Ostomy pouch including volumetric markings

Abstract

An ostomy pouch is disclosed. The ostomy pouch includes a body-side wall and an inlet opening defined in the body-side wall, the inlet opening configured to receive a stoma. The ostomy pouch further includes a distal-side wall positioned adjacent the body-side wall and a heat-sealed peripheral edge joining the body-side wall and the distal-side wall defining a cavity between the body-side wall and distal-side wall for collecting bodily waste. The ostomy pouch further including at least one volumetric marking indicator integrally formed with the heat-sealed peripheral edge at a position on the heat-sealed peripheral edge, wherein the volumetric marking indicator corresponds to a volume of bodily waste collected in the cavity.

Description

OSTOMY POUCH INCLUDING VOLUMETRIC MARKINGSBACKGROUND

[0001] This disclosure is related to ostomy pouches for collecting body waste. Ostomy pouches can be used by patients who have had surgery such as a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy. Ostomy pouches typically include flat, opposing side walls secured to one another along their peripheral edges to define a collection cavity. An opening for receiving a stoma is formed in one of the side walls, and includes a securing means or system, such as an adhesive barrier, to secure the pouch to the user so that body waste discharged through the stoma is received within the cavity. Measuring the amount of bodily fluid collected inside of the ostomy pouch is important for tracking health risk factors (e.g., hydration) of a patient.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0002] An ostomy pouch with at least one volumetric marking indicator is provided according to example embodiments.

[0003] In one aspect, an ostomy pouch may include a body-side wall, an inlet opening defined in the body-side wall, the inlet opening configured to receive a stoma. The ostomy pouch may further include a distal-side wall positioned adjacent the body-side wall and a heat-sealed peripheral edge joining the body-side wall and the distal-side wall defining a cavity between the body-side wall and distal-side wall for collecting bodily waste. The ostomy pouch may further include at least one volumetric marking indicator integrally formed with the heat-sealed peripheral edge at a position on the heat-sealed peripheral edge, wherein the volumetric marking indicator corresponds to a volume of bodily waste collected in the cavity.

[0004] In an embodiment, the at least one volumetric marking indicator may include a first volumetric marking indicator integrally formed with the heat-sealed peripheral edge at a first position on a first side of the heat-sealed peripheral edge, and the ostomy pouch may further includes a second volumetric marking indicator integrally formed with the heat-sealed peripheral edge at a second position on a second side of the heat-sealed peripheral edge. The second side may be opposite the first side and the second volumetric marking indicator may be positioned to mirror the first volumetric marking indicator.

[0005] In an embodiment, the first volumetric marking indicator may be one of a first plurality of volumetric marking indicators formed along the first side of the heat-sealed peripheral edge, and the second volumetric marking indicator may be one of a second plurality of volumetric marking indicators formed along the second side of the heat-sealed peripheral edge. The positions of the second plurality of volumetric marking indicators may mirror the positions of the first plurality of volumetric marking indicators.

[0006] In an embodiment, the at least one volumetric marking indicator may extend the heat- sealed peripheral edge into the cavity.

[0007] In an embodiment, the ostomy pouch may be configured to form a bulge around the at least one volumetric marking indicator as bodily waste fills the cavity past the corresponding at least one volumetric marking indicator.

[0008] In an embodiment, the bulge may be configured to provide a tactile indicator for a nonvisual technique to determine a volume of bodily waste collected in the cavity.

[0009] In an embodiment, the ostomy pouch may further include a printed volume indicator printed on the distal-side wall adjacent to each of the at least one volumetric marking indicator, and wherein the printed volume indicator may provide the volume of bodily waste collected whenthe cavity is filled to the corresponding volumetric marking indicator.

[0010] In an embodiment, a volume of bodily waste collected in the cavity corresponding to each of the at least one volumetric marking indicator may be provided on a separate print media

[0011] In an embodiment, each of the at least one volumetric marking indicator may include a triangular shaped heat-sealed area extending from the heat-sealed peripheral edge towards the cavity.

[0012] In an embodiment, the at least one volumetric marking indicator may be positioned entirely within the heat-sealed peripheral edge.

[0013] In an embodiment, the at least one volumetric marking indicator may be visible on a surface of the heat-sealed peripheral edge

[0014] In an embodiment, each of the at least one volumetric marking indicator may include a notch cutout along a pouch periphery and extending into the heat-sealed peripheral edge.

[0015] In an embodiment, each of the at least one volumetric marking indicator may be formed in a triangular shape, a circular shape, or a rectangular shape.

[0016] In an embodiment, the ostomy pouch may further includes a discharge outlet for draining the collected bodily waste in the cavity, wherein the body-side wall and distal-side wall define a downwardly extending neck portion terminating in the discharge outlet.

[0017] The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are examples only and are not restrictive of the present disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The benefits and advantages of the present embodiments will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0019] FIG. 1A is an illustration of a distal-side of an ostomy pouch having volumetric markings, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. IB is a detailed view of area IB of FIG. 1A;

[0021] FIG. 1C is an illustration of a body-side of the ostomy pouch of FIG. 1A;

[0022] FIG. ID is an example of an ostomy barrier appliance, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 2A is an illustration of an ostomy pouch having volumetric marking indicators that extend the heat-sealed peripheral edge with the ostomy pouch empty, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 2B is an illustration of the ostomy pouch of FIG. 2A with the ostomy pouch being 2 / 3 full;

[0025] FIGS. 2C-2E is an illustration of cross-sections of a volumetric marking indicator as the ostomy pouch fills with bodily fluid past the volumetric marking indicator, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 3 is an illustration of an ostomy pouch having volumetric marking indicators that are formed to have a distinct shape within the heat-sealed peripheral edge, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 4 is an illustration of an ostomy pouch having volumetric marking indicators cut into the pouch peripheral edge, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0028] FIG. 5 is an illustration of an ostomy pouch having volumetric markings that both extend the heat-sealed peripheral edge and are cut into the pouch peripheral edge, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] While the present disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described presently preferred embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments illustrated. The words “a” or “an” are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the singular. The words “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like may be used in the present disclosure to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these words. These words are only used to distinguish one category of information from another. The directional words “top,” “bottom,” up,” “down,” front,” “back,” and the like are used for purposes of illustration and as such are not limiting. Depending on the context, the word “if’ as used herein may be interpreted as “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining.”

