Abstract: Devices used to collect bodily fluids are disclosed. The devices may include a fluid bag and a transformable hanger for mounting the fluid bag to a support structure such as a hospital bed rail. The fluid bag can include a first fluid compartment and a second fluid compartment. The devices may further include a displaceable front cover and a back cover to obscure the bodily fluids from observation.

Abstract: A fluid manifold system includes a first manifold having portions of opposing flexible sheets welded together to form a fluid flow path therebetween, a fluid inlet communicating with the fluid flow path. The fluid flow path of the first manifold includes: a primary flow path communicating with the fluid inlet of the first manifold; and a plurality of spaced apart secondary flow paths that branch off of the primary flow path. Each secondary flow path has a first end communicating with the primary flow path and an opposing second end, each secondary flow path having a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the primary flow path. The fluid manifold system also includes a plurality of tubular connectors with each tubular connector being secured to the first manifold at the second end of a corresponding one of the secondary flow paths.

Abstract: A portable electronic fluid dispensing system can provide pre-filled, pre-primed IV bag assemblies comprising therapeutic fluids. The same fluid line and connector in the IV bag assembly can be used to fill the IV bag as is used to withdraw fluid from the IV bag and infuse such fluid into the patient. The connection points along the IV assembly, such as the connection between the IV bag and a drip chamber, or between an IV bag and tubing, or between a drip chamber and tubing, or between tubing and a closeable, resealable connector, can each be resistant to disconnection by a user. The healthcare practitioner at the patient care site is not required to attach any of these components to each other, and the healthcare practitioner at the patient care site is not required to introduce a spike into a spike port on the IV bag.

Abstract: Described are medical products, methods, and cryogenic bags or other containers suitable for storing and/or transporting and/or processing cellular compositions and other related materials. In certain aspects, the contents of such cryogenic bags may be warmed, mixed, and applied to a patient. Medical products described herein find particular use in treating diseased and/or damaged tissue such as in wound repair and/or bone repair. Related methods of manufacture are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical product or container closure system containing an overpouch with an intransparent first foil and a transparent second foil, a transparent primary container for holding a transparent liquid, e.g., a pharmaceutical formulation, wherein the transparent primary container is packed within the overpouch and labeled with at least one label and wherein the at least one label acts as a light absorbing segment having a reflection RL for light in the range of about 350 nm to about 800 nm and an inner surface of the intransparent first foil of the overpouch acts as a light reflecting background having a reflection RF for light in the direction of the primary container in the range of about 350 nm to about 800 nm with RF?RL. By the transparent second foil and the inventive reflection properties it is achieved that the at least one label on the primary container is visible and readable. Additionally, visual inspection of the content of the transparent primary container is possible.

Abstract: A dispensing device for use with a beneficial agent has a dispensing package, a dispenser disposed on an end portion of the dispensing package, and an actuator movably disposed along at least a portion of the package between a pre-dispensing state and a dispensing state. One arrangement also provides a beneficial agent dispenser having a dispensing port, an elongate portion and a plunger that is movably disposed relative to a tubular wall of the elongate portion during a dispensing stroke to partially penetrate a separable barrier and expel the beneficial agent through the dispensing port.

Abstract: A valve with an on-off mechanism for a bag used for conditioning, reconstituting, and/or diluting of injectable products, with the valve integrated to the single access point of a bag; the valve includes an open-close mechanism that enables a syringe or an infusion equipment, both including a luer-lock terminal, to be directly coupled to said valve; the valve comprises five basic components: the tapered base, the mobile tapered part, a smaller diameter sealing O-ring, a larger diameter sealing O-ring, and the cover that protects the terminal with a luer-lock type thread; the valve removes the requirement of using metallic needles or plastic spikes during practical use of the bag.

Abstract: A biological sample or drug stored inside a frozen storage container is not susceptible to contamination. The frozen storage container includes a container body with an internal space, and a partition wall which divides the internal space at least into a first space and a second space. In the container body, the first space is liquid-tightly sealed, the second space has an opening which is in communication with the outside, and the second space is liquid-tightly sealable by welding the container body. A frozen storage container system includes the frozen storage container; and a needle member which includes a needle tip portion capable of being inserted into the internal space of the container body and capable of piercing the partition wall, and has a flow path which is opened at the needle tip portion and is opened at a base end portion opposite to the needle tip portion.

