The present invention provides a treatment apparatus. The apparatus
contains a reservoir or generator for a treatment solution, a mechanism
for delivering the treatment solution to a wound site, and a mechanism
for applying the solution to a wound, tissue, bone or surgical cavity for
treatment. The apparatus may apply the solution (e.g., a solution
containing hypohalous acid) with, for example, an occlusive wound
dressing, pulsative lavage device, hydrotherapy, hydrosurgical device,
and/or ultrasound. A waste container may be operably connected to the
apparatus for collecting waste from the wound by run-off, or by applying
negative pressure (e.g. a vacuum). Because the apparatus of the invention
can optionally be portable or mobile, the invention is suitable for use
in hospitals and nursing homes, as well as for home wound care. The
invention also provides a method for treating a wound (or other area
needing treatment), and/or for reducing wound bioburden, by supplying a
hypochlorous acid solution to the site, such as a wound colonized or
infected with drug resistant bacteria, before, during, or after negative
pressure wound therapy.