Abstract: A device and method for placing jejunal tube device through stomach and into small intestine with spring mechanism that is curled to diameter that is similar small bowel diameter, wherein the spring mechanism can be straightened during placement with a stiffening apparatus. The stiffening apparatus is guided by a forceps, and includes a retractable wire for use in attachment to the forceps. A c-plug is provided for centering jejunal tube during the placement procedure and to facilitate insufflation, the c-plug being split about midline to facilitate removal of the c-plug after tube placement.

Abstract: An enteral fluid delivery and reflux collection system and method are disclosed. A fluid nutrient source container and administration tube are joined to an enteral feeding tube, and a gastric reflux tube connects a vented reflux collection syringe to selectively permit or prevent reflux collection, and/or to aspirate or flush the associated fluid lines.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, the tube assembly is configured to be used in conjunction with a tube assembly guidance system. The tube assembly includes a first connector, a feeding tube connected to the first connector, a second connector connected to the feeding tube, and a suctioning tube connected to the second connector. The suctioning tube is configured to receive the feeding tube. The feeding tube is configured to allow enteral feeding while the suctioning tube is configured to allow suctioning or decompression of a patient's stomach.

Abstract: For a person who has a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (“PEG”) tube and an esophagus stoma, a method for using an ostomy pouch is provided, where inlet of the ostomy pouch is connected to the esophagus stoma and an outlet connected to one end of an interconnecting tube. An opposing end of the interconnecting tube is connected to the PEG tube, so that when the person consumes matter by mouth, the matter flows out the stoma, through the ostomy pouch, the interconnecting tube and the PEG tube, and into the stomach.

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: An apparatus for direct gastric feeding via a gastrostomy tract formed in a patient. The apparatus includes a tube, an internal bolster, an external bolster, and a force-generating device. The force-generating device may include a pair of automatically adjustable spring members on the external bolster. The spring members are responsive to changes in the length of the gastrostomy tract and eliminate the need for periodic adjustment or replacement of the apparatus.

Abstract: A one-piece bottle is provided, the bottle having a capacity that does not exceed 10 ml, containing enteral feeding material, and having a top end with a threaded section and a bottom end comprising a funneled connector port; and a threaded cap dimensioned to mate with the threaded section of the one-piece bottle; wherein the funneled connector port connects to an enteral feeding assembly; wherein the threaded cap provides a leak proof seal such that there is no exposure point until it is used for feeding, thereby preventing contamination.

Abstract: A low profile adaptor is disclosed to reduce the length of a gastrostomy tube that has been inserted by means of conventional endoscopic procedures or with a replacement feeding tube inserted into the patient's stomach. The gastrostomy tube is cut to the appropriate length by the physician. The adaptor comprises a stem which is inserted into the open end of the gastrostomy tube. The valve assembly contains a seal that functions as a one-way valve to prevent reflux of gastric contents but permits the introduction of feeding solution into the feeding tube. A lock and key mechanism is incorporated into the hub of the gastrostomy tube to prevent disconnection of the feeding tube. A cover is placed over the opening of the adapter to prevent contamination of the lumen of the gastrostomy tube.

Abstract: An adaptor for discriminating connection of an oral tip of a source of liquid enteral product to a feeding line. In one embodiment, the adaptor includes an internal stop in the body having a contact surface that is angled with respect to a transverse plane extending generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the connection port so that if the standard luer tip is inserted into the connection port, the luer tip does not make flush contact with the contact surface. In another embodiment, the adaptor includes an external stop surrounding the connection port generally adjacent to the first open end of the body. The adaptor may include an umbrella valve. In other embodiments, the adaptor includes a fluid release opening in fluid communication with the connection port extending generally radially through the adaptor body at a location spaced from the longitudinal ends of the body.

