Colostomy alert device and method

• US 20050065488A1
• Filed: 09/23/2003
• Published: 03/24/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 09/23/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Oakington Corporation
• Original Assignee: Oakington Corporation
• Inventors: Elliott, Nyle S.
• Granted Patent: US 7,737,321 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/361
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/445 Colostomy, ileostomy or urethrostomy devices A61F5/441, A61F5/442, A61F5/443 take precedence

Abstract

A method and apparatus for alerting a colostomate or medical attendant to the presence of fecal matter. The device includes a hollow plug detachably securable to a flexible port positioned about the stoma. The port carries an alarm circuit which is triggered when fecal matter enters the plug lumen which will alert the colostomate to an impending episode. The signal may be vibratory, audible or visible and may be transmitted to a remote location. The device includes an inflatable air cuff which, when inflated, presents a physical barrier to the passage of fecal matter. Gas may pass through filters in the tube. The method involves positioning the device in the stoma, inflating the cuff and generating an alarm when matter is sensed.

Claims

1. An alert device for detecting the presence of fecal matter comprising:

a port member having an aperture with the aperture aligned with the stoma;

an alarm attached to said port member;

a first conductor at said aperture in electrical contact with said alarm;

a plug defining an outer surface and a lumen, said tube having a second conductor thereon, said plug removably secured to said port at said aperture and with said first and second conductors being in electrical contact; and

a third conductor disposed within said lumen and being in electrical contact with said second conductor.

2. The alert device of claim 1 wherein said alarm emits an audible alarm.

3. The alert device of claim 1 wherein said alarm emits a visible alarm.

4. The alert device of claim 1 wherein said alarm emits a tactile alarm.

5. The alert device of claim 1 wherein said alarm transmits a signal to a remote location.

6. The alert device of claim 1 wherein said engagement means comprises threads.

7. The alert device of claim 1 wherein said port is a flexible, elastomeric material.

8. The alert device of claim 1 further comprising an inflatable cuff encircling said plug.

9. The alert device of claim 1 wherein said second and third conductors are each a pair of spaced-apart conductive rings.

10. The alert device of claim 1 further including an absorbent sleeve disposed about said tube.

11. The alert device of claim 1 wherein said plug includes a filter.

12. The alert device of claim 1 wherein said port is attachable to the body by an adhesive ring.

13. A method of detecting the presence of fecal matter in a stoma comprising:

providing a port member defining an aperture;

providing first conductors at said aperture connected to an alarm on said port;

attaching said port member to the body with the aperture aligned with the stoma;

providing a tube with a lumen, said tube having second and third conductors thereon;

detachably securing said tube in said port aperture with the tube depending into the stoma and with the second conductors in electrical contact with said first conductors; and

causing an electrical signal to be directed to said alarm via said conductors when fecal matter is present in the area of the tube.

14. The method of detecting the presence of fecal matter of claim 13 wherein the alarm signal is a vibrating alarm.

15. The method of detecting the presence of fecal matter of claim 13 wherein the alarm is visible.

16. The method of detecting the presence of fecal matter of claim 13 wherein the alarm is audible.

17. The method of detecting the presence of fecal matter of claim 13 wherein the first, second and third conductors are each rings.

18. The method of detecting the presence of fecal matter of claim 13 wherein the port is attached by adhesive means.

19. The method of detecting the presence of fecal matter of claim 13 further including providing an absorbent member associated with said plug.

20. The method of detecting the presence of fecal matter of claim 14 wherein said alarm comprises a signal to a remote location.