Sedated Endoscopic Manometry Using Inflatable Swallow Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional manometry procedures require patients to be awake and actively swallow, causing discomfort and psychological distress, while new methods like impedance planimetry are slow to be adopted by clinicians.
Innovation Solution
Perform manometry while the patient is sedated using inflatable structures, such as balloons, to simulate swallowing and induce peristalsis, allowing simultaneous procedures like endoscopy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional manometry procedures are used where patients are kept awake and instructed to swallow, then manometry measurements can be obtained, but patient discomfort increases and patients may defer treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (contrast material or radiopaque agent) that facilitates the measurement process. This substance is administered to enhance the visibility and detectability of esophageal peristalsis during imaging, allowing accurate manometry measurements to be obtained without requiring the patient to actively swallow during the procedure, thereby reducing patient discomfort while maintaining measurement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of active swallowing with an automated imaging and detection system. Instead of relying on the patient to perform swallowing actions that can be uncomfortable and difficult to control, the system uses automated detection of peristalsis through imaging techniques, eliminating the need for patient participation in the mechanical swallowing act while maintaining the ability to obtain accurate manometry data
2Object-affected harmful factors
If new methods like impedance planimetry are used to perform manometry while sedated, then patient comfort improves, but clinician adoption is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the manometry procedure into distinct functional components: sedation administration, contrast material administration, imaging capture, and automated analysis. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier integration into existing clinical workflows, thereby accelerating clinician adoption while maintaining patient comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of the manometry procedure by using sedation to alter patient physiological state and by introducing contrast materials to change the optical parameters of the esophagus. These parameter changes enable automated detection methods to function effectively, making the procedure more comfortable for patients and more easily adoptable by clinicians who may be more familiar with traditional parameters
3Object-affected harmful factors
If inflatable structures are used to simulate swallowing and induce peristalsis during sedation, then patient comfort increases and simultaneous procedures are enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the imaging system multi-functional by integrating it with sedation administration capabilities and contrast material delivery systems. This universal imaging platform can perform multiple functions including sedation monitoring, contrast material tracking, peristalsis detection, and simultaneous procedure coordination, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the added capabilities for comfortable sedated manometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the system automatically detects peristalsis and processes manometry data without requiring manual intervention. The automated detection algorithms continuously monitor the imaging data, identify peristaltic movements, and generate manometry measurements autonomously, reducing the operational complexity for clinicians while enabling comfortable sedated procedures
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
Reduces patient discomfort and trauma by mimicking swallowing responses, increasing patient comfort and reducing psychological issues, while enabling more efficient and comfortable diagnostic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
inducing peristalsis in a sedated patient using one or more dilated balloons to obtain manometry measurements
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods include techniques associated with endoscopic manometry. An inflatable structure may be inserted within a tissue structure and inflated or deflated to induce a physiological response for a patient. In operation, the physiological response may be induced while a patient is sedated, which may decrease physical and/or psychological pain to the patient.