Abstract: A device for intubating an ostomy, formed by a percutaneous endoscopic technique including a multi-lumen tube, having at least a fluid delivery lumen and an inflation lumen. The tube includes a port near one end to dispose the inflation lumen to ambient air and an outlet at an other end to convey fluid from within the fluid lumen into a patient. An inflatable member, is joined near the other end of the tube and is inflatable and deflatable through the inflation lumen. In a deflated state, the member assumes an edge-free outer configuration to facilitate intubation of the device into the patient. In a fully inflated state, the member assumes an outer configuration defining an edged, generally flat surface to more diffusely contact and abut against inner tissue surfaces surrounding the gastrostomy. Joined to the one end of the tube is an elongated tapered sleeve which encloses the one end of the tube. The tapered end of the sleeve carries a suture loop for use in intubating the device.

Abstract: An improved device for aspetic dispensing of enteral feeding solutions from shape retentive, pre-filled containers. The device including a distensible hanger member formed around only the end panels of the container to suspend the container in an orientation to define only a single uppermost corner and a single lowermost corner. The device further including corner attachment members for firmly securing a therapeutic fluid dispensing column only to the uppermost and lowermost corners of the container. The fluid dispensing column having venting and dispensing spikes. The spikes having an outer configuration which forms leak-proof seals with an aperture formed in the container. The spikes further including an arrangement of laterally opposed inlet ports joined to a large diameter axial bore.

Abstract: A unique device for intubating an ostomy, formed by a percutaneous endoscopic technique including a multi-lumen tube, having at least a fluid delivery lumen and an inflation lumen. The tube includes a port near one end to dispose the inflation lumen to ambient air and an outlet at an other end to convey fluid from within the fluid lumen into a patient. A retention member, preferably an inflatable cuff, is joined near the other end of the tube and is inflatable and deflatable through the inflation lumen. In a deflated state, the cuff assumes an edge-free outer configuration to facilitate intubation of the device into the patient. In a fully inflated state, the cuff assumes an outer configuration defining an edged, generally flat surface to more diffusely contact and abut against inner tissue surfaces surrounding the gastrostomy. Joined to the one end of the tube is an elongated tapered sleeve which encloses the one end of the tube.

Abstract: A device for dispensing enteral feeding solutions and other therapeutic fluids from penetrable, shape retentive containers comprising a unitary dispensing spike for penetrating a topside panel of such containers which are suspended in an orientation to define an uppermost end and a lowermost end. The dispensing spike of the present invention includes an ambient air vent integrally formed therein. The present invention further includes a fluid visualization chamber which permits a user to determine the volume of fluid within the container.

Abstract: The invention is a device for angular fixation of a delivery or drainage tube at, for example, the point where that tube exits through the skin from a body cavity. The tube may be used for delivery, extraction, or evacuation of fluids or gases through a surgically formed stoma in a patient. In the enteral feeding, or delivery, embodiment, an enteral feeding tube extends outwardly from the patient to support the components of the device. The components include a sleeve disposed along and movable along the feeding tube and a base elbow unit through which the feeding tube passes. The base elbow unit includes a subdermal portion, a sleeve engaging portion, and a generally cylindrical tube-engaging portion. The feeding tube is movable from a first, substantially straight position to a second, acutely angled position. In this second, acutely angled position, the tube is immobilized by locking engagement to the tube engaging portion.

Abstract: A unique device for intubating an ostomy, formed by a percutaneous endoscopic technique including a multi-lumen tube, having at least a fluid delivery lumen and an inflation lumen. The tube includes a port near one end to dispose the inflation lumen to ambient air and an outlet at an other end to convey fluid from within the fluid lumen into a patient. A retention member, preferably an inflatable cuff, is joined near the other end of the tube and is inflatable and deflatable through the inflation lumen. In a deflated state, the cuff assumes an edge-free outer configuration to facilitate intubation of the device into the patient. In a fully inflated state, the cuff assumes an outer configuration defining an edged, generally flat surface to more diffusely contact and abut against inner tissue surfaces surrounding the gastrostomy. Joined to the one end of the tube is an elongated tapered sleeve which encloses the one end of the tube.

Abstract: An improved, non-occluding high fluid flow enteral feeding tube including a non-collapsible bolus carried on a distal end of the tube. The bolus having at least one opening defining a tube outlet. The one opening being defined by generally vertical bolus side walls having a selected transverse sectional height ranging from a height equal to at least one-half the inner diameter of the tube to no more than a height equal to the sum of the tube inner diameter and the thickness of the tube wall. The bolus further including an upwardly inclining internal bolus floor to gradually direct fluid from the tube, through the bolus and out of the opening minimizing disturbance of fluid flow rate.

Abstract: An enteric feeding bag having unique fluid dispensation features comprising a supplying chamber within the bag being coupled to an inlet, a feeding chamber of smaller volume than the supplying chamber being coupled to an inlet, a feeding chamber of smaller volume than the supplying chamber being coupled to an outlet, a channel placing the chambers in selective fluid communication upon tilting of the bag, a partition between the chambers having at least one aperture to receive a clamp in which the aperture coincides with volumetric graduations on the feeding chamber, an elongated flap appended to the exterior peripheral edge of the feeding chamber also having at least one aperture horizontally coinciding with the aperture on the partition and, a clamp inserted through the apertures for transversely sealing together the side walls of the feeding chamber at one aperture.

Abstract: A stylet to be used in combination with a feeding tube assembly for administration or aspiration of fluids to a patient comprising a wire with an elongated loop of variable length and width at its distal end. The width of the loop may be adjusted so as to be greater than the diameter of any apertures in feeding tubes thereby preventing the stylet from exiting the tube assembly and minimizing the possibility of injury to a patient during stylet intubation.

Abstract: A feeding assembly for the administration of fluids to a patient comprising a tube having a rigid bolus near its distal end to facilitate the peristaltic movement of the assembly during insertion. The bolus has openings for fluid flow, said openings are oriented to prevent the tip of a stylet from escaping from the tube assembly to minimize the possibility of injury to a patient during stylet intubation.