Irrigation system

Abstract

An anal lavage system is provided that includes a cartridge for a liquid reservoir. The liquid reservoir is disposable and can be disposed of after use. The cartridge is provided with a pressing mechanism so that the cartridge can be used to remove liquid from the liquid reservoir in a simple and convenient manner. A cartridge is also provided that includes a pressing mechanism for removing liquid from the liquid reservoir. An anal lavage system is also provided that does not include a liquid reservoir and includes an inflatable bladder that is inflated to remove liquid from the cartridge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for anal irrigation and a box for an anal irrigation system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate the embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages of the embodiments will be readily apparent as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals indicate corresponding similar parts.

[0003] Figure 1 An anal douche system is shown placed on the user's thigh ready for use.

[0004] Figure 2 Shown are the reservoir, catheter, and anal probe in one disposable unit.

[0005] Figure 3 A perspective view of an anal irrigation system with a reservoir, a catheter and an anal probe and a box including a device for compression is shown.

[0006] Figure 4 A one-way foil valve suitable for a liquid reservoir is shown.

[0007] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an anal irrigation system is shown, wherein a reservoir is inserted into a cavity of a cassette, and wherein the reservoir is subjected to pressure from a means for pressing in the cassette.

[0008] Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B A cross-sectional view of the anal irrigation system is shown with the reservoir inserted into the cavity of the cassette. Figure 6A Shows the system before use, and Figure 6B Shows the system in use.

[0009] Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B A cross-sectional view of the anal irrigation system is shown with the reservoir inserted into the cavity of the cassette. Figure 7A Shows the system before use, and Figure 6B Shows the system in use.

[0010] Figure 8A 、 Figure 8B A cross-sectional view of the anal irrigation system is shown with the reservoir inserted into the cavity of the cassette. Figure 8A Shows the system before use, and Figure 8BShows the system in use.

[0011] Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B Shown are top and cross-sectional views of an anal irrigation system comprising a cassette with two chambers. Figure 9A shows a top view of the box with the lid open, and Figure 9B Shows a cross-section of the box with the lid closed.

[0012] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the anal irrigation system is shown with the reservoir inserted into the cavity of the cassette.

[0013] Figure 11 and Figure 12 The reservoir is shown.

[0014] Figure 13 and Figure 14 A perspective view of an anal irrigation system is shown, wherein a roller is used as a means for compression.

[0015] Figures 15 to 17 The box is shown with foldable arms and how it is positioned during use.

[0016] Figures 18 to 23 Shows the steps for preparing the box and reservoir for an anal irrigation system.

[0017] Figure 24 A cross-sectional view of a box for an anal irrigation system is shown.

[0018] Figures 25 to 27 A box with an inflatable lung is shown that can be used without a liquid reservoir.

[0019] Figures 25 to 26 Shows a top view, and Figure 27 A cross-sectional view is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Anal irrigation, also known as rectal irrigation, is a procedure used to empty the lower intestine of fecal matter. Anal irrigation may be beneficial for people with neurological disorders related to spinal cord injury, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or other neurological conditions; sensory impairment that may occur after colitis surgery; or tissue elasticity issues associated with aging. People who benefit from anal irrigation often have limited dexterity.

[0021] The embodiments described below provide an anal irrigation system (AIS) having a disposable component and a reusable component. In some embodiments, the disposable component includes a reservoir containing a certain amount of liquid, a probe for insertion into the rectum, and a catheter connected between the reservoir and the probe. In other embodiments, the disposable component includes a reservoir containing a certain amount of liquid, the reservoir being connectable to a reusable catheter, which in turn is connectable to the disposable probe. The reusable component provides a box or container for receiving the reservoir of the disposable component, wherein the box is adapted to compress the reservoir to move liquid from the reservoir and away from the probe.

[0022] Advantages of an AIS include a compact, user-friendly cassette that is simple in form and unpressurized. The cassette provides various mechanical methods for reducing the volume within the cassette, causing the walls of the reservoir to collapse proportionally to move a proportional amount of liquid out of the reservoir and through the anal probe. The cassette typically has smooth, clean exterior walls, allowing for easy manipulation by the user. Internal components of the cassette are moved or otherwise displaced to reduce the effective internal volume of the cassette. The reduction in the cassette's internal volume causes the reservoir to be squeezed, displacing the liquid within.

