Fecal Impaction Removal Tool With Flexible Grappling Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing fecal impactions are inefficient and cause patient discomfort due to the lack of mechanical advantage and effective engagement with the fecal mass, relying on manual finger manipulation which is often ineffective and painful.
Innovation Solution
A fecal impaction removal tool with a shaft and dilators, featuring flexible, arcuately configured grappling elements that compress and expand to engage the fecal mass, allowing for effective loosening and fragmentation, and a lumen for enema fluid delivery to facilitate removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual finger manipulation is used to remove fecal impaction, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the effectiveness is poor and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized tool as an intermediary device between the practitioner's finger and the fecal mass. This tool includes a shaft with flexible grappling elements that can engage the fecal impaction, providing mechanical advantage and effective engagement without requiring complex equipment or multiple procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The grappling elements of the tool are designed to be flexible and dynamic, allowing them to adapt to the shape and position of the fecal mass. The elements can flex during insertion and then engage the impaction, providing both ease of insertion and effective engagement in a single device.
2Device complexity
If repeated manual interventions are performed to remove fecal impaction, then the procedure can be attempted with minimal equipment, but the time required increases and patient discomfort worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The tool enables continuous effective action by maintaining engagement with the fecal mass during the removal process. The grappling elements remain engaged with the impaction as the shaft is withdrawn, allowing for continuous mechanical advantage rather than repeated intermittent manual attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool extracts the problematic fecal mass from the rectum in a single coordinated motion. The grappling elements secure the impaction and the shaft withdrawal pulls the mass outward continuously, eliminating the need for repeated insertion and manipulation cycles.
3Ease of operation
If the practitioner curls the finger to improve connection with the fecal mass, then engagement may be improved, but bowel distention increases and pain worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The tool serves as an intermediary that provides the necessary engagement with the fecal mass without requiring the practitioner to curl their finger. The grappling elements are specifically designed to hook onto and engage the impaction, providing effective connection while maintaining a straight shaft configuration that minimizes bowel distention.
4Device complexity
If a single gloved finger is used for manual manipulation, then the equipment is simple, but mechanical advantage is insufficient to relieve the impaction
Solution Approach 1:
The tool provides dynamic mechanical advantage through its flexible grappling elements that can flex during insertion and then engage the fecal mass. The elements are designed to bend and conform to the impaction shape, then provide secure engagement that allows the practitioner to apply effective force for removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The grappling elements are curved to match the expected shape of the fecal mass, allowing for optimal engagement. The arcuate configuration of the elements enables them to hook onto and grasp the impaction effectively, providing the necessary mechanical advantage for removal.
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 tool enables safe, rapid, and effective removal of fecal impactions with minimal patient discomfort by providing mechanical advantage and efficient engagement of the fecal mass, allowing for quick loosening and fragmentation.
Implementation Method 1
reliance then being placed on hydrodynamic dissolution of the impaction
Implementation Method 2
The elements are preferably formed of a resinous material having a lower durometer relative to that of the resinous material forming the shaft, the dilator and remaining portions of the tool
Data Source
AI summary
A manually manipulatable tool for removing a fecal impaction, the tool is adapted for insertion into a patient's rectum to engage and penetrate the impaction. The tool is fitted with flexible, arcuately configured elements collapsible at least partially during insertion into the rectum and penetration of the fecal impaction, withdrawal of the tool deploying the elements to exert traction on the impaction thus facilitating withdrawal of at least portions of the impaction. A body member of the tool is preferably elongated and can optionally be provided with a longitudinally extending lumen for introduction of an enema solution concurrently with or independently of impaction removal.