WO2015166362A1

WO2015166362A1 - System to facilitate feeding in patients facing trouble in consuming food

Info

Publication number: WO2015166362A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/052619
Authority: WO
Inventors: Abhishek NAGARAJ; Anubhav Aravind JANNU
Original assignee: Abhishek NAGARAJ; Anubhav Aravind JANNU
Priority date: 2014-04-30
Filing date: 2015-04-10
Publication date: 2015-11-05

Abstract

A device (100) to facilitate feeding in patients having trouble in consuming food is provided. The device (100) may include a pathway (101) for receiving flowable food and delivering the flowable food into the patient's esophagus. The pathway (101) may include a proximal portion (102), a distal portion (106) and an intermediate portion (104) disposed between the proximal portion (102) and the distal portion (106). A reflex angle may be defined between channel (118) defined by the intermediate portion (104) and a trough configuration defined in the proximal portion (102). An obtuse angle may be defined between the channel (118) and a bottom portion superior surface (130) of the distal portion (106).

Description

SYSTEM TO FACILITATE FEEDING IN PATIENTS FACING TROUBLE IN

CONSUMING FOOD

BACKGROUND Field

[0001] The subject matter relates to feeding appliance for patients facing trouble in consuming food.

Discussion of related art

[0002] There has been a need for a feeding appliance for the patients having physical limitations or disabilities such as mandibular resection, lip incompetence, tongue enlargements, malignant ulcers, post-operative gunning splint and oral mucositis, among others.

[0003] Some of the conventional feeding appliances include long beak spoon, straw, syringe, ryle's tube and long handle spoon, among others. [0004] The long beak spoon is known to increase or result in gagging. The design of the long beak spoon requires the patient head to be tilted, which increases the chance of aspiration. Further, the long beak spoon may not be suitable for patients suffering from oral mucositis.

[0005] The straw may be used by a patient to sip fluid into the oral cavity. To sip the fluid into the oral cavity, the patient needs to create suction inside the mouth to bring up the liquid and enable it to flow into the oral cavity. Usage of the straw may not be feasible by patients who cannot accomplish complete lip seal and lack intact intra-oral musculature, which are required for creating suction. Furthermore, only fluids may be fed using straw, while feeding flowable food, which may include fluids, may be desirable. [0006] The syringe is used to spray food into the patient's mouth. The food may end up being sprayed directly to the posterior wall of pharynx without initiation of swallowing process, which increases the chances of aspiration by the patient, since pharynx is a part of the aero-digestive system and also the conducting zone of the respiratory system. Further, the syringe cannot be used by patients suffering from reduced mouth opening. Furthermore, syringe may limit the amount of fluid intake. [0007] The long handle spoon may not be suitable for patients lacking adequate lip competence. Usage of long handle spoon requires lip competence to hold the fluid in the mouth prior to swallowing. The long handle spoon design is such that it cannot be positioned on its own, since it does not have an antero -posterior support and vertical support. Further, it limits the amount of fluid intake.

[0008] The ryle's tube or naso-gastric tube is inserted in the nose and may extend till the stomach. The tube entering the nose increases the level of discomfort in the patient. Further, the patient receiving the food has no swallowing action, which may be desired. Furthermore, it limits the amount of fluid intake.

[0009] In light of the foregoing discussion, there is a need for a device to facilitate feeding in patients having trouble in consuming food.

SUMMARY

[0010] Embodiments relate to a device for feeding in patients facing trouble in consuming food. The device may include a pathway. The pathway may include a proximal portion, a distal portion and an intermediate portion. The device may be placed in the patient's mouth such that flowable food received at the proximal portion of the pathway flows through the intermediate portion and the distal portion to enter the patient's esophagus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the Figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:

[0012] FIG. 1A illustrates an isometric view of a device 100, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0013] FIG. IB illustrates a sectional view of the device 100 of FIG. 1A;

[0014] FIG. 1C illustrates a top view of the device 100 of FIG. 1A;

[0015] FIG. ID illustrates a front view of a distal portion 106 of the device 100 of FIG.

