Sucking device for geriatric patients

Abstract

The sucking device (1) for geriatric patients comprises: - at least one central body (2) positionable, in use, within the oral cavity (C) of a geriatric patient (P) and having a substantially elongated and flattened palatal anatomical conformation; - supporting means (3) associated with the central body (2) and intended, in use, to contact at least one portion of the head (T) of the geriatric patient (P) and to be positioned externally to the oral cavity (C); wherein the central body (2) comprises: - at least one first portion (6) having a complementary shape with at least one portion of the palatine arch (B) of the oral cavity (C) and intended, in use, to abut against the latter; - at least one second portion (7) having a complementary shape with at least one portion of the upper dental arch (G1) and / or of the lower dental arch (G2) of the geriatric patient (P) and intended, in use, to abut against the latter.

Description

[0001] SUCKING DEVICE FOR GERIATRIC PATIENTS

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a sucking device for geriatric patients.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] Commonly, in elderly people there is a progressive decline in his or her abilities and a progressive reduction in functional and cognitive status.

[0006] Particularly, with advancing age there are alterations including degeneration of the central nervous system, sarcopenia, alterations in taste, salivation and smell that lead to dysfunction of swallowing processes from presbyphagia to the pathological condition of dysphagia.

[0007] Dysphagia is sometimes associated with the course of some neurodegenerative diseases such as, e.g., Alzheimer’s dementia, Parkinson’s disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and is mainly shown with reduced swallowing abilities.

[0008] In order to swallow the bolus and / or the liquids in the oral cavity, a healthy person contracts the cheek muscles and pushes the tongue against the palatine arch, thus moving the products in the mouth towards the pharynx and esophagus.

[0009] People with dysphagia do not have full control of cheek muscle contraction and tongue movement and, consequently, they cannot swallow food and liquids properly.

[0010] Such conditions can lead to the occurrence of risky and detrimental situations for the health of patients with dysphagia.

[0011] First of all, the fact that food and liquids cannot transit from the mouth to the stomach prevents dysphagic patients from feeding properly.

[0012] Additionally, food can get stuck in the pharynx thus obstructing the larynx and subjecting the dysphagic patient to the risk of inhalation and subsequent suffocation.

[0013] To remedy at least some of these drawbacks, it is common practice to feed dysphagic patients artificially and, oftentimes, enteral nutrition is used, that is, feeding nutrients directly into the patients’ stomach through the use of a nasogastric probe. Notoriously, a nasogastric probe consists of a tubular element, made of soft and flexible material, which is inserted within the nasal cavity, through the nostrils, and from there pushed up to the stomach passing through the pharynx and esophagus.

[0014] Enteral nutrition of dysphagic patients, however, has some drawbacks which are mainly related to the difficulties that may be encountered during the placement of the nasogastric probe in the patient’s body.

[0015] In fact, this practice can be invasive and the probe can abrade the inner walls of the pharynx and of the esophagus, thus resulting in long-term decubitus injuries. These problems are amplified if the patient to be treated has cognitive impairment with long life expectancy and often with behavioral disorders that make it difficult to manage.

[0016] Still, the use of the nasogastric probe can often generate health risks for patients related to infections which can be generated where the tissues adjacent to the probe itself are located.

[0017] In order to limit the occurrence of such infections and / or their severity, it is common practice to frequently remove the nasogastric probe from the patient, sanitize it and then place it back on the patient, again causing the previously described problems.

[0018] Still, such cleaning practices of the nasogastric probe often require long implementation times.

[0019] Additionally, the placement of the nasogastric probe and the related cleaning must be performed by trained and specialized personnel who often work only at health care facilities.

[0020] Again, enteral nutrition can limit the patient’s perceived sense of mental and physical well-being while feeding.

[0021] In fact, the nutrients administered to the patient through the nasogastric probe are inserted directly into the stomach without contacting the taste buds on the tongue, thus preventing the patient from tasting these products by perceiving their taste. Description of the Invention

[0022] The main aim of the present invention is to devise a sucking device for geriatric patients which allows promoting and facilitating the process of artificial feeding of such patients.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to devise a sucking device for geriatric patients which allows feeding non-self-sufficient geriatric patients in a nonpainful and non-invasive maimer.

