Switzerland

Back to Search

International Partner Search

Innovation & Technology Offer

Faeces extraction device requiring minimal assistance from health professionals for geriatric patients and patients with intestinal diseases

Country of Origin: Spain
Reference Number: TOES20200908002
Publication Date: 9 September 2020

Summary

A Spanish inventor that has worked in the sanitary field has developed and patented a device of extraction of solid waste by rectal route for patients who cannot perform abdominal efforts and/or patients that cannot move and that require minimal assistance from health professionals. For patients with mobility the device can also be portable and carried by the patient himself. The inventor is looking for a company from the Health or Geriatric sector for a licensing agreement.

Description

There are various situations in which people need assistance in the evacuation of their feces. Examples of this are people with reduced mobility, the elderly and patients with intestinal pathologies who require assistance in carrying out the necessary extraction of said intestinal waste. The method usually used in the hospital and healthcare environment in general is an open container commonly called a wedge that requires the direct intervention of healthcare personnel. These systems are not efficient in the case of patients who cannot perform abdominal efforts. Furthermore there are devices called urine and liquid waste catheters that are inserted through the sphincters, but there are no efficient systems that do not need the direct intervention of healthcare personnel. This direct intervention by healthcare personnel, both in hospital, geriatric or private settings, in a space of people's intimacy such as this one, often has an impact on patients' self-esteem. On the other hand, the limitation of healthcare human resources can also lead to inefficiency in the performance of this type of task, which could be compensated with the use of mechanical devices, and can also increase the quality of service standards.

A Spanish inventor that has worked in the sanitary field has developed and patented a device of extraction of solid waste by rectal route for patients who cannot perform abdominal efforts and/or patients that cannot move and that requires minimal assistance from health professionals.

The device consists of a cylindrical head that is inserted into the anal sphincter of the patient and a cylindrical conduction tube made of flexible material inside which a rotor with a worm gear on a shaft, also made of flexible material, so that when it rotates driven by an electric motor, it pumps and displaces the solid waste that enters through the head and circulates through the tube towards a waste tank through a fitting and an outlet tube. A small delivery tube can be inserted where fluids such as medications or intestinal hygiene products can be introduced into the patient's intestine. At the outer end of the tube, a pressure valve is introduced which, upon sensing the pressure of the waste in the rectum of the patient, closes the outlet to the outside of said supply tube. The activation of the system is carried out by a button connected to the electric motor, which can be pressed by the patient himself or by healthcare personnel if the patient cannot do so.

In one variant the device can also be portable, having wheels and a handle in its upper part, which can be telescopic, so that it can be easily dragged by the patient. I another portable variant the reservoir can be carried by the patient himself on his back like a backpack using straps.

The development process of this device has been advised by specialists as well as colon surgeons, digestive specialists and internist physicians. The inventor has patented the device and is now looking for a company from the Health or Geriatric sector for a licensing agreement.
Image

Advantages and Innovations

For the patient:
- Less risk of infections since the insertion into the sphincter does not cause abrasions or injuries to the patient.
- Lowering the risk of other medical complications.
- Giving more independence and autonomy
- Improving their human dignity.
- By adapting the device to a portable type it can improve the quality of life to patients with mobility.

For the healthcare professional:
- The easy use of the product leads to a faster and more convenient procedure for the healthcare professional (doctor / nurse / assistant) since it is carried out in an assisted way, minimizing their intervention.

Stage Of Development

Concept stage

Requested partner

Partners from the industry are sought, preferably from the health or geriatrics sector. It is desired that they license the technology and further pursuit its development (prototyping and eventually bringing it into the market)

Cooperation offer is closed for requests