Analyte Measurement for Objective Stomach Fullness Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining stomach fullness prior to medical procedures are subjective and unreliable, posing risks such as acid aspiration syndrome due to inaccurate patient reporting, especially when patients cannot communicate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the collection of a specimen, such as a saliva or blood sample, to measure analytes produced by digestive or metabolic processes, which correlates to a fullness level of the stomach, providing objective and rapid assessment of gastric contents to ensure anesthesia safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If subjective patient reporting is used to determine stomach fullness, then the method is simple and non-invasive, but the accuracy and reliability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual method of subjective patient reporting with a biochemical detection system. Analyte measurement in biological specimens (saliva, blood, breath) substitutes for patient self-reporting, providing objective quantifiable data about stomach fullness through chemical markers rather than subjective verbal accounts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces biological specimens (saliva, blood, breath) as intermediaries to indirectly measure stomach fullness. Instead of directly observing stomach contents or relying on patient reports, the system uses analytes present in these specimens as mediators that correlate with gastric volume, enabling indirect but objective measurement.
2Device complexity
If patient questioning is used to assess stomach fullness, then no additional equipment is needed, but the information obtained is unreliable when patients cannot communicate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the patient's own biological system to provide the assessment information automatically. The body produces and excretes analytes in saliva, blood, and breath that naturally reflect stomach fullness, eliminating the need for patient communication or external questioning. The biological system serves itself as the information source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the communication-based mechanical system (patient questioning and reporting) with a biochemical detection system. Instrumental measurement of analytes in biological specimens substitutes for verbal communication, providing reliable data even when patients are unconscious, sedated, or unable to speak.
3Measurement precision
If objective analyte measurement is implemented, then assessment accuracy improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional analytical system that can measure multiple different analytes (caloric content, protein, fat, carbohydrate markers) using the same basic platform. This universal approach allows the system to assess various aspects of stomach contents through a single integrated device rather than requiring separate specialized equipment for each measurement type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses readily accessible biological specimens (saliva, breath, blood) as intermediaries that can be obtained without invasive procedures. These specimens serve as convenient mediators between the stomach contents and the analytical instrument, simplifying the overall system complexity by using non-invasive or minimally invasive sample collection methods.
4Productivity
If rapid analyte measurement is performed, then the assessment time is reduced, but the measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary preparation of biological specimens (collection, stabilization, pre-processing) before the actual analyte measurement. By preparing samples in advance and establishing proper collection protocols, the system ensures that rapid measurement can be performed on pre-prepared specimens without compromising accuracy, separating the time-consuming preparation phase from the quick measurement phase.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining a fullness level of an organism's stomach comprises obtaining a specimen from the organism, measuring an amount of one or more analytes in the specimen, and determining the fullness level of the organism's stomach based on the measurement of the amount of the one or more analytes.