[0023] During use, the reservoir is inserted into the box, with the catheter and anal probe extending from the box. The user begins to compress the reservoir, which reduces the effective internal volume of the box (for example, by the walls coming together or by rollers moving), pushing the liquid out of the reservoir and through the anal probe. In some embodiments, the reservoir, catheter, and probe are discarded after the anal lavage is complete. In other embodiments, the catheter can be reused, while the reservoir and probe are discarded after the anal lavage is complete. The box is not pressurized, or in other words, it is not a pressure vessel. Therefore, the user can selectively and arbitrarily stop the flow of liquid from the probe without having to move a valve or depressurize the system. The user can directly and better control and receive the amount of lavage they desire. When they are discarded, there is no need to clean the reservoir or probe between uses.

[0024] An embodiment relates to an anal lavage system comprising:

[0025] - an anal probe; a reservoir configured to hold an irrigation liquid; and a conduit connecting the reservoir to the anal probe, wherein the reservoir has a flexible wall portion; and

[0026] - a box having a housing forming an exterior surface of the box and defining an interior space within the box, and the interior space of the box including a reservoir holding cavity,

[0027] - The cassette has means for pressing the outer surface of the reservoir in order to move the irrigation liquid out of the reservoir.

[0028] An embodiment relates to an anal lavage system comprising:

[0029] - a cassette having a housing forming an exterior surface of the cassette and defining an interior space within the cassette, wherein the interior space of the cassette includes the reservoir holding cavity;

[0030] - a catheter connected between the anal probe and a reservoir sized to be placed in the reservoir holding cavity and configured to contain an irrigating fluid; and

[0031] - wherein the cassette comprises a movable element located in the interior space, and the movable element is configured to move relative to the reservoir-holding cavity to compress the reservoir and move irrigation liquid out of the reservoir.

[0032] An embodiment relates to an anal lavage system comprising:

[0033] - a catheter connected between the anal probe and a reservoir configured to contain an irrigation liquid; and

[0034] a non-pressurized cassette defining a cavity including the plate, the cavity being sized to receive the reservoir;

[0035] - wherein, when the reservoir is placed in the cavity, movement of the plate compresses the reservoir, causing irrigation fluid to move through the catheter and out of the anal probe.

[0036] An embodiment relates to an anal lavage system comprising:

[0037] - a catheter connected between the anal probe and a reservoir configured to contain an irrigation liquid;

[0038] - a box defining a cavity including the plate, the cavity being sized to receive the reservoir; and

[0039] - means for displacing the plate so as to reduce the effective volume of the cavity.

[0040] Embodiments relate to a cassette having a housing forming an exterior surface of the cassette and defining an interior space within the cassette, wherein the interior space of the cassette includes a reservoir holding cavity; the cassette is configured for use with an anal lavage system, wherein the cassette is configured to hold a reservoir having a quantity of anal lavage liquid, the cassette including means for depressing an exterior surface of the reservoir to move the anal lavage liquid from the reservoir.

[0041] An embodiment relates to an anal lavage system comprising:

[0042] - an anal probe; a reservoir configured to hold an irrigation liquid; and a conduit connecting the reservoir to the anal probe, wherein the reservoir has a flexible wall portion; and

[0043] - a cassette configured to hold the reservoir during a priming cycle,

[0044] The cassette has pressure generating means in the form of an air pump, the pressure generating means being configured to generate pressure on an outer surface portion of the reservoir, thereby causing liquid to be moved out of the reservoir.

[0045] An embodiment relates to an anal lavage system comprising:

[0046] - an anal probe; a catheter connected or connectable to an anal probe; and

[0047] a cassette having a housing forming an exterior surface of the cassette and defining an interior space within the cassette, the interior space being configured for retaining liquid during a priming cycle,

[0048] - The cassette is provided with an inflatable bladder configured to be inflated during use, thereby causing liquid to be removed from the reservoir.

[0049] Users of anal douche systems often have limited manual dexterity. Therefore, a simple system requiring little or no setup is advantageous for the user. The system described in this disclosure is very simple to set up before use and requires little or no connections before use.

[0050] The cassette disclosed herein provides a simple and convenient way to remove irrigation liquid from the reservoir. This is an advantage, particularly for users with poor manual dexterity who may find it difficult to use the irrigation system.

[0051] In the context of this disclosure, the proximal end of an anal probe, catheter, etc. is the end that is closest to the user during use, while the distal end is the opposite end.

[0052] The anal probe can be in the form of a through-tubular element having an inner lumen configured to allow the flow of an irrigation fluid. The anal probe typically includes a retaining device. Such an anal probe typically has an outer diameter of about 8 mm to 16 mm, such as 10 mm, and a length of about 70 mm to 200 mm, such as about 150 mm.

