Automatic wound coupling detection in negative pressure wound therapy systems

Abstract

Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods for operating the systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system includes a negative pressure source, a sensor, and a controller. The negative pressure source can provide negative pressure via a fluid flow path to the wound dressing. The sensor can monitor pressure in the fluid flow path. The controller can determine whether the wound dressing is coupled to a wound from a change in magnitude of pressure in the fluid flow path over time being more indicative of a steady state condition than a chaotic condition while the negative pressure source maintains negative pressure in the fluid flow path within a pressure range. In addition, the controller can output a first indication denoting that the wound dressing is coupled to the wound and a second indication denoting that the wound dressing is not coupled to the wound.