GB2388322A

GB2388322A - Drainable ostomy pouch

Info

Publication number: GB2388322A
Application number: GB0317595A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Raymond Clifford Georg Parfitt
Original assignee: ER Squibb and Sons LLC
Current assignee: ER Squibb and Sons LLC
Priority date: 1999-02-04
Filing date: 1999-02-04
Publication date: 2003-11-12
Anticipated expiration: 2019-02-04
Also published as: GB2346328A; GB9902363D0; GB2388322B; GB0317595D0; GB2346328B

Abstract

A drainable ostomy pouch comprising opposed walls of flexible sheet material, defining a chamber for receiving discharge from a patient's stoma. The walls 10 and 11 of the pouch are shaped to define an outlet 12 for draining the discharge contained in the chamber and opening means, such as strips 40 and 41 are provided on the outlet 12 for separating the walls 10 and 11 and opening the outlet. In use the outlet 12 may be rolled up around a fastening means such as tie (30 in fig. 3). The opening means may be two interconnected arms biassed apart (14 and 15 in fig. 1) for holding the outlet 12 open when not in use. Alternatively, the same result may be accomplished by a clip (20, 21 and 22 in fig.2) or the flexible resilient strips 40 and 41. The opening means may be integral with the fastening means (fig.3).

Description

DRAINABLE OSTOMY POUCH

This invention relates to a trainable ostomy pouch and more particularly but not solely to a drainable ileostomy pouch. It is well known to provide flexible bags or so-called 5 pouches for receiving discharge from the stoma of patients after surgical procedures, such as a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy. The pouches are attached to the patients skin by means of an adhesive pad, which is difficult to remove and thus lo irritation is caused if the pouch is removed too often.

Accordingly, it has been proposed to provide drainable ostomy pouches, which can be emptied three to four times a day and changed only every two to three days, thereby reducing the risk of irritation.

15 The discharge from a stoma in the ileum is liquidous and thus ileostomy pouches are ideal for drainage.

Drainable ostomy pouches generally comprise front and rear walls of plastics film, which are heat-sealed around their peripheries to form a sealed chamber for receiving the 20 discharge. The walls are not sealed at the end of a projecting neck portion of the pouch, to provide a drain outlet for the chamber. In use, the outlet of the pouch is normally rolled up to form a seal and a tie or plastics clip then is applied to 25 keep the outlet rolled up. In order to drain the pouch, the tie or clip is removed, thereby enabling the outlet to be unrolled, so that the contents of the pouch can flow therethrough.

The outlet is then rolled up and the tie or clip reapplied. In this manner, the pouch can be reused for several 30 days before it needs to be changed.

A disadvantage of this arrangement is that the contents of the pouch soil the inside of the outlet during drainage, thereby making it difficult to roll up the outlet of the pouch following drainage. Furthermore, the soiling inside the outlet 35 tends to ooze out as it is rolled up, thereby making it unpleasant and messy for the patient.

( We have found that patients with drainable ostomy pouches thus try to clean inside the outlet of the pouch prior to resealing the outlet. However, a difficulty of this is that the liquidous soiling tends to adhere the plastics film on 5 opposite sides of the outlet together, thereby making it difficult to open the outlet and clean inside.

We have thus devised a Trainable ostomy pouch, which alleviates the abovementioned problems.

In accordance with this invention, there is provided a 10 drainable ostomy pouch comprising opposed walls of flexible sheet material, defining a chamber therebetween for receiving discharge from a patient's stoma, the walls being shaped to define an outlet for draining the discharge contained in the chamber and opening means attached to the walls on opposite 15 sides of the outlet for separating the walls and opening the outlet. Following drainage, the opening means thus make it much easier to clean inside the outlet.

In one embodiment, the opening means comprises a 20 separate element from the pouch, the element having first and second portions attached to respective opposed walls of the outlet of the pouch.

Preferably the first and second portions are biassed apart when the outlet is open.

25 Fastening means may be provided for holding the first and second portions of the element together when the outlet is closed. Alternatively, the first and second portions are biased together, when the outlet is closed.

Preferably the fastening means comprises first and 30 second arms which are interconnected at one end and which extend transverse the axis of the outlet and which respectively engage the opposed walls.

Said first arm may be interconnected with a third arm at its opposite end, an elongate flexible element extending 35 between the outer end of the second and third arms and one side wall of the outlet, the first arm being connected to the other side wall of the outlet.

- - Preferably the elongate element is resiliently flexible. In an alternative embodiment, the opening means comprises first and second separate elements respectively 5 attached to the opposed walls of the outlet of the pouch.

