PEG Tube Coupling Structure for Secure Pull Wire Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gastrostomy feeding tubes used in the 'pull' method face issues such as the need for a substantial attachment loop, risk of detachment during insertion, and tissue irritation due to the knot between the insertion wire and the feeding tube.

Innovation Solution

A gastrostomy feeding tube with a coupling structure for secure attachment to a pull wire without tying, eliminating the need for a loop affixed to the dilator and reducing the risk of detachment, featuring a guiding structure to align the pull wire with the distal end and minimize tissue irritation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a loop of wire is affixed to the distal end of the dilator for attachment to the insertion wire, then the feeding tube can be secured to the insertion wire, but the attachment loop may become detached during the pull method insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidattachment structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling structure is divided into separate functional components: a coupling element on the dilator and a corresponding engagement feature on the insertion wire. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide secure attachment without requiring a complex loop structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling structure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the dilator and insertion wire, providing a reliable connection point that distributes forces evenly and prevents detachment during the pulling process, eliminating the need for a wire loop.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the insertion wire is tied to the feeding tube attachment loop with a knot, then the feeding tube can be securely attached, but the knot may become untied or snag on tissue during insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidtissue irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful knot-tying step is completely removed from the attachment process. The coupling structure provides a pre-formed mechanical connection that eliminates the need for tying, thereby removing the source of tissue irritation while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual knot-tying mechanical system is replaced with a passive mechanical coupling structure that automatically engages and secures the insertion wire to the dilator through geometric interlocking, eliminating the need for tying actions that cause tissue irritation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If a substantial attachment loop is used to secure the feeding tube to the insertion wire, then the attachment can withstand pulling forces, but a larger dilator is required than would otherwise be desired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoiddilator size

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism transitions from a two-dimensional wire loop to a three-dimensional coupling structure with multiple engagement surfaces and geometric interlocking features. This dimensional change allows the attachment to withstand pulling forces in multiple directions without requiring increased dilator size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling structure combines multiple materials with complementary properties: a rigid component for structural strength, a flexible component for engagement, and potentially a friction-enhancing material. This composite approach provides high attachment strength without increasing the overall dilator dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of operation

If the insertion wire is pulled through the mouth, esophagus and stomach to advance the feeding tube, then the feeding tube can be positioned in the stomach, but the knot between the wire and tube irritates the tissue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement procedureVSAvoidtissue irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful knot is completely removed from the system. The coupling structure provides a smooth, continuous surface along the insertion path that eliminates points of irritation, allowing the feeding tube to be pulled through the gastrointestinal tract without tissue irritation from knots or loops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS8968248B2PEG tube with wireless pull tip

Publication Date: 2015.03.03 COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A feeding tube and method for introducing a feeding tube within the gastrointestinal tract of a patient, whereby the feeding tube is introduced by using a variation of the Ponsky “pull” method of feeding tube placement. The feeding tube comprises an elongate shaft having a distal end and proximal end. The feeding tube also comprises a coupling structure for coupling the feeding tube to a pull wire, the coupling structure be proximal of the distal end of the feeding tube shaft. The feeding tube further comprises a guiding structure for aligning the pull wire with the distal end of the shaft. The feeding tube is introduced within the patient by attaching the previously placed pull wire to the coupling and guiding structures of the feeding tube, and then pulling the pull wire so as to pull the feeding tube into and through the gastrointestinal tract of the patient.