GB2534012A

GB2534012A - Ostomy appliance

Info

Publication number: GB2534012A
Application number: GB1519553.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Darwood Richard
Original assignee: Salts Healthcare Ltd
Current assignee: Salts Healthcare Ltd
Priority date: 2014-11-07
Filing date: 2015-11-05
Publication date: 2016-07-13
Anticipated expiration: 2035-11-05
Also published as: GB2534012B; GB201419881D0; GB201519553D0

Abstract

An ostomy bag comprising first 12 and second walls 14 defining a waste collecting cavity 17 therebetween, a connection member 18 for attaching the bag 10 to a user, and an absorbent member 30 located within the waste collecting cavity 17 adjacent the stoma-receiving opening 16. The absorbent member 30 preferably defining an annulus extending around the stoma-receiving opening 16, and is formed of, or comprises: a super-absorbent material, a fibrous material or a hydrocolloid gel, gum or adhesive. Fluid communication/transportation between the flange 18 and absorbent member 30 is also preferable, with the transportation of liquid ideally possible in only one direction from the flange 18 to the absorbent material 30 - thus ensuring that the flange 18 maintains a secure connection to the user. Fluid transportation between these structures may be encouraged by increasing the interacting surface area between them, possibly through the provision of co-engaging recesses and/or projections on their interacting surface.

Description

Title: Ostomy appliance

Description of Invention

The invention relates to an ostomy appliance for collecting human waste. It should be understood that the invention can be utilised in drainable and nondrainable ostomy appliances. The invention is applicable to both one piece 10 and two piece ostomy appliances.

According to a first aspect of the invention, we provide an ostomy appliance having:-first and second walls connected to each other at or near their peripheries, the first wall having a stoma-receiving opening; a waste collecting cavity defined between the first and second walls; and a connection member connected to the first wall for attaching the appliance to a user, wherein the appliance includes an absorbent member which is positioned adjacent the stoma-receiving opening and within the waste collecting cavity.

Further features of the first aspect of the invention are set out in claims 2 to 35 25 appended hereto.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:-Figure 1 is a rear view of an embodiment of an ostomy appliance in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the appliance of figure 1 through the plane A. Referring firstly to the figures, these show a first embodiment of an ostomy appliance in accordance with the present invention, shown generally at 10.

The general construction of the ostomy appliance 10 is similar to those well known in the art and in that sense it includes first 12 and second 14 walls connected to each other at or near their peripheries 13, for example by heat welding or using an adhesive. The walls 12, 14 are opaque other than where indicated below, although that need not necessarily be the case. The ostomy appliance shown is a drainable appliance, meaning that its contents can be emptied through an opening 11 between the walls 12, 14. In alternative embodiments, the appliance need not be drainable. The first 12 and second 14 walls define a waste collecting cavity 17.

The present embodiment also includes a further, third, wall made from upper 15a and lower 15b wall portions which overlap each other. The purpose of the third wall is to conceal the contents of the appliance during use, whilst permitting a user to view the contents through the overlapping wall portions 15a, 15b. The wall portions 15a, 15b are connected to the second wall at or near their peripheries 13.

The first wall 12 has a stoma-receiving opening 16 and is connected to a generally connecting member in the form of a circular flange 18 which is manufactured from a hydrocolloid material, for adhering the appliance 10 to a user around their stoma. In other embodiments, the connecting member may be part of a two-piece or the like coupling, with another connecting member being adhered to a user. Such alternatives of connecting the appliance to a user are well known, and so will not be discussed in further detail herein.

The ostomy appliance 10 also includes an aperture in the second wall 14 which is covered by a gas filter 20, as is well known in the art. The aperture / gas filter 20 permits gasses to escape from the cavity during use.

