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Patent US5242389A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5242389A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Enteral feeding tube enteral feeding tube with separate stylet lumen
Assignee: Covidien AG
•
Filing: 1992-11-16
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Granted: 1993-09-07
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Expires: 2012-11-16
Abstract
Abstract A relatively flexible, dual-lumen enteral feeding tube for delivery of fluid through a patient's esophagus to the patient's digestive system, the enteral feeding tube having proximal and distal ends. The tube comprises an enteral feeding lumen having a feeding lumen inlet opening adjacent the proximal end of the tube and a feeding lumen outlet opening adjacent the distal end of the tube. Additionally, a relatively small stylet lumen is provided separate from said enteral feeding lumen, the stylet lumen having a stylet lumen inlet opening adjacent the proximal end of the tube and being longitudinally co-extensive with a substantial length of the enteral feeding lumen. A relatively stiff stylet having a tapered annealed distal portion is removably positioned in the stylet lumen and extends from the stylet inlet lumen opening to adjacent to the feeding lumen outlet opening. A Y-site adaptor is fixed on the proximal end of the tube and the stylet is shorter in length than the distance from either of the Y-site openings to the tube outlet opening. To facilitate insertion or removal of the stylet, which is constructed of metal, into or from the stylet lumen, a portion of the stylet is provided with a first coating of polytetrafluorethylene having a second coating of silicone over the first coating.
Inventors
- 👤 Eugene F. Schrader
- 👤 Eugene E. Weilbacher
- 👤 Raymond O. Bodicky
- 👤 James G. Schneider
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 10:04
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61J; A61J15/00; A61J15/0003; A61J15/0007; A61J15/0026; A61J15/0073; A61J15/008; A61J15/0088
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 36
Claim 1
Independent Claim
249 words
A relatively flexible enteral feeding tube for delivery of fluid through a patient's esophagus to the patient's intestinal tract, said enteral feeding tube having proximal and distal ends, said enteral feeding tube comprising: an enteral feeding lumen having a feeding lumen inlet opening adjacent said proximal end of said tube and at least one feeding lumen outlet opening adjacent said distal end of said tube; a stylet lumen separate from said enteral feeding lumen, said stylet lumen having a stylet lumen inlet opening adjacent said proximal end of said tube, said stylet lumen being closed except for said stylet lumen inlet opening, said stylet lumen being longitudinally co-extensive with a substantial length of said enteral feeding lumen, said stylet lumen having a diameter substantially less than the diameter of said enteral feeding lumen; a relatively stiff stylet having a proximal end and a distal end, said stylet removably positioned in said stylet lumen and extending from said stylet lumen inlet opening to adjacent said feeding lumen outlet opening, said stylet having a first coating of polytetrafluorethylene applied to and about said stylet and a second coating of silicone applied over and about said polytetrafluorethylene coating, said stylet having a tapered portion of reducing diameter adjacent to and narrowing towards said distal end of said stylet to enhance the flexibility thereof, said stylet also having a relatively enlarged globe on said distal end of said stylet, said globe having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of said stylet lumen.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
249 words
A relatively flexible enteral feeding tube for delivery of fluid through a patient's esophagus to the patient's intestinal tract, said enteral feeding tube having proximal and distal ends, said enteral feeding tube comprising: an enteral feeding lumen having a feeding lumen inlet opening adjacent said proximal end of said tube and at least one feeding lumen outlet opening adjacent said distal end of said tube; a stylet lumen separate from said enteral feeding lumen, said stylet lumen having a stylet lumen inlet opening adjacent said proximal end of said tube, said stylet lumen being closed except for said stylet lumen inlet opening, said stylet lumen being longitudinally co-extensive with a substantial length of said enteral feeding lumen, said stylet lumen having a diameter substantially less than the diameter of said enteral feeding lumen; a relatively stiff stylet having a proximal end and a distal end, said stylet removably positioned in said stylet lumen and extending from said stylet lumen inlet opening to adjacent said feeding lumen outlet opening, said stylet having a first coating of polytetrafluorethylene applied to and about said stylet and a second coating of silicone applied over and about said polytetrafluorethylene coating, said stylet having a tapered portion of reducing diameter adjacent to and narrowing towards said distal end of said stylet to enhance the flexibility thereof, said stylet also having a relatively enlarged globe on said distal end of said stylet, said globe having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of said stylet lumen.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
