FEEDING TUBE SYSTEM WITH REFLUX FLUID SENSING
First Claim
1. A medical tube system comprising:
- an elongate tubular member having a tube proximal end and a tube distal end;
a first lumen extending from the tube proximal end to at least a predetermined distance from the tube distal end, having a plurality of apertures adapted to provide fluid communication between external to the medical tube and the first lumen;
a sensor lumen extending from the tube proximal end to at least a predetermined distance from the tube distal end, having a plurality of apertures adapted to provide fluid communication between external to the medical tube and the sensor lumen;
fluid sensing apparatus disposed within the sensor lumen, the fluid sensing apparatus adapted to communicate information indicative of the detection of fluid, the fluid sensing apparatus disposed at a predetermined location within the sensor lumen; and
sensor electronics in communication with the fluid sensing apparatus.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Embodiments of a feeding tube system of the present invention provide a feeding tube that provides for monitoring whether it has detected reflux fluid which could potentially lead to serious medical conditions, such as, in the case of a nasogastric tube used for enteral feeding, aspiration of tube feeding into the patient'"'"'s lungs. The reflux event is made apparent to medical staff and automated systems provide to take action, such as, in the case of enteral feeding, to shut off the delivery of enteral feeding to the patient. This allows remedial measures to be taken so that the associated morbidity and mortality can be prevented. The methods and apparatus are readily acceptable and easy to use by the medical staff, safe for the patient, and inexpensive to manufacture.
36 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A medical tube system comprising:
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an elongate tubular member having a tube proximal end and a tube distal end; a first lumen extending from the tube proximal end to at least a predetermined distance from the tube distal end, having a plurality of apertures adapted to provide fluid communication between external to the medical tube and the first lumen; a sensor lumen extending from the tube proximal end to at least a predetermined distance from the tube distal end, having a plurality of apertures adapted to provide fluid communication between external to the medical tube and the sensor lumen; fluid sensing apparatus disposed within the sensor lumen, the fluid sensing apparatus adapted to communicate information indicative of the detection of fluid, the fluid sensing apparatus disposed at a predetermined location within the sensor lumen; and sensor electronics in communication with the fluid sensing apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification