Gastroenteric feeding tube
First Claim
1. A gastroenteric feeding tube comprising:
- a. an elongated flexible tubular member;
b. a resiliently flexible coil spring weighting elements; and
c. means encasing said weighting element and securing it in substantially aligned relation on an end of said tubular member, said tubular member extending substantially coaxially through said weighting element and having an open terminal end, whereby a continuous open longitudinal passage is provided in said feeding tube.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A gastroenteric feeding tube for the enteral feeding of hospital patients includes a resiliently flexible coil spring as a weighting element. The coil spring which is encased within a flexible casing provides a flexible weighting element which can be installed in and removed from a patient with a minimum of discomfort. Once the feeding tube has been properly installed in the patient, the weighting element end thereof can safely remain in the patient'"'"'s stomach for an extended period of time without substantial risks. In one embodiment of the feeding tube, a flexible tubular member extends axially through the coil spring weighting element thereof. Hence, a continuous longitudinal passage is provided in the feeding tube which allows the accurate installation of the tube in the gastrointestinal tract of a patient with the aid of a pre-installed guide wire or stylet.
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Citations
4 Claims
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1. A gastroenteric feeding tube comprising:
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a. an elongated flexible tubular member; b. a resiliently flexible coil spring weighting elements; and c. means encasing said weighting element and securing it in substantially aligned relation on an end of said tubular member, said tubular member extending substantially coaxially through said weighting element and having an open terminal end, whereby a continuous open longitudinal passage is provided in said feeding tube. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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Specification