Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises an endoscope comprising a first distal end portion, and a tube comprising a second distal end portion, wherein the endoscope and the tube are in a side-by-side relationship and are coupled at distal end portions of the endoscope and the tube using a single coupling device.

Abstract: An enteral fluid delivery system includes a pump unit that includes a motor coupled to a rotor. The rotor is configured to receive a portion of a pump tube. The motor drives the rotor to pump enteral feed and flush fluids through the pump tube during feed and flush cycles, respectively. A processing unit is operatively connected to the pump unit and controls the pump unit during the feed and flush cycles. The processing unit is programmable to vary a flushing fluid flow rate at which the rotor pumps the flush fluid during a flush cycle. A user interface is operatively connected to the processing unit and enables a user to select between at least two different non-zero flushing fluid flow rates.

Abstract: To provide a medical embolization element for embolizing the internal cavity of a tubular organ of a subject, for example, a medical embolization element for embolizing a bronchus during treatment of lung emphysema. A placing object being placed in a bifurcation of the tubular cavity includes a first embolization portion capable of airtightly sealing a first branch tubular cavity of the bifurcation, a second embolization portion capable of embolizing another second branch tubular cavity of the bifurcation, and a locking portion being locked to an edge portion of the junction portion between the first and second branch tubular cavities. Other than the above described placing object, a placing object having a balloon, a placing object shaped like cap to be attached on the tip of an endoscope, a placing object expandable in the tubular organ, and a placing object solidifies in the tubular organ are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods, systems, devices and kits 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. Isolation is achieved by deploying an obstructive device in a lung passageway leading to the target lung tissue segment. Once the obstructive device is anchored in place, the segment can be aspirated through the device. This may be achieved by a number of methods, including coupling an aspiration catheter to an inlet port on the obstruction device and aspirating through the port.

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: A catheter and stylet assembly in one form of the invention includes a catheter sub-assembly, a primary stylet sub-assembly and a secondary stylet sub-assembly. The dual stylet assembly facilitates individual manipulation of the stylets to vary catheter tube stiffness as the tube is inserted through the patient's nose, stomach and duodenum into the jejunum by a method of the invention. A catheter stylet and guide wire assembly in another form of the invention includes a catheter sub-assembly, a stylet sub-assembly and a guide wire. Guide wire and stylet manipulation faulitates varying catheter tube stiffness to obtain similar results. A section of the catheter tube may be normally coiled, whereby it can be straightened for insertion into the jejunum and then permitted to uncoil in the jejunum where it serves as a peristalsis-aided anchor for the tube tip.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods, systems, devices and kits 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. Isolation is achieved by deploying an obstructive device in a lung passageway leading to the target lung tissue segment. Once the obstructive device is anchored in place, the segment can be aspirated through the device. This may be achieved by a number of methods, including coupling an aspiration catheter to an inlet port on the obstruction device and aspirating through the port.

Abstract: Disclosed is an infection preventive catheter kit for preventing the infection of the wound. A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) catheter 20 is inserted into an infection preventive cover 10, which is provided with a socket 13 at a distal end thereof. A head portion 15a of a guide wire 15 which is inserted into the PEG catheter 20 through a top end thereof and an in-stomach remaining member 23 provided at a distal end of the PEG catheter 20 are engaged with (fixed to) the socket 13 of the infection preventive cover 10 by a pin 14 penetrating the socket 13.

Abstract: Generally, the method for preventing or relieving discomfort in the ears arising from congestion and/or obstruction of in the eustachian tubes comprising or changes in middle ear pressure relative to atmospheric pressure arising from environmental conditions in an individual need of prevention or relief from discomfort in the ears comprises the steps of: 1) administering a solution of 1.5%-3.5% (preferably 2-3%) sodium chloride solution having a pH of about 6 to 7.8 (preferably 6.5-7.5) in an aqueous solution as a spray or mist into the nose, 2) minimizing discharge of the solution from the nose for at least 5 seconds, then 3) evacuating the nose under pressure.

Abstract: An improved patient feeding tube (10) is provided which includes an elongated, tubular body (22) presenting a distal end (14) adapted to be inserted into the patient, and a proximal portion (16) designed to remain outside of the patient. The tube (10) is equipped with a fixture (26) adjacent the proximal end (18) thereof, with the fixture (26) permitting attachment of a CO2 detecting machine (20) to the tube (10). In use, the machine (20) is actuated during insertion of the feed tube (10). If during such insertion, the distal end (14) enters the trachea (62) of the patient (12), the presence of CO2 adjacent the end (14) will be immediately detected. The user may then withdraw the end (14) and reinsert until proper placement within the esophagus (60) of the patient (12) is achieved. The use of feed tube (10) thus minimizes the possibility that distal end (14) will be improperly placed within the patient (12).

Abstract: A PEG catheter is prevented from being infected. An infection preventive cover includes an elongated sheath having one opening end. The opening end is embroidered with a ligature at its circumferential section. A guide wired which is inserted through an abdominal wall into a stomach and which is then drawn out of an oral cavity is linked with a joint wire of a PEG catheter. Thereafter, the PEG catheter is covered with the infection preventive cover. The opening end of the sheath is tied up by the ligature. By pulling the guide wire on the abdomen wall side, the PEG catheter covered with the cover is delivered into the stomach. By pulling a cutting wire exposed through the abdomen wall, the ligature is cut off and the opening end of the cover is opened. Further in order to make it easy to close tightly and to loose an opening end, another infection preventive cover is provided.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices and kits for performing lung volume reduction in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other conditions using and comprising minimally invasive instruments introduced through the mouth (endotracheally) to isolate a target lung tissue segment from other regions of the lung and reduce lung volume. Isolation is achieved by deploying an obstructive device in a lung passageway leading to the target lung tissue segment. Once the obstructive device is anchored in place, the segment can be aspirated through the device. This may be achieved by a number of methods, including coupling an aspiration catheter to an inlet port on the obstruction device and aspirating through the port. Or, providing the port with a valve which allows outflow of gas from the isolated lung tissue segment during expiration of the respiratory cycle but prevents inflow of air during inspiration. In addition, a number of other methods may be used.

Abstract: A single operator exchange biliary catheter having a common distal lumen. The biliary catheter includes an elongate shaft having a proximal portion defining an ancillary lumen and a distal portion defining a common guidewire and ancillary lumen. The common distal lumen reduces the profile of the distal portion of the shaft. The elongate shaft also includes a proximal guidewire port disposed between the proximal end of the shaft and the distal end of the shaft to facilitate single operator use. A seal may be disposed adjacent the proximal guidewire port to thereby seal the port. Preferably, the shaft includes a single lumen distal portion and a bitumen proximal portion. The single lumen distal portion of the shaft may be curved and may include a tapered or spherically shaped distal tip.

Abstract: The present invention is a bolus for an enteral feeding tube, or catheter, that is capable of being used in an over-the-wire intubation procedure as well as other intubation procedures. The bolus has a generally tubular body defining a sidewall, a proximal end tube opening capable of being connected to a distal end of the enteral feeding tube, and a generally rounded terminal end having a flattened tip. The bolus includes a fluid opening within the sidewall of the bolus between the proximal end opening and the terminal end of the bolus. An interior surface of the sidewall opposite the fluid opening is curved and slopes upwardly toward a distal end of the fluid opening. The curved interior surface and the fluid opening configuration allows for fluid flow that approximates the fluid flow rate characteristics of an open-ended tube. The fluid opening is biased toward the terminal end of the bolus thereby defining an elongated collar portion adjacent the proximal end tube opening of the bolus.

Abstract: A feeding probe for parenteral feeding of a patient. The feeding probe has a tube with a proximal end and a distal end and with a lumen passable in the tube between the proximal end and the distal end. In a region of the distal end of the tube, circumferential outlet openings are embodied for the discharge feeding solution introduced into the lumen of the tube via the proximal end. Between the circumferential outlet openings and the distal end of the tube, a guide portion free of openings is embodied, with a length that is greater than a diameter of the intestine into which the distal end of the feeding probe is introduced. A gastric probe is used in conjunction with the feeding probe for gastric decompression.

Abstract: Methods of increasing gas exchange performed by the lung by damaging lung cells, damaging tissue, causing trauma, and/or destroying airway smooth muscle tone with an apparatus inserted into an airway of the lung. The damaging of lung cells, damaging tissue, causing trauma, and destroying airway smooth muscle tone with the apparatus may be any one of or combinations of the following: heating the airway; cooling the airway; delivering a liquid to the airway; delivering a gas to the airway; puncturing the airway; tearing the airway; cutting the airway; applying ultrasound to the airway; and applying ionizing radiation to the airway.

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: A system for delivering fluids which includes a pump (such as a peristaltic pump for example), a pump cartridge, a fluid reservoir, and a variety of fluid dispensers, including oral fluid dispensers. By providing a number of oral fluid dispensers, the one best suited for the needs of a particular application can be selected. The pump cartridge and/or the fluid dispensers may be disposable. The operation of the pump may be controlled based, at least in part, on the type of fluid dispenser being used. Further, a selectable mode can be used to further control the operation of the pump. The amount of fluids delivered over given periods of time may be monitored such that a reminder (such as an audio and/or visual alarm for example) may be provided if too much or too little fluid is delivered (and presumably consumed). The thresholds for such alarm conditions may be set and modified by a user. Further, the state of the fluid delivery system itself, as well as trends in fluid delivery, may be monitored.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling a gastroscope (30) to a gastrostomy feeding tube apparatus (10) such that both can be introduced together into the alimentary tract, thereby eliminating the need to separately introduce the gastroscope afterward in order to verify that the gastrostomy feeding tube (11) has been correctly placed within the stomach of the patient. The gastrostomy feeding tube includes a coupling member (12), such as an elongate tract or thread, that is accessible about the second end (26) thereof. The elongate tract is drawn through the working channel (31) of the gastroscope by an engagement member (29), such as snare, which then allows the distal end (33) of the gastroscope to be advanced into the end cap (18) of the feeding tube so that the two can be pulled together into the stomach. In another embodiment, the coupling member comprises an integrated attachment member (39), such as hook, to which the engaging member can attach.

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: Devices, compositions, and methods for achieving non-surgical lung volume reduction (e.g., bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR)) are described. BLVR can be carried out by collapsing a region of the lung, adhering one portion of the collapsed region to another, and promoting fibrosis in or around the adherent tissue.

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: A trephination and irrigation set includes a drill guiding soft tissue protector sleeve, a trephination instrument (e.g., a drill) having a length longer than the protector sleeve, a guide rod dimensioned to fit into a trephine hole for preserving the hole through a soft tissue incision, and a tapered cannula sized to lodge in the frontal bone of the skull for introducing irrigation fluid through the cannula and into the frontal sinus cavity. The frontal sinus is treated through a hole drilled through the frontal bone. A small incision is made large enough to accept the soft tissue sleeve protector which is then inserted into the incision and depressed against the bony surface. The sleeve protector has teeth at its periosteal (or distal) edge for gripping the bone securely. The surgeon inserts the drill into the sleeve protector and drills straight through the front table.

Abstract: A trephination and irrigation set includes a drill guiding soft tissue protector sleeve, a trephination instrument (e.g., a drill) having a length longer than the protector sleeve, a guide rod dimensioned to fit into a trephine hole for preserving the hole through a soft tissue incision, and a tapered cannula sized to lodge in the frontal bone of the skull for introducing irrigation fluid through the cannula and into the frontal sinus cavity. The frontal sinus is treated through a hole drilled through the frontal bone. A small incision is made large enough to accept the soft tissue sleeve protector which is then inserted into the incision and depressed against the bony surface. The sleeve protector has teeth at its periosteal (or distal) edge for gripping the bone securely. The surgeon inserts the drill into the sleeve protector and drills straight through the front table.