Expandable Esophageal Cuff for Reflux Blocking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing acid reflux and physiological abnormalities using nasogastric/orogastric devices are limited in accuracy and can interfere with the gastric valve and lower esophageal sphincter, and existing devices do not effectively block emesis and reflux during involuntary reflex cough tests.
Innovation Solution
A nasogastric/orogastric device with an expandable esophageal cuff that conforms to the esophageal interior, equipped with a vacuum lumen to contract and expand against the esophageal wall, and pressure sensors to measure intra-abdominal pressure, along with an electromyogram pad to assess involuntary cough-activated paraspinal muscles, providing a system for diagnosing physiological abnormalities while protecting the airway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an expandable esophageal cuff is used to block emesis and reflux, then the airway protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The esophageal cuff transitions from a deflated state during insertion to an inflated state for blocking emesis and reflux. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt its function: when deflated, it passes through the esophagus easily; when inflated, it creates an effective barrier against gastric contents, resolving the contradiction between airway protection and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The esophageal cuff is nested within the nasogastric/orogastric device body, allowing it to be compact during insertion and then deployed when needed. This nesting approach enables the blocking function to be integrated into the existing device structure without significantly increasing overall complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a nasogastric/orogastric device is inserted to diagnose acid reflux, then the diagnostic capability is improved, but the interference with gastric valve and lower esophageal sphincter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The esophageal cuff is extracted as a separate, deployable component from the main device body, positioned specifically in the esophagus rather than requiring the entire device to be in place for blocking function. This allows the diagnostic measurements to be taken without the bulk of the device interfering with the gastric valve and lower esophageal sphincter, while still providing protection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking function is localized to the esophageal cuff rather than requiring the entire nasogastric/orogastric device to create obstruction. The cuff is positioned specifically where needed in the esophagus to block emesis and reflux, while the rest of the device remains minimally invasive for accurate diagnostic measurements.
3Device complexity
If existing devices are used without expandable cuff, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to block emesis and reflux during involuntary reflex cough tests is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The esophageal cuff provides dynamic blocking capability that activates only when needed during involuntary reflex cough tests. By inflating the cuff during these critical events, the device achieves reliable emesis and reflux blocking without requiring complex structures to be permanently in place, thus maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
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 effectively blocks emesis and reflux, providing accurate diagnosis of physiological abnormalities by correlating electromyogram and pressure sensor data with the involuntary reflex cough event, enhancing the accuracy and safety of the diagnostic process.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum lumen is carried by the device body and connected to the expandable esophageal cuff. When vacuum is applied, the esophageal cuff is contracted against the device body to permit the device to be inserted and placed within the esophagus.
Implementation Method 2
An expandable esophageal cuff is carried by the device body mid-esophagus and configured in a normally expanded position such that when inserted within the esophagus, the esophageal cuff conforms to the interior surface of the esophagus and emesis and/or reflux is blocked from passing out of the stomach and past the esophageal cuff.
Data Source
AI summary
A nasogastric/orogastric (Ng/Og) device includes a main lumen configured for at least one of gastric decompression, enteral feeding and enteral medication administration. An expandable esophageal cuff is carried by the device body and configured in a normally expanded position such that when inserted within the esophagus, the esophageal cuff conforms to the interior surface of the esophagus and emesis and/or reflux is blocked from passing out of the stomach and past the esophageal cuff. A vacuum lumen is carried by the device body and connected to the expandable esophageal cuff. When vacuum is applied, the esophageal cuff is contracted against the device body to permit the device to be inserted and placed within the esophagus. When the vacuum is released, the esophageal cuff expands against the interior surface of the esophagus.