Dressing with integrated sensor for negative-pressure therapy

A sensor module configured to be coupled to a dressing for treating a tissue site with negative pressure, the sensor module comprising:

• a controller;
• an electroactive polymer sensor coupled to the controller;
• a dressing interface integrated with the controller, the dressing interface having a flange;
• and
• the electroactive polymer sensor coupled to and extending outwardly from the flange, a surface of the electroactive polymer sensor configured to face the tissue site being coplanar with a surface of the flange configured to face the tissue site.

A method of treating a tissue site with negative pressure, the method comprising:

• coupling a dressing to the tissue site, the dressing comprising:
• a cover;
• and
• a tissue interface coupled to the cover, wherein the tissue interface is proximate a wound;
• coupling a sensor to the dressing, the sensor having a plurality of fluid restrictions through the sensor and configured to measure a strain in the dressing;
• fluidly coupling a dressing interface to the dressing;
• fluidly coupling a fluid conductor to the dressing interface;
• fluidly coupling a negative-pressure source to the tissue interface via the fluid conductor;
• measuring a baseline strain in the dressing using the sensor in the absence of negative pressure applied to the tissue site;
• applying negative pressure to the tissue site using the negative-pressure source;
• measuring a strain in the dressing using the sensor;
• and
• determining a depth of the tissue site based on the measured strain.