[0030] Ostomy pouches for collecting body waste are used by patients who have had surgery such as a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy. Ostomy pouches typically include flat, opposing side walls secured to one another along their peripheral edges to define a collection cavity. An opening for receiving a stoma is formed in one of the side walls, and includes a securing means or system, such as an adhesive barrier, to secure the pouch to the user so that body waste discharged through the stoma is received within the cavity.

[0031] Some ostomy pouches may be closed-end pouches designed for single use, in which the entirety of the peripheral edges are sealed to one another and the pouch is discarded after it has been substantially filled with stomal discharge. Other ostomy pouches are drainable pouches thatinclude a discharge opening at a lower end that can be closed during collection of body waste material but may be opened for draining body waste material from the pouch after a period of use. The discharge opening of drainable pouches is typically formed at the end of a narrowed neck portion. For example, the side walls of the ostomy pouch can define a downwardly extending neck portion terminating in a discharge outlet. The end of the neck portion has a closure means (i.e., a closure system) for maintaining the discharge opening in a sealed state until waste material is to be drained from the pouch. Some closure systems include a clamp or a device such as a conventional wire tie or wrap for securing the neck portion in an upwardly rolled condition.

[0032] Determining the amount of stoma fluid or body waste collected in an ostomy pouch can be important for tracking health risk factors (e.g., hydration) of a patient. It has been reported that some users estimate the volume of stoma fluid collected in an ostomy pouch by referencing printed artwork, such as a brand artwork, provided on the ostomy pouch. However, the printed art is generally a design feature and is not provided for measuring volume of the collected pouch content, and thus, its location on the pouch may change with a design change. Some prior art ostomy pouches include printed markings for measuring volume of stoma fluid collected in the pouch. However, the printed markings present manufacturing challenges in placement of the markings on the pouch within relatively tight tolerances for accurate volume measurements. At times, these volume measurements may be hard to see, and the stoma fluid is removed from the pouch for measurement. Removing the fluid from the pouch allows a user or a health care professional to measure the exact amount of fluid with a separate measuring device (e g., a graduated cylinder). The downside of this approach is inconvenience. It would be beneficial for a use or a healthcare professional to be able to estimate the amount of fluid within the ostomy pouch without removing the stoma fluid from the pouch. Additionally, the ostomy pouch can be locatedon a user where it is not easily visible to see markings on the ostomy pouch with it remaining attached to the user. As such, it would be beneficial if the amount of fluid within the pouch can be easily estimated by feeling the pouch. As such, there is a need in the art to easily and consistently measure an amount of fluid or body waste collected in an ostomy pouch without removing or draining the ostomy pouch.

[0033] The present disclosure provides an ostomy pouch with volumetric marking indicators integrated into a heat-sealed peripheral edge of the ostomy pouch according to various embodiments. An ostomy pouch may include a body side wall and a distal side wall, which may be joined together by a peripheral heat seal defining a cavity between the body wall and distal wall for collecting bodily waste. Bodily waste can enter the ostomy pouch through an inlet opening in the body side wall configured to receive a stoma. In an embodiment, the ostomy pouch may include volumetric marking indicators formed integrally with and extending from the peripheral heat seal of the pouch. The volumetric marking indicators can be visible within and / or proximate the heat- sealed peripheral edge of the pouch and the amount of bodily waste collected in the pouch can be estimated by referring to the volumetric marking indicators. The volumetric marking indicators may be arranged to correspond to a volume of bodily waste collected in the cavity. For example, the volumetric marking indicators can be positioned at 50 mL, 100 mb, 150 mL, etc. so that an amount of bodily waste can be estimated. The volumetric marking indicators can be mirrored on opposing sides of the heat-sealed peripheral edge of the ostomy pouch. A user can use the mirrored volumetric marking indicators to ensure that the pouch is level to estimate the amount of fluid in the pouch. When the ostomy pouch is visible to a user, the user can view the ostomy pouch and estimate the amount of bodily fluid in the ostomy pouch based on the volumetric marking indicators. This determination can be made without removing the ostomy pouch by only ensuringthe ostomy pouch is level.

[0034] In some embodiments, the volumetric marking indicators may be configured such that when fluid fills past a volumetric marking indicator, the volumetric marking indicator forms a bulge in the ostomy pouch based on the fluid pushing the ostomy pouch around the volumetric marking indicator away from the volumetric marking indicator. For example, the volumetric marking indicator can extend into the cavity of the ostomy pouch and as bodily fluid fills past the volumetric marking indicator the ostomy pouch can bulge around the volumetric marking indicator (FIG. 2B). In such embodiments, the volumetric marking indicators can also function as tactile indicators, such that a user can feel bulges near the heat-sealed peripheral edge as a non-visual technique of estimating an amount of fluid in the ostomy pouch. Having a tactile indicator may allow the user to estimate the amount of bodily fluid collected in the ostomy pouch without the user needing to visually see the ostomy pouch or take the ostomy pouch off to view the amount of bodily fluid. The non-visual method can provide the user with peace of mind on determining the amount of bodily fluid in the ostomy pouch by simply feeling the ostomy pouch. This can allow a user to quickly and easily estimate the amount of bodily fluid in the ostomy pouch. At times, it can be difficult to see or remove the ostomy pouch and having a non-visual method of estimating the amount of bodily fluid within the ostomy pouch makes it easier to track health risk factors (e.g., hydration).

[0035] The volumetric marking indicators may be integrally formed with a peripheral seal of an ostomy pouch. These volumetric marking indicators can be formed during the manufacturing step of creating the heat-sealed peripheral edge of an ostomy pouch. The step of creating the heat- sealed peripheral edge may determine the volume of the ostomy pouch. Placing the volumetric marking indicators at this step can allow the volumetric marking indicators to be accuratelypositioned. It also provides the benefit of not needing to determine the exact position and shape of the ostomy pouch for printing these markings accurately in a separate manufacturing step since the markings are formed during the creation of the peripheral heat seal of a pouch.