Preferably, at least one of the elements comprises a resiliently flexible element, which in one embodiment is shaped so that the wall to which it is attached is pulled away from the opposed wall as it recovers its shape and which in an 10 alternative embodiment is shaped so that the wall to which it is attached is pulled away from the opposed wall as the element is compressed transverse the axis of the outlet of the pouch.

Preferably the or each resiliently flexible element comprises an elongate strip of plastics material which extends 15 transverse the axis of the outlet.

Preferably, the or each elongate strip of plastics material is folded or creased intermediate its opposite ends, along a line, which extends transverse thereof, so that the central portion of the strip pulls the wall to which it is 20 attached away from the opposed wall.

Preferably the pouch comprises means for sealing the outlet following drainage.

In one embodiment, the opening means may incorporate means for sealing the outlet. In an alternative embodiment the 25 opening and sealing means are separate.

Embodiments of this invention will now be described by way of examples only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the outlet of a first 30 embodiment of drainable ileostomy pouch, in accordance with the invention; FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the outlet of a second embodiment of Trainable ileostomy pouch, in accordance with the invention; 35 FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the outlet of a third embodiment; and FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the outlet of a

fourth embodiment.

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, there is shown a drainable ileostomy pouch comprising two opposed walls 10,11 of plastics film, which are sealed together around their 5 peripheries to define a chamber for receiving the discharge from a patient's stoma and which are shaped to define a projecting outlet lo for draining the pouch, the walls 10,11 being unsealed at the end of the outlet 12.

A plastics clip 13 comprises a pair of elongate arms 10 14,15 which are interconnected at one end and which extend transverse the axis of the outlet. A latch 17 is provided on the opposite end of one of the arms 14 for engaging a corresponding aperture 1$ in the end of a other arm 15. The arms 14,15 are attached to respective opposed walls of the 15 pouch 10,11 intermediate the opposite ends.

In use, the outlet 12 of the pouch is normally rolled up around a wire or plastics tie (not shown) which is then secured to keep the outlet rolled up and to prevent discharge escaping through the outlet 12.

20 When the pouch is full, the tie is unsecured and the outlet is unrolled, so that the discharge in the chamber of the pouch can be drained through the outlet 12, once the latch 17 on the clip 13 has been disengaged from the aperture 18.

Once the pouch has been fully drained, the patient can 25 easily clean inside the outlet 12 by fully opening the clip 13, so that it pulls the opposed walls 10,11 of the outlet apart.

the arms of the clip may be biassed apart, so they open the outlet 12, as soon as the latch 18 is disengaged.

Referring to Figure 2 of the drawings, there is shown 30 a second embodiment of ileostomy pouch and like parts are given like reference numerals. In this embodiment, the clip comprises a sheet of resiliently flexible metal, which is pressed to form three parallel arms 20,21,22 which are interconnected at one end. The outer ends of the outer arms 35 21,22 are pulled together and interconnected.

The arms 20,21,22 of the clip extend transverse the axis of the outlet 12 and terminate intermediate opposite side

l edges of the outlet 12. The central arm 20 of the clip 13 is attached to one wall 10 of the outlet 12 and the outer interconnected arms 21,22 are attached to the other wall 11.

In use, the interconnection of the outer arms 21,22 5 applies a distortion to the clip 13, which in one position can be configured to close the outlet 12 and which in another position can be configured to open the outlet 12 by flexing the clip 13 intermediate its opposite ends.

Referring to Figure 3 of the drawings, there is shown 10 a third embodiment of ileostomy pouch and like parts are given like reference numerals. In this embodiment, an elongate tie 30 is adhered to the wail 10 on one side of the outlet 12. The tie 30 comprises an elongate strip of paper or plastics which contains a longitudinally-extending flexible wire or wires.

15 Opposite ends of the tie are folded around respective opposite sides of the outlet 16. An elongate band 33 of elastomeric material extends between opposite ends of the tie 30, through a fastening attached to the opposite wall ll of the outlet. 20 In use, the outlet 12 is rolled up around the tie 30 and then opposite ends of the tie 30 are folded down to keep the outlet 13 rolled up.

