Valve for urostomy appliance

Abstract

A valve (10) for draining fluid from a urostomy pouch (5) comprising a first valve portion (20) and a second valve portion (30), the first valve portion comprising a head portion (24), a stem (6), an inlet (15), a first aperture (22), at least one outlet opening (23) and a distal closure (25), the second valve portion comprising a sleeve (7), a second aperture (32) and a valve outlet (33), the first and second apertures forming a passageway to convey fluid from the inlet to the valve outlet, the sleeve surrounding the stem and being adapted to close the passageway to prevent fluid drainage, the distal closure being adapted to close the valve outlet, the valve comprising one or more arms (36) extending between a distal end (41) connected to the sleeve and a proximal end (42) coupled to the head portion, the arms being arranged at a distance from the sleeve to form a gap between the arms and the sleeve, the arms being adapted to move towards the sleeve into the gap, displacing the sleeve away from the head portion of the first valve portion to open the passageway and simultaneously displacing the distal closure into the second aperture to allow fluid to drain through the valve.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a valve for an instrument used in urethrostomy. Attached Figure Description

[0002] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments and are incorporated in and are a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the anticipated advantages of the embodiments will be readily appreciated as they will become better understood by referring to the following detailed description. Elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale. The same reference numerals indicate corresponding similar parts.

[0003] Figure 1 A 3D diagram shows the valves used in urethrostomy instruments.

[0004] Figure 2 The image shows two side views and two detailed section views of the valve in its closed and open configurations.

[0005] Figure 3 The first valve section, featuring a head and a handle, is shown in a 3D view.

[0006] Figure 4 The diagram shows a top view, two side views, and a perspective view of the valve in its closed configuration.

[0007] Figure 5 The image shows a top view, two side views, and a perspective view of the valve in its open configuration.

[0008] Figure 6 A front view of the urethrostomy collection bag and valve is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0009] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the features of the embodiments described in this application and the various exemplary embodiments may be combined with each other (“mixed and matched”).

[0010] Urethrostomy devices are typically used to collect urine from a urethrostomy that connects the urinary system inside the body to the surface of the user's abdomen. The device is attached directly or indirectly to the skin around the urethrostomy. Urethrostomy devices include a collection bag for collecting urine. This bag typically has an outlet with a valve at its bottom, allowing the user to drain urine into a suitable place, such as a toilet, during the day. At night, a catheter for the collection bag can be connected to this valve.

[0011] However, a more user-friendly solution is still needed.

[0012] The embodiment relates to a valve for discharging fluid from a urethrostomy pouch, wherein the valve includes a first valve portion and a second valve portion. The first valve portion includes a head portion, a handle, an inlet, a first orifice, at least one outlet opening, and a distal closure. The second valve portion includes a sleeve, a second orifice, and a valve outlet. The first and second orifices form a channel to deliver fluid from the inlet to the valve outlet. The sleeve surrounds the handle and is adapted to close the channel to prevent fluid discharge. The distal closure of the first valve portion is adapted to close the valve outlet of the second valve portion. The valve includes one or more arms extending between a distal and a proximal end, the arms having a distal end connected to the sleeve and a proximal end connected to the head portion. The arms are arranged at a distance from the sleeve to form a gap between the arms and the sleeve. The arms are adapted to move toward the sleeve into the gap, causing the sleeve to shift away from the head portion of the first valve portion to open the channel and, simultaneously, the distal closure moves into the second orifice to allow fluid to be discharged through the valve.

[0013] The valve described above offers the advantage of facilitating the user's discharge of their urethral stoma bag used for fluid administration. The user can simply press or squeeze one or more arms to open the valve outlet. As one or more arms move toward the cannula into the gap, the cannula moves away from the head portion of the valve, and the distal closure simultaneously moves into the second orifice, allowing fluid to be discharged through the valve. The user does not need to reposition their hands during valve opening. Therefore, the valve is easy to use, and the user controls the flow of fluid through it. Additionally, valve operation prevents any unwanted dripping or spillage.

[0014] Typically, the valve can be a urethrostomy valve, such as a urethrostomy pouch valve.

[0015] When referring to the proximal end of the valve, the reference is to the end closest to the urethrostomy collection bag. Similarly, when referring to the distal end of the valve, the reference is to the end furthest from the collection bag.

