Devices and methods to measure gastric residual volume
Inventors
BURNETT, Daniel R. • HAMILTON, Marcie • Luxon, Evan S. • Vergara, Alexander • SUTARIA, Saheel
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11284832-B2
Publication Date
2022-03-29
Expiration Date
Abstract
Devices and methods to measure gastric residual volume (GRV) are described where at least one additive component (a GRV indicator) may be dispersed in a body lumen such as a stomach. The GRV indicator may changes a physical (chemical, electrical, thermal, mechanical, optical, etc.) characteristic within the stomach by a measureable degree. This degree of change and/or the rate of return to the previous state, may be used to determine the GRV of a patient. The determined GRV can also be used to automatically or semi-automatically control the patient's feeding rate and/or volume and/or frequency to adequately nourish the patient but avoid complications. The physical characteristic(s) may also be used to detect that the feeding catheter or tube is in the correct location (ie stomach vs lung or esophagus.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a gastric residual volume (GRV) measurement system that uses a GRV indicator dispersed in a stomach lumen. A medium is introduced through an elongate body into the stomach so that the medium and gastric contents are contacted against one or more sensors, and the sensors measure conductivity or impedance values of the GRV indicator within the medium.
The system determines GRV based on the change of the GRV indicator from an initial state. One or more sensors are positioned along the length of the elongate body to provide measurements of the GRV indicator value along the length, and the controller performs continuous determination. In related aspects, the GRV indicator change can include a rate of change and can incorporate values such as temperature and pH.
The disclosed approach supports continuous or intermittent monitoring and includes sensor arrangements that enable estimation of gastric content level and confirmation of correct catheter location in the stomach versus lung or esophagus. GRV information may be used in feedback control of feeding via a nutrient-flow restrictor or valve, with controller and data processing concepts supporting interpretation of sensed signals for feeding control.
Embodiments described in the document include percutaneous (PEG) and jejunostomy use, pylorus flow estimation and transit measurements, and electrical "acid battery" or electrode schemes and impedance or conductivity sensing. The implementation concept includes an elongate catheter or tube with sensor placement along the length, with optional measurement separation from a feeding tube and use of position confirmation via an indicator.
Claims Coverage
The provided independent claims cover systems that determine gastric residual volume in a subject's stomach by introducing a medium through an elongate body, measuring a GRV indicator with one or more sensors positioned along the elongate body, and determining GRV based on change from an initial state. Across the independent claims, three main inventive feature areas are emphasized: conductivity or impedance sensing of a GRV indicator in contacted medium, parameter sensing of a glucose or magnesium GRV indicator, and continuous determination using the change of a GRV indicator value from an initial state.
Continuous GRV determination from conductivity or impedance change
An elongate body inserted into the stomach carries one or more sensors configured to measure a conductivity or impedance value of a GRV indicator from a medium when the medium and gastric contents are contacted against the one or more sensors, where the medium is introduced through the elongate body and into the stomach and the value has an initial state; and a controller determines the value on a continuous basis and determines GRV based on the change in the value from the initial state.
GRV determination using a glucose or magnesium indicator parameter
An elongate body introduced into the stomach provides one or more sensors configured to measure at least one parameter of a GRV indicator comprised of glucose or magnesium from a medium when the medium and gastric contents are contacted against the one or more sensors, where the medium is introduced through the elongate body and a level of the GRV indicator has an initial state; and a controller determines GRV based on the change in the parameter from the initial state.
Continuous GRV determination from glucose or magnesium indicator value change
An elongate body inserted into the stomach carries one or more sensors configured to measure at least one value of a GRV indicator comprised of glucose or magnesium from a medium when the medium and gastric contents are contacted against the one or more sensors, where the medium is introduced through the elongate body and the value has an initial state; and a controller determines the value on a continuous basis and determines GRV based on the change in the value from the initial state.
Across the independent claims, the coverage centers on an elongate body with sensors along its length that contact a medium containing a GRV indicator in the stomach, measure a conductivity or impedance value or a parameter or value of a glucose or magnesium indicator, and compute GRV from the change of that indicator value or parameter relative to an initial state, including continuous determination in the relevant claims.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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