Device for infant swallowing auxiliary training

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of medical instruments, in particular to a device for infant swallowing auxiliary training, which comprises a first nipple, a second nipple and an external interface. The first nipple is provided with a plurality of first through holes. The second nipple is located in the first nipple and provided with a second through hole, the space between the second nipple and the first nipple is a first cavity, the second nipple is provided with a nipple cover, and the space defined by the second nipple and the nipple cover is a second cavity. The outer connector is located on the first nipple and communicated with the first cavity. By means of the device, when swallowing auxiliary training is conducted on a child patient, and secretions or substances surging upwards due to gastroesophageal reflux exist in the oral cavity of the child patient, the secretions or the substances surging upwards due to gastroesophageal reflux can be discharged out of the oral cavity, then the swallowing auxiliary training device does not need to be taken down to clean the oral cavity of the child patient, and therefore the swallowing auxiliary training process is more convenient and faster; operation steps are simplified, training efficiency is improved, and meanwhile extra pain of the child patient is relieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical devices, and particularly to a device for assisting in the swallowing training of infants. Background Art

[0002] In the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), a medical environment dedicated to treating critically ill children, there are a series of diseases that seriously threaten the lives and health of children, such as severe pneumonia, respiratory failure, severe encephalitis, cerebral palsy, congenital heart disease, etc. In this group of critically ill infants and young children, due to the influence of the disease itself or related treatment measures, there is generally a problem of dysphagia to varying degrees, resulting in their inability to independently complete the actions of swallowing saliva or drinking milk.

[0003] The disease of dysphagia shows dysfunction in any one or more of the four key stages of the swallowing process (i.e., the preparatory stage, the oral stage, the pharyngeal stage, and the esophageal stage). Specifically, in terms of oral sensation, there are cases of insufficient sensitivity or overreaction; in terms of oral motor ability, it is manifested as weak strength, poor coordination, limited range of motion, and shortened movement time; in the pharynx, there are sensory processing or motor function disorders. These dysphagia symptoms not only easily cause serious complications such as reflux, aspiration, and aspiration pneumonia, but also hinder the complete oral feeding of infants and young children, thereby leading to a series of adverse consequences such as malnutrition and growth retardation.

[0004] Currently, for the problem of dysphagia, clinical often adopts oral sensory motor training methods, which can effectively increase sensory input, improve the coordination of swallowing and breathing movements, and thus promote an effective feeding process. In addition, non-nutritive sucking, as an auxiliary means, can stimulate positive sucking behavior and help shorten the time required for the transition to oral feeding.

[0005] However, when actually using a swallowing training aid to assist in the swallowing training of children, there is a thorny problem. Due to the presence of secretions in the child's oral cavity or the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux, these substances will interfere with the swallowing training. To prevent dangerous situations such as aspiration or asphyxia in children, medical staff have to remove the swallowing training aid, clean the child's oral cavity, and then reuse the aid to continue training. This process not only increases the complexity of the operation, reduces the training efficiency, but also may bring additional pain and discomfort to the child. Therefore, it is of great clinical significance to develop a new type of swallowing training aid that is convenient for children to use and can effectively solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to overcome the problems existing in the currently used swallowing training assistive device in the prior art. When there are secretions in the oral cavity of a child or substances surging up due to gastroesophageal reflux interfering with the training, in order to avoid the risk of aspiration or suffocation, it is necessary to frequently remove the assistive device for oral cleaning and then continue to use it, resulting in inconvenience in the swallowing assistive training process, with cumbersome operation, low efficiency, and possibly bringing additional pain to the child. The present invention provides a device for infant swallowing assistive training.

[0007] The present invention provides a device for infant swallowing assistive training, comprising: A first nipple, the first nipple is provided with a plurality of first through holes, and the positions where the plurality of first through holes are located can extend into the oral cavity of an infant; A second nipple, the second nipple is located inside the first nipple, and the second nipple is provided with a second through hole; the space between the second nipple and the first nipple is a first chamber, the second nipple is provided with a nipple cap, and the space enclosed by the second nipple and the nipple cap is a second chamber; An external interface, the external interface is located on the first nipple, and the external interface is communicated with the first chamber.

[0008] The position where the external interface is located is only in the external area of the infant's oral cavity.

[0009] The present invention provides a device for infant swallowing assistive training. The plurality of first through holes are used to communicate the outside of the first nipple and the first chamber. The second through hole is used to communicate the first chamber and the second chamber. The external interface is used to connect a suction device. The nipple cap is used to cooperate with the second nipple to form the second chamber, and at the same time prevent the substances in the second chamber from leaking. The second chamber is used to fill additives, such as odor substances or feeding foods that can stimulate the taste of the infant.

