Intermittent catheter bag

Abstract

A fluid collection bag (1) connectable at a distal end of a catheter to receive fluid from the catheter. The fluid collection bag (1) is defined by at least two walls joined together around at least a portion of their peripheries (4, 5, 6, 7). Wherein two holes (25, 26) are arranged near a first edge (7) of the fluid collection bag and extend through the two walls. A line of weakness (27) extends from the first edge between the two apertures (25, 26).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to urinary catheters, and more particularly to fluid collection bags for urinary catheters. Background of the Invention

[0003] A urinary catheter is a medical device comprising a hollow tubing body designed for insertion via the urethra into a user's bladder to empty it. Urinary catheters can be classified as open or closed. In an open system, the catheter drains through a funnel or similar component into a toilet bowl or a separate container. In a closed system, the catheter drains directly into a fluid collection container that is directly connected to a drainage tube on the catheter. For example, a closed catheter may provide an integrated fluid collection bag into which fluid is drained for later disposal. The bag is typically sealed after filling to ensure no leakage before the user empties it. To allow drainage from the bag, a section can be opened, for example by tearing, to provide a drainage pathway.

[0004] Users may encounter problems when opening the bag to drain / empty it. This is possible because the bag must be sturdy enough to prevent accidental release of its contents, so opening the packaging may require careful handling and considerable force. This could mean the user is unable to empty the bag, either because they cannot access it or because the packaging cannot be opened in a controlled manner. This can be not only embarrassing but also inconvenient for the user, as the difficulty in emptying the bag may deter them from using the closed system. These drawbacks are particularly pronounced when users have limited flexibility.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to at least partially overcome or mitigate the above-mentioned problems and / or provide an improved packaged catheter assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a broad aspect of this disclosure, a fluid collection bag is provided that can be connected to a conduit to receive fluid from the conduit. The fluid collection bag may be connected at a distal end of the conduit. The fluid collection bag is defined by at least two walls that are connected together around at least a portion of their periphery. The fluid collection bag may include two holes disposed near a first edge of the fluid collection bag. The two holes may extend through the two walls. A weakening line may extend from the first edge between the two holes.

[0007] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a fluid collection bag is provided that can be connected to a distal end of a conduit to receive fluid from the conduit, the fluid collection bag being defined by at least two walls connected together around at least a portion of their periphery; the fluid collection bag includes two holes disposed near a first edge of the fluid collection bag and extending through the two walls; wherein a weakening line extends from the first edge between the two holes.

[0008] A weakening line between the two holes makes it easier to open the fluid collection bag for drainage. The weakening line provides a preferred tear line that requires less force, and the two holes provide a position where the user can hook their fingers there and pull the two holes open without having to pinch the bag.

[0009] The two walls can be fused together. The fused portion can have a width of 5 mm. The fused portion can define a fused area. The hole can be provided through the fused portion. The hole can be provided in the fused area.

[0010] The fluid collection bag may include a drainage edge. The fluid collection bag may include two side edges. The two side edges may be adjacent to the drainage edge. The fluid collection bag may be welded together along the side edges. The two holes may be arranged near the drainage edge. The two holes may be arranged along the side edges.

[0011] The fluid collection bag may have a longitudinal axis. The length of the fluid collection bag can be measured along said longitudinal axis. The length of a feature of the fluid collection bag can be measured along the longitudinal axis. The width of the fluid collection bag can be measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The width of a feature of the fluid collection bag can be measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0012] The fluid collection bag may include a cavity. The cavity may be defined by the inner surfaces of the two walls. The cavity may be defined by the inner edge of the connection. The cavity may be defined by the inner edge of the weld. The inner edge of the connection may be bent at a corner.

