Disposable closure means for an artificial ostomy opening or an incontinent natural anus

摘要

A disposable closure for an artificial or an incontinent natural intestinal opening has a porous, elastic, air-filled body which in a state not influenced by external compressive forces is a substantially cylindrical, conical or bell-shaped structure having a cross-sectional area, measured halfway between its ends, of at least the double of the cross-sectional area of the intestinal duct for which it is intended. When supplied by the manufacturer, this elastic body is compressed to a substantially cylindrical shape having a cross-sectional area as or slightly below that of the intestinal duct in question. The elastic body is maintained in that compressed state by a moisture- and/or heat sensitive material, the shape-maintaining effect of which is rapidly eliminated upon contact with the moisture content of the intestine and/or the heat of the human body. The elastic body may for instance be made of a foam plastic and the shape-maintaining material may for instance be a cover of polyvinyl alcohol.