Abstract: A container for holding a liquid, in particular an infusion liquid or irrigating liquid, comprising a liquid phase containing the liquid and a gas phase, wherein, in the operating position, a liquid opening is formed in the lower region of the container and wherein the container has a gas opening. The gas opening is formed by a gas pipe which is inseparably connected to the container and has a first gas pipe end and a second gas pipe end. The first gas pipe end extends into the gas phase of the container and is provided with a closure. The second gas pipe end leads to the outside of the container.

Abstract: A biocompatible peritoneal dialysate according to the present invention is a sterilized biocompatible peritoneal dialysate composed of an acidic first solution containing icodextrin and a second solution containing a pH adjuster, wherein the pH after mixing of the sterilized first solution with the sterilized second solution is 6.0 to 7.5.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluid flow paths and fluid connectors for use with detachable containers that can be seated in an infusate caddy for use in a dialysis machine. The detachable containers can contain infusates or other solutes or materials such as disinfectants or cleaners, and can be conveniently seated in the infusate caddy. The detachable containers can be removed from the infusate caddy for restocking, cleaning, or resupply, as needed. The infusate caddy can be positioned or seated in a receiving compartment of a dialysis machine, and can also be removed, as needed. The fluid path and fluid connectors of the present invention provide the required fluid fittings, valve arrangements, pumps, and paddle assemblies for using the infusate caddy.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a pharmaceutical composition in combination with a tube food provided for artificial feeding in the treatment of digestive disorders in case of artificial feeding, where the pharmaceutical composition contains or consists of at least one digestive enzyme, preferably a lipase, particularly preferably a bacterial lipase, most preferably burlulipase (INN) in liquid dosage form, wherein the pharmaceutical composition and the tube food are formulated for being administered simultaneously but separately from each other. The pharmaceutical composition can therefore be administered simultaneously and continuously during the administration of the tube food, but separately from it. As a result, the digestive performance of a patient being artificially fed can be enhanced significantly.

Abstract: A sterile, sulfite-free aqueous norepinephrine solution comprising up to about 0.2 mg/ml of norepinephrine concentration (as free base), a tonicity adjusting agent, at a pH where the norepinephrine is soluble which is packaged in a flexible plastic container, characterized by being storage stable for from about 12 months to about 24 months at room temperature of about 25° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for priming, disinfecting, and preparing dialysate and related fluids for use in dialysis. The dialysate and related fluids can be prepared from solutes obtained from infusate containers seated in an infusate caddy. The infusate caddy can be removably positioned in a receiving compartment of a dialysis machine. Similarly, the infusate containers containing the necessary solutes for preparing the dialysate and related fluids can also be removably positioned in the infusate caddy.

Abstract: Dual vial adapter assemblages including two identical twin vial adapters each having an upright vial adapter connector of a first connector type and a dual ended liquid transfer coupler interdisposed between the two identical twin vial adapters and having a pair of opposite coupler ends in the form of twin connectors of a second connector type for sealed engagement with the vial adapter connectors of the first connector type.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating blood, to a separation container and to a system, wherein different blood fractions—erythrocytes (64), buffy coat (65) and blood plasma (66)—are obtained, wherein blood is introduced into a separation container (1) and is then centrifuged into different superimposed, fluidically connected sections of the separation container, specifically a top section (4) for receiving the blood plasma (66), a middle section (3) for receiving the buffy coat, and a bottom section (2) for receiving the erythrocytes (64). The aim of the invention is to optimize the extraction of buffy coat. Said aim is achieved by means of the method and the separation container, wherein the optimization is geared to obtaining a defined phase boundary, and by means of the system, wherein the optimization is geared to achieving freedom from contamination from the time the blood enters the separation container and obtaining an easy-to-handle freezer container for cryopreservation.

Abstract: A fluid manifold system includes a manifold having at least portions of opposing flexible sheets welded together to form a fluid flow path therebetween, a fluid inlet communicating with the fluid flow path. A plurality of receiving containers are in fluid communication with the fluid flow path of the manifold, each receiving container bounding a compartment. The receiving containers can be formed integral with the manifold by welding together a second portion of the opposing flexible sheets or can comprise separate containers that are coupled to the manifold.