69 words
An enteral feeding tube according to claim 1 wherein said enteral feeding tube further includes a Y-site adaptor fixed to said proximal end of said enteral feeding tube, said Y-site adaptor including two angularly coverging lumen in fluid communication with said enteral feeding lumen, each of said angularly converging lumen having a Y-site adaptor inlet opening thereon for providing access to said enteral feeding lumen through said Y-site adaptor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
269 words
A relatively flexible enternal feeding tube for delivery of fluid through a patient's esophagus to the patient's intestinal tract, said enteral feeding tube having proximal and distal ends, said enteral feeding tube comprising: an enteral feeding lumen having a feeding lumen inlet opening adjacent said proximal end of said tube and at least one feeding lumen outlet opening adjacent said distal end of said tube; a stylet lumen separate from said enteral feeding lumen, said stylet lumen having a stylet lumen inlet opening adjacent said proximal end of said tube and being longitudinally co-extensive with a substantial length of said enteral feeding lumen; a relatively stiff stylet having a proximal end and a distal end, said stylet removably positioned in said stylet lumen and extending from said stylet lumen inlet opening to adjacent said feeding lumen outlet opening; a Y-site adaptor fixed to said proximal end of said enteral feeding tube, said Y-site adaptor including two angularly converging lumen in fluid communication with said enteral feeding lumen, each of said angularly converging lumen having a Y-site adaptor inlet opening thereon for providing access to said enteral feeding lumen through said Y-site adaptor; and, a first closure means adapted to be inserted in at least one of said Y-site adaptor inlet openings, said first closure means including a generally cup-shaped closure having a generally cup-shaped recessed portion extending into said cup-shaped closure from the exterior surface of said first closure means, said cup-shaped closure insertable into said Y-site adaptor inlet opening to close said Y-site adaptor opening, and a flexible arm connecting said first closure means to said Y-site adaptor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
269 words
A relatively flexible enternal feeding tube for delivery of fluid through a patient's esophagus to the patient's intestinal tract, said enteral feeding tube having proximal and distal ends, said enteral feeding tube comprising: an enteral feeding lumen having a feeding lumen inlet opening adjacent said proximal end of said tube and at least one feeding lumen outlet opening adjacent said distal end of said tube; a stylet lumen separate from said enteral feeding lumen, said stylet lumen having a stylet lumen inlet opening adjacent said proximal end of said tube and being longitudinally co-extensive with a substantial length of said enteral feeding lumen; a relatively stiff stylet having a proximal end and a distal end, said stylet removably positioned in said stylet lumen and extending from said stylet lumen inlet opening to adjacent said feeding lumen outlet opening; a Y-site adaptor fixed to said proximal end of said enteral feeding tube, said Y-site adaptor including two angularly converging lumen in fluid communication with said enteral feeding lumen, each of said angularly converging lumen having a Y-site adaptor inlet opening thereon for providing access to said enteral feeding lumen through said Y-site adaptor; and, a first closure means adapted to be inserted in at least one of said Y-site adaptor inlet openings, said first closure means including a generally cup-shaped closure having a generally cup-shaped recessed portion extending into said cup-shaped closure from the exterior surface of said first closure means, said cup-shaped closure insertable into said Y-site adaptor inlet opening to close said Y-site adaptor opening, and a flexible arm connecting said first closure means to said Y-site adaptor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
An enteral feeding tube according to claim 3 wherein said relatively stiff stylet is constructed of metal and is shorter in length than the distance from either of said inlet openings of said Y-site adaptor to said outlet opening of said enteral feeding lumen.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
An enteral feeding tube according to claim 3 wherein said stylet lumen inlet opening is longitudinally spaced from, and laterally offset from, said Y-site adaptor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
72 words
An enteral feeding tube according to claim 3 further including: a hollow, tubular adaptor having a longitudinally extending, generally cylindrical bore therethrough, said tubular adaptor adapted to be inserted into one of said Y-site adaptor inlet openings, said bore adapted to receive a distal end of a syringe; means for connecting said tubular adaptor to said Y-site adaptor; and, a second closure means adapted to be inserted in said generally cylindrical bore.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
