Abstract: A naso/orogastric device having backflow blocking means and comprises a naso/orogastric tube sized and shaped for being disposed within the esophagus so that at least a distal end thereof being placed in the stomach lumen of a patient, at least one elastic esophageal body, positioned along the naso/orogastric tube, having a pressure dependent volume, at least one esophageal sensor that detects fluid around at least one segment of the naso/orogastric tube, and a pressure regulator that regulates a pressure within the elastic esophageal body according to the detection.

Abstract: A dual cannula apparatus is provided for insertion into the gastrointestinal tract. One end of a first outer cannula is placed within the small intestine providing a guide for advancement of a second inner cannula. The second inner cannula extends beyond the first outer cannula and provides a source of nutritional support and pharmacological therapy. The first outer cannula has a radiopaque tip to facilitate placement thereof under x-ray or fluoroscopic guidance. The first outer cannula can also be provided with a flared end for maintenance with the naris. The second inner cannula includes one or more openings for flow of the nutritional support or pharmacological therapy into the small intestine.

Abstract: Enteral safety system (ESS) may include oral dispenser having visual indicator such as barrel with measurement marks of a color. Barrel may allow content viewing. ESS may include hub for connecting oral dispenser to enteral set. Hub may have a visual indicator such as being same color as barrel's marks. Enteral tubing or set may have a visual indicator such as a lengthwise stripe same color as barrel's marks. Enteral tubing may allow content viewing. ESS may include an enteral tubing-feeding tube hub for connecting enteral tubing to a feeding tube. This hub may have visual indicator such as same color as barrel's marks. Feeding tube may have visual indicator such as a lengthwise stripe same color as barrel's marks. Feeding tube may allow content viewing. The oral dispenser, oral dispenser-enteral tubing hub, enteral tubing, enteral tubing-feeding tube hub, and feeding tubing are properly connectable by reference to visual indicators such as color matching.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided that includes a swallowable medical treatment device, which is configured to initially assume a contracted state having a volume of less than 4 cm3. The device includes a gastric anchor, which initially assumes a contracted size, and which is configured to, upon coming in contact with a liquid, expand sufficiently to prevent passage of the anchor through a round opening having a diameter of between 1 cm and 3 cm. The device also includes a duodenal unit, which is configured to pass through the opening, and which is coupled to the gastric anchor such that the duodenal unit is held between 1 cm and 20 cm from the gastric anchor. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for performing lung volume reduction in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other conditions where isolation of a lung segment or reduction of lung volume is desired. The methods are minimally invasive with instruments being introduced through the mouth (endotracheally) and rely on isolating the target lung tissue segment from other regions of the lung and occluding various lung passageways with the use of occlusal stents. The occlusal stents are delivered with the use of an occlusal stent delivery system which is loaded with the occlusal stent with the use of an occlusal stent loading system.

Abstract: Embodiments of devices and system for controllable nasal delivery of materials are described. Methods of use of such devices and system and software for controlling the operation of such devices and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A naso/orogastric device that comprises a naso/orogastric tube sized and shaped for being disposed within the esophagus so that at least a distal segment thereof being placed in the stomach lumen of a patient and at least one self expending element disposed around a peripheral surface of the naso/orogastric tube and having a first thickness in a compressed state and a second thickness in an expanded state, the at least one self expending element switching from the compressed state to the expanded state when absorbing moisture. The first thickness is thinner than the second thickness.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for implementing or deploying medical or veterinary utility modules comprising a first module operable in a digestive or respiratory tract to engage a second module, optionally by a magnetic field. Alternatively or additionally, systems may be operable to remain in situ and also operable to permit a therapeutic material dispensation. In some contexts, for example, systems or methods may dispense a therapeutic material via a subject's throat or elsewhere in the digestive or respiratory tract.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for implementing or deploying medical or veterinary utility modules (a) operable for mooring at least partly within a digestive tract, (b) small enough to pass through the tract per vias naturales and including a wireless-control component, (c) having one or more attachment protrusions positionable adjacent to a mucous membrane, (d) configured to facilitate redundant modes of attachment, (e) facilitating a “primary” material supply deployable within a stomach for an extended and/or controllable period, (f) moored by one or more adaptable extender modules supported by a subject's head or neck, and/or (g) configured to facilitate supporting at least a sensor within a subject's body lumen for up to a day or more.

