Ostomy appliances

Abstract

An ostomy appliance (1) is provided, comprising first and second walls (10, 12) connected at or near their peripheries to provide a waste collection cavity (14) therebetween, a stoma receiving opening in the first wall (10), a connecting member (30) providing connection to a patient around the stoma, the connecting member (30) being connected directly or indirectly to the first wall (10) by a connecting arrangement (40), the connecting arrangement including a first connecting structure (50) extending around the stoma receiving opening (20), having a periphery, and providing support between the connecting member and the first wall (10), and a second connecting structure (60) positioned outside the periphery of the first connecting structure (50) and further from the stoma receiving opening (20) than the first connecting structure (50).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to ostomy appliances. [Background technology]

[0002] Ostomy appliances are well-known medical devices. In general, ostomy appliances have a collection volume that is arranged in fluid communication with a patient's stoma to collect bodily waste products. More specifically, ostomy appliances have a first (body-facing) wall and a second wall (and possibly other walls) that are connected (directly or indirectly) to each other around their periphery to form a collection volume. The first wall includes a stoma-receiving opening and is connected to a connecting member that surrounds the stoma-receiving opening, thereby allowing the ostomy appliance to be attached to the patient. Summary of the Invention

[0003] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT The present invention aims to provide an improved ostomy device.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an ostomy appliance comprising:

[0005] The first wall and the second wall are connected at or near their peripheries to provide a waste collection cavity therebetween, a stoma receiving opening in the first wall, and a connecting member providing a connection to the patient around the stoma and connected directly or indirectly to the first wall by a connecting arrangement, the connecting arrangement including a first connecting structure extending around the stoma receiving opening and having a periphery and providing support between the connecting member and the first wall, and a second connecting structure positioned outside the periphery of the first connecting structure and positioned further away from the stoma receiving opening than the first connecting structure.

[0006] Further features relating to aspects of the invention are set out in the appended claims.

[0007] Several embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an ostomy appliance. [Diagram 2] 1 is an example of a connecting member. [Diagram 3] 3A and 3B are examples of a connecting member. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are examples of a connecting member. [Diagram 5] 1 is an example of a connecting member. [Figure 6] 1 is an example of a connecting member. [Figure 7] 1 is an example of a connecting member. [Figure 8] 8A and 8B are examples of a connecting member. [Figure 9] 9A and 9B are examples of connection members. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 shows a rear (or body) side view of the stoma appliance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

[0010] The first wall 12 is provided with a stoma receiving opening 20 (in the examples shown in FIG. 2 onwards, the stoma receiving opening 20 is generally circular). The stoma receiving opening 20 is sized to fit around the stoma of a patient. It will be appreciated that the size and shape of the stoma receiving opening 20 may be adapted to suit an individual patient (and may be modifiable, for example, by the patient or a medical professional to tailor the ostomy appliance 1 to a particular user).

[0011] The ostomy appliance 1 includes a connecting member 30. The connecting member 30 has a surface 34 that provides a connection to the patient. The connecting member 30 is disposed about the stoma receiving opening 20 such that the surface 34 is positioned to connect the ostomy appliance 1 to the patient and to provide a seal between the body and the appliance (i.e., to prevent leakage of waste products from the collection volume 16). The surface 34 includes a hydrocolloid for adhering the connecting member 30 to the skin. However, the surface 34 may be connected to the patient by alternative mechanisms, such as, for example, another adhesive, a silicone surface, a magnetic connection, etc.

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

[0013] 10, there is shown the rear / body side of the ostomy appliance 1. As can be seen, the connecting member 30 and the stoma receiving opening 20 are disposed towards the top 12a of the first wall 12.

[0014] Various examples of connection configurations 40 are shown in Figures 2 through 9. Where the same features are shown in multiple embodiments / figures, the features are given the same reference numbers, and where features are similar but not exactly the same, the references are the same with the addition of a prime symbol ('), e.g., 62 becomes 62'. Unless otherwise stated, all features may be combined with each other as appropriate.

[0015] In some embodiments, the connecting member 30 has one or more slits 32 extending radially outward from the stoma receiving opening 20 (in the illustrated embodiment, the connecting member 30 has five radially extending slits 32). In this example, each slit 32 extends radially away from the stoma receiving opening 20 toward the outer edge / periphery of the connecting member 30. In some embodiments, the connecting member 30 has a pair of slits 32 that are spaced apart and angled away from each other. Each of the pair of slits 32 is disposed above the stoma receiving opening 20 (e.g., toward the top 12a of the first wall 12) toward each side. It should be understood that the connecting member 30 may have fewer or more slits, as desired.

