Optically Guided Feeding Tube, Catheters and Associated Methods
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides devices and methods for safe, easy and cost effective means of placing and verifying proper placement of nasogastric and nasoenteric feeding tubes. Specifically, an integrated feeding device including a tube operable to deliver a nutritional and/or medicinal substance to the gastrointestinal tract, an optical system including a light source, flexible optical fibers or a camera, and a lens, and a steering system is disclosed. The components of the system, namely the optical system and the steering system, may be integrated into the tube.
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Citations
73 Claims
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1-49. -49. (canceled)
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50. A method for draining fluid in the gastrointestinal tract, the method comprising:
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selecting a catheter having a distal end, a first port disposed in the distal end and a second port disposed proximal from the distal end and in fluid communication with the first port, and an optical system extending substantially the length of the catheter; advancing the catheter through the nasal canal, the esophagus and the stomach while at least periodically observing images relayed by the optical system; and advancing the distal end of the catheter into a duct of the gastrointestinal system such that the second port is disposed in the intestine so as to allow fluid to drain through the lumen extending from the first port to the second port. - View Dependent Claims (51)
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52-55. -55. (canceled)
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56. An optically guidable feeding tube comprising:
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a tube comprising an elongate body, the elongate body being of sufficient length that the proximal end may be disposed outside of a patient adjacent a nasal or oral cavity of the patient while the elongate body extends through the nasal or oral cavity of the patient, though the patient'"'"'s esophagus and at least into the stomach, the elongate body including at least one lumen having an opening through the distal end, the lumen configured for passing a feeding solution therethrough; an optical system disposed within the elongate body comprising a lighting structure for conveying light for lighting tissue adjacent the distal end of the elongate body and an image transmitting structure for conveying images of tissue adjacent the distal end of the elongate body, the optical system being mounted in the elongate body so as to remain in the elongate body during use of the tube. - View Dependent Claims (57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67)
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68. A device for conveying a fluid comprising:
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a feeding tube like device comprising an elongate body having a distal end and one lumen having an opening through the distal end, the lumen configured for passing a feeding solution therethrough, an optical system disposed within the elongate body comprising a lighting structure for lighting tissue adjacent the distal end and an image transmitting structure for conveying images of tissue adjacent the distal end; and wherein the optical system is disposed in a lumen having a fluid port located adjacent the distal end of the elongate body so as to allow fluid flow about the optical system to the fluid port, the fluid port further comprising a deflecting projection to redirect fluid flow over the optical system adjacent the distal end of the elongate body. - View Dependent Claims (69, 70, 71, 72, 73)
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Specification