Abstract: An incision closing apparatus for simultaneous insertion of suture needles through adjacent sides of an incision in a fascia layer within a patient. An insertion end is sized for insertion through the incision and a shield is retractably extended from the insertion end positioned interior of the fascia layer. A plurality of elongated spokes having needles thereon are extended from openings within the insertion end for ejection of needles having attached suture filaments through adjacent sides of the fascia layer incision. Each needle is imbedded into the extended shield to retain each needle from piercing an internal organ. Upon retraction of the shield into the insertion end, with each needle imbedded in the shield, the insertion end is removed from the incision, leaving suture filaments inserted through adjacent sides of the fascia layer incision for closure of the incision within the patient.

Abstract: A magnetic intubation apparatus insertable into an opening in a patient for guiding a tube into a preferred passageway within the patient. The magnetic intubation apparatus includes a flexible elongated body having an insertion end sized to be inserted through the patient's internal passageways. A magnetic member is coupled to the insertion end in a pivotable relationship. During insertion into the patient, the insertion end having the magnetic member thereon is guided into a preferred passageway such as the trachea or the esophagus by manipulating an external magnetic field disposed proximal to the patient. A method for insertion is also disclosed, providing for positioning within a patient of an elongated body having a magnetic member coupled to an insertion end that is guided by an external magnetic field into the preferred passageway within the patient for intubation of a tube into the preferred passageway.

Abstract: A magnetically guided device for insertion through a patient's nasal passageway of a tube for feeding or lavage of a target organ. The device includes a flexible tube having an insertion end sized for insertion through the patient's nasal cavity, pharynx and esophagus. The tube insertion end includes a magnetic member rotatably coupled to the insertion end and a porous tube segment spaced-apart proximal of the magnetic member. The magnetic member is rotatable within the insertion end and is responsive to an externally positioned magnetic field that is moved relative to the patient for guiding the insertion end through internal passageways and into the target organ within the patient. A method for insertion and positioning of a magnetically guided tube for feeding or for lavage of a target organ within a patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: An anti-reflux valve for restricting flow in one direction through a catheter toward a collection reservoir. The valve includes a check valve positioned within a segment of the catheter. The valve includes a proximal end bonded to an inside periphery of an interior of the catheter. The valve includes a pliable side wall that reduces in diameter to a distal end having an opening that is collapsible upon itself. Fluid flow is allowed through the catheter segment having the check valve therein, with flow only permitted from the proximal end and through the distal end for release into a collection reservoir. The distal end opening collapses upon itself to negate the counter-current flow of fluid through the distal end. A plurality of check valves are aligned in series to reduce the possibility of reflux flow of fluids. A method of utilization of the anti-reflux valve is also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic guide system for intubation of a tube into a patient's passageway. The system includes an intubation tube having a distal end sized for insertion into the patient. The tube includes a proximal end maintained external of the patient, and a flexible mid-portion allow lateral bending. A magnet member is enclosed on the distal end by a means for containment to allow rotation of the magnet member therein. The means for containment is composed of a material for passage of gases and liquids therethrough, while the magnet member is rotatable therein. The distal end and enclosed magnet member is insertable into a patient's passageway. Movement of the intubation tube distal end and rotating magnet member is influenced by movement of an external magnetic field from at least one magnet positioned external of the patient. A method for intubation of the intubation tube into a patient's passageway leading to a target organ is also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetically guided device for insertion through a patient's nasal passageway of a tube for feeding or lavage of a target organ. The device includes a flexible tube having an insertion end sized for insertion through the patient's nasal cavity, pharynx and esophagus. The tube insertion end includes a magnetic member rotatably coupled to the insertion end and a porous tube segment spaced-apart proximal of the magnetic member. The magnetic member is rotatable within the insertion end and is responsive to an externally positioned magnetic field that is moved relative to the patient for guiding the insertion end through internal passageways and into the target organ within the patient. A method for insertion and positioning of a magnetically guided tube for feeding or for lavage of a target organ within a patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic intubation apparatus insertable into an opening in a patient for guiding a tube into a preferred passageway within the patient. The magnetic intubation apparatus includes a flexible elongated body having an insertion end sized to be inserted through the patient's internal passageways. A magnetic member is coupled to the insertion end in a pivotable relationship. During insertion into the patient, the insertion end having the magnetic member thereon is guided into a preferred passageway such as the trachea or the esophagus by manipulating an external magnetic field disposed proximal to the patient. A method for insertion is also disclosed, providing for positioning within a patient of an elongated body having a magnetic member coupled to an insertion end that is guided by an external magnetic field into the preferred passageway within the patient for intubation of a tube into the preferred passageway.