Patent Publication Number: US-2022226144-A1

Title: Fluid collection devices and systems having a fluid impermeable barrier with a selectively minimal hardness, thickness, and/or modulus of elasticity

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/853,889 filed on 29 May 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by this reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     An individual may have limited or impaired mobility such that typical urination processes are challenging or impossible. For example, the individual may have surgery or a disability that impairs mobility. In another example, the individual may have restricted travel conditions such as those experienced by pilots, drivers, and workers in hazardous areas. Additionally, fluid collection from the individual may be needed for monitoring purposes or clinical testing. 
     Bed pans and urinary catheters, such as a Foley catheter, can be used to address some of these circumstances. However, bed pans and urinary catheters have several problems associated therewith. For example, bed pans can be prone to discomfort, pressure ulcers spills, and other hygiene issues. Urinary catheters be can be uncomfortable, painful, and can cause urinary tract infections. 
     Thus, users and manufacturers of fluid collection devices continue to seek new and improved devices, systems, and methods to collect urine. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments disclosed herein are fluid collection devices and methods of assembling fluid collection devices. In an embodiment, a fluid collection device includes a fluid impermeable barrier and a fluid permeable body. The fluid impermeable barrier has a shore A durometer hardness of less than about 15. The fluid impermeable barrier at least partially defines a chamber, an opening extending longitudinally along the fluid impermeable barrier and configured to be positioned adjacent to a female urethra, and an aperture configured to receive a conduit therethrough. The fluid permeable body is positioned at least partially within the chamber to extend across at least a portion of the opening and configured to wick fluid away from the opening. 
     In an embodiment, a fluid collection device includes a fluid impermeable barrier and a fluid permeable body. The fluid impermeable barrier has a thickness of about 1/64 inch (0.397 mm) to about ⅛ inch (3.175 mm). The fluid impermeable barrier at least partially defines a chamber, an opening extending longitudinally along the fluid impermeable barrier and configured to be positioned adjacent to a female urethra, and an aperture configured to receive a conduit therethrough. The fluid permeable body defining is positioned at least partially within the chamber to extend across at least a portion of the opening and configured to wick fluid away from the opening. 
     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. 
         FIG. 1A  is an isometric view of a female fluid collection device, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 1B  is a front view of the female fluid collection device of  FIG. 1A  worn on a female user. 
         FIG. 1C  is an exploded view of the female fluid collection device of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  are cross-sectional views of the female fluid collection device of  FIG. 1  taken along line  2 - 2  thereof, according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of a method of assembling a fluid collection device, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of a method to collect fluid, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a system for fluid collection, according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments disclosed herein are fluid collection devices and methods of assembling fluid collection devices. Many conventional fluid collection devices include a hard, stiff, fluid impermeable outer layer that can injure the skin of the wearer when the fluid collection device is removed due to the friction between the skin and the fluid impermeable outer layer. Embodiments described herein may include a fluid impermeable layer having a lower hardness than the fluid impermeable outer layer of conventional fluid collection devices. For example, in an embodiment, a fluid collection device includes a fluid impermeable barrier and a fluid permeable body. The fluid impermeable barrier has a shore A durometer hardness of less than about 15. In many embodiments, the fluid impermeable barrier includes a lower hardness than fluid impermeable barriers of conventional fluid collection devices. The lower hardness of the fluid impermeable barriers described herein provides a softer, thinner material that is less stiff and more comfortable for the user to wear. A lower hardness fluid impermeable barrier also aids in securement of the fluid impermeable barrier to the skin of the user. The fluid impermeable barrier at least partially defines a chamber, an opening extending longitudinally along the fluid impermeable barrier and configured to be positioned adjacent to the opening of a female urethra, and an aperture configured to receive a conduit therethrough. The fluid permeable body is positioned at least partially within the chamber to extend across at least a portion of the opening and configured to wick fluid away from the opening. 
     In an embodiment, a fluid collection device includes a fluid impermeable barrier and a fluid permeable body. The fluid impermeable barrier has a thickness of about 0.008 inch (0.2 mm) to about 0.125 inch (3.2 mm). The fluid impermeable barrier at least partially defines a chamber, an opening extending longitudinally along the fluid impermeable barrier and configured to be positioned adjacent to a female urethra, and an aperture configured to receive a conduit therethrough. The fluid impermeable barrier of many embodiments is thinner than fluid impermeable barriers of conventional fluid collection devices. The relative thinness of the fluid impermeable barrier provides a more comfortable fluid collection device for the user to wear. The fluid permeable body is positioned at least partially within the chamber to extend across at least a portion of the opening and configured to wick fluid away from the opening. 
     The fluid collection devices disclosed herein are configured to collect fluids from an individual. The fluids collected by the fluid collection devices may include urine. The fluids collected by the fluid collection devices may also include at least one of vaginal discharge, penile discharge, reproductive fluids, blood, sweat, or other bodily fluids. 
     Fluid collection devices described herein may be used in fluid collection systems. The fluid collection systems may include a fluid collection device, a fluid storage container, and a portable vacuum source. Fluid (e.g., urine or other bodily fluids) collected in the fluid collection device may be removed from the fluid collection device via a conduit which protrudes into an interior region of the fluid collection device. For example, a first open end of the conduit may extend into the fluid collection device to a reservoir therein. The second open end of the conduit may extend into the fluid collection device or the portable vacuum source. The suction force may be introduced into the interior region of the fluid collection device via the first open end of the conduit responsive to a suction (e.g., vacuum) force applied at the second end of the conduit. The suction force may be applied to the second open end of the conduit by the portable vacuum source either directly or indirectly. 