[0016] The axial direction, longitudinal direction, and the valve's central longitudinal axis (L) extend from the inlet to the outlet. The radial direction is transverse to the axial direction. The central longitudinal axis (L) (as shown in the image) Figure 2 (As shown in the image) is the axial axis passing through the center of the valve in the longitudinal direction.

[0017] A urethrostomy device's collection pouch typically comprises a distal anterior wall and a proximal posterior wall. These walls are made of a gas- and liquid-impermeable foil material (such as polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)), which is welded around the edges or rim to form a pouch defining a collection chamber. The pouch includes a valve for draining urine from its bottom. An inlet opening is located in the posterior wall and positioned at the top of the collection pouch, such that when the user is standing, the inlet opening is above the centerline of the collection pouch. This leaves a larger collection volume below the inlet opening. Therefore, the top of the collection pouch is defined as the portion closest to the inlet opening, and the bottom is defined as the opposite portion. A typical outlet is located at the bottom of the urethrostomy pouch, which, in its simplest form, is an outlet that is closed by a removable closure.

[0018] Valve components can be made of materials such as polyolefins (e.g., polyethylene). These sealing devices can be made of LDPE.

[0019] In one embodiment, the proximal end of one or more arms is movably coupled to the head portion.

[0020] In an embodiment, the head portion includes one or more contact surfaces, and the proximal ends of one or more arms extend toward one or more contact surfaces. When the arms move toward the sleeve into the gap, the one or more arms and the one or more contact surfaces are adapted to engage to displace the sleeve away from the head portion.

[0021] In one embodiment, the second valve portion includes two arms positioned opposite to each other. This results in a stable and durable rotatable valve structure. In another embodiment, the head portion includes two contact surfaces.

[0022] In an embodiment, one or more arms include curved segments and / or linear segments. One or more arms may extend from the sleeve to the head portion in a shape such that the proximal end of the arm extends toward one or more contact surfaces of the head portion.

[0023] One or more arms may extend radially from the sleeve to provide a gripping portion that allows a user to close the valve by applying force to the distal end of the one or more arms. The one or more arms may have a circular segment shape. The arms may have linear, curved, or / and circular segment shapes.

[0024] In one embodiment, one or more arms are elastic, allowing them to be squeezed by the user's finger force to stretch longitudinally and bend back to their original shape after squeezing. During user squeezing, the shape of one or more arms may temporarily change, thereafter maintaining the shape as in the unsqueezed configuration when the valve and arms are not subjected to any force applied by the user.

[0025] In one embodiment, each of the one or more contact surfaces has a tapered surface that tapers in the distal direction. Thus, the proximal end of one or more arms can slide along the tapered surface of one or more contact surfaces, thereby increasing the longitudinal displacement of the two valve portions due to the extension of the tapered surface.

[0026] In this embodiment, the two arms are arranged symmetrically along the central longitudinal axis (L).

[0027] In one embodiment, one or more arms include a semi-circular ring shape having a diameter of 15 mm to 35 mm, such as 25 mm in the unextruded configuration.

[0028] In one embodiment, the distal closure of the first valve includes a cylindrical shape, thereby forming a plug for a circular valve outlet. The sleeve may be made of a resilient material to form a seal around the plug.

[0029] For some users, the longitudinal movement of the valve section before the valve outlet opens and fluid begins to flow is convenient. This allows the user to slowly open the valve and feel control of it before fluid begins to flow. Therefore, the user has comprehensive control over the valve and flow manipulation.

[0030] The first valve portion may include one or more annular seals on the handle. The one or more annular seals may be positioned on the handle between the locking protrusion and one or more outlet openings.

[0031] One or more outlet openings of the first valve section may be arranged at the distal end of the handle. One or more radially oriented and / or axially oriented outlet openings allow fluid to flow from the first orifice into the second orifice.

[0032] In one embodiment, the first valve portion includes a locking protrusion extending in a radial direction. The handle may include a locking protrusion extending radially outward. The locking protrusion may be disposed between the head portion and one or more outlet openings on the handle of the first valve portion. The locking protrusion may include a substantially cylindrical base with a cutout at a distal portion to provide a radially outward crescent-shaped surface. The locking protrusion may have icons, letters, or colors on its surface.

