Fecal impaction removal tool

Abstract

A manually manipulatable tool for removing a fecal impaction, the tool is adapted for insertion into a patient's rectum to engage and penetrate the impaction. The tool is fitted with flexible, arcuately configured elements collapsible at least partially during insertion into the rectum and penetration of the fecal impaction, withdrawal of the tool deploying the elements to exert traction on the impaction thus facilitating withdrawal of at least portions of the impaction. A body member of the tool is preferably elongated and can optionally be provided with a longitudinally extending lumen for introduction of an enema solution concurrently with or independently of impaction removal.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The invention relates generally to tools for removal of fecal impactions and particularly to such a tool configured for ease of useage and safety of operation for rapid and reliable removal of a fecal impaction.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]Patients often present in clinical settings with impacted stools that can only be evacuated spontaneously with extreme difficulty if at all. Such blockages are typically referred to as fecal impactions and result from the inability to spontaneously empty the rectum of accumulated stool. A fecal impaction occurs due to excessive and continuing fecal mass accumulation in the rectal vault such that the large and growing fecal bolus cannot be readily passed through the anus. The impaction worsens as additional stool is produced and typically hardens with drying of distal portions of the impacted stool, thereby creating an increasingly uncomfortable and potentially dangerous ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a tool designed to remove fecal impactions from patients. It consists of a shaft with a central lumen connected to a water jet or enema administration system. A handle with twin loops is attached to the shaft. The tool has a shaped dilator for easy insertion into the patient, with a second dilator for easy removal. The tool has flexible elements that can be manipulated to loosen and remove the fecal impaction. The tool can be manipulated to engage with the impaction and can be withdrawn through the patient's anus. The invention provides a minimally invasive and effective tool for removing fecal impactions.

Problems solved by technology

Patients often present in clinical settings with impacted stools that can only be evacuated spontaneously with extreme difficulty if at all.

Such blockages are typically referred to as fecal impactions and result from the inability to spontaneously empty the rectum of accumulated stool.

A fecal impaction occurs due to excessive and continuing fecal mass accumulation in the rectal vault such that the large and growing fecal bolus cannot be readily passed through the anus.

The impaction worsens as additional stool is produced and typically hardens with drying of distal portions of the impacted stool, thereby creating an increasingly uncomfortable and potentially dangerous emergency condition.

While fecal impactions can occur in otherwise healthy individuals, those suffering from certain medical conditions including neuromuscular diseases and severe debilitation as well as those in the general geriatric population are susceptible to the spontaneous development of fecal impactions.

Manual manipulation of an impacted fecal mass is subject to failure since utilization of a single, gloved finger weighs against application to the impaction of a mechanical advantage sufficient to relieve the condition.

A finger is simply not configured to grasp the fecal mass or to gain attachment thereto due to the shape of a finger and the inability to frictionally engage the mass.

Probing of the fecal mass with the finger of a clinician involves blind sweeps and stirring motions that are not easily directed advantageously and thus can prove ineffective.

Patient discomfort is often increased by attempts of the attending clinician to curl the inserted finger in an effort to improve connection with the fecal mass.

This flexion motion, though essential to the effort to grasp a portion of the fecal mass, causes further distention of an already distended bowel.

Pain thus unavoidably accompanies inefficiency during attempts to remove the impaction and often results in the necessity to abort the procedure.

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