(LR-005) Understanding stoma baseplate convexity characteristics: the journey from bench to bedside
Thursday, May 16, 2024
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM East Coast USA Time
Philip Gowans, BSc – Convatec
Introduction: Evidence supporting the use of convex pouching systems is increasing in the literature. Multiple consensus statements have been published to help describe principles of convex baseplates and considerations for use in clinical practice. However, clinicians have difficulty implementing the use of convexity characteristics into clinical practice. There is a need to help translate emerging evidence to support clinicians in practice. We aimed to visually simulate the tension locations of baseplates and how convexity characteristics influenced their magnitude and location.
Methods: A novel, simulated abdominal model was created using a comparative finite element analysis (FEA) investigation to explore the relationship between eight different convex baseplates. Each convex baseplate was investigated on the abdominal model to explore the relative force applied to the skin, subcutaneous tissue, connective tissue and muscle. Next, the results were compared to actual clinical cases to determine product selection.
Results: High variation was seen in the magnitude and location of the tension applied by different convex base plates. The simulations help explain and visualize expectations for central and peripheral tension for clinicians when matched to real-world cases. Eight different tension locations (four central and four peripheral) were identified with the products tested.The case studies reinforce the convexity characteristics and explain why a variety of tension locations should be employed to respond to high clinical variability in practice.
Discussion:
The results highlight that this novel abdominal model and FEA modelling are useful tools to help the ostomy provider consider product selection in clinical practice.