Inflatable Retention Cuff for Rectal Waste Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current waste management systems for patients with incontinent diarrhea or similar conditions fail to effectively contain fecal matter, leading to infection risks, skin breakdown, and cross-contamination, and often require complex and uncomfortable setups.
Innovation Solution
A waste management system comprising a waste transport device with a retention cuff and a waste collection device, where the transport device includes a distal section with an inflatable retention cuff and a proximal section with a flush lumen, facilitating the containment and collection of fecal matter while providing comfort and reducing infection risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a waste management system uses a simple collection device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system fails to effectively contain fecal matter leading to infection risks and skin breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The waste management system is divided into multiple functional segments: an anal section for insertion, a rectal section with collection member and retention cuff for containment, and a proximal section for connection. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function effectively, resolving the contradiction by creating a reliable containment system without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention cuff acts as an intermediary element between the collection member and the patient's rectum, providing a sealing function that enhances containment effectiveness. This intermediary component ensures reliable fecal matter containment while maintaining a manageable device structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the waste transport device uses a rigid structure for stability, then the stability is improved, but the patient comfort deteriorates due to discomfort and potential tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes parameter changes in the form of an inflatable retention cuff that can be inflated to provide stability and secure positioning. This allows the device to transition from a flexible insertion state to a stable operational state, resolving the contradiction between stability and comfort by applying structural support only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The waste transport device incorporates dynamic elements including the inflatable retention cuff that can be adjusted during use, and a tapered geometry that transitions from a narrower distal end for comfortable insertion to a wider proximal end for stability. This dynamic design allows the device to adapt to different operational requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the waste transport device is made with a larger cross-sectional area for comfort, then the patient comfort is improved, but the difficulty of insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waste transport device employs asymmetric geometry with a tapered configuration where the distal end has a smaller cross-sectional area for easy insertion, while the proximal end has a larger cross-sectional area for comfort and stability. This asymmetric design resolves the contradiction by providing different dimensional characteristics at different locations of the same device.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic geometry through its tapered structure and inflatable retention cuff, allowing it to transition from a compact insertion profile to a expanded operational profile. This dynamic characteristic enables easy insertion followed by comfortable stabilization during use.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the retention cuff is inflated to maintain device position, then the device stability is improved, but the patient discomfort increases due to pressure on rectal walls
Solution Approach 1:
The retention cuff utilizes controlled parameter changes in inflation pressure to achieve stable device positioning. By adjusting the inflation parameter, the system can provide sufficient stability while minimizing excessive pressure on rectal walls, resolving the contradiction between positioning stability and patient comfort.
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 system effectively contains fecal matter, reduces infection risks, and enhances patient comfort by using an inflatable retention cuff to maintain the transport device in place and a flush lumen for easy cleaning, thereby minimizing skin breakdown and cross-contamination.
Implementation Method 1
the distal section including an inflatable retention cuff
Implementation Method 2
the retention cuff when inflated occludes the rectum
Data Source
AI summary
A waste management system and method of use. The waste management system includes a waste transport device and a waste collection device. The waste transport device includes a generally tubular body, a distal end section configured for disposition and maintenance in a patient's rectum, and a proximal end section including a first connector biased in a sealed position. The waste collection device includes a second connector. The first connector is transitioned to an unsealed position when the first connector is secured to the second connector.