[0036] The volumetric marking indicators can be formed in a variety of ways. The volumetric marking indicators can be formed as a distinct shape within and proximate the peripheral heat seal of the ostomy pouch, such as a semicircle or triangle to allow a user to identify a volume gradation. In some embodiments, the volumetric marking indicators can extend from the peripheral heat seal toward the center of the ostomy pouch. Integrating the volumetric marking indicators with the heat seal can be advantageous because the peripheral seal of an ostomy pouch may be a primary feature determining pouch volume. The volumetric marking indicators can also be formed by cutting the pouch periphery. These volumetric marking indicators may be notches that extend into the peripheral heat seal area or shapes, such as a semi-circle visible in the peripheral heat seal area. A pouch making process typically may involve an excess of material around the peripheral heat seal areas that is discarded as scrap. For example, during a pouch peripheral cutting step, some of the peripheral heat seal area may be cut away to form the outer periphery of the pouch. The cut away material that does not form the ostomy pouch may then be discarded as scrap. Therefore, forming the volumetric marking indicators by cutting notches or providing heat-seal shapes along the pouch periphery may make use of more of the pouch material which otherwise may be scrapped, and thus, reduce manufacturing waste. For example, the peripheral heal seal area may be made larger to accommodate the volumetric marking indicators without reducing the pouch cavity volume. Further, the ostomy pouch can be marked with numerals or other symbols to provide a clear total volume level at a specific volumetric marking indicator. Alternatively, the total volume at each volumetric marking indicator may be provided on a separate manual and not printed on pouch. Inyet another alternative, both marking with numerals or other symbols can be printed on the ostomy pouch and a separate manual may be provided all giving a clear total volume level at each volumetric marking indicator.

[0037] FIGS. 1 A-1C illustrate an ostomy pouch 200 including volumetric markings 206a-f and volumetric markings 208a-f, according to an embodiment. The ostomy pouch 200 may include a body-side wall 240 and a distal-side wall 202. The body-side wall 240 may be joined to the distal- side wall 202 by a heat-sealed peripheral edge 204 to form a cavity to collect bodily waste. The body-side wall 240 may define an inlet opening 242 configure to receive a user’s stoma through which bodily waste can enter the cavity within the ostomy bag 200. In two-piece ostomy pouch systems, the body-side wall 240 may include a pouch coupling member 244 to attach the ostomy pouch 200 to an ostomy barrier appliance. FIG. ID illustrates an example ostomy barrier appliance 246 including a barrier coupling member 248 configured to attach to the pouch coupling member 244. In one-piece ostomy pouch systems, a ostomy barrier may be attached to the body-side wall 240 around the inlet opening. In some embodiments, the ostomy pouch 200 may include lower support protrusions 210, 212 of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 204 that structurally increase the necking portion 224 of the ostomy pouch 200 and may help control bulging. These lower support protrusions are not part of the volumetric markings but have an impact on the volume within the cavity.

[0038] In some embodiments, the body-side wall 240 and distal-side wall 202 of the ostomy pouch 200 may define a downwardly extending neck portion 224 terminating in a discharge outlet 226 for draining the ostomy pouch 200. In such embodiments, the ostomy pouch 200 may include a closure system to close and seal the discharge outlet 226. For example, the ostomy pouch may be configured such that the necking portion 224 can folded onto itself to seal the discharge outlet226 and may include fasteners or a closure device, such as a clip, to keep the necking portion 224 in a folded and closed position. In some alternative aspects, the ostomy pouch 200 may be configured for a one time use and may not include a discharge outlet 226.

[0039] The ostomy pouch 200 may include volumetric marking indicators 206a-f and volumetric marking indicators 208a-f integrally formed with the heat-sealed peripheral edge 204, where the volumetric marking indicators 206a-f and volumetric marking indicators 208a-f may be part of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 204. The ostomy pouch 200 may be attached to a user using an adhesive skin barrier, wherein the user’s stoma may be received through the inlet opening 242 in the body-side wall 240. With the ostomy bag 200 attached to the user, the distal-side wall 202 may be visible with the body-side wall 240 being against the user. The volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f may be visible on the distal-side wall 202 to estimate an amount of bodily waste contained in the ostomy bag 200 with the ostomy pouch 200 attached to the user.

[0040] The volumetric marking indicators 206a-f may be positioned on a first side 214 of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 204 and the volumetric marking indicators 208a-f may be positioned on a second side 216 opposite the first side 214 of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 204. The volumetric marking indicators 208a-f may be positioned to mirror the volumetric marking indicators 206a-f. As such, the volumetric marking indicator 208a may be at the same longitudinal position on the ostomy pouch 200 as volumetric marking indicator 206a and so on. This is shown in FIG. lAby the volumetric marking indicators 206a-f and volumetric marking indicators 208a- f being positioned on the same axis A1-A6, respectively. The axes A1-A6 are perpendicular to a longitudinal axis LA defined by the ostomy pouch 200, where the longitudinal axis LA extends the length of the ostomy pouch 200.

[0041] The volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f may correspond to a volume ofbodily waste collected in the cavity for each volumetric marking indicator 206a-f, 208a-f. For example, when the amount of bodily waste reaches volumetric marking indicators 206b and 208b, it may indicate a corresponding collected volume. The volumetric marking indicators 206a and 208a may be configured to mark the same amount of bodily waste collected, volumetric marking indicators 206b and 208b may be configured to mark the same amount of bodily waste collected, and so on for each of the respective volumetric marking indicator 206a-f and 208a-f. A user can use the volumetric marking indicators 206a-f and volumetric marking indicators 208a-f to ensure that the pouch is leveled when making an estimate of the amount of bodily waste collected. For example, a user can ensure that the volumetric marking indicators 206a and 208a are at the same level before making an estimate of the bodily fluid collected.

[0042] There can be any number of volumetric marking indicators 206a-f on the ostomy pouch.FIG. 1A illustrates six volumetric marking indicators 206a-f but less than six or more than six volumetric marking indicators can be positioned on the ostomy pouch 200. As discussed above, each volumetric marking indicator 206a-f corresponds to a volume of bodily waste collected at the respective volumetric marking indicator 206a-f. The distances dl-d5 between each volumetric marking indicator 206a-f may be based on the volume indicated by the specific volumetric marking indicator 206a-f and the shape of the ostomy pouch 200. For example, the changing width and depth of the ostomy pouch along the longitudinal axis LA may impact the volume and can affect the distance between each volumetric marking indicator 206a-f. For example, if each volumetric marking indicator 206a-f specifies an equally increasing volume, then the shape of the cavity of the ostomy pouch will dictate the distance between each volumetric marking indicator 206a-f to reach those volumes. As such, the distances dl-d5 between each volumetric marking indicator206a-f do not need to be the same distance.

