U.S. patent application number 12/924107 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-20 for aspiration prevention mechanism.
Invention is credited to Allen Gerber.
Application Number | 20110015611 12/924107 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39618317 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110015611 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gerber; Allen |
January 20, 2011 |
Aspiration prevention mechanism
Abstract
A patient angle sensor is employed in conjunction with gastric
feeding devices to shut off or to reverse the flow of fluid in the
tube when the angle of a bed ridden patient becomes sufficient to
allow gastric juices to percolate up through the esophagus and into
the patient's lungs. In this way incidents of aspirational
pneumonia in hospitalized patients is significantly reduced or
eliminated.
Inventors: |
Gerber; Allen; (High Falls,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Lawrence D. Cutter, Esq.
11 Deer Path Drive
New Paltz
NY
12561
US
|
Family ID: |
39618317 |
Appl. No.: |
12/924107 |
Filed: |
September 21, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11545382 |
Oct 10, 2006 |
7833188 |
|
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12924107 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/500 ;
604/65 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61J 15/0003 20130101;
A61J 15/0076 20150501; A61J 2205/70 20130101; A61J 15/0084
20150501; A61J 15/0088 20150501; A61J 15/0015 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/500 ;
604/65 |
International
Class: |
A61M 1/00 20060101
A61M001/00 |
Claims
1. A gastric feeding system for a patient, said system comprising:
a nutrient supply; a feeding pump connected to said nutrient
supply; a gastric tube, connected to said feeding pump, which
delivers said nutrient to said patient; a sensor affixable to said
patient which provides a signal indicative of said angle sensor
being angularly positioned beyond a threshold angle wherein said
angular position corresponds to an angular position of said
patient; and a controller for said pump which operates to cut off
power to said feeding pump when said electrical signal from said
sensor indicates positioning of said angle sensor beyond said
threshold angle.
2. A method for ameliorating the problem of stomach content
aspiration for a patient being fed or medicated through a gastric
tube, said method comprising the step of: stopping fluid flow
through said gastric tube upon receiving an electrical signal that
indicates that said patient is reclining beyond a predetermined
angle.
3. The method of claim 2 in which said stopping is effected by
shutting off electrical power to a feeding pump connected to said
gastric tube.
4. The method of claim 2 in which said stopping is effected by
cutting off flow in said gastric feeding tube by clamping said
tube.
5. A method for ameliorating the problem of aspiration for a
patient being fed or medicated through a gastric tube, said method
comprising the step of: reversing fluid flow through said gastric
tube upon detecting that said patient is reclining beyond a
predetermined angle.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a divisional of application Ser.
No. 11/545,382, filed on Oct. 10, 2006.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention is generally directed to the medical
field as it relates to patient care, particularly in a hospital,
nursing home or other institutional setting. More particularly, the
present invention relates in general to systems and methods for
preventing aspiration of stomach contents by bed ridden patients
connected to feeding tubes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is well known that millions of people around the world
are fed through gastric feeding tubes once they can no longer feed
themselves. The most common version of this practice occurs in the
use of nasogastric feeding tubes. Other gastric feeding practices
include the surgical insertion of a feeding tube directly into the
stomach through the abdominal wall. The present invention is
employable in all of these situations in which gastric feeding is
provided.
[0004] While the use of gastric feeding mechanisms is not only a
common but a life preserving procedure, complications can arise. In
particular, one of these complications is aspiration pneumonia.
This condition, which can be life threatening, particularly in
older patients or in patients with weakened immune systems, can
occur via several mechanisms. A common one of these mechanisms is
one in which the patient slides down in bed to a low angle
sufficient to allow gastric fluids to ascend the esophagus and be
inhaled into the lungs. Typically, this angle is about 30.degree..
When the patient angle in the bed reaches this point, the stomach
contents are able to percolate up through the esophagus and down
into the lungs. The fact that this is a significant problem in
patient care is reflected in the fact that in many states the
occurrences of aspirational pneumonia are reportable incidents to
state oversight authorities.
[0005] It is noted that, while the present invention is principally
directed to the problems associated with gastric feeding tubes,
nonetheless, it is equally applicable to those situations in which
substances other than nourishment are being provided through such a
tube.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Accordingly, in order to solve these problems, there is
provided a mechanical or electronic device that senses when a
patient slides down below a predetermined angle. The device may
also operate to turn off the pump in order to prevent further fluid
from entering the stomach and hence the esophagus. Additionally,
not only does the device shut off the pump, but it includes an
optional but desired modality in which it also actually withdraws
residual liquid from the tube.
[0007] The sensing of patient position below a certain angle may
also be used to alert the attending medical staff that a patient is
in an undesirable position. Additionally, the detection of an
undesirable patient angle may also be employed to automatically
raise the head and/or foot portion of an adjustable bed so as to
prevent further downward sliding.
[0008] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
reduce and/or eliminate the problem of aspiration in patients
connected to gastric tubes.
[0009] It is also an object of the present invention to reduce
and/or eliminate the problem of exposing portions of the esophagus
to gastric fluids.
[0010] It is a still further object of the present invention to
provide medical staff with an indication of undesired patient
movement.
[0011] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a feedback mechanism for raising the foot portion of a patients bed
to prevent further sliding.
[0012] Lastly, but not limited hereto, it is an object of the
present invention to
[0013] Additional features and advantages are realized through the
techniques of the present invention. Other embodiments and aspects
of the invention are described in detail herein and are considered
a part of the claimed invention.
