Abstract: A coupling assembly for fastening an adhesive wafer to an ostomy appliance device, the coupling assembly including a captive connection between the adhesive wafer and ostomy appliance that permits captive relative displacement between the entire adhesive wafer and the entrance aperture of the appliance, to facilitate access to the wafer from the non-body-contacting side. The coupling assembly further comprises a fixation coupling for fixing the adhesive wafer in the operative position.

Abstract: A drainable urine pouch includes a discharge portion that is foldable between a discharge position and a closed position. A security flap is sealed to both walls of the pouch by a through weld, to define a baffle near the discharge portion. The discharge portion includes a constriction, and a stepped profile with multiple step stages. The discharge portion has one or more bias members. A drainage adapter is releasably coupled to the discharge portion. The drainage adapter has a plug with a shoulder for abutting the constriction in the discharge portion, to locate the adapter correctly for obtaining a liquid-tight seal.

Abstract: A pressurized medical device comprising an inflatable element arranged to contact a part of a patient; a fluid connector attached to the element and arranged to deliver fluid to the element; a control system arranged to control flow of fluid in the device; a first element pressure sensor arranged to measure the pressure exerted by the element on the part of the patient; and detection means arranged to detect malfunctioning of the first element pressure sensor.

Abstract: An adhesive ostomy coupling comprises first and second coupling parts each having a respective orifice. The first coupling part includes an upstanding wall for entering the orifice of the second coupling part. The second coupling part includes an adhesive faceplate for adhering to the first coupling part outside the upstanding wall. The upstanding wall and the faceplate form an interference fit at a position corresponding to the inner periphery of the adhesive, to protect the adhesive from effluent attack. The upstanding wall has an undercut for interlocking with the adhesive faceplate of the second coupling part. The upstanding wall also acts as a guide to prevent mispositioning of the pouch when mounting the adhesive faceplate on the complementary flange.

Abstract: A stoma extender includes a first end for insertion into a stoma for diverting stomal effluent into the stoma extender before the effluent exits the stoma; a second end for remaining external of the stoma, for providing a discharge exit for stomal effluent; and a conduit portion coupled between the first and second ends for communicating stomal effluent through the stoma extender, wherein the length of the conduit portion is adjustable stably, to permit adaptation of the stoma extender to an individual's stoma.

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: A compression device for a limb of a patient comprises an inflatable sleeve arranged to surround the limb and a conduit attached to the sleeve arranged to deliver fluid to the sleeve. The compression device also comprises a control system arranged to control fluid flow in the device and a memory arranged to store gathered data relating to use of the device.

Abstract: The proposed device includes two segments adapted to enclose a body part in a form-fitting manner. Each segment contains an electroactive-material-based actuator, which is adapted to receive an electrical control signal and in response thereto adjust the actuator's morphology, so as to cause the segment to apply a basic pressure profile to the body part. A pressure transition is adapted to redistribute the basic pressure profiles between the first and second segments. A control signal in respect of the first segment causes the pressure transition system to apply a first adjusted pressure profile to at least part of the second portion of the body part, and vice versa, a control signal in respect of the second segment causes the pressure transition system to apply a second adjusted pressure profile to at least a part of the first portion of the body part.

Abstract: A medical device such as a controlled discharge ostomy appliance comprises a fluid filled seal for sealing around a body orifice (stoma). The fluid filled seal comprises a fluid chamber including a fluid impermeable membrane that forms a movabable wall of the fluid chamber, one or more ports communicating with the chamber; and resilient foam disposed within the fluid chamber. The foam tends to expand the chamber to seal against the body. The port controls the inlet and exhaust of fluid from the chamber, in response to movement of the body away from, or towards, the seal.

Abstract: A drainable ostomy pouch includes a collection portion and a drain chute portion extending from the collection portion and having a discharge opening for permitting emptying of contents from the pouch. The drain chute is foldable between an open condition in which the drain chute portion is extended from the collection portion, and a closed condition in which the drain chute portion is folded towards the collection portion. At least one flap retains the folded drain chute portion.