     Fluid collection devices described herein may be shaped and sized to be positioned adjacent to the opening of a female urethra or have a male urethra positioned therethrough (e.g., receive a penis therein). For example, the fluid collection device may include a fluid impermeable barrier at least partially defining a chamber (e.g., interior region of the fluid collection device) of the fluid collection device. 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 device may include a fluid permeable body disposed within the fluid impermeable barrier. The conduit may extend into the fluid collection device at a first end region, through one or more of the fluid impermeable barrier, fluid permeable body to a second end region of the fluid collection device. Exemplary fluid collection devices for use with the systems and methods herein are described in more detail below. 
     In some embodiments, the portable vacuum source may be disposed in or on the fluid collection device. In such embodiments, the conduit may extend from the fluid collection device and attach to the portable vacuum source at a first point therein. An additional conduit may attach to the portable vacuum source at a second point thereon and may extend out of the fluid collection device, and may attach to the fluid storage container. Accordingly, a vacuum (e.g., suction) may be drawn through the fluid collection device via the fluid storage container. Fluid, such as urine, may be drained from the fluid collection device using the portable vacuum source. 
       FIG. 1A  is an isometric view of a fluid collection device  100 , according to an embodiment. The fluid collection device  100  is an example of a female fluid collection device  100  that is configured to receive fluids from a female. The fluid collection device  100  includes a fluid impermeable barrier  102  having a first end region  125  and a second end region  127 . The fluid impermeable barrier  102  at least partially defines a chamber  104  (e.g., interior region, shown in  FIG. 1C ) and includes an inward border or edge  129  defining an opening  106 . The fluid impermeable barrier  102  is substantially cylindrical in shape between the first end region  125  and the second end region  127 . In other embodiments, the fluid impermeable barrier  102  may include other shapes, such as one of more substantially planar surfaces, triangular, or other suitable shape. The opening  106  is formed in and extends longitudinally through the fluid impermeable barrier  102 , thereby enabling fluids to enter the chamber  104  from outside of the fluid collection device  100 . The opening  106  may be configured to be positioned adjacent to the opening of a female urethra. 
     The fluid collection device  100  may be positioned proximate to the opening of the female urethra and urine may enter the interior region of the fluid collection device  100  via the opening  106 . The fluid collection device  100  is configured to receive the fluids into the chamber  104  via the opening  106 . For example, the opening  106  may exhibit an elongated shape that is configured to extend from a first location below the urethral opening (e.g., at or near the anus or the vaginal opening) to a second location above the urethral opening (e.g., at or near the clitoris or the pubic hair). The opening  106  may exhibit an elongated shape since the space between the legs of a female is relatively small when the legs of the female are closed, thereby only permitting the flow of the fluids along a path that corresponds to the elongated shape of the opening  106 . For example, the opening may extend longitudinally along the fluid impermeable barrier. The opening  106  in the fluid impermeable barrier  102  may exhibit a width that is measured transverse to the longitudinal direction and may be at least about 10% of the circumference of the fluid collection device  100 , such as about 25% to about 50%, about 40% to about 60%, about 50% to about 75%, about 65% to about 85%, or about 75% to about 100% of the circumference of the fluid collection device  100 . The opening  106  may exhibit a width that is greater than 50% of the circumference of the fluid collection device  100  since the vacuum (e.g., suction) through the conduit  108  pulls the fluid into the conduit  108 . In some embodiments, the opening  106  may be vertically oriented (e.g., having a major axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device  100 ). In some embodiments, (not shown), the opening  106  may be horizontally oriented (e.g., having a major axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device  100 ). In some embodiments, the inward border or edge  129  of the fluid impermeable barrier  102  defines the opening  106 . The edge  129  may include two opposing arced portions, the arc portions following the outer circumference or periphery of the substantially cylindrical fluid impermeable barrier  102 . In an embodiment, the fluid impermeable barrier  102  may be configured to be attached to the individual, such as adhesively attached (e.g., with a hydrogel adhesive) to the individual. According to an embodiment, a suitable adhesive is a hydrogel layer, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0189225, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     The fluid impermeable barrier  102  may also temporarily store the fluids in the chamber  104 . For example, the fluid impermeable barrier  102  may be formed of any suitable fluid impermeable materials, such as a fluid impermeable polymer (e.g., silicone, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, a polycarbonate, etc.), polyurethane films, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane, another suitable material, or combinations thereof. As such, the fluid impermeable barrier  102  substantially prevents the fluids from exiting the portions of the chamber  104  that are spaced from the opening  106 . The fluid impermeable barrier  102  is flexible, thereby enabling the fluid collection device  100  to bend or curve when positioned against the body of a wearer. Example fluid impermeable barriers may include, but are not limited to, a fluid impermeable barrier including at least one of Versaflex CL 2000X TPE, Dynaflex G6713 TPE, or Silpuran 6000/05 A/B silicone. 
