Abstract: A coupling apparatus includes a first component having a first non-mechanical valve, a second component having a second non-mechanical valve, and a third component having a first end for coupling with the first valve and a second end for coupling with the second valve. The third component has an elongated bore such that when the first end is coupled to the first valve and the second end is coupled to the second valve, a passageway is defined therethrough. The coupling apparatus includes a breakaway portion disposed between the third component and the second component and the first and second valves automatically close when the second and third components are separated from one another.

Abstract: A device for inserting a non-balloon gastrostomic device through an opening in the wall of the abdomen and stomach or other viscera of a patient is provided. The insertion device comprises a body, a stylus, and a trigger device being adapted to selectively maintain a selected position of the stylus relative to the body without the use of an external force. A method of inserting the gastrostomic device utilizing the insertion tool is also provided. In addition or alternatively, a gastrostomic device is provided including a hollow tube member and an enlarged resiliently deformable tip at one end of the tube member. The deformable tip is deformable between a first configuration and a second configuration, each configuration having a cross-sectional area. In addition or alternatively, a method is provided for forming the gastrostomic device using a disposable core.

Abstract: Tubing for use in gastrointestinal applications includes a hollow tube and a spring positioned inside the tube. The spring is corrosion resistant and helps to prevent kinking of the tubing when the tubing is bent. An encapsulant may be positioned over the spring. The spring may be co-extruded with the tubing.

Abstract: A device for inserting a non-balloon gastrostomic device through an opening in the wall of the abdomen and stomach or other viscera of a patient is provided. The insertion device comprises a body, a stylus, and a trigger device being adapted to selectively maintain a selected position of the stylus relative to the body without the use of an external force. A method of inserting the gastrostomic device utilizing the insertion tool is also provided. In addition or alternatively, a gastrostomic device is provided including a hollow tube member and an enlarged resiliently deformable tip at one end of the tube member. The deformable tip is deformable between a first configuration and a second configuration, each configuration having a cross-sectional area. In addition or alternatively, a method is provided for forming the gastrostomic device using a disposable core.

Abstract: A coupling includes a first input port and a photoluminescent portion associated with the first input port. The first input port may be one or more of a gastric port, a jejunal port, or a balloon port. The first port may have a first glow-in-the dark feature and a second port may have a second glow-in-the-dark feature, which may be different from one another. The coupling may include means for orientation that assists a user in properly orienting a connector to be mounted in the first port in proper orientation and a first connector for coupling to the first port.

Abstract: A molded and undivided medical penetrating device comprises a first portion and a second substantially tubular portion having an outer surface, a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the second substantially tubular portion of the device is joined to and is integral with the first portion of the device and is adapted to be maintained essentially outside a body while the first portion of the device is adapted to be retained within the interior of the body. The device includes an opening that extends through the first and second portions of the device and provides access to the interior of the body from outside the body. The opening and the outer surface of the substantially tubular second portion of the device define a wall that is thinner at the proximal end of the second portion than towards the distal end of the second portion.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus includes a first component having a first non-mechanical valve, a second component having a second non-mechanical valve, and a third component having a first end for coupling with the first valve and a second end for coupling with the second valve. The third component has an elongated bore such that when the first end is coupled to the first valve and the second end is coupled to the second valve, a passageway is defined therethrough. The coupling apparatus includes a breakaway portion disposed between the third component and the second component and the first and second valves automatically close when the second and third components are separated from one another.

Abstract: A gastro jejunal (G-J) feeding device includes a gastro jejunal body and an integral feeding tube. The gastro jejunal body includes a gastric port, a jejunal port and a balloon port. The integral feeding tube includes a proximal end and a distal end and further includes a gastric lumen, a jejunal lumen and a balloon lumen. The proximal end is configured to be located outside of a patient's body. The distal end is configured to be inserted into a patient's body and has a deformable portion with a default shape having a width larger than a diameter of a tubular portion. A capsule is configured to be placed on the distal end so as to enclose and deform the deformable portion. The capsule is configured to dissolve upon contact with bodily fluid. The deformable portion is configured to return to the default shape upon dissolution of the capsule.