During discharge the ends of the tie 30 are unfolded and the outlet 30 is unrolled. The ends of the tie 30 are bent 25 into a position where they extend generally perpendicular to the central portion of the tie 30 on the opposite side of the outlet 12: this has the effect of stretching the elastomeric band 33, thereby pulling the wall 11 of the outlet away from the opposite wall 10, to which the central portion of the tie 30 30 is adhered. In this manner, the outlet 12 is held open for cleaning. Referring to Figure 4 of the drawings, there is shown a fourth embodiment of ileostomy pouch and like parts are given like reference numerals. In this embodiment, two elongate 35 strips 40,41 of resiliently flexible plastics material are attached along their length to respective opposed walls 10,11 of the outlet 12, in registration with each other. The

plastics strips 40,41 are creased intermediate their opposite ends, along lines which extend transverse thereof.

When the outlet 12 is unrolled, the outlet can be opened for cleaning by compressing the strips 40,41 5 longitudinally of themselves, thereby causing the strips 40,41 to fold about their respective creases, such that the opposed walls 10,11 are pulled away from each other.

In an alternative embodiment, each strip 40,41 is naturally L-shaped in longitudinal section. Thus, when the 10 outlet 12 is unrolled, the strips 40,41 attempt to recover their shape, thereby pulling the opposed walls 10,11 of the outlet apart to facilitate cleaning.

It will be appreciated that the outlet of an ileostomy pouch in accordance with this invention is much easier to clean 15 than that of a conventional ileostomy pouch, since means are provided on the opposed walls of the outlet for pulling them apart. An ileostomy pouch in accordance with the invention is thus much more pleasant for patients to clean.

Claims

1. A dra-nable ostomy pouch comprising opposed walls of flexible sheet material, defining a chamber therebetween for receiving discharge from a patient's stoma, the walls being shaped to define an outlet for draining the discharge contained in the chamber, and opening means attached to the walls on opposite sides of the outlet for separating the walls and opening the outlet, the opening means comprising first and second resiliently flexible elements attached outside respective portions of the opposed walls, such that said respective portions of the opposed walls are sandwiched between confronting faces of the elements.

2. A Trainable Stony pouch comprising opposed walls of flexible sheet material, defining a chamber therebetween for receiving discharge from a patient's stoma, the walls being shaped to define a., outlet for draining the discharge contained in the chamber, and opening means attached to the walls on opposite sides of the outlet for separating the walls and opening the outlet, the opening means comprising first and second resiliently flexible elements having non-interlocking confronting surfaces.

3. A Trainable ostomy pouch substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 3 or 4 of the accompanying drawings.

,. , (,

3. A trainable ostomy pouch comprising opposed walls of flexible sheet material, defining a chamber therebetween for receiving discharge from a patient's stoma, the walls being shaped to define an outlet for draining the discharge contained in the chamber, and opening means attached to the walls on opposite sides of the outlet for separating the walls and opening the outlet, the opening means comprising first and second resiliently flexible elements that are user t--et-.er to urge the calls

t 8 together, the elements being deformable to separate the walls for opening the outlet.

4. A Trainable ostomy pouch copr.sinA opposed v.-al S of flexible sheet mater al, defining a chamber therebetween for receiving discharge from a patient's stoma, the walls being shaped to define an outlet for draining the discharge contained in the chamber, and opening means attached to the walls on opposite sides of the outlet for separating the walls and opening the olUlet, the opening means comprising first and secant res liently flexible, separate elements not- joined d-.rectly to each other.

A do... rr. . A C 2 r r A ' A bye..st..; p...i.h...p____..- opt.... call: f flexiLlc sheet rrateral, defirni A chamber theebetween for receiving d. ischa'e -row a paten:'s stoma, the wails being shaped to define an outlet for draining the discharge contained n the chamber, and oper.ng means attached to the walls on opposite sides of the outlet for separating the walls and opening the o.;tlet, the opening means comprising first and second res liently flexible elongate elements adjacent to the outlet, at least Wile of the elements be sang shorter than the distance at the outlet from one periphery of t.h pCt<Ch to ail opposite periphery. 6. A trainable Custody pouch according to claim 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the elements are attached outside respective portions of the opposed walls such that sa d respective portions of the opposed walls are sandwiched between confronting faces of the elements.

7. A Trainable custody pouch according to claim 1 or 6, wherein true.._te has a genera_ s-.oc n-!e S_'aCe.

8. A trainable ostomy pouch according to Old m 1, 3, 4 or 5, or any claim dependent on any thereon, wherein the elements have non-interlocking confronting surfaces.

9. A Trainable ostomy pouch according to claim 1, 2, or 5, or any claim dependent on any thereof, wherein the elements are biased together to urge the walls together, the elements being deformable to separate the walls for opening the outlet.