     In many embodiments, the fluid impermeable barrier  102  includes a lower hardness than fluid impermeable barriers of conventional fluid collection devices. Conventional fluid collection devices typically include a hard, stiff, fluid impermeable outer layer that may injure the skin of the wearer when the fluid collection device is removed due to the friction between the skin and the fluid impermeable outer layer. The lower hardness of the fluid impermeable barrier  102  provides a softer, thinner material that is less stiff and more comfortable for the user to wear. A lower hardness fluid impermeable barrier  102  also aids in securement of the fluid impermeable barrier to the skin of the user. The fluid impermeable barrier  102  including silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane, or combinations thereof provides the lower hardness described herein. Hardness of the fluid impermeable barrier  102  may include one or more of a shore A durometer hardness or a shore 00 durometer hardness. A shore A durometer hardness of the fluid impermeable barrier  102  may vary according to different embodiments. For example, the fluid impermeable barrier  102  may include a shore A durometer hardness of about 0 to about 30, about 2 to about 25, about 3 to about 20, about 4 to about 15, about 0 to about 5, about 5 to about 10, about 10 to about 15, about 15 to about 20, about 20 to about 25, about 25 to about 30, about 1 to about 3, about 3 to about 5, about 5 to about 7, about 7 to about 9, about 9 to about 11, about 11 to about 13, about 13 to about 15, about 15 to about 17, about 17 to about 19, about 19 to about 21, about 21 to about 23, about 23 to about 25, about 25 to about 27, about 27 to about 29, about 2, about 4 about 6, about 8, about 10, about 12, about 14, about 16, about 18, about 20, about 22, about 24, about 26, about 28, about 30, less than about 30, less than about 27.5, less than about 25, less than about 22.5, less than about 20, less than about 17.5, less than about 15, less than about 12.5, less than about 10, less than about 8, less than about 7, less than about 6, less than about 5, less than about 4, less than about 3, less than about 2, less than about 1, or about 0. In some examples, the fluid impermeable barrier  102  may include Versaflex CL 2000X TPE having a shore A durometer hardness of about 3, Dynaflex G6713 TPE having a shore A durometer of about 14, or Silpuran 6000/05 AB silicone having a shore A durometer hardness of about 5. 
     A shore 00 durometer hardness of the fluid impermeable barrier  102  also may vary according to different embodiments. For example, the fluid impermeable barrier  102  may include a shore 00 durometer hardness of about 10 to about 70, about 15 to about 65, about 20 to about 60, about 25 to about 55, about 30 to about 50, about 35 to about 45, about 10 to about 15, about 15 to about 20, about 20 to about 25, about 25 to about 30, about 30 to about 35, about 30 to about 35, about 35 to about 40, about 40 to about 45, about 45 to about 50, about 50 to about 55, about 55 to about 60, about 60 to about 65, about 65 to about 70, less than about 70, less than about 65, less than about 60, less than about 55, less than about 50, less than about 45, less than about 40, less than about 35, less than about 30, less than about 25, less than about 20, or less than about 15. 
     In many embodiments, the fluid impermeable barrier  102  also may be constructed relatively thinner than fluid impermeable barriers of conventional fluid collection devices. The relative thinness of the fluid impermeable barrier  102  provides a more comfortable fluid collection device  100  for the user to wear. The thickness of the fluid impermeable barrier  102  may vary according to different embodiments. For example, the fluid impermeable barrier  102  may include a thickness of about 0.008 inch (0.203 mm) to about 0.125 inch (3.175 mm), about 0.016 inch (0.406 mm) to about 0.063 inch (1.600 mm), about 0.031 inch (0.787 mm) to about 0.125 inch (3.175 mm), about 0.008 inch (0.203 mm) to about 0.016 inch (0.406 mm), about 0.016 inch (0.406 mm) to about 0.031 inch (0.787 mm), about 0.031 inch (0.787 mm) to about 0.063 inch (1.600 mm), about 0.063 inch (1.600 mm) to about 0.125 inch (3.175 mm), about 0.008 inch (0.203 mm) to about 0.023 inch (0.584 mm), about 0.023 inch (0.584 mm) to about 0.031 inch (0.787 mm), about 0.031 inch (0.787 mm) to about 0.047 inch (1.193 mm), about 0.047 inch (1.193 mm) to about 0.063 inch (1.600 mm), about 0.063 inch (1.600 mm) to about 0.078 inch (1.981 mm), about 0.078 inch to about 0.094 inch (2.388 mm), about 0.094 inch (2.388 mm) to about 0.109 inch (2.769 mm), about 0.109 inch (2.769 mm) to about 0.125 inch (3.175 mm), about 0.008 inch (0.203 mm), about 0.016 inch (0.406 mm), about 0.031 inch (0.787 mm), about 0.047 inch (1.193 mm), about 0.063 inch (1.600 mm), about 0.078 inch (1.981 mm), about 0.094 inch (2.388 mm), about 0.109 inch (2.769 mm), about 0.125 inch (3.175 mm), less than about 0.125 inch (3.175 mm), less than about 0.109 inch (2.769 mm), less than about 0.094 inch (2.388 mm), less than about 0.078 inch (1.981 mm), less than about 0.063 inch (1.600 mm), less than about 0.047 inch (1.193 mm), less than about 0.031 inch (0.787 mm), less than about 0.016 inch (0.406 mm), or less than about 0.008 inch (0.203 mm). 
     In many embodiments, the fluid impermeable barrier  102  may include a lower modulus of elasticity than fluid impermeable barriers of conventional fluid collection devices. The modulus of elasticity of the fluid impermeable barrier  102  may vary according to different embodiments. For example, the fluid impermeable barrier  102  may include a modulus of elastic of about 1 N/in to about 30 N/in, about 2 N/in to about 26 N/in, about 3 N/in to about 23 N/in, about 4 N/in to about 20 N/in, about 5 N/in to about 10 N/in, about 1 N/in to about 5 N/in, about 6 N/in to about 10 N/in, about 11 N/in to about 15 N/in, about 16 N/in to about 20 N/in, about 21 N/in to about 25 N/in, about 26 N/in to about 30 N/in, about 2 N/in to about 4 N/in, about 4 N/in to about 6 N/in, about 6 N/in to about 8 N/in, about 8 N/in to about 10 N/in, about 10 N/in to about 12 N/in, about 12 N/in to about 14 N/in, about 14 N/in to about 16 N/in, about 16 N/in to about 18 N/in, about 18 N/in to about 20 N/in, about 20 N/in to about 22 N/in, about 22 N/in to about 24 N/in, about 24 N/in to about 26 N/in, about 26 N/in to about 28 N/in, about 28 to about 30 N/in, about 8 N/in, about 9 N/in, about 10 N/in, about 11 N/in, about 12 N/in, about 13 N/in, about 14 N/in, about 15 N/in, about 16 N/in, less than 30 N/in, less than about 25 N/in, less than about 20 N/in, less than about 18 N/in, less than about 16 N/in, less than about 16 N/in, less than about 14, N/in, less than about 12 N/in, less than about 10 N/in, less than about 8 N/in, less than about 6 N/in, less than about 4 N/in, or less than about 2 N/in. 