1A;

[0016] FIG. IE illustrates a perspective view the distal portion 106 of the device 100 of FIG. 1A; [0017] FIG. IF illustrates a sectional view of the device 100 of FIG. 1A placed inside a patient's mouth, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a device 100, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0019] FIG. 2B illustrates a sectional view of the device 100 of FIG. 2A placed inside a patient's mouth;

[0020] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a device 100, in accordance with yet another embodiment;

[0021] FIG. 3B illustrates a sectional view of the device 100 of FIG. 3A placed inside a patient's mouth;

[0022] FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a device 100, in accordance with still another embodiment;

[0023] FIG. 4B illustrates a sectional view of the device 100 of FIG. 4A placed inside a patient's mouth;

[0024] FIG. 4C illustrates a perspective view of the device 100 of FIG. 4A placed inside a patient's mouth;

[0025] FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a device 100, in accordance with yet another embodiment;

[0026] FIG. 5B illustrates a sectional view of the device 100 of FIG. 5A placed inside a patient's mouth;

[0027] FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of a device 100, in accordance with yet another embodiment; and

[0028] FIG. 6B illustrates a sectional view of the device 100 of FIG. 6A placed inside a patient's mouth.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

I. OVERVIEW

II. EXEMPLARY SYSTEM

III. CONCLUSION I. OVERVIEW

[0029] A device may be provided to facilitate feeding in patients having trouble in consuming food. The device may include a pathway configured to allow fluid or flowable food, which may also refer to fluids, to flow in the pathway. The pathway may include a proximal portion disposed at a proximal end of the pathway, a distal portion disposed at a distal end of the pathway and an intermediate portion disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The intermediate portion may define a channel that may be configured to be in fluidic communication with the proximal portion at a proximal end of the channel, and the channel may be configured to be in fluidic communication with the distal portion at a distal end of the channel. The channel may be inclined such that it makes an obtuse angle with a bottom portion superior surface of the distal portion and a reflex angle with the proximal portion.

[0030] The device may be positioned in a patient's mouth such that a bottom surface of the distal portion may be placed on the tongue and at least a portion of a palatal plate enclosing the bottom portion superior surface may interface with the palate of the patient. Further, the intermediate portion may define or include a positioning feature which may interface with the maxillary anterior teeth or anterior portion of maxillary edentulous arch of the patient. The positioning feature may be configured to limit an extent to which the device may be operable to be inserted into the patient' s mouth.

[0031] The device positioned in the patient's mouth receives the flowable food in the proximal portion defining a trough configuration. The fluid flows from trough configuration of the proximal portion into the channel of the intermediate portion, wherein the intersection of the proximal portion and the intermediate portion may define a smooth transition. The channel defined by a U shaped pathway allows the fluid to flow into the distal portion. The palatal plate enclosing the bottom portion superior surface defines a tunnel, wherein the tunnel allows the flowable food to flow into the patient's esophagus. Further, the palatal plate may restrict the flow of the flowable food into the nasal cavity of the patient and also limit the movement of the device in a superior direction when the patient's tongue exerts force over a bottom portion inferior surface of the distal portion in the superior direction while swallowing.

[0032] The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. The drawings show illustrations in accordance with example embodiments. These example embodiments are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. The embodiments can be combined, other embodiments can be utilized or structural and logical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description may, therefore, not to be taken as a limiting sense.

[0033] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term "or" is used to refer to a nonexclusive "or," such that "A or B" includes "A but not B," "B but not A," and "A and B," unless otherwise indicated.

II. EXEMPLARY SYSTEM

[0034] In an embodiment, device 100 may be provided to facilitate feeding in patients having trouble in consuming food.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1A-1F, a device 100 may include a pathway 101 configured to allow the flowable food to flow in the pathway 101. The pathway 101 may include a proximal portion 102, an intermediate portion 104 and a distal portion 106. The proximal portion 102 may be disposed at a proximal end 108 of the pathway 101. The distal portion 106 may be disposed at a distal end 110 of the pathway 101. The intermediate portion 104 may be disposed between the proximal portion 102 and the distal portion 106 of the pathway

101.