Abstract: An internal bolster for use securing a medical device, such as a feeding tube, within a body of a patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, a feeding tube includes an internal bolster, comprising one or more bolster arms that each include a first end hingedly connected to a distal end of the medical device and a free second end. The bolster arms are selectively deployable between a first position wherein the bolster arms are substantially in-line with an axis of feeding tube, and a second position wherein the bolster arms are substantially deflected from the axis of the feeding tube to enable securement of the feeding tube within a stoma or other opening defined in the body. Various means for selectively moving the bolster arms between the first and second positions are disclosed. Related methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gastrostomy tube extension device which can facilitate the insertion or removal operation in and from the patient, and increase the simplicity of manufacture. A gastrostomy tube extension device for inserting or taking out the gastrostomy tube into/from the patient includes a rod, a fixing member, and an engaging member. The rod is formed of a rod-shaped member with engaging stepped portions. The fixing member is capable of moving along the longitudinal direction of the rod, and an engaging projection which can be fixed to the tube member is formed on the peripheral surface of the fixing member. The engaging member includes a lower engaging portion engageable with the engaging projection and an upper engaging portion which is engageable with the engaging stepped portion This assembly allows the extension to be locked.

Abstract: A feeding tube is configured for nasal insertion and advancement to the jejunum of a patient. The tube has a plurality of projections disposed along the surface of the distal tube portion for promoting advancement of the tube along the GI tract by peristaltic contractions. The tube includes first and second strings. The first string is aligned along the tube such that upon exertion of a pulling force on the first string, the distal end of the tube flexes in a direction of the force. The second string is aligned such that upon exertion of a pulling force on the second string, the tube is withdrawn from the GI tract responsive to the force. A snare may be provided for capturing the second string to promote withdrawal of the tube through the mouth of the patient.

Abstract: A medical device that can be used as a feeding tube to provide nutrition or medication to a patient comprises a catheter, a stiffening tip, and an internal bolster.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the residual volume within a patient having a naso-enteral feeding tube. A collection container is coupled to the naso-enteral feeding tube and a physical force is applied to the collection container to prevent stomach fluid from flowing into the collection container. The physical force is removed from the collection container and the stomach fluid is allowed to flow into the collection container. The volume of fluid within the collection container is determined, which represents the gastric residual volume of the patient. At least a portion of the collected volume of stomach fluid is returned to the patient from the collection container.

Abstract: An enteral feeding assembly is described which includes a base and a catheter positioned through the base. A portion of the catheter extends distally away from the base, and has a retainer provided on a distal end of the catheter. The retainer includes a plurality of struts having a flexible, preformed configuration which cooperate to form at least a portion of a spherical shape with openings between the struts. A shroud is positioned over at least a proximal portion of the struts to prevent the struts from causing irritation or embedding in a body lumen. The retainer is movable between an insertion configuration and a deployed configuration. An obturator and actuator are used to move the retainer between positions. A method for inserting and removing an enteral feeding assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A female enteral feeding connector includes a body having a hollow interior and an opening extending into the hollow interior for receiving a tip of a preselected male enteral feeding connector. A deformable retainer is mounted in the hollow interior adjacent the opening. A guard is mounted in the hollow interior and spaced from the retainer. A stop is positioned in the hollow interior for obstructing the opening in the body. The stop is moveable through the deformable retainer by application of a manual force on the preselected male enteral feeding connector from an obstructing position in which the stop obstructs the opening in the body from receiving the tip of the preselected male enteral feeding connector, to a non-obstructing position in which the stop permits the opening in the body to receive the tip of the preselected male enteral feeding connector.

Abstract: A percutaneous gastrostomy catheter includes an internal retainer configured to be maintained pressed against the stomach wall and to disengage itself from a tubing by biodegradation; and an external flange, traversed by the tubing, configured to be pressed against an external face of the abdominal wall and exert, in cooperation with the internal retainer, a pressure adapted to press an external face of the stomach wall against an internal face of the abdominal wall. The internal retainer includes an internal flange. A first face of the internal flange is configured to be pressed against an internal face of the stomach wall, the internal flange being detachable from the tubing under the effect of a simple pulling force. The internal retainer also includes an end piece pressed against the second face of the internal flange, such that the internal flange is between the end piece and the external flange, the end piece being made of a completely biodegradable copolymer or polymer having a bond with the tubing.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the placement of a feeding tube in the jejunum of a patient includes a system comprising a feeding tube and a tubular member received in a passageway extending through the feeding tube. The tubular member is sized relative to the feeding tube such that an echogenic distal length of the tubular member extends distal to the open distal end of the feeding tube. The distal end of the assembly is advanced into the small intestine of the patient, and a negative pressure is drawn through an opening in the distal length of the tubular member to draw the tubular member distal length into juxtaposition with a wall of the small intestine. The position of the assembly in the small intestine may be observed in real time via ultrasound visualization of the echogenic portion.

