Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling a flow of fluid and/or other bodily matter in a lumen formed by a tissue wall of a patient's organ. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the tissue wall) at least one portion of the tissue wall to influence the flow in the lumen, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the flow in the lumen. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the flow in the lumen, or for actively moving the fluid in the lumen, with a low risk of injuring the organ. Such an organ may be the esophagus, stomach, intestines, urine bladder, urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, aorta, corpus cavernosum, exit veins of erectile tissue, uterine tube, vas deferens or bile duct, or a blood vessel.

Abstract: Novel catheter technology enabling use by individuals having limited dexterity are disclosed. The improvements include an apparatus and methods for emptying fluid from a fluid collection bag, a flow indicator on the fluid collection bag, and a convenient packaging for a catheterization kit containing these components. The apparatus and methods for emptying fluid from a fluid collection bag employ a drainage system including a plurality of tear off portions that expose drain tubes having different flow rates. Further, a flow indicator may be provided in the inlet port of the fluid collection bag. An attaching member is coupled to the fluid collection bag, enabling the fluid collection bag to be hung from a frame of a chair that a patient or user is sitting in.

Abstract: A catheter product package and method of forming same in which the package comprises a sheet material wrapped about the catheter product to form a package for the catheter product. The catheter product extends generally longitudinally within the package, and the sheet material extends from a point beyond the proximal end to a point beyond the distal end of the catheter product. The sheet material of the package is wrapped about the catheter product in a manner defining confronting proximal end edges, confronting distal end edges, and confronting side edges. The confronting proximal end edges, distal end edges and side edges of the sheet material are joined by a seal after the sheet material is wrapped about the catheter product to define a sealed cavity. The sheet material has a tear strip affixed to it which causes the sheet material to tear along the tear strip to thereby cause the package to open along an intended opening line.

Abstract: A device and method for collection of a urine sample is disclosed which comprises a channel, an opening in the channel, and a collector associated with the opening. The channel is formed so that urine can flow through it from a first end to a second end thereof. The opening is provided in the channel at a point between the first and the second ends thereof. The collector is associated with the opening in the channel to be able to receive urine therein. In one embodiment, a member can cover the opening to permit urine to pass through it after contact with urine. Specifically, the member may dissolve or otherwise permit urine to pass through the opening after a period of time to test a urine sample which is not from the initial flow of urine to avoid bacteria contamination.

Abstract: The present invention provides an arrangement (200) adapted for enhanced continuous flow of urine in a catheterized patient, the arrangement comprising a catheter tube (204) having an inner diameter of less than six millimeters, said tube having an inner surface which is hydrophobic at least along a first segment thereof and being adapted to provide a continuously negative fluid pressure therein.

Abstract: A waste management system includes a waste transport device and a waste collection device. The waste management system may include a securement device for maintaining the position of the waste transport device following insertion. The waste transport device may include a modular medication delivery apparatus with a disposable delivery device for delivering medication to the patient following insertion of the waste transport device.

Abstract: A female condom has a pouch with an open end, a closed end, and a tubular body extending longitudinally therebetween. The female condom also includes an anchor attached to and outside of the closed end of the pouch.

Abstract: A collateral ventilation bypass system with chest tube evacuation device may be utilized in combination to removed trapped air from the lungs. With the chest tube evacuation device, any air trapped in the pleural space may be evacuated through the bypass system to prevent a pneumothorax.

Abstract: An intestinal irrigation device that includes a waste collection bag and a rectal catheter. The rectal catheter has a first end for coupling with the waste collection bag and a free end for insertion into the rectum, while the waste collection bag has a first wall circumferentially united with an opposing second wall and an inlet opening for irrigated waste. The inlet opening has a first coupling part for coupling the rectal catheter into fluid communication with the bag, and the bag has a second coupling part inside it for mating the first coupling part. The device provides a time saving alternative to known devices, and no odor emissions and unpleasant smell is recognized during the irrigation procedure.

Abstract: A waste management system includes a waste transport device and a waste collection device. The waste transport device may include a first connector member configured for releasable connection to a second connector member on the waste collection device. The system may also include an insertion device to facilitate insertion of the waste transport device into the rectum of a patient.

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 irrigation system comprising: a reservoir with an inlet for pouring liquid into the reservoir, the inlet defining a closing means for closing the inlet; an insertion member defining an insertion end for insertion into a body cavity a human being, the insertion member defining at least one opening; and a liquid tube fluidly connecting the reservoir and having with the insertion member; wherein at least one of reservoir and the insertion member is permanently fastened to the liquid tube. A method of performing an intestinal irrigation by use of the intestinal irrigation system. A method of manufacturing the intestinal irrigation system.

