Abstract: An adapter is disclosed for an ostomy coupling. The adapter provides a floatable coupling characteristic to an ostomy body fitment that has a non-floatable coupling part. The adapter comprises a first coupling part for attaching to the non-floating coupling part of the body fitment, a second coupling part for releasably attaching to an ostomy appliance, and a flexible collar between the first and second coupling parts. The flexible collar permits the second coupling part to be displaced away from the first coupling part, thereby creating a space for an ostomate to manually brace the second coupling part against an attachment force when an appliance is fitted.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance comprises an ostomy pouch having front wall, a rear wall with a stomal aperture, and an adhesive body fitment secured or securable around the stomal aperture. At least a portion of the adhesive of the body fitment is moldable. The front wall of the pouch comprises an access aperture providing access through the pouch interior for molding the adhesive. The access aperture is closable by a closure panel attachable over said access aperture by a peelable/resealable adhesive.

Abstract: A tube assembly for carrying malodoriforous matter from the human body comprises a silicone based tube having a central bore for the malodoriforous matter, and a tubular sleeve member comprising an odor barrier material, the silicone based tube and the tubular sleeve member being arranged one within the other such that the tubular sleeve member provides an odor barrier to obstruct leakage of odors from malodoriforous matter in the bore of the silicone based tube. The tube assembly is especially suitable for use in fecal or bowel management apparatus.

Abstract: A body interface device for a urine aspiration system comprises a skin contact pad with gel adhesive for adhering to the skin, and a flexible cover attached to the pad. The pad includes at least one aperture for admitting urine through the pad into the body interface device. The flexible cover has a bulged form projecting away from the gasket. The flexible cover defines a urine receiving chamber facing towards the gasket, and recess facing away from the chamber for receiving at least a portion of a non-contact liquid sensor. The recess and chamber have a wall portion in common that separates the recess and the chamber. A liquid acquisition material in the chamber receives and transports urine for rapid sensing by the non-contact sensor. An aspiration unit is responsive to the non-contact liquid sensor to apply aspiration suction to the body interface device, upon detection of urine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amphiphilic pressure sensitive adhesives, specifically, pressure sensitive adhesives with amphiphilic copolymers which improve adhesion under moist environment. The amphiphilic copolymers comprise at least one hydrophobic acrylic monomer or oligomer and at least one hydrophilic or amphiphilic monomer or oligomer. The present invention also relates to the use of such adhesives in securing medical devices to human skin.

Abstract: A controlled discharge ostomy appliance assembly comprises (i) a stoma seal that is self-urging with a dynamic damping characteristic that resists changes of seal volume, (ii) a press-fit coupling member displaceable from an unlocked position to a locked position as part of a press-fit process, and (iii) a single-use frangible portion. The assembly further includes a protector shield removably fastened to the appliance forming a combined assembly therewith. The protector shield comprises (i) a seal displacer manipulable for displacing the stoma seal to a non-operative position ready for fitting, (ii) a substantially rigid coupling member guard portion for protecting the state of the coupling member, and (iii) a bracing portion for bracing the single-use frangible portion.

Abstract: Silicone pressure sensitive adhesive compositions including amphiphilic copolymers. The amphiphilic copolymers are based on a polydimethylhydrogensiloxane or polydimethylsiloxane based macroinitiator. A medical device including said pressure sensitive adhesive compositions for securing the device to human skin or tissue.

Abstract: A controlled discharge ostomy appliance is described for use with an adhesive body fitment. The body fitment comprises an adhesive wafer having a stomal aperture that is manually shapeable by folding or rolling back a rim portion of the adhesive around the stomal aperture.

Abstract: A silicone pressure sensitive adhesive with amphiphilic copolymers for maintaining adhesion in a moist environment. The amphiphilic copolymers for silicone adhesives include at least one silicone moiety and at least one hydrophilic segment. Such adhesives are applicable to securing medical devices to human skin.

Abstract: An ostomy coupling including a body-side coupling member, an appliance-side coupling member including plural fastener lugs, and a bracing member. The lugs flex independently of each other to provide plural independent latching fastenings. The bracing member is moved between a bracing position in which the bracing member locks the lugs by resisting flexing movement, and a non-bracing or dismounted position in which the lugs are free to flex. The ostomy coupling is used with an ostomy pouch or with a controlled evacuation device.

