Finger-Mountable Anorectal Manometry Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic tools for anorectal disorders, such as dyssynergic defecation and fecal incontinence, are costly, inaccessible, and require specialized infrastructure, leading to delayed and ineffective treatments, resulting in increased healthcare costs and patient suffering.
Innovation Solution
A finger-mountable sensor device equipped with pressure and biopotential sensors that measure anal sphincter and rectal muscle activity, coupled with a processing system to provide quantitative data for diagnosing anorectal disorders, allowing for accurate and cost-effective assessment by primary care physicians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If catheter-based anorectal manometry systems are used to diagnose dyssynergic defecation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from the complex catheter-based system and implements it using a simple finger-mounted sensor device. The finger-mounted device measures anal sphincter pressure directly without requiring catheter insertion, thereby maintaining measurement precision while eliminating the complexity of catheter-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the catheter-based measurement system by using a finger-mounted sensor that replicates the pressure measurement function. This copy provides the same diagnostic capability through a much simpler interface that patients can insert easily without specialized infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If catheter-based anorectal manometry systems are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to specialized infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for specialized catheter-based infrastructure and replaces it with a simple finger-mounted device that can be operated by primary care physicians. This extraction of the essential measurement function from the complex system makes the device easily operable in ordinary clinical settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The finger-mounted device is designed to be easily inserted and operated by the patient themselves under the guidance of a primary care physician, eliminating the need for specialized operators or complex setup procedures required by catheter-based systems.
3Measurement precision
If catheter-based anorectal manometry systems are deployed, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases due to limited availability and referral requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal diagnostic tool that can be used by primary care physicians for diagnosing dyssynergic defecation, eliminating the need for referrals to specialized centers. This multi-functional device serves both as a screening and diagnostic tool in ordinary clinical practice, significantly reducing diagnosis time.
Solution Approach 2:
The finger-mounted device enables primary care physicians to perform preliminary and definitive diagnosis of dyssynergic defecation at the point of care, eliminating the time loss associated with referrals and waiting for specialized testing appointments.
4Measurement precision
If catheter-based anorectal manometry systems are used, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases making the system inaccessible to many patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a inexpensive finger-mounted sensor device that can be manufactured at low cost using standard electronic components. The device uses simple pressure sensors, microcontrollers, and display elements that are far cheaper than catheter-based systems, making it accessible to patients and healthcare systems with limited resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential measurement capability from the expensive catheter-based system and implements it using inexpensive components. By removing the need for complex catheters, specialized infrastructure, and expensive processing equipment, the device achieves comparable measurement precision at a fraction of the cost.
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
Enables non-invasive, accurate, and cost-effective diagnosis of anorectal disorders, reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes by providing primary care physicians with the necessary tools for early intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The device includes one or more pressure sensors configured to measure pressure in a patient's anus and/or rectum
Implementation Method 2
The device includes one or more biopotential sensors configured to measure biopotential in a patient's anus and/or rectum
Data Source
AI summary
A probe system includes a finger-mountable housing having a distal end and a proximal receptacle end. The proximal receptacle end defines an opening to receive a finger. The probe system also includes a probe assembly disposed on or within the finger-mountable housing and having at least a first sensor. The first sensor is positioned to measure a physical characteristic of a first tissue when the finger-mountable housing and probe assembly are inserted in a rectum of the patient.