[0033] In one embodiment, the locking protrusion has a distal side including a crescent-shaped surface. The locking protrusion can extend radially outward. Thus, after manufacturing the first valve portion and the second valve portion, the first valve portion and the second valve portion can be assembled to form a valve. The tapered protrusion allows the handle to be pressed into the sleeve.

[0034] In one embodiment, the second valve portion includes an elongated slot extending in the longitudinal direction, the slot adapted to receive a locking protrusion. The elongated slot is aligned with the locking protrusion and supports the position of the sleeve relative to the first valve portion. Thus, the locking protrusion and the elongated slot provide a holding force that can be overcome by the force provided by the user's hands.

[0035] The elongated slot may include a figure-eight slot having two smaller, tangentially extending flanges that provide two locations for the locking protrusions within the elongated slot.

[0036] In one embodiment, the elongated slot includes toothed sidewalls that provide holding force to position the locking protrusion at different locations along the elongated slot. Thus, because the toothed sidewalls of the elongated slot provide multiple smaller, tangentially extending flanges, the elongated slot provides several locations for the locking protrusion along the slot.

[0037] In an embodiment, the valve is adapted to perform a maximum displacement of 4 mm to 10 mm, such as 5.2 mm, between the head portion and the sleeve in the longitudinal direction.

[0038] Typically, valves can include a total length of 30mm to 55mm from the inlet to the outlet, such as 38mm to 47mm. This is a convenient valve size for most users, as the valve is relatively small but still large enough to be operated.

[0039] The second valve portion may include a shape having a cross-sectional dimension of 6 mm to 35 mm, for example, 10 mm to 25 mm.

[0040] In this embodiment, the valve is adapted to perform a maximum displacement of 4 mm to 10 mm, for example, 5 mm, between the head portion and the sleeve in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the maximum distance between the head portion and the sleeve can be 5.2 mm.

[0041] The second valve portion may include an annular sealing groove on its outer surface for connection to a urethrostomy device, such as a catheter for a nighttime collection bag.

[0042] The embodiment relates to a urethrostomy bag valve for discharging fluid from a urethrostomy bag, wherein the valve includes a first valve portion and a second valve portion, the first valve portion including a head portion, a handle, an inlet, a first orifice, at least one outlet opening, and a distal closure, the second valve portion including a sleeve, a second orifice, and a valve outlet; the first and second orifices form a channel to deliver fluid from the inlet to the valve outlet, and the distal closure of the first valve portion is adapted to close the valve outlet of the second valve portion, the sleeve surrounding the handle and adapted to close the channel to prevent fluid from draining from the urethrostomy bag, wherein the valve includes one or more arms extending between a distal and a proximal end, the one or more arms having a distal end connected to the sleeve and a proximal end connected to the head portion, wherein the one or more arms are arranged at a distance from the sleeve to form a gap between the one or more arms and the sleeve, wherein the one or more arms are adapted to move toward the sleeve into the gap, causing the sleeve to shift away from the head portion of the first valve portion to open the channel, thereby allowing fluid to drain from the urethrostomy bag through the valve as the distal closure moves simultaneously into the second orifice.

[0043] Devices for attaching the urethrostomy instrument to a user may include a substrate for attachment to the user's skin and a sheet on the urethrostomy instrument for attaching the instrument to the substrate. Alternatively, the instrument may include a sheet adapted for direct attachment to the user's skin.

[0044] Detailed description of the attached figures

[0045] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description, and which illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced by way of illustration. Because components of the embodiments may be positioned in different orientations, directional terminology is used for illustrative purposes and not in any way limiting. It should be understood that other embodiments may be adopted, and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0046] Figure 1 A 3D diagram shows the valves used in urethrostomy instruments.

[0047] Valve 10 includes a first valve portion 20 and a second valve portion 30. The first valve portion 20 includes a head portion 24, a handle 6, an inlet 15, two radially facing outlet openings 23, a distal closure 25, and two sealing rings 27. The handle includes a radially extending locking protrusion 16 that engages with an elongated slot 17 on the second valve portion 30. The second valve portion 30 includes a sleeve 7 and two opposingly positioned arms 36.

[0048] The elongated slot 17 includes toothed sidewalls 18. These smaller, tangentially extending flanges provide a holding force to retain the lock protrusion 16 in a specific position to prevent unintentional movement in the longitudinal direction. The holding force provided by the lock protrusion 16 and the elongated slot 17 can be overcome by the user's finger force.

