure device, such as the pressure device 216.

[0091] At block 804, a rate of change in value of the wound parameter may be determined. For example, the processing engine 314 of the sensor module, i.e., the wound therapy module 202 may determine a rate of change in the value of the wound parameters 222. To this end, the processing engine 314 may retrieve a value of the wound pressure that may have been sampled or measured a first time instant. In a similar manner, the processing engine 314 may further retrieve another measured value of the wound parameter that may have been sampled a later second time instant. In an example, the processing engine 314 may retrieve the values of the wound parameters from the wound parameters 222. Based on the retrieved values, the processing engine 314 may determine a rate of change in the value of the wound pressure.

[0092] At block 806, one of a current sampling rate and a transmission rate may be varied. The varying of the current sampling rate and the transmission rate is pursuant to comparing the rate of change in the value of a wound parameter with a predefined value. For example, the processing engine 314 may compare the rate of change of the wound parameters 222, i.e., the rate of change 320 with the predefined value 322. On determining the rate of change 320 to be less than the predefined value 322, the processing engine 314 may vary the sampling rate of the sensor(s) 308 from the current sampling rate 318 to the first sampling rate 324. In a similar manner, the processing engine 314 may also change the transmission rate 328 of the transceiver(s) 334 such that the wound therapy module 202 is to transmit the collected wound parameters 222 from a first transmission rate to a second transmission rate, with the second transmission rate being less than the first transmission rate. [0093] In an example, the processing engine 314 may determine the time instants at which a minimum value and a maximum value of the wound parameter is to occur based on a determined pattern. For example, the processing engine 314 may determine the time instant when the upper value 408) of the wound parameters 222 is sampled. In a similar manner, the processing engine 314 may determine the time instant when the lower value 406 of the wound parameters 222 is sampled. Accordingly, the processing engine 314 may control the transceiver(s) 334 to transmit the wound parameters 222 to the wound therapy unit 218 at the upper value 408 and the lower value 406 at indicated by the transmission points 420.

[0094] FIG. 9 illustrates a method 900 for monitoring of wound parameters corresponding to the wound site, as per another example. At block 902, one or more wound parameters may be obtained by a wound therapy module at a current sampling rate. For example, the sensor(s) 308 within the wound therapy module 202 may be set to monitor the wound site 204 at a current sampling rate 318.

[0095] At block 904, a rate of change of the wound parameters may be determined. For example, the processing engine 314 of the wound therapy module 202 may determine the rate at which the value of any one or more of the wound parameters 222 changes over a period of time. To this end, the processing engine 314 may accordingly obtain any two values of wound parameters 222, spaced by a certain time period and accordingly determine a rate at which the value of the given wound parameters 222 may have changed. In an example, the processing engine 314 may retrieve a value of the wound parameters 222 that may have been sampled or measured a first time instant. In a similar manner, the processing engine 314 may further retrieve another measured value of the wound parameters 222 that may have been sampled a later second time instant. Based on the retrieved values, the processing engine 314 may determine a rate of change in the value of the wound parameters 222.

[0096] At block 906, the rate of change of the wound parameter may be compared with a predefined value. For example, the processing engine 314 on determining the rate of change 320 may then proceed and compare the rate of change 320 with a predefined value 322 stored or provided in the wound therapy module 202. The predefined value 322 may prescribe various threshold values for different categories of wound parameters 222.

[0097] At block 908, it may be ascertained whether the rate of change as determined is greater than the predefined value. On determining that the rate of change of any one or more of the wound parameters 222 is greater than the predefined value 322 (i.e., the ‘Yes’ path from the block 808) the processing engine 314, the method may continue and revert back to block 804, wherein which the rate of change 320 was determined. Thereafter, the process may again determine whether the rate of change 320 is greater than the predefined value 322. The same steps may continue as long as the rate of change 320 exceeds the predefined value 322. In an example, the processing engine 314 may maintain the sampling rate to the current sampling rate 318.

[0098] However, if it is determined that the rate of change is less than the predefined value (‘No’ path from block 908), the sampling rate may be varied (block 910). For example, on determining the rate of change 320 to be less than the predefined value 322, the processing engine 314 may thereafter cause the sensor(s) 308 of the wound therapy module 202 to sample one of the wound parameters 222 (e.g., wound pressure) at a first sampling rate 324. In the current example, the first sampling rate 324 may be less than the current sampling rate 318.

[0099] At block 912, the rate of change of the wound parameters may continue to be determined and monitored (i.e., compared with the predefined value). For example, once the sampling rate of the sensor(s) 308 has been changed to first sampling rate 324, the processing engine 314 may continue to monitor if the wound parameters 222 change further over a period of time.

