Abstract: Multiple endoscopic devices and methods for closing perforations and/or creating anastomoses in tissue are described. For example, this document provides devices and methods for performing esophagogastric anastomoses and for closing esophageal perforations in a minimally invasive fashion. The devices and methods provided herein can also be used for, without limitation, colorectal anastomoses, any bowel anastomosis, gastric bypass anastomoses, and broader vessel anastomoses.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal device and methods of use thereof for the treatment of metabolic disorders is provided. The gastrointestinal device features disintegrable sleeve configured to fit within a patient's duodenum and to carry fluid (e.g., liquid or semisolid material, for example, chyme and digestive secretions) from its proximal end to its distal end.

Abstract: An artificial stoma device includes a solid unit and a hollow unit. The solid unit includes a blocking member that is adapted to block off a downstream section of an intestine and that has a contacting face adapted for facing an upstream section of the intestine, and a first connecting member that is connected fixedly to the contacting face of the blocking member. The hollow unit includes a conduit that has an outer surrounding surface and two opposite conduit openings being adapted to be disposed respectively at the upstream section of the intestine and an opening of a skin tissue, and a second connecting member that is connected fixedly to the outer surrounding surface and that is detachably connected to the first connecting member of the solid unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for effecting bariatric procedures are disclosed. Each system includes an instrument, a control valve and, optionally, a suction controller. The instrument is in the form of an elongated, flexible member having a distal end portion arranged for anchoring the instrument in the patient's stomach and for enabling fluids to be removed from the patient's stomach. Suction is applied to the patient's stomach by the distal end portion of the instrument to drain gastric fluids and to bring adjacent portions of the patient's stomach into engagement with the instrument to provide a visually perceptible delineation line along which a portion of the stomach may be resected, sealed and tested.

Abstract: A feeding tube device for postpyloric feeding that comprises a bendable feeding tube having a proximal end, a central portion and, and a distal end and a delivery lumen therealong for conducting a digestible substance therethrough, an imaging unit having an image sensor mounted on a tip of the distal end to image an imaging space thereinfront, and a tilting mechanism for tilting the distal end in relation to the central portion. The distal end has at least one lateral tilt and feeding opening therealong for delivering the digestible substance therethrough, the at least one lateral tilt and feeding opening are laid out so that when the tilting mechanism tilts the distal end the at least one lateral tilt and feeding opening narrows.

Abstract: A dual-purpose surgical bougie is disclosed for vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) procedures, and other related operations, that can serve the purpose of both operating as a guide or dilator for stapling and resecting a stomach and also securing, containing, and trans-orally extracting the resected stomach, thereby promoting faster patient recovery, minimizing and reducing the size and number of incisions, and further minimizing VSG procedure related complications, among other advantages. In one aspect of the disclosure described herein, the dual-purpose medical device can include a surgical bougie having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the bougie can be made of at least one of rubber, silicone, plastic, and metal. In addition, the bougie can include a channel or passage disposed within its central axis extending from its distal end to the proximal end, and a securement member coupled to the bougie.

Abstract: A dual-purpose surgical bougie is disclosed for vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) procedures, and other related operations, that can serve the purpose of both operating as a guide or dilator for stapling and resecting a stomach and also securing, containing, and trans-orally extracting the resected stomach, thereby promoting faster patient recovery, minimizing and reducing the size and number of incisions, and further minimizing VSG procedure related complications, among other advantages. In one aspect of the disclosure described herein, the dual-purpose medical device can include a surgical bougie having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the bougie can be made of at least one of rubber, silicone, plastic, and metal. In addition, the bougie can include a channel or passage disposed within its central axis extending from its distal end to the proximal end, and a securement member coupled to the bougie.

