Abstract: A device (10) is provided for use in reinforcing a boundary wall of a patient's abdominal cavity at a site at which a portion of the patient's alimentary tract passes through that boundary wall. The device comprises a collar portion (11) for extending, in use, around the alimentary tract (17) at the approach of the alimentary tract to the interior of the boundary wall at said site. The device also comprises a plurality of petal-like elements (12) extending from the collar portion (11), said elements being arranged so as to extend, in use, outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the portion of the alimentary tract passing through the collar portion and to be attached, in use, to the interior of the boundary wall around said side. The device is preferably, but not exclusively, for use in the prevention or treatment of parastomal herniation in patients having a colostomy or ileostomy or the like.

Abstract: It would be desirable to have improved designs of ostomy couplings which embody a springy or resilient split ring as a locking ring.In an ostomy coupling, first and second coupling members 50, 60 are held together by a springy flexible split locking ring 70. A plurality of tabs 71 symmetrically arranged on each limb of the locking ring 70, can be withdrawn generally radially outwardly by an upward pull on the locking ring to permit separation of the two coupling members. The ring 70 is generally circular in its unstressed condition.

Abstract: It would be desirable to have improved designs of ostomy couplings which embody a springy or resilient split ring as a locking ring.In an ostomy coupling, first and second coupling members 20, 40 are held together by a springy flexible split locking ring 30. A plurality of tabs 31, 32, symmetrically arranged on each limb of the locking ring 30, can be withdrawn generally radially outwardly by movement of the locking ring to permit separation of the two coupling members. The ring 30 is generally circular in its unstressed condition.

Abstract: It would be desirable to have improved designs of ostomy couplings which embody a springy or resilient split ring as a locking ring.In an ostomy coupling, first and second coupling members 80, 90 are held together by a springy flexible split locking ring 100. A plurality of tabs 101 symmetrically arranged on each limb of the locking ring 100, can be withdrawn generally radially outwardly by movement of the locking ring to permit separation of the two coupling members. The split ring 100 is for the most part circular in its unstressed condition.