[0013] The fluid collection bag may include a drainage channel. The fluid collection bag may include a sealed drainage channel. The drainage channel may be integrally formed with the cavity. The drainage channel may be elongated. The drainage channel may extend from the cavity to a drainage edge. The drainage edge may be sealed. A port may be provided on the drainage edge. The drainage channel may be in fluid communication with the outside of the fluid collection bag through the port. The port may include a funnel-shaped portion. The port may include an attachment mechanism. The port may be configured to releasably attach to a distal end of a catheter. The drainage channel may be defined by a connection between the two walls. Two side edge connections may connect the two walls together along a portion of the side periphery of the two walls. The drainage channel may be defined by at least one drainage section connection. The drainage section connection, or each drainage section connection, may include a widened portion of the corresponding side edge. The drainage channel may be defined by a welded area. The width of the drainage channel may be smaller than the width of the cavity. The fluid collection bag may be configured to collect liquid into the drainage channel. The inner edge of the connector may be bent at the interface between the cavity and the drainage channel. The inner edge of the connector may be inclined at the interface between the cavity and the drainage channel. The drainage channel may include a check valve. The check valve may be arranged in the drainage channel. The check valve may be arranged in the drainage channel between the drainage edge and the continuation of the weakening line.

[0014] By placing the check valve between the weakening line and the inlet / drain edge, the check valve prevents fluid already collected in the bag from being accidentally drained again. When the upper part of the bag is torn open, the valve is in the removal section, allowing fluid to drain from the bag.

[0015] Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, a fluid collection bag is provided that can be connected to the distal end of a conduit to receive fluid from the conduit, the fluid collection bag being defined by at least two walls connected together around at least a portion of their periphery; the fluid collection bag includes two holes disposed near a first edge of the fluid collection bag and extending through the two walls; wherein a weakening line extends from the first edge between the two holes, wherein the fluid collection bag includes a drainage edge and two adjacent side edges, the two holes being disposed near the drainage edge, wherein the fluid collection bag further includes a sealed drainage channel, wherein a continuation of the weakening line extends across the drainage channel, and the fluid collection bag further includes a check valve disposed in the drainage channel between the drainage edge and the continuation of the weakening line.

[0016] A fluid collection bag may be joined together along its side edges. The fluid collection bag may include a side edge joining portion. The fluid collection bags may be welded together along their side edges. The fluid collection bag may include a side edge weld portion. The side edge weld portion may have a first width near the cavity and a second width near the drainage portion. The first width may be smaller than the second width. The side edge joining portion may be wider near the drainage portion. The fluid collection bag may include a drainage portion weld portion. The drainage portion weld portion may be adjacent to the drainage portion. The two holes may be provided in the drainage portion weld portion. The drainage portion weld portion or two drainage portion weld portions may extend laterally inward from the side edge weld portion. The drainage portion weld portion may include a widened portion of the side edge weld portion.

[0017] The weakening line may extend between the first and second side edges. The weakening line may extend parallel to the drainage edge. The weakening line may extend across (preferably only across) the weld area. By providing a weakening line only across the weld area, the integrity of the bag is not compromised; that is, it does not increase the risk of rupture if the bag is subjected to external force. The continuation of the weakening line may extend across the drainage channel. That is, a line extending along the weakening line and beyond the weakening line will extend across the drainage channel. The weakening line may include a perforation. The weakening line may include a line where the wall thickness decreases.

[0018] The two holes may be spaced from the weakening line by a distance smaller than their width. The two holes may be spaced less than 30 mm, preferably less than 20 mm, for example, 10 mm. The two holes may be arranged to be spaced less than 100 mm, preferably less than 80 mm, more preferably less than 50 mm, for example less than 40 mm or less than 30 mm, for example, 28 mm. By bringing the two holes close together and close to the weak point line, the force required to tear the weak point line is applied more directly, and less force is required to stretch the material between the holes and the weak point line.

[0019] The two holes can be finger holes. The dimensions of the two holes are suitable for receiving fingers. The two holes can have the same shape. The two holes can have different shapes. One or both of the two holes can be circular, rectangular, square, elliptical, racetrack-shaped, or a rounded rectangle. The two holes can be disposed in the first drainage portion connecting portion. The first drainage portion connecting portion can be separated from the drainage edge by a portion of the side edge connecting portion. The length of the hole can be in the range of 15mm to 20mm, for example, 17mm. The width of the hole can be in the range of 10mm to 15mm, for example, 12.5mm.

[0020] The fluid collection bag may include a tear-stop hole. The fluid collection bag may include two drainage section connections. The two drainage section connections may be located on two opposite side edges. The tear-stop hole may be disposed in the second drainage section connection. The tear-stop hole may be disposed on the side of the drainage channel opposite to the finger hole. A continuation of the weakening line may intersect with the tear-stop hole.

