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Publication Number
US-11617881-B2
Publication Date
2023-04-04
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention provides a catheter for assisting recovery from dysphagia.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a catheter for dysphagia recovery that performs intraluminal electrical pharyngeal neuromuscular stimulation. The catheter includes a feeding tube and a sleeve having a proximal end and a distal end, where the sleeve is configured to receive the feeding tube and is movable longitudinally relative to the feeding tube. The sleeve further includes a plurality of lumens extending through an outer layer of the sleeve, and one or more electrodes are attached to the sleeve around its outer periphery.
An insulated wire provides electrical communication with at least one of the one or more electrodes along the length of the sleeve. The insulated wire comprises a single strand or cable encapsulated by a first insulation and a second insulation, where the first insulation comprises a layer of enamel and the second insulation comprises a layer of parylene. The insulated wire runs through lumens disposed in the sleeve, extending from the distal end to the proximal end.
The sleeve is constructed from an outer layer of polyurethane and an inner layer of fluorinated ethylene propylene. The catheter includes a flexible distal extended tip made from an outer polyurethane material configured to prevent tissue scraping and guide replacement feeding tube insertion toward the esophagus/UOS, and a proximal seal with an internal flange prevents capillary fluid ingress and cleans the feeding tube during withdrawal.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim coverage centers on a catheter with three inventive features: a movable sleeve carrying electrodes and lumens, a two-layer insulated-wire system providing electrical communication, and a sleeve construction of polyurethane and fluorinated ethylene propylene.
Movable electrode-bearing sleeve over a feeding tube with lumens
A sleeve configured to receive the feeding tube and movable longitudinally relative to the feeding tube, with a plurality of lumens extending through an outer layer and one or more electrodes attached around the outer periphery.
Insulated wire with enamel first insulation and parylene second insulation through lumens
An insulated wire in electrical communication with at least one electrode, comprising a single strand or cable encapsulated by a first insulation and a second insulation, where the first insulation is a layer of enamel and the second insulation is a layer of parylene, and running through lumens from the distal end to the proximal end.
Polyurethane/fep sleeve construction
The sleeve is constructed from an outer layer of polyurethane and an inner layer of fluorinated ethylene propylene.
The claim coverage is directed to the catheter architecture combining a longitudinally movable electrode-bearing sleeve, lumen routing for electrical connection, and a two-layer enamel/parylene insulated wire, within a polyurethane outer layer and fluorinated ethylene propylene inner layer sleeve.
Stated Advantages
Prevents tissue scraping at the distal extended tip.
Guides replacement feeding tube insertion toward the esophagus/UOS.
Prevents capillary fluid ingress via the proximal seal with an internal flange.
Cleans the feeding tube during withdrawal.
Provides dielectric strength and low friction through the insulated-wire and sleeve materials.
Documented Applications
Dysphagia recovery using intraluminal electrical pharyngeal neuromuscular stimulation with a catheter configured as described.
Replacement feeding tube insertion toward the esophagus/UOS.
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