[0043] The volumetric marking indicators 206a-f and volumetric marking indicators 208a-f may be formed as a part of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 204. As such, the volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f may be entirely positioned within the heat-sealed peripheral edge 204. The volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f may extend the heat-sealed peripheral edge 204 into the cavity and toward the longitudinal axis LA. For example, each volumetric marking indicator 206a-f, 208a-f may include a protrusion 218 of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 204 that extends toward the longitudinal axis LA. The shape of the protrusion 218 may be substantially triangular as shown in FIGS. 1A and IB; however, the protrusion 218 may be any shape such as circular, triangular, rectangular, diamond, etc. The protrusions 218 forming the volumetric marking indicator 206a-f, 208a-f can be formed during the creation of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 204. For example, the manufacturing process of heat sealing the body-side wall 240 and distal-side wall 202 to form the heat-sealed peripheral edge 204 can also form the volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f at the same time. This can provide the benefit of adding the volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f during the forming of the pouch cavity that determines the volume of the ostomy pouch 200. As such, the volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f can be accurately placed without the need of an additional processing step to register the ostomy pouch 200 to position the volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f accurately.

[0044] In some aspects, a printed volume indicator can be printed on the distal-side wall 202 of the ostomy pouch 200. The printed volume indicators may provide a value for the volume of bodily waste collected when the cavity is filled to each corresponding volumetric marking indicator 206a-f, 208a-f. The printed volume indicators can be printed on the distal-side wall 202 of the ostomy pouch 200 and / or they may be printed on a separate print media (e.g., a manual or other paper media) from the ostomy pouch 200. For example, a separate print media can have thevalues for the volumes at the volumetric marking indicator 206a-f, 208a-f and the distal-side wall 202 can have nothing printed on it regarding the volumetric marking indicator 206a-f, 208a-f. The print media can have a representation of the ostomy pouch 200 and the volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f along with values for the corresponding volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f As another example, the printed volume indicator can be a symbol or other reference printed on the distal-side wall 202 that can be used with the separate print media to determine the values for the volumes corresponding to the volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f. As yet another example, the printed volume indicators can be printed on the distal-side wall 202 and be the values for the volumes (e.g., 50mL, lOOmL, 150 mb, etc.) that correspond to the volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f. In this example, there can also be a separate print media with the same values for the volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f, but there does not need to be a separate print media.

[0045] The printed volume indicators printed on the distal-side wall 202 can be printed adjacent its corresponding volumetric marking indicator 206a-f, 208a-f. Since the printed volume indicator does not mark the volume within the pouch, the exact location can vary and not affect the volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f. As such, the printed volume indicators can be positioned on the distal-side wall 202 with less accuracy than the volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f. In an alternative aspect, the printed volume indicators can all be printed on the distal-side wall 202 at a location on the pouch and printed in ascending or descending order to correspond with the volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f. In any case, the print volume indicators printed on the distal-side wall 202 and / or on the separate print media can be used by a user to determine a value for the volume of bodily waste collected when the cavity is fdled to the volumetric marking indicator 206a-f, 208a-f.

[0046] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate ostomy pouch 300 including volumetric marking indicators 306a-c and volumetric marking indicators 308a-c, according to an embodiment. The ostomy pouch 300 may be configured substantially similar to ostomy pouch 200. For example, similar to the ostomy pouch 200, the ostomy pouch 300 may include a body-side wall (e.g., similar to body-side wall 240) that defines an inlet opening configure to receive the stoma through which bodily waste can enter a cavity within the ostomy pouch 300, and the body-side wall can include a pouch coupling member to attach the ostomy pouch 300 to an ostomy barrier appliance or a skin barrier to attach the ostomy pouch 300 to a user. The ostomy pouch 300 may include a distal-side wall 302 joined to the body-side wall by a heat-sealed peripheral edge 304 to form the cavity to collect bodily waste.

[0047] In some embodiments, the body-side wall and distal-side wall 302 of the ostomy pouch 300 may define a downwardly extending neck portion 324 terminating in a discharge outlet 326 for draining the ostomy pouch 300. The ostomy pouch 300 may include a closure system to seal the discharge outlet 326. For example, the necking portion 324 can fold onto itself to seal the discharge outlet 326 and have a clip to keep the necking portion 324 folded and the discharge outlet 326 sealed. In some alternative aspects, the ostomy pouch 300 may be configured for a one-time use and may not include a discharge outlet 326.

[0048] Similar to ostomy pouch 200, the ostomy pouch 300 may include volumetric marking indicators 306a-c on a first side 314 of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 304 and volumetric marking indicators 308a-c on a second side 316 of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 304, where the volumetric marking indicators 306a-c, 308a-c may be integrally formed with the heat-sealed peripheral edge 304. As such, the volumetric marking indicators 306a-c and volumetric marking indicators 308a-c may be formed as part of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 304. The volumetricmarking indicators 308a-c may be positioned to mirror the volumetric marking indicators 306a-c. The volumetric marking indicators 306a-c, 308a-c may extend the heat-sealed peripheral edge 304 into the cavity the same as volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f. Each volumetric marking indicator 306a-c, 308a-c may include a protrusion 318 of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 304 that extends into the cavity. The shape of the protrusion 318 may be substantially triangular. The volumetric marking indicators 306a-c, 308a-c may function the same as volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f. For the sake of brevity, not all the similarities will be discussed in detail. The only difference in the volumetric marking indicators 306a-c, 308a-c and volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f may be the number of volumetric marking indicators 306a-c, 308a-c on ostomy pouch 300 compared to ostomy pouch 200. The ostomy pouch 300 may include printed volume indicators 320 positioned adjacent to a corresponding volumetric marking indicators 306a- c, 308a-c. Any of the printed volume indicators discussed regarding ostomy pouch 200 may be used with or on ostomy pouch 300.