[0053] The boxes described in this disclosure may be made of rigid materials such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), a combination of PC and ABS, acrylic (PMMA), polypropylene PP, or other types of plastic materials.

[0054] The cassette includes any of several means for compression, as further described below. The material of the cassette has rigidity so that the cassette can withstand the pressure from the means for compression and provide support for the pressure. However, the cassette is not a pressure vessel and does not require pressurization to deliver the irrigation fluid to the probe, i.e., the cassette is not hermetically sealed.

[0055] Without the use of a reservoir, the box is liquid-tight. This means that the box is provided with seals at any openings into the box. As mentioned above, any sealing measures are not configured to provide an airtight seal.

[0056] In the context of the present disclosure, a device for pressing configured to cause liquid to be removed means that liquid is directly removed by the device without pressure buildup in the box. An anal irrigation system comprising the box does not rely on valves or stops to meter or contain increased pressure in the box that is released at a later stage. In contrast, the system is configured to have a direct connection between the pressure exerted by the device for pressing and the removal of liquid. In other words, the device for pressing is configured to cause liquid to be removed by direct interaction between the device for pressing and the reservoir, in that activation of the device for pressing causes liquid to be removed.

[0057] The reservoir is made of a flexible material, or at least includes flexible wall portions that are configured to be compressed by a device for pressing. Examples of materials are polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride or thermoplastic elastomer materials. Environmentally friendly materials such as corn starch can also be used. The reservoir can be made of a very thin-walled material with a thickness of less than 100 μm or even in the range of 10 μm to 50 μm. The reservoir is configured to hold approximately 1 liter (or larger or smaller if preferred) of irrigation liquid. The irrigation liquid can be tap water, but can also include saline solution.

[0058] Embodiments relate to a means for pressing configured as a roller for rolling up the reservoir. The roller may include a slot such that the reservoir is inserted into the slot, where it is gripped and rolled around the roller, thereby removing liquid from the reservoir. In these embodiments, the box may have a scraper on the sidewall behind the roller to help push the liquid out of the reservoir.

[0059] An embodiment relates to a means for pressing in the form of an actuator in combination with a pressure plate.The linear actuator may be electrically driven so that the user can operate it by simply pressing a button on the box.

[0060] By using the pressure plate, it is possible to easily and definitively check how far the pressure plate has moved. This provides an accurate reading of how much the volume of the reservoir has been reduced, and thereby how much liquid has been flushed through the system and therefore into the user's intestines.

[0061] The actuator may be located at a side wall of the box and configured to push the pressure plate toward the opposite side wall. In these cases, the actuator is a linear actuator.

[0062] The pressure plate can be connected to the side wall of the box by a hinge and configured to be tilted. In these cases, the actuator can be rotary or linear or both.

[0063] Embodiments relate to a device for compression in the form of an inflatable bladder.

[0064] The inflatable bladder can be inflated by an air pump. The air pump can be electrically or manually powered. The inflatable bladder can be subdivided into chambers, such as two, three, four, or five chambers. This subdivision allows the user to monitor how much liquid has been irrigated into the intestine, as each chamber may be capable of removing a certain amount of liquid from the reservoir.

[0065] Embodiments relate to a box including a lid.

[0066] An embodiment relates to a lid comprising means for pressing.

[0067] Embodiments relate to an anal probe that is securely and non-detachably connected to a catheter, which in turn is securely and non-detachably connected to a reservoir.

[0068] This provides a very simple and reliable system. Before use, the user fills the reservoir with liquid, inserts the reservoir into the box, and the system is ready for use. No further preparation or connection of the system is required. After use, the user simply removes the reservoir, including the catheter and anal probe, from the box and discards these single-use components. There is no need to disconnect the catheter, clean the catheter, etc. Furthermore, because the system is connected when the user receives it, this system eliminates any possibility of user-induced misconnection that could lead to misuse of the system.

[0069] Embodiments relate to an anal probe comprising a foam element on an outer surface of a tubular element of the anal probe, the foam element being configured to retain the anal probe in the rectum during an lavage procedure.The foam element may be in the form of a cuff.

[0070] Embodiments relate to an anal probe including an inflatable balloon.

[0071] In these embodiments, the cassette may include a second line for pumping air into the inflatable bladder or second chamber.

[0072] Embodiments relate to a box including a retaining device configured to hold the box in place on the upper side of a user's thigh. The retaining device can be configured to hold the box in place on the upper side of one thigh, or can alternatively be configured to hold the box in place on the upper sides of both thighs.