Abstract: A guidewire catheter includes: a sheath for passing a guidewire therethrough; an operation section connected to an end of the sheath and having a through-hole for passing the guidewire therethrough; a guidewire adapter connected to the operation section and capable of freely extending or retracting relative to the operation section along the axial line of the through-hole, the guidewire adapter grasping the outer periphery surface of the guidewire projecting from the through-hole, and the guidewire adapter being capable of guiding and moving the guidewire relative to the operation section in an axial direction and a circumferential direction of the through-hole; a bar-shaped slide section formed on one of the operation section and the guidewire adapter in the exterior of the through-hole, the slide section being disposed along a line which is parallel with the axial line of the through-hole; a receiver formed on the other one of the operation section and the guidewire adapter and being capable of moving and s

Abstract: The present invention provides a system comprising: a reservoir body configured to hold a reservoir liner, wherein the reservoir liner is configured to hold an enteral feeding material; a reservoir connector configured to connect to the reservoir liner in a manner that permits flow of an enteral feeding material; a reservoir cap configured to connect to the reservoir body in a manner that connects the reservoir connector to the reservoir liner disposed within the reservoir body; and a syringe adapter enteral feeding assembly having a distal end configured to connect to the reservoir cap in a manner that permits flow of the enteral feeding material, and a proximal end configured to connect to an enteral feeding device in a manner that permits flow of the enteral feeding material.

Abstract: A dual lumen gastrointestinal feeding and aspirating device includes an aspiration channel which carries a feeding channel. The aspiration channel has a distal opening with a larger size than that of the feeding channel so it can operate more effectively as a stent and accommodate larger sized instruments. The distal end of the aspiration channel is repeatably moveable between open and closed conditions in response to the extension and retraction, respectively, of the instrument therethrough.

Abstract: A dual lumen gastrointestinal feeding and aspirating device includes an aspiration channel which carries a feeding channel. The aspiration channel has a distal opening with a larger size than that of the feeding channel so it can operate more effectively as a stent and accommodate larger sized instruments. The distal end of the aspiration channel is repeatably moveable between open and closed conditions in response to the extension and retraction, respectively, of the instrument therethrough.

Abstract: A plunger-driven delivery device for use with a feeding tube for delivering an ingestible material to a user is provided. The delivery device includes a device body having a first chamber, a second chamber and an exit orifice through which the ingestible material is delivered to the feeding tube. A first plunger is disposed in the first chamber, and a second plunger is disposed in the second chamber. The delivery device can be provided with an ingestible material disposed in the first chamber and a flushing liquid disposed in the second chamber. The delivery device is operable to provide sequential delivery first of ingestible material and then flushing liquid into a feeding tube. In some embodiments, a mechanical interlock is disposed between the first and second plungers to prevent use of the second plunger until the first plunger has been depressed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), alleviating a negative OSA symptom, reducing snoring, or improving quality of life in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising pyridostigmine before sleep. Also provided are related medicaments as well as methods for preparing the medicaments.

Abstract: A device and method for enterally hydrating a patient, such as a paralyzed or limited upper body mobility patient with a functional gastrointestinal system who is nonetheless incapable or not fully capable of drinking unassisted. Here fluids are provided by a suspended semi-flexible container with graduation markings to allow for convenient estimation of fluid use, an upper open and closeable cap to allow the container to be refilled, and a lower fluid conducting tube that terminates in a mouthpiece, which contains a fluid valve formed from at least one slit in an elastic material. Patient mouth force on the valve causes the slit to enlarge, thus enabling fluid to flow into the patient.

Abstract: Therapeutic device intended for the selective cytoreductive treatment of an obstruction in a natural lumen or passage of the human or animal body, said lumen being obstructed by the effect of a local cell proliferation, said device comprising a tubular element, in particular of cylindrical shape, intended to be placed in said natural lumen and sufficiently flexible to conform to said natural lumen, but sufficiently rigid to maintain an artificial channel in said lumen. The tubular element supports lengthwise a medicinal sleeve which is intended to come into line with, and into contact with, the obstruction once the natural lumen has been intubated, and is designed to deliver locally, at least in its outer surface portion, at least one therapeutic agent which is cytoreductive, in particular cytotoxic, through contact with the cells under whose effect said lumen is obstructed.

Abstract: Systems and methods of removing bacterial biofilm from a target site using a biofilm removal endoscope. The endoscope has an insertion portion including an imaging channel terminating at a viewing window and an irrigation channel terminating at a nozzle. The imaging and irrigation channels are permanently affixed relative to one another. The insertion portion is inserted into the patient, with a working end thereof being disposed proximate the target site. The target site is imaged and a flow of fluid is dispensed via the nozzle to mechanically remove bacterial biofilm from the target site.

