An Innovative Medical Device for Ostomy and Wound Care

"Bowel surgery to treat inflammatory bowel disease, cancer or bowel trauma can often require diverting part of the bowel through an artificial opening in the surface of the abdomen (a stoma). This bypasses the normal bowel function and diverts waste into an ostomy bag which the patient must wear externally all day, every day. In the UK alone, there are almost 200,000 people living with a stoma, and the global ostomy market is due to reach over $3.4 billion by 2020 due to the increasing prevalence of bowel disease and cancer.

Existing systems have changed little over the last 25 years and in essence are still 'just' a bag. Problems include bag-leaking, noises, unpleasant odours and skin reactions. The limitations of current ostomy appliances can impact on the patients' daily activities, their physical and social mobility and their psychological well-being.

Many patients find the lack of control of bowel functionality difficult. Many ostomates suffer from loss of dignity and self-confidence. Up to ¼ suffer from psychological symptoms including poor body image, anxiety, social isolation, depression and even suicidal inclinations.

""I'm so scared. I've had my thing for two months and I don't really leave the house. I'm afraid so many things will go wrong.""\[1\]

Our novel ostomy system is inspired by tattoos and lingerie and empowers the wearer through beautiful aesthetics, whilst offering significant functional advantages through material innovation and technology.

It is designed for temporary use: swimming, the beach, intimate occasions, times when exposing a current ostomy appliance can cause embarrassment. It is reusable, can be skin-colour-matched and has innovative and superior skin attachment, odour control and usability.

Feedback from potential customers indicates a strong desire for such a product and the inclusion of a strong Public and Patient Inclusion (PPI) component in our development process will ensure we can maximise the sales potential of the final product.

**Prospective Customers: Ostique website and Instagram Feedback**

""Absolutely stunning, something I'd love to wear. Would be a dream to walk down the street not having to hide a bag.""

""I would love to have one! I think this is innovative and will lead the way in ostomy wear!""

""This is the future of stoma wear! I'm just in awe. The idea, the design, the process... just everything. This is one of the greatest things ever. Thank you!""

\[1\] OstomyLand Facebook User, 2015"