Abstract: An insert for an infusion of drugs is configured for connection to a vial and preferably to a circuit or an infusion line. The insert includes a main body, a resilient element, and a piercing spike. The piercing spike has an axis X and defines a first channel and a second channel, and is movable relative to the main body along the axis X between a first closed position A and a second open position B. The resilient element presses against the piercing spike so as to keep the piercing spike in the first closed position A when no external forces are applied.

Abstract: In the removal of white blood cells from blood, the efficiency of white blood cell removal by a filter is improved. Centrifugal force is applied to blood placed in a blood bag by centrifugal separation to form a plurality of separation layers having a concentration gradient of white blood cells. The separation layers are passed through a filter in ascending order of white blood cell concentration to remove the white blood cells from the separation layers. The separation layers from which the white blood cells have been removed are received in a first blood component bag.

Abstract: A container including a first side wall and a second side wall that are permanently joined by at least one seam such that a chamber is formed between the side walls. A peelable seal separates the chamber into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber that are capable of receiving liquid contents, which may be mixed if the peelable seal is opened. The seam includes a protrusion that extends into the chamber, and the peelable seal extends over the protrusion.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device comprising a housing and a flow controller at least partially slidably disposed in the housing, the flow controller comprising at least one fluid channel and a vent conduit. A shroud, alone or in combination with the fluid transfer device comprising a plurality of segments terminating in a annular edge and defining a plurality of openings, and a plurality of protrusions, each of the plurality of protrusions having a proximal end connected to the annular edge and a distal end positioned in one of the plurality of openings adapted for the housing of the fluid transfer device is provided.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a multicompartment container configured to contain a medical solution. A first compartment is defined by a first peelable seal having a first length extension, L1, and a second peelable seal having a second length extension, L2. A second compartment is defined by the first peelable seal and a third peelable seal having a third length extension, L3. A third compartment is defined by the second and the third peelable seal. The first, second, and third peelable seals are joined and L1>L2+L3. The third compartment comprises a first angle, ?, between an inner side edge of the container and the third peelable seal ranging between 10°<?<80° and the first compartment comprises a second angle, ?, between the first and second peelable seals ranging between 20°<?<130°.

Abstract: Acid concentrates, and dialysate compositions prepared therefrom, contain citric acid and an effective amount of a buffering agent selected from acetate and/or lactate. The buffering agent allows a physiologically acceptable amount of citrate to maintain the desired pH of the dialysate.

Abstract: The invention provides container systems, kits and methods for peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions. Such a system, for example, includes a first compartment that contains a PD osmotic agent and a second compartment that contains a PD buffer agent. The compartments maintain their respective contents separately from one another for purposes of transport, storage and/or sterilization. However, the compartments are fluidly couplable, so that their respective contents can be combined with one another, e.g., following sterilization of the agents and prior to their introduction into the patient's abdomen. The invention provides, in other aspects, such systems, kits and methods that provide protective structure which inhibits breaking of a seal prior between the second compartment and an outlet of the system, prior to breaking of a seal between the first and second compartments.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a packaging system for preserving a nonoxygenated hemoglobin based oxygen therapeutic agent. More specifically, the present invention relates to a transparent overwrap packaging system comprising a primary product contacting package, a secondary package comprising a multilayer high barrier oxygen overwrap.

Abstract: A needle-less vial assembly that includes an assembly body arranged at least partially within a neck of a vial, the body having a first portion within the vial for receiving a substance, a second portion that includes a means for matingly engaging with a syringe, and a channel defined therein, thereby enabling fluid communication of the substance between the vial and the syringe. The assembly further including a first inlet arranged longitudinally along a length of the first portion and proximate to the second portion, wherein the first inlet enables fluid communication between an interior of the vial and the channel, thereby enabling withdrawal of substantially all of the substance within the vial, and an outlet arranged at an end of the second portion of the body, thereby enabling a needle-less transfer of substances between the channel and the syringe.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatuses for forming concentrates of platelet-rich plasma or bone marrow cells having user-defined concentrations, concentration ranges, and/or volumes. Whole blood or bone marrow samples can be passed through one or two separation operations in which platelets or bone marrow cells are separated from red blood cells and concentrated in a plasma. During this separation and concentrating, a total number of platelets or bone marrow cells or a concentration of either is determined and then used to ascertain what volumes and concentrations need be mixed in order to produce a platelet-rich plasma concentrate or a bone marrow-rich plasma concentrate having a target concentration and/or volume.

