Abstract: Devices for cleaning a tube or clearing a blockage from a tube, such as an enteral feeding device are provided. The devices include an actuator and a syringe. The actuator is releasably attached to the syringe in a manner that allows the actuator to transition the syringe from a compressed position to an extended position, and vice-a-versa, without requiring the intervention of a user. A method of cleaning a tube or clearing a blockage in a tube is also provided. The tube cleaning device is filled with a liquid and the actuator pushes the liquid from the syringe into the tube when transitioning into a compressed position, and withdraws the liquid back into the syringe when transition into an extended position, causing the liquid to contact a blockage, and clear the blockage and/or clean the tube.

Abstract: An absorbent stoma pad for encapsulating an external bolster of a feeding tube is provided. The stoma pad includes an upper layer, base layer, absorbent material, and cavity. The upper layer, which includes an upper surface and a lower surface, contains a centrally located opening with respect to a periphery of the upper layer, wherein the opening is configured to receive a tube portion of the feeding tube. The base layer, which includes an upper surface and a lower surface, contains a centrally located opening with respect to a periphery of the base layer, wherein the opening is also configured to receive the tube portion of the feeding tube. Meanwhile, the absorbent material is disposed adjacent the upper layer's lower surface. Further, the cavity permits airflow between the absorbent layer and the base layer when the external bolster is encapsulated by the stoma pad and positioned within the cavity.

Abstract: Devices for inducing satiety in enterally fed patients are provided. In one aspect, an enteral feeding device is provided that includes a catheter tube and an expandable bladder secured to a distal end of the catheter tube. The expandable bladder is positionable within a body lumen of a patient for receiving and dispensing nutrients to the patient. In another aspect, a satiety-inducing device for continuously dispensing nutrients to a patient is provided that includes an enteral feeding tube and an expandable bladder secured to the feeding tube near a distal end of the feeding tube such that the expandable bladder is positionable within a body lumen of the patient. The expandable bladder expands upon receipt of nutrients to occupy a volume of the body lumen and contracts as nutrients are continuously dispensed to the patient.

Abstract: An in-line connector for use in an enteral feeding system includes a tamper-proof, single-use connector having a first component connectable to a first feeding device of the feeding system, and a second component connectable to a second feeding device of the feeding system. A releasable locking mechanism is provided such that the first component and the second component do not rotate when connected. The connector further includes one or more prongs positioned substantially flush against an interior wall of the second component when the first component and the second component are connected such that the prongs do not interfere with the releasable locking mechanism. Meanwhile, the one or more prongs are displaced away from the interior wall when the first component is detached or disconnected from the second component such that the second component resists re-insertion or reattachment of the first component.

Abstract: Devices for inducing satiety in enterally fed patients are provided. In one aspect, an enteral feeding device is provided that includes a catheter tube and an expandable bladder secured to a distal end of the catheter tube. The expandable bladder is positionable within a body lumen of a patient for receiving and dispensing nutrients to the patient. In another aspect, a satiety-inducing device for continuously dispensing nutrients to a patient is provided that includes an enteral feeding tube and an expandable bladder secured to the feeding tube near a distal end of the feeding tube such that the expandable bladder is positionable within a body lumen of the patient. The expandable bladder expands upon receipt of nutrients to occupy a volume of the body lumen and contracts as nutrients are continuously dispensed to the patient.

Abstract: An enteral feeding adapter suitable for use with a plurality of infusion sets includes an outer body component made of a flexible material and containing a feeding port for receipt of a distal connector of an infusion set. A rigid body insert is seated within an internal recess of the outer body component and defines a proximal section of the feeding port. The insert includes a first continuous radial seal barb that engages the flexible material of the outer body component, and a plurality of separate and circumferentially spaced radial second seal barbs distal to the first seal barb that engage the flexible material.

Abstract: Devices for insertion into a stoma formed in a patient's body are provided, comprising a tube having distal and proximal ends and defining a path for movement of waste. To retain the device in the stoma and seal the stoma, the tube includes a retention mechanism located on the distal end and/or a sealing mechanism extending along a length of the tube between the proximal and distal ends. Collection apparatus for collecting waste from a patient's body also are provided, comprising a waste pouch and a connector for connecting the collection apparatus to a device inserted into a stoma. Additionally, waste collection systems for collecting waste from a patient's body are provided, comprising a tube for insertion into a stoma and a waste pouch. Each system may comprise a separate tube and waste pouch or the tube and waste pouch may be formed as an integral, inseparable component.

Abstract: Devices for insertion into a stoma formed in a patient's body are provided, comprising a tube having distal and proximal ends and defining a path for movement of waste. To retain the device in the stoma and seal the stoma, the tube includes a retention mechanism located on the distal end and/or a sealing mechanism extending along a length of the tube between the proximal and distal ends. Collection apparatus for collecting waste from a patient's body also are provided, comprising a waste pouch and a connector for connecting the collection apparatus to a device inserted into a stoma. Additionally, waste collection systems for collecting waste from a patient's body are provided, comprising a tube for insertion into a stoma and a waste pouch. Each system may comprise a separate tube and waste pouch or the tube and waste pouch may be formed as an integral, inseparable component.

