Rectal Suppository Applicator with Gas Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inserting rectal suppositories face challenges such as trapped gas leading to flatulence, suction effects causing drug expulsion, and suboptimal placement due to anatomical differences between the vagina and rectum, resulting in reduced drug absorption and increased leakage.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a barrel and plunger with gas flow paths to minimize trapped gas and suction, allowing for deeper and more precise placement of suppositories above the anal trigger zone, reducing contact with sphincter muscles and enhancing absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual finger insertion is used, then the device complexity is low, but trapped gas causes flatulence and suction effects cause drug expulsion
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion device is segmented into a barrel and a plunger, with the barrel defining a first gas flow path and the plunger defining a second gas flow path. This segmentation allows gas to escape through multiple pathways during insertion and withdrawal, preventing trapped gas and suction effects that cause flatulence and drug expulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
Gas flow path spacing elements act as intermediaries between the barrel and plunger, maintaining open gas flow paths. These spacing elements ensure that gas can escape during the insertion and withdrawal processes, eliminating the harmful suction effects and trapped gas problems.
2Reliability
If suppository is inserted above the anal trigger zone, then drug absorption is improved, but contact with sphincter muscles may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger insertion end is specifically designed with a geometry that targets the rectal area above the anal trigger zone. This local quality design ensures the suppository is placed at the optimal depth for maximum drug absorption while minimizing contact with the sphincter muscles, as the insertion end tapers to a point that precisely reaches the target area.
3Reliability
If deeper insertion is achieved, then leakage is reduced, but anatomical differences between vagina and rectum make precise placement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger is designed with an asymmetric insertion end geometry that is specifically adapted for rectal anatomy rather than vaginal anatomy. The tapered insertion end and specific dimensional proportions allow precise placement in the rectum above the anal trigger zone, achieving both deep insertion for leakage prevention and anatomical precision.
4Reliability
If patient remains on side in fetal position, then suppository has time to melt and absorb, but patient cannot resume normal activities immediately
Solution Approach 1:
The device ensures precise placement of the suppository above the anal trigger zone during insertion, which is the preliminary action that facilitates rapid melting and absorption. By positioning the suppository optimally from the start, the body can begin the absorption process immediately, allowing patients to resume normal activities sooner while still achieving effective drug absorption.
Data Source
AI summary
Rectal suppositories are used to administer a predetermined drug dosage to treat a variety of diseases and symptoms in a variety of patient populations. Certain medical conditions, such as digestive disorders, may be more effectively treated when the suppository is placed in a particular location of the patient's anal canal or rectum. An apparatus for inserting a suppository can include an applicator having a barrel, such as a hollow cylindrical body, and a plunger, such as a substantially cylindrical elongated body. The apparatus can include features to ensure that beneficial gas flow paths associated with the plunger or the barrel are maintained or that the apparatus can accommodate suppositories of different sizes. Embodiments may include features to facilitate gripping and manipulation of the apparatus for use by patients with limited dexterity. These benefits may encourage patients to maintain a course of treatment, thereby potentially avoiding additional complications, hospitalization, and costs.