Ostomy appliance

Abstract

An ostomy appliance (1) comprising: first and second walls (10, 12) connected at or near their peripheries to provide a waste collecting cavity (14) therebetween; an ostomy receiving opening (20) provided in the first wall (10); and a coupling member (30) providing coupling about the stoma to the patient, which is coupled directly or indirectly to the first wall (10) by a coupling formation (40), the coupling formation comprising: a first coupling structure (50) extending about the ostomy receiving opening (20) and having a periphery, and providing support between the coupling member (30) and the first wall (10); and a second coupling structure (60) provided outboard of the periphery of the first coupling structure (50) and further from the ostomy receiving opening (20) than the first coupling structure (50).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to ostomy devices. Background Technology

[0002] Ostomy devices are well-known medical devices. Typically, an ostomy device has a collection volume in fluid communication with the patient's stoma to collect bodily waste. More specifically, an ostomy device includes a first (body-side) wall and a second wall (and possibly other walls) that are connected (directly or indirectly) to each other at or near their periphery to form the collection volume. The first wall includes a stoma receiving opening and is connected to a connecting member surrounding the stoma receiving opening, allowing the ostomy device to be attached to the patient. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to provide an improved ostomy device.

[0004] According to one aspect of the invention, we provide an ostomy appliance comprising: a first wall and a second wall connected at or near their peripheries to provide a waste collection cavity therebetween; an ostomy receiving opening disposed in the first wall; and a connecting member providing a connection around the ostomy to a patient, which is directly or indirectly connected to the first wall by a connecting structure comprising: a first connecting structure extending around the ostomy receiving opening and having a periphery and providing support between the connecting member and the first wall; and a second connecting structure disposed outside the periphery of the first connecting structure and further away from the ostomy receiving opening than the first connecting structure. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Some embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0006] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the ostomy apparatus is shown;

[0007] Figure 2 , Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 9A and Figure 9B An example of a connecting component is shown;

[0008] Figure 10 A view of the ostomy apparatus from the rear (or body) side is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0009] Figure 1 and Figure 10An ostomy device 1 is shown. The ostomy device 1 includes a pouch formed by a first wall 12 and a second wall 14 connected at or near the periphery. A collection volume 16 for collecting bodily waste is defined between the first wall 12 and the second wall 14.

[0010] The stoma receiving opening 20 is located in the first wall 12 (in Figure 2 In the examples shown below, the stoma receiving opening 20 is typically circular. The stoma receiving opening 20 is sized to fit around the patient's stoma. It should be understood that the size and shape of the stoma receiving opening 20 can be adapted to fit an individual patient (and can be modified, for example, by the patient or a healthcare professional, to adapt the stoma appliance 1 to a particular user).

[0011] The stoma device 1 includes a connecting member 30. The connecting member 30 has a surface 34 for connection to the patient. The connecting member 30 is located around the stoma receiving opening 20 such that the surface 34 is positioned to connect the stoma device 1 to the patient and provide a seal between the body and the device (i.e., to prevent waste from being allowed to leak from the collection volume 16). The surface 34 has an aqueous colloid to adhere the connecting member 30 to the skin. However, the surface 34 can be connected to the patient by alternative mechanisms, such as another adhesive, a silicone surface, or a magnetic connection.

[0012] The connecting member 30 is directly or indirectly connected to the first wall 12 via the connecting structure 40. The connecting structure 40 includes a first connecting structure 50 and a second connecting structure 60.

[0013] specifically refer to Figure 10 The rear / body side of the stoma device 1 is shown. It can be seen that the connecting member 30 and the stoma receiving opening 20 are positioned facing the upper part 12a of the first wall 12. Figure 2 Various examples of connection configuration 40 are shown in Figure 9. Where the same feature is shown in multiple embodiments / figures, the feature is given the same reference numerals, and where the features are not exactly the same but similar, the reference numerals are the same and a superscript symbol (') is added—for example, 62 becomes 62'. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, all features can be combined with each other as needed.

[0014] In some embodiments, the connecting member 30 has one or more slits 32 extending radially outward from the stoma receiving opening 20 (in the illustrated embodiment, the connecting member 30 has five radially extending slits 32). In this example, each slit 32 extends radially away from the stoma receiving opening 20 to the outer edge / periphery of the connecting member 30. In some embodiments, the connecting member 30 has a pair of slits 32 spaced apart from each other and at an angle. Each of this pair of slits 32 is positioned on each side and above the stoma receiving opening 20 (e.g., towards the upper portion 12a of the first wall 12). It should be understood that the connecting member 30 may have fewer or more slits as needed.

