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.1

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.
Visit its website www.albertmedicaldevices.com or call 0845 680 8889 to speak a member of the team.