Abstract: Closures for containers and methods for using same are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a closure having a top portion (12), a bottom portion (14) and a side portion (16), an aperture (18) extending though the closure, a projection (20) extending from the closure and at least two rib members (36) on an interior of the projection. The projection may also include a cover. In another embodiment, a method for using a closure includes inserting a spike member into a projection, piercing a membrane (28) that hermetically seals a medical container, pushing rib members within the projection to center the spike member inserted into the projection, and tearing the membrane to create a vent hole in the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for attachment of an endolumenal gastrointestinal device, such as an artificial stoma device, a gastrointestinal bypass sleeve or other therapeutic or diagnostic device, within a patient's digestive tract. In one application of the invention, an endolumenal bypass sleeve is removably attached in the vicinity of the gastroesophageal junction to treat obesity and/or its comorbidities, such as diabetes. The bypass sleeve may be at least partially deployed by eversion.

Abstract: Lung volume reduction is performed in a minimally invasive manner by isolating a lung tissue segment, optionally reducing gas flow obstructions within the segment, and aspirating the segment to cause the segment to at least partially collapse. Further optionally, external pressure may be applied on the segment to assist in complete collapse. Reduction of gas flow obstructions may be achieved in a variety of ways, including over inflation of the lung, introduction of mucolytic or dilation agents, application of vibrational energy, induction of absorption atelectasis, or the like. Optionally, diagnostic procedures on the isolated lung segment may be performed, typically using the same isolation/access catheter.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an ingestible capsule containing drug and a method for controlled administration of the drug in a mammal for treatment of a disease of the GI tract. The capsule has electronic control means for dispensing the drug substantially to the diseased tissue sites of the GI tract, according to a pre-determined drug release profile obtained prior to administration from the specific mammal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for implementing or deploying medical or veterinary utility modules comprising a first module operable in a digestive or respiratory tract to engage a second module, optionally by a magnetic field. Alternatively or additionally, systems may be operable to remain in situ and also operable to permit a therapeutic material dispensation. In some contexts, for example, systems or methods may dispense a therapeutic material via a subject's throat or elsewhere in the digestive or respiratory tract.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described for temporarily or permanently evacuating stagnating air from a diseased lung area, typically for the purpose of treating COPD. Evacuation is accomplished by displacing the stagnant CO2-rich air with a readily diffusible gas using a transluminal indwelling catheter specially configured to remain anchored in the targeted area for long term treatment without supervision. Appropriate elevated positive gas pressure in the targeted area is then regulated via the catheter and a pneumatic control unit to force under positive pressure effusion of the diffusible gas out of the area into neighboring areas while inhibiting infusion of other gases thus effecting a gradual gas volume decrease and deflation of the targeted area.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for attachment of an endoluminal gastrointestinal device, such as an artificial stoma device, a gastrointestinal bypass sleeve device or an attachment cuff, within a patient's digestive tract for treatment of obesity.

Abstract: Methods described herein involve introducing a nasogastric tube into a patient, connecting the nasogastric tube with a reservoir, anchoring the nasogastric tube with the nasal cavity, and introducing a substance into the reservoir through the nasogastric tube.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for configuring several modules each individually small enough to pass through a digestive tract; and a tether or other means for releasably configuring at least the several modules in a group. Such a tether may (directly or indirectly) couple some of the modules via at least a gap in another module from which the tether may slip free, in some embodiments. Such methods may include modes of administering a medication or otherwise taking an action in response to the one or more phenomena.

Abstract: It is known that L-menthol controls smooth muscle contraction. In order to use L-menthol in practice as a digestive tract contraction inhibiting agent in digestive tract endoscopy, it is required to devise means of giving a formulation in which an L-menthol-containing formulation remains stable and transparent or little cloudy over a long time after the production and which shows little foaming at the administration. In the present invention, an antifoaming agent is further added to a formulation for inhibiting smooth muscle contraction or a peristaltic contraction in a digestive tract containing a L-menthol emulsion having an average particle size of less than 100 nm. Thus, it is possible to obtain a formulation that remains stable over a long time, has a high light transmittance, and produces little foam when filled into a container and sprayed at a target area to inhibit contraction to facilitate observation of the area in endoscopic examination of the digestive tract etc.

Abstract: An animal restraining device and method provide dual capability for restraining an animal and administering medications. A first embodiment provides an administration tube connected to a body with handles which can be grasped by user to position the device either for restraining or administering medications. A second embodiment is a continuous hook-shaped member having a hollow passageway in order to introduce medications. The second embodiment is reversible to place either end of the device in the animal's mouth for restraining or administering medications, depending upon the size of the particular animal. The method of restraint includes positioning the device in the animal's mouth and applying a force to elicit a natural response by the animal which causes the animal to pause or remain motionless for a period of time while a caregiver may treat or examine the animal.