Abstract: A method of infusing and aspirating fluid from the body is provided. The method includes providing a catheter system which includes an inner lumen, the proximal end of which is connected to an infusion mechanism configured to control infusion of a fluid, and an outer lumen, the proximal end of which is connected to an aspiration mechanism configured to control aspiration of fluid from the body. The method also includes activating the infusion mechanism to infuse fluid into the body for a first infusion time period and at a first infusion pressure, disabling the infusion mechanism to stop infusion, and activating the aspiration mechanism to aspirate fluid for a first aspiration time period and at a first aspiration pressure.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal device for treating obesity includes a three-dimensional porous structure configurable between a compressed pre-deployment configuration to facilitate delivery and an expanded post-deployment configuration. The porous structure includes a first opening at its proximal end and a larger second opening at its distal end. The porous structure also includes a sleeve coupled to its distal end. Optionally, the device further includes a suture at the proximal end of the wire mesh structure to facilitate retrieval and an anti-migration component positioned at the junction of the porous structure with the sleeve. The porous structure is deployed in a patient's stomach such that the anti-migration component sits proximal to the patient's pylorus and prevents migration of the entirety of the device into and through the pylorus. The sleeve extends through the pylorus, into the duodenum and ends in the duodenum or jejunum.

Abstract: The invention provides a catheter for placement within a vessel of a patient. The catheter comprises an elongated catheter body, a septum extending longitudinally through the interior of the catheter body from the dividing the interior of the catheter body into a first lumen and a second lumen. Each lumen has curved or angled internal walls at the distal end of the catheter that terminate at ports located on opposing sides of the catheter body. The invention also provides a method for exchanging fluids in a patient comprising the step of positioning the catheter of the present invention in communication with a fluid-containing vessel of a patient. The method is particularly well-suited for hemodialysis, plasmapheresis, and other therapies which require removal and return of blood from a patient.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the stomach and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device to the stomach and a flexible sleeve. When implanted within the intestine, the sleeve can limit the absorption of nutrients, delay the mixing of chyme with digestive enzymes, altering hormonal triggers, providing negative feedback, and combinations thereof. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.

Abstract: A self-illuminating endogastric tube which simplifies the correct placement of the distal end of the endogastric tube within the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. A self-illuminating stylet which simplifies the correct placement of the distal end of an endogastric tube within the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. A method of placing the distal end of an endogastric tube within the gastrointestinal tract of a patient that does not expose the patient to radiation, or that limits the amount of radiation exposure to less than the amount associated with standard methods of placing the distal end of an endogastric tube within the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. A method of confirming the correct placement of an endogastric tube that does not expose the patient to radiation, or that limits the amount of radiation exposure to less than the amount associated with standard methods of placing an endogastric tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for direct gastric feeding via a gastrostomy tract formed in a patient. The apparatus includes a tube, an internal bolster, an external bolster, and a force-generating device. The force-generating device may include a pair of automatically adjustable spring members on the external bolster. The spring members are responsive to changes in the length of the gastrostomy tract and eliminate the need for periodic adjustment or replacement of the apparatus.

Abstract: A gastric feeding tube and method of use where the tube is of sufficient length for insertion into an esophagus of a subject via the nose or mouth. The gastric feed tube comprises a tube having a distal portion, a middle portion and a proximal portion, an outer surface and an inner surface forming a wall of the tube having a thickness and wherein the wall of the tube defines a lumen of a defined geometry, the lumen having an opening at a distal end of the tube for positioning in a stomach or jejunum of the subject and an opening at the proximal end of the tube for positioning outside of the nose or mouth of the subject wherein the lumen extends longitudinally through the tube connecting the opening at the distal end of the tube and the opening at the proximal end of the tube.

Abstract: Featured is a method for instilling one or more bioactive agents into ocular tissue within an eye of a patient for the treatment of an ocular condition, the method comprising concurrently using at least two of the following bioactive agent delivery methods (A)-(C): (A) implanting a sustained release delivery device comprising one or more bioactive agents in a posterior region of the eye so that it delivers the one or more bioactive agents into the vitreous humor of the eye; (B) instilling (e.g., injecting or implanting) one or more bioactive agents subretinally; and (C) instilling (e.g., injecting or delivering by ocular iontophoresis) one or more bioactive agents into the vitreous humor of the eye.

