Patent Description:
An ostomy pouch system typically includes a pouch formed from opposing sidewalls defining an internal collection area, an inlet opening for receiving a stoma, and an ostomy appliance for attaching the pouch to a user. The ostomy appliance may include, for example, an ostomy barrier of a one-piece pouch system, which is attached to one of the pouch sidewalls proximate an inlet opening, a faceplate for a two-piece pouch system configured to releasably engage a pouch, and a barrier ring. The ostomy appliance may include a skin barrier material for adhering to and sealing against user's peristomal skin surrounding the stoma.

The ostomy appliance may be susceptible to ostomy effluent leakage, and the seal formed between the skin barrier material and the user may weaken. Often times, the user may be unaware of or cannot easily assess an extent of weakening in the seal. Thus, the user may not become aware of a weakened seal, and consequently, the ostomy effluent may leak through to an exterior of the ostomy appliance.

<CIT> discloses a method and dressing for detecting detachment of the dressing, which is applied to a surface of an at least partly electrically conductive object. The dressing comprises an adhesive for attaching the dressing to the electrically conductive object and at least two electrodes arranged in a distance from the electrically conductive object. A voltage is applied to the first and second electrode establishing an electrical circuit comprising a first capacitor between the first electrode and the electrically conductive object and a second capacitor between the second electrode and the electrically conductive object. Changes of the capacitance between at least one of the first and the second electrode and the electrically conductive object are detected, and an alarm is activated when the changes of the capacitance reach a predetermined value. This advantageously provides a method whereby a leak can be detected quickly.

<CIT> discloses a system for determining and signalling moisture propagation in an adhesive material layer of a base plate and/or a sensor assembly part for an ostomy appliance. The disclosure further relates to aspects of a base plate and/or a sensor assembly part for an ostomy appliance and its use in such a system.

<CIT> discloses an ostomy appliance system including an ostomy appliance having a stoma opening and a first electrical interface, and at least one thermal sensor configured to detect at least one thermal property, such as temperature, at the ostomy appliance, the at least one temperature sensor connected to the first electrical interface with electrical circuitry. A wearable device may be removably connected to the ostomy appliance and operably connected to the at least one thermal sensor. The wearable device includes a housing, a second electrical interface configured for electrical connection to the first electrical interface, a power supply and a controller operably connected to the power supply. The controller is configured to determine a condition of the ostomy appliance based on the at least one thermal property detected at the at least one thermal sensor. The wearable device may also include a wireless transceiver configured to communicate with a personal communication device.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a leakage detection system for ostomy appliances.

The present disclosure provides a sensor device as detailed in claim <NUM>. Advantageous features are provided in dependent claims.

In one aspect, a sensor device for detecting ostomy effluent leakage in an ostomy appliance is provided. The sensor device may be provided as an accessory that can be used with an ostomy barrier or a faceplate. The sensor device may include a sensor layer and a skin barrier layer for attaching the sensor device to a user. The sensor layer may include a substrate, a plurality of sensing electrodes arranged on a proximal side of the substrate, a plurality of connecting traces arranged on a distal side of the substrate, and a plurality of connection points configured to electrically connect the sensor device to a separate control unit, such as a wearable device. The skin barrier layer may be arranged adjacent the plurality of
sensing electrodes. The plurality of connecting traces may be electrically insulated from the skin barrier layer by the substrate.

In an embodiment, the sensor layer may include a generally ring-shaped sensor region, a connector region, and a tail region connecting the sensor region and the connector region. The plurality of the sensing electrodes may be arranged in the sensor region and the plurality of the connection points may be arranged in the connector region. Each of the sensing electrodes may be electrically connected to at least one of the connection points by at least one of the connecting traces.

In some embodiments, each of the sensing electrodes may be electrically connected to at least one of the connecting traces through a via. The plurality of connection points may be arranged on the proximal side of the substrate, wherein each of the connecting traces may be electrically connected to at least one of the connection points through a via. The vias may be formed from a suitable electrically conductive material and may extend through the thickness of the substrate.

The plurality of sensing electrodes may comprise a first sensing electrode, a second sensing electrode, and a third sensing electrode. The plurality of the connecting traces may comprise a first connecting trace, a second connecting trace, and a third connecting trace. Further, the plurality of connection points may comprise a first connection point, a second connection point, and a third connection point.