[0049] The second valve portion 30 includes an annular sealing groove 38 on its outer surface, which allows connection to an accessory for urethrostomy devices, such as a catheter for a night collection bag.

[0050] Figure 2 The document shows two side views and two detailed cross-sectional views of the valve in its closed and open configurations.

[0051] The first valve portion includes a head portion 24, an inlet 15, a handle 6, a first elongated orifice 22, two radially facing outlet openings 23, and a distal closure 25. The head portion 24 includes a flange forming a gripping portion 8. The second valve portion 30 includes a sleeve 7, a second orifice 32, and a valve outlet 33.

[0052] The second valve portion 30 surrounds the first valve portion 20, and the first elongated orifice 22 and the second elongated orifice 32 are fluidly connected, thereby connecting the inlet 15 and the valve outlet 33.

[0053] The sleeve 7 of the second valve portion 30 includes two oppositely positioned arms 36. The two arms 36 extend radially and include a curved shape. The distal ends 41 of the two arms 36 extend radially away from the sleeve 7 of the second valve portion. The proximal ends 42 of the arms extend toward two tapered contact surfaces 26 on the head portion 24 of the first valve portion 20.

[0054] Two arms 36 extend from the second valve portion 30 and bend toward the contact surface 26 on the head portion of the first valve portion 20. The two arms have a circular segment shape.

[0055] The proximal ends of the two arms abut the contact surface 26, and the valve outlet is opened by the user pressing the two arms 36 in the lateral direction as shown by arrow Po. The pressing causes the sleeve 7 to be displaced in the longitudinal direction relative to the head portion 24 of the first valve section and the distal closure 25, which retracts from the valve outlet 33 and enters into the second hole 32 formed in the second valve section.

[0056] Arm 36 extends from the sleeve at a position between its distal and proximal ends. The arms are arranged radially at a distance from the sleeve to create a gap between one or more arms and the sleeve. As the arms move radially inward toward the sleeve into the gap, the sleeve moves longitudinally away from the head portion of the first valve section. This opens the passage and allows fluid to be discharged through the valve as the distal closure simultaneously shifts into the second orifice.

[0057] When the user's finger force exceeds the holding force of the lock protrusion 16 and the elongated slot 17, the movement of the first valve portion and the second valve portion also causes the lock protrusion 16 to travel along the elongated slot 17, which includes the toothed sidewall 18. When the lock protrusion 16 is positioned near the distal or proximal end wall, the movement of the first valve portion and the second valve portion stops.

[0058] Figure 2 This shows that when the valve is in the open configuration, the distal closure 25 is positioned within the orifice 32 of the second valve portion.

[0059] Figure 3 A first valve portion is shown, comprising a head portion 24, an inlet 15, a handle 6, an orifice 22, and a tapered contact surface 26 on the distal portion of the head portion 24. At the distal end of the first valve portion, two sealing rings 27 are positioned approximately above two outlet openings 23. The two outlet openings 23 face radially outward. A distal closure 25 comprises a cylindrical shape forming a handle plug 29 for a circular valve outlet. A locking protrusion 16 is disposed approximately in the middle of the handle 7 of the first valve portion 20 and extends radially from the handle.

[0060] The handle 6 includes one or more annular seals to provide a fluid seal between the handle and the sleeve 7.

[0061] Figure 4 The diagram shows a top view, two side views, and a perspective view of the valve in its closed configuration.

[0062] Arm 36 comprises a semi-circular ring shape. The arm is arranged on the lateral side of the sleeve and separated by a sleeve having a width of 10 mm.

[0063] In this embodiment, in the closed configuration, the valve is 47 mm long and 25 mm wide, corresponding to two arms 36 that form a ring portion with a diameter of 25 mm. The two arms 36 are 5.4 mm wide, and the cylindrical sleeve has a diameter of 10 mm. The valve outlet 33 has a circular shape.

[0064] Figure 5 Shown in Figure 4 The valve shown in the image is in its open configuration. Figure 5It was shown that when the valve is fully open and the locking protrusion 16 is located near the proximal end of the elongated toothed slit 17, the maximum distance between the first valve portion 20 and the second valve portion 30 is 5.2 mm.

