Methods and apparatuses for ostomy gas management

Abstract

A gas management system for use with an ostomy pouch includes an insert port defining an insert-receiving passage in communication with an inner chamber of an ostomy pouch and an exterior of the ostomy pouch. The insert port may be integrated into one or more walls of the ostomy pouch. An insert is selectively received in the insert-receiving passage of the insert port, the insert including at least one vent therein. An odor absorbent element is disposed in the insert. The insert-receiving passage and the vent of the insert defining a pathway for gases passing from the inner chamber of the ostomy pouch and through the absorbent material to pass out of the gas management apparatus. A guard may be supplied to carry a used insert upon removal from the insert port, as well as a replacement insert. The guard may have a wall to seal the used insert and the replacement insert. In certain embodiments, an applicator may be used to facilitate insertion of replacement inserts.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A gas management apparatus for use with an ostomy pouch, comprising:
 an insert port defining an insert-receiving passage in communication with an inner chamber of an ostomy pouch and an exterior of the ostomy pouch, the insert port being integrated into one or more walls of the ostomy pouch;   an insert selectively received in the insert-receiving passage of the insert port, the insert including at least one vent therein; and an odor adsorbent element disposed in the insert, the insert-receiving passage and the vent of the insert defining a pathway for gases passing from the inner chamber of the ostomy pouch and through the adsorbent material to pass out of the gas management apparatus; and   a gas impermeable barrier received in each of the at least one vent of the insert.   
     
     
         2 . A gas management apparatus for use with an ostomy pouch, comprising:
 an insert port defining an insert-receiving passage in communication with an inner chamber of an ostomy pouch and an exterior of the ostomy pouch, the insert port being integrated into one or more walls of the ostomy pouch;   an insert selectively received in the insert-receiving passage of the insert port, the insert including at least one vent therein; and an odor adsorbent element disposed in the insert, the insert-receiving passage and the vent of the insert defining a pathway for gases passing from the inner chamber of the ostomy pouch and through the adsorbent material to pass out of the gas management apparatus, the insert port including a latch at least partially defining an insert-receiving slot, the slot having a curvature complementary to a curvature of the insert, preventing leakage between the insert and the insert port.   
     
     
         3 . The gas management system of  claim 2 , the latch including one or more ramps to facilitate insertion of a replacement insert. 
     
     
         4 . The gas management system of  claim 2 , wherein upon insertion of a replacement insert, a replaced insert falls into the ostomy pouch. 
     
     
         5 . A gas management apparatus for use with an ostomy pouch, comprising:
 an insert port defining an insert-receiving passage in communication with an inner chamber of an ostomy pouch and an exterior of the ostomy pouch, the insert port being integrated into one or more walls of the ostomy pouch;   an insert selectively received in the insert-receiving passage of the insert port, the insert including at least one vent therein; and an odor adsorbent element disposed in the insert, the insert-receiving passage and the vent of the insert defining a pathway for gases passing from the inner chamber of the ostomy pouch and through the adsorbent material to pass out of the gas management apparatus; and   an applicator that carries one or more replacement inserts, the applicator having an opening permitting insertion of one of the one or more replacement inserts into the insert port.   
     
     
         6 . The gas management system of  claim 5 , further comprising a pusher disposed in the applicator, the pusher received in a pusher-receiving bay of the applicator, the pusher facilitating insertion of one of the one or more replacement inserts into the insert port.