Abstract: A magnet-assisted suture grasper for grasping a magnetic suture is provided. The magnet-assisted suture grasper includes a handle, a stem, first and second grasper jaws, a grasper magnet. and an actuator body. Distal ends of the first and second grasper jaws extend further distally than the grasper magnet. Translation of the actuator body within a stem lumen in a first direction along a stem body axis causes the first grasper jaw to pivot from a first position to a second position, thereby exposing the grasper magnet and allowing contact between the grasper magnet and a magnetic suture attracted thereto. Translation of the actuator body within the stem lumen in a second direction opposite the first direction along the stem body axis causes the first grasper jaw to pivot from the second position to the first position, thereby sequestering the grasper magnet and grasping the magnetic suture within the recess.

Abstract: A magnet-assisted suture grasper for grasping a magnetic suture is provided. The magnet-assisted suture grasper includes a suture retrieval needle, a retriever body, a grasper wire, a grasper arm, and a grasper magnet. Translation of the retriever body within a needle lumen of the suture retrieval needle in a first direction causes the grasper arm to move from a first position to a second position, thereby exposing the grasper magnet from the needle lumen and allowing contact between the grasper magnet and a magnetic suture attracted thereto. Translation of the retriever body within the needle lumen in a second direction opposite the first direction causes the grasper arm to move from the second position to the first position, thereby sequestering the grasper magnet and grasping the magnetic suture within the needle lumen.

Abstract: A magnet-assisted suture grasper for grasping a magnetic suture is provided. The magnet-assisted suture grasper includes a suture retrieval needle, a retriever body, a grasper arm, and a grasper magnet. Translation of the retriever body within a needle lumen of the suture retrieval needle in a first direction causes the grasper arm to move from a first position to a second position, thereby exposing the grasper magnet and allowing contact between the grasper magnet and a magnetic suture attracted thereto. Translation of the retriever body within the needle lumen in a second direction opposite the first direction causes the grasper arm to move from the second position to the first position, thereby sequestering the grasper magnet and grasping the magnetic suture within the needle lumen. Another magnet-assisted suture grasper including a handle, a stem, first and second grasper jaws, a grasper magnet, and an actuator body also is disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic suture has a ferrule with a tapered region in which a knotted suture is provided and secured with an adhesive, and a straight region in which a magnet is provided. The magnetic suture can be manufactured and assembled by knotting a suture, threading it through the tapered portion, and applying adhesive. The structure and method provide a magnetic suture provide increased manufacturing tolerances and decreased failure rates, thereby reducing waste of components and time while increasing the manufacturing/assembly speed and reliability of magnetic suture assembly.

Abstract: A gastric jejunal (GJ) feeding tube device for GJ feeding of an infant or child is provided. The device comprises a GJ button comprising a GJ button body, a gastric port, a jejunal port, a gastric channel, and a jejunal channel. The device also comprises a multi-lumen tube comprising a multi-lumen tube body, a multi-lumen tube proximal end, and a multi-lumen tube distal end. The device also comprises a jejunal tube comprising a jejunal tube body, a jejunal tube proximal end, a jejunal tube distal end, a spring, and a ring. The spring provides a kink-resistant feature. The ring is positioned at the jejunal tube proximal end. The jejunal tube and the GJ button are operatively connected at the ring and the mating surface by radial compression. The ring has a higher durometer than the jejunal tube body and an outer diameter that does not substantially decrease distally.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatuses and methods for leakage detection for installed filters of a multi-filter containment enclosure, without requiring disassembly of the multi-filter containment enclosure. The containment enclosure of the present invention comprises a filter housing. The filter housing comprises one or more filter compartments for housing at least a first filter and a second filter. The filter housing comprises at least one port which is operatively coupled downstream of the first filter and upstream of the second filter. Typically, the at least one port allows for leak testing of the first filter and the second filter without having to remove the first filter and the second filter from the containment enclosure.

Abstract: A retention system for use with a bridle installed in a nose of a patient includes a member coupled to a medical device that is suspended from a nose of a patient and a connector for coupling to a bridle that is installed in a nose of a patient. The medical device extends into the mouth of a patient or is suspended adjacent the face of a patient.

Abstract: The present application describes nasal tube devices, methods for placing and securing a nasal tube to a patient, as well as adapters and connectors for a nasal tube. In one exemplary embodiment, the nasal tube has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and one or more lumens. A securing device may be attached to the proximal portion of the nasal tube and may be configured to attach a flexible line of a retention system to the nasal tube. The securing device may also be configured to selectively compress the proximal portion of the nasal tube. In certain embodiments, one or more medical tubes are disposed in the lumen of the nasal tube and may be selectively secured in the lumen with the securing device. The nasal tube device may also have a retention flange for attaching a flexible line of a retention system to the nasal tube.

