Abstract: A universal percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube that may be used with either the push or the pull insertion method. A loop extends from the tube. A void is formed in the tube at or near the proximal end of the tube. The void communicates with the internal void that acts as a conduit for material that is transported by the tube. The tube of the invention provides the option of changing technique from push method to pull method, or from pull method to push method. The device provides a mechanism at the tip or at mid catheter, thereby allowing for change over of method.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including a foldable internal bolster. According to one embodiment, the catheter assembly includes a catheter, a first flexible filament and a second flexible filament. The catheter includes a tubular body and a pair of flexible legs. The tubular body is a generally cylindrical member shaped to include a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal lumen, a pair of external notches, a first bore extending from the proximal end to one of the notches, and a second bore extending from the proximal end to the other of the notches. Each of the flexible legs has a fixed end and a free end, the fixed end being integrally formed on the distal end of the tubular body. One end of the first filament is fixed to one of the flexible legs, and the opposite end of the first filament is slidably inserted up through the first bore. One end of the second filament is fixed to the other of the flexible legs, and the opposite end of the second filament is slidably inserted up through the second bore.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for attaching a feeding tube to a feeding delivery system is presented. The feeding delivery system is attached to an elongated connecting member that is pivotally attached to a bolster. After attachment, the elongated connecting member is rotated to engage another tube at the base of the pivot. Before pivoting, the passageway is blocked by the interference of the elongated connecting member. As the elongated connecting member is rotated, the conduit system aligns and becomes a passageway to and from the stomach. The device provides a three part rigid plastic fit that does not wear out over a number of uses. The device prevents splash events, which occur when a feeding adapter is opened or when the adapter or valve is forced open by a cough or gastric pressure build up.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for attaching a feeding tube to a feeding delivery system is presented. The feeding delivery system is attached to an elongated connecting member that is pivotally attached to a bolster. After attachment, the elongated connecting member is rotated to engage another tube at the base of the pivot. Before pivoting, the passageway is blocked by the interference of the elongated connecting member. As the elongated connecting member is rotated, the conduit system aligns and becomes a passageway to and from the stomach. The device provides a three part rigid plastic fit that does not wear out over a number of uses. The device prevents splash events, which occur when a feeding adapter is opened or when the adapter or valve is forced open by a cough or gastric pressure build up.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including a foldable internal bolster. According to one embodiment, the catheter assembly includes a catheter, a first flexible filament and a second flexible filament. The catheter includes a tubular body and a pair of flexible legs. The tubular body is a generally cylindrical member shaped to include a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal lumen, a pair of external notches, a first bore extending from the proximal end to one of the notches, and a second bore extending from the proximal end to the other of the notches. Each of the flexible legs has a fixed end and a free end, the fixed end being integrally formed on the distal end of the tubular body. One end of the first filament is fixed to one of the flexible legs, and the opposite end of the first filament is slidably inserted up through the first bore. One end of the second filament is fixed to the other of the flexible legs, and the opposite end of the second filament is slidably inserted up through the second bore.

Abstract: An intragastric catheter provides satiety due to its presence in the stomach cavity. Efficacy is improved by the tactile sensation provided by a plurality of fingers that extend from the device. Normal peristaltic action upon the device moves the fingers relative to the stomach. The structure of the intragastric catheter reduces the level of precision required in placement of the device, and blockage of conduits to and from the stomach by the device is unlikely.

Abstract: A dispensing package for use in treating objects is characterized by the capability of exuding a fluid material from the interior of the pack onto the object. The dispensing package has a first layer having a plurality of perforations through which a fluid material may pass and a second layer that is impervious to the fluid material and an intermediate layer disposed between the first and second layers containing a fluid material and exuding same when used.

Abstract: An intragastric catheter provides satiety due to its presence in the stomach cavity. Efficacy is improved by the tactile sensation provided by a plurality of fingers that extend from the device. Normal peristaltic action upon the device moves the fingers relative to the stomach. The structure of the intragastric catheter reduces the level of precision required in placement of the device, and blockage of conduits to and from the stomach by the device is unlikely.

Abstract: An intragastric catheter provides a method of inducing satiety due to its presence in the stomach cavity. Efficacy is improved by the tactile sensation provided by a plurality of fingers that extend from the device. Normal peristaltic action upon the device moves the fingers relative to the stomach. The structure of the intragastric catheter reduces the level of precision required in placement of the device, and blockage of conduits to and from the stomach by the device is unlikely.