Abstract: Improved anastomosis devices having structural upgrades to increase ease of use while simultaneously increasing patent safety. The anastomosis device can include an introducer member having an introducer rod and an introducer cap to provide additional support to a catheter portion of the anastomosis device such that damage associated with installation of the catheter, deployment of tissue approximating structures and/or removal of the catheter can be minimized. The anastomosis device can further include a valve cap designed to constrain and reinforce a thin-walled section of a proximal funnel portion of the anastomosis device such that ballooning of the thin-walled section under the influence of a pressurized inflation fluid can be avoided during inflation as well as a time of tissue approximation and tissue healing.

Abstract: A gastric/jejunal catheter comprises three major components, a triple lumen “Y” connector, a transitional “midport” bolus, and a single lumen jejunal tube with a jejunal tip. The midport bolus, in turn, comprises three lumens, a jejunal feeding lumen, a gastric relief lumen and an air lumen. The midport bolus also contains inflow and outflow ports communicating with said lumens. The bolus contains a key reinforcing arc that prevents the kinking, and resultant jejuna lumen occlusion, of the bolus.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a syringe for use in enteral feeding includes providing a premolded syringe body having a plunger end and an outlet end, loading the premolded syringe body into a mold having a core pin extending into the outlet end of the premolded syringe body, closing the mold to thereby retain the premolded syringe therein and to close a mold cavity around the outlet end of the syringe body, injection molding by injecting plastic molding material into the mold cavity and cooling to thereby form a tip at the outlet end of the premolded syringe body, and opening the mold and extracting the syringe body and the tip.

Abstract: A nasogastric tube insertion system comprises a nasogastric tube, a guide element, and an inserter element. The inserter element has a slim, elongate main body, a handle attached to the body, and an anatomically curved insertion section. The guide element comprises a swallowable weight attached to a cord, string, monofilament line, tube, or other similar line. The swallowable weight may be ablative in the presence of stomach fluids or may be deflated to allow the guide element to be removed while the nasogastric tube remains in place. The inserter element is inserted through the patient's nasal passages and optionally into the oropharynx. The weight is released and the patient swallows it into the stomach. The guide element is threaded through the guide element retaining structure, and the nasogastric tube is safely inserted along the guide element into the patient's stomach.

Abstract: An endoscopic bite block system for increasing the speed and efficiency of an endoscopic procedure. The endoscopic bite block system includes a base member including a central opening and at least one tube attachment, a channel member latitudinally extending from an outer edge of the central opening and a strap member removably attached to the base member, wherein the strap member removably attaches the base member to the mouth of the patient.

Abstract: A nasogastric tube insertion system comprises a nasogastric tube, a guide element, and an inserter element. The inserter element has a slim, elongate main body, a handle attached to the body, and an anatomically curved insertion section. The guide element comprises a swallowable weight attached to a cord, string, monofilament line, or other similar line. The nasogastric tube may be a nasogastric feeding tube and comprises a tube having one or more interior bores or lumina and a guide element capture structure. In use, the swallowable weight is placed onto the end of the inserter element. The inserter element is inserted through the patient's nasal passages and optionally into the oropharynx. The weight is released and the patient swallows it into the stomach. The guide element is threaded through the guide element retaining structure, and the nasogastric tube is safely inserted along the guide element into the patient's stomach. The tube and guide element are removed together when no longer needed.

Abstract: A nasogastric tube insertion system comprises a nasogastric tube, a guide element, and an inserter element. The inserter element has a slim, elongate main body, a handle attached to the body, and an anatomically curved insertion section. The guide element comprises a swallowable weight attached to a cord, string, monofilament line, tube, or other similar line. The swallowable weight may be ablative in the presence of stomach fluids or may be deflated to allow the guide element to be removed while the nasogastric tube remains in place. The inserter element is inserted through the patient's nasal passages and optionally into the oropharynx. The weight is released and the patient swallows it into the stomach. The guide element is threaded through the guide element retaining structure, and the nasogastric tube is safely inserted along the guide element into the patient's stomach.

