Optical gastric tube

Abstract

The present utility model pertains to the medical field and relates to a gastric probe with a camera (4) and LED lighting, allowing a flexible tube (3) to be inserted under direct visualisation. The presence of the camera (4) at the tip of the flexible tube (3) facilitates arrangement thereof during laparoscopic procedures and allows inspection of gastroenteroanastomoses, assessing anastomosis bleeding and calibre. The gastric probe is a modification of the standard Fouchet model and has an internal cable connected to an electronic module (2), which is externalised by means of a USB-C connector (1) at the proximal end. The device requires only a screen (smartphone or tablet) for displaying images captured by the camera (4). It differs from existing models in that it has a camera (4) and is easy to use, requiring only a connection to a smartphone or tablet via a USB-C connector (1). The flexible tube (3) is intended for surgical use, especially in patients with anatomical alterations, such as a hiatus hernia. It also assists in arranging the gastric tube inside the digestive tract, allows detection of bleeding that is not perceptible by laparoscopy and contributes to the assessment of anastomosis diameter, thereby reducing the risk of fistulas and stenoses.

Description

[0001] GASTRIC TUBE

[0002] Technological sector of the utility model

[0003]

[0001] This utility model patent in the medical field refers to a gastric probe with an internal camera and illumination, allowing for the insertion of the orogastric tube under direct visualization. The presence of a camera with illumination at the tip of the tube facilitates its location during laparoscopic procedures and allows for the inspection of gastric anastomoses, making it possible to assess the occurrence or absence of bleeding and the caliber of the anastomosis. The probe is similar to the standard "Fouchef" model, has a cable with a USB-C connector, and only requires a screen (smartphone or tablet) to be used. It differs from previously existing models by having a camera and being easily used with just a connection to a smartphone (or tablet). The tube is intended for use during surgical procedures.In surgeries involving anastomoses with the stomach, the use of this instrument facilitates tube insertion, especially in patients with anatomical abnormalities such as hiatal hernia or previous surgeries. It also assists in locating the probe within the digestive tract during laparoscopic procedures, allows for the identification of bleeding within the digestive tract (not perceptible during laparoscopy), and helps calibrate the diameter of anastomoses, potentially reducing the risk of fistulas and stenoses.

[0004] Known state of the art

[0005]

[0002] There are several models of feeding tubes for use in the digestive tract, with the Fouchet and Levine types being the most widely used. They are similar models, generally made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), tubular, with small openings at the tip and connectors for syringes or hoses at the proximal end. They vary in diameter and length, according to the need for use. They are inserted through the nose or oral cavity until they reach the stomach. They are often difficult to insert, either because they are flexible or due to anatomical alterations in the patient, such as hiatal hernias and previous surgical modifications. In these cases, the tube may not be able to pass through the esophagus, folding inside it. There is also a risk of esophageal perforation if excessive pressure is applied in this situation. They are commonly used to drain the stomach, relieving intragastric pressure and reducing the risk of vomiting.During bariatric surgery, probes are often used to calibrate the stomachs, serving as molds during stapling. Once inserted into the digestive tract, they can be difficult to locate, considering that in laparoscopic surgery the surgeon's sense of touch is impaired and their vision is external to the viscera. The use of the Optical Gastric Tube makes tube insertion easier, as insertion is performed under direct visualization. The camera light facilitates locating the end of the tube during surgical procedures, speeding up operating time and reducing the risk of probe stapling. Visualization of the mucosa during surgical procedures allows for the identification of potential bleeding points, enabling intraoperative correction and preventing serious postoperative consequences.Visualizing anastomoses from an intraluminal perspective allows for the assessment of anastomosis diameter and the correct apposition of mucosal edges, potentially reducing fistulas and stenoses.

[0006]

[0003] That said, there are also some alternatives that represent the current state of the art and that are described in patent documents. Some examples can be seen in the case of patent BRPI0515538A "GASTRIC TUBE PLACEMENT INDICATOR", which discloses a sensor system for precise positioning of gastric tubes. Although this device contributes to correct positioning, it does not include the integration of an embedded camera (4) for internal inspection, nor direct connectivity via USB-C (1).

[0007]

[0004] Another example can be seen in patent BR0311583A "OPTICAL DEVICE AND THIN TUBE", which describes an internal medical visualization system through a tube equipped with optical components. However, this document does not address a format adapted for gastric drainage, nor the possibility of transmitting images in real time directly to mobile devices.

[0008]

[0005] In patent BR112012013750A2 "OPTICAL SURGICAL PROBE", another alternative present in the state of the art is observed. This document presents a medical device for visual inspection equipped with an optical system. Despite functional similarities with the Optical Gastric Tube, it does not include LED lighting, nor does it specify a disposable model with prior sterilization.

[0009]

[0006] Another alternative can be seen in patent BRPI0515538A "ENDOSCOPIC VISUALIZATION SYSTEM", which details an optical device for internal diagnosis using medical tubes. Despite technical compatibility with the concept of the invention described, this system does not mention solutions for draining secretions during inspection, nor simplified connectivity with mobile screens.