Abstract: A single core pin assembly (10) having a first core pin (12) and at least one second core pin (14), the first core pin (12) having a first end (16), a second end (18) and a first core pin body (20). The first core pin body (20) connects the first end (16) and the second end (18). The second core pin (14) has a first end (24), a second end (26), and a second core pin body (28) connecting the second core pin first end (24) and the second core pin second end (26). The second core pin first end (24) is configured to join with the first core pin first end (16) to form a common downstream channel (30). The core pin (10) may be placed in a mold and surrounded by a flowable material (e.g. plastic) to form a work piece.

Abstract: A single core pin assembly (10) having a first core pin (12) and at least one second core pin (14), the first core pin (12) having a first end (16), a second end (18) and a first core pin body (20). The first core pin body (20) connects the first end (16) and the second end (18). The second core pin (14) has a first end (24), a second end (26), and a second core pin body (28) connecting the second core pin first end (24) and the second core pin second end (26). The second core pin first end (24) is configured to join with the first core pin first end (16) to form a common downstream channel (30). The core pin (10) may be placed in a mold and surrounded by a flowable material (e.g. plastic) to form a work piece.

Abstract: A sealing valve assembly is provided for medical products. The valve assembly includes a valve member mountable within a passageway of a medical product body element, the valve member defining a peripheral portion spaced from a central axis and including two walls extending from the peripheral portion toward the central axis. The walls include ends that contact each other to preclude flow through the passageway. The valve member may be formed of a material having a durometer of less than about 20 Shore A. The valve member may also have a higher durometer material with other wall configurations, or may have a wall member having a varying durometer.

Abstract: A percutaneous dilation apparatus is shown. The apparatus is useful for forming and enlarging percutaneous penetrations to a variety of target locations within a patient's body for multiple purposes. The apparatus includes an at least one dilator segment, a dilator probe, and a mechanism for moving each dilator segment along the dilator probe so as to place it within the penetration thereby dilating the penetration.

Abstract: A percutaneous dilation apparatus is shown. The apparatus is useful for forming and enlarging percutaneous penetrations to a variety of target locations within a patient's body for multiple purposes. The apparatus includes an elongate dilation tube, a plurality of elongate expansion members disposed in a nested concentric arrangement around the elongate expansion tube, and an outer sheath for capturing the plurality of elongate expansion members and maintaining the apparatus in an assembled configuration. Each expansion member is independently movable from a first to a second position along the central axis of the tube as well as each concentrically smaller member. A trocar may be provided for slidably engaging the lumen through the elongate dilatation tube.

Abstract: A surgical tool is disclosed. The tool is found useful in performing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and other surgical procedures requiring formation of a stoma into a body lumen. Such a tool would contain a first and second cannulae concentrically nested within one another and secured together at a distal end. An actuator is provided for selectively engaging and disengaging a retention mechanism located on that portion of the tool positioned within the body lumen. A locking mechanism is also provided to be used in conjunction with the retention mechanism for securing the cannulae to one another enabling the cannulae to be severed, and the actuator to be disposed, until the locking mechanism is disengaged upon formation and healing of an artificial stoma.

Abstract: A clamp for use with a flexible tube is disclosed. The clamp has a first and a second body portion each having a channel positioned upon a surface of the body portion. A detent mechanism is provided for securing the first and second body portions together such that the channel in one body portion aligns with the channel in the other body portion forming a passage through the clamp.

Abstract: A gastric fastening system is disclosed. The system contains a cannula for placement into a body lumen within a body. The cannula has a first end for positioning within the lumen, a collapsible region proximal to the first end for placement within the lumen, and an actuator for causing the collapsible region to collapse outwardly from the cannula so as to form a radial collar having a second diameter greater than the first diameter while foreshortening the length of the cannula. The collar secures the cannula against extraction from the lumen.

Abstract: A multi-lumen stoma or tract measuring device and method of using the same. The measuring device generally including a multi-lumen shaft, a head secured to one end of the shaft, and a deployable retention member secured to the shaft. The head having an opening in communication with each of the lumens, the deployable retention member being in communication with one of the lumens of the shaft. The multi-lumen device adapted to receive a guidewire therethrough.

Abstract: A stoma or tract measuring device and method of using the same. A tract measuring device of the present invention may generally include a shaft having a first and a second end; and an inflatable sock molded in situ at one end of the shaft; the inflatable sock having a distal end and a proximal end, the inflatable sock having an occluded tip with a predetermined geometry integrally formed at the distal end of the sock and an open proximal end; wherein the open end of the sock is secured to the shaft; and wherein the shaft has a lumen in communication with the inflatable sock so as to allow for inflation and deflation of the sock.

Abstract: A device for creating a channel between the stomach lumen and the abdominal surface of a patient. The device includes a tube and a first bolster. The tube has a proximal end, a distal end, and a wall, the wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, and each end having an opening therein. The first bolster is attached to the distal end of the tube and the tube is adapted to slidably receive a feeding device having a shaft, wherein at least a portion of the outer diameter of the shaft of the feeding device is substantially the same size as that of the inner wall of the tube. The first bolster is adapted to sealingly engage with the patient so as to minimize or avoid fluid leakage about the tube. The present invention is also directed to a method of using an artificial stoma.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to an adapter for assist with the connection of a flexible tubing to a connector, and more particularly to a product that enables the flexible tubing to retain its ability to provide a secure connection even after multiple uses by resisting or limiting permanent deformation thereof.