Advantageously, the appliance includes an absorbent member 30 which is positioned adjacent the stoma-receiving opening 16 and within the waste collecting cavity 17. The purpose of the member 30 is to absorb any liquid waste which way come into contact with or around the stoma during use, so as to minimise irritation thereto. The member 30 has its own, generally central, opening which aligns with the opening 16. The opening in the member 30 permits waste to pass therethrough. The opening in the absorbent member 30, in the present embodiment, is the same size as the opening 16. However, it is also envisaged that the absorbent member opening may be larger than the opening 16 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the present embodiment the absorbent member 30 extends all of the way around the stoma-receiving opening 16, and is annular. In envisaged embodiments the absorbent member 30 may extend only partially around the opening 16, e.g. it may be C-shaped.

In the present embodiment the flange 18, first wall 12 and absorbent member 30 are adhered! connected to each other in that order, such that a portion of the first wall 12 is positioned (i.e. sandwiched) in between the flange 18 and the absorbent member 18. The absorbent member 30 is therefore connected to an interior surface of the first wall. In alternative embodiments, however, the absorbent member 30 may be connected to a surface of the flange which faces the waste collecting cavity, with the first wall 12 also being connected, at a separate location, to the flange 18. In other words, the connection between the absorbent member 30 and flange 18 permits fluid communication/transportation therebetween. Thus, in some embodiments, the first wall 12 may be connected only to the absorbent member 30. In all envisaged embodiments, however, it is necessary for the absorbent member to be positioned with the waste collecting cavity.

The fluid communication/transportation between the flange 18 and absorbent member 30 permits any excess fluid/liquid absorbed by the flange 18 to be transported away from the flange 18 to the absorbent member 30. This ensures that the flange 18 maintains a secure connection to the user, and reduces the risk of the flange 18 peeling off the user. It also prolongs the useable life of flange 18, as a result. This is particularly advantageous when the flange 18 is capable of absorbing little or no fluid/liquid, e.g. if it is constructed from silicon, and there is a high possibility of the flange 18 detaching from the user as a result, for example, of a user's sweat.

It is also envisaged that the transportation of liquid between the flange 18 and the absorbent member 30 is ideally possible only one directional, from the flange 18 to the absorbent member 30. This would be advantageous, for example, to prevent the transportation of liquid from the absorbent member 30 to the flange 18, which might cause it to become unadhered to the user. Preferably, the fluid transportation liquid is permitted laterally away from the flange 18 to the absorbent member 30. More preferably, fluid transportation is permitted in a direction substantially perpendicular, or orthogonal, to the flange 18, or the plane in which the flange 18 lies. Most preferably, fluid transportation is permitted in a direction substantially perpendicular, or orthogonal, to the plane in which the flange 18 lies away from the flange 18 to 25 the absorbent member 30.

It is envisaged that the flange 18 and absorbent member 30 may be adhered together using an adhesive. It is also envisaged that the flange 18 and absorbent member 30 may be directly laminated to each other, e.g. using heating or pressure. Alternatively still, a liquid permeable layer, e.g. a textile, may be placed in between the flange 18 and absorbent member 30 in order to enable fluid communication/transportation. However, all that is required for liquid to be transported away from the flange 18, or to enable fluid/liquid communication, is that the flange 18 and absorbent member 30 are configured such that fluid/liquid can be transported from the flange 18 to the absorbent member 30, and in some instances, vice versa.

The first wall 12 provides an ideal surface to connect the flange 18 and absorbent member 30 to, but is liquid impermeable. In embodiments where a portion of the first wall 12 is positioned (i.e. sandwiched) in between the flange 18 and the absorbent member 18, it would not, therefore, be possible for liquid transportation to take place between the flange 18 and the absorbent member 30. It is proposed, to overcome this, to provide one or a plurality of apertures or openings in a portion of the first wall 12 which lies between the flange 18 and absorbent member 30 to enable fluid transportation therethrough. The apertures/openings may be any shape or size, but may, for instance, be circular, oval, rectangular, or diamond shaped.

The faces/surfaces of the flange 18 and absorbent member 30 may be treated or prepared in such a way so as to encourage fluid communication/transportation between the two. For instance, formations of recesses and projections may be formed into the waste collecting cavity facing surface of the flange 18 and corresponding recesses and projections in the flange facing surface of the absorbent member 30 to increase the surface area that participates in fluid communication/transportation therebetween. Another example would be to provide formations of ridges and/or grooves in the surfaces of the flange 18 and absorbent member 30 to increase the interacting surface area between the two components. The formations may, for example, be sinusoidal in shape, saw toothed, or rectangular, or a combination of these.

