Cellulose-Based Stoma Sealing Composition for Rapid Swelling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy products struggle to provide a quick and effective seal around the stoma without irritating the sensitive skin, leading to potential leakage and skin damage due to slow swelling and exposure to stomal output.
Innovation Solution
A cellulose-based composition comprising 20-40% cellulose derivative, 10-30% plasticizer, and 40-70% absorbent material, which is water-swellable and non-adhesive, allowing for rapid swelling to form a seal around the stoma while being gentle on the skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing ostomy products use adhesive wafers with slow-swelling materials, then the seal forms around the stoma, but the sealing process is slow and exposes skin to stomal output causing irritation and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the sealing material by using a hydrocolloid composition with specific absorbent materials (superabsorbent polymers, starches, celluloses) and plasticizers that enable rapid water absorption and swelling. This parameter change transforms the material from slow-swelling adhesive to fast-swelling hydrogel sealant, reducing sealing time from hours to minutes while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite material system combining hydrocolloids, superabsorbent polymers, starches, celluloses, and plasticizers in specific ratios. This composite structure integrates the rapid swelling capability of superabsorbent materials with the adhesive properties of hydrocolloids, achieving both fast sealing and reliable adhesion without skin irritation.
2Reliability
If existing ostomy products use adhesive materials to seal around the stoma, then the seal prevents leakage, but the adhesive causes skin irritation and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable sealing ring made of hydrocolloid-based material that is designed to be used once and then discarded. This disposable approach eliminates the need for prolonged adhesive contact with skin, preventing irritation and damage while maintaining effective leakage prevention during the wearing period. The seal is replaced along with the ostomy appliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hydrocolloid-based sealing ring as an intermediary between the stoma and the adhesive wafer. This intermediary layer absorbs exudate and creates a physical barrier that prevents direct contact between adhesive materials and sensitive peristomal skin, thereby preventing irritation and damage while maintaining seal integrity.
3Reliability
If the sealing material swells rapidly to prevent leakage, then leakage is minimized, but the material may become too firm and damage the stoma
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the parameters of the hydrocolloid composition, including the type and amount of superabsorbent polymer, starch, cellulose, and plasticizer. By adjusting these parameters, the material achieves optimal balance between swelling speed and final consistency, becoming firm enough to prevent leakage but remaining soft enough not to damage the stoma.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates local quality variations within the sealing ring structure, with different regions having different material compositions and swelling characteristics. The outer portion may be firmer for structural support and leakage prevention, while the inner portion near the stoma remains softer and more compliant to avoid tissue damage. This spatial variation in material properties resolves the contradiction between firmness and softness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition achieves rapid swelling to minimize leakage and skin exposure, maintaining structural integrity and reducing the risk of skin damage by quickly forming a seal around the stoma.
Implementation Method 1
40-70% (w/w) of absorbent material
Implementation Method 2
water-swellable
Implementation Method 3
achieves the desirable swelling characteristics to properly and quickly be able to seal around a stoma
Data Source
AI summary
A cellulose composition for sealing around a stoma, an ostomy device or an accessory for an ostomy device comprising the composition, and a method for sealing around a stoma. The composition comprises a continuous phase and a discontinuous phase, with the continuous phase comprising a cellulose derivate material and a plasticizer and the discontinuous phase comprising an absorbent material. The cellulose derivate material is soluble in the plasticizer, and the composition comprises 15-40% (w/w) cellulose derivative material, 10-30% (w/w) plasticizer; and 40-70% (w/w) absorbent material.