[0049] FIG. 2A illustrates the ostomy pouch 300 empty and FIG. 2B illustrates the ostomy pouch 300 filled more than halfway with bodily fluid 334. As the ostomy pouch 300 fills with bodily fluid 334, the ostomy pouch 300 may bulge 322 at the volumetric marking indicators 306a- c, 308a-c. The bulge 322 may be formed as the bodily fluid 334 contained within the pouch fills past a volumetric marking indicator 306a-c, 308a-c. Referring to FIG. 2B, as bodily fluid 334 fills past volumetric marking indicators 306a, 306b, 308a, and 308b, a bulge 322 may form at each of these volumetric marking indicators 306a, 306b, 308a, and 308b. Since the bodily fluid 334 has not filled past volumetric marking indicators 306c, 308c, a bulge 322 has not formed at those volumetric marking indicators 306c, 308c in FIG. 2B. The bulges 322 on the ostomy pouch 300 may be felt by a user to estimate the amount of bodily fluid 334 being collected in the ostomypouch 300 without visually viewing the ostomy pouch 300. For example, the bulges 322 may cause tension in the distal-side wall 302 at the volumetric marking indicator 306a-c, 308a-c, which may be felt by a user to determine if bodily fluid 334 has filled to that level of the ostomy pouch 300 without visually viewing the ostomy pouch 300. As such, the user may feel for bulges near the heat-sealed peripheral edge as tactile cues for estimating an amount of bodily fluid 334 collected in the ostomy pouch 300.

[0050] In an embodiment, the volumetric marking indicators 306a-c, 308a-c may extend into the cavity of the ostomy pouch. In such an embodiment, the ostomy pouch may be configured such that the ostomy pouch bulges 322 around the volumetric marking indicators 306a-c, 308a-c as bodily fluid 334 fills past the volumetric marking indicators 306a-c, 308a-c. The bulges 322 may cause tension in the distal-side wall 302 that may be felt by a user. FIGS. 2C-2E are example illustrations of cross-sections of the volumetric marking indicator 306a as the ostomy pouch fills with bodily fluid 334 up to and past the volumetric marking indicator 306a. As bodily fluid 334 fills up to and past the volumetric marking indicator 306a, a bulge 322 may form and the bulge 322 may be felt by a user compared to an unfilled area. The amount of resistance to a user pressing on the bulge 322 may change based on the amount of bodily fluid 334 and the size of the bulge 322 (i.e., slope of the bulge 322) may change based on the amount of bodily fluid 334. These properties may be felt by a user to determine an estimate for an amount of bodily fluid 334 collected in the ostomy bag 300.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 2C, the volumetric marking indicator 306a is in a no extension state.In the no extension state, there is no bulge formed and the ostomy bag 300 is empty and flat or is filled with a minimal amount of air. In either case, the user may press the ostomy bag 300 near the volumetric marking indicator 306a and sense that the ostomy bag 300 is empty at the volumetricmarking indicator 306a. Referring to FIG. 2D, the volumetric marking indicator 306a is in a partial extension state. In the partial extension state, there is a bulge 322 due to bodily fluid 334 filling up to near the volumetric marking indicator 306a. The bulge 322 may be defined by a moderate resistance to the user pushing on the ostomy pouch 300 near the volumetric marking indicator 306a, and the bulge 322 may have a slope away from the volumetric marking indicator 306a. The user may press the ostomy bag 300 near the volumetric marking indicator 306a and sense the slope and resistance to determine that the ostomy bag 300 is filled to near the volumetric marking indicator 306a. Referring to FIG. 2E, the volumetric marking indicator 306a is in a full extension state. In the full extension state, there is a bulge 322 due to bodily fluid 334 filling past the volumetric marking indicator 306a. The bulge 322 may be defined by a steep slope away from the volumetric marking indicator 306a and a maximum resistance to pressing the ostomy bag 300 near the volumetric marking indicator 306a. The user may press the ostomy bag 300 near the volumetric marking indicator 306a and sense the steep slope and maximum resistance to determine that the ostomy bag 300 is filled past the volumetric marking indicator 306a. For example, the user may determine that the resistance to pressing is great enough near the volumetric marking indicator 306a that the ostomy bag 300 is filled past the volumetric marking indicator 306a and the user may then similarly check the ostomy bag 300 at volumetric marking indicator 306b to determine a fill level of the ostomy bag 300. As the ostomy bag 300 fills, each volumetric marking indicator 306a- c, 308a-c may transition between these three extension states.

[0052] FIG. 3 illustrates ostomy pouch 400 including volumetric marking indicators 406a-d and volumetric marking indicators 408a-d, according to an embodiment. The ostomy pouch 400 may be configured substantially similar to ostomy pouch 200 and ostomy pouch 300. For example, the ostomy pouch 400 may include volumetric marking indicators 406a-d on a first side 414 of theheat-sealed peripheral edge 404 and volumetric marking indicators 408a-d positioned on a second side 416 of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 404, where the volumetric marking indicators 406a-d, 408a-d may be integrally formed with the heat-sealed peripheral edge 404 and may be formed as part of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 404. The volumetric marking indicators 408a-d may be positioned to mirror the volumetric marking indicators 406a-d. Each volumetric marking indicator 406a-d, 408a-d may include a protrusion 418 of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 404 that extends into the cavity. The volumetric marking indicators 406a-d, 408a-d may function the same as volumetric marking indicators 406a-d, 408a-d. For the sake of brevity, not all the similarities will be discussed in detail.

[0053] The main difference between ostomy pouch 400 and ostomy pouch 200, 300 may be that the volumetric marking indicators 406a-d, 408a-d are of a different shape than the volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f, 306a-c, 308a-c. For example, the protrusions 418 may be substantially circular in shape while the protrusions 218, 318 may be substantially triangular in shape. Further, the volumetric marking indicators 406a-d, 408a-d may be visible within the surface of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 404, where the volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f, 306a-c, 308a-c may be visible mainly due to the protrusions of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 304 that extend into the cavity at the volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f, 306a-c, 308a-c. Other aspects of the volumetric marking indicators 406a-d, 408a-d may be similar as volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f, 306a-c, 308a-c.

