Stoma Adapter for Recessed Stomas

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flush and recessed stomas pose challenges in managing effluent discharge, as the stoma may not protrude enough, leading to pooling of effluent and reduced adhesion of ostomy appliances, causing skin irritation and appliance effectiveness issues.

Innovation Solution

A stoma adapter that extends or diverts effluent away from the peristomal skin, providing a substantially unobstructed discharge channel, which can be inserted into the stoma or surrounding area, and is designed to reduce seal stress and prevent skin contact with effluent, using materials like cellulosic polymers and reinforcement elements for flexibility and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the stoma does not protrude sufficiently (flush or recessed stoma condition), then the effluent discharge path is blocked or extended, but effluent pools around the stoma and contacts the peristomal skin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffluent dischargeVSAvoidskin contact with effluent

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a stoma adapter as an intermediary component that inserts into the stoma opening to create a discharge channel. This adapter mediates between the recessed stoma and the external environment, guiding effluent away from the peristomal skin and into the collection pouch, thereby preventing direct contact between effluent and skin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent addresses the dimensional problem of recessed stomas by extending the discharge path into a third dimension. Instead of relying on horizontal protrusion, the stoma adapter creates a vertical or angled discharge channel that bypasses the skin surface level, allowing effluent to exit below or alongside the pouch opening without contacting the peristomal skin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Shape

If convex pressure plate is used to protrude the stoma, then local pressure increases to push stoma outward, but strong adhesion is required which may damage skin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestoma protrusionVSAvoidskin damage from adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the protrusion function from the body fitment itself and transfers it to a separate, removable stoma adapter. This allows the protrusion mechanism to be applied without requiring strong adhesion between the body fitment and skin, as the adapter can be inserted and positioned independently to create the necessary stoma protrusion or discharge channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If tube is inserted into stoma with closure mechanism, then effluent discharge can be controlled, but strong seal is required to withstand effluent pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrollable dischargeVSAvoidseal strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable stoma adapter that is inserted into the stoma and used for a limited period. This disposable approach allows for adequate seal strength to be achieved without long-term durability requirements, as the adapter is replaced regularly. The seal can be optimized for immediate effectiveness without compromising patient comfort or skin health over extended periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS12186228B2Ostomy appliance

Publication Date: 2025.01.07 CONVATEC LTD

AI summary

A stoma adapter is described that is especially suited to a recessed stoma or a flush stoma. The stoma adapter effectively extends the discharge passage from the stoma, protects peristomal skin, and forms a bridge at the interface between the stoma and an ostomy appliance. The stoma adapter contains a substantially unobstructed discharge passage, at least for effluent flowing in a discharge direction. The stoma adapter includes a seal for sealing against the bowel wall. The stoma adapter has collapsing, expanding, flexible and reinforced designs.