[0021] Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, a fluid collection bag is provided that can be connected to the distal end of a conduit to receive fluid from the conduit, the fluid collection bag being defined by at least two walls connected together around at least a portion of their periphery; the fluid collection bag includes two holes disposed near a first edge of the fluid collection bag and extending through the two walls; wherein a weakening line extends from the first edge between the two holes, and the fluid collection bag further includes a tear-stop hole.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment of this disclosure, a fluid collection bag is provided, which can be connected to the distal end of a conduit to receive fluid from the conduit. The fluid collection bag is defined by at least two walls connected together around at least a portion of their periphery. The fluid collection bag includes two holes disposed near a first edge of the fluid collection bag and extending through the two walls. A weakening line extends from the first edge between the two holes. The fluid collection bag also includes a sealed drainage channel, wherein a continuation of the weakening line extends across the drainage channel, and the two side edge connections are along... The two walls are connected together by a portion of their periphery, and the drainage channel is defined by at least two drainage connection portions, each or both of which include a widened portion of a corresponding side edge connection portion. The two holes are provided in the first drainage connection portion. The fluid collection bag includes two drainage connection portions on opposite side edges, and a tear stop hole is provided in the second drainage connection portion located on the side edge opposite to the first drainage connection portion. The fluid collection bag also includes a tipping gripper, which is located near the base edge on the same side edge as the tear stop hole.

[0023] The drainage edge can be configured to remain attached to the fluid collection bag when the weakening line is torn.

[0024] The first drainage section connecting part may be narrower than the second drainage section connecting part.

[0025] The fluid collection bag may include a tipping grip. The tipping grip may be an opening. The tipping grip may be located near the base edge. The tipping grip opening may be located near a corner between the base edge and a side edge. The tipping grip may be located on the same side edge as the tear stop opening.

[0026] A particularly advantageous feature is that the pouring grip is located on the same side edge as the tear stop hole. After the bag is torn, the drainage edge connects to the side edge on which the tear stop hole is located. By having the pouring grip on the same edge, the pouring motion guides that edge to the top, thereby ensuring that the drainage edge is not stuck by the fluid during drainage.

[0027] Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, a fluid collection bag is provided that can be connected to the distal end of a conduit to receive fluid from the conduit. The fluid collection bag is defined by at least two walls that are connected together around at least a portion of their periphery. The fluid collection bag includes two holes disposed near a first edge of the fluid collection bag and extending through the two walls. A weakening line extends from the first edge between the two holes. The fluid collection bag also includes a tear stop hole and a tipping grip, wherein the tipping grip is disposed on the same side edge of the fluid collection bag.

[0028] In another preferred embodiment of this disclosure, a fluid collection bag is provided, which can be connected to the distal end of a conduit to receive fluid from the conduit. The fluid collection bag is defined by at least two walls connected together around at least a portion of their periphery. The fluid collection bag includes two holes disposed near a first edge of the fluid collection bag and extending through the two walls. A weakening line extends from the first edge between the two holes. The fluid collection bag also includes a sealed drainage channel, with a continuation of the weakening line extending across the drainage channel. The two side edge connections are along... A portion of the periphery of the two walls connects the two walls together, and the drainage channel is defined by at least two drainage connection portions, each or both of which includes a widened portion of a corresponding side edge connection portion, wherein the two holes are provided in the first drainage connection portion, wherein the fluid collection bag includes two drainage connection portions on two opposite side edges, and a tear stop hole is provided in the second drainage connection portion located on the side edge opposite to the first drainage connection portion, wherein the fluid collection bag also includes a tipping gripper, wherein the tipping gripper is provided near the base edge on the same side edge as the tear stop hole.

[0029] The fluid collection bag can be any suitable shape or size, such as rectangular, circular, elliptical, cubic, spherical, etc. The two walls can be a front wall panel and a rear wall panel. The fluid collection bag may include a peripheral joint that connects the peripheries of the front and rear wall panels to form the fluid collection bag. The peripheral joint may define a base, two side edges, and a top edge of the fluid collection bag. The two side edges may include a right edge and a left edge. When the bag is viewed with the rear wall panel behind the front wall panel, the base at the bottom of the bag, and the top edge at the top of the bag, the right edge and left edge can be defined as the right side and left side of the bag.

