The present specification is directed to systems, devices, and methods of portable enteral pump systems for feeding and/or flushing an ambulatory patient. Embodiments provide an enteral pumping device that may be loaded by a patient from a front and a top side of the pumping device and is therefore more convenient to use. Further, embodiments incorporate a single rotor pump for dual-use purposes of feeding nutrients and flushing fluids to the patient. A pinch valve is placed between the parallel sides of the two tubes to cut off fluid flow when required. At least one sensor is also placed between the rotor pump and an outlet. The sensors are used to detect occlusions and the type of disposables used, among other purposes.

A tube received, at least in part, by a breastmilk warmer includes a first segment having a first thermal conductivity, a second segment having a second thermal conductivity different from the first thermal conductivity, and a third segment having a third thermal conductivity different from at least one of the first and second thermal conductivities. The first segment is configured to be coupled to a source of fluid. The second segment is fluidly coupled to the first segment and disposed in a labyrinthine manner within a breastmilk warmer. The third segment is fluidly coupled to the second segment and is configured to be coupled to a feeding apparatus. The tube also includes a fluid lumen extending from the first segment through the second segment and to the third segment. The fluid O lumen has a uniform diameter from the first segment to the third segment.

Systems, methods, and apparatus for gastric pressure relief, flow regulation, location, gastric residual volume, a placement reminder, bidirectional fluid flow markings, reintroducing gastric material, collection reservoir raising, collection reservoir hanging, a drain port, setting tube length, and vent membranes. A gastric pressure relief system is used in connection with an enteral feeding system, which includes a feeding container, administration tubing and a delivery tube, where the gastric pressure relief system is interposed between the administration tubing and the delivery tube. The gastric pressure relief system includes a collection reservoir with a gas vent to ambient atmosphere, relief tubing secured to both the collection reservoir and a multi-way connector. The multi-way connector joins the administration tubing to the relief tubing and a delivery tube at a point below a patient's stomach, which is designated on a placement reminder apparatus.

There is provided system for monitoring spontaneous breathing of a mechanically ventilated target individual, comprising: a feeding tube for insertion into a distal end of an esophagus of the individual, sensor(s) disposed on the feeding tube at a location such that the sensor(s) is located at the distal end of the esophagus of the individual when the feeding tube is in use, wherein the sensor(s) is positioned for sensing values by contact with the tissue of the esophagus including a lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and/or tissue in proximity to the LES, and code for computing an indication of a frequency band of diaphragm movement of the individual according to an analysis of values sensed by the sensor(s), and for adjustment of parameter(s) of a mechanical ventilator for mechanically ventilating the individual, wherein the instructions for adjustment are computed while the feeding tube is in use.

A method for infusing a liquid into a patient's vasculature in accordance with an infusion protocol is disclosed. For this method, an infusion catheter having a multi-lumen infusion unit that is mounted adjacent the catheter's distal end is positioned in an artery within a predetermined distance from an intended target tissue surface. An inflation balloon is then deployed to at least partially occlude the artery and a force is exerted on the liquid to establish a flow rate for the liquid in the catheter. Specifically, the force is exerted to infuse the liquid from the catheter through the infusion unit and into the vasculature with a homogeneous distribution of the liquid to cover the intended surface of the target tissue. The flow rate can be established in accordance with an infusion protocol that is characterized by time and liquid volume parameters based on viscosity and pressure values in the liquid.

Systems, methods, and apparatus for gastric pressure relief, flow regulation, location, gastric residual volume, a placement reminder, bidirectional fluid flow markings, reintroducing gastric material, collection reservoir raising, collection reservoir hanging, a drain port, setting tube length, and vent membranes. A gastric pressure relief system is used in connection with an enteral feeding system, which includes a feeding container, administration tubing and a delivery tube, where the gastric pressure relief system is interposed between the administration tubing and the delivery tube. The gastric pressure relief system includes a collection reservoir with a gas vent to ambient atmosphere, relief tubing secured to both the collection reservoir and a multi-way connector. The multi-way connector joins the administration tubing to the relief tubing and a delivery tube at a point below a patient's stomach, which is designated on a placement reminder apparatus.

A method for infusing a liquid into a patient's vasculature in accordance with an infusion protocol is disclosed. For this method, an infusion catheter having a multi-lumen infusion unit that is mounted adjacent the catheter's distal end is positioned in an artery within a predetermined distance from an intended target tissue surface. An inflation balloon is then deployed to at least partially occlude the artery and a force is exerted on the liquid to establish a flow rate for the liquid in the catheter. Specifically, the force is exerted to infuse the liquid from the catheter through the infusion unit and into the vasculature with a homogeneous distribution of the liquid to cover the intended surface of the target tissue. The flow rate can be established in accordance with an infusion protocol that is characterized by time and liquid volume parameters based on viscosity and pressure values in the liquid.

Systems and methods for monitoring nutritional uptake of an individual are disclosed. The method can include monitoring microflora intestinal gas concentration levels associated with a patient and adjusting the volume of nutrient provided by the patient with an artificial feeding device based at least in part on the microflora intestinal gas levels associated with the patient. A microflora intestinal gas sensor can be used to monitor the microflora intestinal gas associated with the patient. The microflora intestinal gas sensor can monitor the microflora intestinal gas in a patient's exhaled breath or in the patient's digestive tract. The microflora intestinal gas sensor be included as part of an enteral feeding system at the distal end or outside end of an enteral feeding tube. Systems and methods for monitoring nutritional uptake of an infant based on microflora intestinal gas levels associated with the infant are also disclosed.

A catheter assembly incorporating a pre-biased indicator, the assembly includes a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and catheter walls defining a catheter lumen. The assembly further includes a base located at the proximal end of the catheter, the base defining an opening to the catheter lumen, the base having a first end and a second end. An inflatable balloon having a predetermined fill volume is located at a distal end of the catheter. An inflation valve is located on the base; the inflation valve is in fluid communication with the balloon through an inflation lumen defined by the catheter walls. The pre-biased indicator located on the base in fluid communication with the balloon is configured to provide a discrete visual signal that the pressure of a fluid in the balloon is different from a predetermined level of pressure or the volume of the balloon is different from the predetermined fill volume.

A dual material Y-connector for use in connection with medical tubing systems and the like includes an inner core made of a first material such as a rigid plastic material and an over-layer made of a second material such as a pliable thermoplastic elastomer. The Y-connector comprises a primary arm, a secondary arm and a convergence arm all in fluid communication with one another and may include a tubing segment bonded to the Y-connector convergence arm. The first material can be a transparent copolyester and the second material can be a translucent thermoplastic elastomer. Threaded caps having a multi-indentation configuration can be tethered to one or more arms and be configured to seal one or more Y-connector ports.