[0010] When there are secretions in the oral cavity of the child or substances surging up due to gastroesophageal reflux, suction operation can be performed at the external interface, so that the air pressure in the first chamber is less than the air pressure outside the first nipple. The secretions in the child's oral cavity or the substances surging up due to gastroesophageal reflux can be inhaled into the first chamber through the channels of the first through holes, and then these substances will be discharged out of the oral cavity through the external interface. When the child makes a sucking motion, the additives stored in the second chamber can enter the first chamber through the second through hole, and then enter the child's oral cavity through the first through hole.

[0011] This device can be used to discharge secretions or refluxed substances from the child's mouth during swallowing assistance training, without the need to remove the swallowing assistance training device to clean the child's mouth. This makes the swallowing assistance training process more convenient, simplifies the operating steps, improves training efficiency, and reduces the child's extra pain.

[0012] The shapes, quantity and spacing of the first through holes can be set according to actual needs. For example, the shape of the first through holes can be circular, regular polygonal or elliptical.

[0013] The number of the second through hole may be one or more. When only one second through hole is provided, the second through hole should be located at a position closest to the inside of the baby's mouth when in use. If multiple second through holes are provided, the second through holes should be distributed in a ring around the position closest to the inside of the baby's mouth when in use.

[0014] The second through hole may be directly opposite to one of the first through holes, or may maintain a relatively staggered positional relationship with the first through hole.

[0015] The first nipple and the second nipple can both be made of silicone material, latex material or rubber material.

[0016] Preferably, an air inlet valve is provided on the first nipple. The air inlet valve is located only in the outer area of ​​the baby's mouth. The air inlet valve is used to allow outside air to enter the first chamber. This solution allows outside air to enter the first chamber through the air inlet valve when the air pressure in the first chamber is too low, thereby preventing the first chamber from being crushed due to too low air pressure, thereby ensuring that secretions or reflux materials in the child's mouth can be sucked normally. After the first chamber is completely crushed, an effective negative pressure environment cannot be formed inside it, and the suction of secretions or reflux materials in the child's mouth depends on this negative pressure, so it is necessary to prevent the first chamber from being crushed.

[0017] Preferably, the nipple cover is provided with an injection hole and an exhaust hole. The injection hole is used to fill the additive into the second chamber. The exhaust hole is used to balance the air pressure of the second chamber and the outside, so that the additive can flow into the child's mouth at a normal outflow speed. If the air pressure is unbalanced, it may affect the normal outflow speed of the additive, interfere with the child's intake of the additive, and be detrimental to the child's normal swallowing assistance training.

[0018] Preferably, a first sealing cover is provided at the position of the injection hole, and a second sealing cover is provided at the position of the exhaust hole. The first sealing cover is used to seal the injection hole to prevent the additive from leaking and external impurities from entering the second chamber. The second sealing cover is used to seal the exhaust hole when sucking the secretions or reflux substances in the child's oral cavity, so as to form a certain negative pressure environment in the second chamber, thereby avoiding the additive from being sucked away together.

[0019] Preferably, a connecting pipe is provided at the position of the second through hole, and both ends of the connecting pipe are communicated with the second chamber and the outside of the first nipple respectively. The connecting pipe can directly communicate the second chamber with the outside of the first nipple, so that the additive, such as the odor molecules emitted by the odor substance or the food prepared for feeding, can directly enter the child's oral cavity without passing through the first chamber. This solution can effectively reduce the mutual influence between the first chamber and the second chamber, and prevent the feeding substance from carrying the residual secretions or reflux substances in the first chamber when entering the oral cavity during the swallowing assistance training of the child.

[0020] Preferably, a connecting member is provided in the first chamber, and both ends of the connecting member are connected to the second nipple and the first nipple respectively. The connecting member is used to support between the first nipple and the second nipple, so as to further ensure that when the air pressure in the first chamber is too low, the first chamber will not be crushed due to too low air pressure. The installation position and quantity of the connecting member should also allow air flow or fluid substances to flow smoothly in the first chamber without being blocked.

[0021] Preferably, the gap between the second nipple and the first nipple is 2 mm - 4 mm.

[0022] Preferably, several of the first through holes are evenly spaced on the first nipple. This solution can more effectively suck the secretions or reflux substances from all directions of the child's oral cavity.