[0016] The first connecting structure 50 extends around the stoma receiving opening 20 and has a perimeter 50a. The perimeter 50a defines an outer edge of the first connecting structure 50. In use, the first connecting structure 50 provides support between the connecting member 30 and the pouch.

[0017] In the illustrated example, the first connecting structure 50 extends completely around the stoma receiving opening 20. Thus, the periphery 50a of the first connecting structure 50 also extends completely around the stoma receiving opening 20. In some embodiments, the first connecting structure 50 is substantially symmetrical about an axis that is perpendicular to the connecting member and is substantially central. In the illustrated embodiment, the periphery 50a of the first connecting structure 50 is generally circular. However, the periphery may be another shape as desired (e.g., triangular, square, pentagonal, or elliptical, which is, for example, flattened above and below the stoma receiving opening and wider at the sides).

[0018] In some embodiments (such as in Figures 2 to 7), the first connecting structure 50 includes a second inner perimeter 50b (located radially inward of the perimeter 50a). In other words, the second perimeter 50b defines the radially inner extent of the fitting. The (first / outer) perimeter 50a and the second perimeter 50b define a ring that defines the edge of the fitting between the first wall 12 and the connecting member 30 (either by direct or indirect connection, as will be described in more detail below). In this embodiment, the inner perimeter 50b does not coincide with the stoma receiving opening 20 and is therefore spaced or distal therefrom. In some embodiments, the first connecting structure 50 forms an annular shape.

[0019] In another example (e.g., Figures 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B), the first connecting structure 50 extends from an (outer) perimeter 50a to an inner perimeter 50b that coincides with the stoma receiving opening 20. In other words, the perimeter 50a and the stoma receiving opening 20 define the area of ​​the attachment that is covered by the first connecting structure 50. Thus, the first connecting structure 50 forms (directly or indirectly) a substantially circular attachment between the first wall 12 and the connecting member 30, with the stoma receiving opening 20 in the middle.

[0020] The ostomy appliance 1 includes a connection arrangement 40 that connects the first wall 12 directly or indirectly to the connecting member 30 .

[0021] A direct connection is a connection that extends between the first wall 12 and the connecting member 30. In some embodiments, this may be accomplished using a welding process between the material of the first wall 12 and the connecting member 30.

[0022] In an indirect connection, a second member may be provided between the first wall 12 and the connecting member 30. A convex or concave member (not shown) may be disposed behind the connecting member 30 around the stoma receiving opening 20 (i.e., sandwiched between the first wall 12 and the connecting member 30). The convex member may support the body tissue surrounding the stoma so as to improve the connection between the surface 34 and the patient. In such an embodiment, the first connecting structure 50 may first be formed between the first wall 12 and the convex member, and then between the convex member and the connecting member 30. In other words, the convex / concave member is connected to the connecting portion 30, and the first connecting structure directly connects the convex member to the first wall. This connection is therefore an indirect connection between the first wall 12 and the connecting member 30. It should be understood that not all ostomy appliances include a convex member, and its use depends on the patient receiving medical assistance.

[0023] In the case of an indirect connection, the first connecting structure 50 may be formed / provided by using an adhesive between the first wall 12 and the convex member, and between the convex member and the connecting member 30 .

[0024] The second connecting structure 60 is located outside the periphery 50a of the first connecting structure 50 and further from the stoma receiving opening 20 than the first connecting structure 50. The second connecting structure 60 is located towards the top 12a of the first wall 12 (which in use is above the stoma receiving opening 20). The function of including the second connecting structure 60 is to reduce the effect of the pouch being pulled forward away from the connecting member 30 when the collection volume 16 fills with waste product. The second connecting structure 60 provides additional fixation between the connecting member 30 and the first wall 12.

[0025] In some embodiments (e.g., FIG. 2 ), the second connecting structure 60 is connected to the first connecting structure 50. In the example of FIG. 2 , the second connecting structure 60 extends generally toward the stoma receiving opening 20 and is connected to a periphery 50a of the first connecting structure 50.

[0026] It should be understood that in this description, the stoma receiving opening 20 is used as a reference point. The stoma receiving opening 20 is generally located approximately centrally in the connecting member 30 (it may be cut out of the connecting member 30 after manufacture). It should therefore be understood that any reference to the stoma receiving opening 20 should also be considered as a reference to the substantially central location that the stoma receiving opening takes within the connecting member 30.

