Abstract: An ostomy bag can include one or more sensors for measuring one or more metrics. An ostomy wafer can also include one or more sensors for measuring one or more metrics. The sensors can be temperature sensors and/or capacitive sensors, for example, and the metrics can include bag fill, leakage, skin irritation, and phase of stoma output, among others.

Abstract: An apparatus according to certain embodiments generally includes an elongated tubular member having a proximal end and an opposite distal end, and an inflatable balloon surrounding the distal end. The elongated tubular member comprises an outer tube, a non-collapsible inner tube positioned within the outer tube, and a compressible material positioned between the outer tube and the inner tube.

Abstract: Methods, processes and compositions are provided for improved wound dressings comprising an antimicrobial composition. The wound dressings maintain conformability and strength, as well as antimicrobial performance, upon use after storage.

Abstract: A wound exudate management system includes a pump for generating negative pressure, a dressing for covering and protecting a wound of a user, a tube including an interior lumen, the tube disposed between the pump and the dressing such that the pump and the dressing are in fluid communication via the interior lumen. The dressing includes an adhesive layer for adhering the dressing adjacent the wound, a wound contact layer, a pressure dispersion layer, a plurality of layers of absorbent material disposed between the wound contact layer and the pressure dispersion layer, a backing layer having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the backing layer being adjacent, and in contact with, the pressure dispersion layer and the adhesive layer, and a flexible connector disposed on the second surface of the backing layer.

Abstract: Ostomy wafers, ostomy devices incorporating ostomy wafers, and methods of applying ostomy wafers and ostomy devices are disclosed herein. An ostomy wafer may include an external layer and a convex surface coupled to the external layer. An ostomy device may include an ostomy pouch and an ostomy wafer coupled to the ostomy pouch that includes an external layer and a convex surface coupled to the external layer.

Abstract: Antibacterial nanofibres and methods for their preparation are described. Antibacterial nanofibres include as-spun alginate nanofibres treated with silver to generate silver-alginate nanofibres. Antibacterial nanofibres provided are useful components of wound dressings, wherein the wound dressings optionally further comprise malodor absorbing agents such as cyclodextrins.

Abstract: Methods of modifying a medical device and manufacturing a medical device are disclosed. One embodiment of a method of modifying a medical device includes treating a portion of the medical device with cold plasma and functionalizing the plasma-treated portion with a polymer. One embodiment of a method of manufacturing a medical device includes providing a subcutaneous part configured to be positioned subcutaneously in a user and performing a surface treatment on a portion of the subcutaneous part.

Abstract: A maintenance bag of an ostomy system can include fewer sensors than a diagnostic or analytic ostomy bag that is typically used for newer users. The maintenance bag can include sensors and electronics to detect fill level of the bag. The maintenance bag can also include a bag sealing mechanism that can detect drainage events and aid the user to track inventory of the bags. A wafer that can be used with an ostomy bag can include leak sensors configured to detect leak of effluent. The wafer can also include temperature sensors configured to detect inflammation. The wafer can further include a convex interface for better fit with certain users.

Abstract: An apparatus according to certain embodiments generally includes an elongated tubular member having a proximal end and an opposite distal end, and an inflatable balloon surrounding the distal end. The elongated tubular member comprises an outer tube, a non-collapsible inner tube positioned within the outer tube, and a compressible material positioned between the outer tube and the inner tube.

Abstract: Methods of modifying medical devices and medical devices are disclosed. One embodiment of a method of modifying a medical device includes functionalizing a surface of the medical device using cold plasma. One embodiment of a medical device is obtained by a method of modifying a device that includes functionalizing a surface of the medical device using cold plasma.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to compounds for the detection of wounds, e.g., chronic wounds or infected wounds, including compositions, substrates, kits, dressing materials, and articles, and systems containing such compounds. Further embodiments relate to methods of using these compositions, kits and systems in diagnostic assays, and in the diagnosis and/or detection of chronic or infected wounds based on enzymatic conversion of specific substrates which are contained in the compositions. Additional embodiments relate to methods of characterizing wounds based on expression of a plurality of markers and using such information to treat, manage, and follow-up patients suffering from chronic or infected wounds.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing post-operative ostomy patient care can include software and/or hardware that facilitates patient care personnel, such as a patient coach, providing remote patient care or coaching over a network to an ostomy patient. The care may be provided by specially trained former patients, nurses, or other care providers. The system can integrate sensor data from an ostomy device and inputs from the former patients, healthcare professionals, and/or device manufacturer in provide the post-operative care.

Abstract: An ostomy bag can include one or more sensors for measuring one or more metrics. An ostomy wafer can also include one or more sensors for measuring one or more metrics. The sensors can be temperature sensors and/or capacitive sensors, for example, and the metrics can include bag fill, leakage, skin irritation, and phase of stoma output, among others.

Abstract: A rectal drainage appliance is disclosed comprising a tubular element having an inflatable balloon at a distal end for anchoring the appliance in the rectum. The appliance includes one or more of: (i) first and second auxiliary lumens communicating with the inflatable balloon to provide independent inflation and pressure monitoring paths coupled to the balloon; (ii) a pressure state indicator defined by a mechanical element configured to flip between first and second states or shapes responsive to sensed pressure; and (iii) a collapsible auxiliary lumen larger than the inflation lumen, and configured to permit admission of irrigation fluid. The pressure state indicator may also be used in intestinal drains.

Abstract: Ostomy wafers, ostomy devices incorporating ostomy wafers, and methods of applying ostomy wafers and ostomy devices are disclosed. An ostomy wafer may include an external layer and a convex surface coupled to the external layer. An ostomy device may include an ostomy pouch and an ostomy wafer coupled to the ostomy pouch that includes an external layer and a convex surface coupled to the external layer.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for controlling flow of fluid from a wound site of a patient including a cavity (28) connectable to a wound site and a reservoir (16). The cavity (28) may have a first deformed state, and a second state in which it is not deformed or less deformed than in the first state. The cavity (28) may be adapted to manage fluid flow between the wound site and the reservoir (16) during transition of the cavity (28) between the first state and the second state. An actuator element (64) of the apparatus (10) may be adapted to operate on the chamber (28) to transition the cavity (28) from the second state to the first state.

Abstract: The present invention is a drainable ostomy pouch having a closure system that includes a resealable press and seal material. The material facilitates closing and opening of the ostomy pouch outlet. A space between the comfort panel and the pouch material can accommodate the closure system or at least a portion of the closure system.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present application relate to an adjustable ostomy wafer system including an ostomy wafer and an insert ring. The ostomy wafer includes an adjustable layer with an effluent opening through which effluent flows, and the adjustable layer has a body-facing side and a non-body-facing side. The insert ring is capable of providing or increasing convexity of the adjustable layer when the insert ring is pressed against the non-body-facing side of the adjustable layer.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for an ostomy appliance that has a bag side flange having a bag and an integrated element having an accordion membrane and a body side flange, the integrated element configured to be selectively coupled to the bag side flange. The integrated element is formed in a single manufacturing process.