Abstract: An adhesive composition including an adhesive component and an enzyme inhibiting component for use in ostomy and wound care applications. The enzyme inhibitors are derived from tubers, such as potatoes. In ostomy, the adhesive composition helps to secure the collection bag or pouch to the skin. In wound care application, the adhesive composition secures the wound dressing to the skin. The adhesive composition also may be used to couple two or more ostomy or wound care components together.

Abstract: The proposed device includes two segments adapted to enclose a body part in a form-fitting manner. Each segment contains an electroactive-material-based actuator, which is adapted to receive an electrical control signal and in response thereto adjust the actuator's morphology, so as to cause the segment to apply a basic pressure profile to the body part. A pressure transition is adapted to redistribute the basic pressure profiles between the first and second segments. A control signal in respect of the first segment causes the pressure transition system to apply a first adjusted pressure profile to at least part of the second portion of the body part, and vice versa, a control signal in respect of the second segment causes the pressure transition system to apply a second adjusted pressure profile to at least a part of the first portion of the body part.

Abstract: A multi layered wound dressing which comprises an adhesive layer, an absorbent layer overlying said adhesive layer on the surface furthest from the wound, and a moisture transmitting cover layer overlying the absorbent layer, the dressing having a total thickness of less than 1.5 mm.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance comprises a pouch having first and second walls, with an inlet aperture in the first wall. A stoma seal is carried by the second wall, and is disposed generally in register with the inlet aperture for sealing against a stoma in use. An outer coupling element is coupled to the first wall and surrounds the inlet aperture. An inner coupling element for supporting the stoma seal, is coupled to the second wall and/or to the stoma seal. The outer coupling element surrounds a periphery of the inner coupling element. The stoma seal may be of an inflatable type or an insertable type. Manipulation tabs may be provided associated with the inner and outer coupling elements.

Abstract: An aspiration system for removing urine from the human body comprises a disposable body interface device having a liquid collection chamber. A detachable or permanently attached non-contact liquid sensor disposed outside the liquid collection chamber detects the presence of urine within the chamber. The non-contact sensor is selected from: a capacitance sensor; an ultrasonic sensor; a piezo-resonant sensor; and a temperature sensor.

Abstract: A urine drainage bag, such as a urostomy bag, includes a drainage tap. The tap includes a tap member mounted to a housing so as to be pivotably movable between a closed, stowed position and an open, deployed position. In the closed position, the tap member is accommodated substantially within a chamber of the housing. The housing is disposed between front and rear walls of the bag, such that the tap is integrated into the seam of the bag. The tap further comprises a drip cap that is captively mounted on the tap member. A portion of the drip cap acts as a handle for pulling on the tap member. A portion of the drip cap also acts as a retainer or lock for blocking accidental closing of the tap member when attached to a night drainage apparatus.

Abstract: An aspiration system for removing liquid other than urine, which liquid is discharged from the human body, comprises a disposable body interface device having a liquid collection chamber. A liquid sensor detects the presence of liquid within the chamber, and controls application of aspiration suction to remove liquid from the liquid collection region. The body interface device may be a wound dressing, and the liquid wound exudate. The aspiration suction is controlled to remove only excess wound exudate.

Abstract: A multi layered wound dressing for use on wounds producing high levels of exudate, the dressing comprising a transmission layer having a high MVTR; an absorbent core capable of absorbing and retaining exudates; and a wound contacting layer which transmits exudate to the absorbent core, the absorbent core and wound contacting layer limiting the lateral spread of exudate in the dressing to the region of the wound.

Abstract: A wound dressing for post-operative sites comprising: a thin film layer covered on one side with an adhesive and an absorbent layer adhered to the adhesive side of the thin film layer, the absorbent layer being capable of absorbing exudate to allow the wound to be viewed through the dressing.

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.