[0027] The second connecting structure 60 has a perimeter 63 that defines an outer edge of the second connecting structure 60. In some embodiments, the second connecting structure 60 includes a base that connects to the perimeter 50a of the first connecting structure 50 and extends from the stoma receiving opening 20 to a distal curved end. In other words, the perimeter 63 of the second connecting structure 60 includes a curve at the apex (i.e., furthest from the stoma receiving opening 20, toward the apex 12a of the first wall 12).

[0028] In some embodiments (see, e.g., FIGS. 3A and 8A ), the second connecting structure 60 extends to the outer edge of the connecting member 30. In other words, the periphery 63 of the second connecting structure 60 extends to substantially coincide with the outer periphery of the connecting member 30.

[0029] In some embodiments (see, e.g., FIG. 3B ), the second connection structure 60 extends to a position spaced apart from the outer edge of the connection member 30. In other words, the periphery 63 of the second connection structure 60 extends substantially to a position spaced apart from the outer periphery of the connection member 30.

[0030] In some embodiments, the connection arrangement 40 includes multiple second connection structures 60. For example, Figures 3A, 3B, and 8A show three separate second connection structures 60 (adjacent to one another) connected at their bases to the periphery 50a of the first connection structure 50. Figures 4A, 4B, and 8B show five similarly adjacently positioned second connection structures 60, with their bases connected to the periphery 50a of the first connection structure 50.

[0031] Thus, the second connecting structures 60 may each be disposed at a different angle relative to the stoma receiving opening 20 and extend generally toward the stoma receiving opening 20. In other words, the second connecting structures 60 are disposed in a fan shape between the periphery 50a of the first connecting structure 50 and the top of the connecting member 30.

[0032] It should be understood that each of the second connection structures 60 may extend a different distance from the periphery 50a. For example, the embodiment shown in Figure 4A includes three "central" second connection structures 60a that all extend to the outer periphery of the connection member 30, and two "outer" second connection structures 60b that are spaced apart from the edge of the connection member 30. A similar arrangement of second connection structures 60a, 62b is shown in Figure 4B, where the three central second connection structures 60a are spaced apart from the edge of the connection member 30, and the two outer second connection structures 60b are even shorter.

[0033] Thus, each of the second connecting structures 60 may terminate at multiple / different radial distances from the stoma receiving opening 20 (and / or the periphery 50a of the first connecting structure 50).

[0034] In some embodiments (e.g., FIG. 5), the second connection structure 60′ is separate from the first connection structure 50. In the example of FIG. 5, there is a single second connection structure 60′ that is separate and apart from the first connection structure 50 (and its periphery 50a).

[0035] The second connecting structure 60' has a perimeter 63' that defines an outer edge of the second connecting structure 60'. In the illustrated example, the perimeter 63' forms a continuous boundary (which is substantially circular in this example). In other words, the second connecting structure 60' is substantially circular. It should be understood that the second connecting structure 60' may be a different shape, such as oval, square, or rectangular, but is still separate and independent from the first connecting structure 50.

[0036] Figures 6 and 9A both show a connection arrangement 40 having two second connection structures 60', while Figure 7 shows five second connection structures 60'. In these examples, each second connection structure 60' is spaced adjacent to the next second connection structure 60'.

[0037] In both examples, the second connecting structures 60' are substantially centered on an axis that extends vertically downward from the top of the first wall 12 and through the stoma receiving opening 20. Additional second connecting structures 60' are located on either side. In this example, the second connecting structures 60' are symmetrical about a central axis, i.e., in a group of three second connecting structures 60', one second connecting structure 60' is located on either side of the central second connecting structure 60', and in a group of five second connecting structures 60', two are located on either side of the central second connecting structure 60'.

[0038] It should also be understood that the second connection structures 60' may have different radial distances from the stoma receiving opening 20 (and / or the periphery 50a of the first connection structure 50). For example, FIG. 7 shows that a first central second connection structure 60a' is disposed at a first (radial) distance from the stoma receiving opening 20 (and the periphery 50a). There are two intermediate second connection structures 60b', which are located on either side of the first second connection structure 60a' and are located at a second short distance (i.e., a second radial distance) from the stoma receiving opening 20. Furthermore, there are two outer second connection structures 60c', which are located on either side of the intermediate second connection structure 60b' and are located at a third short distance (i.e., a third radial distance) from the stoma receiving opening 20.

[0039] It should also be understood that in embodiments with multiple second connection structures 60, 62', both types of second connection structures 60, 62' may be included. In other words, the second connection structures 60 connecting to the first connection structures 50 may be intermixed with second connection structures 60' that are discrete from the first connection structures 50.

