Patent Publication Number: US-2023145365-A1

Title: Fluid collection assemblies including a fluid impermeable barrier having a sump and a base

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/011,487 filed on Apr. 17, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by this reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     A person or animal may have limited or impaired mobility such that typical urination processes are challenging or impossible. For example, a person may experience or have a disability that impairs mobility. A person may have restricted travel conditions such as those experienced by pilots, drivers, and workers in hazardous areas. Additionally, sometimes bodily fluids collection is needed for monitoring purposes or clinical testing. 
     Urinary catheters, such as a Foley catheter, can be used to address some of these circumstances, such as incontinence. Unfortunately, urinary catheters can be uncomfortable, painful, and can lead to complications, such as infections. Additionally, bed pans, which are receptacles used for the toileting of bedridden individuals are sometimes used. However, bedpans can be prone to discomfort, spills, and other hygiene issues. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to fluid collection assemblies including a fluid impermeable barrier having a sump and a base. In an embodiment, a fluid collection assembly is disclosed. The fluid collection assembly includes a fluid impermeable barrier. The fluid impermeable barrier includes a base, a sump, and a fluid outlet. The sump defines a chamber and an opening configured to be positioned adjacent to a female urethral opening. The sump protrudes outwardly from the base. The fluid collection assembly also includes at least one porous material at least partially covering the opening and disposed in the chamber. 
     In an embodiment, a fluid collection system is disclosed. The fluid collection system includes a fluid collection assembly. The fluid collection assembly includes a fluid impermeable barrier. The fluid impermeable barrier includes a base, a sump, and a fluid outlet. The sump defines a chamber and an opening configured to be positioned adjacent to a female urethral opening. The sump protrudes outwardly from the base. The fluid collection assembly also includes at least one porous material at least partially covering the opening and disposed in the chamber. The fluid collection system also includes a fluid storage container in fluid communication with the fluid collection assembly and a vacuum device in fluid communication with the fluid collection assembly and the fluid storage container. The fluid collection assembly, the fluid storage container, and the vacuum device are configured to remove one or more bodily fluids from the chamber of the fluid collection assembly and deposit the bodily fluids in the fluid storage container when a suction force provided from the vacuum source is applied to the chamber of the fluid collection assembly. 
     In an embodiment, a method of using a fluid collection assembly is disclosed. The method includes securing a fluid collection assembly to at least a portion of a pubic region of an individual. The fluid collection assembly includes a base, a sump, and a fluid outlet. The sump defines a chamber and an opening configured to be positioned adjacent to a female urethral opening. The sump protrudes outwardly from the base. The fluid collection assembly also includes at least one porous material at least partially covering the opening and disposed in the chamber. 
     Features from any of the disclosed embodiments may be used in combination with one another, without limitation. In addition, other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar elements or features in different views or embodiments shown in the drawings. 
         FIGS.  1 A to  1 C  are a front view, a back view, and an exploded front view of a fluid collection assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  2 A  is an isometric view of a fluid collection assembly that is configured to have a fluid outlet thereof rotate, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  2 B  is an isometric view of the fluid collection assembly with the fluid outlet rotated, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS.  3  and  4    are isometric views of different fluid collection assemblies exhibiting different shapes, according to different embodiments. 
         FIG.  5    is an isometric view of a fluid collection assembly, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    is an image of a fluid collection assembly disposed on a model of the female pubic region, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    is a block diagram of a system for fluid collection, according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to fluid collection assemblies including a fluid impermeable barrier having a sump and a base. An example fluid collection assembly includes a fluid impermeable barrier. The fluid impermeable barrier includes a sump and a base configured to be attached to an individual (e.g., user of the fluid collection assembly). The sump may protrude outwardly from the base. The sump defines an opening and a chamber. The fluid collection assembly may include at least one porous material disposed in the chamber that at least partially covers the opening, such as a fluid permeable membrane extending across at least a portion of the opening and a support disposed in the chamber. The fluid collection assembly may also include an adhesive layer disposed on the base that is configured to secure the rest of the fluid collection assembly to at least a portion of a pubic region of an individual. Further, the fluid collection assembly may include a fluid outlet. 
     The fluid collection assembly is configured to be disposed against the individual such that the opening is disposed adjacent to at least the urethral opening of the individual. The adhesive layer may be secured to one or more portions of the pubic region of the individual (e.g., at least one of including, adjacent to, or proximate to the vulva) to secure the fluid collection assembly to the individual and maintain the opening adjacent to the urethral opening. For example, the adhesive layer may be secured to one or more of the mons pubis, the inner thighs, the labia majora, the labia minora, the posterior commissure, the perineum, or other portions of the individual including, adjacent to, or proximate to the vulva. The adhesive layer may form a seal around a portion of the vulva of the individual to prevent bodily fluids from leaking from the fluid collection assembly. 