[0054] Similar to ostomy pouch 200, 300, the ostomy pouch 400 may be configured to bulge422 around the volumetric marking indicators 406a-d, 408a-d as bodily fluid fills past the volumetric marking indicators 406a-d, 408a-d. FIG. 3 shows bodily fluid filling past the volumetric marking indicators 406a, 408a and a bulge 422 forming around these markingindicators. As discussed previously, the bulging allows for a non-visual technique or tactile cue for estimating the amount of bodily fluid collected in the ostomy pouch 400. For example, pressing on the ostomy pouch 400 near the volumetric marking indicators 406a-d, 408a-d to feel for a bulge (e.g., resistance to pressing and shape of the bulge as described regarding FIGS. 2C-2E). Any of the printed volume indicators discussed regarding ostomy pouch 200 and ostomy pouch 300 may be used with or on ostomy pouch 400.

[0055] Similar to ostomy pouch 200, 300, the ostomy pouch 400 may include a body-side wall (e.g., similar to body-side wall 240) that defines an inlet opening configure to receive the stoma through which bodily waste can enter a cavity within the ostomy pouch 400, and the body-side wall can include a pouch coupling member (e.g., pouch coupling member 244) to attach the ostomy pouch 400 to an ostomy barrier appliance (e.g., ostomy barrier appliance 246) or a skin barrier to attach the ostomy pouch 300 to a user. The ostomy pouch 400 may include a distal-side wall 402 joined to the body-side wall by the heat-sealed peripheral edge 404 to form the cavity to collect bodily waste. The lower support protrusions 410, 412 of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 404 may reduce bulging at the necking portion 424 of the ostomy pouch 400.

[0056] In some embodiments, the body-side wall and distal-side wall 402 of the ostomy pouch 400 may define a downwardly extending neck portion 424 terminating in a discharge outlet 426 for draining the ostomy pouch 400. The ostomy pouch 400 may include a closure system 428 to seal the discharge outlet 426. For example, the necking portion 424 can fold onto itself to seal the discharge outlet 426 and have a clip 430 to keep the necking portion 424 folded and the discharge outlet 426 sealed. In some alternative aspects, the ostomy pouch 400 may be configured for a onetime use and may not include a discharge outlet 426.

[0057] FIG. 4 illustrates ostomy pouch 500 including volumetric marking indicators 506a-cand volumetric marking indicators 508a-c, according to an embodiment. The ostomy pouch 500 may be configured substantially similar to ostomy pouch 200, ostomy pouch 300, and ostomy pouch 400. For example, the ostomy pouch 500 may include volumetric marking indicators 506a- c on a first side 514 of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 504 and volumetric marking indicators 508a-c positioned on a second side 516 of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 504, where the volumetric marking indicators 506a-c, 508a-c may be integrally formed with the heat-sealed peripheral edge 504. The volumetric marking indicators 508a-c may be positioned to mirror the volumetric marking indicators 506a-c. For the sake of brevity, not all the similarities will be discussed in detail.

[0058] The main difference between ostomy pouch 500 and ostomy pouch 200, 300, 400 may be that the volumetric marking indicators 506a-c, 508a-c are formed from notches 532 cutout along the pouch periphery and extending into the heat-sealed peripheral edge 504. In this embodiment, the volumetric marking indicators 506a-c, 508a-c may not protrude into the cavity. As such, the volumetric marking indicators 506a-c, 508a-c may be entirely positioned within the heat-sealed peripheral edge 504 and may not extend the heat-sealed peripheral edge 504 into the cavity. In an alternative aspect, instead of notches 532, the volumetric marking indicators 506a-c, 508a-c may be a visible marking or shape in the heat-sealed peripheral edge 504 that does not extend into the cavity. Since the volumetric marking indicators 506a-c, 508a-c may not extend into the cavity, a bulge may not form around the volumetric marking indicators when body waste fills the cavity past a volumetric marking indicator 506a-c, 508a-c. Otherwise, the volumetric marking indicators 506a-c, 508a-c may function the same as volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f, 306a-c, 308a-c, 406a-d, 408a-d to provide a visual method to estimate the amount of bodily fluid collected by the ostomy pouch 500.

[0059] Any of the printed volume indicators 520 discussed regarding ostomy pouch 200, 300, 400 may be used with or on ostomy pouch 400. FIG. 4 illustrates printed volume indicators 520 that are symbols (e.g., numerals) that may be matched with symbols printed in a separate print media to determine a value for the volume filled at the volumetric marking indicators 506a-c, 508a- c.

[0060] Similar to ostomy pouch 200, 300, 400, the ostomy pouch 500 may include a body-side wall (e.g., similar to body-side wall 240) that defines an inlet opening configure to receive the stoma through which bodily waste can enter the cavity within the ostomy pouch 500, and the bodyside wall can include a pouch coupling member (e.g., pouch coupling member 244) to attach the ostomy pouch 500 to an ostomy barrier appliance (e.g., ostomy barrier appliance 246) or a skin barrier to attach the ostomy pouch 300 to a user. The ostomy pouch 500 may include a distal-side wall 502 joined to the body-side wall by the heat-sealed peripheral edge 504 to form the cavity to collect bodily waste.

[0061] In some embodiments, the body-side wall and distal-side wall 502 of the ostomy pouch 500 may define a downwardly extending neck portion 524 terminating in a discharge outlet 526 for draining the ostomy pouch 500. The ostomy pouch 500 may include a closure system to seal the discharge outlet 526. For example, the necking portion 524 can fold onto itself to seal the discharge outlet 526 and have a clip to keep the necking portion 524 folded and the discharge outlet 526 sealed. In some alternative aspects, the ostomy pouch 500 may be configured for a one-time use and may not include a discharge outlet 526.

[0062] FIG. 5 illustrates ostomy pouch 600 including volumetric marking indicators 606a-c and volumetric marking indicators 608a-c, according to an embodiment. The ostomy pouch 600 may be configured substantially similar to ostomy pouch 200, ostomy pouch 300, and ostomypouch 400. For example, the ostomy pouch 600 may include volumetric marking indicators 606a- c on a first side 614 of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 604 and volumetric marking indicators 608a-c positioned on a second side 616 of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 604, where the volumetric marking indicators 606a-c, 608a-c may be integrally formed with the heat-sealed peripheral edge 604. The volumetric marking indicators 608a-c may be positioned to mirror the volumetric marking indicators 606a-c. Each volumetric marking indicator 606a-c, 608a-c may include a protrusion 618 of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 604 extending into the cavity. For the sake of brevity, not all the similarities will be discussed in detail.

