Abstract: A balloon-button system or a catheter for performing percutaneous enteral feeding includes a holding part, which can be placed on the abdominal wall, and a probe tube, which extends from the holding part while being connected thereto and via which the nourishment that is inserted through a connecting part situated in the holding part can be introduced into the stomach lumen. A distal end of the probe tube is turned inside out and pulled back over the probe tube and joined in a fluid tight manner to form a single-piece probe tube having an inner and an outer tube portion wherein the outer tube is expandable to form a balloon by introducing a fluid. This system is characterized in that the probe tube surrounds a protective tube, and the protective tube has a higher Shore A hardness than the probe tube.

Abstract: A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy catheter including a top portion having a conical shape, wherein the conical top portion is hollow and has an opening formed at the top end thereof. The opening has such size that an engaging head formed at a top end of a guide wire passes there through. The inside of the conical hollow top portion is larger than the opening in diameter, and the hollow conical top portion is provided with an engaging piece on the inside thereof, the engaging piece allowing the head of the guide wire, which is inserted through the opening, to pass therethrough and preventing the head from being pulled out.

Abstract: A combination device for gastrostomy or jejunostomy usage having a retaining member, an elongated member having a gastrostomy lumen and a jejustomy lumen, and an inflatable balloon mounted on the elongated member. The retaining member is of a low profile and is arranged to be located on the skin adjacent a stoma in the abdominal wall through which the elongated member extends. The balloon seals the stoma about the elongated member. The retaining member includes at least one access port to communicate with respective ones of the lumens. The device, related compositions, and processes can prevent and/or treat granulomas.

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 gastric tube apparatus comprising a tube and a weighted leader which are releasbly attached by a material which dissolves in the patient's gastrointestinal tract. The apparatus is introduced into a patient through a nasal opening. After the tube and leader are properly placed in the gastrointestinal tract, the attachment material dissolves and the weighted leader may be removed from the patient, leaving the tube in place for treatment of the patient.

Abstract: A feeding tube medical apparatus having a catheter head and catheter that allows easy insertion and removal of the catheter within a patient needing enteral feeding. The invention also relates to a method for easy insertion and removal of the catheter. The catheter has a slim profile, a balloon bolster, and a tapered guide tube that promote easy insertion of the catheter down a patient's mouth and into his or her stomach. In addition, the catheter head, containing ports for feeding, medicating, and filling the balloon bolster, is removably connected to the catheter so that it need not be inserted through the patient along with the catheter.

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: 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: 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: A medical device, such as a nasal-jejunal feeding tube, having an arrangement of flaps cut from the outer surface of the catheter and configured so as to not readily adhere to the catheter outer surface. The arrangement of flaps are configured to resist egress so as to permit peristaltic contractions of the body to propel the device forward, yet will allow the device to be removed from the body without the flaps causing significant trauma to the tissues of the body canal.

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 unitary component having a tip portion integrally formed with an expandable sleeve portion. Other aspects of the present invention are related to a catheter incorporating a unitary component. Still other aspects of the present invention will be apparent upon reading the remainder of the disclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to balloon catheters wherein at least the proximal end of the balloon thereof is invertedly attached to the catheter shaft. Other aspects of the balloon catheters will have both ends of the balloon inverted. The present invention contemplates numerous other variations and modifications. As such, other aspects of the present invention will be apparent upon reading the remainder of the disclosure.

Abstract: A balloon catheter with improved balloon orientation includes a head, a catheter shaft extending from the head, and a balloon disposed on the catheter shaft opposite the head. The balloon of the present invention has an orientation such that the inflated width of the balloon is at least about 1.3 times the length of the balloon.

Abstract: A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy device comprises a removable, dilating tip. The tip is located at the distal end of the device and provides for tissue dilation upon entry of the device into the body of a patient. The tip is lubricious and biodegradable. The tip is removable by dislodging it from the end of the device following placement of the device in the patient. The tip is usually dislodged by action of a physician to dislodge the tip, however it may be dissolved by application of a biocompatible solvent or through digestion. Following removal of the tip from the device, the tip is dissolved naturally by digestion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low profile device having a head, a catheter segment, and a retention mechanism. The head of the catheter has at least two openings through which fluid may pass to or from a patient, the head having a low profile relative to a patient when the catheter is properly positioned in the patient. The catheter has at least a first and second lumen, each lumen being in communication with at least one of the openings of the head. The openings in the head of the catheter are designed to allow for the passage of fluid into the catheter and/or out of the patient. The low profile head may contribute to a reduction in the number of removals or displacements of as compared to traditional “on-low profile” apparatus in that the amount or length of the catheter or system which extends external the patients body is significantly less.