     After securing the fluid collection assembly, the individual may discharge, either controllably or uncontrollably, bodily fluids from the urethral opening (e.g., urine), vagina (e.g., blood), or other sources (e.g., sweat glands). The porous material may remove the bodily fluids from the individual and move the bodily fluids from the opening, through the chamber, and to the fluid outlet. The bodily fluids may be removed from the chamber via the fluid outlet by using at least one gravity (e.g., the fluid outlet is located at the gravimetric low point of the chamber) or a suction force provided by a vacuum which suctions the bodily fluids from the chamber. 
       FIGS.  1 A to  1 C  are a front view, a back view, and an exploded front view of a fluid collection assembly  100 , according to an embodiment. The fluid collection assembly  100  includes a fluid impermeable barrier  102 . The fluid impermeable barrier  102  includes a sump  104  and a base  106 . The sump  104  extends outwardly from the base  106 . The sump  104  defines an opening (covered by fluid permeable membrane  110 ) and a chamber (not shown, obscured). The fluid collection assembly  100  includes at least one porous material  108  that at least partially covers the opening and at least partially occupies the chamber. For example, the porous material  108  may include a fluid permeable membrane  110  that extends at least partially across the opening and a support  112  disposed in the chamber. The fluid collection assembly  100  also includes an adhesive layer  114  (e.g., a pressure sensitive adhesive) attached to a bottom surface of the base  106  (e.g., the surface of the base  106  that is adjacent to the skin on an individual during use and opposite the surface of the base  106  from which the sump  104  extends). The fluid collection assembly  100  may further include a fluid outlet  116 . 
     The fluid impermeable barrier  102  is configured to receive and temporarily store the bodily fluids in the chamber of the sump  104 . The fluid impermeable barrier  102  is also configured to substantially prevent the bodily fluids from leaking from the chamber. For example, as previously discussed, the sump  104  protrudes outwardly from the base  106  which allows the sump  104  to exhibit a volume in which the chamber and the opening may be formed. Meanwhile, the base  106  does not define or substantially does not define a volume that may receive and store the bodily fluids thereby allowing the sump  104  to receive and temporarily store most, if not all, of the bodily fluids. Further, the base  106  extends circumferentially about the sump  104  and extends outwardly from the sump  104  which allows the base  106 , in conjunction with the adhesive layer  114 , to form a seal around the sump  104  and attach the sump  104  to the individual. 
     The fluid impermeable barrier  102  may be formed of any suitable fluid imperious material(s), such as a fluid impermeable polymer (e.g., silicone, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, a polycarbonate, etc.), a metal film, natural rubber, another suitable material, or combinations thereof. As such, the fluid impermeable barrier  102  substantially prevents the bodily fluids from passing through the fluid impermeable barrier  102 . In an example, the fluid impermeable barrier  102  may be air permeable and fluid impermeable. In such an example, the fluid impermeable barrier  102  may be formed of a hydrophobic material that defines a plurality of pores. At least a surface of the fluid impermeable barrier  102  that may contact the individual may be formed from a soft and/or smooth material (e.g., silicone), thereby reducing chaffing. 
     In an embodiment, the fluid impermeable barrier  102  may be formed from a flexible material, such as silicone, which allows the fluid impermeable barrier  102  to be bent into a shape that conforms the anatomy of the individual. For example, the anatomy of a individual at and near the vulva (i.e., mons pubis, the urethral opening, clitoris, labia minora, labium majora, vaginal opening, inner thighs, posterior commissure, perineal raphe, perineum, inner thighs, etc.) varies from individual to individual. As such, forming the fluid impermeable barrier  102  from a flexible material may allow the fluid impermeable barrier  102 , such as the base  106 , to be bent to exhibit a shape that corresponds to the anatomy of the individual which makes the fluid collection assembly  100  more comfortable to use and may inhibit the fluid collection assembly  100  from leaking. For example, the base  106  may be generally planar or may be curved to correspond to the shape of the anatomy of a hypothetical individual. Regardless if the base  106  is planar or curved, the base  106  may need to be shaped to correspond to a particular individual. However, it is noted that the base  106  may need to be shaped less if the base  106  exhibits a curved shape instead of a planar shape which, in turn, may make the fluid collection assembly  100  more comfortable to wear since such a base  106  may pull less on the skin of the individual than if the base  106  was planar. 