[0063] The main difference between ostomy pouch 600 and ostomy pouch 200, 300, 400 may be that the volumetric marking indicators 606a-c, 608a-c also include notches 632 formed along the pouch periphery as cutout in the heat-sealed peripheral edge 604. The volumetric marking indicators 606a-c, 608a-c may be defined in the heat-sealed peripheral edge 604 and extending the heat-sealed peripheral edge 604 into the cavity. Other aspects of the volumetric marking indicators 606a-c, 608a-c may be similar to volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f, 306a-c, 308a-c, 406a-d, 408a-d. For example, the ostomy pouch 600 may provide a visual and non-visual method (e.g. a tactile cue) to determine an amount of bodily fluid contained within the ostomy pouch 600.

[0064] Similar to ostomy pouch 200, 300, 400, as bodily fluid fills past the volumetric marking indicators 606a-c, 608a-c, the ostomy pouch 600 may bulge around these volumetric marking indicators 606a-c, 608a-c. As discussed previously, the bulging may allow for a non-visual technique of estimating the amount of bodily fluid in the ostomy pouch 600. For example, pressing on the ostomy pouch 600 near the volumetric marking indicators 606a-c, 608a-c to feel for a bulge (e.g., resistance to pressing and shape of the bulge as described regarding FIGS. 2C-2E). Any of the printed volume indicators 620 discussed regarding ostomy pouch 200, ostomy pouch 300,ostomy pouch 400, and ostomy pouch 500 may be used with or on ostomy pouch 600. FIG. 5 illustrates printed volume indicators 620 that are values for the volume in mL filled at the volumetric marking indicators 606a-c, 608a-c. These values may also be printed in a separate print media.

[0065] Similar to ostomy pouch 200, 300, 400, 500, the ostomy pouch 600 may include a bodyside wall (e.g., similar to body-side wall 240) that defines an inlet opening configure to receive the stoma through which bodily waste can enter a cavity within the ostomy pouch 600, and the bodyside wall can include a pouch coupling member (e.g., pouch coupling member 244) to attach the ostomy pouch 600 to an ostomy barrier appliance (e.g., ostomy barrier appliance 246) or a skin barrier to attach the ostomy pouch 300 to a user. The ostomy pouch 600 may include a distal-side wall 602 joined to the body-side wall by the heat-sealed peripheral edge 604 to form the cavity to collect bodily waste.

[0066] In some embodiments, the body-side wall and distal-side wall 602 of the ostomy pouch 600 define a downwardly extending neck portion 624 terminating in a discharge outlet 626 for draining the ostomy pouch 600. The ostomy pouch 600 may include a closure system to seal the discharge outlet 626. For example, the necking portion 624 can fold onto itself to seal the discharge outlet 626 and have a clip to keep the necking portion 624 folded and the discharge outlet 626 sealed. In some alternative aspects, the ostomy pouch 600 may be configured for a one time use and may not include a discharge outlet 626.

[0067] FIGS. 6A-7B illustrate ostomy pouches 700, 800. The ostomy pouches 700, 800 function the same and may include the same features as ostomy pouches 200, 300, 400. For the sake of brevity, the similarities will not be discussed in detail. The main difference between ostomy pouches 700, 800 and ostomy pouches 200, 300, 400 involve the volumetric marking indicators.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the ostomy pouch 700 includes a distal-side wall 702, a heat-sealed peripheral edge 704, a lower support protrusion 710, a lower support protrusion 712, a first side 714, a second side 716, a bulge 722, a necking portion 724, a discharge outlet 726, a closure system 728, and a clip 730 that are the same and function the same as distal-side wall 202, 302, 402, heat-sealed peripheral edge 204, 304, 404, lower support protrusion 210, 310, 410, lower support protrusion 212, 312, 412, first side 214, 314, 414, second side 216, 316, 416, bulge 322, 422, necking portion 224, 324, 424, discharge outlet 226, 326, 426, closure system 428, and clip 430 of ostomy pouches 200, 300, 400, respectively. Bodily fluid 734 may fill the ostomy pouch 700 up to or past a volumetric marking indicator 706a-c, 708a-c to form a bulge 722. The main difference between ostomy pouch 700 and ostomy pouches 200, 300, 400 is the position of the volumetric marking indicators 706a-c, 708a-c compared to volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f. The volumetric marking indicators 706a-c, 708a-c may be positioned away from the heat- sealed peripheral edge 704 and may not be part of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 704. The volumetric marking indicators 706a-c, 708a-c may be formed by heat-sealing the body-side wall to the distal-side wall 702. While, the volumetric marking indicators 706a-c, 708a-c may not be part of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 704, the volumetric marking indicators 706a-c, 708a-c may be formed at the same time as the heat-sealed peripheral edge 704. For example, during the forming of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 704 by heat-sealing the body-side wall to the distal side wall 702, specific locations on the body-side wall and distal-side wall 702 may be heat-sealed to form the volumetric marking indicators 706a-c, 708a-c. While, the volumetric marking indicators 706a- c, 708a-c are illustrated as circular, they could be in the form of any shape (e.g., rectangular, triangular, diamond, etc.).

