Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention generally finds application in the field of medical apparatus for treating gastrointestinal disorders and particularly relates to an apparatus for treating constipation, more particularly in cases of slower bowel movement or coprostasis, fecal impaction or formation of fecalomas.

Background Art

[0002] Serious constipation is known to be treated using drugs for stimulating intestinal wall muscles to facilitate expulsion of its contents, such as laxatives.

[0003] Laxatives may be classified in various groups, including hydrophilic or mass laxatives, which increase gut contents to stimulate physiological intestinal motility, i.e. peristalsis, emollient laxatives which only have a lubricating action, osmotic laxatives, composed of non-reabsorbable substances which retain water in the gut, thereby increasing the volume of its contents and making them softer to stimulate spontaneous peristalsis, and finally synthetic or natural contact laxatives, whose action consists in stimulating intestinal wall muscles to facilitate expulsion of its contents.

[0004] Furthermore, drugs are currently available, which act on the nerve plexuses of intestinal muscles and are known as prokinetic drugs, but their effectiveness is often temporary or limited to the administration route, e.g. intramuscular, subcutaneous or intravenous route, or by side effects.

[0005] Finally, clysmas and clysters are available for anal treatment of constipation and removal of fecalomas, by hydration of fecalomas, but are often ineffective especially when the fecaloma is situated in the right colon or in case of compromised peristalsis.

[0006] A first drawback of these drugs is that they can irritate the intestinal wall, cause habituation, produce pain or offset the osmotic balance of the gut.

[0007] A further drawback is that these drugs have reduced selectivity toward the different anatomical parts of the intestine, or a limited effective range.

[0008] These drawbacks generally lead to reduced effectiveness of these drugs in constipation treatment, as well as the occurrence of possible undesired side effects.

[0009] Furthermore, the above described drugs are particularly ineffective in case of paralytic ileus or colon pseudoobstruction, which causes stagnation of feces in the intestinal tract due to the lack of movement of the intestinal wall.

[0010] In an attempt to at least partially obviate these drawbacks, medical devices have been developed which exert a mechanical action on fecalomas to break them down for expulsion.

[0011 ] US201 5/007331 5 discloses a gastrointestinal capsule designed to be ingested by the patient for breaking down fecalomas and moving the intestinal contents by means of vibrations.

[0012] The capsule has an outer enclosure which is designed to contain a vibrating system comprising an axial thrust-imparting device which acts on the enclosure. The thrust-imparting device is connected to an electric motor and an electronic board which is programmable to promote the vibrating motion in the gut. The capsule is moved forward in the gut by peristalsis of the smooth wall thereof and later starts to vibrate with a predetermined delay that can be set in the electronic control board.

[0013] A first drawback of this prior art arrangement is its considerable complexity and, as a result, its high cost.

[0014] A further drawback is that the capsule is positioned in the gut by a highly complex and inaccurate procedure, which solely depends on the peristalsis of the patient's gut.

[0015] Due to these positioning difficulties, the capsule might start to vibrate before reaching the intestinal site containing fecalomas, thereby actually having no therapeutic effect.

[0016] A further drawback is that the parts of the vibrating system are exposed to wear and require constant maintenance to prevent malfunctioning. [0017] Another drawback is that the parts that are used to form the capsule have low compatibility with the organism and might cause inflammation or infection in the intestinal wall.

[0018] Finally, another drawback is that the capsule cannot ensure transport of fecaloma fragments once a fecaloma has been broken down, such drawback being particularly felt in case of slow peristalsis of the colon wall.

Technical Problem

[0019] In light of the above discussed prior art, the technical problem to be solved consists in providing an apparatus that is as simple as possible and can mechanically break down fecalomas, and transport and remove their fragments, by facilitating control of their position and movement in the gut, particularly in case of coprostasis causing fecal impaction and formation of fecalomas.

Disclosure of the invention

[0020] The object of the present invention is to solve the above mentioned technical problem and obviate the above discussed drawbacks, by providing an apparatus for treatment of constipation and removing fecalomas that is highly efficient and relatively cost-effective.

[0021] A particular object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for treatment of constipation as discussed above that can ensure quick and accurate positioning of a device for mechanically breaking down fecalomas.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for treatment of constipation as discussed above that can have an optimal operation even in case of inefficient intestinal motility.

[0023] A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for treatment of constipation as discussed above that can accurately and repeatably control the movement of the ingestible element for breaking down fecalomas.

