Percutaneous gastrostomy device and method

A method of using an endoscope to verify correct placement of a percutaneous gastrostomy feeding tube apparatus within the stomach of a patient, wherein the percutaneous gastrostomy apparatus includes a coupling member that is attachable by an engaging member of at least one of the endoscope or an ancillary device used therewith, the method comprising the steps of:

• a. coupling the gastrostomy feeding tube to an insertion wire that has been percutaneously introduced through a stoma into the stomach with the distal end thereof exiting the patient's mouth;
• b. attaching the endoscope to the coupling member using the engaging member;
• c. pulling the gastrostomy feeding tube and endoscope into the alimentary tract by withdrawing the insertion wire via the stoma;
• d. positioning the gastrostomy feeding tube with the stomach of the patient;
• and
• e. partially withdrawing the endoscope to verify correct placement of the gastrostomy feeding tube.

A percutaneous gastrostomy feeding tube apparatus for placement in a patient using an endoscope comprising:

• a gastrostomy feeding tube having a passageway, a first portion, a second portion, a first end, a second end, and an end cap located about the second end, the first portion including a discardable dilator tip and distal loop;
• and
• an elongate tract comprising a polymer thread so dimensioned to reside within an internal channel of an endoscope, the elongate tract being affixed to the distal loop of the gastrostomy feeding tube and extending proximally through the passageway therefrom;
• wherein the elongate tract extends beyond second the end of the gastrostomy feeding tube by a sufficient length such that an ancillary device extending from a distal end of the endoscope, can capture and pull the elongate tract through the length of the internal channel, such that the endoscope can advance over the elongate tract to couple with the the gastrostomy feeding tube, thereby allowing both to be introduced together through the alimentary tract and into the stomach of a patient.