Camera Nasogastric Tube for Real-Time Esophageal Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic endoscopic procedures for esophageal disorders such as GERD and food impaction lack efficient tools for easy identification and diagnosis, requiring invasive methods and specialized equipment like endoscopes, which are time-consuming and not widely accessible.
Innovation Solution
A smart nasogastric and/or oral gastric apparatus or tube equipped with a camera, light source, suction port, and wireless transceiver, allowing for real-time high-definition video transmission to a computing device for direct visualization and diagnosis by healthcare professionals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a standard endoscope is used for diagnostic procedures, then high-resolution visualization is achieved, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and requires specialized equipment and trained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera integrated into the nasogastric tube to capture images that are then transmitted to a remote device for analysis. This copying approach allows the complex endoscopic visualization function to be replicated through a simpler device that can be used in non-specialized settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless transmission system as an intermediary between the camera in the nasogastric tube and the diagnostic analysis device. This mediator enables the transfer of visual data without requiring direct connection to complex endoscopic equipment or specialized personnel present at the patient's side.
2Reliability
If an endoscope is used for esophageal disorder diagnosis, then definitive diagnosis is obtained, but the procedure is invasive and not accessible in non-specialized settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single nasogastric tube device, including camera capabilities, wireless transmission, and imaging. This multi-functional design allows the device to perform diagnostic functions previously requiring separate specialized equipment, making it universally applicable in various healthcare settings from emergency departments to primary care offices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical endoscope system with an integrated camera-based approach within the nasogastric tube. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical endoscopic equipment and specialized operational procedures, allowing healthcare providers in non-specialized settings to perform esophageal disorder diagnosis using standard nasogastric tube placement skills.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional nasogastric tube is used, then basic gastric function is provided, but no diagnostic capabilities are available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the diagnostic camera system with the therapeutic nasogastric tube into a single integrated device. This combination allows the tube to simultaneously provide basic gastric functions (suction, feeding, lavage) while capturing visual data for diagnostic purposes, eliminating the need for separate diagnostic and therapeutic devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds the camera and electronic components within the structure of the nasogastric tube itself. The camera is positioned at the distal end of the tube, nested within the tube's architecture, allowing the diagnostic capability to be contained within the familiar and easily manageable nasogastric tube form factor.
Data Source
AI summary
The system includes a smart nasogastric and/or oral gastric tube and a computing device. A distal end of the smart nasogastric and/or oral gastric tube is received by an internal area of a patient and includes a tip, a non-heating light source, and a camera. The tip includes a plurality of side holes or slots used for suctioning and an offset diagonal funneled slot proximate the camera used to pass a sponge brush under direct visualization. The camera is configured to capture a high definition and color video of the internal area of the patient and transmit the video to an application of a computing device. The smart nasogastric and/or oral gastric tube also includes a central tube for suctioning, feeding, or lavage with a proximal port.