Abstract: A gastroenteric feeding tube for the enteral feeding of hospital patients includes a resiliently flexible coil spring as a weighting element. The coil spring which is encased within a flexible casing provides a flexible weighting element which can be installed in and removed from a patient with a minimum of discomfort. Once the feeding tube has been properly installed in the patient, the weighting element end thereof can safely remain in the patient's stomach for an extended period of time without substantial risks. In one embodiment of the feeding tube, a flexible tubular member extends axially through the coil spring weighting element thereof. Hence, a continuous longitudinal passage is provided in the feeding tube which allows the accurate installation of the tube in the gastrointestinal tract of a patient with the aid of a pre-installed guide wire or stylet.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a catheter or feeding tube, has a tube element to the front end portion of which a weighted bolus tip is connected. The bolus tip may have a lumen provided with an open front end and communicating with the lumen of the tube, or it may be of solid cross-section in which case outlet openings for the fluid passing through the device are so positioned that it is impossible for a stagnating pool of the fluid to form in the device (to avoid the growth of micro-organisms). The tip itself is produced by mixing powdered metal with a synthetic plastic binder; the mixture is then given the desired shape by casting or molding and thereafter is polymerized to convert the shaped body into a unitary element having no free metal. This renders it impossible for any of the metal powder to spill.

Abstract: A feeding assembly for the administration of fluids to a patient comprising a tube having a rigid bolus near its distal end to facilitate the peristaltic movement of the assembly during insertion. The bolus has openings for fluid flow, said openings are oriented to prevent the tip of a stylet from escaping from the tube assembly to minimize the possibility of injury to a patient during stylet intubation.

Abstract: A safer, more comfortable and convenient enteral feeding system is disclosed. Features of the system include reversal of the male-female connections on a standard enteral feeding system, and a safety pressure relief on the male adapter of the feeding tube assembly. A double female-ended guide wire adapter enables accurate placement of the feeding tube in a patient with lubrication of the passage which is receiving the tube. The provision of male and female double-ended adapter tubes allows utilization of the invention with other standard feeding systems.

Abstract: A probe, particularly for enteral feeding of living creatures, with a balloon coordinated to the insertion end of the probe tube, the balloon being fillable with liquid and emptiable in the inserted condition. The probe tube end is secured on a pilot probe and is detachable from the outside.