     As previously discussed, the sump  104  protrudes outwardly from the base  106  in a first direction. Protruding the sump  104  from the base  106  allows the sump  104  to exhibit a volume in which the chamber may be formed. The chamber may be sufficiently sized to have at least a portion of the porous material  108  disposed therein and to temporarily store the bodily fluids therein. The sump  104  also defines the opening which provides an ingress route for the bodily fluids to enter the chamber. In an embodiment, the opening may be an elongated hole that is configured to extend from above the urethral opening to below the vaginal opening. In such an embodiment, the opening may be able to allow bodily fluids discharged from both the urethral opening and the vaginal opening in the chamber. The size and shape of the sump  104  may allow the sump  104  to be comfortably positioned between the thighs of the individual using the fluid collection assembly  100 . The sump  104 , in conjunction with the porous material  108 , may also exhibit sufficient rigidity such that any pressure applied from the thighs to the sump  104   is unlikely collapse the sump  104 . Further, the sump  104 , in conjunction with the porous material  108 , may exhibit a r allow the sump  104  to spring back to 
     In an embodiment, as illustrated, the base  106  may include an upper portion  118  extending above the sump  104 , a bottom portion  120  extending below the sump  104  (e.g., a side of the sump  104  opposite the upper portion  118 ), and two lateral portions  122  extending between the upper portion  118  and the bottom portion  120  that are on opposite sides of the sump  104 . The upper portion  118  is configured to be adjacent to at least a portion of the mon pubis of the individual. The upper portion  118  may also be configured to be adjacent to other regions of the individual, such as a portion of the inner thighs. The bottom portion  120  is configured to be adjacent to at least one or more of the posterior commissure, at least a portion of the perineum (e.g., the perineal raphe), a portion of the inner thighs or a portion of the buttocks. The lateral portions  122  may be configured to be adjacent to at least at least one of the inner thighs or the labium majus. In an embodiment, the base  106  may be configured to not be adjacent to at least some of the more sensitive regions of the vulva of the individual, such as the labia minora and the clitoris, to avoid discomfort and pain when attaching and detaching the base  106  from such sensitive regions. However, it is noted that the base  106  maybe configured to be attached such sensitive regions of the vulva of the individual to at least one of form a better seal around the opening or minimize the regions of the vulva that may wetted by the bodily fluids. The base  106  may not be configured to be positioned adjacent to the urethral opening and, optionally, the vaginal opening so that the base  106  does not obstruct the flow of the bodily fluids from these orifices to the chamber. 
     The shape of the upper portion  118 , the bottom portion  120 , and the lateral portions  122  may be different since the upper portion  118 , the bottom portion  120 , and the lateral portions  122  may be configured to be adjacent to different portions of the individual. For example, the upper portion  118  may exhibit a maximum width that is generally greater than the maximum width of the base  106  at the bottom portion  120  or both lateral portions  122 . The upper portion  118  may exhibit the greater maximum width because the mons pubis exhibits a wide width. However, the width of the upper portion  118  may decrease along at least a portion of a length therefrom from the maximum width to the lateral portions  122  since the width of the mons pubis generally decreases with increasing proximity to the urethral opening. In an embodiment, the upper portion  118  may exhibit a length measured from the sump  104  to an opposing edge thereof that is greater than a length of the bottom portion  120  measured from the sump  104  to an opposing edge thereof. The length of the upper portion  118  may be greater than the bottom portion  120  since, generally, the bottom portion  120  is configured to avoid the anus which restricts the length of the bottom portion  120  while the upper portion  118  does not have such a restriction. Further, increasing the length of the upper portion  120  increases the surface area of the individual to which the base  106  is attached which secures the fluid collection assembly  100  more securely to the individual and the upper portion  120  may support more of the weight of the fluid collection assembly  100  than the bottom portion  120 . In an embodiment, the shape of the bottom portion  120  and the lateral portions  122  may be configured to avoid the inner thighs since, when the bottom portion  120  and/or the lateral portions  122  are attached to the inner thighs, movement of the legs of the individual may cause the base  106  to pull on the individual. In an embodiment, the shape of the bottom portion  120  and/or the lateral portions  122  may be configured to be attached to the inner thighs to at least one of avoid attaching the base  106  to the slightly more sensitive labium majora or to increase the surface area of the individual that the base  106  is attached (increasing the surface area that the base  106  is attached to may cause the base  106  to be more securely attached to the individual and decreases the likelihood that the fluid collection assembly  100  leaks). In an embodiment, as shown, the shape of the bottom portion  120  and/or the lateral portions  122  may conform to the shape of the sump  104  to ensure that there are no portions of the seal formed by the adhesive layer  114  that are thinner than other portions since the fluid collection assembly  100  is more likely to leak through such thin seals. 
