Methods and apparatus for guiding medical care based on detected gastric function
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9532739-B2
Publication Date
2017-01-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
Embodiments relate to guiding medical care based on detected gastric function. For example, gastric acid stimulant or suppressant is administered, and then a change in the gastric juice H+ concentration is measured. This change is compared to a guidance H+ concentration differential indicative of relatively healthy gastric function. Medical care is guided based on a relatively healthy gastric function if the measured H+ concentration differential is equal to or exceeds the guidance H+ concentration differential, while medical care is guided based on a relatively unhealthy gastric function if the measured H+ concentration differential is less than the guidance H+ concentration differential. Disclosed embodiments implementing this procedure include, but are not limited to, methods, apparatus, processors, computer programs, and computer-readable mediums.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an apparatus for guiding medical care of a patient based on detected gastric function using a gastric challenge test. The apparatus includes means for administering a gastric acid stimulant or suppressant, means for measuring gastric juice H+ concentration to obtain a baseline gastric juice H+ concentration and a stressed gastric juice H+ concentration, and a processor that determines and compares guidance and measured concentration differentials.
The processor determines a guidance H+ concentration differential indicative of a first gastric function and calculates a measured H+ concentration differential between the baseline and stressed gastric juice H+ concentrations. If the measured H+ concentration differential is equal to or exceeds the guidance H+ concentration differential, a primary instruction unit provides instructions based on the first gastric function, and if it is less, an alternative instruction unit provides instructions based on a second gastric function.
In some embodiments, guidance and measured differentials are converted between gastric juice H+ concentration and gastric juice pH for the same comparison logic. The system also extends decision support beyond a single timepoint by monitoring multiple stressed pH measurements, displaying a time-versus-H+ curve, and calculating an area defined under the curve.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim scope centers on threshold-based decision logic using baseline and stressed gastric juice H+ measurements to select between instructions for a first versus a second gastric function. One independent inventive feature is identified.
Guiding medical care based on baseline and stressed gastric juice H+ differential
An apparatus for guiding medical care of a patient based on detected gastric function comprising means for administering a gastric acid stimulant or suppressant; means for measuring a gastric juice H+ concentration to obtain a baseline gastric juice H+ concentration and for measuring the gastric juice H+ concentration after the administration to obtain a stressed gastric juice H+ concentration; and a processor comprising a determination unit, a calculation unit, a comparison unit, a primary instruction unit, and an alternative instruction unit that selects instructions based on whether a measured H+ concentration differential is equal to or exceeds a guidance H+ concentration differential.
The claimed coverage is directed to a gastric challenge measurement framework that compares a baseline-to-stressed gastric juice H+ differential against a guidance differential and issues instructions for a first versus a second gastric function.
Stated Advantages
Improved accuracy/efficiency and individualized care, as emphasized in the document.
Improved gastric pH testing reliability by using multiple stressed pH measurements at appropriate times.
Improved measurement accuracy by aspirating all gastric contents shortly before sampling to avoid dilution from non-acid secretions or leftover mucous.
Documented Applications
Guiding patient disposition and medical care in a medical care facility based on detected gastric function.
Assessing adequacy of resuscitation.
Detecting risk of stress ulcers.
Guiding gastric acid suppressant use to reduce stress-ulcer and bleeding risk.
Assessing aspiration risk.
Aiding detection of gut ischemia and abdominal compartment syndrome.
Monitoring gastric motility to reduce gastric residuals and aspiration risk.
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