Abstract: A feeding tube and method for introducing a feeding tube within the gastrointestinal tract of a patient, whereby the feeding tube is introduced by using a variation of the Ponsky “pull” method of feeding tube placement. The feeding tube comprises an elongate shaft having a distal end and proximal end. The feeding tube also comprises a coupling structure for coupling the feeding tube to a pull wire, the coupling structure be proximal of the distal end of the feeding tube shaft. The feeding tube further comprises a guiding structure for aligning the pull wire with the distal end of the shaft. The feeding tube is introduced within the patient by attaching the previously placed pull wire to the coupling and guiding structures of the feeding tube, and then pulling the pull wire so as to pull the feeding tube into and through the gastrointestinal tract of the patient.

Abstract: A method of sequentially transitioning a thermally active shape memory device progressively translocates the thermally active shape memory device through a first controlled temperature zone and through an additional controlled temperature zone. The thermally active shape memory device is thermally transitioned and changed in geometric shape as a result of thermal communication of the shape memory device with either or both of the controlled temperature zones to produce a transitioned thermally active shape memory device. Novel devices produced according to the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for attaching a feeding tube to a feeding delivery system is presented. The feeding delivery system is attached to an elongated connecting member that is pivotally attached to a bolster. After attachment, the elongated connecting member is rotated to engage another tube at the base of the pivot. Before pivoting, the passageway is blocked by the interference of the elongated connecting member. As the elongated connecting member is rotated, the conduit system aligns and becomes a passageway to and from the stomach. The device provides a three part rigid plastic fit that does not wear out over a number of uses. The device prevents splash events, which occur when a feeding adapter is opened or when the adapter or valve is forced open by a cough or gastric pressure build up.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for attaching a feeding tube to a feeding delivery system is presented. The feeding delivery system is attached to an elongated connecting member that is pivotally attached to a bolster. After attachment, the elongated connecting member is rotated to engage another tube at the base of the pivot. Before pivoting, the passageway is blocked by the interference of the elongated connecting member. As the elongated connecting member is rotated, the conduit system aligns and becomes a passageway to and from the stomach. The device provides a three part rigid plastic fit that does not wear out over a number of uses. The device prevents splash events, which occur when a feeding adapter is opened or when the adapter or valve is forced open by a cough or gastric pressure build up.

Abstract: An intragastric catheter provides a method of inducing satiety due to its presence in the stomach cavity. Efficacy is improved by the tactile sensation provided by a plurality of fingers that extend from the device. Normal peristaltic action upon the device moves the fingers relative to the stomach. The structure of the intragastric catheter reduces the level of precision required in placement of the device, and blockage of conduits to and from the stomach by the device is unlikely.

Abstract: A universal percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube that may be used with either the push or the pull insertion method. A loop extends from the tube. A void is formed in the tube at or near the proximal end of the tube. The void communicates with the internal void that acts as a conduit for material that is transported by the tube. The tube of the invention provides the option of changing technique from push method to pull method, or from pull method to push method. The device provides a mechanism at the tip or at mid catheter, thereby allowing for change over of method.

Abstract: An intragastric catheter provides satiety due to its presence in the stomach cavity. Efficacy is improved by the tactile sensation provided by a plurality of fingers that extend from the device. Normal peristaltic action upon the device moves the fingers relative to the stomach. The structure of the intragastric catheter reduces the level of precision required in placement of the device, and blockage of conduits to and from the stomach by the device is unlikely.

Abstract: A balloon is inflated with a flowable material that is semi-solid, or sets and becomes solid after it has entered the balloon. The flowable material is injected into the balloon through the balloon port, enters the balloon, and inflates the balloon. The viscosity of the material, or the solid nature of the material after it sets and solidifies, provides a lower anchor for a device that extends percutaneously into the body, such as a feeding tube.

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: A catheter retention device comprises an oval base with a centrally located bore there through, an elevated disk portion surrounding said bore and two retention ring housing elements with centrally disposed bores whose axis are perpendicular to one another. The retention device is useful in securing the catheter so that any inadvertent physical force or traction exerted against it will not move the catheter or pull it from its incision. The catheter itself is threadably inserted through all the bores of the retention device which is then attached to the patients body at the ostomy site with sutures, tape or liquid adhesives. Preferably, the retention device is used in conjunction with gastrostomy or jejunal feeding tubes.