[0036] The proximal portion 102 of the pathway 101 may include an upper surface 112.The upper surface 112 of the proximal portion 102 may define a trough configuration. The distal portion 106 of the pathway 101 may include a bottom portion 114. The intermediate portion 104 may define a channel 118.The channel 118 of the intermediate portion 104 may be configured to be in fluidic communication with the proximal portion 102 at a proximal end 120 of the channel 118. The channel 118 of the intermediate portion 104 may be configured to be in fluidic communication with the distal portion 106 at a distal end 122 of the channel 118. [0037] In an embodiment, the upper surface 112 of proximal portion 102 which may define a trough configuration may resemble an elliptic paraboloid. The elliptic paraboloid may be defined with respect to the axis X, Y and Z

[0038] The trough configuration resembling the elliptic paraboloid may be open along an axis extending in the superior direction, which may be commonly referred to as z-axis.

[0039] In an embodiment, the intersection between the trough configuration defined in the proximal portion 102 and the channel 118 defined in the intermediate portion 104 may simulate a hyperbolic paraboloid. The hyperbolic paraboloid may be defined with respect to the axis X, Y and Z.

[0040] The hyperbolic paraboloid may be open along the z-axis. The transition from the trough configuration to the channel 118 may be a smooth transition.

[0041] In an embodiment, the channel 118 may intersect with the proximal portion 102 at the proximal end 120 of the channel 118 and distal portion 106 at the distal end 122 of the channel 118. The channel 118 may be defined by a U shaped pathway, wherein the U shaped pathway may be open towards a superior side of the device 100.

[0042] The intermediate portion 104 may define a positioning feature 126. The positioning feature 126 may be provided towards the superior side of the intermediate portion 104. In an embodiment, the positioning feature 126 may include a pair of notches 128. The notches 128 may be defined towards the superior side of the intermediate portion 104. The notches 128 may be defined on opposing lateral sides of the longitudinal axis 124 of the device 100. The notches 128 may be provided at a predetermined distance from the distal end 122 of the channel 118.

[0043] The channel 118 defined in the intermediate portion 104 extending along the longitudinal axis 124 of the pathway 101 may make a reflex angle Θ1 with the trough configuration of the proximal portion 102. The distal end 122 of the channel 118 defined in the intermediate portion 104 may intersect with the distal portion 106. The angle between the intermediate portion 104 and the distal portion 106 may define an obtuse angle Θ2.

[0044] The distal portion 106 may include the bottom portion 114 and a palatal plate 116.

The bottom portion 114 may include a bottom portion superior surface 130 and a bottom portion inferior surface 132. The bottom portion inferior surface 132 may be defined by a concave surface configured or adapted to interface with the patient's tongue. [0045] The palatal plate 116 may include an interior surface 134 and an exterior surface 136. The palatal plate 116 encloses at least a portion of the bottom portion superior surface 130 such that it defines a tunnel 140.

[0046] In an embodiment, the tunnel 140 defined in the distal portion 106 may have a varying cross sectional area when measured about the longitudinal axis 124 of the device 100, wherein the cross sectional area measured may be smaller towards the intermediate portion 104 and larger towards the distal end 110 of the device 100.

[0047] The proximal portion 102 defining the trough configuration may have a width Wp measured about or across the longitudinal axis 124 of the device 100. The intermediate portion 104 defined by the channel 118 may have a widest width Wc measured about or across the longitudinal axis 124 of the device 100. The proximal portion 102 may have at least one width Wp wider than the widest width Wc of the channel 118. The bottom portion 114 of the distal portion 106 may have a width Wd measured across or about the longitudinal axis 124. The bottom portion 114 of the distal portion 106 may have at least one width Wd wider than the widest width Wc or average width of the channel 118.

[0048] The device 100 may be positioned in the patient's mouth such that the distal portion 106 and at least a portion of the intermediate portion 104 may be placed inside the patient's mouth. The distal portion 106 may be placed such that the bottom portion inferior surface 132 defining the concave surface may be placed on the tongue of the patient, such that at least a portion of the bottom portion inferior surface 132 and the tongue of the patient interface with each other. The exterior surface 136 of the palatal plate 116 and the palate of the patient interface with each other. The intermediate portion 104 is placed in the patient's mouth such that the notches 128 interface with the maxillary anterior teeth or anterior portion of maxillary edentulous arch of the patient.

[0049] In an embodiment, the interface between the palatal plate 116 and the palate of the patient is such that, it limits the movement of the device 100 in a superior direction when the patient's tongue exerts force over the distal portion 106 in the superior direction while swallowing.