Abstract: A bridle catheter for installation into the nasal cavity of a patient comprises a tubular portion, a tape portion having a flattened geometry, and a transition zone located where the tubular portion meets the tape portion. A magnet is operatively attached in an open end of the tubular portion and secured therein so as to inhibit movement. A non-elastic member is integral with at least the tape portion and extends at least partially along a length thereof. In one example, the non-elastic member extends along substantially all of the tubular portion and tape portion. In another example, the non-elastic member comprises at least one of a ribbon or at least one fiber. A bridle catheter system is also provided that further comprises a stylet and a probe with a second magnet. A method of making the bridle catheter is further provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a breakaway coupling. A female adapter on a source side of the coupling uses a valve to prevent a flow of contents from the source when the coupling is not connected or is broken apart. A male adapter on a destination side uses a valve to prevent backflow from the destination when the female and male adapters are not coupled together. When coupled, the male adapter penetrates the valve of the female adapter, thereby allowing the flow from the source to the destination via the male and female adapters. Pressure from the flow opens the valve of the male adapter allowing the flow from the source to proceed to the destination. In the coupled state, the male and female adapters, and respective tubes, are able to rotate with respect to each other. The coupling may be used to deliver medical fluids to a patient.

Abstract: A suturing device is made of two hypodermic needles allowing one or more sutures (at the same time) and a retrieval probe to be advanced into a cavity (e.g., a stomach cavity) of the patient. Both the suture and retrieval probes comprise magnets of opposite polarities on their leading ends. Thus, after the suture and retrieval probe are inside the stomach cavity, the suture and retrieval probe may mate and the suture may be transferred from one hypodermic needle to the other using magnetic attraction. In doing so, the suture forms a loop through the stomach. Once removed, this loop, having two ends that are positioned outside the patient's body, can be pulled tight in order to pull the stomach wall closer to the surface of the patient's body. With the stomach wall close to the surface of the patient's body, it is easier to insert a gastrostomy device.

Abstract: An interlock coupling adapter for delivering medical fluids to a patient, for example, with enteral feed set devices is provided herein. The interlock coupling adapter increases patient comfort and ensures a secure connection between a button/button base and a food source or medical fluid source. The interlock coupling adapter has an interlock inset within an opening of a button base. The interlock has a recess in which locking protrusions of an adapter may fit within. In this way, the adapter may freely rotate about the interlock. The adapter may be connected or disconnected by depressing flexible arms hinged to the adapter.

Abstract: The present application discloses a bridle device and a method of placing a bridle on a person using the bridle device. In one exemplary embodiment, the bridle device comprises a retrieval portion and a delivery portion. The delivery portion has a retrieval member and a retrieval magnet attached to the retrieval member. The delivery portion has a delivery member and a delivery magnet that is movable relative to a distal portion of the delivery member. In certain embodiments, the delivery portion has a delivery tube and a delivery magnet attached to a flexible elongated member received in the delivery tube. The delivery magnet is movable relative to a distal portion of the delivery tube and both poles of the delivery magnet are exposed outside of the delivery tube.

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: An illuminating bridle catheter installation system includes a flexible member having a leading end and a trailing end with a first magnet coupled to the leading end of the flexible member, and a retrieving member having a leading end and a trailing end with two non-contacting second magnets coupled to the leading end of the retrieving member. An illuminating member is coupled to one of the flexible member or the retrieving member and the illuminating member is coupled to an electronic circuit having a switch that allows the illuminating member to be illuminated when the first magnet meets the second magnets.

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: 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 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: An interlock coupling adapter for delivering medical fluids to a patient, for example, with enteral feed set devices is provided herein. The interlock coupling adapter increases patient comfort and ensures a secure connection between a button/button base and a food source or medical fluid source. The interlock coupling adapter has an interlock inset within an opening of a button base. The interlock has a recess in which locking protrusions of an adapter may fit within. In this way, the adapter may freely rotate about the interlock. The adapter may be connected or disconnected by depressing flexible arms hinged to the adapter.

Abstract: A fill valve for mediating two-way fluid communication between a medical instrument and a medical device is provided. The fill valve comprises a valve element and a valve housing. The valve element comprises a valve element body extending along a major axis, a valve element first end comprising a recessed internal surface configured to provide a sealing contact engagement with a medical instrument, a valve element second end, and a valve element body external surface. The valve element is resilient and deformable. The valve element also has a hole that extends along the major axis and that is substantially cylindrically symmetrical with respect to the major axis. The valve housing is configured to hold the valve element in place by a circumferential compression fit. An enteral feeding button comprising such a fill valve, and a valve element of such a fill valve, are also provided.