[0073] Embodiments relate to a box comprising a strap configured to hold the box in place at a user's thigh. The strap can be made of a suitable fabric and include hooks and loops for closing it. As an example, the strap can be made of polychloroprene.

[0074] Embodiments relate to an anal douche system or box including a pair of foldable arms configured to hold the box in place at the thighs of a user.

[0075] The distance between the arms may be adapted to allow positioning on one thigh of a user, or may alternatively be adapted to allow positioning on both thighs of a user.

[0076] The arm can be made of the same material as the box and can extend 20cm to 25cm downwards from the downside of the box in the unfolded configuration. Transverse to the folding direction, the arm can be 10cm wide. In order to allow the folding / unfolding of the arm, each arm can be provided with a hinge, which extends across the arm at a distance of 2cm to 5cm from the downside of the box. The hinge can be a movable hinge or a friction hinge. The distance between the arms can be 10cm to 20cm or larger, depending on whether the distance is suitable for the arm to be assembled on a thigh or two thighs. In the case where the arm is suitable for being assembled on two thighs, the distance between the arms can be 30cm or larger. These arms can also be configured to fold outwards (180 degrees) so that a larger bottom is provided for the box. Like this, the box with the fully deployed arms can be placed across two thighs.

[0077] Alternatively, the arms may be configured to be positioned in a variety of positions. The arms may have multiple hinged portions so that they are extendable in different positions.

[0078] Embodiments relate to a reservoir provided with a first coupling device and a cassette provided with a second coupling device, wherein the first coupling device is configured for cooperating with the second coupling device to provide a coupling for filling the reservoir when the reservoir is located in the cassette.

[0079] This embodiment is advantageous when the reservoir is thin-walled and very flexible. Thin-walled, very flexible reservoirs are somewhat fragile in structure and can be difficult to handle during filling and subsequent insertion into the cassette. Therefore, it may be advantageous to couple the reservoir to the cassette prior to filling and then fill the reservoir via the cassette. To this end, the cassette is provided with a filling opening located at the coupling.

[0080] Embodiments relate to a first coupling device having a diameter of 50 mm to 100 mm. The diameter of the second coupling device may also be 50 mm to 100 mm. In an embodiment, the first coupling device includes a c-shaped channel that is configured to cooperate with a ridge on the second coupling device to provide a connection between the first coupling device and the second coupling device. In an embodiment, the first coupling device includes a first upright ridge that is configured to cooperate with a second upright ridge on the second coupling device such that the first upright ridge circumferentially surrounds the second upright ridge. In this embodiment, the first upright ridge can be rolled onto the second upright ridge to couple the two coupling devices together.

[0081] An embodiment relates to a box having a closure for closing a filling opening. The closure may be hingedly connected to a top wall of the box.

[0082] Embodiments involve a catheter that is connected to the cassette via a connector on the catheter that is configured to mate with a through-opening on the cassette. These embodiments are particularly useful if the anal irrigation system does not have a reservoir, as the cassette is closed and liquid-tight in this case. However, the catheter can also be connected to the cassette in embodiments that include a reservoir.

[0083] By way of example, the connector may be a luer-lock type connector, a threaded connector, or a bayonet connector.

[0084] Detailed description with accompanying drawings

[0085] Unless specifically stated otherwise, the embodiments described in this application and the features of the various exemplary embodiments may be combined with one another ("mix and match").

[0086] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the irrigation system 100 disclosed herein is shown. Figure 1 The flushing system 100 is shown in a standby state, placed on a user sitting on a toilet seat 1 (only partially shown). The system includes a box 130 configured to hold a reservoir 110 ( Figure 2). The reservoir 110 in the illustrated embodiment is configured to hold approximately 1 liter of irrigation liquid (but may be larger or smaller if desired). The cassette 130 is made of a rigid material as described above. The cassette 130 provides a container for the reservoir 110 and, therefore, is not pressurized or sealed to prevent the escape of liquid or air. The cassette may be provided with an actuation button 138 on its top surface. The cassette may also include a feedback indicator 139 in the form of an LED array. The feedback indicator 139 may indicate the amount of liquid emptied from the reservoir, such that, for example, five indicators are used and one light illuminates when 1 / 5 has been emptied, the next light illuminates when another 1 / 5 has been emptied, and so on. Feedback may be obtained as explained below with respect to specific embodiments.