Abstract: A medical material and a medical device comprising an aromatic vinyl compound/&agr;-olefin random copolymer according to the present invention, are materials which contain substantially no chlorine and which have not only excellent flexibility, transparency and proper resilience but also radiation resistance and biocompatibility, and they are hence advantageously used especially in the medical field.

Abstract: A feeding tube medical apparatus having a catheter head and catheter that allows easy insertion and removal of the catheter within a patient needing enteral feeding. The invention also relates to a method for easy insertion and removal of the catheter. The catheter has a slim profile, a balloon bolster, and a tapered guide tube that promote easy insertion of the catheter down a patient's mouth and into his or her stomach. In addition, the catheter head, containing ports for feeding, medicating, and filling the balloon bolster, is removably connected to the catheter so that it need not be inserted through the patient along with the catheter.

Abstract: By interposing an adapter between the endotracheal or tracheal tube inserted to a patient and the ventilation and suction systems that are connected to the endotracheal tube, a medication catheter could be inserted via an input port built into the adapter so as to enable a medical personnel to provide medicaments to a patient without having to disconnect either one of the systems connected to the endotracheal tube. The adapter is configured to have a securing mechanism that allows the medical personnel to secure the medication catheter in place. A one way valve fitted to the apertured arm that forms the input port of the adapter prevents any back flow of fluid from the input port.

Abstract: An improved endotracheal tube has a balloon at the distal end. The balloon is flexibly attached to the tube by a connector sleeve. The connector sleeve includes an area that is unattached to either the balloon or the tube. The unattached area of the connector sleeve permits relative movement between the balloon and the tube.

Abstract: An infection preventive cover includes a sheath having at least one opening end, a binding thread to close the opening end of the sheath, and a cutting thread linked to the binding thread, the cutting thread being stronger than the binding thread.

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: An improved gastrostomy feeding device with improved resistance to acidic and enzymatic degradation is disclosed. The device comprises an elongated feeding tube insertable through a patient's abdominal wall and an anchoring device mounted on the feeding tube, preferably near the first end, to retain said feeding tube within the stomach. The anchoring device is comprised of at least one internal retaining member fabricated from a trifluoropropyl or phenyl modified dimethylpolysiloxane elastomer having improved resistance to acids and enzymes.

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 the visceral organ of a patient's body so that inadvertent removal of the feeding set from the gastrostomy tube is prevented. The feeding set includes hollow tubing connected to a source of fluid at one end and a connection member at the other end for connection to the gastrostomy tube and establishing fluid flow communication with the patient. The connection member attaches to an external retention member of the gastrostomy tube and is secured thereto using the securing member. The securing member includes a top portion and a bottom portion which are adapted to simultaneously engaged respective portions of the connection member and external retention member when the securing member is brought into sliding engagement thereto.

Abstract: A fixation mechanism used for attaching a flexible line or any other catheter extending through the abdominal wall or percutaneously applied in any other location during a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). The fixation mechanism utilizes a cover plate fitted with a support base through which the flexible line (10) is placed. In order to attach the flexible line, a barrel vault-shaped body is folded and clicked into a closed position. The flexible line extending outside the abdominal wall (14) is then folded at an angle of 90° without appreciably changing its cross-sectional pre-insertion dimensions.

Abstract: The present invention is a low profile jejunal adapter for a low profile gastrostomy tube. Once properly attached, the jejunal adapter converts the low profile gastrostomy tube into a gastrojejunostomy tube. Specifically, the jejunal adapter includes a feeding tube which is positioned within the jejunum of a patient and a venting lumen which provides for simultaneous venting of gases collected in the patient's stomach while fluid is being fed to the jejunum through the feeding tube. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the feeding tube is adjustable to accommodate various patients. In an alternative embodiment, the length of the feeding tube is fixed to reduce the manufacturing costs of this device. The jejunal adapter of this invention also includes a cap retention mechanism for securing the cap of the gastrostomy tube and a latch mechanism adapted to secure the jejunal adapter to the gastrostomy tube.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a pump apparatus for use in conjunction with the feeding and aspiration of a patient's gastro-intestinal tract is provided. In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus and method are provided in which the aspiration of excessive material and air from a patient's gastro-intestinal tract proceeds until the flow of aspirate ceases. A flow detector determines when aspirate flow has ceased. Aspirate removed from the gastro-intestinal tract is retained for subsequent return to the patient for absorption to prevent dehydration. After the aspiration is concluded, material aspirated from the intestine and additional nutrition or fluids are introduced into the gastro-intestinal tract for absorption by the intestine. After an optional delay to allow for the absorption of materials by the intestine, the aspiration cycle resumes. This frequent aspiration serves to prevent overfeeding and its associated risks of intestinal distention.

