Abstract: Multi-lumen catheters are intended for advancement through the accessory channel on endoscope into a body passage into the gastrointestinal system. The catheters have two or more independent lumens extending continuously to ports at the distal tip for injection of a contrast medium simultaneously with a guide wire for ERCP procedures and for passage of accessories such as visualization devices, polypectomy snares, cytology brushes, papillotomes and stone baskets for catheterization, diagnosis and treatment within the biliary tract. Use of balloons for maintaining a catheter in fixed position in the biliary tract and for dilatation is also disclosed. The catheters employed are extrusions of a resin comprised of nylon and PEBA. The catheters may also be extruded from polyurethane. Multi-lumen catheters having a reduced diameter distal tip portion on which a dilatation balloon is located are also disclosed. The reduced diameter distal tip portion may serve as a platform for support of a stent.

Abstract: Multi-lumen catheters are intended for advancement through the accessory channel on endoscope into a body passage into the gastrointestinal system. The catheters have two or more independent lumens extending continuously to ports at the distal tip for injection of a contrast medium simultaneously with a guide wire for ERCP procedures and for passage of accessories such as visualization devices, polypectomy snares, cytology brushes, papillotomes and stone baskets for catheterization, diagnosis and treatment within the biliary tract. Use of balloons for maintaining a catheter in fixed position in the biliary tract and for dilatation is also disclosed. The catheters employed are extrusions of a resin comprised of nylon and PEBA. The catheters may also be extruded from polyurethane. Multi-lumen catheters having a reduced diameter distal tip portion on which a dilatation balloon is located are also disclosed. The reduced diameter distal tip portion may serve as a platform for support of a stent.

Abstract: Forceps for mounting on a substantially flexible guide wire include a first jaw defining a longitudinal lumen therethrough for mounting of the first jaw on a guide wire and for sliding longitudinal movement of the first jaw along the guide wire. A second jaw is pivotably secured to the first jaw. A flexible longitudinally-extending drive is secured to the second jaw and extends generally parallel to the guide wire. The drive is longitudinally movable between an open position wherein the jaws assume an open orientation enabling tissue to enter therebetween and a closed position wherein the jaws assume a closed orientation such that any tissue which entered intermediate the jaws in the open orientation is grasped therebetween for movement therewith.

Abstract: A system and method for inserting a gastrostomy catheter through a passageway formed through the abdominal and stomach walls of a patient. The gastrostomy catheter is mounted onto a dilatation catheter with a dilatation member such as an inelastic balloon on the distal extremity thereof. An introducer needle is first advanced through the walls of the patient's abdomen and stomach into the interior of the stomach and then a guidewire is advanced through the inner lumen of the needle into the stomach interior. The gastrostomy catheter-dilatation catheter assembly is advanced over the guidewire until the balloon on the dilatation catheter is in proper position crossing both the abdominal and gastric walls. Upon inflation of the balloon on the dilatation catheter, the passageway is expanded enough so that the gastrostomy catheter can be advanced therethrough to dispose the distal end of the gastrostomy catheter within the interior of the stomach.

Abstract: A ferrule is provided which comprises an inner wall defining a conduit extending between an inlet opening and an outlet opening; a first taper lock surface is defined by a first region of the inner wall for forming a taper lock with a first connector portion having first dimensions; and a second taper lock surface is defined by a second region of the inner wall for forming a taper lock with a second connector portion having second dimensions.

Abstract: A ferrule for use as a medical device which maker mechanical connection with external connector tubes provided; the ferrule comprises an inner wall defining a conduit extending between an inlet opening and an outlet opening; a first taper lock surface is defined by a first region of the inner wall for forming a taper lock with a first connector portion having first dimensions; and a second taper lock surface is defined by a second region of the inner wall for forming a taper lock with a second connector portion having second dimensions.

Abstract: A ferrule for use as a medical device which makes mechanical connection with external connector tubes is provided; the ferrule comprises an inner wall defining a conduit extending between an inlet opening and an outlet opening; a first taper lock surface is defined by a first region of the inner wall for forming a taper lock with a first connector portion having first dimensions; and a second taper lock surface is defined by a second region of the inner wall for forming a taper lock with a second connector portion having second dimensions.