[0050] In an embodiment, the notches 128 defined in the intermediate portion 104 interface with the maxillary anterior teeth or anterior portion of maxillary edentulous arch of the patient to limit the extent by which the device 100 may be inserted into the patient's mouth. [0051] In an embodiment, the device 100 positioned in the patient's mouth receives the flowable food in the proximal portion 102 defining the trough configuration. The flowable food flows from trough configuration of the proximal portion 102 into the channel 118 of the intermediate portion 104 defined by the smooth transition. The channel 118 defined in the intermediate portion 104 allows the fluid to flow into the distal portion 106 defined by the tunnel 140, which allows the flowable food to flow into the patient's esophagus.

[0052] If a patient is suffering from a cleft palate or an oro-nasal fistula in the palate, the exterior surface 136 of the palatal plate 116 prevents food from entering the nasal cavity or maxillary sinus of the patient.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 2A-2B, the palatal plate in the distal portion 106 may be absent in the device 100. Patient having reduced mouth opening may use this embodiment of the device 100. The intermediate portion 104 is placed in the patient's mouth such that the notches 128 interface with the maxillary anterior teeth or anterior portion of maxillary edentulous arch of the patient. The distal portion 106 is placed such that the bottom portion inferior surface 132 of the bottom portion 114 is placed on the tongue of the patient.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 3A-3B the intermediate portion 104 defining the channel 118 may not include the positioning feature. The distal portion 106 may be placed such that the bottom portion inferior surface 132 defining the concave surface is placed on the tongue of the patient such that at least a portion of the bottom portion inferior surface 132 and the tongue of the patient interface with each other. The exterior surface 136 of the palatal plate 116 is disposed below the palate of the patient such that at least a portion of exterior surface 136 of the palatal plate 116 and the palate of the patient interface with each other.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 4A-4C, the positioning feature 126 in the device 100 may be a stopper 148. The stopper 148 may define a concave arc shape. The stopper 148 may be provided towards the distal end 122 of the channel 118 such that it encloses at least a portion of the channel 118 towards the distal end 122. The stopper 148 may be positioned such that the stopper 148 inclines in the superior direction of the device 100.

[0056] The instant embodiment of the device 100 may be used by patients missing the maxillary edentulous arch in the anterior region. The device 100 may be positioned in the patient's mouth such that the stopper 148 interfaces with at least a portion of the patient's philtrum to limit to an extent which the device 100 may be inserted into the patient's mouth. [0057] Referring to FIG. 5A-5B, the bottom portion 114 of the distal portion 106 may include a film 146 at the distal end 110 of the device 100. The film 146 may be flexible so that the film 146 may slope distally in an inferior direction.

[0058] The instant embodiment of the device 100 may be used by patients suffering from tumor in the base of the tongue, cancer in the base of the tongue or ulcer in the base of the tongue, among others.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 6A-6B, the positioning feature 126 may include a plurality of pair of notches 128. The plurality of pair of notches 128 may be defined in the intermediate portion 104 along the longitudinal axis 124 of the device 100 spaced apart at a uniform distance from each other. The pair of notches 128 may be defined towards the superior side of the intermediate portion 104. The pair of notches 128 may be defined on opposing lateral sides of the longitudinal axis 124 of the device 100. The plurality of pair of notches 128 may start from a predetermined distance of the distal end 122 of the channel 118.

[0060] The plurality of pair of notches 128 defined in the channel 118 may interface with the maxillary anterior teeth or anterior portion of maxillary edentulous arch of the patient to limit the extent by which the device 100 may be inserted into the patient's mouth. The pair of plurality of notches 128 defined in the intermediate portion 104 may be chosen, as desired by the patient to limit the extent the device 100 is inserted into patient's mouth.

[0061] In an embodiment, the device 100 may be fabricated to suit the patient's palatal arch-form by taking the impression of the palate of the patient to aid in better control while the device 100 is in use. Further, the device 100 may be fabricated using suitable biocompatible material, or even food-grade plastic, which may comply with medical safety standards. III. CONCLUSION

[0062] Embodiments provide several advantages, and some of them are mentioned below.

[0063] The device may enable feeding of patients with reduced gagging or without initiating gagging. [0064] The device may be used for feeding without requiring the patient to tilt his head in an uncomfortable posture. [0065] The device may be used by patients suffering from oral mucositis.