It is important, although not essential, that the flange 18 has a lower absorption capacity than the absorption member 30. Or to look at it the other way, it is preferred for the absorption member 30 to have a higher absorption capacity than the flange 18. This ensures that the absorption member 30 is the primary absorber of liquids.

The absorption member 30 may be a formed or cut piece / pad of material, although in some embodiments it may be provided as a container, sachet or the like which includes an or a plurality of absorbent materials. In such embodiments, the "skin" of the member may be permeable to permit liquid to pass therethough and to come into contact with the absorbent materials.

In preferred embodiments the flange 18 is manufactured from a pressure sensitive adhesive, for examples hydrocolloid adhesive, integrated hydrocolloid adhesive, acrylic, EVA-based adhesive, polyurethane, silicone, latex, natural and synthetic rubbers.

In some embodiments the absorbent member (or the material contained therein) is or includes one or more synthetic super-absorbent materials. The synthetic super-absorbent material(s) may be selected from one or more or a combination of the following: Salts of polyacrylic acid, Allyl ether crosslinked Polyacrylic acid, Polyacrylamide copolymers, Ethylene maleic anhydride copolymer, Crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose, Polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, Crosslinked polyethylene oxide, Starch grafted copolymer of polyacrylonitrile, Polyvinylpyrolidone vinyl acetate copolymers, Salts of polyaspartate resins, and/or equivalents thereof.

In some embodiments the absorbent member (or the material contained therein) is or includes one or more hydrocolloid gums or fluid thickeners. The hydrocolloid gum(s) / fluid thickener(s) may be selected from one or more or a combination of the following: Salts of alginic acid, Sodium or Calcium Alginate, Carboxymethylcellulose, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Pectin, Gelatine, Guar gum, Locust Bean gum, Karaya gum, Starch, Carrageenan gums, Amidated pectins, Xanthan gum, Konjac Gum, Gellen gum, Soy polysaccharides, Polymannan and acetylated polymannans, Hypromellose, Gum Arabic, Tragancanth gum, Dextranomer, Agar, and/or equivalents thereof.

In some embodiments the absorbent member (or the material contained therein) is or includes one or more fibrous materials. The fibrous material(s) may be selected from one or more or a combination of the following: Alginate textile fibres, Spun, woven or needle bonded cellulosic textiles, Cellulose pulp, Collagen, and/or equivalents thereof.