Abstract: Provided is a solid antimicrobial agent suitable for portable use, which can continuously release a stable amount of chlorine dioxide even under vibration or shock. An antimicrobial pouch includes: an antimicrobial agent supporting an antimicrobial substance in a porous inorganic solid carrier; a first pouch body receiving the antimicrobial agent; and a second pouch body receiving the first pouch body, wherein the first pouch body includes fine holes on an entire surface, the fine holes having a diameter smaller than a particle size of the inorganic solid carrier, and the second pouch body includes release holes at an edge portion, the release holes through which the antimicrobial substance is released to atmosphere of the second pouch body.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a flexible multiple chamber bag comprising: a) three adjacent chambers, a first chamber partially separating a second upper chamber from a third lower chamber by first and second welded seams, b) said second chamber and said third chamber being partially connected by a third welded seam, c) said first welded seam being non-peelable and said second and third welded seams being peelable said second and third welded seams having the shape of an inverse letter “V” each second and third welded seam starting at the basic point of said “V” and terminating essentially in a right angle at the circumference weld of said bag, said bag comprising a hanger flap extending from the top end of said bag and a medical port welded to the lower end of said circumferential weld.

Abstract: A liquid collection bag is used as a part of an extracorporeal circuit and is connected via a tube to a storage container containing a priming solution. The collection container collects the priming solution from the storage container by a pressure differential between the pressure inside the collection container and the pressure inside the storage container. The liquid collection container is a flexible bag body having a partition part dividing the inside of the bag body into a first space and a second space. In addition, a communication part communicates the first space with the second space.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multiple chamber container that includes a container body sealed around a peripheral edge and having an outlet. The container also includes a first peel seal having a projecting portion and a second peel seal that isolates the outlet. The second peel seal may also include a projecting portion. The first and second peel seals may be configured to define a symmetrical chamber. The chamber may include an axis of symmetry extending between the first and second projecting portions. The chamber geometry of the container ensures a correct sequential opening of the first and second peel seals.

Abstract: A container having multiple compartments formed by frangible seals in the interior chamber of the container is disclosed. The container comprises an indicator adapted to provide an indication that a seal breach between the chambers has occurred. Methods of forming a container having a seal breach detection indicator are also disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable cassette for mixing a drug in a vial includes a liquid inlet for connection to a liquid supply, a first vial spike, a second vial spike, a chamber and a valve mechanism. The chamber, the first and second vial spikes, and the liquid inlet are in fluid communication with each other. The valve mechanism may be actuated to control flow between the chamber, the vial receptacles and the liquid inlet.

Abstract: A portable microbubble and drug mixing device is provided. The portable microbubble and drug mixing device comprises a flexible outer container comprising an interior chamber for accommodating a drug, and a rigid inner container within the flexible outer container and comprising an interior chamber for accommodating microbubbles. The outer container has a tensile strength at break less than or equal to approximately 15 MPa, and the inner container has a tensile strength at break greater than or equal to approximately 20 MPa and is capable of storing microbubbles at a concentration higher than or equal to approximately 5×106 microbubbles/ml. The inner container is configured to separate the microbubbles in the interior chamber of the inner container from the drug in the interior chamber of the outer container until a point of mixing when the microbubbles are released into the interior chamber of the outer container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable bag which comprises a multilayer film for accommodating a fluid, and a device which comprises a support holder for the disposable bag according to the invention in which the disposable bag is arranged. The present invention also relates to a process for the production of the disposable bag.