Abstract: Provided, in one embodiment, is a vacuum wound dressing for covering a wound bed comprising: a wound contact layer comprising a fibrous blend or fibrous material that forms a cohesive gel when wetted by wound exudate; a source of vacuum situated to be separated from the wound bed by the wound contact layer; and a vacuum sealing layer covering the wound contact layer and adapted to retain relative vacuum in the wound contact layer, wherein (i) the dressing is essentially missing a non-gelling, foam layer in which the source of vacuum is situated or (ii) the vacuum sealing layer comprises as an outer layer a foam layer.

Abstract: A body shaped wound dressing wherein the dressing is a knitted or woven garment comprising a cellulosic yarn, which garment has been carboxymethylated at least in parts of its wound contacting surface.

Abstract: A single-use ostomy appliance is described including an ostomy coupling for releasable coupling first and second portions at a stomal orifice. The two portions may be separable body-side and non-body-side parts, or the two portions may be portions of a unitary ostomy device such as a controlled evacuation device. The coupling includes a mechanical fastener configured such that the coupling is rendered substantially not resecurable after the fastener is released.

Abstract: A flexible membrane is situated within a rigid or semi-rigid cap. The edge of the cap wall is adhesively fixed to the tissue surrounding the stoma. The interior of the cap is pressurized to press the membrane to seal the stoma against the discharge of solid and semi-solid waste. Gas escapes through a vent with a filter element. The cap can be pressurized by an external pump or an integral pump member situated on top of the cap. A relief valve prevents over pressurization. A collection pouch can be provided as part of a device. The device can be removably mounted on a standard two-piece faceplate.

Abstract: A flexible membrane is situated within a rigid or semi-rigid cap. The edge of the cap wall is adhesively fixed to the tissue surrounding the stoma. The interior of the cap is pressurized to press the membrane to seal the stoma against the discharge of solid and semi-solid waste. Gas escapes through a vent with a filter element. The cap can be pressurized by an external pump or an integral pump member situated on top of the cap. A relief valve prevents over pressurization. A collection pouch can be provided as part of a device. The device can be removably mounted on a standard two-piece faceplate.

Abstract: A composition for use on skin and wounds, comprising a photo-catalyst which is capable of preferentially staining biofilms the composition being for use in the diagnosis and treatment of biofilms in wounds.

Abstract: A controlled evacuation ostomy appliance comprises a membrane that is urged into sealing engagement with a stoma, by the generation of radial tension in the membrane. A tensioning device applies tension, with respect to the stoma, at one or more positions that are (i) outboard of the periphery of the projecting portion of the stoma, and/or (ii) between the level of the peristomal skin and the level of the most projecting part of the stoma. Tension limiting means are disclosed. The membrane may be gas-permeable to allow flatus to be vented.

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: Provided, in one embodiment, is a vacuum wound dressing for covering a wound bed comprising: a wound contact layer comprising a fibrous blend or fibrous material that forms a cohesive gel when wetted by wound exudate; a source of vacuum situated to be separated from the wound bed by the wound contact layer; and a vacuum sealing layer covering the wound contact layer and adapted to retain relative vacuum in the wound contact layer, wherein (i) the dressing is essentially missing a non-gelling, foam layer in which the source of vacuum is situated or (ii) the vacuum sealing layer comprises as an outer layer a foam layer.

Abstract: The end of the elongated tubular element of the appliance that is designed to be inserted into a body cavity or vessel is formed entirely of soft, compliant material. That end carries an inflatable balloon formed in its fully inflated shape. The balloon is inflated to a predetermined low pressure level to prevent pressure necrosis in the adjacent tissue. A method and apparatus for introducing the soft end of the appliance into the body cavity are also provided. The introducer apparatus includes rigid core surrounded by a soft, compliant sleeve. The sleeve extends beyond the rigid core to form an invertable section. The soft end of the appliance is situated adjacent the apparatus, the balloon is wrapped around the apparatus, and the sleeve section is inverted over the appliance, compressing the balloon and forming a soft, rounded insertion tip. The unit is then introduced into the body cavity. After the appliance is separated from the apparatus, the apparatus is withdrawn.