An innovative device to improve bowel function in individuals with neuro-degenerative diseases and spinal cord injuries

Unmet Need: Enabling independent bowel management for individuals with limited dexterity due to neurodegenerative disease or spinal injury

Millions of people worldwide live with spinal cord injuries or neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In these populations, neurogenic bowel, bowel dysfunction, and incontinence are common and have a great impact on not only physical health but also functional independence. Thus, independent and efficient bowel management is crucial to maintaining health by minimizing incontinence while maximizing autonomy, dignity, and quality of life for patients and caregivers.

The Technology: A Prototype Delivery Mechanism to Improve Bowel Function and Continence

To address this need, WSU inventors have collaborated with spinal cord injury specialist Dr. Glen House to develop an innovative medical device that allows patients with limited mobility to self-administer bowel stimulants as part of their bowel program. The device is designed to effectively apply small volumes of bowel stimulants directly to bowel wall, improving bowel function and continence. The product is designed with safe, easy, and controlled delivery in mind, particularly for those with limited mobility in the upper extremity.

The prototype facilitates use from an upright, seated position and consists of an inserter, arm, and lever actuator. The inserter size is optimized to efficiently deliver the bowel stimulating drug while maximizing safety and comfort. The long arm and large lever actuator permits controlled delivery of a liquid stimulant to the bowel wall and allows delivery by pressing with a hand, elbow, or shoulder. This innovation targets the improvement of bowel function and continence while enhancing independence.

Applications:

Suitable for individuals with reduced mobility and neurogenic bowel/bowel dysfunction due to spinal cord injury, ALS, MS, Parkinson’s, etc.
Appropriate for use in homes, hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers

Advantages:

Improves patient independence and autonomy in bowel health management
Facilitates use from an upright, seated position for optimal ergonomics
Long arm and lever actuator permit controlled delivery
Helps maintain privacy and dignity by decreasing the degree of assistance required
Plastic construction is easy to clean and safe to use