Torus Balloon Gastric Feeding Device for Secure Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gastric feeding devices require invasive procedures for initial placement and subsequent replacement, leading to complications such as infection, reduced patient mobility, and discomfort due to rigid anchoring mechanisms and the need for multiple steps.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a thin foil that inflates into a torus-shaped balloon for secure anchoring and self-adjusting seal, allowing for single-step placement and long-term use, reducing invasiveness and enhancing wound healing and patient mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid anchoring mechanisms (t-bar, t-shaped fastener) are used for initial catheter placement, then secure anchoring is achieved, but patient comfort deteriorates and infection risk increases due to sharp edges and embedding into gastric wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid metal anchoring mechanisms with a flexible balloon made of thin film material. The balloon is inflated within the stomach cavity to create a seal against the gastric wall, providing secure anchoring without sharp edges or rigid structures that could embed into tissue or cause infection.
2Reliability
If gastropexy procedure is performed to attach visceral wall to abdomen and create stoma tract, then seal between stomach and abdominal wall is established, but device complexity and procedural invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of initial catheter placement and gastropexy into a single device and procedure. The balloon catheter is placed percutaneously through the abdominal wall and into the stomach, and when inflated, it simultaneously anchors the device and creates the stoma tract by pressing against the gastric wall, eliminating the need for separate surgical attachment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical surgical gastropexy procedure with a pneumatic system. Instead of surgically attaching the stomach wall to the abdominal wall, the inflated balloon uses pneumatic pressure to create a seal and maintain the stoma tract, reducing procedural invasiveness.
3Strength
If initial placement device with rigid retention members is used, then secure anchoring is achieved, but ease of removal deteriorates as additional invasive surgical procedures are required for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic anchoring system where the balloon can be inflated and deflated. For removal, the balloon is simply deflated and withdrawn through the stoma tract, which has been maintained open by the balloon's presence. This eliminates the need for invasive surgical removal procedures required by rigid retention members.
4Reliability
If multiple procedures (initial placement, gastropexy, subsequent replacement) are performed over six to eight weeks, then stoma tract establishment is achieved, but loss of time and patient mobility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines initial catheter placement and stoma tract creation into a single percutaneous procedure. The balloon catheter is inserted through the abdominal wall and into the stomach, and its inflation simultaneously anchors the device and maintains the stoma tract, eliminating the need for separate gastropexy procedures and reducing the six to eight week timeline.
5Reliability
If traditional feeding tubes are used requiring external anchoring, then gastric access is achieved, but patient mobility is reduced due to rigid structures and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible balloon made of thin film material that can be inflated within the stomach cavity. This flexible structure conforms to the gastric wall and provides secure anchoring without rigid components, allowing greater patient mobility and comfort compared to traditional rigid feeding tubes with external anchors.
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 device facilitates secure gastric access and drainage with reduced leakage and bleeding, enabling immediate post-placement feeding and drainage, and allows for atraumatic device exchange, improving patient comfort and reducing complications.
Implementation Method 1
By application of an inflation source to the port, the length of the foil inflates and forms a generally torus shaped balloon
Implementation Method 2
an axially oriented tractive force acts between the balloon and the ends of the balloon, which causes a force component pressing the inner abdominal wall onto the stomach
Data Source
AI summary
The invention describes a closure device for the provision of freshly created gastric feeding fistulas, the basis of the design of the device being an introverted balloon that allows a sealing and hemostatic axial traction movement on the fistula that is to be sealed, the concentric balloon ends which run transmurally through the stomach and abdominal wall being arranged in a special seal-promoting and hemostatic manner.