Abstract: A nasogastric tube insertion system comprises a nasogastric tube, a guide element, and an inserter element. The inserter element has a slim, elongate main body, a handle attached to the body, and an anatomically curved insertion section. The guide element comprises a swallowable weight attached to a cord, string, monofilament line, or other similar line. The nasogastric tube comprises a tube having one or more interior bores or lumina and a guide element capture structure. In use, the swallowable weight is placed onto the end of the inserter element. The inserter element is inserted through the patient's nasal passages and optionally into the oropharynx. The weight is released and the patient swallows it into the stomach. The guide element is threaded through the guide element retaining structure, and the nasogastric tube is safely inserted along the guide element into the patient's stomach. The tube and guide element are removed together when no longer needed.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to provide an esophagus stoma button capable of safely forming and maintaining a stoma hole provided in an esophagus and reducing the discomfortableness of a patient. To achieve the object, in the present invention, the stoma button 9 is comprised of a shaft part 1 and a flange part 2 provide at the rear end of the shaft part rounded at the tip thereof. More specifically, in the esophagus stoma button 9, a flange part is provide at the rear end of the shaft part rounded at the tip thereof, and a lumen having a generally circular cross section in the area ranging from the shaft part to the flange part is provided, a means for fixing a catheter for infusion is provided in the flange part with a flat and generally circular shape and a means for tightly closing the opening of the flange part is provided at the opening thereof.

Abstract: An enteral feeding catheter (5) that provides access to both the stomach and the jejunum for feeding, aspiration and decompression. The catheter includes a dual lumen “D” tube (30) that joins to an external “Y” connector (25) at the proximal end of the tube. The connector serves both lumens as a source for fluid or aspiration. The gastric lumen (37) and the jejunal lumen (38) of the “D” tube both connect to a transitional connector bolus in the stomach. The gastric lumen of the “D” tube joins with a lumen in the transitional bolus that communicates with a gastric port (27). The gastric port is recessed to the level of its full internal lumen, thereby providing maximum protection against occlusion and maximum area for outflow. The “D” jejunal lumen connects in the bolus with a lumen that transitions from a “D” shape to a full circle shape. The latter provides for the attachment of a smaller, round, single lumen tube that extends into the jejunum.

Abstract: A material composition, including metallic nanoparticles of silver, silver alloys, or copper, having antimicrobial properties is disclosed. The metallic nanoparticles are embedded or encapsulated in a matrix formed of chitosan or chitosan derivative-based compounds.

Abstract: A bolster assembly for use in aligning a tubular interventional device along an outer epidermal layer of a patient. A base portion of the assembly has a first surface for contacting the epidermal layer at an exit site of the tubular interventional device from the body of the patient, and has a second surface generally opposite the first surface. An elongated member is engaged with the base portion second surface and extends therefrom at a first angle. The elongated member and the base portion are structured and aligned to define a passageway to enable passage therethrough of the tubular interventional device. The elongated member is capable of flexure relative to the base portion from the first angle to a second angle generally parallel to the epidermal layer. A retaining member is provided for releasably retaining the elongated member at the second angle.

Abstract: Probe for providing a fluid connection with the small intestine comprising a tube (10) to be inserted in the small intestine via the stomach, having proximal and distal open ends (10A, 10B) and inherent tendency of coiling over a predetermined length at the distal end, and a guide (14) displaceable in the tube from the proximal end for straightening said length in order that it shall be straightened during the actual insertion into the stomach. According to the invention the tube has at least in said predetermined portion a hairy, frosted, rough, ribbed or finned outside surface (16).

