Abstract: A system is provided by which an ostomy bag can be securely coupled to an adhesive dressing that fits around the stoma and yet will permit the bag to be removed without disturbing the dressing. This system involves a first coupling member bonded to the dressing and a second coupling member bonded to the ostomy bag around the stomal opening. One coupling member consists of an upstanding rib or other projection which is dimensioned to sealingly engage an opening in the other coupling member.

Abstract: An ostomy bag formed by welding two sheets of plastic material substantially around their periphery. The rear wall of the bag includes means to attach the bag to the user and the peripheral seal is interrupted at one or more places along the top edge of the bag. Filtering material such as carbon cloth or a housing containing filtering material can be welded in place between the front and rear walls of the bag at the opening in the peripheral seal. In one preferred embodiment, the filter element comprises a mounting block sealed into the top peripheral edge and a cartridge containing filtering material which is inserted in the mounting block.

Abstract: A catheter retainer comprising a member of synthetic plastics material having a central hole wholly or partly defined by a pair of resilient catheter-gripping jaws, and a resilient catch member for holding the jaws in their relatively closed position. The catheter retainer is preferably an insert that snaps into a coupling member which is carried by a pad of adhesive dressing material.

Abstract: An ostomy bag having a drain valve at a lower region thereof. The valve is formed of a short flexible tube that can be bent or kinked over a support web and a stopper which can be pushed into the open end of the kinked tube.