Apparatuses for use with Replacement Gastrostomy Tubes for Status Indication, Durability and Design of Temporary Distal Tips

Abstract

Assembly of devices, and a kit, for use in replacement gastrostomy tube therapy, consisting of: 1) a Replacement Gastrostomy Tube status device comprising an evaluation module able to trigger an alarm that indicates the inflation status of a retention balloon; 2) a temporary distal “tip” structure for use in centering the Replacement Gastrostomy Tubes in vivo; and 3) a gastrostomy tube comprising a mesh latticework structure to increase the structural integrity of the Replacement Gastrostomy Tubes; and/or a pH sensor measuring acidity of fluid at distal tube opening. The module/unit comprises a battery powered, visual light, auditory signal or network-connected communication to convey the retention balloon's inflation status. The temporary distal “tip” structure includes various tapers, with minimal distal area, to facilitate placement of the Replacement Gastrostomy Tube via a self-centering function, in which the tip is chemically or mechanically released into a digestive tract, or withdrawn externally after a Replacement Gastrostomy Tube is positioned in vivo.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.