Method and device of detecting and/or blocking reflux
Inventors
Elia, Liron • Lilach, Nir • Eliachar, Eliahu
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11793728-B2
Publication Date
2023-10-24
Expiration Date
Abstract
A naso/orogastric device having backflow blocking means and comprises a naso/orogastric tube sized and shaped for being disposed within the esophagus so that at least a distal end thereof being placed in the stomach lumen of a patient, at least one elastic esophageal body, positioned along the naso/orogastric tube, having a pressure dependent volume, at least one esophageal sensor that detects fluid around at least one segment of the naso/orogastric tube, and a pressure regulator that regulates a pressure within the elastic esophageal body according to the detection.
Core Innovation
A reflux-detecting and backflow-blocking naso/orogastric device is provided that is adapted to feed a patient while detecting change using one or more sensors. The device includes a naso/orogastric tube sized and shaped for being disposed within an esophagus so that at least a distal end is in a stomach lumen, and at least one tube segment is in the esophagus in proximity to a lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
The naso/orogastric tube has a feeding channel for conducting feeding content with at least one feeding opening located in the distal end, and the plurality of wire channels are formed around the feeding channel. The sensor wiring is arranged with wire channels and lateral openings to position the plurality of wires for detecting change around the tube segments near the LES.
The device is configured to detect change using fluid sensors, optionally including impedance sensors with electrodes, and to analyze impedance changes. A pressure regulator/controller inflates and deflates one or more esophageal elastic bodies based on detected impedance changes, including analyzing differences between impedance readings and using impedance-change readings to indicate established contact with the LES before increasing pressure to block reflux.
The described system also includes arrangements for rapid inflation and reduced discomfort via external air conducting tube/sheath and a pump assembly with air pressure tank, valves, and safety deflation. Multiple-balloon configurations are described to trap backflow, and optional positioning sensors using wire channels/openings, with impedance/contact features, are described to detect tube misplacement and adjust pressure accordingly.
Claims Coverage
The provided claim set includes one independent claim. The main inventive features relate to a naso/orogastric device architecture that integrates feeding and multi-wire sensing near the LES via a feeding channel surrounded by wire channels, with dependent claim concepts further specifying impedance-based sensing and pressure-dependent reflux blocking using an elastic esophageal body.
Naso/orogastric tube positioned near the LES while feeding
A naso/orogastric tube sized and shaped for being disposed within an esophagus so that at least a distal end thereof is in a stomach lumen of a patient while at least one segment thereof is in the esophagus in proximity to a lower esophageal sphincter (LES) of the patient.
Integrated feeding channel and distal feeding opening
The naso/orogastric tube having formed therein a feeding channel for conducting feeding content with at least one feeding opening located in the distal end.
Multi-wire sensor architecture using wires threaded in wire channels
The one or more sensors comprise a plurality of wires, and each of the plurality of wires is threaded in one of the plurality of wire channels.
Wire channels formed around the feeding channel
The plurality of wire channels are formed around the feeding channel.
Controller-based change detection using impedance reading differences
The controller creates instructions based on a difference between a first and a second impedance reading obtained via multiple wires.
Impedance-change analysis indicating established LES contact before pressure increase
The controller uses impedance change readings to indicate that the device is in contact with the patient’s lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
Across the independent claim and its relevant dependents explicitly reflected in the provided material, the coverage centers on a naso/orogastric tube that carries feeding content through a feeding channel while placing a plurality of sensor wires via wire channels around the feeding channel near the LES, with further refinement describing impedance-based decision logic using differences and impedance-change readings to indicate established LES contact.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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