[0024] A further object of the present invention is to devise a sucking device for geriatric patients which improves their level of mental and physical well-being, especially during feeding, by restoring the taste of traditional oral feeding to them.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to devise a sucking device for geriatric patients which allows the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and efficient to use as well as cost-effective solution.

[0026] The aforementioned objects are achieved by this sucking device for geriatric patients having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0027] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of a sucking device for geriatric patients, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example, in the accompanying tables of drawings in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is an axonometric, partly cutaway view of the sucking device according to the invention made according to a first embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2 is an axonometric, partly cutaway view of the sucking device in Figure 1 from a different angle;

[0030] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sucking device in Figure 1 when inserted into the oral cavity of a geriatric patient;

[0031] Figure 4 is an axonometric view of the sucking device according to the invention made according to a second embodiment.

[0032] Embodiments of the Invention

[0033] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a sucking device for geriatric patients.

[0034] In the context of this disclosure, the expression “sucking device” should be understood to mean a pacifier or an object, also known as a soother, that is partly inserted into a person’s mouth and sucked by the latter in order to stimulate the natural sucking reflex.

[0035] The sucking device 1 comprises: at least one central body 2 positionable, in use, within the oral cavity C of a geriatric patient P and having a substantially elongated and flattened palatal anatomical conformation; supporting means 3 associated with the central body 2 and intended, in use, to contact at least one portion of the head T of the geriatric patient P and to be positioned externally to the oral cavity C.

[0036] The central body 2 is preferably of the type of a teat.

[0037] The central body 2 is developed longitudinally along an axis of development A.

[0038] The central body 2 comprises a first free end 4 which, in use, is placed in the proximity of the throat of the geriatric patient P, and a second end 5, which is associated with the supporting means 3 and which, in use, is placed in contact with the lips of the geriatric patient P, from the inner side of the oral cavity C. When the sucking device 1 is inserted into / extracted from the oral cavity C, it is gripped by an operator or by the geriatric patient P him / herself and is moved along one direction of insertion / extraction which is substantially parallel to and coincident with the axis of development A.

[0039] In detail, the direction of insertion / extraction is substantially coincident with the central median axis of the oral cavity C.

[0040] The central body 2 is preferably made of a flexible and soft material.

[0041] For example, the central body 2 is made of silicone or rubber.

[0042] In this way, the central body 2, when inserted into the oral cavity C, does not cause undue discomfort to the geriatric patient P and, if accidentally bitten, does not nick or abrade the teeth of the geriatric patient P.

[0043] Additionally, this particular design choice makes the central body 2 easily washable and allows the chemical-physical and aesthetic characteristics of the central body 2 to remain substantially unchanged, even after long periods of use. In the remainder of this disclosure, the conformation of the supporting means 3 and the material preferably used for their construction will be described in detail. According to the invention, the central body 2 comprises: at least one first portion 6 having a complementary shape with at least one portion of the palatine arch B of the oral cavity C and intended, in use, to abut against the latter; at least one second portion 7 having a complementary shape with at least one portion of the upper dental arch G1 and / or of the lower dental arch G2 of the geriatric patient P and intended, in use, to abut against the latter.

[0044] Conveniently, the second portion 7 is positioned between the supporting means 3 and the first portion 6 and is directly associated with the supporting means 3.

[0045] In more detail, the first portion 6 is made where the first end 4 of the central body 2 is located and the second portion 7 is made where the second end 5 of the teatlike element is located.

[0046] During the use of the sucking device 1, the first portion 6 is positioned where the upper part of the oral cavity C is located, i.e., the palate of the geriatric patient P, while the second portion 7 is arranged in the proximity of the lips of the geriatric patient P.

[0047] Advantageously, the first portion 6 comprises: at least a first surface 8 which is substantially convex and intended to mate with the palatine arch B; and at least a second surface 9 opposite the first surface 8, substantially concave and intended to accommodate, at least partly, the tongue L of the geriatric patient P.