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: A catheter capture device comprising a urethral sound and a sleeve that utilizes balloon inflation to capture the catheter. A catheter capture device comprising a urethral sound and a clamshell device. The clamshell device comprises two halves, one of which comprises two pins. One pin passes through the lateral holes in the tip of the catheter, and the other pin fits into a notch in the bottom half of the clamshell device. A catheter capture device comprising a urethral sound, a sleeve and a pin that passes through the lateral holes in the tip of the catheter. A catheter capture device comprising a urethral sound, a wire and a nodule, wherein the nodule captures the catheter by lodging in the tip of the catheter. The nodule could be a ball, hook, crimped wire or similar object. A method of capturing a catheter in an obese or non-obese patient.

Abstract: A confirmation device. The device includes a housing having a central passageway and a secondary passageway extending from the central passageway. The device also has a negative pressure member in communication with the secondary passageway and an indicator mechanism in fluid communication with the secondary passageway for visually indicating the presence of one or more components within the secondary passageway. The negative pressure member is operable to draw fluid across the indicator mechanism.

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: A retention device for use in a human or mammalian body includes superelastic wires that expand when they are released from a confined state. The retention device may have the outer form of a Foley catheter. One or more superelastic wires within the balloon of a Foley catheter help to insure retention within the body, such as within a urinary bladder.

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 gastrostomy tube extension device used for inserting or taking out the gastrostomy tube into/from the hole on the patient includes a rod, a fixing member, and an engaging member. The rod is formed of a rod-shaped member, and may be formed with engaging stepped portions on the proximal portion thereof. The fixing member is adapted to be capable of moving along the longitudinal direction of the rod, and an engaging projection which can be fixed to the tube member is formed on the peripheral surface of the fixing member. The engaging member includes a lower engaging portion engageable with the engaging projection and an upper engaging portion which is engageable with the engaging stepped portion. This assembly allows the extension to be locked, allowing the operator to manipulate the device with a single hand.

Abstract: A collateral ventilation bypass trap system directly linked with a patient's lung or lungs may be utilized to increase the expiratory flow from the diseased lung or lungs, thereby treating one aspect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The system includes a trap, a filter/one-way valve and an air carrying conduit. The system also includes a retention device for securing system elements in position.

Abstract: A gastrostomy device includes a tubular portion and an internal bolster having a radial wing secured to the tubular portion. The internal bolster is flexible and permits elastic deformation between a first orientation with the wing wrapped into a generally cylindrical configuration and a second orientation with the wing unfurled. A constraining member encases the internal bolster to retain the internal bolster in the first orientation and to cover at least a major portion of the wrapped wing. Removal of the casing permits the internal bolster to move from the first orientation to the second orientation. The internal bolster may be deployed by a ripcord, freeing the internal bolster into the patient' stomach and deploying the internal bolster to the second orientation. Alternatively, the internal bolster may be deployed by the constraining member being dissolved by the patient's bodily fluids located inside the patient's stomach.

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 method for making mixed polymer composite fibers in which a carboxyalkyl cellulose and a starch are blended in water to provide an aqueous gel; the aqueous gel treated with a first crosslinking agent to provide a crosslinked gel; the crosslinked gel mixed with a water-miscible solvent to provide fibers; and the fibers treated with a second crosslinking agent to provide crosslinked mixed polymer composite fibers.

Abstract: A catheter includes a catheter tube, internal and external retention bolsters and a retractable catheter tip. The retractable tip is in the form of a bolus which is extended to axial alignment with the tube for insertion. After insertion with a stylet or the like, removal of the stylet permits the tip to retract automatically and assume a position perpendicular to the axis with minimal protrusion into the corporeal space involved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) within a patient having a naso-enteric tube. The system senses the IAP of the patient by means of a sensing conduit that is filled with a sensing fluid. The sensing fluid in the sensing conduit may be saline, water or feeding solution. After the sensing conduit is filled with the sensing fluid, the sensing conduit is elevated and a portion of the sensing fluid enters the patient. The remaining portion of the sensing fluid is related to the IAP and the IAP may be determined from the height of the sensing fluid within the sensing conduit.

