There is provided a system for monitoring transpulmonary pressure of a mechanically ventilated individual, comprising: a feeding tube, at least one esophageal body, a pressure sensor, and a memory having stored thereon code for: computing an estimate of esophageal wall pressure according to pressure in the esophageal body when inflated and contacting the inner wall of the esophagus, computing the transpulmonary pressure of the mechanically ventilated target individual according to the esophageal wall pressure, periodically inflating and deflating the esophageal body for periodic monitoring of the transpulmonary pressure of the mechanically ventilated target patient while the feeding tube is in use, and computing instructions for adjustment of parameter(s) of a mechanical ventilator that automatically ventilates the target individual according to the computed transpulmonary pressure, wherein the instructions for adjustment of parameter(s) of the mechanical ventilator are computed while the feeding tube is in place without removal of the feeding tube.

A vacuum sponge system, comprising: a sponge having an outer surface, a proximal end and a distal end, spaced from the proximal end in an axial direction of the sponge; a drainage tube disposed partially in the sponge, and is in fluid communication with the sponge; the drainage tube is connectable with a vacuum pump such that a pressure is applicable to the outer surface of the sponge; and a delivery member having an outer surface and extending in an axial direction of the sponge and adapted to establish a fluid communication between a region from the distal end of the sponge and region from the proximal end of the sponge. The pressure provided by the pump via the drainage tube is applied to a vicinity of the outer surface of the delivery member and the outer surface of the sponge. The delivery member is disposed partially radially outside of the sponge.

An enteral feeding tubing connector comprises a body, a bore extending through the body, and a collet slidably disposed in the bore at a first end of the body. The collet is dimensioned to receive and engage a portion of tubing inserted into the collet, and is configured to resist withdrawal of the tubing from the bore and body upon application of force to the tubing that moves the collet out of the bore. A lock is provided on the first end of the body, and is configured to selectively engage the collet and prevent movement of the collet outward relative to the body. A tubing connection is provided at a second, opposite end of the body, the tubing connection providing fluid communication between another portion of tubing, the bore extending through the body, and the portion of tubing inserted into the collet.

Apparatus and method for imaging a patient in an MRI system. This includes a frame, and at least one assembly that includes an earpiece positioner connected to a reference position on the frame, a first lockable joint on the positioner; and an earpiece connected to a patient-proximal end of the positioner by a second joint, wherein the first earpiece is moveably positioned to a selected pitch angle, a selected yaw angle, and a selected one of a plurality of distances relative to the reference position on the frame. The first lockable joint is configured to be tightened to yieldably hold the first earpiece at the selected pitch and yaw angles, and at the selected one of the plurality of distances, relative to the reference position. Optionally a second substantially similar earpiece and assembly are provided. The earpiece(s) optionally include audio transducer(s) and/or RF coil(s).

Apparatus and method for imaging a patient in an MRI system. This includes a frame, and at least one assembly that includes an earpiece positioner connected to a reference position on the frame, a first lockable joint on the positioner; and an earpiece connected to a patient-proximal end of the positioner by a second joint, wherein the first earpiece is moveably positioned to a selected pitch angle, a selected yaw angle, and a selected one of a plurality of distances relative to the reference position on the frame. The first lockable joint is configured to be tightened to yieldably hold the first earpiece at the selected pitch and yaw angles, and at the selected one of the plurality of distances, relative to the reference position. Optionally a second substantially similar earpiece and assembly are provided. The earpiece(s) optionally include audio transducer(s) and/or RF coil(s).

A feeding tube assembly and feeding tube tip secure a viewing lens proximal of the distal end of the feeding tube tip. The feeding tube tip can include a plurality of protrusions that extend radially inward to secure the viewing lens. The feeding tube assembly and feeding tube tip can be used to improve image quality by keeping tissue from abutting the viewing lens as the feeding tube tip is inserted into a patient.

A feeding tube assembly and feeding tube tip secure a viewing lens proximal of the distal end of the feeding tube tip. The feeding tube tip can include a plurality of protrusions that extend radially inward to secure the viewing lens. The feeding tube assembly and feeding tube tip can be used to improve image quality by keeping tissue from abutting the viewing lens as the feeding tube tip is inserted into a patient.

A valve assembly including a housing having a base and an outer shell, which forms a proximal cavity and a distal cavity joined by a canal; an inner housing configured for longitudinal movement within the distal cavity; a seal positioned within the distal cavity that together with the longitudinal movement of the inner housing regulates the flow of fluid through the valve assembly; and one or more selected from the group consisting of the base notched with one or more notches and the inner housing having one or more through slots aligned to permit access to the one or more notches, the seal being a reversibly deformable sealing pin, and a torque limiter mechanism configured to resist the longitudinal movement of the inner housing distally until a sufficient radial force is applied.

A connector for coupling an enteral feeding solution supply tube to a port of a gastrostomy device, comprising a fluid conduit having an upstream end and a downstream end; and a nozzle housing a first portion of the fluid conduit at the downstream end configured to be connectable to an orifice defined in the port of the gastrostomy device. The nozzle has a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. An external diameter of the nozzle at or adjacent the distal end is substantially equal to an external diameter of the nozzle at or adjacent the proximal end. An external surface of the nozzle includes one or more indentations. The invention also relates to a feeding extension set including a connector and an enteral feeding solution supply tube.

An absorbent stoma pad for encapsulating an external bolster of a feeding tube is provided. The stoma pad includes an upper layer, base layer, absorbent material, and cavity. The upper layer, which includes an upper surface and a lower surface, contains a centrally located opening with respect to a periphery of the upper layer, wherein the opening is configured to receive a tube portion of the feeding tube. The base layer, which includes an upper surface and a lower surface, contains a centrally located opening with respect to a periphery of the base layer, wherein the opening is also configured to receive the tube portion of the feeding tube. Meanwhile, the absorbent material is disposed adjacent the upper layer's lower surface. Further, the cavity permits airflow between the absorbent layer and the base layer when the external bolster is encapsulated by the stoma pad and positioned within the cavity.