Modified nasogastric tube for use in enteral feeding
First Claim
1. A nasogastric tube having distal and proximal ends and openings along its distal end, comprising, in combination,an introducer sheath having distal and proximal ends, the sheath extending longitudinally along and being coupled to the nasogastric tube, the sheath distal end not obstructing the nasogastric openings, the sheath defining a longitudinally extending lumen of sufficiently large inner diameter to permit an enteral feeding tube to be passed therethrough, the sheath being of a flexible construction and being collapsible against the nasogastric tube.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A nasogastric tube which includes a flexible, collapsible introducer sheath for facilitating guided gastric intubation of an enteral feeding tube. The collapsible sheath is made of thin polyvinyl chloride, is puncture and tear resistant, and is molded externally and lengthwise to a nasogastric tube. The sheath is open at its proximal and distal ends, and impregnated on its internal surface with water activated lubricant which allows for placement of a feeding tube into the stomach through the sheath of an already placed nasogastric tube.
282 Citations
22 Claims
-
1. A nasogastric tube having distal and proximal ends and openings along its distal end, comprising, in combination,
an introducer sheath having distal and proximal ends, the sheath extending longitudinally along and being coupled to the nasogastric tube, the sheath distal end not obstructing the nasogastric openings, the sheath defining a longitudinally extending lumen of sufficiently large inner diameter to permit an enteral feeding tube to be passed therethrough, the sheath being of a flexible construction and being collapsible against the nasogastric tube.
-
19. A method for introducing an enteral feeding tube into a patient, comprising the steps of
placing a nasogastric tube to which an introducer sheath is coupled through the nares and esophagus of the patient and into the stomach, verifying the proper placement of the nasogastric tube, placing the enteral feeding tube through the sheath and into the stomach, verifying placement of the feeding tube.
Specification