Abstract: This invention provides systems and methods to collect biological fluids from a catheterized or intubated animal. Drainage tubes are provided that reduce fluid back pressure by avoiding the formation of dependent loops. Low aspect ratio collection receptacles are provided that rest on a flat surface to improve fluid flows and/or minimize back-pressures exerted by collected fluids.

Abstract: An automatic urine collection apparatus includes a collection container for accumulating urine transferred from a urine receiver through a tube and a main body for supporting the collection container, wherein the main body includes a suction pump for sucking the urine received by the urine receiver and carrying the urine to the collection container, a mass sensor for measuring the urine accumulated in the collection container, a control board for calculating a volume of the urine based on the measured mass of the urine, and an indicator for indicating the calculated volume of the urine.

Abstract: The invention provides a switching device for an irrigation system. The switching device provides selective communication between a supply port to which a supply of fluid under pressure can be attached and a balloon port to which a fixing balloon of a catheter can be attached, and between the supply port and a port to which a liquid reservoir can be attached. By use of a selection handle, the user can deform conduits in a pre-determined sequence and thus control an irrigation procedure by opening and closing fluid flow in various conduits. The invention further provides an irrigation device incorporating the switching device and a method of controlling a fluid flow e.g. in an irrigation system.

Abstract: An extra-labia urine voiding apparatus including a container sized and shaped to externally cover a vulval region of a female anatomy. The container has an open side and defines a reservoir that is adapted for receiving urine. The container also includes a surface disposed at a top of the container adapted to face and generally surround a periphery of the vulval region. The voiding apparatus also includes a conduit in fluid communication with the reservoir of the container and adapted for draining urine from the reservoir.

Abstract: Provided is a bladder drainage aid which attaches to the end of Foley Catheter and removes the need for a catheter bag. In a preferred embodiment, the device is a spring-loaded valve with an inflow tube and an outflow tube. The inflow tube connects to the external end of a catheter. The outflow tube can be aimed by the patient. When pressed, the valve opens, allowing the fluid to flow there through. When released, the piston of the valve cuts off fluid flow. The valve cap allows ease of use and the device can be operated with two fingers of one hand. The patient can wear the drainage aid discretely and empty the bladder directly and discretely, such as into a toilet.

Abstract: A catheter retaining system for a container is disclosed. The system may be utilized with a wide variety of containers for receiving catheterized fluids. Each embodiment of the system includes a structure for selectively securing at least one catheter to the container. The structure assists in maintaining the catheter in the proper location with respect to the container to minimize or eliminate spills, prevent contamination of sterile environments or the specimen, facilitate the catheterization process for patients and prevent patient embarrassment.

Abstract: A fecal collection device has a base with a substantially closed proximal end and a substantially open distal end. The base includes a first balloon positioned about an outer surface of the proximal end and a second balloon positioned next to the first balloon. The device also has a catheter having a lumen which is in fluid communication with the base. The first and second balloons are inflated and deflated in a sequence so that pressure against the colon wall is alternated such that the device via the balloons does not cause continuous pressure to the same area of the colon wall. In some instances, fecal material accumulated between an outer surface of the proximal end and the colon wall is moved upward by at least one balloon such that it flows into the proximal end of the base and is eliminated via the catheter.

Abstract: Drainage belongs to medical equipment, particularly to medical tools and is specified for drainage of cavities. Drainage comprises a first tube, an additional tube, which is fixed upon it, a unit of the clot's splitter and the splitter's fixing element. The additional tube has a smaller diameter with an opening, inside which the conductor is mounted, a unit of clots splitter is installed on the working end of the drainage, it comprises a cylinder, a tube with an opening, placed on it, which is the continuation of the additional tube of the drainage and a spring with a cutter inside the cylinder. A cutter is located diametrically inside the working head, while in the end of the wall of the first tube and the splitter's unit comprises a channel, inside which splitter's fixing element was led, its working end is inside the unit's cylinder and fixes the splitter.

Abstract: A waste management system includes a waste transport device, a waste collection device, and an insertion device. The waste transport device includes a collection member with a distal end opening having a first cross-sectional area and a proximal end opening having a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area, and a retention cuff disposed about an outer surface of the collection member. The insertion device is positioned about the collection member and retention cuff to retain the collection member and retention cuff in a collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A lighted stent urine collection device is used to collect urine that would otherwise leak along the stent. The collection device includes an opening to allow placement of the stents, an inverted open channel to position them, and means to secure the stents, allowing for otherwise leaked urine to collect in the bag.

