Method and apparatus for intubation of a patient

A method for intubating a patient, the method comprising:

• (a) providing a catheter having a distal end portion and comprising
• a sensor provided at the distal end portion and
• a magnetically responsive element selected from the group consisting of permanent magnets and ferromagnetic materials, provided at the distal end,
• wherein the sensor provides a signal in response to a magnetic field or magnetic flux, from a magnet, of a magnitude sufficient to ensure that the magnetically responsive element is magnetically coupled to the magnet positioned external a patient's body when the distal end portion of the catheter is inside the body of the patient;
• (b) providing the external magnet;
• (c) placing the distal end portion of the catheter inside the body of a patient;
• (d) placing the external magnet in a position that is external to the body of the patient and proximate to the sensor;
• (e) confirming the proximity of the external magnet and the distal end portion by monitoring the signal provided by the sensor;
• and
• (f) manipulating the external magnet to position the distal end portion of the catheter at a selected location within the body of the patient.

A catheter system for intubation of a patient, comprising

• a catheter having a distal end and suitable for duodenal insertion,
• a permanent magnet provided at the distal end,
• a sensor provided at the distal end, wherein the sensor comprises a housing containing electrically conducting reeds having a predetermined elasticity such that the electrical state of the sensor changes in response to the presence of a magnetic field or magnetic flux at a predetermined threshold level, thereby providing a first signal indicating said presence, and
• an indicator in communication with the sensor, wherein the indicator provides an audio, visual, or tactile second signal when triggered by the first signal.