Abstract: An infection-preventing gastrostomy catheter kit to be used in the gastrostomy, which can pass an intragastric retainer of a catheter easily and reliably through an infection-preventing sheath by an easy maneuver, and which can reduce the diameter of the infection-preventing sheath. The catheter kit comprises: a gastrostomy catheter 20 including a flexible, hollow PEG tube 21 reinforced with filaments 24, an deformable intragastric retainer 23 positioned at the trailing end of the PEG tube 21, and a tapered member 22 positioned at the leading end of the PEG tube 21 for retaining the leading end portion 40a of a guide wire 40 inserted from a leading end hole 22a thereof; and an infection-preventing sheath 1 including a flexible, hollow tubular body 2, and a socket member having a socket 4 positioned at the trailing end of the tubular body 2 for retaining the intragastric retainer 23, and pins 5, thereby removably sheathing the gastrostomy catheter 20.

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: A feeding tube device for delivering a substance into a stomach of a patient is disclosed, comprising a feeding tube, an overlapping segment integrally formed with and extending from the distal end of the feeding tube, and an inflation lumen defined within the feeding tube. The overlapping segment may be configured to surround at least a portion of the distal end of the feeding tube to form a balloon structure in communication with the inflation lumen. The overlapping segment may also be sealed against at least a portion of the distal end of the feeding tube device. A second overlapping segment may also be integrally formed with and extend from the proximate end of the feeding tube, with the second overlapping segment configured to surround at least a portion of the proximate end of the feeding tube to form a second balloon structure. A corresponding method of manufacturing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gastrostomy catheter introducing device includes a puncturing device 1 including a body 6 having a tube 4 and a flange 5, and a puncturing needle 7 axially slidably held in the tube 4 of the body 6; and a gastric wall fixating and fistula expanding device 2 including an outer tube 9 to be inserted into the tube 4 of the puncturing device 1, a gastrostomy catheter guide member 10 held inside the outer tube 9, a clip 11 swingably attached to an inner end part of the gastrostomy catheter guide member 10, and a clip turning member 12 having one end connected to the clip 11 to turn the clip 11.

Abstract: A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy catheter kit includes a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy catheter, a sheath entirely enclosing the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy catheter, a fixing device integrally provided to an end of the sheath, an end of the catheter being arranged at the fixing device, and a breaking thread for breaking a portion of the fixing device and a portion of the sheath.

Abstract: A monitoring device is coupled to the open proximal end of an implanted gastrostomy feeding tube in order to monitor the administration of enteral nutritional fluids into the body of the patient. The monitoring device includes a clamshell-like casing and an electronic control circuit mounted within the casing. The casing includes upper and lower housings which are coupled together about a hinge. The casing additionally includes a connector shaped to fittingly project into the open proximal end of the feeding tube, the connector defining a lumen in fluid communication with the longitudinally-extending bore of the tube. A metering device is disposed within the lumen in the casing and is electrically connected to the control circuit.

Abstract: An enterostomy device for providing fluids and nutrients through a stoma formed through the abdominal wall of a patient is described. The enterostomy device, which may be configured as either a gastrostomy device or a jejunostomy device, comprises a low-profile retaining member which is configured to be unobtrusively positioned within the stomach or the intestine, and which is configured to provide sufficient surface area for contacting the stomach or intestine to prevent unintentional removal or release of the enterostomy device from the patient. The enterostomy device is also structured with a low-profile port hub for facilitating the inflation of the retaining member and feeding and venting through the stoma.

Abstract: When a patient is fitted with an external gastrostomy connection to the stomach, ingested food can be removed through the gastrostomy connection using a pump-based or siphon-based system to achieve weight loss. The process of removing ingested food can be improved by alternating the infusion of liquid into the stomach with the removal of material from the stomach. Optionally, stomach acid may be captured and returned to the stomach. Optionally, nutritional supplements or medicines may be added to the infused liquid. Optionally, a flush mount connectorized system with a built in valve may be used to simplify the interface with the gastrostomy hardware that remains installed in the patient. Optionally, the system may be configured to disable itself from further use after a triggering event (e.g., the passage of time or a predetermined number of uses) has occurred.