[0065] Figure 6 A front view of the urethrostomy collection bag and valve is shown, which has a total length of 38 mm in the longitudinal direction.

Claims

1. A valve for draining fluid from a urethrostomy bag, wherein, The valve includes: The first valve portion includes a head portion, a handle, an inlet, a first orifice, at least one outlet opening, and a distal closure. The second valve section includes a sleeve, a second orifice, and a valve outlet. The first orifice and the second orifice form a channel to deliver fluid from the inlet to the valve outlet. The sleeve surrounds the handle and is adapted to close the channel to prevent fluid discharge. Wherein, the distal closure of the first valve portion is adapted to close the valve outlet of the second valve portion, wherein, The valve includes one or more arms extending between a distal end and a proximal end, the one or more arms having a distal end connected to the sleeve and a proximal end connected to the head portion, wherein the one or more arms are arranged at a distance from the sleeve to form a gap between the one or more arms and the sleeve. The one or more arms are adapted to move toward the sleeve into the gap, which causes the head portion of the sleeve to shift away from the first valve portion to open the passage and simultaneously shift into the second hole along with the distal closure to allow fluid to be discharged through the valve.

2. The valve according to claim 1, wherein, The proximal end of one or more arms is movably connected to the head portion.

3. The valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The head portion includes one or more contact surfaces, and the proximal ends of the one or more arms extend toward the one or more contact surfaces. When the one or more arms move toward the sleeve into the gap, the one or more arms and the one or more contact surfaces are adapted to engage to displace the sleeve away from the head portion.

4. The valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second valve section includes two arms positioned in opposite directions.

5. The valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first valve section includes two contact surfaces.

6. The valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The one or more arms include curved segments and / or linear segments.

7. The valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The one or more arms are elastic, allowing them to be squeezed by the user's finger force to allow them to be stretched longitudinally and to bend back to their original shape after the squeezing is completed.

8. The valve according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the one or more contact surfaces has a tapered surface that tapers in the distal direction.

9. The valve according to claim 4, wherein, The two arms are arranged symmetrically along a central longitudinal axis (L) that passes through the center of the valve in the longitudinal direction.

10. The valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The one or more arms include a semi-circular ring shape having a diameter of 15 mm to 35 mm.

11. The valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The distal closure of the first valve portion includes a cylindrical shape, thereby forming a plug for a circular valve outlet.

12. The valve according to claim 1, wherein, The first valve portion includes a locking protrusion extending in the radial direction.

13. The valve according to claim 12, wherein, The locking protrusion has a distal side including a crescent-shaped surface.

14. The valve according to any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein, The second valve portion includes an elongated slot extending in the longitudinal direction, the elongated slot being adapted to accommodate the lock protrusion.

15. The valve according to claim 14, wherein, The elongated slot includes toothed sidewalls that provide holding force to position the locking protrusion at different locations along the elongated slot.

16. The valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The valve is adapted to perform a maximum displacement of 4 mm to 10 mm in the longitudinal direction between the head portion and the sleeve.

17. The valve according to claim 10, wherein, The diameter of the semi-circular ring shape in the unextended configuration is 25 mm.

18. The valve according to claim 16, wherein, The valve is adapted to perform a maximum displacement of 5.2 mm in the longitudinal direction between the head portion and the sleeve.

19. A urethrostomy bag valve for draining fluid from a urethrostomy bag, wherein, The valve includes a first valve portion and a second valve portion. The first valve portion includes a head portion, a handle, an inlet, a first orifice, at least one outlet opening, and a distal closure. The second valve portion includes a sleeve, a second orifice, and a valve outlet. The first orifice and the second orifice form a channel to deliver fluid from the inlet to the valve outlet. The distal closure of the first valve portion is adapted to close the valve outlet of the second valve portion. The sleeve surrounds the handle and is adapted to close the channel to prevent fluid from draining from the urethrostomy bag. The valve includes one or more arms extending between a distal and a proximal end. The one or more arms have a distal end connected to the sleeve and a proximal end connected to the head portion. The one or more arms are arranged at a distance from the sleeve to form a gap between the one or more arms and the sleeve. The one or more arms are adapted to move toward the sleeve into the gap, causing the sleeve to shift away from the head portion of the first valve portion to open the channel and, simultaneously, move into the second orifice with the distal closure, allowing fluid to drain from the urethrostomy bag through the valve.

Images