Abstract: By interposing an adapter between the endotracheal or tracheal tube inserted to a patient and the ventilation and suction systems that are connected to the endotracheal tube, a catheter could be inserted via an input port built into the adapter so as to enable a medical personnel to provide localized treatments in the lungs of a patient without having to disconnect either one of the systems connected to the endotracheal tube. The adapter is configured to have a securing mechanism that allows the medical personnel to secure the medication catheter in place. A one way valve fitted to the apertured arm that forms the input port of the adapter prevents any back flow of fluid from the input port.

Abstract: A catheter having a tube and a tip connected to one end of the tube. The tip has a collar, an end member and lowered side walls positioned between the collar and the end member. The lowered side walls define an opening that is biased toward the end member.

Abstract: An enteral feeding catheter that provides access to both the stomach and the jejunum for feeding, aspiration and decompression. The catheter includes a dual lumen “D” tube that joins to an external “Y” connector at the proximal end of the tube. The connector serves both lumens as a source for fluid or aspiration. The gastric lumen and the jejunal lumen of the “D” tube both connect to a transitional connector bolus in the stomach. The gastric lumen of the “D” tube joins with a lumen in the transitional bolus that communicates with a gastric port. The gastric port is recessed to the level of its full internal lumen, thereby providing maximum protection against occlusion and maximum area for outflow. The “D” jejunal lumen connects in the bolus with a lumen that transitions from a “D” shape to a full circle shape. The latter provides for the attachment of a smaller, round, single lumen tube that extends into the jejunum.

Abstract: A gastric tube apparatus comprising a tube and a weighted leader which are releasbly attached by a material which dissolves in the patient's gastrointestinal tract. The apparatus is introduced into a patient through a nasal opening. After the tube and leader are properly placed in the gastrointestinal tract, the attachment material dissolves and the weighted leader may be removed from the patient, leaving the tube in place for treatment of the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling a gastroscope (30) to a gastrostomy feeding tube apparatus (10) such that both can be introduced together into the alimentary tract, thereby eliminating the need to separately introduce the gastroscope afterward in order to verify that the gastrostomy feeding tube (11) has been correctly placed within the stomach of the patient. The gastrostomy feeding tube includes a coupling member (12), such as an elongate tract or thread, that is accessible about the second end (26) thereof. The elongate tract is drawn through the working channel (31) of the gastroscope by an engagement member (29), such as snare, which then allows the distal end (33) of the gastroscope to be advanced into the end cap (18) of the feeding tube so that the two can be pulled together into the stomach. In another embodiment, the coupling member comprises an integrated attachment member (39), such as hook, to which the engaging member can attach.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for treatment of morbid obesity using minimally invasive techniques. The apparatus includes a system of components that may be used separately or in combination for effectively reducing stomach volume, bypassing a portion of the stomach and/or small intestines, reducing nutrient absorption in the stomach and/or small intestines and/or depositing minimally or undigested food farther than normal into the intestines, thereby stimulating intestinal responses. The components described include an artificial stoma device, a gastric sleeve device, an intestinal sleeve device, a combined gastrointestinal sleeve device and permanent and detachable attachment systems. Also described are devices for delivering and deploying the components of the system.

Abstract: A gastric tube apparatus comprising a tube and a weighted leader which are releasbly attached by a material which dissolves in the patient's gastrointestinal tract. The apparatus is introduced into a patient through a nasal opening. After the tube and leader are properly placed in the gastrointestinal tract, the attachment material dissolves and the weighted leader may be removed from the patient, leaving the tube in place for treatment of the patient.