     In an embodiment, the fluid impermeable barrier  102  may be air permeable. In such an embodiment, the fluid impermeable barrier  102  may be formed of a hydrophobic material that defines a plurality of pores. In an embodiment, one or more portions of at least the outer surface of the fluid impermeable barrier  102  may be formed from a soft and/or smooth material, thereby reducing chaffing. The fluid impermeable barrier  102  may include markings thereon, such as one or more markings to aid a user in aligning the device  100  on the wearer. For example, a line on the fluid impermeable barrier  102  (e.g., opposite the opening  106 ) may allow a healthcare professional to align the opening  106  over the urethra of the wearer. In examples, the markings may include one or more of alignment guide or an orientation indicator, such as a stripe or hashes. Such markings may be positioned to align the device  100  to one or more anatomical features such as a pubic bone, etc. 
     The fluid collection device  100  may include a fluid permeable body  120  or layer disposed in the chamber  104 . The fluid permeable body  120  may cover or extend across at least a portion (e.g., all) of the opening  106 . The fluid permeable body  120  may be configured to wick any fluid away from the opening  106 , thereby preventing the fluid from escaping the chamber  104 . The fluid permeable body  120  also may wick the fluid generally towards an interior of the chamber  104 , as discussed in more detail below. A portion of the fluid permeable body  120  may define a portion of an outer surface of the fluid collection device  100 . Specifically, the portion of the fluid permeable body  120  defining the portion of the outer surface of the fluid collection device  100  may be the portion of the fluid permeable body  120  exposed by the opening  106  defined by the fluid impermeable barrier  102  that contacts the user. Moreover, the portion of the fluid permeable device defining the portion of the outer surface of the fluid collection device  100  may be free from coverage by gauze or other wicking material at the opening. 
     The fluid permeable body  120  may include any material that may wick the fluid. The permeable properties referred to herein may be wicking, capillary action, diffusion, or other similar properties or processes, and are referred to herein as “permeable” and/or “wicking.” Such “wicking” may exclude absorption into the wicking material. The fluid permeable body  120  may include a one-way fluid movement fabric. As such, the fluid permeable body  120  may remove fluid from the area around the female urethra, thereby leaving the urethra dry. The fluid permeable body  120  may enable the fluid to flow generally towards a reservoir  122  (shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ) of void space formed within the chamber  104 . For example, the fluid permeable body  120  may include a porous or fibrous material, such as hydrophilic polyolefin. In some embodiments, the fluid permeable body  120  consists of or consists essentially of a porous or fibrous material, such as hydrophilic polyolefin. Examples of polyolefin that may be used in the fluid permeable body  120  include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyisobutylene, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer, or combinations thereof. The porous or fibrous material may be extruded into a substantially cylindrically shape to fit within the chamber  104  of the fluid impermeable barrier  102 . The fluid permeable body  120  may include varying densities or dimensions. Moreover, the fluid permeable body  120  may be manufactured according to various manufacturing methods, such as molding, extrusion, or sintering. 
     In some embodiments, the fluid permeable body  120  includes a singular and porous body. That is, during use, the fluid permeable body  120  extends from the conduit  108  to interface the fluid impermeable barrier  102  and the opening  106 . In some embodiments, a majority of the outer surface  109  (shown in  FIG. 1C ) of the fluid permeable body  120  interfaces with an inner surface  103  (shown in  FIG. 1C ) of the fluid impermeable barrier  106 . A singular fluid permeable body  120  may be advantageous to conventional systems, which typically require an air-laid nonwoven pad covered by a ribbed fabric compression bandage, because a singular fluid permeable body  120  reduced the number of components in the fluid collection device  100 , reduces the assembly time of the fluid collection device  100 , requires shelf-life data for only a single component, and provides a latex-free single component. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the singular porous material of the fluid permeable body  120  extends continuously between the opening  106  and the reservoir  122  to wick any fluid from the opening  106  directly to the reservoir  122 . Moreover, as the fluid impermeable barrier  102  is flexible and the fluid permeable body  120  is configured to wick fluid from the body rather than absorb fluid from the body and hold the fluid against the body, the fluid collection device  100 , in some embodiments, is free from a seal or cushioning ring on the inward edge  129  defining the opening  106 . In these and other embodiments, the fluid permeable body  120  includes an outer surface and a single layer or type of material between the opening  106  and the conduit  108  positioned within the fluid permeable body  120 . 