[0024] A particular object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for treatment of constipation as discussed above that has a simple and easily formed construction.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for treatment of constipation as discussed above that can be easily used even by not specially skilled health care operators.

[0026] A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for treatment of constipation as discussed above that reduces the risk of inflammation or irritation of the intestinal wall.

[0027] These and other objects, as better explained hereafter, are fulfilled by an apparatus for treating constipation and removing impacted feces (coprostasis) and fecalomas as defined in claim 1 .

[0028] With this configuration, the apparatus can mechanically transport the intestinal contents and the fecalomas by breaking down the latter and entrain them in the oral-aboral direction irrespective of the movement of the inner intestinal wall, which is required by other methods that always require intestinal peristalsis.

[0029] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are as defined in the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

[0030] Further features and advantages of the invention will be more readily apparent upon reading of the detailed description of a preferred nonexclusive embodiment of an apparatus for treatment of constipation, particularly in case of slow bowel movement (coprostasis) or formation of fecalomas according to the invention, which is illustrated by way of example and without limitation with the help of the following drawings, in which:

FIGG. 1 A and 1 B are lateral diagrammatic views of the apparatus of the invention according to two different embodiments, acting on a patient that suffers from constipation, represented in a sagittal section;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic front view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 , acting on a patient that suffers from constipation, represented in a coronal section;

FIG. 3 is a simplified diagrammatic view with an enlargement of a first embodiment of a detail of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a simplified diagrammatic view of a second embodiment of a detail of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

FIG. 5 is a simplified diagrammatic view of the apparatus for treating intestinal constipation according to a second embodiment;

FIGS. 6 to 1 0 are diagrammatic views of the operating steps of application of the apparatus of the invention.

Detailed description of a preferred exemplary embodiment

[0031 ] The figures particularly show an apparatus for treating constipation, particularly in case of slow bowel movement, or coprostasis, which causes fecal impaction and formation of fecalomas F, according to the invention, generally designated by numeral 1 .

[0032] The figures show diagrammatic sagittal and coronal sections of a patient P that has fecalomas F or impacted feces in the colon C.

[0033] The apparatus 1 is designed to mechanically interact with the intestinal contents, particularly in case of impacted feces due to coprostasis or fecalomas F that form at the colon C, thereby avoiding the use f pharmaceuticals that are often ineffective and may have significant side effects for the patient P.

[0034] Advantageously, the apparatus 1 may be also suitable for veterinary use, particularly with mammals or pets predisposed to fecaloma formation level with the colon, with the same operating principles as used for humans.

[0035] In its basic form, the apparatus 1 comprises an element 2 that can be ingested by a patient P and contains a base material having ferromagnetic properties.

[0036] Advantageously, the ingestible element 2 is insoluble, nonabsorbable and capable of withstanding the gastrointestinal environment to reach the colon C of the patient P in an unaltered state and be expelled with the feces.

[0037] Multiple ingestible elements 2 may be possibly provided, which are adapted to exert a simultaneous mechanical action to break down, removal and transport of the fecaloma F in the oral-aboral direction.

[0038] The apparatus 1 further comprises a magnetic device 3 situated outside the body B of the patient P and adapted to interact with the ingestible element 2, particularly when the latter is in the colon C.

[0039] As diagrammatically shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the ingestible element may consist of a tablet 4 or a capsule 5 and may have a round, spherical, oblong or ovoid shape, which will facilitate not only its ingestion through the mouth, but also its forward movement through the esophagus, the duodenum, the stomach, the small intestine and the large intestine, to the colon C.

[0040] Conveniently, the ingestible element 2 may have a central core 6 containing the base material, which may in turn comprise at least one ferromagnetic compound 7 in the form of a powder dispersed in a chemically inert matrix 8.

[0041 ] Preferably, the ferromagnetic compound 7 will be selected from the group comprising magnetite, whereas the chemically inert matrix 8 may be selected from the group comprising hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

[0042] The inert matrix 8 may further comprise appropriate glidants, thinners and lubricants dispersed among the particles of base material, to impart a more regular shape thereto and reduce the friction typically occurring among them.

[0043] The particles of the inert matrix 8 and the ferromagnetic compound 7 will be blended before the encapsulation or compression steps and may be substantially 70 and 30% by weight, as schematically shown in the enlarged part of FIG. 3.

[0044] Nevertheless, these amounts are given by way of example and without limitation, and may be also different and have different compositions, with the inert matrix component 8 being always predominant relative to the ferromagnetic compound 7.