     The fluid impermeable barrier  102  also forms and defines a fluid outlet  116 . The fluid outlet  116  is an passageway formed in the fluid impermeable barrier  102  that is in fluid communication with the chamber. As such, the fluid outlet  116  may be used to remove bodily fluids from the chamber. The fluid outlet  116  is generally located at or near a gravimetric low point of the chamber to prevent pooling of the bodily fluids in the chamber. For example, the fluid outlet  116  may be in disposed or extend from a portion of the sump  104  that adjacent to the bottom portion  120  of the base  102  since such a portion of the sump  104  may be at or near the gravimetric low point of the chamber. The fluid outlet  116  may be sized to receive a conduit (not shown). The conduit may be disposed in the chamber or otherwise in fluid communication with the chamber via the fluid outlet  116 . The fluid outlet  116  may be sized and shaped to form an at least substantially fluid tight seal against the conduit thereby substantially preventing the bodily fluids from escaping the chamber. 
     The fluid impermeable barrier  102  is configured to support one or more components of the fluid collection assembly  100 . For example, the fluid impermeable barrier  102  may be configured to prevent the sump  104  from collapsing thereby allowing the porous material  108  to be disposed in the chamber and to at least partially cover the opening. The fluid impermeable barrier  102  may include one or more support pillars (not shown) to prevent at least one of the sump  104  from collapsing, the opening from closing, or the fluid outlet  116  from closing. In an embodiment, the support pillars may include increasing the thickness of the fluid impermeable barrier  102  in selected regions thereof to increase the strength of the fluid impermeable barrier  102 . In an embodiment, the support pillars may include attaching a material, such a metal wires, to the rest of the fluid impermeable barrier  102  to increase the strength of the fluid impermeable barrier  102 . 
     The fluid impermeable barrier  102  is configured to support the adhesive layer  114 . The adhesive layer  114  may include any material that may secure the fluid impermeable barrier  102  to the individual. For example, the adhesive layer  114  may include a pressure adhesive. In an embodiment, as illustrated, the adhesive layer  114  may exhibit a shape that generally corresponds to the shape of the base  106 . The adhesive layer  114  may also define a hole  124  to generally corresponds to at least one of the opening of the sump  104  or the portion of the porous material  108  that at least partially covers the opening. As such, the adhesive layer  114  does not obstruct the flow of bodily fluids through the opening and the porous material  108 . 
     As previously discussed, the fluid collection assembly  100  includes porous material  108  disposed in the chamber. The porous material  108  may cover at least a portion (e.g., all) of the opening. The porous material  108  is exposed to the environment outside of the chamber through the opening. The permeable properties referred to herein may be wicking, capillary action, absorption, diffusion, or other similar properties or processes, and are referred to herein as “permeable” and/or “porous.” The porous material  108  may also wick the bodily fluids generally towards an interior of the chamber, as discussed in more detail below. The porous material  108  may include one or more of a fluid permeable membrane  110  or a fluid permeable support  112 . 
     In an embodiment, at least a portion of the porous material  108  may be a wicking material configured to wick any of the bodily fluids away from the opening, thereby preventing bodily fluids from escaping the chamber. The wicking material may not include absorption of the bodily fluids into the wicking material. Put another way, substantially no absorption of the bodily fluids into the wicking material may take place after the wicking material is exposed to the bodily fluids. While no absorption is desired, the term “substantially no absorption” may allow for nominal amounts of absorption of the bodily fluids into the wicking material (e.g., absorbency), such as about 30 wt% of the dry weight of the wicking material, about 20 wt%, about 10 wt%, about 7 wt%, about 5 wt%, about 3 wt%, about 2 wt%, about 1 wt%, or about 0.5 wt% of the dry weight of the wicking material. 
     The fluid collection assembly  100  may include the fluid permeable membrane  110  disposed in the chamber. The fluid permeable membrane  110  may cover at least a portion (e.g., all) of the opening. The fluid permeable membrane  110  may be composed to pull/push the bodily fluids away from the opening, thereby promoting fluid flow into the sump  104 , prevent fluid remaining on the vulva of the individual, and preventing the bodily fluids from escaping the chamber. 
     The fluid permeable membrane  110  may include any material that may be permeable to the bodily fluids. For example, the fluid permeable membrane  110  may include fabric, such as a gauze (e.g., a silk, linen, or cotton gauze), another soft fabric, or another smooth fabric. Forming the fluid permeable membrane  110  from gauze, soft fabric, and/or smooth fabric may reduce chaffing caused by the fluid collection assembly  100  and makes wearing the fluid collection assembly more comfortable. In an embodiment, the fluid permeable membrane  110  may define a plurality of perforations that are larger than an inherent porosity of the fluid permeable membrane  110 . The plurality of perforations formed in the fluid permeable membrane  110  may extend completely through the fluid permeable membrane  110 . The plurality of perforations may increase the rate at which bodily fluids enter the chamber. In an embodiment, the fluid permeable membrane  110  may be continuous (e.g., does not define perforations therein) and only includes the inherent porosity thereof. 