[0030] The width of the bag between its left and right edges can be at least 10cm, at least 12cm, at least 15cm, or at least 20cm. The width of the bag can not exceed 25cm, 20cm, or 15cm. Preferably, the width is in the range of 10cm to 20cm, and most preferably in the range of 12cm to 15cm. The base can define the bottom of the bag. The top edge can define the top of the bag. The length / height of the bag from the base to the top edge can be at least 15cm, at least 20cm, at least 25cm, at least 30cm, at least 35cm, or at least 40cm. The height of the bag can not exceed 45cm, 40cm, 35cm, 30cm, 25cm, or 20cm. The height can be in the range of 20cm to 50cm, in the range of 30cm to 40cm, or most preferably 32cm. The bag can be configured to hold at least 500 ml, at least 700 ml, at least 1000 ml, or at least 1200 ml of fluid, most preferably at least 700 ml of fluid.

[0031] Fluid collection bags may contain flexible plastic materials, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), metallized polyester (MET PET), oriented polypropylene (OPP), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). At least a portion of the fluid collection bag may be transparent or translucent. The front wall panel of the fluid collection bag may also be transparent or translucent. Therefore, the fluid collection bag can conform to the shape of the catheter assembly, facilitating carrying and providing a visual reference of the bag contents before, during, and after use, making it easier to use.

[0032] The fluid collection bag can be connected to a catheter. The fluid collection bag can be connected to a catheter at the distal end.

[0033] Therefore, according to a second aspect of this disclosure, a closed catheter assembly is provided, comprising: a fluid collection bag connected to a distal end of a catheter to receive fluid from the catheter, the fluid collection bag being defined by at least two walls connected together around at least a portion of their periphery; the fluid collection bag including two holes disposed near a first edge of the fluid collection bag and extending through the two walls; wherein a weakening line extends from the first edge between the two holes.

[0034] The fluid collection bag of the second aspect can be the fluid collection bag of the first aspect, including any of its optional features.

[0035] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided for draining a fluid collection bag, the fluid collection bag being connectable to a distal end of a conduit to receive fluid from the conduit, the fluid collection bag being defined by at least two walls connected together around at least a portion of their periphery; two holes disposed near a first edge of the fluid collection bag and extending through the two walls; wherein a weakening line extends from the first edge between the two holes, the method comprising: inserting at least a portion of a finger into each of the two holes; pulling the two holes apart to initiate the formation of a tear in the weakening line, the tear continuing into a cavity of the fluid collection bag to create an opening; and draining fluid from the fluid collection bag through the opening.

[0036] The fluid collection bag of the third aspect can be the fluid collection bag of the first or second aspect, including any of its optional features.

[0037] The fluid collection bag may also include a drainage portion. The method may further include allowing the tear to continue across the drainage portion. The method may further include allowing the tear to continue to a tear stop hole. The method may further include maintaining the drainage edge of the fluid collection bag through the edge of the tear stop hole. Attached Figure Description

[0038] To better understand the present invention, one or more embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 A front view of a fluid collection bag configured for collection according to one aspect of the invention is shown;

[0040] Figure 2 It shows the beginning of the tearing. Figure 1 Front view of the fluid collection bag;

[0041] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1A front view of the fluid collection bag, in which the tear extends into the drainage section;

[0042] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A front view of the fluid collection bag, with the drainage edge removed; and

[0043] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a closed catheter assembly including a fluid collection bag according to one aspect of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Reference Figure 1 The fluid collection bag 1 is described. The fluid collection bag includes a front wall piece 2, a rear wall piece (not shown) with the same shape and size as the front wall piece 2, and a peripheral joint 3 connecting the front wall piece 2 and the rear wall piece to form the bag 1.

[0045] In this embodiment, the peripheral joint 3 defines the base 4, right edge 5, left edge 6, and upper edge 7 of the bag 1. For ease of description, the fluid collection bag 1 can be considered to have a longitudinal axis AA extending along the center of the bag 1 between the base 4 and the upper edge 7. The inner edge 3A of the peripheral joint and the inner surfaces of the front wall panel 2 and the rear wall panel define a cavity 8. To facilitate the flow of fluid within the bag, particularly during the drainage / draining process, the inner edge 3A of the peripheral joint may be bent at corners.