Abstract: A gastrostomy tube set includes a delivery tube assembly having a tube for placement in a stomach and a supply tube assembly. The delivery tube includes a valve assembly including an outwardly protruding housing presenting an infusion port and a circumferentially extending flange that protrudes radially outwardly. The supply tube has a distal end including a connector having a male element and a side wall with a lug protruding radially inwardly. The connector couples to valve assembly by orienting the connector with the lug displaced circumferentially from the flange, inserting the male element into the infusion port to shift the valve open, and rotating the connector about the longitudinal axis of the male element so that the lug engages the flange to prevent the connector from being pulled axially from the delivery tube assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for percutaneously placing gastrostomy tubes. The method enables percutaneous placement through an existing penetration, as well as placement where no penetration exists. The apparatus comprises a gastrostomy tube having an internal bolster which can be manipulated such that it has a reduced lateral extent; an axially-extending hollow sleeve which can surround the bolster to hold it in a position of reduced lateral extent; and a rip-cord capable of tearing the sheath. In a preferred embodiment, the internal bolster is folded to have a smaller diameter, the sleeve is placed over the bolster and shrunk down to a smaller diameter. The rip-cord runs distally along the outside of the tube, between the sleeve and the internal bolster, wraps over the distal end of the sleeve and runs proximally along the length of the tube. The replacement tube can then be pushed through a stoma.

Abstract: A gastrostomy device including a tubular portion having an outer end and an inner end, and an internal bolster integrally attached to the tubular portion inner end and resiliently movable between an installation configuration and a deployed configuration. The internal bolster has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface surrounds the tubular portion inner end and is generally convex in shape. The outer surface includes a planar portion and a concave portion that extends from the planar portion. The bolster is placed in an installation configuration by the cooperative action of a rod member and a suture member. The rod member is inserted into a pocket provided on the outer surface of the bolster, and the suture member is wrapped around internal bolster to keep the internal bolster generally aligned with the tubular portion axis.

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 catheter or ostomy tube placement tip is comprised of a tapered, substantially conical head portion and a cylindrical body or stem portion centrally attached to the base thereof. The cylindrical base fits snugly within the lumen of a catheter or ostomy tube such as a ostomy or jejunal feeding tube and its tapered design allows for the insertion and placement of the tube within the lumen of the stomach or other body cavity through an opening or ostomy. Once properly placed, the tip is discharged from the end of the tube so that it is dissolved by human body fluids and is excreted.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for percutaneously placing gastrostomy tubes. The method enables percutaneous placement through an existing penetration, as well as placement where no penetration exists. The apparatus comprises a gastrostomy tube having an internal bolster which can be manipulated such that it has a reduced lateral extent; an axially-extending hollow sleeve which can surround the bolster to hold it in a position of reduced lateral extent; and a rip-cord capable of tearing the sheath. In a preferred embodiment, the internal bolster is folded to have a smaller diameter, the sleeve is placed over the bolster and shrunk down to a smaller diameter. The rip-cord runs distally along the outside of the tube, between the sleeve and the internal bolster, wraps over the distal end of the sleeve and runs proximally along the length of the tube. The replacement tube can then be pushed through a stoma.

Abstract: A gastrostomy device having a tubular portion, first and second fingers, a rod member, and a suture member. The rod member and suture member cooperate to releasably retain the fingers in a first or installation configuration for insertion through a patient's stoma. Following insertion, the rod member and suture member release the fingers to permit the fingers to move to a deployed configuration. In the installation configuration the fingers are generally in line with an axis of the tubular portion while, in the deployed configuration, the fingers are generally transverse to the tubular portion axis.