An enteral feeding tube as in claim 3 further characterized in that at least one of said Y-site adaptor inlet openings is adapted to receive nutritional fluid from an enteral administration tubing set.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
221 words
A relatively flexible enteral feeding tube for delivery of fluid through a patient's esophagus to the patient's intestinal tract, said enteral feeding tube having proximal and distal ends, said enteral feeding tube comprising: an enteral feeding lumen having a feeding lumen inlet opening adjacent said proximal end of said tube and at least one feeding lumen outlet opening adjacent said distal end of said tube; a stylet lumen separate from said enteral feeding lumen, said stylet lumen having a stylet lumen inlet opening adjacent said proximal end of said tube and being longitudinally co-extensive with a substantial length of said enteral feeding lumen, said stylet lumen being closed except for said stylet lumen inlet opening; and, a relatively stiff metal stylet having a proximal end and a distal end, said stylet removably positioned in said stylet lumen and extending from said stylet lumen inlet opening to adjacent said feeding lumen outlet opening, said distal end of said stylet being annealed to soften the distal portion of said stylet, said stylet including a tapered portion of reducing diameter adjacent to and narrowing toward the distal end of said stylet to enhance the flexibility thereof, said stylet having a relatively enlarged globe on the distal end of said stylet, said globe having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of said stylet lumen.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
221 words
A relatively flexible enteral feeding tube for delivery of fluid through a patient's esophagus to the patient's intestinal tract, said enteral feeding tube having proximal and distal ends, said enteral feeding tube comprising: an enteral feeding lumen having a feeding lumen inlet opening adjacent said proximal end of said tube and at least one feeding lumen outlet opening adjacent said distal end of said tube; a stylet lumen separate from said enteral feeding lumen, said stylet lumen having a stylet lumen inlet opening adjacent said proximal end of said tube and being longitudinally co-extensive with a substantial length of said enteral feeding lumen, said stylet lumen being closed except for said stylet lumen inlet opening; and, a relatively stiff metal stylet having a proximal end and a distal end, said stylet removably positioned in said stylet lumen and extending from said stylet lumen inlet opening to adjacent said feeding lumen outlet opening, said distal end of said stylet being annealed to soften the distal portion of said stylet, said stylet including a tapered portion of reducing diameter adjacent to and narrowing toward the distal end of said stylet to enhance the flexibility thereof, said stylet having a relatively enlarged globe on the distal end of said stylet, said globe having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of said stylet lumen.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
63 words
An enteral feeding tube according to claim 8 wherein said stylet is constructed of metallic wire and further includes a wire loop on the proximal end thereof, the free end of said wire forming said loop being fixed to a straight portion of said wire by a heat shrinkable tubing having an adhesive coating on the wiring contacting inner face of said tubing.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
252 words
A relatively flexible enteral feeding tube for delivery of fluid through a patient's esophagus to the patient's intestinal tract, said enteral feeding tube having proximal and distal ends, said enteral feeding tube sized for insertion of said distal end through the nasal canal and esophagus into the patient's intestinal tract, said enteral feeding tube being constructed of a relatively soft, relatively flexible material to allow said enteral feeding tube to be forced through the restricted, tortuous path between a patient's mouth or nose and the patient's intestinal tract, said enteral feeding tube comprising: an enteral feeding lumen having a feeding lumen inlet opening adjacent said proximal end of said tube and at least one feeding lumen outlet opening adjacent said distal end of said tube, said enteral feeding lumen being sized to allow enteral feeding fluid to pass therethrough; a stylet lumen separate from said enteral feeding lumen, said stylet lumen having a stylet lumen inlet opening adjacent said proximal end of said tube and being longitudinally co-extensive with a substantial length of said enteral feeding lumen, said stylet lumen being closed except for said stylet lumen inlet opening; and, a relatively stiff stylet having a proximal end and a distal end, said stylet removably positioned in said stylet lumen and extending from said stylet lumen inlet opening to adjacent said feeding lumen outlet opening, said stylet including a first coating of polytetrafluorethylene applied to and about said stylet and a second coating of silicone applied over and about said polytetrafluorethylene coating.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