Abstract: A waste management system includes a waste transport device and a waste collection device. The waste transport device includes a collection member with a distal end opening having a first cross-sectional area and a proximal end opening having a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area, and a retention cuff disposed about an outer surface of the collection member. The waste collection device includes a substantially opaque collection bag with a transparent section.

Abstract: A waste management system includes a waste transport device and a waste collection device. The waste transport device includes a collection member with a distal end opening having a first cross-sectional area and a proximal end opening having a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area, a retention cuff disposed about an outer surface of the collection member, a first section having a lumen in fluid communication with a lumen of the collection member, and a second section having a distal end connected to a proximal end of the first section, the second section including a flush lumen disposed along a length thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the construction of a biodegradable film that has barrier towards faeces odour and with no cracking sounds. This is obtained through using a substantially exfoliated silicate filler material, which is applied with water (evaporating under mild conditions) such that the softener of the biodegradable material can be maintained in the film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device connector for transmission of fluids in fluidic systems, the connector comprising a tubular engagement section having a stabilisation part, and a securing part comprising a soft flexible first material, which when in use sealingly secures engagement with an insert, wherein the combination of the stabilisation part and the securing part provides that said engagement section is more stabile in a longitudinal direction than in a radial direction and that said engagement section is more flexible in the radial direction than in the longitudinal direction. The medical device connector may e.g. be part of a medical bag for fluids, e.g. a urine bag. The medical device connector may further be part of a medical collection system for fluids.

Abstract: There is disclosed a catheter assembly comprising a catheter and a receptacle. The receptacle has an elongate pocket, for accommodating at least an insertable end of said catheter, a urine collection bag, having a width extension wider than a greatest width of said elongate pocket, and at least two tab areas on at least one tab are arranged at the periphery of the urine collection bag on opposite sides of said bag. Further, in a storage state, said elongate pocket is folded over said urine collection bag, and lateral parts of said urine collection bag extending outside said elongate pocket are folded towards each other over said elongate pocket, said lateral parts being dimensioned to overlap each other in the folded disposition, and wherein said tab areas are arranged on said lateral parts and are attached to each other, in at least one point of attachment, to releasably maintain said catheter assembly in a folded disposition during storage.

Abstract: A kit for collecting stool, comprising an adapter (1) for connecting the anus or a perianal stoma of a user to a peripheral device, said adapter comprises a flexible adhesive plate (2) having first through going hole, a flexible tube (3) extending from a first opening (11) to a second opening (12) and a first flexible coupling plate (4) having a second through going hole, wherein the flexible tube is attached to the flexible adhesive plate in an area surrounding the first opening and the flexible tube is attached to the first flexible coupling plate in an area encircling the second opening, allowing fluid communication from the first through going hole to the second through going hole through the flexible tube, and a peripheral device (20, 60) for coupling to the adapter.

Abstract: A bowel management system includes a waste collection catheter having at least two distinct sections. The first section is patient proximal when disposed in the patient's rectum and has durometer hardness in the range of about 50A to about 90A. The second catheter section is connected to the first section and has durometer hardness in the range of about 5A to about 49A. A selectively collapsible, substantially spherical retention balloon is attached coaxially and exterior of the first catheter section such that the proximal-most end of the retention balloon is coincident to the proximal-most end of the first section of the waste collection catheter, the substantially spherical retention balloon having an inflated size so as to be sufficiently large enough to retain the patient proximal end of the catheter in the patient's rectum without being so large as to trigger a defecatory response in the patient.

Abstract: The collection bag of the invention is used to capture body fluids/waste material throughout the complete process as an enema is being administered, eliminating contamination of the patient, bed, linens, and floor as well as the caregiver and others that administer the enema. This bag can be administered to patients that are recovering from bariatric surgery, are in a long term care facility, hospital, home, or special unit caring for spinal cord injuries, or head injuries. It can be used with patients who are in a comatose condition whereby hip flexion, weight bearing, or transferring to a bedside commode is impossible. This collection bag captures waste for laboratory testing and other lab work and is marked with warning indicia. The bag fits any age patient, male or female.