[0045] Thus, the particles of the ferromagnetic compound 7 will be diluted and uniformly dispersed in the inert matrix 8, which will further increase their biocompatibility with respect to the gastrointestinal tract environment.

[0046] In the embodiment with a capsule 5 as an ingestible element 2, the central core 6 will be enclosed in an outer protective layer 9 comprising gelatin, as is known per se, and may have a volume ranging from 0,5 to 5 ml.

[0047] In the embodiment with a tablet 4 as an ingestible element 2, the latter may have a weight ranging from 300 to 1000 mg and a diameter ranging from 5 mm to 20 mm.

[0048] These dimensions will be selected according to the body surface and the size of the individual or the animal, in case of veterinary use, and according to the clinical needs of the patient P and to optimize entrainment and removal of fecalomas F.

[0049] Furthermore, the power of the magnetic device 3 may be also changed according to the size of the individual or, for veterinary use, of the animal. The intensity of the magnetic field, and hence the size and/or the power of the magnetic device 3, will depend on the age of the patient and on other anatomical factors, such as body weight, abdominal volume and conformation.

[0050] Thus, the tablet 4 will be very easily ingested and will be relatively non-invasive as it passes through the gastrointestinal tract of the patient P.

[0051 ] Preferably, the central core 6 may be covered by a biocompatible outer layer 1 0 which is adapted to prevent direct exposure thereof to the body B of the patient P, as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0052] Particularly, the outer layer 1 0 directly contacts the protective layer 9 of the capsule 5, as best shown in FIG. 4.

[0053] The layer 1 0 may be made of a material selected from the group comprising polymers with free functional groups such as dextran, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyethylene oxide, or alternatively it may comprise gold, carbon or silica.

[0054] Advantageously, the layer 1 0 may comprise an active ingredient 1 1 that can be released into the colon C and dispersed therein, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, or is alternatively chemically bonded to the free functional groups of the polymeric material.

[0055] This active ingredient 1 1 may comprise drugs selected from the group comprising laxatives or milk enzymes.

[0056] The magnetic device 3 can be placed outside the body B of the patient P level with the colon C and is adapted to promote controlled movement of the ingestible element 2 in the colon C, breakdown and transport of fecalomas F in the aboral direction, even in case of disturbed peristalsis in the patient.

[0057] Such movement may be repeated to cause mechanical breakdown of the fecaloma F due to impacts between the latter and the ingestible element 2, and hence removal of the obstruction at the colon C.

[0058] The apparatus 1 of the invention has a small number of parts and is very simple, although it allows accurate control of the movements of the ingestible element 2 for breaking down the fecaloma F.

[0059] Preferably, the magnetic device 3 is adapted to promote controlled movement of the ingestible element 2 level with the ascending colon C of the patient P.

[0060] This is because, due to its particular anatomical conformation, this region of the gastrointestinal tract is most exposed to the formation of fecalomas F which hinder normal intestinal function.

[0061 ] Advantageously, the controlled movement of the ingestible element 2 in the colon C for breaking down and pushing the fecalomas F is obtained by appropriate movement means 1 2 associated with the magnetic device 3.

[0062] In the embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 1 A, the motion- imparting means 1 2 of the magnetic device 3 comprise at least one external permanent magnet 1 3 of appropriate shape, e.g. an annular shape associated with a respective support 14 that is adapted to be held be an operator to apply a magnetic field to the region of the colon C and defining movement means 1 2.

[0063] The permanent magnet 1 3 may be located in a ventral-anterior position relative to the patient P and will be moved by the operator as described above. The use of a single permanent magnet 13 is preferred for patients having a small body surface or a low body mass index and a flat belly.

[0064] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, as best shown in FIG. 1 B, the magnetic device 3 comprises a pair of permanent magnets 1 3 with respective supports 14 designed to be held by an operator. The permanent magnets 1 3 may be located in a ventral-anterior and dorsal-posterior position relative to the patient. [0065] Conveniently, the permanent magnets 1 3 may comprise a pair of plates of appropriate size, such that the region of the body B of the patient P corresponding to the colon C is entirely covered.

[0066] In an alternative embodiments, as best shown in FIG. 5 and particularly suitable for elder, handicapped, sedated or bedridden patients, the magnetic device 3 may comprise at least one pair of electromagnets 1 5 placed on opposite sides relative to the patient P and the apparatus 1 comprises a support 16 for the body of the patient P.

[0067] Here, the movement means 1 2 consist of either the support 1 6 or the electromagnets 15, that will be able to be reciprocated to impart the movement relative to the ingestible element 2.