[0015] The first connecting structure 50 extends around the stoma receiving opening 20 and has a periphery 50a. The periphery 50a defines the outer edge of the first connecting structure 50. In use, the first connecting structure 50 provides support between the connecting member 30 and the pouch.

[0016] In the illustrated example, the first connecting structure 50 extends completely around the stoma receiving opening 20. Therefore, the periphery 50a of the first connecting structure 50 also extends completely around the stoma receiving opening 20. In some embodiments, the first connecting structure 50 is substantially symmetrical about an axis perpendicular to the connecting member and substantially centrally located. In the illustrated embodiment, the periphery 50a of the first connecting structure 50 is generally circular. However, it should be understood that the periphery may be of another shape as needed (e.g., triangular, square, pentagonal, or elliptical, for example, flattened above and below the stoma receiving opening and wider on the sides).

[0017] In some embodiments (e.g.) Figures 2 to 7 In those embodiments), the first connecting structure 50 includes a second inner periphery 50b (which is radially located inside periphery 50a). In other words, the second inner periphery 50b defines a radially inner extent of the attachment. The (first / outer) periphery 50a and the second inner periphery 50b define a ring that defines the edge of the attachment between the first wall 12 and the connecting member 30 (through a direct or indirect connection—which will be explained in more detail below). In this embodiment, the second inner periphery 50b does not coincide with the stoma receiving opening 20 and is therefore spaced apart from or away from the stoma receiving opening 20. In some embodiments, the first connecting structure 50 forms an annular shape.

[0018] In another example (e.g. in) Figure 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 9A as well as Figure 9BIn the middle, the first connecting structure 50 extends from the (outer) periphery 50a to the second inner periphery 50b that coincides with the stoma receiving opening 20. In other words, the periphery 50a and the stoma receiving opening 20 define the attachment area covered by the first connecting structure 50. Therefore, the first connecting structure 50 forms a generally circular attachment (directly or indirectly) between the first wall 12 and the connecting member 30, with the stoma receiving opening 20 located at the center.

[0019] The ostomy appliance 1 includes a connection structure 40 that directly or indirectly connects the first wall 12 to the connection member 30.

[0020] A direct connection refers to a connection that extends between the first wall 12 and the connecting member 30. In some embodiments, this can be achieved through a welding process between the materials of the first wall 12 and the connecting member 30.

[0021] Indirect connection allows for a second member between the first wall 12 and the connecting member 30. A convex or concave member (not shown) may be positioned around the stoma receiving opening 20 behind the connecting member 30 (i.e., sandwiched between the first wall 12 and the connecting member 30). The convex member may support body tissue around the stoma, thereby improving the connection between the surface 34 and the patient. In such an embodiment, a first connecting structure 50 may be formed first between the first wall 12 and the convex member, and secondly between the convex member and the connecting member 30. In other words, the convex / concave member is connected to the connecting member 30, and the first connecting structure directly connects the convex member to the first wall. Therefore, the connection between the first wall 12 and the connecting member 30 is indirect. It should be understood that not all stoma appliances include a convex member, and their use will depend on the patient receiving medical care.

[0022] In the case of indirect connection, the first connection structure 50 may be formed / provided using an adhesive between the first wall 12 and the convex member, and between the convex member and the connecting member 30.

[0023] The second connecting structure 60 is positioned outside the periphery 50a of the first connecting structure 50 and further away from the stoma receiving opening 20 than the first connecting structure 50. The second connecting structure 60 is located on the upper portion 12a facing the first wall 12 (in use, this is above the stoma receiving opening 20). One function of including the second connecting structure 60 is to reduce the impact of the bag being pulled forward away from the connecting member 30 when the collection volume 16 is full of waste. The second connecting structure 60 provides an additional anchor point between the connecting member 30 and the first wall 12.

[0024] In some embodiments (e.g., Figure 2 The second connecting structure 60 is connected to the first connecting structure 50. Figure 2 In the example shown, the second connection structure 60 extends generally toward the stoma receiving opening 20 and is connected to the periphery 50a of the first connection structure 50.

[0025] It should be understood that, in this specification, the stoma receiving opening 20 is used as a reference point. The stoma receiving opening 20 is generally positioned approximately at the center within the connecting member 30 (and can be cut out from the connecting member 30 after manufacturing). Therefore, it should be understood that the reference to the stoma receiving opening 20 should also be considered as a reference to the approximately central position where the stoma receiving opening will occupy within the connecting member 30.

[0026] The second connecting structure 60 has a periphery 63 that defines the outer edge of the second connecting structure 60. In some embodiments, the second connecting structure 60 includes a base portion connected to the periphery 50a of the first connecting structure 50 and a curved end extending distally from the stoma receiving opening 20. In other words, the periphery 63 of the second connecting structure 60 includes a curved portion at the top (i.e., furthest from the stoma receiving opening 20 and towards the upper portion 12a of the first wall 12).

[0027] In some embodiments (for example, see Figure 3A and Figure 8A The second connecting structure 60 extends to the outer edge of the connecting member 30. In other words, the periphery 63 of the second connecting structure 60 extends substantially to match the outer periphery of the connecting member 30.

[0028] In some embodiments (see, for example) Figure 3B The second connecting structure 60 extends to a position spaced apart from the outer edge of the connecting member 30. In other words, the periphery 63 of the second connecting structure 60 extends substantially to a position spaced apart from the outer periphery of the connecting member 30.

[0029] In some embodiments, the connection structure 40 includes a plurality of second connection structures 60. For example, Figure 3A , Figure 3B as well as Figure 8A Three separate second connection structures 60 (adjacent to each other) are shown, which are connected to the periphery 50a of the first connection structure 50 at their respective base portions. Figure 4A , Figure 4B as well as Figure 8B Five second connection structures 60 are shown, which are similarly arranged adjacent to each other, and their base portions are connected to the periphery 50a of the first connection structure 50.

[0030] Therefore, the second connecting structures 60 can each be arranged at different angles relative to the stoma receiving opening 20 and extend generally toward the stoma receiving opening 20. In other words, the second connecting structures 60 form a fan-shaped structure between the periphery 50a of the first connecting structure 50 and the top of the connecting member 30.

[0031] It should be understood that each second connecting structure 60 can extend a different distance from its periphery 50a. For example, Figure 4A The illustrated embodiment includes three “central” second connecting structures 60a, all extending to the outer periphery of the connecting member 30, and two “outer” second connecting structures 60b spaced apart from the edges of the connecting member 30. A similar construction of the second connecting structures 60a, 60b is described in... Figure 4B The following is shown. In this case, the three central second connecting structures 60a are spaced apart from the edges of the connecting member 30, and the two outer second connecting structures 60b are shorter.

[0032] Therefore, each second connection structure 60 may terminate at a radial distance of more than one radial distance from the stoma receiving opening 20 (and / or a radial distance of the periphery 50a of the first connection structure 50) or at a different radial distance.

[0033] In some embodiments (e.g., Figure 5 The second connecting structure 60' is separate from the first connecting structure 50. Figure 5 In the example shown, there is a single second connection structure 60' that is separate from and independent of the first connection structure 50 (and its periphery 50a).

[0034] The second connecting structure 60' has a perimeter 63' that defines the outer edge of the second connecting structure 60'. In the example shown, the perimeter 63' forms a continuous boundary (which is generally circular in this example). In other words, the second connecting structure 60' is generally circular. It should be understood that the second connecting structure 60' can be of different shapes, such as ellipse, square, or rectangle, while still remaining separate and independent from the first connecting structure 50.

[0035] Figure 6 and 9A Both show a connection configuration 40 with two second connection structures 60', and Figure 7 Five second connection structures 60' are shown. In each of these examples, each second connection structure 60' is separate from and adjacent to the next second connection structure 60'.

[0036] In both examples, the second connecting structure 60' is essentially centered on an axis that extends vertically downward from the top of the first wall 12 and passes through the stoma receiving opening 20. Another second connecting structure 60' is located on either side. In this example, the second connecting structures 60' are symmetrical about the central axis—that is, in a group of three second connecting structures 60', one is placed on either side of the central second connecting structure 60', and in a group of five second connecting structures 60', two are placed on either side of the central structure 60'.

[0037] It should also be understood that the second connecting structure 60' may have different radial distances from the stoma receiving opening 20 (and / or from the periphery 50a of the first connecting structure 50). For example, Figure 7 A first central second connecting structure 60a' is shown, positioned at a first (radial) distance from the stoma receiving opening 20 (and its periphery 50a). Two intermediate second connecting structures 60b' are positioned on either side of the first second connecting structure 60a' and are positioned at a second shortest distance (i.e., a second radial distance) from the stoma receiving opening 20. Furthermore, two outer second connecting structures 60c' are positioned on either side of the intermediate second connecting structures 60b' and are positioned at a third shortest distance (i.e., a third radial distance) from the stoma receiving opening 20.

[0038] It should also be understood that in embodiments having multiple second connection structures 60, 62', two types of second connection structures 60, 62' may be included. In other words, the second connection structure 60 connected to the first connection structure 50 may be mixed with the second connection structure 60' that is separate from the first connection structure 50.