[0066] The device may be used by patients who may lack complete lip seal and also lack intact intra-oral musculature.

[0067] Displacement of the device along the superior direction is prevented. Such displacement conventionally occurs when patients exert force in the superior direction on feeding devices while swallowing.

[0068] The device may prevent food from flowing into the nasal cavity.

[0069] It shall be noted that the processes described above is described as sequence of steps, this was done solely for the sake of illustration. Accordingly, it is contemplated that some steps may be added, some steps may be omitted, the order of the steps may be rearranged, or some steps may be performed simultaneously.

[0070] Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the system and method described herein. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0071] Many alterations and modifications of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after having read the foregoing description. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. It is to be understood that the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the personally preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.

Claims

A device to facilitate feeding in patients having trouble in consuming food, the device comprising:

a pathway configured to allow flowable food to flow in the pathway, the pathway comprising:

a proximal portion disposed at a proximal end of the pathway;

a distal portion disposed at a distal end of the pathway; and

an intermediate portion disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion, wherein,

the proximal portion comprises an upper surface, wherein the upper surface defines a trough configuration;

the distal portion comprises a bottom portion, wherein the bottom portion comprises a bottom portion superior surface and a bottom portion inferior surface;

the intermediate portion defines a channel, wherein the channel is configured to be in fluidic communication with the proximal portion at a proximal end of the channel, and the channel is configured to be in fluidic communication with the distal portion at a distal end of the channel;

a reflex angle is defined between the channel and the trough configuration defined in the proximal portion; and

an obtuse angle is defined between the channel and the bottom portion superior surface.

The device according to claim 1, wherein the trough configuration resembles an elliptic paraboloid.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein intersection between the trough configuration defined in the proximal portion and the channel defined in the intermediate portion resembles a hyperbolic paraboloid, thereby defining a smooth transition from the trough configuration to the channel.

The device according to claim 1, wherein the proximal portion has at least one width that is wider than a widest width of the channel defined in the intermediate portion, wherein the width is measured across a longitudinal axis of the device.

The device according to claim 1, wherein the channel defines a U shaped pathway, wherein the U shaped pathway is open towards a superior side of the device.

The device according to claim 1, wherein the bottom portion inferior surface defines a concave surface adapted to interface with the patient's tongue.

The device according to claim 1, wherein the bottom portion of the distal portion has at least one width that is wider than an average width of the channel defined in the intermediate portion, wherein the width is measured across a longitudinal axis of the device.

The device according to claim 1, wherein the channel comprises a positioning feature, wherein the positioning feature is configured to limit an extent to which the device is operable to be inserted into the patient's mouth.

The device according to claim 8, wherein the positioning feature is provided in the intermediate portion towards a superior side of the intermediate portion.

The device according to claim 9, wherein the positioning feature comprises a pair of notches, wherein,

the notches are defined towards a superior side of the intermediate portion;

the notches are defined on opposing lateral sides of a longitudinal axis of the device; and

each of the notches is configured to interface with the maxillary anterior teeth or anterior portion of maxillary edentulous arch of the patient.

11. The device according to claim 10, further comprising a plurality of pair of notches, wherein each pair is offset to an adjacent pair of notches along a longitudinal axis of the device.

12. The device according to claim 9, wherein the positioning feature comprises a stopper defining a concave arch configured to interface with the patient's philtrum.

The device according to claim 1, wherein the distal portion comprises a palatal plate, wherein the palatal plate encloses at least a portion of the bottom portion superior surface, wherein the palatal plate and the bottom portion superior surface defines a tunnel.

The device according to claim 13, wherein cross sectional area of the tunnel is smaller towards the intermediate portion and larger towards a distal end of the device, wherein the cross sectional area is measured across a longitudinal axis of the device.

The device according to claim 13, wherein the palatal plate comprises an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface, wherein the interior surface faces the bottom portion superior surface, and at least a portion of the exterior surface is configured to interface with at least a portion of the palate in the patient's mouth, thereby limiting movement of the device in a superior direction when the patient's tongue exerts force over the distal portion in the superior direction while swallowing.

The device according to claim 13, wherein the palatal plate is configured to restrict flow of flowable food into the nasal cavity of the patient.

The device according to claim 1, further comprising a flexible film extending from the bottom portion of the distal portion, wherein the film slopes distally in an inferior direction.