[0010]

[0007] Furthermore, it is observed in patent BR0311583A "METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING AN OPTICAL SURGICAL PROBE", which details aspects of the production of optical medical devices. Although this document mentions visualization systems, it does not propose a compact model adapted for the digestive tract, nor the presence of a USB-C connector (1) for direct integration with smartphones or tablets.

[0011]

[0008] Another alternative can be seen in patent BR112012013750A2 "LIGHTING DEVICE FOR MEDICAL TUBES", which presents a lighting system embedded in tubes to improve internal visibility. Despite the lighting proposal, this document does not address a sterile and disposable flexible tube structure (3), nor the integration of a camera (4) for image capture.

[0012]

[0009] Finally, patent BR112012013750A2 "MULTIPOINT OPTICAL SURGICAL PROBE" also exemplifies the existing state of the art. This document discloses a multipoint optical capture system for internal inspection. However, it lacks a portable and accessible format, allowing its direct use on mobile device screens without the need for additional equipment.

[0013]

[0010] Given all the drawbacks of the systems and devices currently used, described above in the state of the art, a gap is evident in the creation of a disposable gastric visualization device that integrates a camera (4) with built-in LED lighting, an electronic module (2) connected to the flexible tube (3), and USB-C connectivity (1) for direct viewing on mobile devices. Furthermore, it allows adaptation for both conventional and minimally invasive procedures, ensuring practicality and efficiency in diagnoses.

[0014]

[0011] Thus, none of the analyzed prior art fully presents the innovative characteristics of the Optical Gastric Tube now revealed, justifying its inventive step and demonstrating its technical advantage.

[0015] Description of the attached drawings

[0016]

[0012] In order for the present utility model to be fully understood and put into practice by any technician in this technological sector, it will be described in a clear, concise and sufficient manner, based on the attached drawing, which illustrates and supports it, listed below:

[0017]

[0013] Figure 1 illustrates the model of the Optical Gastric Tube.

[0018] Detailed description of the invention

[0019]

[0014] Its parts are best described by the following reference numerals:

[0020] • Cable with USB-C type connector (1);

[0021] • Case with camera electronic board module (2);

[0022] • PVC pipe (3);

[0023] • Camera with LED (4);

[0024]

[0015] The Optical Gastric Tube now revealed is similar to a Fouchet probe, being composed of a flexible PVC tube (3), and can be manufactured with other types of materials and is available in various diameters and lengths. It has oval openings at the distal end of the tube (3) for drainage of secretions. At the proximal end, it has a USB-C connector (1) and an additional connector for a syringe or IV tubing, allowing for the instillation of fluids and the aspiration of secretions.

[0025]

[0016] The device has a camera (4) embedded in the distal end of the flexible tube (3). The camera (4) is waterproof and has integrated LED lighting, allowing for clear and precise viewing. The images captured by the camera (4) are transmitted via an electronic module (2) connected internally to the device.

[0026]

[0017] The electronic module (2) is located at the proximal end and is directly integrated into the USB-C connector (1), allowing quick and direct connection to a smartphone or tablet screen. In this way, there is no need for auxiliary systems for the Optical Gastric Tube to function.

[0027]

[0018] The flexible tube (3) is sterilized (with ethylene oxide, for example) before use and is disposable, ensuring safety and hygiene for medical procedures.

[0028]

[0019] The figures, shapes and compositions described here are illustrative and not exhaustive in nature, and other compositions may be used in the same concept in addition to those described.

[0029] Examples of implementations of the utility model

[0030]

[0020] The standard model of the Optical Gastric Tube now disclosed consists of a flexible PVC tube (3) 32fr or 11 mm, 80 cm long. The flexible tube (3) has two oval openings near the distal end for drainage of gastric secretions, ending in an oval tip. At the proximal end, there is a cap with a USB-C connector (1) and an additional connector for a syringe and aspiration hose. A 3.9 mm camera (4), equipped with LED illumination, with a focal length between 5 and 50 mm, is fixed inside the distal end of the flexible tube (3). The camera cable (4) runs the entire length of the flexible tube (3), exiting through the cap at the proximal end, where it connects to the electronic module (2), ending with the USB-C connector (1) for image transmission. The flexible tube (3) is sterilized with ethylene oxide before use and is disposable, ensuring safety and hygiene for medical procedures.

[0031]

[0021] The drawings and description provided do not limit the composition of other models not described in this text, nor the variation of materials used in their structure.

Claims

CLAIMS 1 - OPTICAL GASTRIC TUBE for use in surgical procedures, comprising a flexible tube (3) with an open distal end and connectors at the proximal end, characterized by having a camera (4) at the distal end, equipped with LED lighting, connected to the electronic module (2) by means of an internal cable, externalized at the proximal end through a USB-C connector (1). 2 - OPTICAL GASTRIC TUBE, according to claim 1, characterized by having a flexible tube (3) with a diameter of 32Fr or 11 mm and a length of 80 cm.