Abstract: A gastrostomy device includes a tubular portion and an internal bolster having a radial wing secured to the tubular portion. The internal bolster is flexible and permits elastic deformation between a first orientation with the wing wrapped into a generally cylindrical configuration and a second orientation with the wing unfurled. A constraining member encases the internal bolster to retain the internal bolster in the first orientation and to cover at least a major portion of the wrapped wing. Removal of the casing permits the internal bolster to move from the first orientation to the second orientation. The internal bolster may be deployed by a ripcord, freeing the internal bolster into the patient' stomach and deploying the internal bolster to the second orientation. Alternatively, the internal bolster may be deployed by the constraining member being dissolved by the patient's bodily fluids located inside the patient's stomach.

Abstract: A gastrostomy device includes a tubular portion and an internal bolster having a radial wing secured to the tubular portion. The internal bolster is flexible and permits elastic deformation between a first orientation with the wing wrapped into a generally cylindrical configuration and a second orientation with the wing unfuried. A constraining member encases the internal bolster to retain the internal bolster in the first orientation and to cover at least a major portion of the wrapped wing. Removal of the casing permits the internal bolster to move from the first orientation to the second orientation. The internal bolster may be deployed by a ripcord, freeing the internal bolster into the patient' stomach and deploying the internal bolster to the second orientation. Alternatively, the internal bolster may be deployed by the constraining member being dissolved by the patient's bodily fluids located inside the patient's stomach.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gastrostomy device comprising, a tubular portion defining a longitudinal axis, an internal bolster having a radial wing secured to the tubular portion, the internal bolster being flexible to permit elastic deformation between a first orientation generally aligned with the longitudinal axis, with the wing wrapped into a generally cylindrical configuration and a second orientation with the wing unfurled and extending generally transverse to the tubular portion longitudinal axis and a constraining member encasing the internal bolster to retain the internal bolster in the first orientation, with the wing wrapped into the generally cylindrical configuration, and to cover at least a major portion of the wrapped wing, wherein the removal of the casing permits the internal bolster to move from the first orientation to the second orientation.

Abstract: A gastrostomy feeding device having a bolster portion and a closure member. The bolster portion includes a feeding opening, a cap seat, and an anti-reflux valve and the closure member includes a secondary stop tab, which when received within the cap seat forms a seal against the anti-reflux valve.

Abstract: A handle drive mechanism for use of in operating a water control valve having an outwardly extending valve stem, includes a stem adapter having a bore which is sized and configured to received the stem and to rotate it concurrently with the stem adapter. There is a stop tube extending about the stem and stem adapter with cooperating stop elements on these two members to limit rotation of the stem adapter and valve stem. A handle base extends about and is engaged with the stem adapter and a screw extends through the handle base and stem adapter to attach these elements to the valve stem. A handle cap is attached to the handle base and masks the screw with the handle cap having a plurality of generally centrally positioned inwardly directed flexible hooks which engage with and interlock to the handle base.