Abstract: A high flow volume nasal irrigation device for alternating pulsatile and continuous fluid flow includes a segmented dip tube with a free end extending inside a squeeze bottle configured to convey a liquid under an elevated chamber pressure from a reservoir therein to a lower pressure outside the bottle. The device also includes an elastic segment at the free end of the tube configured to oscillate about a bending in the segment in response to a differential pressure between an internal pressure and the chamber pressure, the segment having an elastic restoring force in opposition to the bending. The disclosed device further includes a pulsatile portion of the elastic segment configured to close at the segment bending and to reopen under the elastic restoring force and to thus generate a periodic pulsatile fluid flow through the tube with a period corresponding to the elastic segment oscillation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medical devices. Specifically, the invention relates to an enteral feeding device comprising expandable means which prevents or significantly reduces aspirations from the alimentary tract to the respiratory system. In further aspects, the invention relates to systems comprising said enteral feeding device, methods and uses thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to the placement of nasogastric tubes. Specifically, the present invention relates to devices, methods, and kits for assisting intubation and insertion.

Abstract: An exemplary method of reducing the volume of a stomach comprises providing an adhesive applier and a biocompatible adhesive. The exemplary method further comprises introducing at least a portion of the adhesive applier into the stomach and dispensing the adhesive through the adhesive applier into the stomach. The adhesive may be applied between the submucosa and muscle layers of the stomach to reduce the volume of the stomach. The adhesive may alternatively be applied in layers onto the inner surface of the stomach. Alternatively, a non-expandable member may be introduced into the stomach, and an adhesive may be used to secure the non-expandable member to the stomach. Such uses may provide a treatment for morbid obesity. An adhesive may also be used to provide flow restriction, such as by injecting the adhesive between the submucosa and muscle layers of a cardia or rectum.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for attachment of an endolumenal gastrointestinal device, such as an artificial stoma device, a gastrointestinal bypass sleeve or other therapeutic or diagnostic device, within a patient's digestive tract. In one application of the invention, an endolumenal bypass sleeve is removeably attached in the vicinity of the gastroesophageal junction to treat obesity and/or its comorbidities, such as diabetes. The bypass sleeve may be at least partially deployed by eversion.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided that includes a swallowable medical treatment device, which is configured to initially assume a contracted state having a volume of less than 4 cm3. The device includes a gastric anchor, which initially assumes a contracted size, and which is configured to, upon coming in contact with a liquid, expand sufficiently to prevent passage of the anchor through a round opening having a diameter of between 1 cm and 3 cm. The device also includes a duodenal unit, which is configured to pass through the opening, and which is coupled to the gastric anchor such that the duodenal unit is held between 1 cm and 20 cm from the gastric anchor. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A delivery system includes a material delivery system, wherein the delivery system is adapted to dispense a flowable material. Also included is a cover adapted to at least partially cover the material delivery system, and a messaging system adapted to play a message upon activation thereof.

Abstract: A nasogastric tube insertion system comprises a nasogastric tube, a guide element, and an inserter element. The inserter element has a slim, elongate main body, a handle attached to the body, and an anatomically curved insertion section. The guide element comprises a swallowable weight attached to a cord, string, monofilament line, tube, or other similar line. The swallowable weight may be ablative in the presence of stomach fluids or may be deflated to allow the guide element to be removed while the nasogastric tube remains in place. The inserter element is inserted through the patient's nasal passages and optionally into the oropharynx. The weight is released and the patient swallows it into the stomach. The guide element is threaded through the guide element retaining structure, and the nasogastric tube is safely inserted along the guide element into the patient's stomach.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for treatment of morbid obesity using minimally invasive techniques. The apparatus includes a system of components that may be used separately or in combination for effectively reducing stomach volume, bypassing a portion of the stomach and/or small intestines, reducing nutrient absorption in the stomach and/or small intestines and/or depositing minimally or undigested food farther than normal into the intestines, thereby stimulating intestinal responses. The components described include a gastric sleeve device, an intestinal sleeve device, and a combined gastrointestinal sleeve device.

