Abstract: An external bolster having a main body, a curved portion and a hinge. The bolster also includes a base fixably attached to the main body, the base including a spoke configured to allow air through the base and a cap removably attached to the main body at the hinge, wherein the cap is configured to position a tube along the curved portion of the main body when the cap is in a closed position.

Abstract: Method for implanting a percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy tube in a patient and access needle for use in the method. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of (a) providing an access needle wherein the distal end of the stylet extends distally for an appreciable distance beyond the distal end of the cannula; (b) inserting the stylet, but not the cannula, into the jejunum; (c) grabbing the stylet with an endoscopically-positioned snare; (d) anchoring the jejunum against the abdominal wall using the snared stylet; (e) loosening the snare slightly while advancing the cannula into the jejunum and into the loosened snare; (f) tightening the snare around the cannula; (g) removing the stylet from the cannula; (h) inserting a guide wire or suture through the cannula into the jejunum; and (i) proceeding in the conventional fashion to implant a PEJ tube into the patient using the guide wire or suture.

Abstract: Method for implanting a percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy tube in a patient and access needle for use in the method. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of (a) providing an access needle wherein the distal end of the stylet extends distally for an appreciable distance beyond the distal end of the cannula; (b) inserting the stylet, but not the cannula, into the jejunum; (c) grabbing the stylet with an endoscopically-positioned snare; (d) anchoring the jejunum against the abdominal wall using the snared stylet; (e) loosening the snare slightly while advancing the cannula into the jejunum and into the loosened snare; (f) tightening the snare around the cannula; (g) removing the stylet from the cannula; (h) inserting a guide wire or suture through the cannula into the jejunum; and (i) proceeding in the conventional fashion to implant a PEJ tube into the patient using the guide wire or suture.

Abstract: An external bolster having a main body, a curved portion and a hinge. The bolster also includes a base fixably attached to the main body, the base including a spoke configured to allow air through the base and a cap removably attached to the main body at the hinge, wherein the cap is configured to position a tube along the curved portion of the main body when the cap is in a closed position.

Abstract: A medical catheter assembly including a safety Y-port adaptor. In one embodiment, the medical catheter assembly is a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) assembly and includes a PEG tube, the PEG tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal conduit. An internal bolster is disposed at the distal end of the PEG tube. The safety Y-port adaptor includes a tubular first arm, a tubular second arm and a tubular third arm, each of the second and third arms being in fluid communication with the first arm. The first arm is coupled to the proximal end of the PEG tube and is fluid communication therewith. A first anti-reflux valve is disposed within the second arm, and a second anti-reflux valve is disposed within the third arm. The anti-reflux valves may be positioned within their respective arms so that each may be biased open by the insertion of a dispensing tip into the arm.

Abstract: A medical catheter assembly including a safety Y-port adaptor. In one embodiment, the medical catheter assembly is a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) assembly and includes a PEG tube, the PEG tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal conduit. An internal bolster is disposed at the distal end of the PEG tube. The safety Y-port adaptor includes a tubular first arm, a tubular second arm and a tubular third arm, each of the second and third arms being in fluid communication with the first arm. The first arm is coupled to the proximal end of the PEG tube and is fluid communication therewith. A first anti-reflux valve is disposed within the second arm, and a second anti-reflux valve is disposed within the third arm. The anti-reflux valves may be positioned within their respective arms so that each may be biased open by the insertion of a dispensing tip into the arm.

Abstract: Method for implanting a percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy tube in a patient and access needle for use in the method. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of (a) providing an access needle wherein the distal end of the stylet extends distally for an appreciable distance beyond the distal end of the cannula; (b) inserting the stylet, but not the cannula, into the jejunum; (c) grabbing the stylet with an endoscopically-positioned snare; (d) anchoring the jejunum against the abdominal wall of the patient using the snared stylet; (e) loosening the snare slightly while advancing the cannula into the jejunum and into the loosened snare; (f) tightening the snare around the cannula; (g) removing the stylet from the cannula; (h) inserting a guide wire or suture through the cannula and into the jejunum; and (i) proceeding in the conventional fashion to implant a PEJ tube into the patient using the guide wire or suture.

Abstract: A device for assisting the guiding of an Nasal Gastric Jejunum (NGJ) or Nasal Jejunum (NJ) tube through the stomach and into the jejunum. The device has a tip that is present on a forward end of a tube. The tip is formed to allow the forward end of the tube to be guided by forceps while also allowing a stiffening stylet, which is inserted into the tube to be used to guide the tube. The tip prevents the stylet from extending beyond the forward end of the tube.

Abstract: Gastrostomy ports are disclosed for reliably providing enteral feeding to a patient over long periods of time. Gastrostomy ports shown herein provide one-way valves which include a resilient valve member which is compressively fitted within a receiving cavity defined by a rigid compression collar. The valve member has a diaphragm portion defining a slit. The compression collar presses inwardly against the outer peripheral edge of the diaphragm portion to apply laterally compressive forces which bias the slit toward a normally closed position. Gastrostomy ports are further shown for accessing the interior of a body cavity or organ which are self retaining and resist inadvertent pull-out but can be atraumatically implanted and removed.

Abstract: Gastrostomy feeding ports are disclosed which remain positively sealed after repeated and extensive use. In one embodiment, a valve housing defines an inner passageway to provide fluid communication into a long term indwelling catheter and includes a rigid compression collar portion which defines a valve member receiving cavity within the inner passageway. The resilient valve member has an outer peripheral edge which generally conforms in shape to the valve member receiving cavity but is larger in dimension than the cavity when uncompressed. The resilient valve member also includes an outer wall portion which extends away from the outer peripheral edge of the diaphragm portion and which generally conforms in shape to the cavity.