Abstract: A molded and undivided medical penetrating device comprises a first portion and a second substantially tubular portion having an outer surface, a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the second substantially tubular portion of the device is joined to and is integral with the first portion of the device and is adapted to be maintained essentially outside a body while the first portion of the device is adapted to be retained within the interior of the body. The device includes an opening that extends through the first and second portions of the device and provides access to the interior of the body from outside the body. The opening and the outer surface of the substantially tubular second portion of the device define a wall that is thinner at the proximal end of the second portion than towards the distal end of the second portion.

Abstract: A molded and undivided medical penetrating device comprises a first portion and a second substantially tubular portion having an outer surface, a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the second substantially tubular portion of the device is joined to and is integral with the first portion of the device and is adapted to be maintained essentially outside a body while the first portion of the device is adapted to be retained within the interior of the body. The device includes an opening that extends through the first and second portions of the device and provides access to the interior of the body from outside the body. The opening and the outer surface of the substantially tubular second portion of the device define a wall that is thinner at the proximal end of the second portion than towards the distal end of the second portion.

Abstract: A nasal tube retaining system having a flexible member with a magnet attached to the first end for insertion into the first nostril of the patient, a tape portion attached to an end of the flexible member, a guide for guiding the tape portion through a portion or all of the flexible member, a rod, and a retrieving member with a magnetic distal end for insertion into the second nostril of the patient to retrieve the flexible member. The system further includes a fastening means to secure the nasal tube to the tape portion.

Abstract: A molded and undivided medical penetrating device comprises a first portion and a second substantially tubular portion having an outer surface, a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the second substantially tubular portion of the device is joined to and is integral with the first portion of the device and is adapted to be maintained essentially outside a body while the first portion of the device is adapted to be retained within the interior of the body. The device includes an opening that extends through the first and second portions of the device and provides access to the interior of the body from outside the body. The opening and the outer surface of the substantially tubular second portion of the device define a wall that is thinner at the proximal end of the second portion than towards the distal end of the second portion.

Abstract: A device for inserting a non-balloon gastrostomic device through an opening in the wall of the abdomen and stomach or other viscera of a patient is provided. The insertion device comprises a body, a stylus, and a trigger device being adapted to selectively maintain a selected position of the stylus relative to the body without the use of an external force. A method of inserting the gastrostomic device utilizing the insertion tool is also provided. In addition or alternatively, a gastrostomic device is provided including a hollow tube member and an enlarged resiliently deformable tip at one end of the tube member. The deformable tip is deformable between a first configuration and a second configuration, each configuration having a cross-sectional area. In addition or alternatively, a method is provided for forming the gastrostomic device using a disposable core.

Abstract: A nasal tube retaining system having a flexible member with a magnet attached to the first end for insertion into the first nostril of the patient, a tape portion attached to an end of the flexible member, a guide for guiding the tape portion through a portion or all of the flexible member, a rod, and a retrieving member with a magnetic distal end for insertion into the second nostril of the patient to retrieve the flexible member. The system further includes a fastening means to secure the nasal tube to the tape portion.

Abstract: An enteral feeding clamp that secures a feeding adapter in relative position to a feeding device. The clamp includes C-shaped members integrally connected by one or more elastic webs. It also includes an elongated elastic band corresponding to each C-shaped member. The band has proximal and distal ends, and is integrally connected to the corresponding C-shaped member at its proximal end. Each of the elongated elastic bands has an enlarged head integrally formed at its distal end. A groove and receptacle are provided on the outer surface of each of the C-shaped members wherein the elastic band can be extended around the feeding adapter or feeding device, be placed in the groove, and have the head placed in the receptacle to secure the clamp in position. A method of using the feeding clamp is also provided.

Abstract: A surgical stay including a hook, a handle and an elastomeric band. The hook has a tissue engaging portion and is retained by the handle such that the tissue engaging portion extends from a first end of the handle. A handle end of the band is retained by a second end of the handle. The band has a longitudinal body and at least one hub disposed around the body. The hub has a generally flat engagement surface facing the handle.

Abstract: A low profile gastrostomy feeding device having a bolster portion, a balloon member, and tubular member extending between the bolster portion and the balloon member. The bolster portion includes an anti-reflux valve, a closure member, an inflation valve housing, and a cap retainer portion. An inflation lumen and a feeding lumen are provided by the tubular member. The inflation lumen curves as it passes through the bolster portion from the tubular member to the inflation housing.