A
leading urologist has called for the subject of urinary incontinence to be
spoken about more openly to stop it being dubbed a ‘taboo’.
Emeritus
consultant urologist to the North Bristol NHS Trust, Professor Roger Feneley
was speaking following the launch of the world’s first intelligent catheter leg
bag with an electrical pump by UK-based Albert Medical Devices.
The
award-winning leg bag, called the Melio system, has been praised by leading
urologists for its ability to enhance overall urology care and restore patient
dignity and independence.
Worldwide
200 million people are affected by urinary incontinence.
Stressing
the importance of speaking out about incontinence, Prof Feneley said: "Many
thousands of older and disabled people rely on a catheter and bag to control
their loss of bladder control yet this is a subject rarely discussed because of
the embarrassment it can cause.
"The
catheter in universal use worldwide has not fundamentally changed for over 70
years. It is invariably drained into a urine collection bag, well concealed
under clothing and any attempt to empty can present a major upheaval for the
user and often an even trickier manoeuvre for the carer.
"The
Melio leg bag completely transforms this routine task, enabling the urine
collection bag to be emptied discreetly without an undignified struggle. So
many catheter users and their carers could benefit if only they knew such a
device was available.”
Existing
leg bags have remained largely unchanged for more than 50 years, with patients
having to lean down to where the bag is strapped to empty, something not always
possible for them to do themselves. Wearers of the traditional bags also have
no way of knowing when the bag is full and this can cause reflux and infections
because the simple one way valve does not work when the bag is overly full.
Melio
overcomes these disadvantages by replacing the tap with a tiny pump and
employing a simple computerised level detector. A compact computer controller
which clips onto the waist belt puts the wearer in charge.
Tom
Fitzherbert, CEO of Albert Medical Devices said: "Self-management for patients
is essential for them to restore dignity and give them greater control. As well
as offering huge benefits to wearers, the Melio leg is an improved and
cost-effective solution for hospitals and care homes.”
Liverpool
based Albert Medical Devices, which won the Da Vinci award for innovation and a
DTI Smart award for the product, is being supported by biomedical venture
capital firm SPARK Impact, managers of the £25M North West Fund for Biomedical
- a sub-fund of the £185m evergreen The North West Fund that is financed by the
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Investment Bank
(EIB).
Albert
Medical Devices is based at Liverpool Science Park in Merseyside.
The
website is HERE