[0087] Figure 2 An embodiment of a reservoir 110 is shown, wherein the reservoir includes two walls 111, 112 welded along three edges 113, 114, 115, each wall 111, 112 being formed of a foil material. At the fourth edge, the reservoir includes a proximal foil 116 interposed between walls 111, 112. A conduit 117 is attached to the top foil 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the conduit 117 is securely attached to the top foil, for example, by welding together multiple sections, such as those shown at 118. The conduit 117 can also be connected to a connector (which is welded to the top foil), such as a snap-fit ​​or bayonet connector. During use, the lumen of the reservoir is in fluid communication with the lumen of the conduit, allowing irrigation fluid to flow from the reservoir and through the conduit to an anal probe 119. The anal probe is attached to the proximal end of the conduit. In the illustrated embodiment, the anal probe 119 is securely attached to the conduit, but the anal probe can also be connected using a connector, such as a snap-fit ​​or bayonet connector. In the illustrated embodiment, the anal probe is shown as having a closed tip 120 and an eyelet 121 through which irrigation fluid can exit during use. However, other configurations, such as an open tip, may also be used. The anal probe 118 may be provided with a retaining device (not shown) in the form of a foam cuff or an inflatable bladder.

[0088] Figure 3 It is shown how the reservoir is configured to be held in the cassette 130 . Figure 3 The reservoir 210 shown in FIG has walls 211, 212 welded along all four edges 213, 214, 215, 216. At one weld seam, a filling spout 222 is provided. A conduit 217 is welded to the reservoir in one of the weld seams, as indicated at 218. The filling spout 222 may be in the form of a one-way valve, with valve foils 224a, 224b inserted into opening 223, as shown. Figure 4 As indicated.

[0089] The cassette 130 has a cavity 131 configured to hold the reservoir 210 during the lavage process. In the illustrated embodiment, the cassette 130 is made of a rigid material, and advantageously the floor or lower interior wall 132 of the cavity is rigid. When the cassette is placed on the user's lap, the floor 132 is the lowest portion of the cavity. The floor 132 should be suitable for providing support for the means for pressing 133 in the cassette. In the illustrated embodiment, the means for pressing 133 is in the form of a pump 134 (see FIG. Figure 5 ) and in the form of an inflatable bag 135, which Figure 5 The inflatable bladder can be subdivided into a plurality of chambers 135a, 135b, 135c, 135d, which allows feedback to the user as to how much of the reservoir has been pressurized, and thus how much liquid has left the reservoir. The cassette 130 includes a second cavity 136 in the lid that is configured to hold the pump 134 and a connection (not shown) from the actuation button on the top surface to the pump, see FIG. Figure 1 The pump may be provided with an air inlet 137 for introducing air into the second cavity 136 .

[0090] Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B A box 230 and a reservoir 310 inserted into the box 230 are shown, wherein the means for pressing is in the form of an actuator 240 located below a tiltable pressure plate 241. The pressure plate 241 can be tilted about a setting 242, which provides for hingedly attaching the pressure plate 241 to the inner wall of the box 230. The pressure plate thus extends from a first end 241a attached to the setting 242 to a second end 241b that is free to move up and down. The actuator 240 comprises a spherical connector 245 located on the lower side of the box, a telescopically extendable linear actuator portion 244, and a support 243 for supporting the pressure plate 241. As shown Figure 6A As shown, the linear actuator portion 244 is extended in the first position so that the support member 243 is positioned closer to the first end 241a of the base plate at the setting portion 242 than to the second end 241b of the base plate.

[0091] exist Figure 6B In the embodiment, the pressure plate 241 is tilted about the setting portion 242. The actuator is in a more upright position relative to the lower side of the box so that the pressure plate 241 is tilted about the setting portion 242. Figure 6AIn contrast, linear actuator 244 is slightly shorter because it has been slightly telescopically collapsed. At the same time, the actuator rotates at the rotatable ball connector 245. This means that support member 243 has moved laterally toward the middle of base plate 241, so that the pressure plate is tilted downward from the upper right corner of the box toward setting portion 242. As a result, there is almost no space left for the reservoir, which is squeezed. As a result, liquid has moved out of the reservoir through conduit 317 and out of the anal probe (not shown). The position of the actuator can provide feedback to the user: how much pressure has been applied to the reservoir, and therefore how much liquid has left the reservoir.

[0092] The liquid reservoir 310 is Figure 11 The reservoir is shown as a folded foil, which is closed and welded at three sides 312, 313, 314 and folded at the fourth side 311. A conduit 317 is welded to the top 313 of the reservoir, for example by inserting the conduit between the foils and welding around the conduit. (. At the top, there is also a filling port 322. The filling port 322 is conveniently located at one corner of the reservoir and can be formed as shown. Figure 4 Foil valve shown.

