PEG Tube Support Device with Crescent Cradle
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Solution Overview
Problem
PEG tubes used in percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy procedures lack inherent support, leading to discomfort and pain due to movement, kinking, or catching on clothing, which existing devices fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A pillow-like, padded support device with a crescent-shaped extension and adjustable strap is worn near the incision site to securely hold and support the PEG tube, preventing movement and providing a protected space for excess tubing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a PEG tube is placed through the abdominal wall for nutrition delivery, then nutrition and fluids can be delivered directly to the stomach, but the tube lacks support and causes discomfort and pain due to movement and pulling at the incision site
Solution Approach 1:
A pillow-like support device acts as an intermediary between the PEG tube and the patient's body. The device includes a flat portion that rests against the patient's waist and a crescent-shaped padded portion that cradles the tube, preventing direct contact between the tube and sensitive incision area while maintaining tube stability
Solution Approach 2:
The padded pillow-like structure provides preemptive cushioning at the incision site. The padding material absorbs and distributes pressure before it can concentrate on the sensitive surgical area, preventing discomfort and pain before they occur during tube movement or positioning
2Ease of operation
If the PEG tube protrudes from the body to allow nutrition delivery, then feeding can occur, but the tube can move, kink, or catch on clothing causing pressure and pain at the incision site
Solution Approach 1:
The support device serves as a mediator that secures the tube in place. The crescent-shaped padded portion cradles the tube, preventing it from moving or kinking, while the flat portion anchored to the waist prevents the tube from catching on clothing or other objects
Solution Approach 2:
The padded structure provides protective cushioning that prevents harmful movements before they occur. The padding restricts the tube's range of motion in a controlled manner, preventing kinking and catching on clothing before these issues can cause pressure or pain at the incision site
3Reliability
If existing devices are used to support the PEG tube, then some support is provided, but they fail to prevent tube movement, kinking, or catching on clothing effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow-like support device creates an optimal intermediary structure between the tube and patient body. Unlike existing devices, this design combines a flat anchoring portion with a crescent-shaped padded cradle that specifically addresses tube movement, kinking, and catching issues through its unique geometry and padding
Data Source
AI summary
A PEG tube support and comfort system for providing support for a patient's PEG feeding tube and comfort for the patient. The PEG tube support and comfort system including a unique pillow-like, padded support device that is worn by the patient at or near the incision site. The support device including a flat portion that rests against the waist of the patient and a crescent-shaped, padded, pillow-like portion that extends outwardly from the flat portion and which provides a support or resting place for the PEG tube. The flat portion including a pouch or pocket which provides protected space for the patient to place and store the extra PEG tubing. The PEG tube and comfort system also including a strap that is wrapped around the waist area of the patient and which holds the support device in place against the waist of the patient.