     In other embodiments, the fluid permeable body  120  may include two or more layers of fluid permeable materials and include no (or an absence of) more than two layers of material between the opening  106  and the conduit  108  positioned within the fluid permeable body  120 . For example, the fluid collection device  100  may include a fluid permeable membrane covering or wrapping around at least a portion of a fluid permeable body, with both the fluid permeable membrane and the fluid permeable body being disposed in the chamber  104 . The fluid permeable membrane may cover or extend across at least a portion (e.g., all) of the opening  106 . The fluid permeable membrane may be configured to wick any fluid away from the opening  106 , thereby preventing the fluid from escaping the chamber  104 . The permeable properties referred to herein may be wicking, capillary action, diffusion, or other similar properties or processes, and are referred to herein as “permeable” and/or “wicking.” In some embodiments, at least one of the fluid permeable membrane or the fluid permeable support include nylon configured to wick fluid away from the opening  106 . The material of the fluid permeable membrane and the fluid permeable support also may include natural fibers. In such examples, the material may have a coating to prevent or limit absorption of fluid into the material, such as a water repellent coating. Such “wicking” may not include absorption into the wicking material. Put another way, substantially no absorption of fluid into the material may take place after the material is exposed to the fluid and removed from the fluid for a time. While no absorption is desired, the term “substantially no absorption” may allow for nominal amounts of absorption of fluid into the wicking material (e.g., absorbency), such as less than about 10 wt % of the dry weight of the wicking material, less than about 7 wt %, less than about 5 wt %, less than about 3 wt %, less than about 2 wt %, less than about 1 wt %, or less than about 0.5 wt % of the dry weight of the wicking material. 
     The fluid permeable membrane may also wick the fluid generally towards an interior of the chamber  104 , as discussed in more detail below. The fluid permeable membrane may include any material that may wick the fluid. For example, the fluid permeable membrane may include fabric, such as a gauze (e.g., a silk, linen, polymer based materials such as polyester, or cotton gauze), another soft fabric (e.g., jersey knit fabric or the like), or another smooth fabric (e.g., rayon, satin, or the like). Forming the fluid permeable membrane from gauze, soft fabric, and/or smooth fabric may reduce chaffing caused by the fluid collection device  100 . Other embodiments of fluid permeable membranes, fluid permeable supports, chambers, and their shapes and configurations are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/612,325 filed on Jun. 2, 2017; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/260,103 filed on Sep. 8, 2016; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/611,587 filed on Jun. 1, 2017; PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US19/29608, filed on Apr. 29, 2019, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by this reference. In many embodiments, the fluid permeable body  120  includes a fluid permeable support including a porous nylon structure (e.g., spun nylon fibers) and a fluid permeable membrane including gauze about or over the porous nylon structure. 
       FIG. 1B  is a front view of a fluid collection device  100  in use on a female user  150 . In use, the fluid permeable body  120  of the fluid collection device is positioned adjacent to a urethra of the user  150 . The fluid permeable body  120  is disposed within a chamber  104  (shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ) of the fluid impermeable barrier  102  of the fluid collection device  100  and is exposed to the urethra of the user  150  through the opening  106  in the fluid collection device  100 . The fluid collection device  100  may be secured to the user with any of a number of securing devices. Fluids received in the chamber  104  of the fluid collection device  100  from the urethra may be removed through the conduit  108 . 
       FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of the fluid collection device  100  taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1A . The fluid collection device  100  also includes conduit  108  that is at least partially disposed in the chamber  104 . The conduit  108  (e.g., a tube) includes an inlet  110  at a second end region  127  of the fluid impermeable barrier  102  and an outlet  112  at a first end region  125  of the fluid impermeable barrier  102  positioned downstream from the inlet  110 . The conduit  108  provides fluid communication between an interior region of the chamber  104  and a fluid storage container (not shown) or a portable vacuum source (not shown). For example, the conduit  108  may directly or indirectly fluidly couple the interior region of the chamber  104  and/or the reservoir  122  with the fluid storage container or the portable vacuum source. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid permeable body  120  defines a bore  202  extending through the fluid permeable body  120  from a first body end  121  of the fluid permeable body  120  to a second body end  123  of the fluid permeable body  120  distal to the first body end  120 . In other embodiments, the bore  202  extends only partially into the fluid permeable body from the first body end  121  of the fluid permeable body  120 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the conduit  108  is at least partially disposed in the chamber  104  and interfaces at least a portion of the bore  202  of the fluid permeable body  120 . For example, the conduit  108  may extend into the fluid impermeable barrier  102  from the first end region  125  (e.g., proximate to the outlet  112 ) and may extend through the bore  202  to the second end region  127  (e.g., opposite the first end region  125 ) to a point proximate to the reservoir  122  such that the inlet  110  is in fluid communication with the reservoir  122 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the inlet  110  is positioned in the reservoir  122 . However, in other embodiments, the inlet  110  may be positioned flush with or behind an end of the fluid permeable body  120  that partially defines the reservoir  122 . The fluid collected in the fluid collection device  100  may be removed from the interior region of the chamber  104  via the conduit  108 . The conduit  108  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 embodiments, the conduit  108  may include silicone or latex. 
     The fluid impermeable barrier  102  may store fluids in the reservoir  122  therein. The reservoir  122  is an unoccupied portion of the chamber  104  and is void of other material. In some embodiments, the reservoir  122  is defined at least partially by the fluid permeable body  120  and the fluid impermeable barrier  102 . For example, in an embodiment, the reservoir  122  may be located at the portion of the chamber  104  that is closest to the inlet  110  (e.g., the second end region). Accordingly, in the embodiment in  FIG. 2A , the reservoir  122  is defined by the second body end  123  of the fluid permeable body  120  and the second end region  127  of the fluid impermeable barrier  122 . However, the reservoir  122  may be located at different locations in the chamber  104 . For example, the reservoir  122  may be located at the end of the chamber  104  that is closest to the outlet  112 . In these and other embodiments, the conduit  108  may extend through the first end region  125  of the fluid impermeable barrier  102  and to the reservoir  122  without extending through the fluid permeable body  120 . Accordingly, in these and other embodiments, the fluid permeable body  120  may be free from the bore. In another embodiment, the fluid collection device  100  may include multiple reservoirs, such as a first reservoir that is located at the portion of the chamber of the chamber  104  that is closest to the inlet  110  (e.g., second end region) and a second reservoir that is located at the portion of the of the chamber  104  that is closest to the outlet  112  (e.g., first end region). In another example, the fluid permeable body  120  is spaced from at least a portion of the conduit  108  and the reservoir  122  may be the space between the fluid permeable body  120  and the conduit  108 . Other embodiments of reservoirs, fluid impermeable barriers, fluid permeable membranes, fluid permeable bodies, chambers, and their shapes and configurations are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/612,325 filed on Jun. 2, 2017; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/260,103 filed on Sep. 8, 2016; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/611,587 filed on Jun. 1, 2017, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by this reference. 