In an embodiment, the first sensing electrode may be electrically connected to the first connecting trace through a first via. The second sensing electrode may be electrically connected to the second connecting trace through a second via. The third sensing electrode may be electrically connected to the third connecting trace through a third via. In such an embodiment, the first connecting trace may be electrically connected to the first connection point through a fourth via. The second connecting trace may be electrically connected to the second connection point through a fifth via. The third connecting trace may be electrically connected to the third connection point through a sixth via.

In another embodiment, the first sensing electrode may be electrically connected to the first connecting trace through a first via. The second sensing electrode may be electrically connected to the second connecting trace through a second via, and the third sensing electrode may be electrically connected to the second connecting trace through a third via. In such an embodiment, the first connecting trace may be electrically connected to the first connection point through a fourth via, and the second connecting trace may be electrically connected to the second connection point through a fifth via.

In an embodiment, the first, second, and third sensing electrodes may be substantially circular electrodes, wherein each of the first, second, and third sensing electrodes may be arranged at a different radial distance from a center opening of the sensor device. The first, second, and third sensing electrodes may be configured to determine a radial distance of an ostomy effluent leakage location.

In another embodiment, the first, second, and third sensing electrodes may be arc shaped electrodes, wherein each of the first, second, and third sensing electrodes may be arranged in a different section of the sensor region. The first, second, and third sensing electrodes may be configured to determine a location of an ostomy effluent leakage.

In an embodiment, the plurality of sensing electrodes may further comprise a fourth sensing electrode having an arc shape, and the plurality of connecting traces may further include a fourth connecting trace. The first sensing electrode may be arranged in a first quadrant of the sensor region, the second sensing electrode may be arranged in a second quadrant of the sensor region, the third sensing electrode may be arranged in a third quadrant of the sensor region, and the fourth sensing electrode may be arranged in a fourth quadrant of the sensor region. The sensor device may be configured to determine a location of an ostomy effluent leakage based on the location of the sensing electrode that detected a change in an electrical resistance.

In such an embodiment, the first sensing electrode arranged on the proximal side of the substrate in the first quadrant may be electrically connected to the first connecting trace through a first via, wherein the first connecting trace may extend along the fourth quadrant of the sensor region and along the tail region on the distal side of the substrate. The second sensing electrode arranged on the proximal side of the substrate in the second quadrant may be electrically connected to the second connecting trace through a second via, wherein the second connecting trace may extend along the third quadrant of the sensor region and along the tail region on the distal side of the substrate. The third sensing electrode arranged on the proximal side of the substrate in the third quadrant may be electrically connected to the third connecting trace through a third via, wherein the third connecting trace may extend from a lower portion of the sensor region and along the tail region on the distal side of the substrate. Further, the fourth sensing electrode arranged on the proximal side of the substrate in the fourth quadrant may be electrically connected to the fourth connecting trace through a fourth via, wherein the fourth connecting trace may extend from a lower portion of the sensor region and along the tail region on the distal side of the substrate.

The plurality of connection points may be arranged on the proximal side of the substrate and further comprise a fourth connection point. In such an embodiment, the first connecting trace may be electrically connected to the first connection point via a fifth via. The second connecting trace may be electrically connected to the second connection point via a sixth via. The third connecting trace may be electrically connected to the third connection point via a seventh via, and the fourth connecting trace may be electrically connected to the fourth connection point via an eighth via.

In any of the foregoing embodiments, the sensor device may be configured to detect an ostomy effluent leakage based a change in electrical resistance measured by the plurality of sensing electrodes.

In an embodiment, the control unit may comprise a plurality of electrical connectors configured to interface with the plurality of connection points to electrically connect the control unit to the sensor device. The control unit may be configured to provide an electrical current to at least one of the sensing electrodes and detect a change in electrical resistance measured by the sensing electrodes. In some embodiments, the control unit may be configured as a wearable device that can removably connect to the sensor device.

Referring to <FIG>, a sensor device <NUM> for an ostomy appliance according to an embodiment is illustrated. The sensor device <NUM> may be provided as an ostomy accessory, which may be attached to an ostomy barrier or a faceplate configured to secure an ostomy pouch to a user. <FIG> show a body-side view and a pouch-side view of the sensor device <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, the sensor device <NUM> may include an adhesive layer <NUM>, a sensor layer <NUM> and a barrier-side layer <NUM>. A center opening <NUM> configured to receive a stoma may extend through the sensor device <NUM>. The center opening <NUM> may be formed by respective openings extending through individual layers of the sensor device <NUM>. Each layer <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the sensor device <NUM> may have a proximal side and a distal side. When the sensor device <NUM> is attached to a patient, the respective proximal sides generally face toward the patient and the respective distal sides generally face away from the patient.

