Three-Sensor Anorectal Biofeedback Probe for Home Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biofeedback therapy systems for anorectal and pelvic floor disorders are cumbersome, not user-friendly, and lack standardized methods for home use, limiting their effectiveness and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A biofeedback device with a 3-sensor anorectal probe and smartphone app that provides real-time, interactive anatomical feedback, enabling home-based therapy for dyssynergic defecation, fecal incontinence, and urinary incontinence, using Bluetooth technology for wireless communication and voice-guided instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional anorectal manometry or urodynamic systems are used for biofeedback therapy, then diagnostic measurement capability is improved, but user-friendliness and ease of operation deteriorate due to complex interface designed for medical personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the complex manometry system specifically for home use. The probe and accompanying device replicate the essential biofeedback measurement function while stripping away the complex medical interface, presenting information in a simplified format that patients can understand and use independently at home
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the biofeedback therapy into separable components: a probe that can be inserted at home, a portable processing device, and a simplified display interface. This segmentation allows the complex measurement system to be distributed and used in a home setting without requiring a complete clinical system
2Reliability
If office-based biofeedback therapy is provided, then treatment efficacy is improved through professional supervision, but accessibility and convenience deteriorate due to requirement of frequent clinic visits
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables patients to perform biofeedback therapy independently at home without requiring continuous professional supervision. The self-contained probe and portable device allow patients to conduct measurements and receive feedback autonomously, eliminating the need for frequent clinic visits while maintaining treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous real-time feedback to patients during home therapy sessions, allowing them to adjust their pelvic floor exercises based on immediate physiological response. This feedback mechanism ensures treatment efficacy is maintained despite the absence of professional supervision
3Ease of operation
If standardized home biofeedback system is developed, then accessibility and cost-effectiveness are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal probe and portable device that can be used across different patient populations and therapy protocols. The system is configured to handle multiple biofeedback measurement types and can interface with various display formats, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining standardized functionality
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a device for facilitating treatment and evaluation of anorectal and pelvic floor disorders for users performing biofeedback therapy. Accordingly, the device may include a body extending between a top end and a bottom end. Further, the device may include a balloon mounted on the top end portion of the body. Further, the device may include a plurality of sensors comprising at least one first sensor, at least one second sensor, and at least one third sensor. Further, the device may include a processing device configured for analyzing balloon data, first sensor data, second sensor data, and third sensor data, determining an anal and rectal anatomical change, and generating a dynamic visual representation and a static visual representation. Further, the device may include a communication device configured for transmitting the dynamic visual representation to an output device.