Deformable Tip Rectal Tonometer for Objective Neurological Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rectal tonometer devices lack sensitivity and accuracy in measuring rectal tone, relying on water-filled catheters and subjective methods, which are not precise enough for diagnosing conditions like Cauda Equina Syndrome, necessitating a more reliable and quantitative measurement tool.
Innovation Solution
A rectal tonometer device featuring a deformable tip with a pressure sensor and a circuit board that measures rectal tone by accepting pressure signals, providing real-time feedback and data logging for objective diagnosis, eliminating the need for water filling and associated tubing, and allowing for quantitative data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If water-filled catheters with multiple pressure ports are used, then rectal tone measurement is possible, but sensitivity and accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical water-filled catheter system with an air-filled single-lumen catheter system coupled to an electronic pressure transducer. This substitution enables electronic signal transmission and digital processing, dramatically improving measurement precision and reliability while eliminating the limitations of mechanical measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic pressure transducer as an intermediary between the air-filled catheter and the measurement system. This intermediary converts physical pressure into electrical signals that can be processed, stored, and analyzed digitally, thereby enhancing both accuracy and reliability of rectal tone measurements.
2Ease of operation
If Digital Rectal Examination is used, then anal tone assessment is possible, but the method is extremely subjective and lacks precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the subjective manual Digital Rectal Examination with an objective electronic measurement system. The air-filled catheter coupled to an electronic pressure transducer provides quantifiable pressure readings, eliminating examiner subjectivity while maintaining operational simplicity through straightforward catheter insertion and digital display of results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time electronic feedback by continuously monitoring and displaying rectal pressure measurements. This feedback mechanism provides objective, quantifiable data that replaces subjective clinical assessment, enabling precise measurement while maintaining ease of operation through immediate digital readout.
3Device complexity
If air-filled sensor is used, then device compactness and cost are improved, but sensitivity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an electronic pressure transducer that converts mechanical pressure into electrical signals with high sensitivity. This electronic sensing mechanism maintains detection sensitivity while simplifying the overall device structure by eliminating water-filled chambers, multiple pressure ports, and associated complex tubing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the electrical output parameters of the pressure transducer, which can be amplified and processed electronically. By changing from mechanical measurement parameters to electrical signal parameters, the system achieves high sensitivity with a compact, simple structure that is both cost-effective and highly responsive to rectal tone variations.
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 device offers efficient and accurate diagnosis of rectal tone, improving the detection of conditions affecting the anorectal region by providing precise, quantitative data, enhancing the reliability of screening techniques beyond traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor, partially disposed in the cavity and extending from the main body. Deforming the tip may actuate the pressure sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A rectal tonometer device for quantitatively detecting and measuring a rectal tone of a patient. The device includes a main body including a cavity within and a deformable tip, including a pressure sensor, partially disposed in the cavity and extending from the main body. Deforming the tip may actuate the pressure sensor. The rectal tonometer device further includes a circuit board disposed within the cavity, communicatively coupled to the deformable tip capable of accepting a pressure signal from the pressure sensor and measuring, based on the pressure signal, the rectal tone of the patient.