Caja para sonda de PEG

thingiverse

Due to various health issues, some patients require a PEG: percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. This is a procedure in which a feeding tube is placed that passes through the abdominal wall and reaches the stomach. The purpose of this technique is to administer food, liquids, and medication directly into the stomach. When applying this procedure to patients with full mental faculties and good personal autonomy, it's essential to consider factors that may cause concern. For example, in our case, one major worry is that the plug that blocks the external end of the catheter (some have three different size openings) will come loose due to a gap in the flexible material of the catheter, causing gastric content and food residue to leak onto the patient's skin and clothing. This may seem trivial within a serious process, but it significantly affects quality of life and self-esteem. Experiencing firsthand the moral suffering this caused in a loved one has been more than enough motivation to find a solution that would alleviate their distress. I realized the solution had to be simple and lightweight. A rectangular container, similar to a box, where the catheter entrance with its plugs fit perfectly, exerting sufficient pressure from the walls of the container to keep the plugs securely in place. The box is easy to open, and one of its walls has an opening for the catheter. The container is made of PETG filament, Polyethylene Terephthalate, a material with excellent chemical resistance and suitable for food use. I chose PETG because it's a 3D printing material with outstanding mechanical properties that produces highly satisfactory results. Once the project was completed, it was time to test it on the user. The greatest reward for the effort invested has been witnessing the satisfaction it brought to the person; undoubtedly, health also involves a good mood, and this small piece has contributed to their overall well-being.