[0023] Preferably, a fixing strap is provided at the bottom of the first nipple. The fixing strap is used to fix the whole device on the child's cheek, which helps to better carry out the swallowing assistance training. The fixing strap can be a complete rope, and both ends of the rope are firmly connected to the first nipple, and the rope can be put on the baby's head to achieve fixation. In addition, the number of the fixing straps can also be multiple, and they can be fixed on the child's cheek by pasting.

[0024] Preferably, the materials of both the second nipple and the first nipple are food-grade silicone materials.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention: 1. The present invention provides a device for assisting in the swallowing training of infants. When the infant is undergoing swallowing assistance training, and there are secretions or substances flowing up due to gastroesophageal reflux in the infant's oral cavity, this device can discharge these secretions or reflux substances out of the oral cavity. Thus, it is not necessary to remove the swallowing assistance training device to clean the infant's oral cavity, making the swallowing assistance training process more convenient, simplifying the operation steps, improving the training efficiency, and reducing the additional pain of the infant at the same time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a device for assisting in the swallowing training of infants in Embodiment 1.

[0027] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a device for assisting in the swallowing training of infants in Embodiment 2.

[0028] Markings in the figure: 1 - First nipple, 101 - First through hole, 2 - Second nipple, 201 - Second through hole, 3 - External interface, 4 - Intake valve, 5 - Nipple cover, 501 - Injection hole, 502 - Exhaust hole, 503 - First sealing cover, 504 - Second sealing cover, 6 - First chamber, 7 - Second chamber, 8 - Fixing strap, 9 - Connecting piece, 10 - Connecting pipe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0029] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should not be understood that the scope of the above-mentioned subject matter of the present invention is limited to the following embodiments. Any technology implemented based on the content of the present invention belongs to the scope of the present invention.

[0030] In the description of the specific embodiments of the present invention, without special instructions, the expressions of the orientation or position relationship terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "center", "inner", "outer", etc. are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, or the orientation or position relationship when the invention product / device / equipment is usually placed. These orientation or position relationship terms are only for the convenience of describing the solution of the present invention or simplifying the description in the specific embodiments, so as to enable technicians to quickly understand the solution, rather than indicating or implying that a specific device / component / element must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific position relationship. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

[0031] In addition, when terms such as "horizontal", "vertical", "hanging", "parallel" appear, it does not mean that the corresponding device / component / element is required to be absolutely horizontal or vertical or hanging or parallel, but it can be slightly inclined or have a deviation. For example, "horizontal" only means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical", and it does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but it can be slightly inclined. Or, it can be simply understood that the corresponding device / component / element is arranged in directions such as "horizontal", "vertical", "hanging", "parallel", etc., and can have an error / deviation of ±10% relative to the corresponding direction setting, more preferably an error / deviation within ±8%, more preferably an error / deviation within ±6%, more preferably an error / deviation within ±5%, more preferably an error / deviation within ±4%. As long as the corresponding device / component / element is within the error / deviation range, it can still achieve its function in the solution of the present invention.

[0032] In addition, when expressions such as "first", "second", "third" appear in the terms, they are only used to distinguish the description of the same or similar components, and should not be understood as emphasizing or implying the relative importance of specific components.

[0033] In addition, in the description of the embodiments of the present invention, "several", "multiple", "a number of" represent at least 2. It can be any situation such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, etc., and even can be a situation of more than 9.

[0034] In addition, in the description of the technical solution of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified / defined / limited, when terms such as "set", "installed", "connected", "connected", "provided with", "laid", "arranged" appear, they should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. It can be connection means commonly used in the art such as welding, riveting, bolting, threaded connection, etc. This connection can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection or a communication connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and can be the communication inside two elements.

[0035] Embodiment 1 As Figure 1 shown, a device for assisting in the swallowing training of infants includes a first nipple 1, a second nipple 2 and an external interface 3.

[0036] The first nipple 1 is provided with a plurality of first through holes 101, and the positions where the plurality of first through holes 101 are located can extend into the baby's oral cavity. Specifically, the first nipple 1 has a thickness of 1 mm - 2 mm, and the specific thickness can be 1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.8 mm, 2 mm. The first through hole 101 is specifically circular, with a diameter of 2 mm - 3 mm, and the specific diameter can be 2 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.8 mm, 3 mm.