[0068] Particularly, the moving support 1 6 may comprise a bed 1 7 with a base1 8 that can be horizontally translated to change its position relative to the pair of electromagnets 5.

[0069] In this embodiment, both the moving support 1 6 and the electromagnets 1 5 may be connected to an electronic control unit 1 9 for selective power supply and adjustment of the position of the supports 1 6 and the electromagnets 1 5.

[0070] The apparatus 1 further comprises, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, image-based diagnostic means 20 for detecting the position of the ingestible element 2 in the colon C before and after movement thereof by the magnetic device 3.

[0071 ] Advantageously, the diagnostic means 20 may comprise a normal X- ray imaging apparatus, which can image the active element 2 due to its radiopacity, or a suitable magnetic instrument and interface means, not shown, which can be consulted by the operator to check the exact position of the ingestible element 2 in the colon C of the patient.

[0072] Furthermore, in the embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, the diagnostic means 20 may be also connected to the control unit 1 9 as described above.

[0073] In operation the process for removal of the fecaloma F using the above discussed apparatus 1 includes a first step of ingestion of the ingestible element 2 by the patient P, as shown in FIG. 6. [0074] This step may be preceded by a diagnostic determination of the nature and conformation of the fecaloma F and the health state of the patient P, for the operator to select the most appropriate treatment.

[0075] Then, once a predetermined time has been allowed to elapsed, for the ingestible element 2 to reach the ascending colon C, the patient P undergoes a diagnostic examination using the above discussed diagnostic means 20 to detect the exact position of the ingestible element 2, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0076] In case of a negative determination an additional predetermined time is allowed to elapse for the ingestible element 2 to reach the ascending colon C.

[0077] In case of a positive determination, one or both of the external magnets 1 3 are placed at the colon C of the patient P, in front of and behind the body B thereof respectively.

[0078] Then, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the external magnets 1 3 are transversely moved by rotary peripheral movements to cause the ingestible element 2 to be displaced in the colon C of the patient P.

[0079] If the tablet 4 or capsule 5 have a shape other than the spherical shape, the movement of the magnets 1 3 can change their orientation relative to the fecaloma F.

[0080] Such displacement causes the ingestible element 2 to hit against the walls of the fecaloma F and is repeated until the latter is completely broken down, as shown in FIG. 1 0.

[0081 ] Advantageously, the magnets 1 3 may be placed at the sides of the body B of the patient P as they move to allow controlled and accurate displacement of the ingestible element 2 in the colon C.

[0082] In addition to breaking down the fecaloma F, the displacement of the ingestible element 2 in the colon C also causes the movement of its fragments F' along the other sections of the colon C.

[0083] Particularly, these movements allow the ingestible element 2 to be displaced from the right iliac fossa below which the first section of the ascending colon, i.e. the blind intestine, is usually situated, first toward the right hypochondrium, as shown in FIG. 8, where the ascending colon ends and the transverse colon starts with the hepatic flexure.

[0084] Then, the ingestible element 2 is displaced toward the left hypochondrium, as shown in FIG. 9, along the entire transverse colon to the splenic flexure of the colon and finally toward the left iliac fossa, along the left colon, to the rectum and the anus.

[0085] Then, the fragments F' of the fecaloma F and the ingestible element 2 are expelled from the body B of the patient P by normal defecation, as shown in FIG. 1 0.

[0086] If the apparatus 1 includes the pair of electromagnets 1 5, after diagnostic examination the patient P is laid in a supine position on the bed 1 7 and the latter or the electromagnets 1 5 are displaced to adjust the attraction force acting on the ingestible element 2 and its position in the colon C.

[0087] Furthermore, the apparatus may be also considered to be used in patients with abdominal electronic devices, such as stimulators or pacemakers, once the applicability and compatibility of the magnetic field to and with these devices has been confirmed.

[0088] The apparatus for treating fecalomas in constipation with impacted feces and fecalomas according to the invention is susceptible of a number of changes and variants within the inventive principle disclosed in the annexed claims.

[0089] All the details thereof may be replaced by other technically equivalent parts, and the materials may vary depending on different needs, without departure from the scope of the invention.

[0090] While the apparatus for treating constipation has been described with particular reference to the annexed figures, the numerals referred to in the disclosure and claims are only used for the sake of a better intelligibility of the invention and shall not be intended to limit the claimed scope in any manner. Industrial Applicability

[0091 ] The present invention can be used in industry, as it can be produced on an industrial scale by factories producing medical equipment for treating gastrointestinal disorders.