Abstract: A bag for receiving waste discharge from a human body, and the venting/filter assembly for such a bag, are disclosed. The combination includes a filter for deodorizing gas vented through an aperture in one wall of the bag and a gas-permeable barrier membrane disposed between the filter and the interior of the bag so that all gas exiting the bag flows through the membrane. The barrier membrane comprises an unlaminated microporous film of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene impermeable to waste liquids and solids and having a porosity capable of blocking the passage of bacteria and, preferably, at least some viruses. A method of so venting flatus gasses while preventing the escape of microorganisms is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bag for receiving waste discharge from a human body, and the venting/filter assembly for such a bag, are disclosed. The combination includes a filter for deodorizing gas vented through an aperture in one wall of the bag and a gas-permeable barrier membrane disposed between the filter and the interior of the bag so that all gas exiting the bag flows through the membrane. The barrier membrane comprises an unlaminated microporous film of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene impermeable to waste liquids and solids and having a porosity capable of blocking the passage of bacteria and, preferably, at least some viruses. A method of so venting flatus gasses while preventing the escape of microorganisms is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adhesive wafer for an ostomy pouch, and the combination of such a wafer and pouch, in which the adhesive layer of the wafer is composed of a hydrocolloid-containing skin barrier material and is contoured to provide a relatively thick body portion surrounded by a relatively thin peripheral portion, are disclosed. The wafer has a stoma-receiving opening, and the adhesive layer is of developed shape so that most, if not all, of the relatively thick body portion is located immediately below and to the sides of the stoma-receiving opening. The relatively thin peripheral portion of the adhesive layer is preferably embossed to provide a pattern of discrete, non-connecting depressions separated and isolated from each other by flat-top ridges dimensioned and arranged so that a skin surface engaged by said embossed surface primarily contacts only such ridges.

Abstract: Vented ostomy pouches are disclosed in which a first wall is securable to a patient's peristomal skin surfaces and the obverse second wall is provided with an outlet opening for the escape of gases from the pouch. A deodorizing gas filter extends over the outlet and a third wall, or internal barrier wall, is located within the pouch and divides it into two chambers. The barrier wall operates to block the passage of solids and most liquids from the first chamber to the second but is provided with at least one vent that permits the flow of gases into the second chamber from the first. A filter-protecting panel in the second chamber directs such gases along a circuitous route as they travel from the vent to the outlet. A connection, preferably in the form of a spot weld, joins the barrier wall to the bodyside first wall of the pouch at about the elevation of the filter to prevent the barrier wall from blocking against other surfaces and obstructing the flow of gases through the vent and filter.

Abstract: An adhesive faceplate for detachable connection to an ostomy pouch is disclosed. The faceplate has an integrated convex pressure ring for promoting stomal protrusion and a so-called floating flange (i.e., coupling ring) for mechanical attachment to the mating coupling ring of an ostomy pouch. The convex pressure ring is provided with a deep annular recess behind the faceplate's coupling ring to accommodate a user's fingers during a coupling operation, thereby facilitating attachment of a pouch. The pressure ring also includes a thin, inwardly-extending connecting portion which is heat sealed to the backing layer of the faceplate's adhesive wafer and, when that backing layer is formed of a porous material, such heat seal effectively closes the pores of the backing layer in the area of the seal.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance of one-piece or two-piece construction having an adhesive faceplate with a stoma-receiving opening for peristomal adhesive attachment of the appliance to a wearer. The faceplate includes a flexible patch which may be formed of non-woven material and is covered on one side with a first layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive material--particularly a skinfriendly, tacky, hydrocolloid-containing, moisture-absorbing skin barrier material--surrounding the stoma-receiving opening, and a second layer of a soft, easily-deformable, and extrudable fluid-resistant sealant material also surrounding that opening. Inward displacement of the sealant material following adhesive attachment of the faceplate to a patient results in the formation in situ of a fluid-resistant gasket that prevents stomal fluids from contacting the peristomal skin surfaces and the first layer of skinfriendly adhesive and possibly dissolving that layer and/or disrupting its attachment to the skin.

Abstract: A two-piece ostomy appliance in which the coupling ring of the pouch component is provided with a convex pressure ring element that forces the central portion of the faceplate component, within the opening of the faceplate coupling ring, into a similar convex configuration to cause stomal protrusion when the two components are coupled together and the appliance is worn.