     The fluid collection assembly  100  may include the fluid permeable support  112  disposed in the chamber. The fluid permeable support  112  is configured to support the fluid permeable membrane  110  and maintain the shape of the sump  104  since the fluid impermeable barrier  102  and the fluid permeable membrane  110  may be formed from a relatively foldable, flimsy, or otherwise easily deformable material. For example, the fluid permeable support  112  may be positioned such that the fluid permeable membrane  110  is disposed between the fluid permeable support  112  and the fluid impermeable barrier  102 . As such, the fluid permeable support  112  may support and maintain the position of the fluid permeable membrane  110  and the shape of the sump  104 . The fluid permeable support  112  may include any material that may be permeable to the bodily fluids, such as any of the fluid permeable membrane materials disclosed herein above. For example, the fluid permeable membrane material(s) may be utilized in a more dense or rigid form than in the fluid permeable membrane  110  when used as the fluid permeable support  112 . The fluid permeable support  112  may be formed from any fluid porous material that is less deformable than the fluid permeable membrane  110 . For example, the fluid permeable support  112  may include a porous polymer (e.g., nylon, polyester, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.) structure (e.g., spun fibers) or a foam (e.g., an open cell foam). In a particular example, the fluid permeable support  112  may include spun fibers, such as spun nylon fibers. In some examples, the fluid permeable support  112  may be formed from a natural material, such as cotton, wool, silk, or combinations thereof. In such examples, the material may have a coating to prevent or limit absorption of the bodily fluids into the material, such as a water repellent coating. In some examples, the fluid permeable support  112  may be formed from fabric, felt, gauze, or combinations thereof. 
     In some examples, the fluid permeable membrane  110  may be optional. For example, the porous material  108  may include only the fluid permeable support  112 . In some examples, the fluid permeable support  112  may be optionally omitted from the fluid collection assembly  100 . For example, the porous material  108  may only include the fluid permeable membrane  110 . 
     In an embodiment, the fluid permeable membrane  110  and/or the fluid permeable support  112  are wicking materials. In such an embodiment, the fluid permeable support  112  may have a greater ability to wick the bodily fluids than the fluid permeable membrane  110 , such as to move the bodily fluids inwardly from the outer surface of the fluid collection assembly  100 . In some examples, the wicking ability of the fluid permeable support  112  and the fluid permeable membrane  110  may be substantially the same. In an embodiment, the fluid permeable membrane  110  and/or the fluid permeable support  112  are non-wicking materials (e.g., absorbent materials). 
     In an embodiment, not shown, the fluid permeable membrane  110  and the fluid permeable support  112  may at least substantially completely fill the portions of the chamber that are not occupied by the conduit. In an embodiment, as previously discussed, the fluid permeable membrane  110  and the fluid permeable support  112  may not substantially completely fill the portions of the chamber that are not occupied by the conduit. In such an embodiment, the fluid collection assembly  100  includes the fluid reservoir (not shown) disposed in the chamber. 
     The fluid reservoir is a substantially unoccupied portion of the chamber. The fluid reservoir may be defined between the fluid impermeable barrier  102  and one or both of the fluid permeable membrane  110  and fluid permeable support  112 . The bodily fluids that are in the chamber may flow through the fluid permeable membrane  110  and/or fluid permeable support  112  to the fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir may retain of the bodily fluids therein. The bodily fluids that are in the chamber may flow through the fluid permeable membrane  110  and/or fluid permeable support  112  and, optionally, to the fluid reservoir. The fluid impermeable barrier  102  may retain the bodily fluids in the fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir may be located in a portion of the chamber that is designed to be located in a gravimetrically low point of the fluid collection assembly when the device is worn. 
     As previously discussed, the fluid collection assembly  100  may include a conduit (not shown). The conduit may include a flexible material such as plastic tubing (e.g., medical tubing). Such plastic tubing may include a thermoplastic elastomer, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene vinyl acetate, polytetrafluoroethylene, etc., tubing. In some examples, the conduit may include silicon or latex. In some examples, the conduit may include one or more portions that are resilient, such as to by having one or more of a diameter or wall thickness that allows the conduit to be flexible. 