[0100] At block 914, it may be ascertained whether the subsequent rate of change of wound parameters is greater than the predefined value. For example, the processing engine 314 on determining the subsequent rate of change 320, may compare it with another predefined threshold prescribed in the predefined value 322. If based on the comparison it is determined that the subsequent rate of change 320 is less than the other predefined value (i.e., ‘No’ path from block 914), the processing engine 314 may vary the sampling rate of the sensor(s) 308 to the subsequent sampling rate 326 (block 916). In an example, the subsequent sampling rate 326 is less than the first sampling rate 324. As may be noted, a further reduction in the sampling rate may further reduce the power consumption of the power source 332 of the wound therapy module 202.

[0101] The processing engine 314, on determining that the subsequent rate of change 320 is greater than the other predefined value (‘Yes’ path from block 914), may sample the wound parameters 222 at the first sampling rate 324 (block 918). A similar determination may be made when the sensor(s) 308 are to sample at any one of the subsequent sampling rate 326. To this end, the processing engine 314 on determining whether the rate of change 320 is greater than the appropriate predefined value 322, may vary the sampling rate to the previously set sampling rate or may revert back to the first sampling rate 324, depending on the rate of change of the wound parameters 222.

[0102] From block 916, the processing engine 314 may further continue to monitor the rate of change 320 and accordingly assess the manner in which the sampling rate is to be varied (as depicted in block 922). The rate of change of the wound parameters when being sampled at the subsequent sampling rate 326 may be further compared with the predefined value 322 to determine whether the sampling rate is to be maintained, reduced or reverted to an earlier value of the sampling rate utilized for sampling the wound parameters 222. Although not described in FIG. 9, the same approaches may be utilized for varying the transmission rate 328 at which the wound therapy module 202 is to transmit wound parameters 222 to the wound therapy unit 218.

[0103] FIG. 10 illustrates a method 1000 for managing operation of a wound therapy module, as per another example. Such a method may be implemented in cases where the wound therapy module, such as the wound therapy module 202, loses communication with a wound therapy unit, such as the wound therapy unit 218, to which the wound therapy module 202 may be coupled with. As may be understood, the wound therapy module 202 may measure the negative wound pressure which may be transmitted to the wound therapy unit 218. The wound therapy unit 218 on the other hand may, depending on the communicated wound parameters 222, control the pressure device 216. The pressure device 216 generates a negative pressure which in turn results in the negative wound pressure at the wound site 204.

[0104] At block 1002, the measured negative wound pressure and the negative pressure may be correlated. For example, the control unit 220 may correlate the values of the negative wound pressure measured at the wound site 204 (say by the sensor(s) 308) with the applicable negative pressure that may have been applied by the pressure device 216. Such a correlation is obtained by a variety of statistical approaches. In an example, the correlation between the negative wound pressure and the negative pressure is implemented in the form of a mapping which maps certain values (or ranges) of the negative wound pressure with corresponding values of the negative pressure that may have been applied by the pressure device 216. In an example, the correlation or the mapping may then be stored as correlation data 224.

[0105] At block 1004, a state of communication between the wound therapy module and a wound therapy unit may be determined. For example, the control unit 220 of the wound therapy unit 218 may monitor whether the wound therapy module 202 is ‘online’ (i.e., in communication with the wound therapy module 202) or ‘offline’ (no communication with the wound therapy module 202).

[0106] At block 1006, a determination may be made to assess whether a loss of communication between the wound therapy unit and the wound therapy module has occurred. For example, the control unit 220 may ascertain whether the wound therapy module 202 is still ‘online’. If the control unit 220 determines that the wound therapy module 202 is still in communication with the wound therapy unit 218 (‘Yes’ path from block 1006), the control unit 220 continues to monitor whether the wound therapy unit 218 and the wound therapy module 202 are in communication with each other, with the method reverting back to block 1004.

[0107] On determining that a loss of communication has occurred between the wound therapy module 202 and the wound therapy unit 218 (‘No’ path from block 1006), the control unit 220 may determine the value of the negative pressure being applied by the pressure device 216 (at block 1008). In an example, the value of the negative pressure being applied may be obtained by a pressure sensor implemented at the pressure device 216.

[0108] The method further proceeds to block 1010, wherein a target wound pressure that is to be applied to the wound site may be obtained. For example, the target negative wound pressure that is to be applied to the wound site 204 may be obtained based on either user input or may be preconfigured based on certain conditions, such as on occurrence of a loss of communication between the wound therapy module 202 and the wound therapy unit 218.