     The fluid impermeable barrier  102  and the fluid permeable body  120  may be configured to have the conduit  108  at least partially disposed in the chamber  104 . For example, the fluid permeable body  120  may be configured to form a space that accommodates the conduit  108 , such as the bore  202 . In another example, the fluid impermeable barrier  102  may define an aperture  124  sized to receive the conduit  108  (e.g., at least one tube). The at least one conduit  108  may be disposed in the chamber  104  via the aperture  124 . The apertures  124  may be configured to form an at least substantially fluid tight seal against the conduit  108  or the at least one tube thereby substantially preventing the fluids from escaping the chamber  104 . 
     In some embodiments, the conduit  108  may extend through the fluid permeable body  120  and at least partially into the reservoir  122 , as shown in  FIG. 2A . In some embodiments, the conduit  108  may extend through the fluid permeable body  120  and terminate at or before the second body end  123  of the fluid permeable body  120  such that the conduit  108  does not extend into the reservoir  122  (or the reservoir  122  is absent of the conduit  108 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 2B , an end of the conduit  108  may be generally flush or coplanar with the second body end  123  of the fluid permeable body  120 . In other embodiments, the end of the conduit  108  may be recessed from the second body end  123  of the fluid permeable body  120 . The end of the conduit  108  also may be selectively moveable between partially extending into the reservoir  122  (shown in  FIG. 2A ) and recessed from or flush with the second body end  123  of the fluid permeable body (shown in  FIG. 2B ). 
     When secured to the fluid collection device  100 , the conduit  108  is configured to provide fluid communication with and at least partially extend between one or more of a fluid storage containers (not shown) and a portable vacuum source (not shown). For example, the conduit  108  may be configured to be fluidly coupled to and at least partially extend between one or more of the fluid storage containers and the portable vacuum source. In an embodiment, the conduit  108  is configured to be directly connected to the portable vacuum source (not shown). In such an example, the conduit  108  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  108  is configured to be indirectly connected to at least one of the fluid storage container (not shown) or the portable vacuum source (not shown). In some examples, the conduit may be frosted or opaque (e.g., black) to obscure visibility of the fluids therein. In some embodiments, the conduit is secured to a wearer&#39;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  110  and the outlet  112  are configured to provide fluid communication (e.g., directly or indirectly) between the portable vacuum source (not shown) and the chamber  104  (e.g., the reservoir  122 ). For example, the inlet  110  and the outlet  112  of the conduit  108  may be configured to directly or indirectly fluidly couple the portable vacuum source to the reservoir  122 . In an embodiment, the inlet  110  and/or the outlet  112  may form a male connector. In another example, the inlet  110  and/or the outlet  112  may form a female connector. In an embodiment, the inlet  110  and/or the outlet  112  may include ribs that are configured to facilitate secure couplings. In an embodiment, the inlet  110  and/or the outlet  112  may form a tapered shape. In an embodiment, the inlet  110  and/or the outlet  112  may include a rigid or flexible material. 
     Locating the inlet  110  at or near a gravimetrically low point of the chamber  104  enables the conduit to receive more of the fluids than if inlet  110  was located elsewhere and reduce the likelihood of pooling (e.g., pooling of the fluids may cause microbe growth and foul odors). For instance, the fluids in the fluid permeable body  120  may flow in any direction due to capillary forces. However, the fluids may exhibit a preference to flow in the direction of gravity, especially when at least a portion of the fluid permeable body  120  is saturated with the fluids. 
     As the portable vacuum source applies a vacuum/suction in the conduit  108 , the fluid(s) in the chamber  104  (e.g., such as in the reservoir  122  positioned at the first end region  125 , the second end region  127 , or other intermediary positions within the chamber  104 ) may be drawn into the inlet  110  and out of the fluid collection device  100  via the conduit  108 . 
     In an embodiment, the conduit  108  is configured to be at least insertable into the chamber  104 . In such an embodiment, the conduit  108  may include one or more markers  131  (shown in  FIG. 1A ) on an exterior thereof that are configured to facilitate insertion of the conduit  108  into the chamber  104 . For example, the conduit  108  may include one or more markings thereon that are configured to prevent over or under insertion of the conduit  108 , such as when the conduit  108  defines an inlet  110  that is configured to be disposed in or adjacent to the reservoir  122 . In another embodiment, the conduit  108  may include one or more markings thereon that are configured to facilitate correct rotation of the conduit  108  relative to the chamber  104 . In an embodiment, the one or more markings may include a line, a dot, a sticker, or any other suitable marking. In examples, the conduit  108  may extend into the fluid impermeable barrier  102  from the first end region (e.g., proximate to the outlet  112 ) and may extend to the second end region (e.g., opposite the first end region) to a point proximate to the reservoir  122  such that the inlet  110  is in fluid communication with the reservoir  122 . In some embodiments (not shown), the conduit  108  may enter the second end region and the inlet  110  may be disposed in the second end region (e.g., in the reservoir  122 ). The fluid collected in the fluid collection device  100  may be removed from the interior region of the chamber  104  via the conduit  108 . The conduit  108  may include a flexible material such as plastic tubing (e.g., medical tubing) as disclosed herein. In some examples, the conduit  108  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 embodiment, one or more components of the fluid collection device  100  may include an antimicrobial material, such as an antibacterial material where the fluid collection device may contact the wearer or the bodily fluid of the wearer. The antimicrobial material may include an antimicrobial coating, such as a nitrofurazone or silver coating. The antimicrobial material may inhibit microbial growth, such as microbial growth due to pooling or stagnation of the fluids. In an embodiment, one or more components of the fluid collection device  100  (e.g., impermeable barrier  102 , conduit  108 , etc.) may include an odor blocking or absorbing material such as a cyclodextrine containing material or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) polymer. 