Abstract: A multi-layer odor barrier catheter tube for a fecal drainage catheter. The external surface has a low coefficient of friction, as does the internal surface. The layers of the catheter tube may be co-extruded, or formed as a heat-laminated film rolled into a cylindrical shape and heat-welded. A flexible scrim may be included intermediate the first and third layers. One or more tie layers may be included between at least one of the first and second layers, or the second and third layers. A combination of a multi-layer odor barrier catheter tube with an odor barrier collection bag is also described.

Abstract: An effusion drain includes a fluid collection element moving between an operative shape for receiving a fluid and a reduced volume shape for connecting to a fluid drain and a compressible member biasing the fluid collection element to the operative shape, the compressible member being incorporated into the fluid collection element such that release of a compression on the compressible member expands the fluid collection element to the operative shape.

Abstract: A bowel management system includes a waste collection catheter having at least two distinct sections. The first section is patient proximal when disposed in the patient's rectum and has durometer hardness in the range of about 50 A to about 90 A. The second catheter section is connected to the first section and has durometer hardness in the range of about 5 A to about 49 A. A selectively collapsible, substantially spherical retention balloon is attached coaxially and exterior of the first catheter section such that the proximal-most end of the retention balloon is coincident to the proximal-most end of the first section of the waste collection catheter, the substantially spherical retention balloon having an inflated size so as to be sufficiently large enough to retain the patient proximal end of the catheter in the patient's rectum without being so large as to trigger a defecatory response in the patient.

Abstract: A bowel management system includes a waste collection catheter having at least two distinct sections. The first section is patient proximal when disposed in the patient's rectum and has durometer hardness in the range of about 50 A to about 90 A. The second catheter section is connected to the first section and has durometer hardness in the range of about 5 A to about 49 A. A selectively collapsible, substantially spherical retention balloon is attached coaxially and exterior of the first catheter section such that the proximal-most end of the retention balloon is coincident to the proximal-most end of the first section of the waste collection catheter, the substantially spherical retention balloon having an inflated size so as to be sufficiently large enough to retain the patient proximal end of the catheter in the patient's rectum without being so large as to trigger a defecatory response in the patient.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a medical device capable of releasing a medically active ingredient, said device including a blend of: (i) a carrier polymer or a blend of carrier polymers; (ii) a medically active ingredient; and, optionally, (iii) a water sensitive polymer for releasing said medically active ingredient in the presence of water and/or a pH sensitive polymer for releasing said medically active ingredient in the presence of a solution having a pH within a predetermined range; with the proviso that, if component (iii) is absent, the carrier polymer includes an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer.

Abstract: A medical device and method for treating nose bleeds are provided. The device includes packing material interconnected to a flange member. The packing material is insertable into a nasal cavity, for absorbing blood and other body fluids. The flange member prevents the packing material from being inhaled or otherwise moving in an anterior direction. In addition, the flange member obscures a view of the interior of the user's nasal cavity, and therefore of blood within the cavity, or of blood that has been absorbed by the packing member.

Abstract: A pulmonary decompression device may be utilized to remove trapped air in the lung or lungs, thereby reducing the volume of diseased lung tissue. A lung reduction device may passively decompress the lung or lungs. In order for the system to be effective, an airtight seal between the parietal and visceral pleurae is required. Chemical pleurodesis is utilized for creating the seal.

Abstract: A urine receiver which is sanitary, easy to attach, and furthermore, prevents urine leakage even when a wearer repeatedly changes positions is provided. A urine receiver 10 is implemented in a urine collection processing system wherein urine discharged from the wearer is suctioned into a urine tank via a urethral tube.

Abstract: A long term oxygen therapy system having an oxygen supply directly linked with a patient's lung or lungs may be utilized to more efficiently treat hypoxia caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The system includes an oxygen source, one or more valves and fluid carrying conduits. The fluid carrying conduits link the oxygen source to diseased sites within the patient's lungs.

Abstract: A wetting apparatus (1) for wetting a hydrophilic urinary catheter (3), comprising: a wetting fluid container (4) containing a wetting fluid and being openable by the application of a pulling force thereto; a wetting receptacle (2); and a hydrophilic urinary catheter (3) to be wetted by said wetting fluid and being arranged within said wetting receptacle (2). The wetting fluid container (4) is arranged within the wetting receptacle (2), and the wetting receptacle is extendable, for opening the wetting container without rupturing a sealed condition of the wetting receptacle.