Abstract: A catheter kit for a burrow having a catheter and an obturator and excellent in operability. The catheter comprises a tube having, inside, a nutrient passage leading nutrition or chemicals from the outside of a body to the inside of a stomach and extending along the wall surface of the burrow and a non-balloon type endodwelling member fitted to the tip part of the tube, normally placed in an expanded state and reduced in diameter less than that in the expanded state when an external force acts thereon by the obturator, and indwelled in the stomach in a buried state in a living body. The obturator comprises a guide wire passage detachably engaged with the catheter and allowing a guide wire installed in the obturator ranging from the tip to the midway thereof to be inserted therein and an operation part for transmitting the external force to the endodwelling member fitted to the rear end thereof. The rear end part of the guide wire passage and the operation part are arranged in a separated state.

Abstract: Connector for use with a medical catheter assembly and medical catheter assembly including the connector. In one embodiment, the connector comprises a rear portion, an intermediate portion, and a front portion. The rear portion is frusto-conical in shape and tapers rearwardly in cross-sectional diameter from its front end. A centrally-disposed, smaller-diameter, longitudinal bore is provided in the rear portion, the bore being appropriately dimensioned to receive a guidewire therethrough. The intermediate portion is generally cylindrical and is shaped to include a centrally-disposed, larger-diameter longitudinal bore and a pair of longitudinally-extending slots providing access to the larger-diameter bore. The front portion is frusto-conical in shape and tapers forwardly in cross-sectional diameter from its rear end.

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: A gastro-occlusive device, comprising a balloon disposable in a stomach cavity of a patient, and inflatable therein to occlude a portion of the volume of the stomach cavity, a gas flow tube coupled at a distal end thereof with the balloon and extending outwardly through a stomach wall for coupling with a gas source for selectively inflating the balloon, to occlude at least a portion of the volume of the stomach cavity. The gastro-occlusive device may be employed in combination with a feeding tube unit, a drain unit or other ancillary apparatus, and is useful for treatment of morbid obesity and various eating disorders.

Abstract: Probe for providing a fluid connection with the small intestine comprising a tube (10) to be inserted in the small intestine via the stomach, having proximal and distal open ends (10A, 10B) and inherent tendency of coiling over a predetermined length at the distal end, and a guide (14) displaceable in the tube from the proximal end for straightening said length in order that it shall be straightened during the actual insertion into the stomach. According to the invention the tube has at least in said predetermined portion a hairy, frosted, rough, ribbed or finned outside surface (16).

Abstract: An adapter is connected to a probe tube of an already installed PEG probe, cut off above the abdominal wall of the patient. The adapter comprises a retaining member, supported by the abdominal wall, structure for fixing the proximal end of the PEG probe and structure for connecting a delivery tube. The retaining member is embodied as a separate piece, comprising an opening for the passage of the PEG probe, while the structures for fixing the PEG probe and for connection of the delivery tube form an insert piece, which may be inserted in the retaining member with a tight fit. The adapter is simple to manipulate and of a construction with a limited height.

Abstract: A gastro-occlusive device, comprising a balloon disposable in a stomach cavity of a patient, and inflatable therein to occlude a portion of the volume of the stomach cavity, a gas flow tube coupled at a distal end thereof with the balloon and extending outwardly through a stomach wall for coupling with a gas source for selectively inflating the balloon, to occlude at least a portion of the volume of the stomach cavity. The gastro-occlusive device may be employed in combination with a feeding tube unit, a drain unit or other ancillary apparatus, and is useful for treatment of morbid obesity and various eating disorders.

Abstract: A low profile gastrointestinal tube feeding system having a securing member for securing a feeding set to a low profile gastrostomy tube disposed inside a visceral organ of a patient's body so that inadvertent removal of the feeding set from the gastrostomy tube is prevented. Also provided is a securing member that secures a connection member to an external retention member. Once the securing member has connected the connection member to the external retention member, neither the connection member nor the external retention member can be separated from one another until the securing member is first disengaged from either member.

Abstract: A catheter having a tube and a tip connected to one end of the tube. The tip has a collar, an end member and lowered side walls positioned between the collar and the end member. The lowered side walls define an opening that is biased toward the end member.

Abstract: An adapter is connected to a probe tube of a PEG probe that is already in place, the probe tube being cut off above the abdominal wall of the patient. The adapter comprises an outer retaining element, which is supported on the abdominal wall, and comprises structure for fastening the proximal end of the PEG probe, and structure for connecting a delivery line to the flow channel. A shut-off element having a rotatable or displaceable closing body is provided for closing the PEG probe. The adapter is characterized by its universal use, simple handleability and small overall height.