[0093] Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B A box 330 is shown including a reservoir 310; in this embodiment, the reservoir 310 is Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B The box 330 includes a linear actuator 340 and a pressure plate 341. The linear actuator 340 includes an actuator rod 344 that is attached to the side wall of the box at a connection 345 and to the pressure plate at a connection 343. Figure 7A In FIG, the pressure plate 341 is in its rest position and the reservoir is still filled with irrigation fluid. The linear actuator 340 is also in its rest position with the actuator rod 344 fully collapsed. Figure 7B , the pressure plate 341 is located closer to the opposite side wall and the reservoir is almost empty. Figure 7A In contrast, the linear actuator 340 is in the extended position and the actuator rod 344 is telescopically extended. Extension of the actuator rod will allow feedback to be provided to the user as to how much pressure has been applied to the reservoir and, therefore, how much liquid has left the reservoir.

[0094] Figure 8A 、 Figure 8BA box 430 is shown, having a pump 450 for increasing the pressure within the box. The box 430 is sealed 451 at the tube connection and also sealed 452 at a hinge 453 located opposite the tube connection. Furthermore, seals (not shown) are provided at the edges, providing an airtight first cavity 431. When the pump 450 pumps air into the interior of the box, the pressure inside the box increases, causing liquid to be displaced from the reservoir, as indicated by the arrows. The pump 450 supplies air through inlets 437 at the top of the box. The inlets can conveniently be provided with one-way valves to prevent air from escaping through these inlets. The pump 450 is located in a second cavity 436 at the top of the box. Air is supplied from the pump through a connector 438 to the larger first cavity 431, which contains the reservoir 310. The amount of air pumped into cavity 431 provides feedback to the user on how much pressure has been applied to the reservoir, and thus how much liquid has left the reservoir.

[0095] Figure 9A and Figure 9B A box 530 is shown having two chambers 531, 532 therein. The larger chamber 531 is configured to hold a fluid reservoir bag as described in the above embodiments. The smaller chamber 532 is configured to hold a smaller fluid reservoir 533 for inflating an inflatable balloon on an anal probe (see FIG. Figure 3 ). The lid of the box 534 has two inflatable bladders, the larger bladder 535 is configured as a means for pressing the reservoir to irrigate the liquid, and the smaller bladder 536 is configured as a means for pressing the smaller reservoir to inflate the bladder. A common pump (not shown) can be used to selectively inflate both bladders 535 and 536 and can be electrically or manually driven. There can be a simple switch to switch between pumping air between the two bladders.

[0096] Figure 10 A box 630 is shown which is upright compared to the embodiments shown in Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9. This means that the side walls 632, 634 are larger than the bottom wall 633. In the embodiment shown, the box is Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B As shown, a linear actuator 640 is used as the pressing means. The linear actuator has an actuator rod 644, which is shown halfway extended. The reservoir 310 is shown halfway empty and under pressure from a pressure plate 641. An advantage of this embodiment is that a lid is not required. The force of gravity on the reservoir 310 will ensure that the reservoir remains within the cavity 635 of the cassette.

[0097] Figure 12The device is shown as an integrated reservoir 510, catheter 517, and catheter tube 519, all constructed in a compact manner. The reservoir 510 is generally oval, and the catheter 517 is cut with a notch approximately halfway around the oval. An anal probe 519 is securely attached to the proximal end of the catheter. Additionally, a filling port 522 may be provided at one end, and a handle 525 is conveniently located on the reservoir.

[0098] Figure 13 and Figure 14 An anal irrigation system is shown in which a box 730 includes a pressing device in the form of a roller 760. The roller is attached to the side wall of the box at 761 and at 762 opposite thereto so that the roller can roll inside the box. The box may further include a catcher 763 for cooperating with the roller to catch the reservoir 620 between them. The reservoir 620 is provided with a handle 625 that can be grasped during filling of the reservoir. An opening (not shown) to enter the reservoir may be located between the handles. Figure 13 and Figure 14 The only difference is that instead of using Figure 13 Rather than a catch in the roller, the roller is provided with a slot 764 through which the reservoir can be inserted and caught before being rolled around the roller. The box can be provided with a window 765 in the lid so that the user can see how many reservoir bags have been rolled around the roller.

[0099] Figures 15 to 17 A holding device 800 for a box is shown, the box in this figure being Figure 1 The same as the box 130 in FIG. 1 , however, any type of box disclosed herein may be used. The holding device 800 consists of two arms 801, 802 that are foldable between three configurations. The first configuration, in which the arms are folded under the box, is very convenient for storage purposes ( Figure 13 In the second configuration, the arms are folded downward so that they can be used to grip around the user's thighs ( Figure 14 In the third configuration, the arms fold outward, providing a larger base for placing the box across the user's thighs ( Figure 15 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the arms 801, 802 include hinges 803, 804 that allow the arms to move 180 degrees.

