PEG Feeding Device Elastic Bolster Anchoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy (PEG) devices face challenges in securely anchoring the feeding tube to the stomach and abdominal surface without causing tissue damage or leakage, and in adjusting to varying tissue thickness and anatomy.

Innovation Solution

A PEG feeding device with a tube bridging the stomach and abdominal surface, featuring internal and external bolsters that are elastically deflectable to accommodate tissue thickness variations, and a method for precise measurement and adjustment of the tube length to prevent tissue damage and ensure secure anchoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the tube is rigidly anchored to ensure secure positioning, then the anchoring strength is improved, but tissue damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring strengthVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The external bolster includes an elastically deflectable element that can flex and adapt to tissue contours, providing secure anchoring while distributing pressure to prevent tissue damage. The elastic element acts as a flexible interface between the rigid tube and soft tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The bolster element's elastic properties allow it to change its mechanical parameters (deflection, pressure distribution) in response to tissue thickness variations, maintaining secure anchoring without causing damage across different anatomical conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the bolster contacts the abdominal surface directly to prevent leakage, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but tissue damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastically deflectable bolster element creates a flexible seal against the abdominal surface that conforms to tissue contours, maintaining sealing effectiveness while reducing peak pressures that could cause tissue damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Device complexity

If the tube length is fixed to simplify device structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying tissue thickness is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structure simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to tissue thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The elastically deflectable bolster element changes its physical parameters (deflection, contact pressure) in response to varying tissue thickness, providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed-length tube options or complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The static tube structure is complemented by a dynamic, elastically deflectable bolster element that automatically adjusts to different anatomical conditions, combining structural simplicity with functional adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Strength

If the external bolster is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then the structural strength is improved, but ability to accommodate anatomical changes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidaccommodation of anatomical changes

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The external bolster incorporates an elastically deflectable element that provides the necessary flexibility to accommodate anatomical changes while maintaining sufficient structural integrity through the elastic material properties and geometric design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The bolster transitions from a purely rigid structure to a dynamic system with elastic deflection capability, allowing it to adapt to anatomical variations while maintaining structural strength through controlled elasticity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 device securely anchors the feeding tube without causing tissue damage, maintains fluid integrity, and adjusts to accommodate anatomical changes, ensuring effective and comfortable long-term use.

Implementation Method 1

an external bolster (110), sized to resist movement into the stoma and connected to the tube; wherein the external bolster includes at least one elastic element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11793544B2Measuring device

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 FIDMI MEDICAL LTD

AI summary

In some embodiments a PEG feeding device includes a tube sized to bridge a channel between a stomach and an outer abdominal surface; an internal bolster, and an external bolster. Optionally the bolsters are connected to the tube. The internal bolster may be sized to resist movement out of the stomach through the stoma. The external bolster may be sized to resist movement into the stoma from the outer abdominal surface. The external bolster may include an underside which extends from the tube in a radial direction between the external bolster and the outer abdominal surface. The underside of the outer bolster may contact the outer abdominal surface at a distance from an external opening of the stoma. Optionally the distance between the internal bolster and the external bolster is adjustable. Optionally an angle between one or both of the bolsters and the tube is adjustable.