Abstract: Lung volume reduction is performed in a minimally invasive manner by isolating a lung tissue segment, optionally reducing gas flow obstructions within the segment, and aspirating the segment to cause the segment to at least partially collapse. Further optionally, external pressure may be applied on the segment to assist in complete collapse. Reduction of gas flow obstructions may be achieved in a variety of ways, including over inflation of the lung, introduction of mucolytic or dilation agents, application of vibrational energy, induction of absorption atelectasis, or the like. Optionally, diagnostic procedures on the isolated lung segment may be performed, typically using the same isolation/access catheter.

Abstract: Materials and Methods for producing localized hypothermia in a patient (e.g., for treatment of acute pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer).

Abstract: Disclosed is an NGT system, the system comprises a nasogastric tube having a diameter and length configured to pass through an esophagus such that the lumen of the NGT maintains fluid communication with a portion of the digestive tract, and a digestive tract sensor operatively associated with the NGT, the digestive tract sensor configured to sense from inside the body and transmit signals in response to one or both of conditions relating to nourishment states of the digestive tract, and positioning of the NGT.

Abstract: A container shaped in the form of a teardrop is used interchangeably in upright and inverted orientations. The container is used in an upright orientation to allow a person to directly drink liquids. In the inverted orientation, the container is mounted at a height over the user and allows versatile and controlled administration of liquids even to bedridden patients. The controlled administration provides the advantages of precise and measured dispensation of liquids, on-site or remote monitoring of dispensation, and control of dispensation by a patient or a care-giver. This type of liquid dispensation is not as invasive as other medical treatments (e.g., intravenous treatment), and therefore can be employed both at home and at hospitals with comparable effectiveness.

Abstract: This invention relates to the placement of nasogastric tubes. Specifically, the present invention relates to devices, methods, and kits for assisting intubation and insertion.

Abstract: This invention discloses a system for safe and non-traumatic insertion of a nasogastric tube, said system comprises of a nasogastric tube and a curved rubber nasopharyngeal sheath, long enough to reach the hypopharynx from the nostrils. Said sheath has two longitudinal tear-off lines over its full length and two ringed handles to apply lateral pull traction. The diameter of both the tube and the sheath are such that the sheath can accommodate the nasogastric tube. This system can also be used in patients who are endotracheally intubated.

Abstract: The present invention includes various devices for improved nasogastric intubation to ensure proper placement of the device within the body cavity as well as minimize trauma and achieve patient comfort both during and after an intubation procedure.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices and methods for administering oral fluids to animals aseptically. The devices features a sheath having a first surface and a second surface. The sheath is capable of assuming two positions. The sheath is moved from the first position into the second position by inverting it over a stomach tube as the stomach tube is inserted into the mouth and esophagus of an animal. A fluid is then administered through the sheath and stomach tube to the animal.

Abstract: A device, system and method for diagnosing and treating gastric disorders is provided. A functional device resides within the patient's stomach and is secured to the stomach wall by an attachment device. The functional device may be a sensor for sensing various parameters of the stomach or stomach environment, or may be a therapeutic delivery device. The functional device in one embodiment provides a device, system and method for gastric electrical stimulation where stimulating electrodes are secured to the wall of the stomach by the attachment device or otherwise. A preferred device includes: at least one stimulating electrode in electrical contact with the stomach wall; an electronics unit containing the electronic circuitry of the device; and an attachment mechanism for attaching the device to the stomach wall. The functional devices may be programmed to respond to sensed information or signals.

Abstract: A feeding tube for insertion into a digestive system of a subject includes a tube having a distal end and a proximal end. The tube defines a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The lumen has an inner diameter sized to accommodate the passage of alimentation to the digestive system of the subject. The distal end is arranged to be positioned through the subject's esophagus and into the digestive system of the subject. An expandable member is disposed at the distal end. The expandable member is expandable to an outer diameter that is larger than an inner diameter of the subject's respiratory tract to prevent insertion of said lumen therein.

Abstract: A feeding tube apparatus, a kit containing the feed tube apparatus and method for intubating a patient to deliver the feeding tube apparatus to the desired location for delivering nutrients and/or medication are described herein. The feeding tube apparatus (10) contains at least a catheter (20) and a removable stylet (30), where the removable stylet contains one or more magnetic materials (32 a-j). In one embodiment, the stylet contains more than one magnetic material in the form of a magnet stack (33). The feeding tube apparatus is used in combination with a suitable external magnet (40) which a medical practitioner can use to guide the feeding tube apparatus (10) through the intestinal tract. Optionally, the feeding tube apparatus contains additional components, such as a spring wire guide.

Abstract: A method for oral delivery of new drugs, big molecules, proteins, and healing substances to a target place in the body, via digestive tract, using mobile self-controlled capsules with sensors.