[0109] At block 1012, an estimated negative pressure may be determined based on the correlation data. For example, the control unit 220 based on the target negative wound pressure may determine an estimated negative pressure that is to be applied by the pressure device 216 using the correlation data 224. As described previously, the correlation data 224 may be in the form of a mapping which correlates values of negative wound pressure and corresponding negative pressure.

[0110] At block 1014, the pressure device may be controlled based on the estimated negative pressure. For example, once the estimate pressure values are obtained, the control unit 220 may generate control instructions to control the pressure device 216 such that the pressure device 216 is able to generate the negative wound pressure at the wound site 204.

[0111] FIG. 11 illustrates a computing environment 1100 implementing a non-transitory computer readable medium for monitoring and transmission of wound parameters corresponding to the wound site. In an example, the computing environment 1100 includes processor(s) 1102 communicatively coupled to a non-transitory computer readable medium 1104 through a communication link 1106. In an example implementation, the computing environment 1100 may be a negative pressure wound therapy system, such as the therapy system 200. In an example, the processor(s) 1102 may have one or more processing resources for fetching and executing computer readable instructions from the non-transitory computer readable medium 1104. The processor(s) 1102 and the non-transitory computer readable medium 1104 may be implemented, for example, in the wound therapy module 202 of the therapy system 200 (as has been described in conjunction with the preceding figures).

[0112] The non-transitory computer readable medium 1104 may be, for example, an internal memory device or an external memory device. In an example implementation, the communication link 1106 may be a network communication link. The processor(s) 1102 and the non-transitory computer readable medium 1104 may also be communicatively coupled to a computing device 1108 over the network.

[0113] In an example implementation, the non-transitory computer readable medium 1104 includes a set of computer readable instructions 1110 (referred to as instructions 1110) which may be accessed by the processor(s) 1102 through the communication link 1106. Referring to FIG. 11, in an example, the non-transitory computer readable medium 1104 includes instructions 1110 that may cause the processor(s) 1102 to detect loss of communication between a wound therapy unit 218 and a sensor module provided within the therapy system 200. In an example, the sensor module may be the sensor(s) 308 provided within the wound therapy module 202. As may be noted, the wound therapy module 202 may be positioned on a wound site, such as the wound site 204. The wound therapy module 202 in turn may be coupled, for example, by way of a fluid conduit 212 to a pressure device 216. The pressure device 216 may be controlled by the wound therapy unit 218.

[0114] Thereafter, as a result of the instructions 1110, a target pressure may be obtained. For example, the target negative wound pressure that is to be applied to the wound site 204 may be obtained based on either user input or may be preconfigured based on certain conditions, such as on occurrence of a loss of communication between the wound therapy module 202 and the wound therapy unit 218. Once the target pressure is obtained, the instructions 1110 may estimate a negative pressure to be applied by the pressure device 216 onto the wound site 204. The negative pressure to be applied to the wound site 204 may be estimated based on a mapping correlating historical values of negative pressure applied by the pressure device and historical values of wound pressure. In an example, the mapping may be stored as correlation data 224 in the wound therapy unit 218. Once the negative pressure is estimated, the instructions 1110 may cause the generation of one or more control instructions for the pressure device 216. The control instructions are to control the operation of the pressure device 216 to result in a wound pressure corresponding to the target pressure at the wound site. In this manner, despite loss of communication between the wound therapy unit 218 and the wound therapy module 202, the pressure device 216 may be controlled to manage the wound pressure at the wound site 204.

[0115] Although examples for the present disclosure have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed and explained as examples of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a sensor; a processor coupled to the sensor; and a machine-readable storage medium comprising instructions executable by the processor to: determine a rate of change in value of a wound parameter, corresponding to a wound, over a time interval wherein the wound is subjected to a negative pressure applied by a negative pressure device; compare the rate of change with a predefined value; and cause to vary a sampling rate from a current sampling rate of the sensor to a first sampling rate to obtain subsequent values of the wound parameter, wherein the sampling rate is varied in response to comparison of the rate of change in the value of the wound parameter with the predefined value.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the instructions are executable to further cause to vary a transmission rate to communicate values of wound parameter to a wound therapy unit, over a communication channel.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein to cause to vary the sampling rate the instructions are executable to: determine whether the rate of change in the value of the wound parameter is less than the predefined value; and on determining that the rate of change is less than the predefined value, reduce the current sampling rate to the first sampling rate.

4. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the instructions are executable to further: on determining that the rate of change continues to remain less than the predefined value, further reduce the first sampling rate to a subsequent sampling rate.

5. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein to determine the rate of change the instructions are executable to further: estimate time instants at which a minimum value and a maximum value of the wound parameter is to occur based on a plurality of values of the wound parameter obtained through the sensor operating at the current sampling rate; activate the sensor at a plurality of target instants between the estimated time instants to obtain the value of the wound parameter; and based on the value of the wound parameter obtained at the plurality of target instants, determine the rate of change in the value of the wound parameter.

6. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the instructions are executable to further cause to change the first sampling rate to the current sampling rate on determining that the rate of change exceeds the predefined value.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to determine a pattern corresponding to the change in the value of the wound parameter over the time interval.

8. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the system comprises a transceiver and wherein the instructions are executable to: estimate time instants at which a minimum value and a maximum value of the wound parameter is to occur based on the determined pattern; activate the transceiver at the estimated time instants; and cause to communicate values of wound parameter to a wound therapy unit over a communication channel through the transceiver.

9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wound parameter comprises pressure applied to the wound, humidity at a wound site, temperature at the wound site, pH value at the wound site, electrical impedance at the wound site, fluid composition, gas composition, or a combination thereof.

10. A method comprising: obtaining, by a sensor module, a plurality of values of a wound parameter corresponding to a wound, wherein the wound is subjected to a negative pressure applied by a negative pressure device, wherein the plurality of values are obtained over a time interval; determining a rate of change in value of the wound parameter based on the plurality of values; and varying one of a current sampling rate and a transmission rate based on a comparison of the rate of change in the value of the wound parameter with a predefined value, wherein the sampling rate is the rate for obtaining subsequent values of the wound parameter by the sensor module, and wherein the transmission rate is the rate at which values of wound parameter are communicated to a wound therapy unit communicatively coupled to the sensor module, over a communication channel.

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the varying the sampling rate comprises: determining whether the rate of change in the value of the wound parameter is less than the predefined value; on determining that the rate of change is less than the predefined value, changing the current sampling rate to a first sampling rate, wherein the first sampling rate is less than the current sampling rate; and on periodically determining whether the rate of change continues to remain less than the predefined value for a prescribed time, further reducing the first sampling rate to a subsequent sampling rate.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the method comprises: ascertaining that the rate of change exceeds the predefined value; and in response to the ascertaining, changing the first sampling rate to the current sampling rate on.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the determining the rate of change comprises: determining time instants at which a minimum value and a maximum value of the wound parameter is to occur based on a plurality of values of the wound parameter obtained through the sensor operating at the current sampling rate; activating the sensor at a plurality of target instants between the determined time instants to obtain the value of the wound parameter; and based on the values of the wound parameter obtained at the plurality of target instants, determining the rate of change in the value of the wound parameter.

14. The method as claimed in claim 13, further comprising: obtaining values of the wound parameter at subsequent plurality of target instants; and on determining that the values of the wound parameter obtained at the plurality of target instants are not within a predefined limit, causing the sensor module to obtain subsequent plurality of values of the wound parameter at the current sampling rate.

15. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the varying the transmission rate comprises: estimating time instants at which a minimum value and a maximum value of the wound parameter is to occur; activating a transceiver within the sensor module at the estimated time instants; and communicating values of wound parameter to a wound therapy unit over the communication channel through the transceiver, wherein the wound therapy unit is communicatively coupled to the sensor module.

16. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions, the instructions being executable by a processing resource to: detect loss of communication between a wound therapy unit and a sensor module, wherein the sensor module is positioned on a wound site and is coupled to a negative pressure device; obtain a target pressure to be applied to the wound site; estimate a negative pressure to be applied by a pressure device coupled to the wound therapy unit based on a mapping correlating historical values of negative pressure applied by the pressure device and historical values of wound pressure; and generate control instructions based on the estimated negative pressure, wherein the control instructions are to control the operation of the pressure device to result in a wound pressure corresponding to the target pressure at the wound site.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium as claimed in claim 16, wherein the target pressure is within a range of pressure values between an estimated minimum value and an estimated maximum value.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium as claimed in claim 16, wherein the target pressure is maintained at a value less than the maximum value in event of a blockage in a fluid conduit coupled to the sensor module.

19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium as claimed in claim 16, wherein the target pressure is maintained at a value greater than the maximum value in event of a leak at the wound site.

20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium as claimed in claim 16, wherein the target pressure is modulated so as to maintain a pressure differential between the target pressure and the value of the pressure applied to wound site, wherein the pressure differential is one of a constant and a nonconstant, wherein the non-constant pressure differential is determined based on the stage or type of treatment to be performed by the wound therapy unit.