In some embodiments the absorbent member (or the material contained therein) is or includes one or more of the following: Hydrophilic polyurethane foam, Hydrocolloid adhesive, Hydrogel adhesive, and/or equivalents thereof.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1 An ostomy appliance having:-first and second walls connected to each other at or near their peripheries, the first wall having a stoma-receiving opening; a waste collecting cavity defined between the first and second walls; and a connection member connected to the first wall for attaching the appliance to a user, wherein the appliance includes an absorbent member which is positioned adjacent the stoma-receiving opening and within the waste collecting cavity.
2. An ostomy appliance according to claim 1 wherein the absorbent member extends all or substantially all of the way around the stoma-receiving opening.
3. An ostomy appliance according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the absorbent member is annular.
4. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein a portion of the first wall is positioned in between the connection member and the absorbent member.
5. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein the absorbent member is connected to a surface of the connection member which faces the waste collecting cavity.
6. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein the absorbent member and the connection member are configured such that fluid transportation therebetween is permitted.
7. An ostomy appliance according to claim 6 wherein fluid transportation is only permitted in a direction from the connection member to the absorbent member.
8. An ostomy appliance according to claim 6 or claim 7 wherein fluid transportation is permitted laterally away from the connection member to the absorbent member.
9. An ostomy appliance according to any of claims 6 to 8 wherein fluid transportation is permitted in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connection member.
10. An ostomy appliance according to any of claims 6 to 9 wherein fluid transportation is permitted in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the connection member lies.
11. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein the connection between the absorbent member and connection member permits fluid transportation therethrough..
12. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein a surface of the connection member engages / abuts with a surface of the absorbent member.
13. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein the connection member and absorbent member are adhered together using an adhesive.
14. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claims wherein the connection member and absorbent member are directly laminated to each other.
15. An ostomy appliance according to any of claims 1 to 13 wherein a liquid permeable layer is positioned in between the connection member and absorbent member.
16. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein a surface of the connection member which faces the waste collecting cavity includes a plurality of recesses and/or projections.
17. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein a surface of the connection member which faces the absorbent member includes a plurality of recesses and/or projections.
18. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein faces surfaces of the connection member and/or the absorbent member each include a plurality of ridges and/or grooves.
19. An ostomy appliance according to any of claims 16 to 18 wherein the formations are sinusoidal and/or saw-toothed and/or rectangular in shape, or a combination thereof.
20. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein the absorbent member is connected to an interior surface of the first wall.
21. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein the first wall is connected to the absorbent member.
22. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein the first wall is connected only to the absorbent member.
23. An ostomy appliance according to claim 21 or claim 22 wherein the first wall is connected to a surface of the absorbent member which faces the waste collecting cavity.
24. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein the connection member has a lower absorption capacity than the absorption 10 member.
25. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein the connection member includes or consists of one or more of the following: hydrocolloid adhesive, integrated hydrocolloid adhesive, acrylic, EVA-based adhesive, polyurethane, silicone, latex, natural and/or synthetic rubbers.
26. Wherein the connection member includes an adhesive surface for adhering the appliance to a user.
27. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein the connection member is connectable to a further member which further member is adhered to a user, e.g. a two-piece coupling.
28. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein the absorbent member is or includes one or more synthetic super-absorbent materials.
29. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim the synthetic super-absorbent material(s) is/are selected from one or more or a combination of the following: Salts of polyacrylic acid, Allyl ether crosslinked Polyacrylic acid, Polyacrylamide copolymers, Ethylene maleic anhydride copolymer, Crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose, Polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, Crosslinked polyethylene oxide, Starch grafted copolymer of polyacrylonitrile, Polyvinylpyrolidone vinyl acetate copolymers, Salts of polyaspartate resins, and/or equivalents thereof.
30. An ostomy appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 27 wherein the absorbent member is or includes one or more hydrocolloid gums or fluid thickeners.
31. An ostomy appliance according to claim 30 wherein the hydrocolloid gum(s) / fluid thickener(s) is/are selected from one or more or a combination of the following: Salts of alginic acid, Sodium or Calcium Alginate, Carboxymethylcellulose, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Pectin, Gelatine, Guar gum, Locust Bean gum, Karaya gum, Starch, Carrageenan gums, Amidated pectins, Xanthan gum, Konjac Gum, Gellen gum, Soy polysaccharides, Polymannan and acetylated polymannans, Hypromellose, Gum Arabic, Tragancanth gum, Dextranomer, Agar, and/or equivalents thereof.
32. An ostomy appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 27 wherein the absorbent member is or includes one or more fibrous materials.
33. An ostomy appliance according claim 32 wherein the fibrous material(s) is/are selected from one or more or a combination of the following: Alginate textile fibres, Spun, woven or needle bonded cellulosic textiles, Cellulose pulp, Collagen, and/or equivalents thereof.
34. An ostomy appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 27 wherein the absorbent member is or includes one or more of the following: Hydrophilic polyurethane foam, Hydrocolloid adhesive, Hydrogel adhesive, and/or equivalents thereof.
35. An ostomy appliance according to claim 34 wherein the absorbent member includes an absorbent pad, container, sachet or the like which includes an or a plurality of absorbent materials.
36. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim wherein the appliance includes an outlet positioned at a bottom thereof for permitting emptying of the waste collecting cavity.
37. An ostomy appliance substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
38. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or in the accompanying drawings.