     In an example, the conduit is configured to be at least insertable into the chamber. In such an example, the conduit may include one or more markers (not shown) on an exterior thereof that are located to facilitate insertion of the conduit into the chamber. For example, the conduit may include one or more markings thereon that are configured to prevent over or under insertion of the conduit, such as when the conduit defines an inlet that is configured to be disposed in or adjacent to the reservoir. In another example, the conduit may include one or more markings thereon that are configured to facilitate correct rotation of the conduit relative to the chamber. The one or more markings may include a line, a dot, a sticker, or any other suitable marking. 
     As described in more detail below, the conduit is configured to be coupled to, and at least partially extend between, one or more of the fluid storage container (not shown) and the vacuum source (not shown). In an example, the conduit is configured to be directly connected to the vacuum source (not shown). In such an example, the conduit may extend from the fluid impermeable barrier  102  by at least one foot, at least two feet, at least three feet, or at least six feet. In another example, the conduit is configured to be indirectly connected to at least one of the fluid storage container (not shown) and the vacuum source (not shown). In some examples, the conduit is secured to a wearer’s skin with a catheter securement device, such as a STATLOCK® catheter securement device available from C. R. Bard, Inc., including but not limited to those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,117,163; 6,123,398; and 8,211,063, the disclosures of which are all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     The inlet and the outlet of the conduit are configured to fluidly couple (e.g., directly or indirectly) the vacuum source (not shown) to the chamber (e.g., the reservoir). As the vacuum source ( FIG.  6   ) applies a vacuum/suction in the conduit, the bodily fluids in the chamber may be drawn into the conduit and out of the fluid collection assembly. In some examples, the conduit may be frosted or opaque (e.g., black) to obscure visibility of the bodily fluids therein. 
       FIG.  2 A  is an isometric view of a fluid collection assembly  200  that is configured to have a fluid outlet  216  thereof rotate, according to an embodiment.  FIG.  2 B  is an isometric view of the fluid collection assembly  200  with the fluid outlet  216  rotated, according to an embodiment. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the fluid collection assembly  200  is the same or substantially similar to any of the fluid collection assemblies disclosed herein. For example, the fluid collection assembly  200  may include a fluid impermeable barrier  202  including a sump  204  and a base  206 . The sump  204  may define a chamber (not shown, obscured) and an outlet (not shown, obscured). The fluid collection assembly  200  may include at least one porous material (not shown, obscured) and an adhesive layer (not shown, obscured). 
     The fluid collection assembly  200  includes a fluid outlet  216 . The fluid outlet  216  is generally located at or near the bottom of the sump  204  (e.g., the portion of the sump  204  closest to the anus during use) since such a location is typically at or near the gravimetric low point of the sump  204  during use. The fluid outlet  216  includes a stationary element  226  and a rotating element  228 . The stationary element  226  remains stationary relative to the sump  204  and the rotating element  228  is configured to rotate relative to the stationary element  226 . As such, the stationary element  226  and the rotating element  228  may form a bearing element therebetween. The stationary element  226  and the rotating element  228  may be configured to fit together snugly to inhibit fluid leaking thereby. The rotating element  228  may be configured to receive a conduit  230 , as previously discussed herein. 
     In an embodiment, the stationary element  226  may be formed from the same material as the rest of the fluid impermeable barrier  202 . In an embodiment, the stationary element  226  may be formed from a material that is different than the rest of the fluid impermeable barrier  202 . For example, the stationary element  226  may be formed from a more rigid material (e.g., stiffer and/or stronger material) than the rest of the fluid impermeable barrier  202  to prevent the rotating element  228  from being dislodged therefrom. In such an example, the rotating element  228  may also be formed from a material that is more rigid that the rest of the fluid impermeable barrier  202 . In an embodiment, the material of the stationary element  226  is selected to exhibit a lower coefficient of friction (e.g., kinetic and/or static coefficient of friction) with the rotating element  228  than the rest of the fluid impermeable barrier  202 . 
     The fluid collection assemblies disclosed herein may exhibit shapes other than the shapes illustrated in  FIGS.  1 A- 2 B . For example,  FIGS.  3  and  4    are isometric views of different fluid collection assemblies exhibiting different shapes, according to different embodiments. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the fluid collection assemblies illustrated in  FIGS.  3  and  4    are the same or substantially similar to any of the fluid collection assemblies disclosed herein. For example, the fluid collection assemblies may include a fluid impermeable barrier having a sump and a base. The fluid collection assemblies may also include at least one porous material, an adhesive layer, a fluid outlet, a conduit, or any other component disclosed herein. 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , the fluid collection assembly  300  includes a base  306 . The base includes an upper portion  318 , a bottom portion  320 , and two lateral portions  322 . The upper portion  318  exhibits a maximum width that is substantially the same (e.g., ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, ±5%or the same) as the maximum width of the bottom portion  320  or the maximum width of the two lateral portions  322  and the sump  304 . For example, the upper portion  318  may not need to exhibit a maximum width that is significantly greater than the maximum width of the bottom portion  320  or the maximum width of the two lateral portions  322  and the sump  304  to secure the fluid collection assembly  300  to the individual. Further, reducing the maximum width of the upper portion  318  may minimize the pain and discomfort caused by detaching the fluid collection assembly  300  from the individual. 
