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: 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 gastric pressure relief apparatus for incorporation within an enteral feeding system, including an enteral feeding container, an administrative tube and an enteral feeding tube. The apparatus comprises a gas and liquid-receiving reservoir with a gas vent to ambient atmosphere, a length of tube secured to the reservoir at one end and joined to the enteral feeding tube at another end and connector means for joining the administrative tube to the length of tube to be oriented at a point below that of an enterally-fed patient's stomach. The length of tube includes volumetric indicia to allow for measurement of refluxed fluid and subsequent adjustment of fluid administration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of administering a percutaneous access catheter directly into the jejunum of a patient. The apparatus including a wire having a proximal and distal end. The distal end of the wire includes a probe and the proximal end includes a bend. The needle is provided within a sheath which movably surrounds the wire such that the probe is emergent from the sheath. The method including the steps of administering the sheath and wire of the present invention such that the wire enters the mouth of the patient, passes through the esophagus and extends into the jejunum of the patient, moving the wire to expose the probe beyond the sheath, piercing the wire through the jejunal wall and through the abdominal wall. The method further including attaching a percutaneous access tube to the proximal end of the wire and pulling the wire from its distal end, thereby pulling the tube such that it extends from inside the jejunum to outside the patient's abdominal wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting tubing which comprises a connector body having an inner lumen and an outer surface, a connector sleeve having an inner surface which defines a passageway, at least a portion of the connector body insertable into the connector sleeve and the surfaces thereof in slidable engagement, a shoulder and a latch on the surfaces in slidable engagement, and the latch positioned to engage with the shoulder to lock the connector body inserted within the connector sleeve.

Abstract: An enteral fluid infusion system wherein fluid is pumped through a conduit from a fluid supply source to a patient by a rotary peristaltic pump operating in an intermittent duty cycle mode which includes a free flow detector. The free flow detector includes a sensor for the operation of the peristaltic pump, as for example by the rotation of the rotor and/or motor; a sensor for the flow of fluid in the conduit. The free flow detector compares the sensed operation of the pump with the sensed flow against predetermined criteria. During operation of the fluid infusion system, if flow is sensed when the pump is not operating, as determined by the fact that no rotation is occurring, an alarm will be initiated to indicate that a free flow condition exists.

Abstract: A device for percutaneous administration of fluid preparations into a body cavity, vessel or organ, the device including a tube having both a fluid lumen and an inflation lumen and defined by a proximal end lying outside of the body and a distal end lying within the body, the proximal end of the fluid lumen being in fluid communication with a fluid source and the distal end disposed within the body, the distal end of the inflation lumen in communication with an inflatable member disposed within the body. In one embodiment, one end of the tube is connected to a retention platform having a central portion with a recess to confront the patient's abdominal wall. The retention platform has a plurality of circumferentially-spaced fingers extending radially from said central portion where only the end portion of each finger rests on the abdominal wall of the patient. Preferably, the proximal end of the inflation lumen is remote from the fluid lumen.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a device for securing a tube, such as a medical catheter or feeding tube, at the site of a body opening. More specifically, the invention is directed to a bumper retention device for retaining a feeding tube in an angular fixation externally against the skin of a patient, so as to prevent slippage, dislodgement, or unnecessary migration of the feeding tube into the stomach, small intestine or other internal body cavity of a patient. The bumper retention device may be used with a conventional catheter or feeding tube and a conventional retention bar. The bumper retention unit comprises a retention stem portion connected to a loop portion. The loop portion is placed around the outer diameter of the feeding tube and when the tube is bent, the stem portion is inserted into an end aperture of the retention bar so that the tube is retained at an approximately 90.degree. angle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pre-formed retention member having an improved construction and used for anchoring or retaining a catheter within a body cavity, organ or vessel. The pre-formed retention retains a distal open end of a single body access tube against an inner body cavity wall of a patient. The pre-formed member is secured to only the inner and outer peripheral edges of the distal open end of the tube by a sleeve. The sleeve has both an outer sleeve surface and an inner sleeve surface which receives, respectively, the outer and inner surfaces of the tube. The pre-formed member includes an outer surface and an inner surface which defines a retention chamber. The retention chamber extends beyond the distal open end of the tube so that no portion of the tube passes through the chamber.

Abstract: An improved construction for an expandable and contractible retention member, such as a balloon, for body access tubes, to retain a distal open end of the tube against an inner body cavity wall of the patient. The balloon is secured to only the inner and outer peripheral edges of the distal open end of the tube by a sleeve. The sleeve has both an outer wall and an inner wall which receives, respectively, the outer and inner walls of the tube. The balloon includes an outer wall and an inner wall which defines an inflation chamber. The inflation chamber extends beyond the distal open end of the tube so that no portion of the tube passes through the chamber. The balloon includes an axial opening to permit passage of fluid out of the tube.

Abstract: An improved enteral feeding tube (10) having a distal (12) and a proximal end (14). The tube (10) has a generally circular cross-section, and includes an attachment (22) or extension of the tube made of flexible polyurethane that is adhered to the distal end (12) of the enteral feeding tube (10). The attachment (22) comprises a generally rigid stem portion (24) extending from the distal end (12) of the enteral tube (10), and along an axis generally parallel to the axis of the feeding tube. The attachment (22) further comprises a spherical tip (28) at one end of the rigid stem portion (24).

Abstract: A unique device for long term percutaneous enteral feeding through a surgically formed stoma, such as a gastrostomy, includes a tubular member having a fluid lumen and an inflation lumen. One end of the tubular member is perpendicularly joined to a retention platform through which passes an ambient air port for the inflation lumen and an inlet for the fluid lumen. An other end of the tubular member is provided with an outlet for the fluid lumen. A one-way valve on the outlet prevents reflux of gastric contents into the fluid lumen. Disposed near the one end of the tubular member is an inflatable member, inflatable and deflatable through the inflation lumen. The inflatable member provides retention and anchoring of the device within the patient's stomach.

Abstract: An enteral feeding tube adapted for transpyloric passage and duodenal intubation of a distal end of the feeding tube in a patient capable of peristaltic contractions of the stomach wall. A flexible bolus is located at the distal end of the feeding tube, which has a feeding bolus and connected thereto by a linking means. The flexible bolus is of such length, diameter and deformability to initiate peristaltic movement of the stomach wall. The linking means is of outer dimensions smaller than the outer dimensions of the flexible bolus and the feeding tube, and is of a length, diameter and deformability selected to initiate and maintain peristaltic contractions in the stomach walls around and behind the flexible bolus. The continued peristaltic contractions act upon the flexible bolus and linking means, thereby drawing the feeding bolus and distal end of the feeding tube through the pylorus to achieve duodenal intubation.

Abstract: An improved enteral feeding tube (10) having a distal (12) and a proximal end (14). The tube (10) has a generally circular cross-section, and includes an attachment (22) made of flexible polyurethane that is adhered to the distal end (12) of the enteral feeding tube (10). The attachment (22) comprises a generally rigid stem portion (24) extending from the distal end (12) of the enteral tube (10), and along an axis generally parallel to the axis of the feeding tube. The attachment (22) further comprises a spherical tip (28) at one end of the rigid stem portion (24).

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: A one way valve means for incorporation into a fluid administration set for enteral therapy which arrests retrograde movement of fluid into the set to avoid flow rate interruption or, in the event of extreme fluid back pressure, rupturing of the tubing in the set. The one way valve means is responsive to fluid back pressure and is incorporated in a male connector disposed on a distal end of the administration set tubing. As a result retrograde fluid movement caused by either irrigation or patient originated, fluid back pressure is immediately arrested before fluid enters the administration set.

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.