The adhesive layer <NUM> may be disposed on the body-side of the sensor device <NUM>. In an embodiment, the proximal side of the adhesive layer <NUM> may form at least a portion of the body-side of the sensor device <NUM>. The proximal side of the adhesive layer <NUM> may be configured to adhere to peristomal skin surfaces of the patient and seal around the stoma. The adhesive layer <NUM> may be formed from a medical-grade pressure sensitive adhesive that can adhesively secure the sensor device <NUM> to a patient's peristomal skin surfaces. For example, the adhesive layer <NUM> may be formed from a hydrocolloid adhesive. A release liner <NUM> may be provided on the proximal side of the adhesive layer <NUM> to cover the adhesive, which may be removed by a user before attaching the sensor device <NUM> to user's skin.

The barrier-side layer <NUM> may be formed from a soft, flexible material that is generally soft and non-irritable to the user's skin, such as an adhesive, polymeric film, nonwoven or foam material. In an embodiment, the barrier-side layer <NUM> may be formed from an adhesive, such as a hydrocolloid adhesive. In such an embodiment, a release liner <NUM> may be provided on the distal side of the barrier-side layer <NUM> to cover the adhesive, which may be removed by a user before applying the sensor device <NUM> to an ostomy barrier or faceplate.

The sensor layer <NUM> may include an electrically conductive circuitry <NUM>, such as a plurality of electrodes, conductive traces or the like. The electrically conductive circuitry <NUM> may be disposed on a substrate <NUM>. In an embodiment, the sensor layer <NUM> may include a sensor region <NUM>, a connector region <NUM> and a tail region <NUM> connecting the sensor region <NUM> and the connector region <NUM>. The electrically conductive circuitry <NUM> may be arranged in a predetermined pattern at the sensor region <NUM>. For example, the electrically conductive circuitry <NUM> may be arranged generally in a circular or semi-circular pattern. Other suitable patterns are envisioned as well, such as an oval or oblong pattern, or other closed or substantially closed loop pattern. The electrically conductive circuitry <NUM> at the sensor region <NUM> may be arranged at one or more radial distances from the center opening <NUM>. For example, the electrically conductive circuit <NUM> may be arranged at a plurality of different, radial distances from the center opening <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the tail region <NUM> may generally be formed as an elongated section extending from the sensor region <NUM>. The tail region <NUM> may extend beyond an outer periphery of the first adhesive layer <NUM> and/or the barrier-side layer <NUM> in a direction radially outward from the center opening <NUM>. The electrically conductive circuitry <NUM> may extend along the tail region <NUM>. In an embodiment, the tail region <NUM> may be flexible along at least a portion of its length such that it may be folded or wrapped.

The connector region <NUM> may include a plurality of connection points <NUM> electrically connected to the electrically conductive circuitry <NUM>. The connection points <NUM> may include an externally accessible portion configured for electrical connection to an external device, such as a control unit <NUM> (<FIG>). The control unit <NUM> may be, for example, a wearable device. In this manner, the connection points <NUM> may provide an electrical connection between the control unit <NUM> and the electrically conductive circuitry <NUM>. The externally accessible portion of the connection points <NUM> may be any suitable electrical interface for forming an electrical connection between two electrical components, such as one or more electrically conductive contacts, pins, and the like.

The connector region <NUM> may also include one or more alignment members <NUM>. The one or more alignment members <NUM> may be configured to engage corresponding alignment members <NUM> of the control unit <NUM> to facilitate positioning of the connector region <NUM> relative to the control unit <NUM> to provide the electrical connection as shown in <FIG>. In an embodiment, the one or more alignment members <NUM> of the connector region <NUM> may be an opening, recess or slot. The corresponding alignment members <NUM> of the control unit <NUM> may be one or more projections configured for receipt in the opening, recess or slot of the connector region <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the sensor device <NUM> may be configured to detect a leakage by measuring resistance between electrodes. For example, the sensor device <NUM> may be configured to detect a change in resistance between electrodes triggered by ostomy effluent bridging the electrodes as a leakage propagates. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the electrically conductive circuitry <NUM> may comprise a plurality of electrodes arranged on the proximal side of the sensor region <NUM>, such that the electrodes may be positioned adjacent and in contact with the adhesive layer <NUM> to measure resistance of the adhesive layer <NUM>. The plurality of electrodes <NUM> may extend along the proximal side of the tail region <NUM> and along a portion of the connector region <NUM> to the connection points <NUM>. In such an embodiment, a masking element may be used to prevent shorting between electrodes in the areas where detection is not desired. For example, a masking element <NUM> may be provided on the body-side of the sensor device <NUM> to cover the plurality of electrodes <NUM> in the tail region <NUM> and the connector region <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the sensor layer may be configured as a double-sided sensor layer, wherein at least a portions of the conductive circuitry may be arranged on the proximal side of the sensor layer while another portion of the conductive circuitry is arranged on the distal side the sensor layer. <FIG> show a proximal side view and a distal side view of a double-sided sensor layer <NUM> according to an embodiment. The double-sided sensor layer <NUM> may be configured similar to the sensor layer <NUM> generally comprising a generally ring-shaped sensor region <NUM>, a connector region <NUM>, a tail region <NUM> extending between the sensor region <NUM> and the connector region <NUM>, an electrically conductive circuitry <NUM>, and a plurality of connection points <NUM> provided on a substrate <NUM>. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the electrically conductive circuitry <NUM> may be arranged on the proximal side of the substrate <NUM> while another portion of the electrically conductive circuitry <NUM> may be arrange on the distal side of the substrate <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the portion of the electrically conductive circuitry <NUM> arranged on the distal side of the substrate <NUM> may be electrically insulated from the proximal side of the sensor layer <NUM> by the substrate <NUM>, such that a masking element may not be necessary on the proximal side of the sensor layer <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the electrically conductive circuitry <NUM> may include a plurality of sensing electrodes <NUM> arranged on a proximal side of the sensor layer <NUM> (<FIG>) and a plurality of connecting traces <NUM> arranged on a distal side of the sensor layer <NUM> (<FIG>). The plurality of sensing electrodes <NUM> may be arranged adjacent and in contact with the adhesive layer <NUM> in the sensor region <NUM> of the sensor layer <NUM> and may be configured to detect a change of resistance in the adhesive layer <NUM>. The plurality of connecting traces <NUM> may be configured to electrically connect the plurality of sensing electrodes <NUM> to the plurality of connection points <NUM> arranged in the connection region <NUM>. By arranging the plurality of connecting traces <NUM>, which are non-sensing portions of the electrically conductive circuitry <NUM>, on the distal side of the sensor layer <NUM>, a need for masking elements to electrically insulate the non-sensing portions for accurate leakage detection may be eliminated. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the connection points <NUM> are arranged on the proximal side of the substrate <NUM>. In other embodiments, the connection points <NUM> may be arranged on the distal side of the substrate <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the sensor layer <NUM> may include a plurality of vias <NUM>, <NUM> configured to provide an electrical connection between the plurality of the sensing electrodes <NUM> and the plurality of connecting traces <NUM> and between the plurality of the connecting traces <NUM> and the plurality of connection points <NUM>. The vias may be formed from a suitable electrically conductive material, such as copper. In such embodiments, each of the sensing electrodes <NUM>, which is arranged on the proximal side of the substrate <NUM>, may be electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of connecting trace <NUM> arranged on the distal side of the substrate <NUM> through a via <NUM> extending through the thickness of the substrate <NUM>. Further, each of the plurality of connecting traces <NUM>, which extends along the distal side of the substrate <NUM>, may be electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of connection points <NUM> arranged on the proximal side of the substrate <NUM> through a via <NUM> that extends through the thickness of the substrate <NUM>.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, the plurality of sensing electrodes <NUM> may comprise seven substantially circular electrodes, also referred to as "circular electrodes" herein, 125A, 125B, 125C, 125D, 125E, 125F, <NUM>, and four arc shaped electrodes, also referred to as "electrode arcs" herein, <NUM>, 125I, 125J, <NUM>. Each of the circular electrodes 125A-G may be arranged at a different radial distance from a center opening <NUM> of the sensor layer <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and configured to determine a radial progress of ostomy effluent leakage. The four electrode arcs <NUM>, 125I, 125J, <NUM> may be arranged in different sections of the sensor region <NUM> and configured to determine a location of a leak in the sensor region <NUM>. In this embodiment, a first electrode arc <NUM> may be arranged to extend along a first quadrant of the sensor region <NUM>, a second electrode arc 125I may be arranged to extend along a second quadrant of the sensor region <NUM>, a third electrode arc 125J may be arranged to extend along a third quadrant of the sensor region <NUM>, and a fourth electrode arc <NUM> may be arranged to extend along a fourth quadrant of the sensor region <NUM>, such that a change in electrical resistance measured by one of the four electrode arcs may be used to determine the location of a leakage. In other embodiments, the sensor layer <NUM> may include less than four electrode arcs or more than four electrode arcs, which may be arranged in different sections of the sensor region <NUM> and configured to determine a location of a leakage.

Each of the plurality of the sensing electrodes 125A-<NUM> may be connected to at least one of the plurality of connecting traces <NUM> through a via <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, a first circular electrode 125A may be connected to a first connecting trace 127A through a first via 140A, a second circular electrode 125B may be connected to a second connecting trace 127B through a second via 140B, a third circular electrode 125C may be connected to a third connecting trace 127C through a third via 140C, a fourth circular electrode 125D may be connected to a fourth connecting trace 127D/G through a fourth via 140D, a fifth circular electrode 125E may be connected to a fifth connecting trace 127E through a fifth via 140E, a sixth circular electrode 125F may be connected to a sixth connecting trace 127F through a sixth via 140F, and a seventh circular electrode <NUM> may be connected to the fourth connecting trace 127D/G through a seventh via <NUM>. In this embodiment, two sensing electrodes 125D and <NUM> are connected to a single connecting trace <NUM> D/G. In some embodiments, more than two sensing electrodes may be connected to a single connecting trace.

As shown in <FIG>, the first electrode arc <NUM> may be arranged in the first quadrant or an upper left quadrant of the sensor region <NUM> (when viewed from the proximal side) to detect a leakage in the first quadrant. The first electrode arc <NUM> may be connected to a seventh connecting trace <NUM> through an eighth via <NUM>. The seventh connecting trace <NUM> may extend along a fourth quadrant or a lower left quadrant of the sensor region <NUM> (when viewed from the proximal side) on the distal side and along the tail region <NUM> to electrically connect the first electrode arc <NUM> to a connection point <NUM>. The second electrode arc 125I may be arranged in the second quadrant or an upper right quadrant of the sensor region <NUM> (when viewed from the proximal side) to detect a leakage in the second quadrant. The second electrode arc 125I may be connected to an eighth connecting trace 127I through a ninth via 140I. The eighth connecting trace 127I may extend along a third quadrant or a lower right quadrant of the sensor region <NUM> (when viewed from the proximal side) on the distal side and along the tail region <NUM> to electrically connect the second electrode arc 125I to a connection point 134I. The third electrode arc 125J may be arranged in the third quadrant or a lower right quadrant of the sensor region <NUM> (when viewed from the proximal side) to detect a leakage in the third quadrant. The third electrode arc 125J may be connected to ninth connecting trace 127J through a tenth via 140J. The fourth electrode arc <NUM> may be arranged in the fourth quadrant or a lower left quadrant of the sensor region <NUM> (when viewed from the proximal side) to detect a leakage in the fourth quadrant. The fourth electrode arc <NUM> may be connected to tenth connecting trace <NUM> through a <NUM>th via <NUM>.

The ten connecting traces 127A-K, which are electrically connected to the eleven sensing electrodes 125A-K, may extend from the sensor region <NUM> along the tail region <NUM> to the connector region <NUM> on the distal side of the substrate <NUM>. The connecting traces 127A-K may be electrically connected to the connection points 134A-K through the plurality of vias 142A-K. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the first connecting trace 127A may be connected to a first connection point 134A through a <NUM>th via 142A, the second connecting trace 127B may be connected to a second connection point 134B through a <NUM>th via 142B, the third connecting trace 127C may be connected to a third connection point 134C through a <NUM>th via 142C, the fourth connecting trace 127D/G may be connected to a fourth connection point 134D/G through a <NUM>th via 142D/G, the fifth connecting trace 127E may be connected to a fifth connection point 134E through a <NUM>th via 142E, the sixth connecting trace 127F may be connected to a sixth connection point 134F through a <NUM>th via 142F, the seventh connecting trace <NUM> may be connected to a seventh connection point <NUM> through a <NUM>th via <NUM>, the eighth connecting trace 127I may be connected to an eighth connection point 134I through a <NUM>th via 142I, the ninth connecting trace 127J may be connected to a ninth connection point 134J through a <NUM>th via 142J, and the tenth connecting trace <NUM> may be connected to a tenth connection point <NUM> through a <NUM>th via <NUM>. In this embodiment, the sensor layer <NUM> may comprise eleven sensing electrodes <NUM> electrically connected to ten connection points <NUM> though ten connecting traces <NUM> and twenty-one vias <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, only the sensing electrodes <NUM> configured to measure resistance may be exposed on the proximal side of the double-sided sensor layer <NUM>, while the connecting traces <NUM> may be arranged away from the proximal side, for example, on the distal side or between substrates. As such, a masking element for preventing shorting between electrodes or traces may not be necessary on the proximal side of the sensor layer <NUM>. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the sensor layer <NUM> may be covered with a masking element on the distal side.

The substrate <NUM> may be formed from a suitable flexible polymeric material, such as a polyimide film. The substrates <NUM> may have a thickness of about <NUM> mil to about <NUM> mil, preferably, about <NUM> mil to about <NUM> mil, and more preferably about <NUM> mil. In an embodiment, the substrate <NUM> may be formed from a coverlay film having a thickness of about <NUM> mil and comprising a polyimide film coated with an acrylic adhesive on one side, such as PYRALUX® <CIT> available from Dupont. In some embodiments, the substrate <NUM> may comprise two or more layers, wherein the connecting traces <NUM> may be arranged between the substrate layers.

<FIG> shows the control unit <NUM> according to an embodiment. The control unit <NUM> may be selectively and removably and electrically connected to the sensor accessory <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. For example, the control unit <NUM> may include a plurality of electrical connectors <NUM> configured to interface with the plurality of connection points <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may be removably connected to the plurality of connection points <NUM> by a known, suitable mechanical fastener, such as a spring-load clip, mechanical interlock, clamp, interference fit, and the like, including combinations thereof.

The control unit <NUM>, for example via a controller, may be configured to provide an electrical current to the electrically conductive circuitry <NUM> and detect a change in electrical resistance measured by the sensing electrodes <NUM>. For example, leakage of stomal effluent progressing from the center opening <NUM> outward into or along the adhesive layer <NUM> may cause electrical resistance between a pair of sensing electrodes <NUM> to decrease. The control unit <NUM> may detect the decrease in electrical resistance and determine that a leak is occurring based on the decreased electrical resistance. In an embodiment, the control unit <NUM>, via the controller, may be configured to determine a location of the leak based on the location of the sensing electrodes <NUM> that detected the change in resistance. The control unit <NUM> may be further configured to provide a notification or alert indicating that a leak has been detected and/or a location of the leak. The notification or alert may be, for example, an audible, visible, or haptic alert, or a combination thereof. The control unit <NUM> may also be configured for wired and/or wireless communication with other electronic devices, such as a smart phone and the like. In an embodiment, the control unit <NUM> may be paired, synced, or otherwise communicatively connected to the personal notification device with a known pairing or syncing operation, which may be initiated, for example, by operation of a switch.

In additions, various features described with respect to any of the embodiments above may be used together, implemented in, or replace features in any of the other embodiments described above.

Claim 1:
A sensor device (<NUM>) for an ostomy appliance comprising:
a sensor layer (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a substrate (<NUM>, <NUM>),
a plurality of sensing electrodes (<NUM>) arranged on a proximal side of the substrate,
a plurality of connecting traces (<NUM>) arranged on a distal side of the substrate for electrically insulating the plurality of connecting traces for accurate leakage detection,
wherein each of the plurality of sensing electrodes is electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of the connecting traces through a plurality of vias (<NUM>), and
a plurality of connection points (<NUM>) configured to electrically connect the sensor device to a control unit (<NUM>), wherein each of the plurality of the sensing electrodes is electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of the connection points by at least one of the plurality of connecting traces; and a skin barrier layer (<NUM>) arranged adjacent the plurality of sensing electrodes for attaching the sensor device to a user;
wherein the sensor device is configured to detect an ostomy effluent leakage.