Abstract: A feeding tube apparatus is shown, with self propelled features that provide for placement in the postpyloric region of a patient.

Abstract: During cryotherapy, using an endoscope that extends within a patient to a cold treatment site, the device of the invention vacuums gas from the site through radial intake ports to a cylindrical space in an evacuation chamber held elastically circumferentially about the distal end of the endoscope tube that carries the cryoprobe to the site.

Abstract: An adjustable size balloon at the distal end of a feeding tube is used to aid in positioning, along with an endoscope, the tube in the jejunum or small bowel of a patient, without creating an obstruction in the intestines. The balloon is fully inflated when the endoscope that is used to place the tube in the duodenum is withdrawn, and then partially deflated to a size that allows peristaltic action on the balloon to move the tube into the jejunum, after which the balloon is further deflated to avoid creating an obstruction in the intestine.

Abstract: An endoscopic stain is provided that includes a carbon pigment and a suspending/viscosity-increasing agent in a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery vehicle, wherein the carbon pigment has a total level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) of not greater than 0.5 ppm. Methods of staining an internal site utilizing the stain of the invention and kits that include the stain of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: An endoscopic tissue staining composition comprises carbon and suspending/viscosity-increasing agent in a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery vehicle. In an embodiment, the composition includes carbon black, activated carbon or unactivated carbon, suspending/viscosity-increasing agent, anti-foaming agent and surfactant. In a particular embodiment, the composition includes 0.01% to 1.0% carbon, 5.0% to 25% suspending/viscosity-increasing agent such as glycerol, 0.005% to 0.05% anti-foaming agent such as simethicone, 0.5% to 1.5% surfactant such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan esterified with fatty acid, and water. A method for staining of internal sites, particularly in the mucosal layers of the gastrointestinal tract, urinary bladder or lungs, includes injecting the composition in staining amount in proximity to the internal site. A kit includes the composition packaged with a means for endoscopic injection, preferably a syringe and sclerotherapy needle.

Abstract: A method, composition and kit for effecting hemostasis of a bleeding point and/or dissociating an adherent blood clot at a lesion site on an internal organ, include a composition comprising hydrogen peroxide and surfactant. The composition is applied to the site thereby effecting hemostasis and clot dissociation and clearing the field for endoscopy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved test composition for the diagnosis of gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, gastritis, gastric lymphoma and gastric carcinoma by the detection of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori and the enzyme catalase associated with such conditions. The new test composition differs from the prior art agar compositions in being an aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide, urea, monobasic sodium phosphate and bromthymol blue as an indicator, and in being far more rapid than the prior art test compositions.

Abstract: A molded pick for handling biopsy specimens which includes an elongated shaft having a tapered blunt short barb at one end and a forked device at the opposite end of the shaft, the forked device having a blunt spatula prong as one fork and a sharp tapered point as the other fork.

Abstract: A test kit for the rapid detection of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori in gastric biopsy tissue to diagnose gastric disease is described which includes a chemical test composition for the bacteria, a tray-like means including means to visibly display the test composition, means to handle a biopsy specimen and insert it in the test composition, and indicia to determine the results of the test.

Abstract: A combination plastic relatively rigid bite block and soft nasal cannula intended for one-time use for supplying oxygen to a patient's nostrils during an endoscopic procedure. The cannula is fixed into the bite block by an integral clip portion of the cannula extending downwardly from a manifold portion and adhered to the bite block. Flexible nasal prongs extend upwardly from the manifold into the patient's nostrils to supply supplementary gas separately from air breathed through the patient's mouth.

Abstract: An improved test composition for the diagnosis of gastric disease by detecting the presence of urease associated with H. pylori in a biopsy specimen is described in which the hydrolysis of urea by urease is detected by a combination of at least two dye indicators showing a color change and a positive result at an acid pH, in which the positive color is distinctive from the color of the biopsy specimen, and in which most positive results occur in 2-10 minutes and all occur in no more than 4 hours. Specific compositions are disclosed.