252 words
A relatively flexible enteral feeding tube for delivery of fluid through a patient's esophagus to the patient's intestinal tract, said enteral feeding tube having proximal and distal ends, said enteral feeding tube sized for insertion of said distal end through the nasal canal and esophagus into the patient's intestinal tract, said enteral feeding tube being constructed of a relatively soft, relatively flexible material to allow said enteral feeding tube to be forced through the restricted, tortuous path between a patient's mouth or nose and the patient's intestinal tract, said enteral feeding tube comprising: an enteral feeding lumen having a feeding lumen inlet opening adjacent said proximal end of said tube and at least one feeding lumen outlet opening adjacent said distal end of said tube, said enteral feeding lumen being sized to allow enteral feeding fluid to pass therethrough; a stylet lumen separate from said enteral feeding lumen, said stylet lumen having a stylet lumen inlet opening adjacent said proximal end of said tube and being longitudinally co-extensive with a substantial length of said enteral feeding lumen, said stylet lumen being closed except for said stylet lumen inlet opening; and, a relatively stiff stylet having a proximal end and a distal end, said stylet removably positioned in said stylet lumen and extending from said stylet lumen inlet opening to adjacent said feeding lumen outlet opening, said stylet including a first coating of polytetrafluorethylene applied to and about said stylet and a second coating of silicone applied over and about said polytetrafluorethylene coating.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
An enteral feeding tube according to claim 10, further including bolus weight means attached to the distal end of the enteral feeding tube.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
An enteral feeding tube according to claim 10 wherein said enteral feeding lumen has a diameter substantially greater than the diameter of said stylet lumen.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
77 words
An enteral feeding tube according to claim 10 wherein said enteral feeding tube further includes a Y-site adaptor fixed to said proximal end of said enteral feeding tube, said Y-site adaptor including two angularly converging lumen in fluid communication with said enteral feeding lumen, each of said angularly converging lumen having an inlet opening on the proximal end thereof, at least one of said opening being adapted to receive nutritional fluid from an enteral administration tubing set.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
An enteral feeding tube according to claim 10 wherein said stylet is constructed of metallic wire.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
78 words
An enteral feeding tube according to claim 14 wherein said stylet is constructed of stainless steel and includes a tapered portion of reducing diameter adjacent to and narrowing toward the distal end to enhance the flexibility thereof, a distal portion of said tapered portion being annealed to soften the same and a relatively enlarged ball on the distal end of said tapered portion, said ball having a diameter only slightly less than the diameter of said stylet lumen.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
28 words
An enteral feeding tube ad in claim 14 further characterized in that a distal portion of said stylet is annealed to soften the distal portion of said stylet.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
53 words
A tube ad in claim 14 characterized in that said stylet includes a wire loop on said proximal end of said stylet, said loop being fixed to a straight portion of said metallic wire by a heat shrinkable tubing having an adhesive coating on the face of said tubing contacting said metallic wire.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
34 words
An enternal feeding tube as in claim 10 wherein said stylet includes a tapered portion of reducing diameter adjacent to and narrowing toward the distal end of said stylet to enhance the flexibility thereof.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
38 words
An enteral feeding 10 tube as in claim 10 wherein said stylet has a relatively enlarged globe on the distal end of said stylet, said globe having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of said stylet lumen.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
25 words
An enteral feeding tube according to claim 10 wherein said enteral feeding lumen has a diameter substantially greater than the diameter of said stylet lumen.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
194 words
