PEG tube with wireless pull tip

摘要

A feeding tube and method for introducing a feeding tube within the gastrointestinal tract of a patient, whereby the feeding tube is introduced by using a variation of the Ponsky “pull” method of feeding tube placement. The feeding tube comprises an elongate shaft having a distal end and proximal end. The feeding tube also comprises a coupling structure for coupling the feeding tube to a pull wire, the coupling structure be proximal of the distal end of the feeding tube shaft. The feeding tube further comprises a guiding structure for aligning the pull wire with the distal end of the shaft. The feeding tube is introduced within the patient by attaching the previously placed pull wire to the coupling and guiding structures of the feeding tube, and then pulling the pull wire so as to pull the feeding tube into and through the gastrointestinal tract of the patient.

主权项

1. A feeding tube apparatus for placement into the stomach of a patient using an elongate pull wire having a preformed loop attached to an end thereof, the feeding tube comprising:
an elongate tubular portion having a feeding lumen extending through at least a portion thereof and configured to traverse a stoma through the patient's stomach and abdominal walls; a bolster fixedly connected to a proximal end of the tubular portion, the bolster having an enlarged cross-section configured to prevent egress thereof through the stoma; and a dilator portion connected to a distal end of the tubular portion and having a distal tip at the distal end thereof, the dilator portion comprising a coupling structure disposed proximal of the distal tip, the coupling structure including a receiving area configured to receive and secure the preformed loop of the elongate pull wire to the dilator portion, wherein the coupling structure comprises a first arm pivotally connected to a second arm and defining the receiving area there between, the first arm being movable relative to the second arm between an open position and a closed position, the open position providing external access to the receiving area and the closed position inhibiting external access to the receiving area, the coupling structure further comprising a latch mechanism configured to maintain the first arm in the closed position.