Optically guided feeding tube, catheters and associated methods

A method of placing a feeding tube in a patient, the method comprising:

• selecting a feeding tube having a distal end and having a lumen with an optical system disposed therein;
• advancing the feeding tube through the nasal or oral canal and down the esophagus of the patient while generating an image of tissue adjacent the distal end of the feeding tube;
• and
• at least periodically checking the image generated of tissue adjacent the distal end of the feeding tube to ensure that the feeding tube has advanced toward a desired location in a gastrointestinal tract of the patient.

An integrated device, comprising:

• a feeding tube operable to deliver a nutritional and/or medicinal substance into the gastrointestinal tract;
• an optical system, said optical system including a light source for emitting light adjacent the distal end and a lens;
• and
• a steering system;
• wherein the optical system and the steering system are integrated into the feeding tube.

A method of placing a feeding tube inside a gastrointestinal tract of a subject, comprising:

• providing an integrated feeding tube device, said integrated feeding tube device comprising a tube operable to deliver nutritional and/or medicinal substance to the gastrointestinal tract, an optical system, said optical system including a light source, a mechanism for conveying an image, and a lens;
• and a steering system, said optical system and said steering system being integrated into the integrated feeding tube device;
• inserting a distal end of the integrated feeding tube device into a nasal or oral passage of a subject;
• positioning the integrated feeding tube in the gastrointestinal tract of the subject using the steering system of the integrated feeding tube device;
• and
• visually verifying placement of the integrated feeding tube in the gastrointestinal tract of the subject using the optical system of the integrated feeding tube device.

A device for treating a condition in the gastrointestinal tract, the device comprising:

• an elongate catheter having a distal end with at least one open port therein;
• a lumen extending from the distal end of the catheter to a port disposed along a section proximal from the distal end, the port being spaced apart from the distal end of the catheter a distance sufficient that the distal end may be disposed in a duct of the gastrointestinal system and the port being disposed in the intestine of the patient;
• and
• an optical system disposed in the catheter, the optical system extending to a position adjacent the distal end such that the optical system can transmit images of tissue adjacent the distal end.

A method for draining fluid in the gastrointestinal tract, the method comprising:

• 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.

A method for placing a feeding tube into the gastrointestinal tract, the method comprising:

• selecting a feeding tube having a distal end and having a lumen with an optical system removably disposed in the lumen;
• inserting the feeding tube into the nasal canal and advancing the feeding tube down the esophagus, and at least into the stomach while periodically viewing tissue adjacent the distal end of the feeding tube;
• and
• using the optical system to confirm when the distal end it at a desired location in the gastrointestinal tract;
• and
• removing the optical system and commencing feeding through the lumen of the feeding tube.

A method of placing a feeding tube inside a gastrointestinal tract of a subject, comprising:

• providing an integrated feeding tube device, said integrated feeding tube device comprising a tube operable to deliver nutritional and/or medicinal substance to the gastrointestinal tract, an optical system, said optical system including a light source, a mechanism for conveying an image, and a lens;
• and a steering system, said optical system and said steering system being integrated into the integrated feeding tube device;
• inserting a distal end of the integrated feeding tube device into a portion of a patient's gastrointestinal tract through a percutaneous gastrojejunal feeding tube;
• positioning the integrated feeding tube in the gastrointestinal tract of the subject using the steering system of the integrated feeding tube device;
• and
• visually verifying placement of the integrated feeding tube in the gastrointestinal tract of the subject using the optical system of the integrated feeding tube device.