An improvement in a relatively flexible enteral feeding tube for delivering fluid through a patient's esophagus to the patient's intestinal tract, said enteral feeding tube having proximal end distal ends and at least one enteral feeding tube lumen extending from adjacent said proximal end of said tube to adjacent said distal end of said tube, said enteral feeding tube lumen having an inlet opening adjacent said proximal end of said tube, said improvement comprising: a relatively stiff wire stylet removably positioned in said enteral feeding tube lumen and extending from said inlet opening to adjacent said distal end of said tube, said stylet having a first coating of polytetrafluorethylene applied to and about said wire stylet and a second coating of silicone applied over and about said polytetrafluorethylene coating; and wherein said enteral feeding tube further includes a Y-site adaptor fixed to said proximal end of said enteral feeding tube, said Y-site adaptor including two angularly converging adaptor lumen in fluid communication with said enteral feeding tube lumen, each of said angularly converging adaptor lumen having a Y-site adaptor inlet opening thereon for providing access to said enteral feeding lumen through said Y-site adaptor.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
194 words
An improvement in a relatively flexible enteral feeding tube for delivering fluid through a patient's esophagus to the patient's intestinal tract, said enteral feeding tube having proximal end distal ends and at least one enteral feeding tube lumen extending from adjacent said proximal end of said tube to adjacent said distal end of said tube, said enteral feeding tube lumen having an inlet opening adjacent said proximal end of said tube, said improvement comprising: a relatively stiff wire stylet removably positioned in said enteral feeding tube lumen and extending from said inlet opening to adjacent said distal end of said tube, said stylet having a first coating of polytetrafluorethylene applied to and about said wire stylet and a second coating of silicone applied over and about said polytetrafluorethylene coating; and wherein said enteral feeding tube further includes a Y-site adaptor fixed to said proximal end of said enteral feeding tube, said Y-site adaptor including two angularly converging adaptor lumen in fluid communication with said enteral feeding tube lumen, each of said angularly converging adaptor lumen having a Y-site adaptor inlet opening thereon for providing access to said enteral feeding lumen through said Y-site adaptor.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
254 words
A relatively flexible enteral feeding tube for delivery of fluid through a patient's esophagus to the patient's intestinal tract, said enteral feeding tube having proximal and distal ends, said enteral feeding tube comprising: an enteral feeding lumen having a feeding lumen inlet opening adjacent said proximal end of said tube and at least one feeding lumen outlet opening adjacent said distal end of said tube; a stylet lumen separate from said enteral feeding lumen, said stylet lumen having a stylet lumen inlet opening adjacent said proximal end of said tube and being longitudinally co-extensive with a substantial length of said enteral feeding lumen; a relatively stiff stylet having a proximal end and a distal end, said stylet removably positioned in said stylet lumen and extending from said stylet lumen inlet opening to adjacent said feeding lumen outlet opening; a Y-site adaptor fixed to said proximal end of said enteral feeding tube, said Y-site adaptor including two angularly converging lumen in fluid communication with said enteral feeding lumen, each of said angularly converging lumen having a Y-site adaptor inlet opening thereon for providing access to said enteral feeding lumen through said Y-site adaptor; a hollow, tubular adaptor having a longitudinally extending, generally cylindrical bore therethrough, said tubular adaptor adapted to be inserted into one of said Y-site adaptor inlet openings, said bore adapted to receive a distal end of a syringe; means for connecting said tubular adaptor to said Y-site adaptor; and, a second closure means adapted to be inserted in said generally cylindrical bore.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
254 words
A relatively flexible enteral feeding tube for delivery of fluid through a patient's esophagus to the patient's intestinal tract, said enteral feeding tube having proximal and distal ends, said enteral feeding tube comprising: an enteral feeding lumen having a feeding lumen inlet opening adjacent said proximal end of said tube and at least one feeding lumen outlet opening adjacent said distal end of said tube; a stylet lumen separate from said enteral feeding lumen, said stylet lumen having a stylet lumen inlet opening adjacent said proximal end of said tube and being longitudinally co-extensive with a substantial length of said enteral feeding lumen; a relatively stiff stylet having a proximal end and a distal end, said stylet removably positioned in said stylet lumen and extending from said stylet lumen inlet opening to adjacent said feeding lumen outlet opening; a Y-site adaptor fixed to said proximal end of said enteral feeding tube, said Y-site adaptor including two angularly converging lumen in fluid communication with said enteral feeding lumen, each of said angularly converging lumen having a Y-site adaptor inlet opening thereon for providing access to said enteral feeding lumen through said Y-site adaptor; a hollow, tubular adaptor having a longitudinally extending, generally cylindrical bore therethrough, said tubular adaptor adapted to be inserted into one of said Y-site adaptor inlet openings, said bore adapted to receive a distal end of a syringe; means for connecting said tubular adaptor to said Y-site adaptor; and, a second closure means adapted to be inserted in said generally cylindrical bore.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