[0046] Therefore, the peripheral joint defines a bag 1, which is generally rectangular, and the width between the side edges 5 and 6 is suitably in the range of 10 cm to 20 cm, most preferably in the range of 12 cm to 17 cm, in the range of 120 mm to 170 mm, for example, about 150 mm, and the height from the base 4 to the upper edge 7 is in the range of 25 cm to 40 cm, in the range of 30 cm to 35 cm, or most preferably in the range of 30 cm to 33 cm, for example, about 32 cm. Thus, the bag is configured to safely contain at least 700 ml, preferably at least 1000 ml, of fluid released from the user via a conduit within the cavity 8. The base 4 defines the bottom of the bag 1 in use, and the upper edge 7 defines the top. However, in several other embodiments, alternative shapes and sizes are contemplated, such as elliptical or circular wall panels forming the corresponding shape of the bag, or even tubular bags or bags with more than two wall panels, for example, prismatic or other polygonal shapes. To improve the shape of bag 1, the corners between edges 3, 4, 5, and 6 can be rounded.

[0047] In this embodiment, the wall panels comprise a flexible plastic material, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), metallized polyester (MET PET), oriented polypropylene (OPP), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The wall panels are preferably transparent, but can also be translucent. In several other embodiments, the wall panels may be opaque. Specifically, the front wall panel 2 may be transparent / translucent, but the rear wall panel is opaque.

[0048] To define different parts of the bag, the peripheral joint 3 extends inward from the edge by varying amounts on the side edges 5 and 6. Extending approximately 25% of the bag 1 length from the top edge 7, the width of the peripheral joint 3 on the right edge 5 is increased, making the joint width approximately nine times the width of the side peripheral joint 3. The peripheral joint 3 on the left edge is also wider near the top edge 7, but this wider portion does not extend to the top edge 7 to avoid a large weld area that would wrinkle during the welding process, resulting in an unsightly appearance. These widened portions of the peripheral joint 3 define the drainage portion 20 (details of which will be provided below), thus the peripheral joint 3 adjacent to the drainage portion 20 can be referred to as the left drainage portion joint 21 and the right drainage portion joint 22. The lower edges of the left drainage portion joint 21 and the right drainage portion joint 22 are equidistant from the top edge 7 and define the upper portion of the cavity 8.

[0049] At the intersection of the base 4 and the right edge 5, a generally square base engagement area 9 can be provided. A pouring hole 10 is provided within the base engagement area 9, extending through the front wall panel 2 and the rear wall panel, providing a point for the user to grip the bag 1 when emptying it. Preferably, the size of the pouring hole 9 allows a user's finger to be at least partially inserted through it; therefore, the hole can be any suitable shape, such as circular, oval, elliptical, polygonal, triangular, square / rectangular, rounded square / rectangular, racetrack-shaped, etc. As those skilled in the art will understand, the pouring hole 9 can alternatively be provided at the intersection of the base 4 and the left edge 6. It should also be understood that, without the hole, the outer surfaces of the two wall panels can be textured in the base engagement area to improve grip.

[0050] As described above, the drainage portion 20 is disposed near the upper / top edge 7, integrally formed with the cavity 8, having an elongated shape and extending from the inner edge 3A' of the peripheral joint on the top edge 7. The drainage portion 20 is in fluid communication with the outside of the bag 1 via an inlet 23. The inlet 23 is provided by elongated protrusions of the front and rear walls fused along their side edges. Alternatively, the inlet 23 may be disposed between the front and rear wall pieces via a peripheral joint 3. The inlet 23 may include a port adapted for connection to a catheter, or the inlet 23 may be connected to the distal end of the catheter 100, such as… Figure 5 As shown. When the fluid collection bag is connected to the distal end of the catheter, it will be recognized that this is a “closed” catheter assembly.

[0051] A check valve 24 is disposed in the drainage section 20 and extends across the width of the drainage section. The check valve prevents the fluid collected in the cavity 8 from escaping through the inlet 23.

