Abstract: A chemically modified cellulosic fibre or filament having a moisture content of at least 7% by weight obtained by a process comprising the steps of (i) obtaining cellulosic fibres or filament and chemically modifying the cellulose by substitution to increase its absorbency; (ii) washing the fibres after step (i) in a mixture comprising water and up to 99% by weight of water-miscible organic solvent; (iii) drying the fibres to a moisture content of at least 7% by weight.

Abstract: A fluid collection apparatus for use in negative pressure wound therapy. The fluid collection apparatus includes a flexible bag having a first opening and a second opening. The bag includes a structure defining a fluid pathway connecting the first opening and the second opening. The pathway is circulative and contributes to orientation independence of the bag in use. The bag further includes a load-bearing component.

Abstract: A fecal catheter or ostomy pouch made of an odor barrier material including a thermoplastic elastomer, odor barrier modifier and an antiblocking agent.

Abstract: A bag connector system includes a first coupling element, with a self-closing seal and a housing having a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port, and a second coupling element, with a housing having a fluid inlet end and a fluid outlet end. The fluid inlet end is configured to displace the self-closing seal when inserted into the fluid outlet port of the first coupling element. A bag connector system optionally includes a locking mechanism to maintain the first coupling element and second coupling element in a coupled state. Uncoupling of the first and second coupling elements results in minimal fluid contamination on the outer surfaces of the coupling elements. The bag connector systems provided herein are included in medical appliances for waste management.

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: A staining composition for use in making biofilm detectable on viable tissue wherein the composition preferentially stains the biofilm and comprises a staining agent in a quantity effective to stain the biofilm and render it detectable.

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: 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: Described herein is a medical device with an opening system. The medical device is foldable from an open to a closed condition. It is secured in its closed condition. In certain embodiments, the medical device is an ostomy pouch.

Abstract: A wound dressing for use in vacuum wound therapy comprising a wound contact layer which is an open structure comprising a yarn comprising gel-forming filaments or fibres, the structure having a porosity which allows exudate to flow through it.

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: Valves and valve systems are provided that are useful for integration with inflatable indwelling medical devices to prevent over-inflation of retention balloon.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for controlling flow of fluid from a wound site of a patient may include a chamber (28) connectable to a wound site and a reservoir (16). The chamber (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 chamber (28) may be adapted to manage fluid flow between the wound site and the reservoir (16) during transition of the chamber (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 chamber (28) from the second state to the first state.

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: The end of the elongated tubular element of the appliance that is designed to be inserted into a body cavity is formed entirely of soft, compliant material. That end carries an inflatable balloon made of non-expandable material, formed in the fully inflated shape, to prevent overexpansion. 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.

Abstract: The body has a fluid inlet port for receiving pressurized fluid and a fluid outlet port connected to the retention balloon. A first passage connects the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port, A second passage in the body is connected to the balloon fluid return path and is at the pressure of the retention balloon. A valve prevents fluid flow through the first passage when actuated. The valve includes a pressure-responsive member movable to a position to obstruct fluid flow in response to fluid pressure in the second passage exceeding the predetermined level. Flexible means such as a membrane defines a normally open portion of the first fluid passage, which is closed by the moveable means bearing on the membrane when pressure exceeding the predetermined level actuates the valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chemically modified cellulose based dressing particularly for use in the dressing of wounds but also for use as a packing material. Dressings according to the invention seek to mitigate the problems associated with shrinkage encountered with fibrous dressings made of gel-forming fibres and comprise a compressed body of chemically modified polysaccharide having a density of at least 0.08 g/cm3.

Abstract: A method of diagnosis or prediction of infection of a mammalian wound, said method comprising the step of detecting the presence of a cytokine selected from the group comprising procalcitonin, amino procalcitonin (N-ProCT), eotaxin, granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukins IB monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1a), regulated upon activation normal T expressed and secreted (RANTES) in fluid taken from the wound. Also claimed is the device for use in the method.

Abstract: A self-sealing dressing (10) for application to skin of a human may include a substrate (12) including elastomeric material, and a cold flow adhesive layer (18) coupled to the substrate. The adhesive layer (18) may be adapted to adhere to skin of a human to form a substantially gas impermeable seal between the adhesive layer (18) and the skin that is maintained during repeated flexure and/or extension of the dressing. A maximum thickness of the combination of the substrate (12) and the adhesive layer (18) may be about 25 um.

Abstract: A wound dressing is in the form of a strip or a ribbon. The strip or ribbon is made of gel-forming fibers and has longitudinal lines of stitches formed from a thread and transverse lines of stitches formed from a thread.