220 words
A relatively flexible enteral feeding tube for delivery of fluid through a patient's esophagus to the patient's intestinal tract, said enteral feeding tube having proximal and distal ends, said enteral feeding tube comprising: an enteral feeding lumen having a feeding lumen inlet opening adjacent said proximal end of said tube and at least one feeding lumen outlet opening adjacent said distal end of said tube; a stylet lumen separate from said enteral feeding lumen, said stylet lumen having a stylet lumen inlet opening adjacent said proximal end of said tube and being longitudinally co-extensive with a substantial length of said enteral feeding lumen; a relatively stiff stylet having a proximal end and a distal end, said stylet removably positioned in said stylet lumen and extending from said stylet lumen inlet opening to adjacent said feeding lumen outlet opening, said stylet having a first coating of polytetrafluorethylene applied to and about said stylet and a second coating of silicone applied over and about said polytetrafluorethylene coating; and, a Y-site adaptor fixed to said proximal end of said enteral feeding tube, said Y-site adaptor including two angularly converging lumen in fluid communication with said enteral feeding lumen, each of said angularly converging lumen having a Y-site adaptor inlet opening thereon for providing access to said enteral feeding lumen through said Y-site adaptor.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
220 words
A relatively flexible enteral feeding tube for delivery of fluid through a patient's esophagus to the patient's intestinal tract, said enteral feeding tube having proximal and distal ends, said enteral feeding tube comprising: an enteral feeding lumen having a feeding lumen inlet opening adjacent said proximal end of said tube and at least one feeding lumen outlet opening adjacent said distal end of said tube; a stylet lumen separate from said enteral feeding lumen, said stylet lumen having a stylet lumen inlet opening adjacent said proximal end of said tube and being longitudinally co-extensive with a substantial length of said enteral feeding lumen; a relatively stiff stylet having a proximal end and a distal end, said stylet removably positioned in said stylet lumen and extending from said stylet lumen inlet opening to adjacent said feeding lumen outlet opening, said stylet having a first coating of polytetrafluorethylene applied to and about said stylet and a second coating of silicone applied over and about said polytetrafluorethylene coating; and, a Y-site adaptor fixed to said proximal end of said enteral feeding tube, said Y-site adaptor including two angularly converging lumen in fluid communication with said enteral feeding lumen, each of said angularly converging lumen having a Y-site adaptor inlet opening thereon for providing access to said enteral feeding lumen through said Y-site adaptor.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
303 words
A method for placing fluids in a patient's intestinal tract comprising the steps of: placing a stylet in a stylet lumen inlet opening of a stylet lumen of a relatively flexible tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the tube having at least a fluid lumen and a stylet lumen separate from the fluid lumen, the fluid lumen having a fluid lumen inlet opening adjacent the proximal end of the tube and at least one fluid lumen outlet opening adjacent the distal end of the tube, said flexible tube further including a Y-site adaptor fixed to said proximal end of said flexible tube, said Y-site adaptor including two angularly converging lumen in fluid communication with said fluid lumen, each of said angularly converging lumen having a Y-site adaptor inlet opening thereon for providing access to said fluid lumen through said Y-site adaptor, the stylet lumen inlet opening located adjacent the proximal end of the tube, the stylet lumen longitudinally co-extensive with a substantial length of the fluid lumen so that the stylet extends from the stylet lumen inlet opening to a point adjacent the fluid lumen outlet opening, said stylet lumen being closed except for said stylet inlet opening; pushing the distal end of the tube containing the stylet located in the stylet lumen through a patient's nostril and down the patient's alimentary tract to the patient's intestinal tract; removing the stylet form the stylet lumen while leaving the tube in position through the patient's nostril, alimentary tract, and intestinal tract; and connecting the fluid lumen inlet opening to a source of fluid through the Y-site adaptor whereby fluid passes from the source of fluid through the Y-site adaptor and the fluid lumen to the fluid lumen outlet opening where the fluid leaves the tube and enters the patient's intestinal tract.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
303 words