Abstract: A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy device comprises a removable, dilating tip. The tip is located at the distal end of the device and provides for tissue dilation upon entry of the device into the body of a patient. The tip is lubricious and biodegradable. The tip is removable by dislodging it from the end of the device following placement of the device in the patient. The tip is usually dislodged by action of a physician to dislodge the tip, however it may be dissolved by application of a biocompatible solvent or through digestion. Following removal of the tip from the device, the tip is dissolved naturally by digestion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for inserting or placing the low profile catheter or system in a patient. The apparatus of the present invention is designed such that it may be used both as an original device as well as a replacement device. The device is also capable of being placed or inserted in a patient in a variety of ways, including, for example, those which are highly invasive, such as those placements or insertions which occur during a surgical procedure, as well as those procedures which are minimally invasive and/or those which produce or result in little or no blood loss and which may or may not require a surgeon to perform. The present invention is intended to cover all such procedures as discussed herein.

Abstract: A medical grade tubing that includes a layer of ultra low density polyethylene that has been let down, or drawn down, in diameter approximately 10% to about 50% in an extrusion process and an inner layer of an RF responsive material, the tubing allowing for the selective connection of the tubing to another tubing using a sterile welding device.

Abstract: An enteral feeding catheter that provides access to both the stomach and the jejunum for feeding, aspiration and decompression. The catheter includes a dual lumen “D” tube that joins to an external “Y” connector at the proximal end of the tube. The connector serves both lumens as a source for fluid or aspiration. The gastric lumen and the jejunal lumen of the “D” tube both connect to a transitional connector bolus in the stomach. The gastric lumen of the “D” tube joins with a lumen in the transitional bolus that communicates with a gastric port. The gastric port is recessed to the level of its full internal lumen, thereby providing maximum protection against occlusion and maximum area for outflow. The “D” jejunal lumen connects in the bolus with a lumen that transitions from a “D” shape to a full circle shape. The latter provides for the attachment of a smaller, round, single lumen tube that extends into the jejunum.

Abstract: The present invention is a bolus for an enteral feeding tube, or catheter, that is capable of being used in an over-the-wire intubation procedure as well as other intubation procedures. The bolus has a generally tubular body defining a sidewall, a proximal end tube opening capable of being connected to a distal end of the enteral feeding tube, and a generally rounded terminal end having a flattened tip. The bolus includes a fluid opening within the sidewall of the bolus between the proximal end opening and the terminal end of the bolus. An interior surface of the sidewall opposite the fluid opening is curved and slopes upwardly toward a distal end of the fluid opening. The curved interior surface and the fluid opening configuration allows for fluid flow that approximates the fluid flow rate characteristics of an open-ended tube. The fluid opening is biased toward the terminal end of the bolus thereby defining an elongated collar portion adjacent the proximal end tube opening of the bolus.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a nasal-jejunal feeding tube, having an arrangement of flaps cut from the outer surface of the catheter and configured so as to not readily adhere to the catheter outer surface. The arrangement of flaps are configured to resist egress so as to permit peristaltic contractions of the body to propel the device forward, yet will allow the device to be removed from the body without the flaps causing significant trauma to the tissues of the body canal.

Abstract: An occlusion prevention apparatus for a gastrostomy button system is provided. The apparatus includes an occlusion prevention tube comprised of a corrugated tube. The occlusion prevention apparatus may be in surrounding relation about a gastrostomy extension tube comprised of a flexible tube connecting a feeding bag adapter and a gastrostomy button adapter. The occlusion prevention apparatus may include a slit through the wall of the corrugated tube, which is operative to enable the flexible tube portion of the gastrostomy extension tube to slide into and out of an interior portion of the occlusion prevention tube. The occlusion prevention tube is operative to reduce the occurrences of blockages of nutrition in the gastrostomy extension tube while an individual is sleeping, and thereby reduce the number of audible warnings output by an alarm device monitoring the feeding process.

Abstract: A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy device comprises a removable, dilating tip. The tip is located at the distal end of the device and provides for tissue dilation upon entry of the device into the body of a patient. The tip is lubricious and biodegradable. The tip is removable by dislodging it from the end of the device following placement of the device in the patient. The tip is usually dislodged by action of a physician to dislodge the tip, however it may be dissolved by application of a biocompatible solvent or through digestion. Following removal of the tip from the device, the tip is dissolved naturally by digestion.

