A Study to Assess the Effects of the Minnesota Medical Technologies Anal Insert Device in Fecal Incontinence

Overview

About this study

The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Minnesota Medical Technologies (MMT) anal insert device on fecal continence over 3 months in patients with fecal incontinence (FI).

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Inclusion Criteria:

Male and female subjects aged 18 years and older at screening who meet the following inclusion criteria and none of the exclusion criteria will be eligible for enrollment:

  • Able to provide signed (written) informed consent.
  • Diagnosis of fecal incontinence, with duration of symptoms six months or longer with a history of at least one fecal incontinence (FI) episode per week or at least four episodes per month.
  • Subject comprehends study meaning and is capable of carrying out study duties.
  • Patient is fluent in English as study questionnaires have been validated using English.  
  • If female and of childbearing potential, patient has had a negative urine pregnancy test within 21 days of the first day of the baseline visit.
  • If applicable, Patient agrees to use acceptable birth control (surgical sterilization, abstinence, approved hormonal contraceptives such as birth control pills, barrier methods such as condom or diaphragm used with a spermicide, or an intrauterine device (IUD)).  If not applicable, the reason why shall be documented on the screening log.  
  • Subject is at least 18 years of age at time of consent.
  • Patients has failed conservative medical therapy (i.e., the use of bulking agents, anti-diarrheal agents (e.g., loperamide) and biofeedback therapy as appropriate) for Fecal Incontinence.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent or to comply with study procedures.
  • History of anorectal pathology in the past 6 months (perianal abscess or fistula, fecal impaction, or clinically significant rectocele).
  • History of inflammatory bowel disease with active proctosigmoiditis.
  • History of rectal surgery in past 6 months where the Investigator determines that the use of the study device may be associated with an increased risk of complications.
  • History of acute or chronic illness or history of illness or any other reason which in the opinion of the Investigator, could pose a threat or harm to the subject or obscure interpretation of laboratory test results or interpretation of study data such as frequent angina, Class III or IV congestive heart failure, etc. The reason for exclusion of any enrolled subject shall be documented on the screening log.
  • Patient has known clinically-significant immune deficiency state (e.g., HIV infection).
  • Patient is taking drugs with a low therapeutic index, such as warfarin, digoxin, and anti-seizure medications.
  • If patient has clinically suspected upper or lower gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction, they must be excluded or have been evaluated per standard of care and obstruction ruled out before screening.Determination of obstruction shall be documented on the screening log:
    • History of fecal impaction with overflow diarrhea in the past 6 months;
    • History of Ileo-anal pouch;
    • History of allergy to silicone or one of its components;
    • Patient is pregnant and/or nursing.
  • Any other reason, which in the opinion of the Investigator, would confound proper interpretation of the study.
  • Patient whom, after training from a healthcare provider, cannot insert or expel the device themself or with assistance from a caregiver.
  • History of anal or rectal pain and/or rectal bleeding in the past month.
  • Post baseline anoscopy examination, presence of an anal fissure, Grade III-IV internal hemorrhoids, or thrombosed external hemorrhoids.

In addition, subjects will not be eligible to participate in the Treatment Period if during the baseline period: 

  • Used rescue medications beyond those allowed by the protocol demonstrated lack of compliance (for e.g., did not complete bowel diaries for 3 days in any week during the baseline diary period).
  • Subjects will not be considered for the optional MRI sub-study if:
    • They are not eligible to proceed to the treatment period;
    • They have contraindications for magnetic resonance imaging; e.g., subjects have implanted medical devices which are not MRI-compatible, such as certain pacemakers, aneurysm clips, or cochlear implants;
    • American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) score of 4 or higher.

 

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location Status Contact

Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Adil Bharucha, M.B.B.S., M.D.

Closed for enrollment

Contact information:

Kelly Feuerhak R.N., CCRP

(507)255-6802

Feuerhak.Kelly@mayo.edu

More information

Publications

Publications are currently not available