Abstract: Urine collection bags are provided that include features that facilitate easy insertion of a urinary catheter into a patient's bladder. In some implementations, the urine collection bag is formed of a soft, flexible material that is comfortable when it contacts the user's skin, easy to manipulate, and relatively noiseless during use.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a collection device that can be carried by disabled persons, comprising a section of duct, destined to be connected to the rectum of the person, an expansible container, connected to said section of duct, and a shutter device interposed in the aforesaid section of duct and controlled by actuator means, for example shape-memory or electromagnetic means, activated by the signal of a sensor.

Abstract: An ergonomically contoured, snail shaped rectal pad comprising a highly compressible pressure-producing node (2) contiguous to a thin blade-like structure called a tail (4) enveloped in an absorbent sheath. Surrounding these structures are two flap-like lateral wings (6), which form the posterior groove (12). Emerging from the posterior groove is the insertion aperture (10) and the removal tab (14). Encasing the pad is a highly absorbent sheath (16).

Abstract: An insertion device is provided for use in assessing urinary function. The insert device includes an insert member for at least partial insertion into a patient's urethral canal having a length such that it is positioned distal of the urethral sphincter, and having an outer surface at least a portion of which is configured to engage the inner wall of the urethra to substantially prevent fluid flow therebetween. The insert member has a channel therethrough through which fluid from a fluid source can be introduced into the urethral canal. Also provided is a device for introducing fluid into a patient's urethral canal including a hand-sized casing having a fluid conduit therein between a fluid inlet and a fluid source assembly. The device further includes an activation device movable between a first position wherein it does not obstruct the fluid conduit and a second position wherein it does obstruct the fluid conduit.

Abstract: A long term oxygen therapy system having an oxygen supply directly linked with a patient's lung or lungs may be utilized to more efficiently treat hypoxia caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The system includes an oxygen source, one or more valves and fluid carrying conduits. The fluid carrying conduits link the oxygen source to diseased sites within the patient's lungs. A collateral ventilation bypass trap system directly linked with a patient's lung or lungs may be utilized to increase the expiratory flow from the diseased lung or lungs, thereby treating another aspect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The system includes a trap, a filter/one-way valve and an air carrying conduit.

Abstract: A catheter se comprising a catheter and a package for storing of the catheter before use and for collecting or discharging urine, wherein an elongated part of the package forms a tube and wherein the catheter has a proximal part to be inserted into the urethra, a distal part in the form of a tubular section having an inner diameter at least as large as the inner diameter of the part of the proximal part of the catheter and a sealing part separating the proximal part of the catheter and the tubular distal part. The inventive shape of the catheter combined with the shape of the package prevents a blocking of the free flow of urine from the urethra into the package.

Abstract: A collecting bag including a bag member formed by two film blanks with joined edges, and a discharge portion having a discharge opening that is closed by a closure device. The discharge portion has a discharge position, in which the bag is open, and a position of use, in which the bag is closed. At least one open receptacle formed in the bag member accommodates the discharge portion when it is in the position of use of the bag. The open receptacle formed in the bag member has a basis portion in which the film blanks are undetachably connected to each other, and may further include a retaining element in the form of a strip having at least one engagement section for releasable engagement with a corresponding section or corresponding sections on the bag member or on the opposite end of the said retaining element.

Abstract: An indwelling urinary catheter comprises a two-ply (or equivalent) air-inflatable anchoring balloon means in which an outer ply or skin thickness thereof, is not bonded to the inner ply over one or more small areal segments each measured at the intersection of the two plys radially located from the axis of symmetry of a central catheter body. Instead, when inflated, each areal segment expands mostly in a sidewise looking direction over a minimum radial arc relative to a central catheter body, to form one or more elongated lobes that are larger than and hence stabilize the catheter body relative to the entry port of the user's bladder but leaving rigid collar regions located between adjacent segments so as to not interfere with the formation of large drainage ports therethrough.

Abstract: The urinary catheter system includes a urinary catheter, a connector and a medical implement which is readily attached to or removed from the connector. When a medical implement such as a collection appliance is attached to the connector, fluid such as urine can flow from the patent and into the collection appliance. Alternatively, when a syringe is attached to the connector, the catheter system may be irrigated to remove debris and other foreign matter, or the syringe may be used to provide medication to the patient. The system is preferably a closed system in which the connector includes a resealable valve which prevents the flow of fluid through the connector if a medical implement is not attached.

Abstract: An antimicrobial urine collection system comprising a urine collection bag and tubing each made from a polymer, wherein the polymer comprises therein from about 0.1 to 20 phr of an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent is preferably a phosphoric acid metal salt, preferably one in which zinc is the metal. The agent can be compounded into the polymer material for forming the system components.