Gastrostomy and other percutaneous transport tubes

Abstract

An improved gastrostomy or like percutaneous transport tube includes, at the end exterior to the abdominal wall, a nutrient supply coupling assembly including a mechanically simple one-way valve. A threaded cap closes the assembly, and may be replaced by a coupling member having a fitting for disconnectable attachment to a nutrient or other fluid supply. A tool is provided for preventing rotation of the assembly during removal and replacement of the cap and coupling member. The assembly body includes a flange that extends parallel to the exterior abdominal wall. An annular skin protector disc seats between the flange and the abdominal wall, and includes spaced ridges arranged to permit the entry of air between the disc and the skin. In another gastrostomy tube embodiment, an enlargement at the end emplaced in the stomach is of dome shape and acts as a one-way valve. A slit across the enlargement divides the dome into two sections. Nutrient fed through the tube to the dome interior forces open the sections to permit nutrient flow into the stomach. The pressure of fluid from the stomach against the exterior of the dome forces the two sections to seal the slit, preventing backflow through the tube. Emplacement of a percutaneous transport tube is simplified by compressing the enlarged end (which is to be inserted into the stomach or other bodily region) into a capsule or binding of a material that dissolves in the body. The bound or encapsulated tube end then is insertable through a gastrostomy or like opening without the use of a stylet.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.