Abstract: A self standing bag having two side wall sheets and a bottom sheet. To flatten the bag, the bottom sheet is sandwiched between the two side wall sheets and symmetrically folded along a line parallel to its bottom edge, separating the bag into a four-layer part and a two-layer part. In the two-layer part, the bag includes first sloped sealing lines extending between a first two points on the top edges of the side wall sheets and spaced from the vertical side wall edges by a first distance, to a second two points spaced from the vertical edges of the side wall sheets by a second distance less than the first distance. The four-layer part includes second sloped sealing lines extending between the second two points and a third two points on the bottom edges of the side wall sheets.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a venous blood reservoir that has a separate blood chamber to filter vent blood and a separate chamber to filter sucker blood. The two blood chambers are separated by a common wall and are in fluid communication along their top assuring that vacuum applied to the top of either is equally applied to the other. A mean to form communication across the wall allows the user to either accumulate sucker blood in its chamber while letting vent blood to flow freely to the venous blood chamber. Alternately, user can let the blood in the sucker chamber to combine with the venous blood freely too.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solution for peritoneal dialysis, consisting of at least two single solutions which are combined after a heat sterilization and are administered to a patient, the first single solution containing an osmotic and the second single solution containing a buffer, and one of these single solutions or another single solution containing electrolyte salts. Glucose-like degradation and hydrolysis is avoided during sterilization and storage, while maintenance of a neutral mixture pH is achieved by the osmotic comprising a glucose polymer and/or glucose polymer derivative, and the pH of the first single solution being between 3.5 and 5.0. The present invention further discloses a twin-chambered pouch consisting of a plastic pouch with at least one first chamber and a second chamber, the first single solution being included in the first chamber and the second single solution being included in the second chamber.

Abstract: The connector for a fluid line of an extracorporeal circuit comprises a tubular body which internally defines a fluid passage, a first connection port predisposed for coupling to the fluid line, a second connection port predisposed for coupling to a male Luer connector borne by an external element, and a closure element of the second connection port. The closure element is formed of a breakable membrane made in a single piece with the tubular body. On coupling, the membrane is broken by the truncoconical projection of the male Luer connector. The connector connects a service line of an extracorporeal circuit to a pressure sensor of a dialysis machine.

Abstract: A coinfusion apparatus including a coinfusion operation section; a coinfusion processing room; a supply section; and a transfusion bag retention section. The coinfusion operation section consists of first and second robot arms. The first robot arm retains a medical agent container. The second robot arm performs an operation to insert a syringe needle of a syringe to a mouth section of the medical agent container and an operation to insert the syringe needle of the syringe to a coinfusion mouth of the transfusion bag. The coinfusion processing room holds the coinfusion operation section. The supply section supplies the medical agent container and the syringe into the coinfusion processing room. The transfusion bag retention section retains the transfusion bag at the outer side of the coinfusion processing room and positions the coinfusion mouth of the transfusion bag at the coinfusion communication mouth formed in the coinfusion processing room.

Abstract: There is provided a multi-chamber bag that is capable of securely checking a medicinal substance accommodated therein without the necessity to perform a troublesome work, while preventing a matter deteriorating the medicinal substance from reaching the inside of a medicinal-substance accommodation chamber and hence securely preventing the deterioration of the medicinal substance. In a multi-chamber bag having a bag body that has a strong seal part that joins two sheet members together to define an interior space of the bag body, and a weak seal part that joints the two sheet members together so as to be able to rupture them apart, thereby partitioning the interior space of the bag body into a medicinal-substance accommodation chamber and a diluting-solution accommodation chamber, a pair of cover sheets are provided to respectively cover the medicinal-substance accommodation chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blood plasma collecting flask made of plastic for the storage of blood plasma in the frozen state, comprising a flask body (1) which in the horizontal section has a cross-section with a rectangular basic shape and has on its upper side a flask neck (2), wherein the lateral faces of the flask body (2) respectively define a flat or slightly inwardly curved area (3) adjoining which are areas rounded towards the face surfaces.

Abstract: A system for mixing or reconstituting a drug contained in a first container with a diluent or fluid contained in a second container. The second container has a port docking assembly for engaging the first container. The first container is rotatable and axially slidable within the port docking assembly. The port docking assembly has an actuator to urge a stopper fluidly sealing the first container into the interior of the first container. The port docking assembly further includes a movable plug constructed to fluidly seal the second container in a first, docked position and to provide access to the interior of the second container in a second, activated position, whereby fluid communication between the first and second containers is provided when the first and second containers are in the second, activated position.

