Abstract: A catheter sensor assembly for use in conjunction with electronic catheter guidance systems is provided and includes a catheter and a sensor. The catheter extends in a longitudinal direction and has a proximal end and a distal end that define a lumen therebetween. Further, the catheter is configured for placement within a digestive tract or respiratory tract of a patient. The sensor includes a carbon dioxide sensor, pressure sensor, or both, and can be located in an air sampling chamber connected to the catheter. The sensor can communicate with a processor to deliver carbon dioxide and/or pressure readings to a display device, which can indicate placement of the catheter in the digestive tract or in the respiratory tract. A catheter guidance system and a method for accurately placing a is also provided.

Abstract: A tubing assembly for use with electronic catheter guidance systems is provided and includes a catheter, an ultrasound transducer disposed within the catheter, and an optional additional external ultrasound transducer. The catheter extends in a longitudinal direction and has a proximal end and a distal end defining a lumen therebetween. Further, the catheter is configured for placement within a patient's digestive tract or respiratory tract. The ultrasound transducer can be located within the catheter's lumen, and the optional external ultrasound transducer can be located on or outside the patient's body. Both ultrasound transducers can transmit ultrasound signals as directed by a processor and can communicate with the processor to deliver ultrasound data to a display device. The attenuation of the ultrasound energy at a selected frequency can indicate placement of the catheter in the digestive tract or respiratory tract. A catheter guidance system and method of use are also provided.

Abstract: A tubing assembly for electronic catheter guidance systems is provided and can include a catheter, an internal acoustic transducer and an external acoustic transducer. The catheter extends in a longitudinal direction and has proximal and distal ends that define a lumen therebetween. Further, the catheter is configured for placement within a patient's digestive or respiratory tract. The internal acoustic transducer can be located within the catheter's lumen, and the external acoustic transducer can be located on or outside the patient's body. The transducers can transmit and/or receive acoustic signals as directed by a processor and communicate with the processor to deliver sound data to a display device. The frequency response and/or attenuation of the signals can indicate placement of the catheter in the digestive tract compared to the respiratory tract. A catheter guidance system and method for accurately placing a catheter in the digestive or respiratory tract are also provided.

Abstract: An improved gastrostomy feeding device with improved resistance to acidic and enzymatic degradation is disclosed. The device comprises an elongated feeding tube insertable through a patient's abdominal wall and an anchoring device mounted on the feeding tube, preferably near the first end, to retain said feeding tube within the stomach. The anchoring device is comprised of at least one internal retaining member fabricated from a trifluoropropyl or phenyl modified dimethylpolysiloxane elastomer having improved resistance to acids and enzymes.

Abstract: An improved gastrostomy feeding device with improved resistance to acidic and enzymatic degradation is disclosed. The device comprises an elongated feeding tube insertable through a patient's abdominal wall and an anchoring device mounted on the feeding tube, preferably near the first end, to retain said feeding tube within the stomach. The anchoring device is comprised of at least one internal retaining member fabricated from a trifluoropropyl or phenyl modified dimethylpolysiloxane elastomer having improved resistance to acids and enzymes.