Nasogastric Probe Pressure Sensor Esophageal Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nasogastric probes lack precise pressure detection within the esophagus, leading to potential barotrauma risks and difficulties in verifying correct insertion, relying on unreliable methods that expose patients to radiation.

Innovation Solution

A nasogastric probe equipped with a pressure sensor placed along the tubular element, external to the main channel, converting pressure signals into electrical signals for continuous monitoring, allowing for real-time pressure regulation and correct insertion verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an inflatable balloon is used for pressure detection, then the probe can detect esophageal pressure, but the detection precision is insufficient due to balloon deformation and contact requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure detection precisionVSAvoiddetection mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical inflatable balloon system with an electronic pressure sensor. The pressure sensor directly converts pressure into electrical signals without requiring mechanical deformation or inflation, thereby eliminating the precision issues caused by balloon deformation while simplifying the overall detection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the detection parameter from mechanical deformation (balloon expansion) to direct electrical signal conversion (pressure to voltage). This parameter change enables more precise and linear pressure measurement without the nonlinearities introduced by elastic material deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional verification methods like X-ray are used, then correct probe insertion can be verified, but the patient is exposed to radiation risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion verification reliabilityVSAvoidradiation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces radiographic verification with electronic sensor-based verification. The pressure sensor provides continuous real-time pressure data that can confirm proper gastric placement without requiring ionizing radiation, thereby eliminating the harmful radiation effect while maintaining verification reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The probe performs self-verification through its own pressure sensor, which continuously monitors esophageal and gastric pressure differences. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external verification methods like X-ray, allowing the device to confirm its own correct placement autonomously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If continuous pressure monitoring is implemented, then barotrauma can be prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebarotrauma prevention capabilityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical monitoring systems with a simple electronic pressure sensor that continuously converts pressure into electrical signals. This electronic approach enables continuous monitoring with minimal mechanical components, thereby preventing barotrauma while keeping the added complexity low.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure sensor enables continuous uninterrupted pressure monitoring throughout the ventilation process. This continuous action allows real-time detection of barotrauma risks and immediate adjustment of ventilation parameters, providing ongoing protection without requiring intermittent complex mechanical assessments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 effective detection of esophageal pressure and prevention of barotrauma, facilitating prompt correction of ventilation and ensuring accurate probe placement without radiation exposure.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure sensor (9) associated with the tubular element (2) and placed between the feeding mouth (3) and the delivery mouths (5), said pressure sensor (9) being arranged externally to the main channel (7) and converting pressure signals into electrical signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure to electrical signal conversion: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3852620B1Nasogastric probe

Publication Date: 2023.10.25 EUROSETAB

Figure 1~3
Figure 4

AI summary

The nasogastric probe (1), comprises: at least one substantially flexible tubular element (2) of elongated shape, provided with at least one main channel (7) communicating with at least one feeding mouth (3) of nutritive substances or the like, which is arranged at a first end stretch (4) of the tubular element itself, and with at least one delivery mouth (5) of nutritive substances or the like, which is arranged at a second end stretch (6) opposed to the first end stretch (4) and intended to be inserted into the patient's stomach passing through the esophagus; and it comprises pressure detecting means (8) inside the esophagus comprising at least one pressure sensor (9) associated with the tubular element (2) and interposed between the feeding mouth (3) and the delivery mouth (5).