Gastric Residual Volume Sensor Using Indicator Substance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring gastric residual volume (GRV) are burdensome for nursing staff, risk increasing pulmonary aspiration, and lack standardization, leading to errors in measurement.
Innovation Solution
A GRV measuring device with a GRV indicator that changes a physical characteristic within the stomach contents, allowing for measurable determination of GRV, and automatic or semi-automatic control of feeding rates to prevent complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual aspiration method is used to measure GRV, then measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but the process is burdensome on nursing staff and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical aspiration with an automated electronic system that uses a pump to deliver feeding and a sensor to detect GRV. The controller automatically calculates residual volume based on delivered volume and sensor feedback, eliminating the need for manual syringe aspiration and significantly reducing nursing staff burden while improving measurement efficiency.
2Reliability
If manual aspiration is performed frequently to monitor GRV, then patient safety can be monitored, but the risk of pulmonary aspiration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated electronic monitoring system replaces repeated manual aspiration interventions with continuous or periodic non-invasive sensor-based monitoring. This reduces mechanical manipulation of the feeding tube and gastric contents, thereby lowering the risk of pulmonary aspiration while maintaining reliable safety monitoring through electronic detection of residual volume levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback where the sensor continuously monitors gastric contents and provides real-time data to the controller. The controller compares actual GRV against safe thresholds and automatically adjusts feeding delivery, enabling continuous safety monitoring without requiring repeated manual interventions that could cause aspiration.
3Measurement precision
If standardized measurement protocol is implemented, then measurement accuracy improves, but the complexity of the measurement system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single standardized electronic system: the feeding pump delivers controlled volumes, the sensor detects gastric contents, and the controller performs both delivery tracking and GRV calculation. This multi-functional integration achieves standardized, accurate measurements while consolidating complexity into one unified device rather than requiring separate manual tools and protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic system replaces variable manual measurement techniques with a standardized automated protocol. The controller consistently applies the same calculation method (delivered volume minus sensor-detected volume) for every measurement, ensuring measurement precision while the electronic standardization reduces operational complexity compared to training staff on multiple manual techniques.
4Adaptability or versatility
If automated feeding control is implemented based on GRV, then patient nutrition management improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements closed-loop feedback control where the sensor continuously monitors gastric contents and the controller automatically adjusts feeding rate based on real-time GRV levels. When GRV exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller automatically reduces or pauses feeding delivery, providing adaptive nutrition management that responds to patient needs without requiring complex external monitoring equipment or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the feeding delivery system and GRV monitoring system into one integrated device. The same controller that manages feeding pump operation also processes sensor data and executes automatic feeding adjustments, merging multiple functions into a single unified system that improves adaptability while minimizing the complexity of having separate independent systems.
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
Reduces the burden on nursing staff, minimizes the risk of pulmonary aspiration, and provides standardized, accurate GRV measurements, enabling safer and more efficient patient feeding.
Implementation Method 1
changes a physical (chemical, electrical, thermal, mechanical, optical, etc.) characteristic within the stomach contents by a measureable degree
Implementation Method 2
changes a physical (chemical, electrical, thermal, mechanical, optical, etc.) characteristic within the stomach contents by a measureable degree
Implementation Method 3
changes a physical (chemical, electrical, thermal, mechanical, optical, etc.) characteristic within the stomach contents by a measureable degree
Implementation Method 4
changes a physical (chemical, electrical, thermal, mechanical, optical, etc.) characteristic within the stomach contents by a measureable degree
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods to measure gastric residual volume (GRV) are described where at least one additive component (a GRV indicator) may be dispersed in a body lumen such as a stomach. The GRV indicator may changes a physical (chemical, electrical, thermal, mechanical, optical, etc.) characteristic within the stomach by a measureable degree. This degree of change and/or the rate of return to the previous state, may be used to determine the GRV of a patient. The determined GRV can also be used to automatically or semi-automatically control the patient's feeding rate and/or volume and/or frequency to adequately nourish the patient but avoid complications. The physical characteristic(s) may also be used to detect that the feeding catheter or tube is in the correct location (ie stomach vs lung or esophagus.