System and apparatus for treating a tissue site having an in-line canister

A canister for use in administering reduced pressure to a tissue site, the canister comprising:

• a center body having a first end, a second end, and a number of fluidly separate body conduits extending from the first end to the second end;
• an absorbent material positioned in each of the number of fluidly separate body conduits;
• a first end cap connected to the first end of the center body, the first end cap having an inlet port and an outlet port, the first end cap having a first plenum for receiving fluids;
• and
• a second end cap connected to the second end of the center body, the second end cap having a second plenum for receiving fluids.

A system for use in administering reduced pressure to a tissue site, the system comprising:

• a reduced-pressure dressing positioned proximate the tissue site, the reduced-pressure dressing including a manifold positioned within the tissue site for delivering reduced pressure to the tissue site;
• an in-line canister fluidly connected to the reduced-pressure dressing through a first conduit for receiving and storing fluid received from the tissue site, the in-line canister comprising:
• a center body having a first end, a second end, and a number of fluidly separate body conduits extending from the first end to the second end;
• a first end cap connected to the first end of the center body, the first end cap having a number of return conduits configured to fluidly connect one of the body conduits with another of the body conduits, the first end cap having a port for receiving a conduit in fluid communication with the tissue site;
• and
• a second end cap connected to the second end of the center body, the second end having a number of return conduits configured to fluidly connect one of the body conduits with another of the body conduits, the second end cap having a port for receiving a conduit in fluid communication with a reduced pressure source;
• wherein the fluid connection of the body conduits to the return conduits of the first and second end caps creates a continuous, tortuous flow path;
• and
• a reduced-pressure treatment unit fluidly connected to the canister through a second conduit, the reduced-pressure treatment unit including a reduced pressure source for providing reduced pressure to the tissue site.

A canister for storing exudates from a tissue site, the canister comprising:

• a first end configured for coupling to a first conduit;
• a second end configured for coupling to a second conduit;
• a tortuous flow path through the canister from the first end to the second end;
• and
• an absorbent material disposed in the tortuous flow path.