[0100] Figures 18 to 23 Steps are shown for preparing the cassette 930 and reservoir 910 for a complete anal irrigation system. Figure 24 The same boxes 930 and 910 are shown in cross-section ready for use. The conduit 917 is Figure 21The box has a cavity 931 configured to hold the reservoir 910 during use. The means for pressing may be in the form of a pump 934 and an inflatable bladder 935 (see Figure 24 ). Figure 5 As described, the pump 934 will be able to draw air in through the air inlet 937. The pump 934 is located in the cavity 936 in the lid. The box has a filling opening 970 that can be closed by a closure 971. In the embodiment shown, the closure 971 is attached to the box 930 at a hinge 972, however, the closure can be completely removed from the box. Inside the filling opening 970, the box is provided with a second coupling device 973, which is adapted to cooperate with a first coupling device 974 on the reservoir bag 910. The first coupling device 974 is at Figure 20 You can see it in Figure 21 In the embodiment, the first coupling means and the second coupling means are coupled together so that the reservoir 910 is attached to the cassette 930 at the filling opening. Figure 22 In the embodiment of the present invention, the lid on the box is closed and the reservoir is now located inside the cavity of the box. Figure 23 It is shown how the closure 971 can be opened to allow the reservoir inside the box to be filled through the filling opening 970.

[0101] Figures 25 to 27 A box 1030 is shown which can be used without a reservoir. The box is closed and provided with a filling opening 1070 which can be closed by a closure 1071. Similar to Figures 18 to 24 The closure 1071 is attached to the box 1030 via a hinge 1072, however, the closure can be completely removed from the box. The liquid is filled into the cavity 1031 of the box through the filling opening 1070 and will flow freely in this cavity 1031 (see Figure 27 The device for pressing includes a pump 1034 and an inflatable bag 1035, the functions of which are described above. The pump 1036 is located in the second cavity 1036 of the box 1030, and air is supplied to the pump through the air inlet 1037 (see Figure 27 ). The catheter 1017 is connected to the box by mating a luer connector 1080 on the catheter with a through opening 1081 on the box. Other types of connectors may also be used, such as a bayonet coupling or a threaded connector.

Claims

1. An anal lavage system (100), comprising: -Anal probe (119, 519); a reservoir (110, 210, 310, 510, 910) configured to hold an irrigation liquid; and a conduit (117, 217, 317, 517, 917, 1017) connecting the reservoir (110, 210, 310, 510, 910) to the anal probe (119, 519), wherein the reservoir (110, 210, 310, 510, 910) has a flexible wall portion; and a non-pressurized cassette (130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 930, 1030), the cassette having a housing forming an outer surface of the cassette and defining an interior space within the cassette, the interior space of the cassette including a reservoir holding cavity (131, 431, 531, 931, 1031), the cassette (130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 930, 1030) having a pressing device for pressing the outer surface of the reservoir to remove the irrigation fluid from the reservoir (110, 210, 310, 510, 910), It is characterized in that The anal probe (119, 519) is securely and non-detachably connected to the catheter (117, 217, 317, 517, 917, 1017), which in turn is securely and non-detachably connected to the reservoir (110, 210, 310, 510, 910), And the pressing device includes a roller (760) configured to roll up the liquid reservoir (110, 210, 310, 510, 910).

2. An anal lavage system (100), comprising: -Anal probe (119, 519); a reservoir (110, 210, 310, 510, 910) configured to hold an irrigation liquid; and a conduit (117, 217, 317, 517, 917, 1017) connecting the reservoir (110, 210, 310, 510, 910) to the anal probe (119, 519), wherein the reservoir (110, 210, 310, 510, 910) has a flexible wall portion; and a non-pressurized cassette (130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 930, 1030), the cassette having a housing forming an outer surface of the cassette and defining an interior space within the cassette, the interior space of the cassette including a reservoir holding cavity (131, 431, 531, 931, 1031), the cassette (130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 930, 1030) having a pressing device for pressing the outer surface of the reservoir to remove the irrigation fluid from the reservoir (110, 210, 310, 510, 910), It is characterized in that The anal probe (119, 519) is securely and non-detachably connected to the catheter (117, 217, 317, 517, 917, 1017), which in turn is securely and non-detachably connected to the reservoir (110, 210, 310, 510, 910), And the pressing device includes an actuator (240, 340, 640) combined with a pressure plate (241, 341, 641).

