Ostomy Bag Sensor for Fill Level Detection and Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stoma patients face challenges with unexpected bag overfilling, breakage, and dehydration due to the liquid nature of ileostomy effluent, which affects their quality of life and ability to function in social environments, and there is a need for a device that can prevent these issues while accurately recording and sharing volume data to predict dehydration.
Innovation Solution
A comprehensive care management system that includes a sensor device attached to the ostomy bag to measure effluent parameters, a data processor to communicate this data to a mobile application, and a wireless platform that maintains a patient database to analyze the data and provide reminders and advice on needed actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a collection bag is used to collect effluent from stoma patients, then waste matter can be contained and managed, but the bag can overfill and break/leak due to fluid pressure, especially with ileostomy patients
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device monitors effluent volume in real-time and provides advance warning to the patient before the bag reaches dangerous fill levels. This preliminary detection and warning system allows patients to empty or replace the bag before overfilling and breakage occur, preventing the harmful effect while maintaining the containment function.
2Ease of operation
If the bag is made flexible to accommodate body movements, then patient comfort and mobility are improved, but leaks occur at the attachment region when the bag becomes fuller
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device provides continuous feedback on effluent volume and bag fill level to the patient via wireless communication. This feedback loop enables patients to monitor their bag status and take appropriate action before leaks occur, maintaining both the flexibility needed for mobility and the seal integrity needed for reliability.
3Device complexity
If no monitoring device is used, then the system remains simple and inexpensive, but patients cannot accurately track fluid levels and are at risk of dehydration
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is attached to the collection bag itself and autonomously monitors effluent volume, eliminating the need for manual measurement by the patient. The device serves itself by providing accurate measurements and communicating them wirelessly, achieving precise fluid tracking without requiring complex user intervention or complicated system operations.
4Device complexity
If manual monitoring of bag fill level is used, then the device complexity is low, but patients cannot receive timely warnings and may experience nighttime overfilling
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical monitoring of bag fill level by the patient is replaced with an electronic sensor device that automatically detects effluent volume and wirelessly transmits data to a mobile device. This substitution enables continuous, real-time monitoring without adding significant complexity, providing timely warnings that prevent nighttime overfilling and accidents.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for providing comprehensive care for stoma patients. According to one embodiment, a system for providing comprehensive care for a stoma patient includes: a sensor device for detecting a fill level of an ostomy bag fitted over and around a stoma, wherein the sensor device is configured to sense one or more parameters of an effluent received in the bag; communicating the measurements to a stoma care management software application for formatting and visualization on a patient mobile device; and transferring the formatted data to an interactive wireless stoma care management platform, wherein the platform is configured to maintain a patient related database and to periodically advise the patient of needed actions as well as to provide reminders, advice and coaching.