[0037] The second nipple 2 is located inside the first nipple 1, and the second nipple 2 is provided with a second through hole 201. The space between the second nipple 2 and the first nipple 1 is the first chamber 6. The second nipple 2 is provided with a nipple cap 5, and the space enclosed by the second nipple 2 and the nipple cap 5 is the second chamber 7.

[0038] Specifically, the thickness of the second nipple 2 is 2 mm - 3 mm, and the specific thickness can be 2 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.8 mm, 3 mm. The second through hole 201 can be set as a round hole, a Y-shaped hole or a cross-shaped hole according to actual needs. When the second through hole 201 is a round hole, the diameter of the round hole can be 1 mm - 1.5 mm, and the specific diameter can be 1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm. The nipple cap 5 is located at the bottom of the second nipple 2. The shape of the nipple cap 5 matches the bottom opening of the second nipple 2, and a circular rubber groove can be provided at the edge of the bottom opening of the second nipple 2 to realize the detachable fixation of the nipple cap 5. The material of the nipple cap 5 can be PP (polypropylene), PES (polyethersulfone) or PPSU (polyphenylsulfone).

[0039] The external interface 3 is located on the first nipple 1, and the external interface 3 communicates with the first chamber 6. The position of the external interface 3 on the first nipple 1 does not extend into the baby's oral cavity.

[0040] Specifically, the length of the external interface 3 can be 8 mm - 16 mm, and the inner diameter of the external interface 3 can be 3 mm - 5 mm, and the specific inner diameter can be 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm. The external interface 3 can be provided with a sealing plug, and when not connected to the suction device, the sealing plug can be used to seal the external interface 3. The suction device can be a small vacuum pump or a syringe that can be manually operated. Specifically, the external interface 3 can be connected to the suction device through a suction tube. To ensure safety, when using the suction device to form a negative pressure in the first chamber 6, a suitable negative pressure value needs to be set according to different age groups. Specifically, for newborns from 0 days to 29 days, the negative pressure value should be controlled below 13.3 kPa; while for infants and toddlers from 1 month to 3 years old, the negative pressure value should be controlled between 13.3 kPa and 20 kPa.

[0041] The outer diameter of the outer interface 3 can be designed to be gradient, that is, the farther away from the first nipple 1, the larger its outer diameter. Such a design helps the outer interface 3 to be more firmly connected to the suction tube and not easily fall off.

[0042] In an alternative embodiment, an air inlet valve 4 may be provided on the first nipple 1. Specifically, the air inlet valve 4 can be designed as a one-way valve, allowing only air to flow from the outside through the air inlet valve 4 into the first chamber 6. The air inlet valve 4 can be equipped with a valve switch to control whether air enters the first chamber 6 from the outside; alternatively, the air inlet valve 4 can be equipped with a valve cover, which can be used to cover the air inlet valve 4 when no air needs to enter the first chamber 6 from the outside. When the child is sucking, the air inlet valve 4 can be closed or covered with the valve cover to prevent the child from inhaling too much air.

[0043] In an alternative embodiment, the nipple cover 5 may be provided with an injection hole 501 and an exhaust hole 502. Specifically, the shape of the injection hole 501 is circular, and the diameter is 6 mm - 20 mm. The specific diameter can be 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm, 18 mm, 20 mm. The main function of the exhaust hole 502 is to balance the air pressure inside and outside the second nipple 2, reduce the risk of flatulence and prevent the second nipple 2 from collapsing. The injection hole 501 can be set at the center position of the nipple cover 5. The exhaust hole 502 can be set at a position 5 mm - 8 mm away from the edge of the nipple cover 5.

[0044] In an alternative embodiment, a first sealing cover 503 may be provided at the position of the injection hole 501, and a second sealing cover 504 may be provided at the position of the exhaust hole 502. Specifically, the shape and size of the first sealing cover 503 match those of the injection hole 501, and the shape and size of the second sealing cover 504 match those of the exhaust hole 502. Both the first sealing cover 503 and the second sealing cover 504 can be made of food-grade silicone material. Both the first sealing cover 503 and the second sealing cover 504 can be connected to the outer surface of the nipple cover 5 through a rubber cord to prevent them from falling off or getting lost.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment, a connecting member 9 may be provided in the first chamber 6. Both ends of the connecting member 9 are respectively connected to the second nipple 2 and the first nipple 1. Specifically, the connecting member 9 is evenly arranged in the first chamber 6. The connecting member 9 can be a cylindrical structure with a diameter of 1 mm - 2 mm. The specific diameter can be 1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.8 mm, 2 mm. The material of the connecting member 9 is the same as that of the second nipple 2 and the first nipple 1.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment, the gap between the second nipple 2 and the first nipple 1 can be 2 mm - 4 mm. The specific gap can be 2 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.8 mm, 3 mm, 3.2 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.8 mm, 4 mm.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of first through-holes 101 on the first nipple 1 may be arranged at uniform intervals. The interval between two adjacent first through-holes 101 may be 5 mm - 10 mm, and the specific interval may be 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment, a fixing strap 8 may be provided at the bottom of the first nipple 1. Specifically, the number of the fixing straps 8 is two, and the two fixing straps 8 are respectively connected to opposite sides of the bottom of the first nipple 1. The fixing strap 8 may be an elastic band with a certain elasticity. The elastic band is convenient for sticking on the cheeks of the child, so as to more effectively assist the child in swallowing training. At the same time, the design of the elastic band can also avoid stimulating the child to have a vomiting reaction due to being too tight, or failing to achieve an effective exercise effect due to being too loose.