Abstract: An improved gastrostomy feeding device with improved resistance to acidic and enzymatic degradation is disclosed. The device comprises an elongated feeding tube insertable through a patient's abdominal wall and an anchoring device mounted on the feeding tube, preferably near the first end, to retain said feeding tube within the stomach. The anchoring device is comprised of at least one internal retaining member fabricated from a trifluoropropyl or phenyl modified dimethylpolysiloxane elastomer having improved resistance to acids and enzymes.

Abstract: A dilation kit for dilating an orifice in living tissue. The kit includes at least a guidewire, a first dilator defining an internal throughbore for receiving the guidewire, and a second dilator defining an internal throughbore for receiving the guidewire. The second dilator defines an outer surface having a periphery greater than the periphery of the first dilator. In one embodiment, the straightening element is part of a guidewire advancement device. The kit may also include a hemostat and/or a PEG tube. A method for using the dilation kit to dilate an orifice in living tissue is also provided.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed, comprising an elongated body, having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at the distal end of said catheter a cap is provided, attached to said distal end, said cap provided with passage adapted to receive a guide-wire slidingly passing through it. Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is a catheter having a distal and proximal ends wherein said catheter is provided with a cap at its distal end said cap provided with a loop attached to it adapted to receive a guide-wire to pass through said loop. Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention is a catheter having a distal and proximal ends wherein said catheter is provided with external coating said coating at the distal end of the catheter provided with a cleavage and a perforation substantially opposite the cleavage so as to allow a guide-wire to be passed through the cleavage and be threaded through said perforation.

Abstract: A catheter or ostomy tube placement tip is comprised of a tapered, substantially conical head portion and a cylindrical body or stem portion centrally attached to the base thereof. The cylindrical base fits snugly within the lumen of a catheter or ostomy tube such as a ostomy or jejunal feeding tube and its tapered design allows for the insertion and placement of the tube within the lumen of the stomach or other body cavity through an opening or ostomy. Once properly placed, the tip is discharged from the end of the tube so that it is dissolved by human body fluids and is excreted.

Abstract: A traction position indicator for a feeding tube catheter provides a permanent magnet and a sensor, both in the distal end portion of the catheter, wherein the sensor is responsive to the presence of a magnetic field of predetermined strength supplied by an external magnet. The external magnet forms a magnetic coupling with the catheter magnet to permit manipulation of the catheter in response to movement of the external magnet. The sensor responds to the magnetic field of the external magnet, but only when the external magnet and the catheter magnet are magnetically coupled sufficiently to create a traction force so that the catheter distal end portion can be manipulated by movement of the external magnet.Apparatus for creating a magnetic guidance path for a remote device includes a follower magnet and a sensor, both of which are attached to the remote device, and a leader magnet.

Abstract: An optical feeding tube includes an elongated sheath having a first lumen for delivering nutrients to a gastro-intestinal tract and an imaging device disposed in a second lumen. The imaging device provides visualization of an area adjacent a distal end of the elongated sheath. The imaging device can be an optical fiber extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the elongated sheath. The optical feeding tube can also include a retention device.

Abstract: A catheter and magnet combination adapted for intraparenchymal positioning of the catheter in the body with a magnetic field. The catheter has a proximal and distal ends and a lumen therebetween. A magnet is disposed in the distal end of the lumen so that the distal end of the catheter can be positioned within the body with the aid of an externally applied magnetic field. A tether is attached to the magnet and extends through the lumen and out the proximal end so that the magnet can be removed from the catheter through the lumen once the distal end of the catheter is properly positioned. In one embodiment of the invention, the tether is sufficiently stiff to be able to push the catheter through the tissue. With this embodiment, the magnetic field orients the magnet and thus the tip of the catheter, and some or all of the force for moving the catheter is applied via the tether.