A method for placing fluids in a patient's intestinal tract comprising the steps of: placing a stylet in a stylet lumen inlet opening of a stylet lumen of a relatively flexible tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the tube having at least a fluid lumen and a stylet lumen separate from the fluid lumen, the fluid lumen having a fluid lumen inlet opening adjacent the proximal end of the tube and at least one fluid lumen outlet opening adjacent the distal end of the tube, said flexible tube further including a Y-site adaptor fixed to said proximal end of said flexible tube, said Y-site adaptor including two angularly converging lumen in fluid communication with said fluid lumen, each of said angularly converging lumen having a Y-site adaptor inlet opening thereon for providing access to said fluid lumen through said Y-site adaptor, the stylet lumen inlet opening located adjacent the proximal end of the tube, the stylet lumen longitudinally co-extensive with a substantial length of the fluid lumen so that the stylet extends from the stylet lumen inlet opening to a point adjacent the fluid lumen outlet opening, said stylet lumen being closed except for said stylet inlet opening; pushing the distal end of the tube containing the stylet located in the stylet lumen through a patient's nostril and down the patient's alimentary tract to the patient's intestinal tract; removing the stylet form the stylet lumen while leaving the tube in position through the patient's nostril, alimentary tract, and intestinal tract; and connecting the fluid lumen inlet opening to a source of fluid through the Y-site adaptor whereby fluid passes from the source of fluid through the Y-site adaptor and the fluid lumen to the fluid lumen outlet opening where the fluid leaves the tube and enters the patient's intestinal tract.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
350 words
A method for placing fluids in a patient's intestinal tract comprising the steps of: placing a stylet in a stylet lumen inlet opening of a stylet lumen of a relatively flexible tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the tube having at least a fluid lumen and a stylet lumen separate from the fluid lumen, the fluid lumen having a fluid lumen inlet opening adjacent the proximal end of the tube and at least one fluid lumen outlet opening adjacent the distal end of the tube, the stylet being relatively stiff and having a proximal end and a distal end, the stylet extending from the stylet lumen inlet opening to adjacent the feeding lumen outlet opening, the stylet having a first coating of polytetrafluorethylene applied to and about the stylet and a second coating of silicone applied over and about the polytetrafluorethylene coating, the stylet having a tapered portion of reducing diameter adjacent to and narrowing towards the distal end of the stylet to enhance the flexibility thereof, the stylet also having a relatively enlarged globe on the distal end of the stylet, the globe having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the stylet lumen, the stylet lumen being longitudinally co-extensive with a substantial length of the fluid lumen so that the stylet extends from the stylet lumen inlet opening to a point adjacent the fluid lumen outlet opening, the stylet lumen being closed except for the stylet inlet opening; pushing the distal end of the tube containing the stylet located in the stylet lumen through a patient's nostril and down the patient's alimentary tract to the patient's intestinal tract; removing the stylet from the stylet lumen while leaving the tube in position through the patient's nostril, alimentary tract, and intestinal tract; and connecting the fluid lumen inlet opening to a source of fluid through the fluid lumen inlet opening whereby fluid passes from the source of fluid through the fluid lumen inlet opening and the fluid lumen to the fluid lumen outlet opening where the fluid leaves the tube and enters the patient's intestinal tract.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
350 words
A method for placing fluids in a patient's intestinal tract comprising the steps of: placing a stylet in a stylet lumen inlet opening of a stylet lumen of a relatively flexible tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the tube having at least a fluid lumen and a stylet lumen separate from the fluid lumen, the fluid lumen having a fluid lumen inlet opening adjacent the proximal end of the tube and at least one fluid lumen outlet opening adjacent the distal end of the tube, the stylet being relatively stiff and having a proximal end and a distal end, the stylet extending from the stylet lumen inlet opening to adjacent the feeding lumen outlet opening, the stylet having a first coating of polytetrafluorethylene applied to and about the stylet and a second coating of silicone applied over and about the polytetrafluorethylene coating, the stylet having a tapered portion of reducing diameter adjacent to and narrowing towards the distal end of the stylet to enhance the flexibility thereof, the stylet also having a relatively enlarged globe on the distal end of the stylet, the globe having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the stylet lumen, the stylet lumen being longitudinally co-extensive with a substantial length of the fluid lumen so that the