[0048] When the sucking device 1 is inserted into the oral cavity C, the first surface 8 is turned upwards and the second surface 9 is turned downwards.

[0049] Precisely, the first surface 8 is at least partly placed at the contact point between the gingiva and the palatine arch B.

[0050] The first surface 8 has a geometric conformation substantially reproducing the shape of the palatine arch B so that it adheres to the palate of the geriatric patient P when the sucking device 1 is inserted into the oral cavity C.

[0051] The second surface 9 has a geometric conformation such that it defines a housing within which the tongue L of the geriatric patient P is placed during the use of the sucking device 1.

[0052] In actual facts, the special geometric conformation of the surfaces 8 and 9 ensures total adhesion of the sucking device 1 to the palatine arch B and to the tongue L. According to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the second portion 7 comprises:

[0053] - at least a first recess 10 adapted to receive, at least partly, the upper dental arch G1 of the geriatric patient P; and

[0054] - at least a second recess 11 adapted to receive, at least partly, the lower dental arch G2 of the geriatric patient P, so as to block the central body 2 in the oral cavity C in the position of dental occlusion.

[0055] During the use of the sucking device 1, the second portion 7 is allocated internally to the oral cavity C so as to be squeezed between the lips and the dental arches Gl, G2 when the latter are in the closure position.

[0056] In this way, the sucking device 1 is blocked by the geriatric patient P.

[0057] The use of the sucking device 1 made according to the technical expedients just described can help the geriatric patient P to swallow.

[0058] In fact, the particular geometric conformation of the first portion 6 stimulates in the geriatric patient P the natural sucking reflex that leads him to contract the cheek muscles and to push the tongue towards the palate.

[0059] In addition, the fact that the second portion 7 is shaped so as to accommodate the dental arches Gl, G2 of the geriatric patient P induces the same to exert a force on the sucking device 1 which can help the geriatric patient to forcefully push a mouthful down the throat, swallowing it more easily.

[0060] According to the preferred embodiment of the sucking device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3, the supporting means 3 comprise at least one flange element 12 associated with the second portion 7 and positionable to abut against the lips of the geriatric patient P.

[0061] Advantageously, the flange element 12 is sized so that it cannot enter the oral cavity C through the mouth of the geriatric patient P.

[0062] Again, the flange element 12 is sized so as not to pass through the pharynx and the esophagus of the geriatric patient P.

[0063] In actual facts, the flange element 12 has a substantially flattened conformation, is blocked by the lips of the geriatric patient P and prevents the sucking device 1 from being swallowed by the patient.

[0064] Preferably, the flange element 12 is made of plastic material.

[0065] Again, in the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the sucking device 1 comprises gripping means 13 of the sucking device 1 associated with the supporting means 3 and grippable by an operator and / or by the geriatric patient P during the insertion and during the extraction of the sucking device 1 into / from the oral cavity C.

[0066] Preferably, the gripping means 13 comprise a gripping ring 13 associated with the flange element 12.

[0067] According to alternative embodiments of the sucking device 1, not shown in the figures, a fastener of the type, e.g., of a chain can be associated with the gripping ring 1, the chain being associated with one portion of the body of the geriatric patient P or with an article of clothing worn by the latter and adapted to prevent the sucking device 1 from accidentally falling to the ground.

[0068] Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of the sucking device 1, wherein the components identical to the first embodiment have the same reference numerals as the first embodiment to whose detailed description we refer in full.

[0069] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that the supporting means 3 comprise at least one fastening element 14 associated with the second portion 7 and wrappable at least partly around the head T.

[0070] In detail, the fastening element 14 consists of a tape associated with the second end 5 of the central body 2.

[0071] Precisely, the second end 5 is provided with a through hole inside of which the fastening element 14 is made to pass so that the relevant end portions are free. During the use of the sucking device 1, the fastening element 14 is wrapped around the head T and the relevant end portions are mutually knotted so as to secure the sucking device 1 to the head T.

[0072] In alternative embodiments of the sucking device 1, not shown in the figures, the supporting means 3 comprise two fastening elements 14, both of the type of a tape and associated with the second end 5.

[0073] In this case, the second end 5 preferably comprises two hooks for attaching the fastening elements 14.

[0074] Again, after inserting the central body 2 into the oral cavity C, the fastening elements 14 are wrapped around the head T and mutually knotted so as to secure the sucking device 1 to the head T.

[0075] The characteristics of the sucking device 1 described below are to be considered common to both embodiments.

[0076] Advantageously, the sucking device 1 comprises at least one distribution channel 15 for distributing at least one edible substance within the oral cavity C.

[0077] In the context of this disclosure, the phrase “edible substance” is intended to mean any food or liquid that is compatible with the diet of a dysphagic patient.

[0078] The edible substance is, e.g., of the type of a homogeneous semi-liquid food compound or of a thickened liquid.

[0079] The distribution channel 15 is provided with at least one distribution hole 16 and with at least one feeding hole 17 and is made within the central body 2.

[0080] The distribution hole 16 and the feeding hole 17 are made at the end 4 and at the end 5 of the central body 2, respectively.

[0081] In the particular embodiments shown in the figures, the distribution channel 15 has a substantially tubular conformation and develops longitudinally along an axis substantially parallel to the axis of development A.

[0082] The distribution channel 15 is provided with a first extremal portion 18, located at the first end 4, and with a second extremal portion 19, located at the second end 5.

[0083] The distribution hole 16 is made where the first extremal portion 18 is located.

[0084] The feeding hole 17 is made where the second extremal portion 19 is located.

[0085] Thanks to the presence of the distribution channel 15, it is possible to convey the edible substance from the outside towards the oral cavity C.

[0086] The edible substance, preferably in a liquid or semisolid state, is subsequently swallowed by the geriatric patient P due to the presence of the sucking device 1 in the oral cavity C, which stimulates the sucking instinct in the geriatric patient P.

[0087] In detail, by sucking the central body 2 the geriatric patient P generates a sucking force which allows the edible substance to pass through the distribution channel 15, to reach the oral cavity C and to be swallowed.

[0088] Conveniently, the sucking device 1 comprises connection means 20 of the distribution channel 15 to at least one external feeding channel T.

[0089] The connection means 20 are associable with the feeding hole 17 in a removable maimer.

[0090] The connection means 20 comprise threaded coupling means and, in detail, on the second extremal portion 19 is cut a thread coupleable with a thread cut on the free end portion of the external feeding channel T.

[0091] Preferably, the connection means 20 are of the Luer-Lock type.

[0092] The external feeding channel T is connected to an edible substance distribution assembly which, e.g., comprises a storage tank for the edible substance itself and a pumping device which allows it to be taken and sent to the external feeding channel T.

[0093] When the external feeding channel T is connected to the distribution channel 15, the edible substance passes from the external feeding channel T to the distribution channel 15, thus reaching the oral cavity C.

[0094] According to what is provided in an alternative embodiment of the sucking device 1, not shown in the figures, the external feeding channel T and the distribution channel 15 are made in a single body piece.

[0095] In order to continuously monitor the physiological parameters of the oral cavity C of the geriatric patient P, the sucking device 1 comprises detection means 21 for detecting the value of at least one salivary chemical -physical parameter of the geriatric patient P.

[0096] Advantageously, the detection means 21 are associated with the central body 2.

[0097] In detail, the salivary chemical-physical parameter is selected from the list comprising: blood glucose, cortisol, electrolytes, temperature or drug concentration. Additionally, the detection means 21 are operationally connected to a management and control unit of the type, e.g., of a computer and send the value of the detected chemical-physical parameters to the same.

[0098] The management and control unit comprises a storage device operationally configured to store the value of the detected chemical-physical parameters.

[0099] Additionally, the management and control unit comprises a display device operationally configured to make the values stored by the storage device visible to an operator in order to assess the health status of the geriatric patient P.

[0100] Alternatively and / or in combination thereof, the management and control unit comprises a processing device operationally configured to process the value of the detected parameters by comparing them, e.g., with predefined standard values in order to provide an output data item relating to the health status of the geriatric patient P.

[0101] In some embodiments of the sucking device 1, the management and control unit comprises signaling means which can be operationally activated to inform an operator when the values of the detected chemical-physical parameters greatly deviate from the standard values and it is necessary to intervene quickly to protect the health of the geriatric patient P.

[0102] It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects.

[0103] First of all, in fact, the fact of providing a sucking device for geriatric patients having a first portion, associable by shape coupling with the patient’s own palate and tongue, as well as a second portion, which can be squeezed between the geriatric patient’s teeth, promote the process of artificial feeding of non-self- sufficient geriatric patients.

[0104] In fact, the sucking device structured in this way stimulates the sucking instinct in the patient, encouraging the contraction of the muscles of the mouth, particularly those of the cheeks and tongue, in order to facilitate the swallowing process.

[0105] In this way, non-self-sufficient geriatric patients can be fed without necessarily having to resort to enteral nutrition. Again, thanks to these special design expedients, it is possible to make an edible substance pass through the oral cavity, bringing it into contact with the taste buds and thus allowing the patient to taste what he or she is eating, similar to the usual oral feeding. Again, the insertion of the sucking device according to the invention into the patient’s body is a non-invasive and painless practice that can, moreover, be performed either by specialized personnel or at home.

[0106] Additionally, the sucking activity generates a feeling of well-being in the geriatric patient because it elicits emotions and sensations perceived during the first months of life and related to maternal breastfeeding.

[0107] All these aspects contribute to improving the quality of life and the level of mental and physical well-being of the geriatric patient and lead to an increase in the life expectancy of such patients.

Claims

CLAIMS1) Sucking device (1) for geriatric patients comprising: at least one central body (2) positionable, in use, within the oral cavity (C) of a geriatric patient (P) and having a substantially elongated and flattened palatal anatomical conformation; supporting means (3) associated with said central body (2) and intended, in use, to contact at least one portion of the head (T) of said geriatric patient (P) and to be positioned externally to said oral cavity (C); characterized by the fact that said central body (2) comprises: at least one first portion (6) having a complementary shape with at least one portion of the palatine arch (B) of said oral cavity (C) and intended, in use, to abut against the latter; at least one second portion (7) having a complementary shape with at least one portion of the upper dental arch (Gl) and / or of the lower dental arch (G2) of said geriatric patient (P) and intended, in use, to abut against the latter.2) Sucking device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said supporting means (3) comprise at least one flange element (12) associated with said second portion (7) and positionable in abutment on the lips of said geriatric patient (P).3) Sucking device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said supporting means (3) comprise at least one fastening element (14) associated with said second portion (7) and wrappable at least partly around said head (T).4) Sucking device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said first portion (6) comprises: at least a first surface (8) which is substantially convex and intended to mate with said palatine arch (B); and at least a second surface (9) opposite said first surface (8), substantially concave and intended to accommodate, at least partly, the tongue (L) of said geriatric patient (P).5) Sucking device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said second portion (7) comprises:- at least a first recess (10) adapted to receive, at least partly, said upper dental arch (Gl) of said geriatric patient (P); and- at least a second recess (11) adapted to receive, at least partly, said lower dental arch (G2) of said geriatric patient (P), so as to block said central body (2) in said oral cavity (C) in the position of dental occlusion.6) Sucking device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one distribution channel (15) for distributing at least one edible substance within said oral cavity (C), said distribution channel (15) being provided with at least one distribution hole (16) and with at least one feeding hole (17) and being made within said central body (2), said distribution hole (16) and said feeding hole (17) being made at the ends (4, 5) of said central body (2), respectively.7) Sucking device (1) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that it comprises connection means (20) of said distribution channel (15) to at least one external feeding channel (T), said connection means (20) being associable with said feeding hole (17) in a removable maimer.8) Sucking device (1) according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that said connection means (20) are of the Luer-Lock type.9) Sucking device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises detection means (21) for detecting the value of at least one salivary chemical-physical parameter of said geriatric patient (P), said detection means (21) being associated with said central body (2).10) Sucking device (1) according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that said salivary chemical-physical parameter is selected from the list comprising: blood glucose, cortisol, electrolytes, temperature, drug concentration.

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