Ostomy appliance
View Patent ↗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.
1. A stoma adapter comprising:
a substantially unobstructed tubular passageway for expulsion of effluent with a proximal end for attachment in or around a stoma and a distal end for discharge of waste, the distal end comprising a flange,
a flexible tubular wall surrounding said entire tubular passageway, said flexible tubular wall having at least one axial reinforcement element for reinforcing said flexible tubular wall in an axial direction to provide axial stiffness along the entire tubular passageway and permit flexing of the flexible tubular wall in a radial direction, and
a one-way valve, wherein the one-way valve prevents re-entry of discharged waste into the distal end of the tubular passageway, wherein the one-way valve is openable from a closed position by pressure of the effluent when a bowel forces the expulsion of the effluent, wherein the one-way valve is disposed at the distal end.
2. The stoma adapter of claim 1 wherein at least one reinforcement element is inflatable.
3. The stoma adapter of claim 1 wherein at least one reinforcement element is a helical compression spring.
4. The stoma adapter of claim 3 wherein the helical compression spring is formed from metal.
5. The stoma adapter of claim 3 wherein the helical compression spring is formed from polymer.
6. The stoma adapter of claim 3 wherein the helical compression spring is formed from a flexible and inflatable tube with a helical shape.
7. The stoma adapter of claim 1 wherein the flange releasably or permanently engages the stoma adapter to a body fitment attached to an ostomy pouch.
8. The stoma adapter of claim 7 wherein the body fitment is secured to a subject's periostomal skin by an adhesive attachment.
9. The stoma adapter of claim 8 wherein the body fitment is secured to a subject's periostomal skin.
10. The stoma adapter of claim 7 wherein the flange is attached to the body fitment by a mechanical fastener.
11. The stoma adapter of claim 7 wherein the flange is attached to the body fitment by an adhesive attachment.
12. The stoma adapter of claim 7 wherein the flange is trapped between the periostomal skin and the body fitment to hold the stoma adapter in position.
13. The stoma adapter of claim 7 wherein the stoma adapter provides direct transport of effluent from the bowel into an ostomy pouch attached to the body fitment.
14. The stoma adapter of claim 1 , wherein the axial reinforcement element spans the entire length of the stoma adapter.