Ostomy Dressing with Indented Patch for Stoma Concealment
Solution Overview
Problem
Patients with ostomies face discomfort and social stigma due to obtrusive ostomy pouches and products, especially in intimate situations or during bathing or swimming, as existing solutions are not designed to effectively conceal or disguise the stoma while maintaining hygiene.
Innovation Solution
A dressing with a patch featuring an indentation to receive the stoma, a 3D formation for concealment, and optional anti-bacterial components and ventilation systems to manage odors and waste, made from materials like silicone with a bio-grade adhesive for reusability and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ostomy pouches and products are worn to collect body wastes, then hygiene and waste collection are improved, but comfort and social acceptance deteriorate due to obtrusive appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The dressing is divided into distinct functional segments: an adhesive patch for skin attachment, a recess for stoma reception, and a three-dimensional formation for waste containment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall comfort and hygiene.
Solution Approach 2:
The ostomy pouch or waste collection device is nested within the three-dimensional formation of the dressing. This nesting arrangement conceals the obtrusive pouch while maintaining its waste collection function, improving social acceptance without compromising hygiene.
2Reliability
If ostomy pouches are worn to collect body wastes, then waste collection is improved, but social acceptance deteriorates due to noticeable stoma and product
Solution Approach 1:
The dressing features localized three-dimensional formations specifically positioned to conceal the stoma and pouch, while the rest of the dressing maintains a flat, skin-like appearance. This local quality approach allows effective concealment without compromising overall waste collection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The external surface of the dressing is designed to copy or mimic the appearance of natural skin texture and color, making the stoma and pouch invisible to others. This visual copying reduces social stigma while maintaining effective waste collection within the three-dimensional formation.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a patch is placed on the body to cover the stoma, then concealment is improved, but hygiene deteriorates due to potential irritation and infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The dressing utilizes a flexible, thin-film adhesive patch that conforms to the body's contours without creating pressure points or irritation. This flexible structure allows breathability and skin movement, reducing irritation risk while maintaining effective stoma concealment.
Solution Approach 2:
The dressing is designed as a disposable product that is replaced regularly to prevent skin irritation and infection. This short-living design ensures hygiene by eliminating cumulative adhesive irritation and bacterial buildup, while maintaining effective concealment during each use period.
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 dressing provides effective concealment and hygiene for ostomies, reducing stigma and discomfort by blending seamlessly with the skin, allowing for discreet use during various activities while maintaining the comfort and hygiene of ostomy management.
Implementation Method 1
The first side may be provided with a bio-grade adhesive, preferably where the adhesive is a silicone gel adhesive
Implementation Method 2
An odour resistant membrane (which is optionally absorbent) is preferably provided, which may comprise activated carbon
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to surgical, medical or other anatomical dressings that may be applied to the human body. In particular, the invention relates to a dressing for concealing a structure (in particular, a stoma) on a human body, the dressing comprising a patch arranged to be placed on the body; wherein the patch has an indentation for receiving the structure so as to conceal the structure when the patch is placed on the body.