     Referring to  FIG.  4   , the fluid collection assembly  400  includes a sump  404  and a base  406 . The fluid collection assembly  400  includes a tail  432  attached to or integrally formed with at least one of the sump  404 , a bottom portion  420  of the base  406 , or the fluid outlet  416 . The tail  432  extends away from the sump  404 . The tail  432  is configured to fit between the gluteal cleft of the individual to better secure the fluid collection assembly  400  to the individual. 
       FIG.  5    is an isometric view of a fluid collection assembly  500 , according to an embodiment. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the fluid collection assembly  500  is the same or substantially similar to any of the fluid collection assemblies disclosed herein. For example, the fluid collection assembly  500  may include a fluid impermeable barrier  502  that includes a sump  504  and a base  506 . The fluid collection assembly  500  may also include at least one porous material  508  disposed in the sump  504 . 
     The base  506  may include two lateral wings  550  extending from the sump  504 . The lateral wings  550  may be configured to be positioned adjacent to at least one of the labia minora, the labia majora, or the inner thighs. In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral wings  550  exhibit a generally hour-glass like shape. However, it is noted that the lateral wings  550  may exhibit other shapes, such as a generally rectangular shape (e.g., generally square shape), a generally triangular shape, or a generally trapezoidal shape. 
     In an embodiment, as illustrated, the base  506  may be integrally formed with the adhesive layer of the fluid collection assembly  500 . In other words, the base  506  directly secures the fluid collection assembly  500  to the individual. In such an embodiment, the base  506  may include an adhesive or a tacky surface. The tacky surface may push the fluid collection assembly  500  towards the urethral opening of the individual. When the base  506  is integrally formed with the adhesive layer, the base  506  may correspond to and cover one or more surfaces of the sump  504 . In an embodiment, the fluid collection assembly  500  may include an adhesive layer (not shown) that is distinct from and attached to the base  506 . 
       FIG.  6    is an isometric view of a fluid collection assembly  600  disposed on a portion of the female pubic region  633 , according to an embodiment. As illustrated, the fluid collection assembly  600  is substantially similar to the fluid collection assembly  100  illustrated in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C . However, it is noted that the fluid collection assembly  600  may be the same or substantially similar to any of the fluid collection assemblies disclosed herein. The fluid collection assembly  600  includes a sump  604  and a base  606 . The base  606  includes an upper portion  618  that is positioned adjacent to and attached to (via the adhesive layer, obscured) to the mons pubis  634  and the inner thighs  636  of the model  633 . The base  606  also includes a bottom portion  620  that is positioned adjacent to and attached to (via the adhesive layer) to the perineum  638  and the buttocks  640  of the female pubic region  633 . The bottom portion  620  may also be positioned adjacent to and attached to (via the adhesive layer) to a portion of the inner thighs  636  of the female pubic region  633 . The base  606  also includes two lateral portions  622  that are positioned adjacent to and attached to (via the adhesive layer) to the inner thighs  636  of the female pubic region  633 . It is noted that the base  606  may also be attached to portions of the vulva (not shown, obscured) of the female pubic region  633 , such as the labium majora.  FIG.  6    illustrates that the fluid collection assemblies disclosed herein may conform to the female anatomy. 
     The fluid collection assemblies disclosed herein may are discussed as being used to collect bodily fluids from a female. However, it is noted that the principles discussed herein may be used to collect bodily fluids from a male (e.g., from a penis). In an example, any of the fluid collection assemblies disclosed herein may be used to collect bodily fluids from a buried penis. In such an example, the openings of the fluid collection assemblies may be configured to be positioned adjacent to the buried penis and the base may be configured to be attached to or around (via the adhesive layer) to the testicles. In an example, the opening of a fluid collection assembly that is substantially similar to any of the fluid collection assemblies disclosed herein may be configured to receive the penis into the chamber. In such an example, the base may be configured to be attached to or around (via the adhesive layer) to the testicles. 