Abstract: A gastrostomy feeding tube including a main, flexible cylindrical body with a proximal end adapted for receiving conventional medical apparatus and a distal end having a locking mechanism. A locking ring is slidably and frictionally attached to the main body of the tube. The locking mechanism includes hinged legs and a membrane surrounding the mechanism, which is attached in a sealed fashion to the tube and to a distal end of the locking mechanism. Other embodiments of the locking mechanism include teeth or detents. Locking knobs are provided within the distal end. A long, rigid insertion tool having grooves for receiving the locking knobs is utilized, and is inserted through a bore through the tube until the locking knobs pass into the grooves. A needle is inserted in a conventional fashion into a patient's stomach, and a guide wire is passed therethrough, and the needle is then removed.

Abstract: An assembly of a wire inserter and lock is provided. The assembly includes a body portion with a bore inlet and outlet aligned with a locking area and an elongate outlet to align the wire as it passes therethrough.A spring loaded locking button is mounted within the body and defines two tear-shaped bores through which the wire passes. In the locked position, the wire is wedged into the narrow ends of the tear-shaped bores, and this provides sufficient force to lock the wire without damage.The body portion may include notched areas around which the wire can be wound, and a hole for capturing the end of the wire to facilitate storage of the wire.

Abstract: An assembly of a wire inserter and lock is provided. The assembly includes a body portion with a bore inlet and outlet aligned with a locking area and an elongate outlet to align the wire as it passes therethrough.A spring loaded locking button is mounted within the body and defines two tear-shaped bores through which the wire passes. In the locked position, the wire is wedged into the narrow ends of the tear-shaped bores, and this provides sufficient force to lock the wire without damage.The body portion may include notched areas around which the wire can be wound, and a hole for capturing the end of the wire to facilitate storage of the wire.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for supplying food and medication to a patient, the device being inserted through a stoma and into the patient's stomach. The device is secured within the stomach by an inflatable balloon, and on the abdominal wall by an adjustable ring which also prevents ingestion of the device into the stomach. During use, the adjustable ring can be retracted to permit cleaning of the stoma area. The device can be employed with conventional surgically formed procedures, and is replacable at considerably longer intervals than present devices. Servicing of the device can be made at home, rather than at a hospital.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for supplying food and medication to a patient, the device being inserted through a stoma and into the patient's stomach.The device is secured within the stomach by an inflatable balloon, and on the abdominal wall by an adjustable ring which also prevents ingestion of the device into the stomach. During use, the adjustable ring can be retracted to permit cleaning of the stoma area.The device can be employed with conventional surgically formed procedures, and is replaceable at considerably longer intervals than present devices. Servicing of the device can be made at home, rather than at a hospital.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for supplying food and medication to a patient, the device being inserted through a stoma and into the patient's stomach for feeding into the stomach and/or the jejunum. The device may also be used to feed directly into the jejunum by by-passing the stomach.The device is secured in place by an inflatable balloon within the stomach, or by a plate if the stomach is by-passed, and by an adjustable ring on the abdominal wall. The adjustable ring also prevents ingestion of the device into the stomach. During use, the ring can be retracted to permit cleaning of the stoma area. The ring can be perforated and ribbed to provide improved ventilation of the stoma area during use.The device can be employed with conventional surgically formed procedures, and is replaceable. Servicing of the device can be made at home, rather than at a hospital.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for supplying food and medication to a patient, and for drainage and/or decompression, the device being inserted through a stoma and into the patient's stomach.The device is secured in place by an inflatable balloon or a mushroom tip within the stomach, and by an adjustable ring on the abdominal wall. The adjustable ring also prevents ingestion of the device into the stomach. During use, the ring can be retracted to permit cleaning of the stoma area. The ring can be perforated and ribbed to provide improved ventilation of the stoma area during use.The device can be used with conventional surgically formed procedures, and is replaceable at considerably longer intervals than present devices. Servicing of the device can be made at home, rather than at a hospital.