Abstract: It is an object of the resent invention to provide a multi-chamber container that has a weak seal portion having an increased joining strength and being easy to be opened when in administration of medicine, and that is provided at low cost. The multi-chamber container includes a medicine accommodation chamber 1, a diluting solution chamber 3 jointed to one side of the medicine accommodation chamber 1 via a partitioning weak seal portion 2, an unoccupied chamber 5 having a port 6 and joined to an opposite side of the medicine accommodation chamber 1 via a discharging weak seal portion 4, a film member 7 attached to the medicine accommodation chamber 1 for increasing a joining strength of each of the discharging weak seal portion 2 and the discharging weak seal portion 4, the discharging weak seal portion 4 having an easy-to-open portion 8 that enables the discharging weak seal portion 4 to easily opened therethrough.

Abstract: A portable blood storage device includes an outer housing an inner housing. The outer housing defines the structure of the blood storage device. The inner housing is located within the outer housing and has an interior cavity for storing collected blood and/or blood components. The inner housing has an open top to allow access to the interior cavity. The storage device also has an inlet duct and a return duct located within the interior cavity. The inlet duct is fluidly connectable to a cooling device and brings conditioned air into the storage device when fluidly connected to the cooling device. The return duct is also fluidly connectable to the cooling device and returns exhaust air to the cooling device when fluidly connected.

Abstract: A system for mixing or reconstituting a drug contained in a first container with a diluent or fluid contained in a second container. The second container has a port docking assembly for engaging the first container. The first container is rotatable and axially slidable within the port docking assembly. The port docking assembly has an actuator to urge a stopper fluidly sealing the first container into the interior of the first container. The port docking assembly further includes a movable plug constructed to fluidly seal the second container in a first, docked position and to provide access to the interior of the second container in a second, activated position, whereby fluid communication between the first and second containers is provided when the first and second containers are in the second, activated position.

Abstract: A flexible container for storing a liquid medicament comprises a container wall consisting of two wall sheets of flexible material that are sealed together is disclosed. The container may comprise a storage compartment for the liquid medicament, and an access opening on one of the wall sheets. The storage compartment and the access opening may be in fluid connection. The access opening is designed to be fluidly connected to an outer conduit system. An insert part may be arranged between the two wall sheets with positive locking, and may fluidly connect the storage compartment and the access opening.

Abstract: A multi-chamber container of two liquid mixing type, aiming for obtaining an increased reliability for preventing an administration from being practiced under a non separated condition of a weak seal. The medical bag 10 has an outer peripheral strong seal 14 and a weak seal 18 for separating the space inside the medical bag into two partitions 20 and 22. At the tip end of an outlet port 12, a flap 28 as a valve member is provided, which usually closes the outlet port 12 to the space inside the medical bag. The flap 28 is connected to the opposite surface of the medical bag, so that the flap 28 is displaced in cooperation with an expansion deformation of the medical bag as obtained when the weak seal 18 is opened, resulting in opening of the outlet port 12. The flap is formed with a small hole 44 for limiting a liquid flow amount to a small value.

Abstract: The invention provides a switching device for an irrigation system. The switching device provides selective communication between a supply port to which a supply of fluid under pressure can be attached and a balloon port to which a fixing balloon of a catheter can be attached, and between the supply port and a port to which a liquid reservoir can be attached. By use of a selection handle, the user can deform conduits in a pre-determined sequence and thus control an irrigation procedure by opening and closing fluid flow in various conduits. The invention further provides an irrigation device incorporating the switching device and a method of controlling a fluid flow e.g. in an irrigation system.

Abstract: An ingestible material delivery device for sequentially delivering first and second ingestible materials to a user through a feeding tube provides a tube body having first and second chambers separated by a seal. A puncture tool is disposed in the second chamber extending toward the seal. The puncture tool engages and disrupts the seal when the second chamber is compressed. In some embodiments, the second chamber includes a plurality of interconnected bellows operable for axial compression of the second chamber. Another embodiment of a delivery device provides a tube body having first and second chambers with exit nozzles extending in opposite flow directions. A method of sequentially delivering first and second ingestible materials to a user through a feeding tube is also provided.