Team 16
Colon Cleanser: Noninvasive Sacral Nerve Stimulator for Constipation
Colon Cleanser: Noninvasive Sacral Nerve Stimulator for Constipation
Team Members: Myung Chung, Jared Macanas, Adin Roemer, Kyle Xue - SBHSE
Team Mentors: Dr. Stephen Helms Tillery - SBHSE
Denzil Mathew - Creighton University of Medicine
YouTube Link: View the video link below before joining the zoom meeting
Zoom Link: https://asu.zoom.us/j/97238729875
Abstract
Chronic constipation affects many adults and is a common complaint of patients in hospitals. Constipation can become a severe problem when hepatic encephalopathy occurs as ammonia builds up in the body. There are an estimated 2-3 million patients each year that are prescribed laxatives or cathartic agents. The average cost per constipation diagnosis is $2752 and more than $800 million is spent each year in the US on laxatives. Current common treatments include enemas and various laxatives, but both are lacking in efficacy and can be inconsistent on a patient to patient basis. Furthermore, patients often find enemas to be uncomfortable and unpleasant. The Rectify team is developing an alternative method of alleviating these issues through non-invasive electrical stimulation called The Colon Cleanser. This device will non-invasively target the sacral region with stimulation administered by a set of electrodes. The device will not be a permanent implant or require the patient to have it on at all times. Instead, the duration of the electrical therapy will depend on the physician’s evaluation and may vary between patients. With our device, we want to offer a solution that helps to preserve patient dignity while also being a more comfortable alternative to current solutions. The Colon Cleanser device is intended to be used by a medical professional at a hospital or clinic to assist a patient with clearing their bowels. It will be marketed to those healthcare professionals who will be administering the treatment and hospitals where the treatments will take place. Future work would involve using more accurate models as well as clinical testing.
