Design Criteria on the Patents

This is the following design criteria for both of the devices talked about in the tab “Current G-Tube Stabilizer Devices”.

The design criteria for the both devices is:

  • Managing common complications
    • Preventing PEG Blockage
      • Ban be caused through improper feeding procedure [2].
      • Preventing blockage is better than having to replace the tubes [2].
        • Since the tubes are expensive
        • Irreversible blockage requires extensive surgery
    • Preventing Aspiration
      • Aspiration – The blocking of the airways
      • Endoscope of PEG holds down esophageal sphincter potentially causing Aspiration [2].
      • Can be prevented if feeding is done at a 30 degree angle [2].
      • Device is only able to work if it being pushed at the correct angle or contains a warning for the patient should be sitting up for feeding.
  • Prevent inner bumper of PEG tube from unintentionally collapsing
    • Collapsing of the inner bumper can lead to Buried Bumper Syndrome (BBS), in which the bumper lodges into the abdominal wall and can cause mucosal overgrowth [5].
  • Stabilize tube and prevent gastric leakage
    • Contents such as water or nutrients can leak from stomach and cause irritation on the skin, breakdown, and enlargement of the stoma [6].
  • Simple design
    • It is easy for use by caretakers and nurses
      • A complex design can cause confusion and make it time consuming for the caretaker/nurse be able to exchange a new g-tube and can cause medical complications.
    • Easy to detach if needed to be remove
      • If an emergency is to arise and the g-tube needs to be removed, the caretaker/nurse should be able to remove it efficiently.