3. An anal lavage system (100), comprising: -Anal probe (119, 519); a reservoir (110, 210, 310, 510, 910) configured to hold an irrigation liquid; and a conduit (117, 217, 317, 517, 917, 1017) connecting the reservoir (110, 210, 310, 510, 910) to the anal probe (119, 519), wherein the reservoir (110, 210, 310, 510, 910) has a flexible wall portion; and a non-pressurized cassette (130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 930, 1030), the cassette having a housing forming an outer surface of the cassette and defining an interior space within the cassette, the interior space of the cassette including a reservoir holding cavity (131, 431, 531, 931, 1031), the cassette (130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 930, 1030) having a pressing device for pressing the outer surface of the reservoir to remove the irrigation fluid from the reservoir (110, 210, 310, 510, 910), It is characterized in that The anal probe (119, 519) is securely and non-detachably connected to the catheter (117, 217, 317, 517, 917, 1017), which in turn is securely and non-detachably connected to the reservoir (110, 210, 310, 510, 910), And the pressing device includes an inflatable bag (135, 535, 536, 935, 1035) and an air pump (134, 450, 934, 1034).

4. The anal irrigation system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The pressing device is located in the cover on the box.

5. The anal irrigation system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The pressing device is located at the side wall of the box.

6. The anal irrigation system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The box (130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 930, 1030) includes a fixing device for fixing the reservoir (110, 210, 310, 510, 910) between the roller (760) and the fixing device so as to keep the reservoir (110, 210, 310, 510, 910) fixed when the reservoir is rolled around the roller (760).

7. The anal irrigation system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The roller includes a slot (764) for inserting the reservoir (110, 210, 310, 510, 910) to hold the reservoir (110, 210, 310, 510, 910) in place when the reservoir (110, 210, 310, 510, 910) is rolled around the roller (760).

8. The anal irrigation system (100) according to claim 2, wherein: The actuator (240, 340, 640) is a linear actuator (244, 340, 640) located at a side wall of the box, and the linear actuator (244, 340, 640) is configured to push the pressure plate (241, 341, 641) toward the opposite side wall.

9. The anal irrigation system (100) according to claim 2, wherein: The actuator (240, 340, 640) is rotatable, and the pressure plate (241, 341, 641) is hingedly connected to the side wall of the box and is configured to tilt relative to the side wall of the box.

10. The anal irrigation system (100) according to claim 9, wherein: The actuator (240, 340, 640) is rotatable and linear.

11. The anal irrigation system (100) according to claim 3, wherein: The inflatable bladder (135, 535, 536, 935, 1035) is subdivided into three, four or five chambers.

12. The anal irrigation system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The conduit (117, 217, 317, 517, 917, 1017) and the reservoir (110, 210, 310, 510, 910) are made of thin-walled material.

13. The anal irrigation system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The cassette (130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 930, 1030) includes a retaining device (800) configured to hold the cassette (130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 930, 1030) in place on an upper thigh of a user.

14. The anal irrigation system (100) according to claim 13, wherein: The retaining means (800) is in the form of a strap.

15. The anal irrigation system (100) according to claim 13, wherein: The retaining device (800) includes a pair of foldable arms (801, 802) configured to hold the box (130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 930, 1030) in place on a user's thigh in an expanded configuration.

16. The anal irrigation system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The reservoir (110, 210, 310, 510, 910) is provided with a first coupling device (974) and the cassette (130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 930, 1030) is provided with a second coupling device (973), wherein the first coupling device (974) is configured to cooperate with the second coupling device (973) to provide a coupling for filling the reservoir (110, 210, 310, 510, 910) when the reservoir (110, 210, 310, 510, 910) is located in the cassette (130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 930, 1030).

17. The anal irrigation system (100) according to claim 16, wherein: The boxes (130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 930, 1030) are provided with filling openings (970, 1070) located at the joints.

18. The anal irrigation system (100) according to claim 16, wherein: The first coupling means (974) includes a c-shaped channel configured to mate with a ridge on the second coupling means (973).

19. The anal irrigation system (100) according to claim 16, wherein: The first coupling device (974) includes a first upright ridge configured to cooperate with a second upright ridge on the second coupling device (973) such that the first upright ridge circumferentially surrounds the second upright ridge.

20. The anal irrigation system (100) according to claim 17, wherein: The box (130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 930, 1030) has a closure (971, 1071) for closing the filling opening (970, 1070).

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