[0014] The recitation herein of a list of desirable objects which
are met by various embodiments of the present invention is not
meant to imply or suggest that any or all of these objects are
present as essential features, either individually or collectively,
in the most general embodiment of the present invention or in any
of its more specific embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is
particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding
portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to
organization and method of practice, together with the further
objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference
to the following description taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view indicating the relative
positions of a patient and a reclinable bed, and particularly
indicating the angle of the bed;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a stylized, side elevation view of a patient
showing the stomach and esophagus for a patient reclining at the
angle shown in FIG. 1, as well as showing the placement of an angle
sensor; and
[0018] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the system and method
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates the environment in which the present
invention is employed. In particular, there is shown patient 100
positioned in a reclining position on bed 150 which includes
movable head portion 155 and which may also include a likewise
movable foot portion 160 which is employed either for patient
comfort or for elevation of the lower extremities. It is also seen
the patient is reclining at angle 170 with respect to the
horizontal. Reference to the horizontal is employed herein for
measurement and determination of improper angle since the
"horizontal" is really determined by gravity and it is gravity that
is the principal driver of gastric fluid into the esophagus and
beyond.
[0020] It is noted herein that the angle shown in FIG. 1 is the
angle of the adjustable head portion of the bed with respect to the
horizontal portion of the bed. Even though the illustration
suggests it, FIG. 1 does not reflect the fact that the position of
a patient who has slid down in the bed. It should also be noted
that the beds of concern herein may also be equipped with
adjustable foot portion 160 as well. In fact, if it is detected
that patient 100 is sliding down in the bed, the adjustable foot
portion of the bed may be raised to prevent further sliding. This
is an optional feature of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 provides a greater detail of the situation being
considered with respect to patient 100 and the specific problem
that is solved. Basic human anatomy teaches that stomach 110 is
connected to esophagus 120. It is easily seen that if the patient's
angle is low, that is, if the patient is closer to a horizontal
position, stomach contents can enter esophagus 120 simply by
gravity flow. The problems associated with this flow are discussed
above, but, needless to say, it is not a desirable situation.
[0022] Additionally, FIG. 2 illustrates the placement of sensor
200. Sensor 200 is preferably placed on the chest of patient 200.
It is affixed to the patient or to the patient's clothing by any
convenient means. For short term use adhesive material on one side
of sensor 200 holds it in place. For use with clothing or gowns, a
wider range of options is available for affixing the sensor,
including pins, elastic bands and Velcro.TM.. Sensor 200 comprises
any convenient mechanism for sensing angle. At its simplest it
comprises a mercury filled insulative container with electrical
contacts being closed when it contact with the mercury. The
interior shape of the container is such that the mercury becomes in
contact with the contacts at a predetermined angle. The sensor may
also include adjustable exterior flaps to provide a selectable
angle. It is noted, however, that there is a wide range of sensors
and sensor technology which may be employed. For example, one could
employ a ball or other sliding or rolling interior object which
either makes electrical contact or which is of sufficient weight to
cause switch contacts to close. Additionally, the interior moving
object may be employed to interrupt light falling on a photocell.
Magnetic or other optical sensors may be employed as well. In fact,
any device which implements the generation of an electrical or even
electromagnetic signal based on dependence on an angle with respect
to feeding tube flow is employable. As indicated, the sensor may
even comprise a wireless device which transmits an activation
signal to pump control 220. More sophisticated sensors 200 which
actually provide a signal indicative of the actual angle, as
opposed to the angle merely exceeding a threshold value are also
employed in the present invention. With a more sophisticated
indication of angle being provided, it is then possible to provide
an early warning indication of a patient sliding downward. I such
cases, the alarm to patient or staff is variable in intensity
depending on the angular degree sensed.
[0023] The solution to the aspiration problem is shown in greater
detail in FIG. 3. In particular, sensor 200, which is affixed to
patient 100, sends a signal to pump control 220 which, in normal
operation, sends nutrient materials from supply 210 to stomach 110
of patient 100. If patient 100 slides down in bed 150 to an
undesired, predetermined angle, sensor 200 signals pump control 220
to shut off the supply of nutrient or other material to stomach
110. Additionally, the system is provided with an optional feature
in which gastric fluid is actually pulled back into gastric tube
250. In this regard, note the two directions indicated for tube
250.
[0024] It is also seen that the signal from sensor 200 is also
capable of providing an audible or visual signal 225 to hospital
staff members to alert them that patient 100 has slid down into bed
150 to an undesirable and possibly unsafe position. Pump control
220 may also be used to supply an audible, visual or vibratory
signal 230 to patient 100 as a mechanism for immediate correction
by the patient himself or herself, if possible. This same signal
from sensor 200 may also be used to control bed 150. In particular,
in conjunction with a bed control unit (not shown), sensor 200 is
also seen to be capable of providing an actuation signal to cause
foot portion 160 of bed 150 to raise so as to forestall further
sliding.
[0025] In the discussion above, it is assumed that nutrients are
provided through a gastric tube via a pump which acts as a positive
control element in the system. However, it is noted that it is also
possible that nutrient supply 210 may be positioned above the
patient so that it is supplied by gravitational action. In this
case, the role of "pump" 220 is less "active" in that it operates
not so much as a pump but as a valve to control the rate of flow.
In such an arrangement the optional feature of pump reversal is not
available. However, apart from this drawback, the present invention
is equally capable of operating with gravity flow systems.
[0026] Pump control 220 is provided by any convenient mechanism.
Application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chips may be
employed, off-the shelf control components may be used or pump
control 220 may be implemented via any standard microprocessor or
microcontroller.
[0027] While the invention has been described in detail herein in
accordance with certain preferred embodiments thereof, many
modifications and changes therein may be effected by those skilled
in the art. Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims to
cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true
spirit and scope of the invention.
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