Pneumatic Manometry Apparatus for Objective Pressure Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manometric measurement systems for anorectal examinations are not comparable due to their dependence on specific probe types, calibration methods, and examination conditions, leading to results that are not objective or scientifically usable.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic manometric apparatus with a pressure transducer and processing unit that sets and processes reference parameters to provide objective, comparable pressure measurements independent of the probe and examination conditions, using a polynomial formula to linearize non-linear pressure-volume relationships and a compressible fluid path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional pneumatic probes with manual calibration are used, then the measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but the results are not comparable across different probes and operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration with an automated electronic system. A pressure transducer electronically measures the pressure inside the probe balloon, and a processing unit automatically calculates the rectal pressure based on the relationship between balloon pressure and rectal pressure. This eliminates the need for manual calibration by different operators and ensures consistent, comparable results across different probes and clinics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a mathematical relationship (parameter transformation) between the easily measurable balloon pressure and the clinically relevant rectal pressure. By measuring the pressure inside the balloon and applying a calibration factor or mathematical model, the system derives the rectal pressure without direct measurement, enabling standardized comparisons across different measurement conditions.
2Ease of operation
If manual calibration by surgeons is performed, then the measurement process can be performed, but considerable expertise is required and results vary between operators
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration and self-measurement. The pressure transducer automatically measures the balloon pressure, and the processing unit automatically calculates the rectal pressure using pre-established mathematical relationships. This eliminates the need for operator expertise in calibration procedures and ensures that different operators obtain consistent results from the same measurement process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different types of apparatus are used, then various measurement capabilities are available, but each apparatus introduces its own load loss and measurement variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement system where the processing unit applies standardized mathematical relationships to convert balloon pressure measurements into rectal pressure values regardless of the specific probe type. This allows different probe designs to be used while maintaining consistent, comparable results through the unified calculation approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon pressure measurement serves as an intermediary variable that mediates between the physical probe characteristics and the clinical measurement outcome. By measuring the balloon pressure and applying a transformation relationship, the system eliminates the direct influence of probe-specific characteristics on the final rectal pressure measurement, enabling cross-device comparability.
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 system delivers objective and comparable pressure values that are independent of the physician's expertise and device variations, ensuring reliable and consistent anorectal manometry results.
Implementation Method 1
an apparatus (1) for performing manometric measurements through the use of medical devices (3) of the pneumatic type, comprising: a pressure transducer (4) connected to a processing unit (10), said pressure transducer (4) being capable of being fluid-dynamically connected to the device (3)
Implementation Method 2
the medical device (3) is preferably provided with a compressible hollow portion (30), or 'active portion'... during the diagnostic test, the active portion (30) is compressed by the anorectal muscles
Implementation Method 3
using a polynomial formula to linearize non-linear pressure-volume relationships
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (1) for performing manometric measurements by way of medical devices of the pneumatic type, comprises a processing unit (10), and a pressure transducer (4), which is connected to the unit (10) and adapted to be fluid-dynamically connected to the pneumatic device (3).The processing unit (10) comprises: a setting module (11) configured for setting a reference parameter, which is a function of conformational and/or dimensional features of the device (3); and a measurement module (12) configured for processing the measurements made by the transducer (4), according to the reference parameters (a, b, c) which were set for calculating respective objective pressure values.The medical device (3) of the pneumatic type is fluid-dynamically connectable to a measurement apparatus (1), which is provided with an hollow and compressible active portion (30) and provided with an internal fluid-dynamic path adapted to put into communication the apparatus (1) with the cavity of the active portion (30).