Apparatus and method for use in analyzing a patient's bowel
AssigneeUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore
InventorDavid J. Vining
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus and method are provided for use in studying a patient's bowel which combines recording and analysis of physiologic parameters and patient sensory perception. A pain input detector, a pain transducer, and a processor are provided. A gas pressure transducer and flow meter may also be provided. Output data may be generated to reflect perceived patient pain, volume of gas delivered to the patient's bowel, and bowel pressure. An indication of perceived patient pain is processed by the processor to generate data that may used to validate a scan of a patient or may be used as a diagnostic tool.
Claims20
An apparatus configured to prepare a patient's colon for insufflation and scanning, the apparatus comprising:
- a pressure transducer configured to detect a pressure level of gas within a patient's colon;
- a processor configured to receive an indication of the pressure level detected by the pressure transducer and to determine whether the pressure level is within a predetermined range of pressures;
- and
- a signaling unit configured to provide an output indicating that a scan is valid in an instance in which the pressure level is determined to be within the predetermined range of pressure.
A method for validating a scan of a patient's colon comprising:
- insufflating a patient's colon with gas;
- detecting a pressure level of the gas within the patient's colon;
- determining whether the pressure level detected is within a predetermined range of pressures;
- and
- providing an output indicating that a scan is valid in an instance in which the pressure level is determined to be within the predetermined range of pressure.
An apparatus configured for use in scanning a patient's colon, the apparatus comprising:
- a pressure transducer configured to detect a pressure level of gas within a patient's colon;
- a processor configured to receive an indication of the pressure level detected by the pressure transducer and to determine whether the pressure level exceeds a predetermined pressure threshold;
- and
- an automated pressure relief valve configured to vent the patient's colon, wherein the automated pressure relief valve is configured to be actuated to vent the patient's colon in an instance in which the pressure level within the patient's colon exceeds the predetermined pressure threshold.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.