[0039] In some embodiments where the connecting member 30 includes one or more slits 32 (as shown in the figures), each or every slit 32 has a radially innermost end that defines a radial distance from the stoma receiving opening 20. The periphery 50a of the first connecting structure 50 is located at this radial distance from the stoma receiving opening 20 or a smaller radial distance. In other words, the first connecting structure 50 is located within the radially innermost end of the slit 32.

[0040] The second connecting structure 60 is either located at approximately the same radial distance, or at a radial position defined by the innermost end of the (multiple) slits 32.

[0041] In some embodiments, even if the first connection structure 50 is provided indirectly (as described above), the second connection structure 60 can still be provided as a direct connection between the connection member 30 and the first wall 12.

[0042] The advantage of having the second connecting structures 60, 62' is that additional support can be provided between the first wall 12 (specifically, the upper portion 12a of the first wall 12) and the connecting member 30 (which is located above the existing support previously provided). Previously, as the collection volume 16 filled during use, the top of the ostomy device 1 would sag forward under the pull of the weight at the bottom. The additional connections provided by the second connecting structures(s) 60, 60' prevent and / or reduce the sag of the sac because the first wall 12 is attached to the connecting member 30 at a higher position, and therefore the first wall 12 is prevented from being pulled forward away from the connecting member 30 (and the body to which the device 1 is attached).

[0043] When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprising" and "including," and variations thereof, mean to include the specified features, steps, or integers. These terms should not be construed as excluding the presence of other features, steps, or components.

[0044] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, are expressed in their specific form or as means of performing the disclosed functions or methods or processes of achieving the disclosed results, and, as the case may be, individually or in any combination of such features, be used to implement different forms of the invention.

[0045] Although certain exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited to these embodiments only. The claims should be interpreted literally, purposively, and / or include equivalents.

Claims

1. A stoma device, characterized in that, include: The first and second walls are joined at or near their perimeters to provide a waste collection chamber therebetween. The stoma receiving opening is located in the first wall, and A connecting member having one or more slits extending radially outward relative to a stoma receiving opening, and the connecting member providing a connection around the stoma to the patient, which is directly or indirectly connected to a first wall via a connecting configuration comprising: A first connecting structure extends around the stoma receiving opening and has a periphery, and provides support between the connecting member and the first wall. The second connecting structure is disposed outside the periphery of the first connecting structure and further away from the stoma receiving opening than the first connecting structure. The second connecting structure is located at the same radial distance as the radial position defined by the innermost ends of the plurality of slits, or at a radial position greater than the radial position defined by the innermost ends of the plurality of slits.

2. The ostomy apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second connecting structure is positioned above the stoma receiving opening during use.

3. The ostomy apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The second connection structure is separate from the first connection structure.

4. The ostomy apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second connection structure is roughly circular.

5. The ostomy apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second connection structure is connected to the first connection structure.

6. The ostomy apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second connection structure generally extends upward toward the stoma receiving opening and connects to the periphery of the first connection area.

7. The ostomy apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second connecting structure includes a curved end positioned away from the first connecting structure.

8. The ostomy apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The attachment area of ​​the second connection structure extends to the edge of the connecting member or extends to a position spaced apart from the edge of the connecting member.

9. The ostomy apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It has multiple second connection structures.

10. The ostomy apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, Each of the second connection structures is either separate from the first connection structure or connected to the first connection structure.

11. The ostomy apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, It has two to five second connection structures, which are spaced apart from each other.

12. The ostomy apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting member has a pair of spaced-apart slits at an angle, located above the stoma receiving opening and facing the upper part of the first wall, and wherein a second connecting structure is positioned between the pair of slits.

13. The ostomy apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slit or each slit has a radially innermost end, which is radially spaced from the center of the stoma receiving opening, and the periphery of the first connecting structure is located at this radial distance, or at a smaller radial distance from the center of the stoma receiving opening.

14. The ostomy apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connection structure extends entirely around the stoma receiving opening.

15. The ostomy apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first connecting structure has a second inner periphery, which either coincides with the stoma receiving opening or is radially spaced outward from the stoma receiving opening.

16. The ostomy apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connection structure is approximately symmetrical with respect to the midline, which extends approximately vertically through the stoma receiving opening during use.

17. The ostomy apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connecting structure is roughly circular or ring-shaped.

18. The ostomy apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a convex or concave support member positioned between and connected to the first wall and the connecting member, wherein the first connecting structure directly connects the convex member to the first wall.

19. The ostomy apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second connection structure provides a direct connection between the first wall and the connecting member.

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