10. A dra nable ostomy pouch according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 5, or any claim dependent on any thereof, wherein the eie.ents are separate from, and not joined directly to, each other.

11. A drainabie ostomy pouch according to claim 1, 2, 3 c, À1, or any laid dependent on any thereof, wherein at least one o' the elements is shorter than the distance at the outlet from one periphery o' the pouch to an opposite periphery. 12. A trainable osto.my pouch according to claim 5 or 11, or any claim dependent on any thereof, wherein both of the first and second elements are shorter than said distance at the outlet from one periphery of the pouch to an opposite periphery.

13. A trainable ostomy porch according to any preceding claim, wherein each element is shaped so that the wall to which it is attached is pulled away from the opposed wall as the element is compressed transverse the axis of the outlet of the pouch.

(- / ' 1 0

14. A Trainable ostomy pouch according to any preceding claim, wherein each resiliently flexible element comprises an elongate strip of plastics material which extends transverse the axes of the outlet 15. A dralnable ostomy pouch according to claim 14, wherein each elongate strip of plastics material is folded or creased intermediate its opposite ends, along G line, which extends transverse thereof, so that the central portion of tr.e strip pulls the wall to which it is attached away from the opposed wall.

15. A drainGble ostomy porch according to any preceding claim, further comprising mea..s for sealing the outlet in a closed condition following drainage.

17 A trainable custody pour h according to any preceding cla m, where n the open ng,ear.s comprises means for e Acting a seal between the wa is at the outle'. when the outlet is folded to a closed condition.

18. A trainable ostomy pouch comprising opposed walls of flexible sheet materia', defining a chamber therehetween for receiving discharge from a patient ' S tom.=, the.^!allS being shaped to define an outlet for draining the discharge contained in the chamber and opening means attached to the walls on opposite sides of the outlet for separating the walls and opening the outlet.

19. A Trainable ostomy pouch as claimed in claim 18, in which the opening means comprises first and second separate elements respectively attached to the opposed walls of the outlet of the pouch.

j 11 20. A drainable ostomy pouch as claimed in claim 19, in which at least one of the elements comprises a resiliently flexible element.

21. A Trainable ostomy pouch as claimed in claim 20, in whack in the or each resiliently flexible element is shaped so that the wall to which it is attached is pulled away from the opposed wall as it recovers its shape.

22. A trainable ostomy pouch as claimed in claim 20, in which in the or each resiliently flexible element is shaped so that the wall to which it is attached is pulled away from the opposed wall as the element is compressed transverse the axis of the outlet of the pouch.

23. A Trainable ostomy pouch as claimed in any of claims 20 to 22, in which in the or each resiliently flexible element comprises an elongate strip of plastics materiel which extends transverse the axis of the outlet.

24. A Trainable ostomy pouch as claimed in claim 23, in which the or each elongate strip of plastics material Is folded or creased intermediate its opposite ends, along a line, which extends transverse thereof, so that the central portion of the strip pulls the wall to which it is attached away from the opposed wall.

25. A Trainable ostomy pouch as claimed in claim 18, in which the opening means comprises an device having first and second portions attached to respective opposed walls of the outlet of the pouch.

26. A Trainable ostomy pouch as claimed in claim 25, in which the first and second portions of the device are biased apart when the outlet is open.

27. A Trainable ostomy pouch as claimed in claim 2: or 26, in which fastening means are provided for holding the f2 rst and second porticns of the device together when the outlet is closed.

28. A Trainable ostomy pouch as claimed in claim 25 or 26, in which the first and second portions of the device are biased together when the outlet Its closed.

29. A Trainable ostomy pou<,h as claimed in any of claims 25 to ?S, ire which Line de-:2ce comprises first and second arms which are interconnected at one end and which extend tar.sverse the axis of the outlet and which respectively engage the opposed WG11S Of the pou h. 30. A trainable ostomy pouch as claimed in any of claims 25 to 28, in which the fastening means comprises a first arm, which extends transverse the axis of the outlet, second and third arms disposed at respective opposite ends of the first arm, and an elongate flexible element extending between the outer end of the second and third arms and one side wall of the outset, the First arm being connected to the other side wall of the outlet.

31. A dainable ostomy poGh as claimed in claim 30, in which the elongate element is resiliently flexible.

32. A Trainable ostomy porch as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the pouch comprises means for sealing the cutlet o:lowing dr-. Gage

r/ 13 33. A trainable ostomy pouch s claimed in claim 32, in which the opening means incorporates means for sealing the outlet.