Gastrostomy Tube with Force-Sensing Resistor

Background:

Gastrostomy tubes are used extensively in patient care to deliver nutritional support directly into the stomach for patients that cannot eat or need supplemental nutrition. These are usually placed endoscopically into the gastric lumen (stomach). More than 215,000 percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes are placed annually, making it the second most common upper endoscopy application. Moving and applying external pressure to the tubing can cause the inner cannula to become dislodged outside of the stomach, which can cause complications such as infections, peritonitis, sepsis, and surgical emergencies. Accidental dislodgement, which can cause life-threatening complications, is estimated to occur at a rate of ~ 12.8%.

Technology Overview: 

This gastronomy tube has been developed by Upstate Medical University researchers with a force-sensing resistor can identify excessive external pressure, provide real-time feedback, and notify both the patient and nursing staff in case of anomalies. With this information, the tube can be adjusted to prevent erosion outside of the stomach, preventing complications that can otherwise become serious, and even fatal.

Advantages:

• Complication prevention
• Remote monitoring

 

Applications:

• Gastroenterology
• Nutritional support

Intellectual Property Summary:

• US15/941,702
  
  

  Licensing Status: 

  Looking for non‑exclusive licensing partners.