[0049] The fixing strap 8 can be stuck on the cheeks of the child using medical silicone gel tape or 3M pressure-sensitive tape.

[0050] In an alternative embodiment, the materials of the second nipple 2 and the first nipple 1 may both be food-grade silicone materials.

[0051] The above-mentioned food-grade silicone materials, silicone gel tape, and 3M pressure-sensitive tape are cheap, easy to obtain, have low production costs, and will not cause additional medical burdens.

[0052] Embodiment 2 As Figure 2 shown, in Embodiment 2, a connecting tube 10 is added on the basis of Embodiment 1. The connecting tube 10 is located at the position of the second through-hole 201, and the outer wall of the connecting tube 10 is connected to the hole wall of the second through-hole 201. Both ends of the connecting tube 10 are respectively communicated with the second chamber 7 and the outside of the first nipple 1. Specifically, the inner diameter of the connecting tube 10 is 1 mm - 1.5 mm, and the outer diameter is 2.2 mm - 4.4 mm. The material of the connecting tube 10 is food-grade silicone material.

[0053] This application also has the following advantages: This application provides a new tool for non-nutritive sucking or progressive feeding. It helps to reduce the work burden of ICU medical staff and relieve the feeding anxiety of the child caregivers.

[0054] This application can be used at home, is easy to operate, convenient for the child caregivers to operate, avoids accidents, and reduces the care burden.

[0055] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, and improvements made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for assisting swallowing training of infants, characterized in that: include: A first nipple (1), the first nipple (1) being provided with a plurality of first through holes (101), the plurality of first through holes (101) being located so as to be able to extend into the oral cavity of a baby; a second nipple (2), the second nipple (2) being located inside the first nipple (1), the second nipple (2) being provided with a second through hole (201); the space between the second nipple (2) and the first nipple (1) being a first chamber (6), the second nipple (2) being provided with a nipple cover (5), and the space enclosed by the second nipple (2) and the nipple cover (5) being a second chamber (7); An external interface (3), the external interface (3) being located on the first nipple (1), and the external interface (3) being in communication with the first chamber (6).

2. A device for infant swallowing assistance training according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first nipple (1) is provided with an air intake valve (4).

3. The device for assisting swallowing training of infants according to claim 1, characterized in that: The nipple cover (5) is provided with an injection hole (501) and an exhaust hole (502).

4. The device for assisting swallowing training of infants according to claim 3, characterized in that: A first sealing cover (503) is provided at the injection hole (501), and a second sealing cover (504) is provided at the exhaust hole (502).

5. A device for infant swallowing assistance training according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: A connecting tube (10) is provided at the position of the second through hole (201), and two ends of the connecting tube (10) are respectively connected to the second chamber (7) and the outside of the first nipple (1).

6. The device for assisting swallowing training of infants according to claim 5, characterized in that: A connecting piece (9) is provided in the first chamber (6), and two ends of the connecting piece (9) are respectively connected to the second nipple (2) and the first nipple (1).

7. The device for assisting swallowing training of infants according to claim 5, characterized in that: The gap between the second nipple (2) and the first nipple (1) is 2 mm to 4 mm.

8. The device for assisting swallowing training of infants according to claim 5, characterized in that: A plurality of the first through holes (101) are evenly spaced and arranged on the first nipple (1).

9. The device for assisting swallowing training of infants according to claim 5, characterized in that: A fixing belt (8) is provided at the bottom of the first nipple (1).

10. The device for assisting swallowing training of infants according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second nipple (2) and the first nipple (1) are both made of food-grade silicone material.

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