Abstract: An incision closing apparatus for simultaneous insertion of suture needles through adjacent sides of an incision in a fascia layer within a patient. An insertion end is sized for insertion through the incision and a shield is retractably extended from the insertion end positioned interior of the fascia layer. A plurality of elongated spokes having needles thereon are extended from openings within the insertion end for ejection of needles having attached suture filaments through adjacent sides of the fascia layer incision. Each needle is imbedded into the extended shield to retain each needle from piercing an internal organ. Upon retraction of the shield into the insertion end, with each needle imbedded in the shield, the insertion end is removed from the incision, leaving suture filaments inserted through adjacent sides of the fascia layer incision for closure of the incision within the patient.

Abstract: A magnetic intubation apparatus insertable into an opening in a patient for guiding a tube into a preferred passageway within the patient. The magnetic intubation apparatus includes a flexible elongated body having an insertion end sized to be inserted through the patient's internal passageways. A magnetic member is coupled to the insertion end in a pivotable relationship. During insertion into the patient, the insertion end having the magnetic member thereon is guided into a preferred passageway such as the trachea or the esophagus by manipulating an external magnetic field disposed proximal to the patient. A method for insertion is also disclosed, providing for positioning within a patient of an elongated body having a magnetic member coupled to an insertion end that is guided by an external magnetic field into the preferred passageway within the patient for intubation of a tube into the preferred passageway.

Abstract: A magnetically guided device for insertion through a patient's nasal passageway of a tube for feeding or lavage of a target organ. The device includes a flexible tube having an insertion end sized for insertion through the patient's nasal cavity, pharynx and esophagus. The tube insertion end includes a magnetic member rotatably coupled to the insertion end and a porous tube segment spaced-apart proximal of the magnetic member. The magnetic member is rotatable within the insertion end and is responsive to an externally positioned magnetic field that is moved relative to the patient for guiding the insertion end through internal passageways and into the target organ within the patient. A method for insertion and positioning of a magnetically guided tube for feeding or for lavage of a target organ within a patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic intubation apparatus insertable into an opening in a patient for guiding a tube into a preferred passageway within the patient. The magnetic intubation apparatus includes a flexible elongated body having an insertion end sized to be inserted through the patient's internal passageways. A magnetic member is coupled to the insertion end in a pivotable relationship. During insertion into the patient, the insertion end having the magnetic member thereon is guided into a preferred passageway such as the trachea or the esophagus by manipulating an external magnetic field disposed proximal to the patient. A method for insertion is also disclosed, providing for positioning within a patient of an elongated body having a magnetic member coupled to an insertion end that is guided by an external magnetic field into the preferred passageway within the patient for intubation of a tube into the preferred passageway.