     In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the conduits  108  may include or be operably coupled to a flow meter (not shown) to measure the flow of fluids therein, one or more securement devices (e.g., a StatLock securement device, not shown) or fittings to secure the conduit  108  to one or more components of the systems or devices disclosed herein (e.g., portable vacuum source or fluid storage container), or one or more valves to control the flow of fluids in the systems and devices herein. In an embodiment, at least one of portion of the conduit  108  of the fluid collection devices or systems herein may be formed of an at least partially opaque material which may obscure the fluids that are present therein. For example, a first section of the conduit  108  disclosed herein may be formed of an opaque material or translucent material while a second section of the conduit  108  may be formed of a transparent material or translucent material. In some embodiments, the first section may include transparent or translucent material. Unlike the opaque or nearly opaque material, the translucent material allows a user of the devices and systems herein to visually identify fluids or issues that are inhibiting the flow of fluids within the conduit  108 . 
     In any of the examples, systems or devices disclosed herein, the system of fluid collection device may include moisture sensors (not shown) disposed inside of the chamber of the fluid collection device. In such examples, the moisture sensor may be operably coupled to a controller or directly to the portable vacuum source, and may provide electrical signals indicating that moisture is or is not detected in one or more portions of the chamber. The moisture sensor(s) may provide an indication that moisture is present, and responsive thereto, the controller or portable vacuum device may direct the initiation of suction to the chamber to remove the fluid therefrom. Suitable moisture sensors may include capacitance sensors, volumetric sensors, potential sensors, resistance sensors, frequency domain reflectometry sensors, time domain reflectometry sensors, or any other suitable moisture sensor. In practice, the moisture sensors may detect moisture in the chamber and may provide a signal to the controller or portable vacuum source to activate the portable suction device. 
       FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of a method  300  of assembling the fluid collection devices and/or fluid collection systems disclosed herein, according to an embodiment. The method  300  may include act  305 , which recites providing a fluid impermeable barrier. The fluid impermeable barrier at least partially defines a chamber and also an opening extending therethrough. The opening is configured to be positioned adjacent to a female urethra or have a male urethra positioned therethrough. The fluid permeable body may include a singular porous hydrophilic polyolefin material extruded, molded, or sintered to a substantially cylindrical shape 
     The method may include act  310 , which recites inserting a substantially cylindrical and fluid permeable body into the chamber of the fluid impermeable barrier. When the fluid permeable body is inserted into the chamber of the fluid impermeable barrier, the fluid permeable body interfaces at least a portion of the fluid impermeable barrier and covers at least a portion of the opening. The fluid permeable body includes a singular porous material that is substantially cylindrical in shape and configured to wick any fluid away from the opening. In some embodiments, act  310  may include inserting the fluid permeable body into the chamber of the fluid impermeable barrier such that a reservoir is defined within the chamber by a second body end of the fluid permeable body distal to the first body end and a second end region of the fluid impermeable barrier distal to the aperture. In some embodiments, act  310  may include inserting the substantially cylindrical and fluid permeable body into the chamber of the fluid impermeable barrier such that the fluid permeable body and the conduit fill substantially all of the chamber. 
     The method may include act  315 , which recites inserting an inlet of a conduit into the fluid impermeable body. The conduit may be inserted into the fluid impermeable body through an aperture defined by the fluid impermeable barrier at a first end region of the fluid impermeable barrier. In some embodiments, act  315  may include inserting the inlet of the conduit into the bore at the first body end, through the bore of the fluid permeable body, through the second body end of the fluid permeable body, and into the reservoir such that the conduit extends from the reservoir, through the fluid permeable body, through the aperture to outside the fluid impermeable barrier. 
     The method may include an act  320 , which recites inserting the inlet of the conduit at least partially into a bore at a first body end of the fluid permeable body. The bore extends at least partially through the fluid permeable body and is defined by the fluid permeable body. The conduit interfaces at least a portion of the fluid permeable body. 
     Acts  305 ,  310 ,  315 , and  320  of the method  300  are for illustrative purposes. For example, the act  305 ,  310 ,  315 , and  320  of the method  300  may be performed in different orders, split into multiple acts, modified, supplemented, or combined. In an embodiment, one or more of the acts  305 ,  310 ,  315 , and  320  of the method  300  may be omitted from the method  300 . Any of the acts  305 ,  310 ,  315 , and  320  may include using any of the fluid collection devices or systems disclosed herein. 
       FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of a method  400  for collecting fluids. The method  400  includes an act  405  of positioning a fluid permeable body of a fluid collection device adjacent to a female urethra of a user. The fluid permeable body is disposed within a chamber of a fluid impermeable barrier of the fluid collection device and exposed to the female urethra of the user through an opening in the fluid collection device defined by the fluid impermeable barrier. The method  400  also includes an act  410  of securing the fluid collection device to the user. The method  400  also includes an act  415  of receiving fluids from the female urethra into the chamber of the fluid collection device. In some embodiments, the method  400  an act of applying suction effective to suction the fluids from the chamber via a conduit disposed therein. 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a system  10  for fluid collection, according to an embodiment. The system  10  includes a fluid collection device  12 , a fluid storage container  14 , and a portable vacuum source  16 . The fluid collection device  12  may include any of the fluid collection devices described herein, such as the fluid collection device  100 . The fluid collection device  12 , the fluid storage container  14 , and the portable vacuum source  16  may be fluidly coupled to each other via one or more conduits  17 . The conduit  17  may include any of the conduits described herein, such as the conduit  108 . The fluid collection device  12  may be operably coupled to one or more of the fluid storage container  14  or the portable vacuum source via the conduit  17 . Fluid (e.g., urine or other bodily fluids) collected in the fluid collection device  12  may be removed from the fluid collection device  12  via the conduit  17 , which protrudes into an interior region of the fluid collection device  12 . For example, a first open end of the conduit  17  may extend into the fluid collection device  12  to a reservoir therein. The second open end of the conduit  17  may extend into the fluid collection device  12  or the portable vacuum source  16 . The suction force may be introduced into the interior region of the fluid collection device  12  via the first open end of the conduit  17  responsive to a suction (e.g., vacuum) force applied at the second end of the conduit  17 . The suction force may be applied to the second open end of the conduit  17  by the portable vacuum source  16  either directly or indirectly. 
     The suction force may be applied indirectly via the fluid storage container  14 . For example, the second open end of the conduit  17  may be disposed within the fluid storage container  14  and an additional conduit  17  may extend from the fluid storage container  14  to the portable vacuum source  16 . Accordingly, the portable vacuum source  16  may apply suction to the fluid collection device  12  via the fluid storage container  14 . The suction force may be applied directly via the fluid storage container  14 . For example, the second open end of the conduit  17  may be disposed within the portable vacuum source  16 . An additional conduit  17  may extend from the portable vacuum source  16  to a point outside of the fluid collection device  12 , such as to the fluid storage container  14 . In such examples, the portable vacuum source  16  may be disposed between the fluid collection device  12  and the fluid storage container  14 . 
     The fluid collection device  12  may be shaped and sized to be positioned adjacent to a female urethra. The fluid collection member of the fluid collection device  12  may include a fluid impermeable barrier at least partially defining a chamber (e.g., interior region of the fluid collection device member) of the fluid collection device  12 . As described in more detail above, the fluid collection device  12  may include a softer, thinner fluid impermeable barrier than conventional fluid collection devices. The fluid impermeable barrier also defines an opening extending therethrough from the external environment. The opening may be positioned on the fluid collection member to be aligned adjacent to a female urethra. The fluid collection member of the fluid collection device  12  may include a fluid permeable body disposed within the fluid impermeable barrier. The fluid permeably body may include a fluid permeable membrane and fluid permeable support disposed within the fluid permeable membrane. The conduit  17  may extend into the fluid collection device  12  at a first end region, through one or more of the fluid impermeable barrier, fluid permeable membrane, or the fluid permeable support to a second end region of the fluid collection member of the fluid collection device  12 . Example fluid collection devices for use with the systems and methods herein are described in more detail below. 
     In some embodiments, the fluid storage container  14  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 examples, the conduit  17  may extend from the fluid collection device  12  and attach to the fluid storage container  14  at a first point therein. An additional conduit  17  may attach to the fluid storage container  14  at a second point thereon and may extend and attach to the portable vacuum source  16 . For example, the fluid storage container  14  may include a container fluidly coupled to a first conduit section that is also fluidly coupled to the fluid collection member of the fluid collection device  12 . The container may be fluidly coupled to a second section of the conduit  17  that is also fluidly coupled to a portable vacuum source. In such examples, the portable vacuum source  16  may provide a vacuum/suction through the container to the fluid collection member to provide suction in the chamber of the fluid collection member. Accordingly, a vacuum (e.g., suction) may be drawn through fluid collection device  12  via the fluid storage container  14 . As the fluid is drained from the chamber, the fluid may travel through the first section of conduit to the fluid storage container where it may be retained. Fluid, such as urine, may be drained from the fluid collection device  12  using the portable vacuum source  16 . 
     In some embodiments, the portable vacuum source  16  may be disposed in or on the fluid collection device  12 . In such examples, the conduit  17  may extend from the fluid collection device and attach to the portable vacuum source  16  at a first point therein. An additional conduit  17  may attach to the portable vacuum source  16  at a second point thereon and may extend out of the fluid collection device  12 , and may attach to the fluid storage container  14 . Accordingly, a vacuum (e.g., suction) may be drawn through fluid collection device  12  via the fluid storage container  14 . 
     The portable vacuum source  16  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 portable vacuum source  16  may provide a vacuum or suction to remove fluid from the fluid collection member of the fluid collection device  12 . In some embodiments, the portable vacuum source  16  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 examples, the portable vacuum source  16  may be sized and shaped to fit outside of, on, or within the fluid collection device  12 . For example, the portable vacuum source  16  may include one or more miniaturized pumps or one or more micro pumps. The portable vacuum sources  16  disclosed herein may include one or more of a switch, a button, a plug, a remote, or any other device suitable to activate the portable vacuum source  16 . It should be understood that the portable vacuum sources  16  disclosed herein may provide a portable means of providing a suction or vacuum that allows use of the devices and systems herein outside of hospital or care facility environments where vacuum lines are plumbed into patient rooms or large (e.g., larger or heavier than a patient can readily carry) vacuum sources are located. For example, a portable vacuum source may be small and light enough to be carried by a user (e.g., patient) or aid (e.g., nurse) during transportation of the user. 
     As used herein, the term “about” or “substantially” refers to an allowable variance of the term modified by “about” by ±10% or ±5%. Further, the terms “less than,” “or less,” “greater than”, “more than,” or “or more” include as an endpoint, the value that is modified by the terms “less than,” “or less,” “greater than,” “more than,” or “or more.” 
     While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiment disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting.