Elise Sørensen

Danish nurse and inventor of the ostomy bag

Elise Sørensen (1903–1977) was a Danish nurse and inventor, best known for developing the first disposable ostomy bag. Her invention significantly improved the quality of life for individuals with stomas, providing them with a more hygienic and convenient solution for managing their condition.

Early Life and Education

Elise Sørensen was born in 1903 in Denmark. She grew up in a time when medical advancements were rapidly evolving, which influenced her decision to pursue a career in nursing. Sørensen trained as a nurse in Copenhagen, where she gained extensive experience in patient care and developed a keen interest in improving medical devices and procedures.

Career

Sørensen worked as a nurse in various hospitals across Denmark. Her experiences in the medical field exposed her to the challenges faced by patients with stomas. At the time, there were limited options for managing stomas, and patients often struggled with discomfort and social stigma.

Invention of the Ostomy Bag

An example of a modern ostomy pouch

The idea for the ostomy bag came to Sørensen in the early 1950s when her sister underwent surgery that resulted in a stoma. Witnessing her sister's difficulties with the available solutions, Sørensen was motivated to create a more effective and user-friendly product.

In 1954, Sørensen designed the first disposable ostomy bag. Her design featured a plastic pouch that adhered to the skin with an adhesive ring, providing a secure and leak-proof seal. This innovation was a significant improvement over the existing methods, which were often cumbersome and prone to leakage.

Impact and Legacy

Sørensen's invention revolutionized the care of patients with stomas. The disposable ostomy bag offered a discreet and hygienic solution, allowing individuals to lead more active and confident lives. Her work laid the foundation for modern ostomy care products, which continue to evolve and improve.

The introduction of the ostomy bag also had a profound impact on the medical industry, prompting further research and development in the field of medical devices. Sørensen's contribution is celebrated as a milestone in patient care and innovation.

Later Life

After the success of her invention, Sørensen continued to work in the medical field, advocating for patient-centered care and the development of new medical technologies. She remained dedicated to improving healthcare until her retirement.

Elise Sørensen passed away in 1977, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and innovation that continues to benefit countless individuals worldwide.

Related Pages

• Stoma
• Ostomy
• Medical device