[0052] The left drainage portion joint 21 and the right drainage portion joint 22 may have equal widths, such that the drainage portion 20 is centered relative to the longitudinal axis AA, or as in this embodiment, the drainage portion 20 may be laterally offset, wherein one of the drainage portion joints 21 and 22 is wider than the other (in this case, the right drainage portion joint 22 is wider than the left drainage portion joint 21).

[0053] The narrower left drainage section 21 is provided with two holes extending through the front wall plate 2 and the rear wall plate. These holes are staggered from each other along the longitudinal axis, with the hole closest to the upper edge 7 being the upper finger hole 25 and the other being the lower finger hole 26. The upper finger hole 25 and the lower finger hole 26 are sized to allow at least partial insertion of a user's finger, so the holes can be any suitable shape, such as circular, oval, elliptical, polygonal, triangular, square / rectangular, rounded square / rectangular, racetrack-shaped, etc. In this embodiment, they are racetrack-shaped with a length of 17 mm and a width of 12.5 mm.

[0054] A weakening line 27 is arranged between the finger holes 25 and 26. The weakening line 27 extends vertically from the left edge 6 across the left drainage portion joint 21 to the edge of the drainage portion 20. The weakening line 27 is configured to allow preferential tearing along its length. In this embodiment, the weakening line includes a perforated line. In several alternative embodiments, preferential tearing can be achieved in other ways, such as by making the wall panel thinner along the weakening line 27. The weakening line 27 is positioned such that a check valve 24 is arranged between the weakening line 27 and the upper edge 7 of the bag 1.

[0055] The right drainage section joint 22 is provided with a tear-stop hole 28 extending between the front wall panel 2 and the rear wall panel. In this embodiment, the tear-stop hole 28 has a racetrack shape, with its long axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis AA of the bag 1. The tear-stop hole 28 intersects with the continuation of the weakening line 27.

[0056] Reference Figure 2-5 The method for draining fluid collection bag 1 is described. Once the user has filled bag 1, inlet 23 can be sealed, thereby allowing fluid collection bag 1 to be stored for later draining / emptying.

[0057] When a user wishes to empty / drain the bag 1, they can grasp the bag 1 with both hands, optionally inserting at least partially the fingers of one hand into the upper finger hole 25 and at least partially the fingers of the other hand into the lower finger hole 26. Then, as... Figure 2 As shown, the user pulls the finger holes 25 and 26 in opposite directions, one toward the front wall panel and the other toward the rear wall panel. Alternatively, the two finger holes 25 and 26 can be separated in the direction of the longitudinal axis. This action initiates a tearing action along the weakening line 27, creating a tear 29 in the left edge 6. Providing finger holes 25 and 26 through which at least a portion of the user's finger can be inserted increases the ease with which the user can begin tearing. This is particularly advantageous for less dexterous users who may find it difficult to grasp the bag 1 by pinching, but can hook their fingers into each finger hole 25 and 26.

[0058] After the tear 29 begins to appear, the user continues to pull on the two finger holes 25 and 26, and the tear 29 continues to enter the drainage section 20 along the weakening line 27, as... Figure 3 As shown. Figure 3 As shown, the tear is guided through the drainage section by the weakened line, causing the check valve 24 to separate from the cavity 8, which allows the fluid to be discharged / drained without the valve 24 blocking the flow.

[0059] The tear 29 continues until it reaches the tear stop hole 28, as... Figure 4 As shown, the upper edge 7 detaches from the bag 1, and the drainage portion 20 is now open to the external environment of the bag 1 through the drainage hole 30. The portion of the peripheral seal 3 between the tear stop hole 28 and the upper and right edges is formed as a retaining band 31, which holds the upper edge 7 of the bag to the rest of the bag 1. The user can now grasp the bag through the tear stop hole 28 and the pouring hole 9 and tilt the bag 1 so that the left edge 6 is lowest, thereby allowing the stored fluid to flow out of the drainage hole 30. Once emptied, the bag 1 can be discarded.

[0060] The above description of one or more embodiments is by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection provided by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fluid collection bag connectable to a distal end of a conduit to receive fluid from the conduit, the fluid collection bag being defined by at least two walls connected together around at least a portion of their periphery; two holes disposed near a first edge of the fluid collection bag and extending through the two walls; wherein a weakening line extends from the first edge between the two holes.

2. The fluid collection bag according to claim 1, wherein, The two walls are fused together, and the hole is provided through the fused portion.

3. The fluid collection bag according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The fluid collection bag includes a drainage edge and two adjacent side edges, with two holes arranged near the drainage edge.

4. The fluid collection bag according to claim 3, wherein, The weakening line extends parallel to the drainage edge.

5. The fluid collection bag according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The two holes are arranged along one of the two side edges.

6. The fluid collection bag according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The two holes are arranged to be spaced apart by a distance of less than 5 cm.

7. The fluid collection bag according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The fluid collection bag also includes a sealed drainage channel, wherein a continuation of the weakening line extends across the drainage channel.

8. The fluid collection bag according to claim 7, wherein, Two side edge connectors connect the two walls together along a portion of the periphery of the two walls, and the drainage channel is defined by at least one drainage connector, the drainage connector or each drainage connector including a widened portion of the corresponding side edge connector.

9. The fluid collection bag according to claim 8, wherein, The two holes are located in the first drainage section connecting part.

10. The fluid collection bag according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a tear stop hole.

11. The fluid collection bag according to claim 9, wherein, The fluid collection bag includes two drainage section connections on two opposite side edges, and a tear stop hole is provided in the second drainage section connection on the side edge opposite to the first drainage section connection.

12. The fluid collection bag according to claim 11, wherein, The extension of the weakening line intersects with the tear stop hole.

13. The fluid collection bag according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The weakening line includes a perforation.

14. The fluid collection bag according to claim 9 or claims 11 to 13 which are dependent on claim 9, wherein, The weakening line extends across the first drainage section connection.

15. The fluid collection bag according to claim 11 or claims 12 to 14 which are dependent on claim 11, wherein, The first drainage section connecting part is narrower than the second drainage section connecting part.

16. The fluid collection bag according to claim 11 or according to any one of claims 12 to 15, which are dependent on claim 10, wherein, The fluid collection bag also includes a tipping grip, wherein the tipping grip is disposed on the same side edge as the tear stop hole near the base edge.

17. The fluid collection bag according to claim 7, which is dependent on claim 3, or any claim which is directly or indirectly dependent on claim 7, which references claim 3, further comprising a check valve disposed in the drainage channel between the drainage edge and the continuation of the weakening line.

18. The fluid collection bag according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The inner edge of the peripheral connecting part is rounded at the corner.

19. A catheter assembly comprising a fluid collection bag connectable to a distal end of a catheter to receive fluid from the catheter, the fluid collection bag being defined by at least two walls connected together around at least a portion of their periphery; two orifices disposed near a first edge of the fluid collection bag and extending through the two walls; wherein a weakening line extends from the first edge between the two orifices.

20. The catheter assembly of claim 19, wherein, The fluid collection bag is the fluid collection bag according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

21. A method for draining a fluid collection bag, the fluid collection bag being connectable to a distal end of a conduit to receive fluid from the conduit, the fluid collection bag being defined by at least two walls connected together around at least a portion of their periphery; two holes being disposed near a first edge of the fluid collection bag and extending through the two walls; The weakening line extends from the first edge between the two holes, and the method includes: Insert at least a portion of the finger into each of the two holes; Pull the two holes open to begin forming a tear in the weakening line; The tear extends into the cavity of the fluid collection bag to create an opening; Fluid is drained from the fluid collection bag through the opening.

22. The method for draining fluid from a fluid collection bag according to claim 21, wherein, The fluid collection bag is a fluid collection bag according to any one of claims 1 to 18, or a fluid collection bag for a catheter assembly according to claim 19 or 20.

23. The method for draining fluid from a fluid collection bag according to claim 21 or 22, wherein, The fluid collection bag also includes a drainage section, and the method further includes allowing the tear to continue across the drainage section.

24. A method for draining a fluid collection bag according to any one of claims 21 to 23, which are dependent on claims 10 or 11, wherein, The tear continues until the tear stops.

25. The method for draining fluid from a fluid collection bag according to claim 24, wherein, The drainage edge of the fluid collection bag is maintained by the edge of the tear stop hole.

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