[0040] In some embodiments (such as those shown in the drawings) in which connecting member 30 includes one or more slits 32, each slit 32 has a radially innermost end that defines a radial distance from the stoma receiving opening 20. The periphery 50a of first connecting structure 50 is located either at this radial distance or at a lesser radial distance from the stoma receiving opening 20. In other words, first connecting structure 50 is located within the radially innermost ends of the slits 32.

[0041] The second connecting structure 60 is either at substantially the same radial distance or at a greater radial position than the position defined by the innermost ends of the slit(s) 32 .

[0042] In some embodiments, even if the first connection structure 50 is provided indirectly (as described above), the second connection structure 60 may be provided as a direct connection between the connection member 30 and the first wall 12.

[0043] An advantage of having the second connecting structure 60, 62' means that additional support can be provided between the first wall 12 (specifically the top 12a of the first wall 12) and the connecting member 30 (on top of where existing support was previously provided). Previously, during use, as the collection volume 16 filled, the top of the ostomy appliance 1 would sag forward due to a tensile load at the bottom. The additional connection(s) provided by the second connecting structure(s) 60, 60' prevents and / or reduces sagging of the pouch as the first wall 12 is attached to the connecting member 30 at a higher point, thus preventing the first wall 12 from pulling forward away from the connecting member 30 (and the body to which the appliance 1 is attached).

[0044] As used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprises" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted as excluding the presence of other features, steps or components.

[0045] The features disclosed in the above description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, and expressed in their specific form or as means for performing a disclosed function, or as a method or process for achieving a disclosed result, may be utilized to realize the invention in various of its forms, either separately or in any combination of such features, as appropriate.

[0046] Although specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, the appended claims are not intended to be limited to only these embodiments, and the claims should be construed literally, intentionally, and / or to encompass equivalents.

Claims

1. first and second walls connected at or near their peripheries to provide a waste collection cavity therebetween; a stoma receiving opening in the first wall; a connecting member having one or more slits extending radially outwardly relative to the stoma receiving opening and providing a connection to a patient around the stoma, the connecting member being directly or indirectly connected to the first wall by a connecting arrangement; Including, The connection configuration is a first connecting structure extending around the stoma receiving opening and having a periphery and providing support between the connecting member and the first wall; and a second connecting structure disposed outside the periphery of the first connecting structure and further from the stoma receiving opening than the first connecting structure and at a radial distance from the stoma receiving opening that is the same radial distance as defined by an innermost edge of the slit or greater; 2. An ostomy appliance, including

2. The ostomy appliance of claim 1 , wherein the second connection structure is located over the stoma receiving opening in use.

3. 3. The ostomy appliance of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second connection structure is spaced apart from the first connection structure.

4. The ostomy appliance of claim 3 , wherein the second connecting structure is substantially circular.

5. The ostomy appliance of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second connection structure is connected to the first connection structure.

6. The ostomy appliance of claim 5 , wherein the second connecting structure extends generally toward the stoma receiving opening and is connected to the periphery of the first connecting structure.

7. The ostomy appliance of claim 5 or 6, wherein the second connection structure includes a curved end located distally from the first connection structure.

8. The ostomy appliance of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the attachment zone of the second connection structure extends to an edge of the connection member or to a position spaced from an edge of the connection member.

9. The ostomy device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein there are a plurality of second connection structures.

10. 10. The ostomy appliance of claim 9, wherein each of the second connecting structures is separate from or connected to the first connecting structure.

11. The ostomy appliance of claim 9 or 10, wherein there are 2 to 5 second connection structures spaced apart from one another.

12. the connecting member has a pair of slits that are spaced apart and angled away from each other toward an upper portion of the first wall and above the stoma receiving opening; The ostomy appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second connection structure is located between the pair of slits.

13. 13. The ostomy appliance of claim 1, wherein each slit has a radially innermost end spaced a radial distance from the center of the stoma receiving opening, and the periphery of the first connecting structure is located at this or a smaller radial distance from the center of the stoma receiving opening.

14. The ostomy appliance of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first connecting structure extends completely around the stoma receiving opening.

15. 15. The ostomy appliance of claim 14, wherein the first connecting structure has a second inner periphery that is coincident with the stoma receiving opening or that is spaced radially outward from the stoma receiving opening.

16. An ostomy appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein the first connecting structure is substantially symmetrical about a centre line that, in use, extends substantially vertically through the stoma receiving opening.

17. The ostomy appliance of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the first connecting structure is substantially circular or annular.

18. a convex or concave support member located between the first wall and the connecting member and connected to the connecting member; The ostomy appliance of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the first connecting structure, when including the convex support member, directly connects the convex support member to the first wall.

19. The ostomy appliance of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the second connection structure provides a direct connection between the first wall and the connecting member.

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