[0069] The volumetric marking indicators 706a-c, 708a-c function the same as volumetricmarking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f to provide a visual and non-visual indication for an estimate of the volume of bodily fluid contained within the ostomy pouch 700. For example, a user may press near the volumetric marking indicators 706a-c, 708a-c to feel for a bulge 722 (e.g., resistance to pressing and shape of the bulge as described regarding FIGS. 2C-2E) as a non-visual method to estimate an amount of bodily fluid contained within the ostomy pouch 700. Any of the printed volume indicators discussed regarding ostomy pouches 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 may be used with or on ostomy pouch 700.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the ostomy pouch 800 includes a distal-side wall 802, a heat-sealed peripheral edge 804, a lower support protrusion 810, a lower support protrusion 812, a first side 814, a second side 816, a bulge 822, a necking portion 824, a discharge outlet 826, a closure system 828, and a clip 830 that are the same and function the same as distal-side wall 202, 302, 402, 702, heat-sealed peripheral edge 204, 304, 404,704, lower support protrusion 210, 310, 410, 710, lower support protrusion 212, 312, 412, 712, first side 214, 314, 414, 714, second side 216, 316, 416, 716, bulge 322, 422, 722, necking portion 224, 324, 424, 722, discharge outlet 226, 326, 426, 726, closure system 428, 728, and clip 430, 730 of ostomy pouches 200, 300, 400, 700 respectively. Bodily fluid 834 may fill the ostomy pouch 800 up to or past a volumetric marking indicator 806a-b to form a bulge 822. The main difference between ostomy pouch 800 and ostomy pouches 200, 300, 400 is that there may be one set of volumetric marking indicators 806a-b instead of two sets and the volumetric marking indicators 806a-b may be positioned away from heat-sealed peripheral edge 704. The main difference between ostomy pouch 800 and ostomy pouch 700 is that there may be one set of volumetric marking indicators 806a-b instead of two sets. The volumetric marking indicators 806a-b are substantially similar to volumetric marking indicators706a-c, 708a-c. The volumetric marking indicators 806a-b may not be part of the heat-sealedperipheral edge 804. The volumetric marking indicators 806a-b may be formed by heat-sealing the body-side wall to the distal-side wall 802. While the volumetric marking indicators 806a-b may not be part of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 804, the volumetric marking indicators 806a-b may be formed at the same time as the heat-sealed peripheral edge 804. For example, during the forming of the heat-sealed peripheral edge 804 by heat-sealing the body-side wall to the distal side wall 802, specific locations on the body-side wall and distal-side wall 802 may be heat-sealed to form the volumetric marking indicators 806a-b. While, the volumetric marking indicators 806a-b are illustrated as circular, they could be in the form of any shape (e.g., rectangular, triangular, diamond, etc.).

[0071] The volumetric marking indicators 806a-b function the same as volumetric marking indicators 206a-f, 208a-f to provide a visual and non-visual indication for an estimate of the volume of bodily fluid contained within the ostomy pouch 800. For example, a user may press near the volumetric marking indicators 806a-b to feel for a bulge 822 (e.g., resistance to pressing and shape of the bulge as described regarding FIGS. 2C-2E) as a non-visual method to estimate an amount of bodily fluid contained within the ostomy pouch 800. Any of the printed volume indicators discussed regarding ostomy pouches 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 may be used with or on ostomy pouch 800.

[0072] From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An ostomy pouch comprising: a body-side wall; an inlet opening defined in the body-side wall, the inlet opening configured to receive a stoma; a distal-side wall positioned adjacent the body-side wall; a heat-sealed peripheral edge joining the body-side wall and the distal-side wall defining a cavity between the body-side wall and distal-side wall for collecting bodily waste; at least one volumetric marking indicator formed by heat-sealing the body-side wall and the distal-side wall, wherein the volumetric marking indicator corresponds to a volume of bodily waste collected in the cavity.

2. The ostomy pouch of claim 1, wherein the at least one volumetric marking is integrally formed with the heat-sealed peripheral edge at a position on the heat-sealed peripheral edge.

3. The ostomy pouch of claim 1-2, wherein the at least one volumetric marking indicator includes a first volumetric marking indicator integrally formed with the heat-sealed peripheral edge at a first position on a first side of the heat-sealed peripheral edge, wherein the ostomy pouch further comprises a second volumetric marking indicator integrally formed with the heat-sealed peripheral edge at a second position on a second side of the heat-sealed peripheral edge, wherein the second side is opposite the first side, and wherein the second volumetric marking indicator ispositioned to mirror the first volumetric marking indicator.

4. The ostomy pouch of claim 3, wherein the first volumetric marking indicator is one of a first plurality of volumetric marking indicators formed along the first side of the heat-sealed peripheral edge, wherein the second volumetric marking indicator is one of a second plurality of volumetric marking indicators formed along the second side of the heat-sealed peripheral edge, and wherein the positions of the second plurality of volumetric marking indicators mirror the positions of the first plurality of volumetric marking indicators.

5. The ostomy pouch of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the at least one volumetric marking indicator extends the heat-sealed peripheral edge into the cavity.

6. The ostomy pouch of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the ostomy pouch is configured to form a bulge around the at least one volumetric marking indicator as bodily waste fills the cavity past the corresponding at least one volumetric marking indicator.

7. The ostomy pouch of claim 6, wherein the bulge is configured to provide a tactile indicator for a non-visual technique to determine a volume of bodily waste collected in the cavity.

8. The ostomy pouch of any one of claims 1-7, further including a printed volume indicator printed on the distal-side wall adjacent to each of the at least one volumetric marking indicators, and wherein the printed volume indicator provides the volume of bodily waste collected when the cavity is filled to the corresponding volumetric marking indicator.

9. The ostomy pouch of any one of claims 1-8, wherein a volume of bodily waste collected in the cavity corresponding to each of the at least one volumetric marking indicator is provided on a separate print media.

10. The ostomy pouch of any one of claims 1-9, wherein each of the at least one volumetric marking indicator comprises a triangular shaped heat-sealed area extending from the heat-sealed peripheral edge towards the cavity.

11. The ostomy pouch of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the at least one volumetric marking indicator is positioned entirely within the heat-sealed peripheral edge.

12. The ostomy pouch of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the at least one volumetric marking indicator is visible on a surface of the heat-sealed peripheral edge.

13. The ostomy pouch of any one of claims 1-12, wherein each of the at least one volumetric marking indicator includes a notch cutout along a pouch periphery and extending into the heat-sealed peripheral edge.

14. The ostomy pouch of any one of claims 1-13, wherein each of the at least one volumetric marking indicator is formed in a triangular shape, a circular shape, or a rectangular shape.

15. The ostomy pouch of any one of claims 1-14, further comprising a discharge outlet for draining the collected bodily waste in the cavity, wherein the body-side wall and distal-side wall define a downwardly extending neck portion terminating in the discharge outlet.

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