       FIG.  7    is a block diagram of a system  790  for fluid collection, according to an embodiment. The system  790  includes a fluid collection assembly  700 , a fluid storage container  792 , and a vacuum source  764 . The fluid collection assembly  700 , the fluid storage container  792 , and the vacuum source  764  may be fluidly coupled to each other via one or more conduits  712 . For example, fluid collection assembly  700  may be operably coupled to one or more of the fluid storage container  792  or the vacuum source  764  via the conduit  712 . However, as previously discussed, the vacuum source  764  and the fluid storage container  792  may be integrally formed together. The bodily fluids collected in the fluid collection assembly  700  may be removed from the fluid collection assembly  700  via the conduit  712  which protrudes into the fluid collection assembly  700 . For example, an inlet of the conduit  712  may extend into the fluid collection assembly  700 , such as to a fluid reservoir therein. The outlet of the conduit  712  may extend into the fluid collection assembly  700  or the vacuum source  764 . Suction force may be introduced into the chamber of the fluid collection assembly  700  via the inlet of the conduit  712  responsive to suction (e.g., vacuum) force applied at the outlet of the conduit  712 . 
     The suction force may be applied to the outlet of the conduit  712  by the vacuum source  764  either directly or indirectly. The suction force may be applied indirectly via the fluid storage container  792 . For example, the outlet of the conduit  712  may be disposed within the fluid storage container  792  and an additional conduit  712  may extend from the fluid storage container  792  to the vacuum source  764 . Accordingly, the vacuum source  764  may apply suction to the fluid collection assembly  700  via the fluid storage container  792 . The suction force may be applied directly via the vacuum source  764 . For example, the outlet of the conduit  712  may be disposed within the vacuum source  764 . An additional conduit  712  may extend from the vacuum source  764  to a point outside of the fluid collection assembly  700 , such as to the fluid storage container  792 . In such examples, the vacuum source  764  may be disposed between the fluid collection assembly  700  and the fluid storage container  792 . 
     The fluid collection assembly  700  may be similar or identical to any of the fluid collection assemblies disclosed herein in one or more aspects. The fluid collection assembly  700  may be shaped and sized to be positioned adjacent to a female urethra or have a male urethra positioned therethrough (e.g., receive a penis therein). For example, the fluid collection assembly  700  may include a fluid impermeable barrier at least partially defining a chamber (e.g., interior region) of the fluid collection assembly  700 . The fluid impermeable barrier also defines an opening extending therethrough from the external environment. The opening may be positioned adjacent to a female urethra or have a male urethra positioned therethrough. The fluid collection assembly  700  may include a fluid permeable membrane disposed within the fluid impermeable barrier. The fluid collection assembly  700  may include at least one porous material disposed in the chamber such as one or more of a fluid permeable support and a fluid permeable membrane. 
     The fluid storage container  792  is sized and shaped to retain the bodily fluids therein. The fluid storage container  792  may include a bag (e.g., drainage bag), a bottle or cup (e.g., collection jar), or any other enclosed container for storing bodily fluids such as urine. In some examples, the conduit  712  may extend from the fluid collection assembly  700  and attach to the fluid storage container  792  at a first point therein. An additional conduit  712  may attach to the fluid storage container  792  at a second point thereon and may extend and attach to the vacuum source  764 . Accordingly, a vacuum (e.g., suction) may be drawn through fluid collection assembly  700  via the fluid storage container  792 . The bodily fluids, such as urine, may be drained from the fluid collection assembly  700  using the vacuum source  764 . 
     The vacuum source  764  may include one or more of a manual vacuum pump, and electric vacuum pump, a diaphragm pump, a centrifugal pump, a displacement pump, a magnetically driven pump, a peristaltic pump, or any pump configured to produce a vacuum. The vacuum source  764  may provide a vacuum or suction to remove the bodily fluids from the fluid collection assembly  700 . In some examples, the vacuum source  764  may be powered by one or more of a power cord (e.g., connected to a power socket), one or more batteries, or even manual power (e.g., a hand operated vacuum pump). In some examples, the vacuum source  764  may be sized and shaped to fit outside of, on, or within the fluid collection assembly  700 . For example, the vacuum source  764  may include one or more miniaturized pumps or one or more micro pumps. The vacuum sources  764  disclosed herein may include one or more of a switch, a button, a plug, a remote, or any other device suitable to activate the vacuum source  764 . 
     While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. 
     Terms of degree (e.g., “about,” “substantially,” “generally,” etc.) indicate structurally or functionally insignificant variations. In an example, when the term of degree is included with a term indicating quantity, the term of degree is interpreted to mean ± 10%, ±5%, or +2% of the term indicating quantity. In an example, when the term of degree is used to modify a shape, the term of degree indicates that the shape being modified by the term of degree has the appearance of the disclosed shape. For instance, the term of degree may be used to indicate that the shape may have rounded corners instead of sharp corners, curved edges instead of straight edges, one or more protrusions extending therefrom, is oblong, is the same as the disclosed shape, etc.