Sandoz Gmbh

Novartis Nutrition Ag

Sandoz Nutrition Corporation

Frederick K Reuning

Lester David Michels

Donald F Kirby

Joseph M Makowski

The present invention comprises a means for the manual placement of a jejunal feeding tube within the small intestine comprising the insertion of a single lumen tube within the jejunal feeding tube. The placement tube has an inflatable stylet located at the distal end thereof. Once the tube is placed in the stomach of the patient by way an ostomy, the placement device is passed through until the inflatable stylet exits the distal end of the feeding tube. A syringe is attached to the placement device using a luer hub stopcock and the inflatable stylet is inflated like a balloon with air, water or other suitable material. The surgeon may then manually grasp the inflated stylet and by moving it place the end of the feeding tube at the desired position in the small intestine. The stylet may then be deflated and the placement device withdrawn from the feeding tube once the tube is properly placed.

Post-pyloric feeding tubes

A gastrostomy feeding port comprising a retaining flange portion, a middle tube portion and elastically adjustable tip portion adaptable to fit a variety of stoma lengths.

Gastrostomy feeding port with elastic adjustable tip

Method for placing a guide wire through a gastrostomy tube which has a plug through which only the guide wire can pass in slidable communication. The plug prevents air from escaping from the stomach, thus, preventing the collapse of the stomach during the guide wire placement. The plug may comprise a substantially cylindrical member having a longitudinal bore for receiving the guide wire in slidable communication.

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Minnetonka, MN, United States of America

Frederick K Reuning