Abstract: One or more external magnets that are suitable for placement on the back or front of a patient's neck and methods for using the external magnet(s) to guide a feeding tube containing one or more internal magnets through the esophagus are described herein. The external magnet is applied to the back or the front of the patient's neck and the feeding tube is inserted into the patient's nose and advanced within the patient's body. The magnetic field of the external magnet combines with the magnetic field of the internal magnet to produce a sufficient magnetic force to pull or push the feeding tube apparatus against the posterior wall of the esophagus to prevent placement of the stylet in the patient's trachea or windpipe to prevent insertion into the patient's lungs.

Abstract: A feeding tube apparatus, a kit containing the feed tube apparatus and method for intubating a patient to deliver the feeding tube apparatus to the desired location for delivering nutrients and/or medication are described herein. The feeding tube apparatus (10) contains at least a catheter (20) and a removable stylet (30), where the removable stylet contains one or more magnetic materials (32 a-j). In one embodiment, the stylet contains more than one magnetic material in the form of a magnet stack (33). The feeding tube apparatus is used in combination with a suitable external magnet (40) which a medical practitioner can use to guide the feeding tube apparatus (10) through the intestinal tract. Optionally, the feeding tube apparatus contains additional components, such as a spring wire guide.