Colonoscopy Pressure Monitoring Apparatus for Distention Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subjective determination of colon distention during virtual colonoscopy procedures can lead to false readings and patient intolerance, resulting in image artifacts and incorrect diagnoses due to improper colonic distention and bowel contractions.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that includes a processor communicating with a gas pressure transducer and flow meter to objectively determine colonic pressure and gas volume, signaling when the pressure and volume are within predetermined ranges to validate the scan and ensure proper colonic distention, thereby improving the accuracy of medical procedures like virtual colonoscopy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If subjective determination of colon distention is used during VC procedure, then the procedure is simpler to operate, but false readings are obtained and diagnostic accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the subjective mechanical assessment method with an electronic sensor-based measurement system. Pressure sensors and flow meters objectively measure colonic pressure and gas volume, substituting the technologist's subjective judgment with precise electronic measurements, thereby resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to the technologist through displayed pressure and volume readings, allowing continuous monitoring and adjustment of insufflation parameters. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate distention assessment while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive visual guidance.
2Reliability
If colon is insufflated with gas to achieve distention, then polyps and cancers can be identified, but patient intolerance leads to motion during scan producing image artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors colonic pressure and provides real-time feedback to adjust insufflation parameters, maintaining optimal distention while preventing excessive pressure that causes patient discomfort and motion. This closed-loop control ensures diagnostic quality images without harmful side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts gas flow rate and pressure based on real-time sensor readings and patient response, rather than using fixed insufflation parameters. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal distention while responding to changing patient conditions, reducing motion artifacts.
3Productivity
If colon is not properly distended throughout CT or MRI scan, then the procedure is faster and less uncomfortable, but misleading images are produced and diagnostic accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of distention status using pressure and volume measurements before initiating the scan. This preliminary check ensures optimal conditions are established in advance, preventing the need for repeat scans and maintaining both efficiency and diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time feedback during the scan allows the technologist to make immediate adjustments to maintain proper distention, ensuring diagnostic quality images without requiring excessive scan time or repeated procedures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus ensures accurate colonic distention and patient comfort by objectively monitoring and maintaining optimal colonic pressure and gas volume, reducing the need for repeat scans and minimizing radiation exposure, thus enhancing diagnostic accuracy and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
a gas pressure transducer for detecting a parameter of gas pressure within the patient's colon
Implementation Method 2
a flow meter for measuring a flow rate of gas being instilled into the patient's colon
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method are provided for use in studying a patient's bowel which combines recording and analysis of physiologic parameters. A gas pressure transducer, a processor and a signaling unit are provided. A flow meter may also be provided. Output data may be generated to reflect bowel pressure, and volume of gas delivered to the patient's bowel. An indication of gas pressure in the bowel is processed by the processor to determine if the pressure level is within threshold limits, which may be used to validate a scan of a patient or may be used to operate a pressure releaase valve.