stylet extends from the stylet lumen inlet opening to a point adjacent the fluid lumen outlet opening, the stylet lumen being closed except for the stylet inlet opening; pushing the distal end of the tube containing the stylet located in the stylet lumen through a patient's nostril and down the patient's alimentary tract to the patient's intestinal tract; removing the stylet from the stylet lumen while leaving the tube in position through the patient's nostril, alimentary tract, and intestinal tract; and connecting the fluid lumen inlet opening to a source of fluid through the fluid lumen inlet opening whereby fluid passes from the source of fluid through the fluid lumen inlet opening and the fluid lumen to the fluid lumen outlet opening where the fluid leaves the tube and enters the patient's intestinal tract.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
338 words
A method for placing fluids in a patient's intestinal tract comprising the steps of: placing a stylet in a stylet lumen inlet opening of a stylet lumen of a relatively flexible tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the tube having at least a fluid lumen and a stylet lumen separate from the fluid lumen, the fluid lumen having a fluid lumen inlet opening adjacent the proximal end of the tube and at least one fluid lumen outlet opening adjacent the distal end of the tube, the stylet being relatively stiff and having a proximal end and a distal end, the stylet extending from the stylet lumen inlet opening to adjacent the feeding lumen outlet opening, the distal end of the stylet being annealed to soften the distal portion of the stylet, the stylet including a tapered portion of reducing diameter adjacent to and narrowing toward the distal end of the stylet to enhance the flexibility thereof, the stylet having a relatively enlarged globe on the distal end of the stylet, the globe having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the stylet lumen, the stylet lumen being longitudinally co-extensive with a substantial length of the fluid lumen so that the stylet extends from the stylet lumen inlet opening to a point adjacent the fluid lumen outlet opening, the stylet lumen being closed except for the stylet inlet opening; pushing the distal end of the tube containing the stylet located in the stylet lumen through a patient's nostril and down the patient's alimentary tract to the patient's intestinal tract; removing the stylet from the stylet lumen while leaving the tube in position through the patient's nostril, alimentary tract, and intestinal tract; and connecting the fluid lumen inlet opening to a source of fluid through the fluid lumen inlet opening whereby fluid passes from the source of fluid through the fluid lumen inlet opening and the fluid lumen to the fluid lumen outlet opening where the fluid leaves the tube and enters the patient's intestinal tract.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
338 words
A method for placing fluids in a patient's intestinal tract comprising the steps of: placing a stylet in a stylet lumen inlet opening of a stylet lumen of a relatively flexible tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the tube having at least a fluid lumen and a stylet lumen separate from the fluid lumen, the fluid lumen having a fluid lumen inlet opening adjacent the proximal end of the tube and at least one fluid lumen outlet opening adjacent the distal end of the tube, the stylet being relatively stiff and having a proximal end and a distal end, the stylet extending from the stylet lumen inlet opening to adjacent the feeding lumen outlet opening, the distal end of the stylet being annealed to soften the distal portion of the stylet, the stylet including a tapered portion of reducing diameter adjacent to and narrowing toward the distal end of the stylet to enhance the flexibility thereof, the stylet having a relatively enlarged globe on the distal end of the stylet, the globe having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the stylet lumen, the stylet lumen being longitudinally co-extensive with a substantial length of the fluid lumen so that the stylet extends from the stylet lumen inlet opening to a point adjacent the fluid lumen outlet opening, the stylet lumen being closed except for the stylet inlet opening; pushing the distal end of the tube containing the stylet located in the stylet lumen through a patient's nostril and down the patient's alimentary tract to the patient's intestinal tract; removing the stylet from the stylet lumen while leaving the tube in position through the patient's nostril, alimentary tract, and intestinal tract; and connecting the fluid lumen inlet opening to a source of fluid through the fluid lumen inlet opening whereby fluid passes from the source of fluid through the fluid lumen inlet opening and the fluid lumen to the fluid lumen outlet opening where the fluid leaves the tube and enters the patient's intestinal tract.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-09-06 | 1997-03-08 | 1997-09-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-09-06 | 2001-03-08 | 2001-09-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-09-06 | 2005-03-08 | 2005-09-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |