A connector (50) includes a tubular member (52) and a base tube (58). A light-guiding tube (60) is drawn out from the base tube (58) toward the opposite side to the tubular member (52). An adapter (1) includes: a first connecting portion (10) that can be connected to and disconnected from a light source device (70); a second connecting portion (20) that can be connected to and disconnected from the connector (50); and a light-guiding member (30) that guides light emitted from the light source device (70) to a proximal end surface (61) of the tube (60).

A medical device position guidance system includes a plurality of noninvasive external detector devices communicable with an invasive medical device. A magnetic field is used to gather information about the anatomical size and shape of a subject, such as a human. The medical device position guidance system further uses the magnetic field to obtain information about the positioning of the invasive medical device relative to the subject's anatomy. A method of using the medical device position guidance system is also provided.

A docking station for removable connection to an enteral feeding pump enables automated flushing of an administration set loaded in the enteral feeding pump. The docking station may have a valve seat configured to receive a switchable flow valve of the administration set, a flush controller, an actuator connected to the flush controller and configured to releasably mate with the switchable flow valve when the switchable flow valve is received by the valve seat, and data communication means by which data signals sent by the enteral feeding pump are inputted to the flush controller of the docking station when the enteral feeding pump is connected to the docking station. In operation, the flush controller may receive a flush command sent by the enteral feeding pump and transmit a control signal to the actuator for switching the switchable flow valve to a flush position in response to the flush command.

There is provided a system for managing reflux during an enteral feeding, comprising: (i) a non-transitory memory having stored thereon a code for execution by at least one hardware processor of a computing device, the code comprising: code for receiving electrical signals outputted by at least one reflux event sensor disposed within a digestive system of a patient; code for determining a gastric reflux event based on an analysis of the electrical signals; code for outputting instructions to pause enteral feeding of the patient by a feeding controller that regulates enteral feeding of the patient using an enteral feeding tube positioned within the digestive system of the patient; and (ii) an evacuation controller that directs back-flow of digestive contents from the digestive system of the patient to an external evacuation reservoir through an evacuation tube.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for tracking a device comprising a magnet as the device is inserted through a subject. The apparatus is wearable by the subject and comprises a unit configured to conform to the subject. The apparatus further comprises magnetic sensors arranged with the unit. In use, the magnetic sensors detect magnetic fields of the magnet and the detected magnetic fields are processed to determine a position of the magnet. This allows tracking of the device as the device is inserted through the subject.

A feeding tube position confirmation device 102, operable to confirm the position of a predetermined portion of a medical feeding tube in a predetermined portion of a human or animal body, the position confirmation device comprising an optical waveguide 106 dimensioned to be insertable into the lumen of the feeding tube, the optical waveguide having a sensing distal end 108 comprising a distal end material and a sensing material mixed with the distal end material, the sensing material operable to provide a change in optical properties at the distal end 110 of the optical waveguide dependent on the environment to which the sensing distal end 108 of the waveguide is exposed. The sensing material may comprise a reflective material. Methods of manufacture and use of such devices are also described.

Disclosed is a system and method for the placement of elongate medical members within a patient's body using coaptive ultrasound that combines magnetic guidance with ultrasound visualization of the medical member in the patient's body. A coaptive ultrasound probe adaptor magnetically attracts an elongate medical member within the patient with sufficient force so as to allow the operator to manually guide the member to its intended location. The adaptor mates with an ultrasound probe to provide the medical operator ultrasound feedback of the position of the member, thus allowing internal placement without the need for more specialized medical equipment.

Disclosed is a system and method for the placement of elongate medical members within a patient's body using coaptive ultrasound that combines magnetic guidance with ultrasound visualization of the medical member in the patient's body. A coaptive ultrasound probe adaptor magnetically attracts an elongate medical member within the patient with sufficient force so as to allow the operator to manually guide the member to its intended location. The adaptor mates with an ultrasound probe to provide the medical operator ultrasound feedback of the position of the member, thus allowing internal placement without the need for more specialized medical equipment.

Disclosed is an NGT system, the system comprises a nasogastric tube having a diameter and length configured to pass through an esophagus such that the lumen of the NGT maintains fluid communication with a portion of the digestive tract, and a digestive tract sensor operatively associated with the NGT, the digestive tract sensor configured to sense from inside the body and transmit signals in response to one or both of conditions relating to nourishment states of the digestive tract, and positioning of the NGT.

There is provided a system for managing reflux during an enteral feeding, comprising: (i) a non-transitory memory having stored thereon a code for execution by at least one hardware processor of a computing device, the code comprising: code for receiving electrical signals outputted by at least one reflux event sensor disposed within a digestive system of a patient; code for determining a gastric reflux event based on an analysis of the electrical signals; code for outputting instructions to pause enteral feeding of the patient by a feeding controller that regulates enteral feeding of the patient using an enteral feeding tube positioned within the digestive system of the patient; and (ii) an evacuation controller that directs back-flow of digestive contents from the digestive system of the patient to an external evacuation reservoir through an evacuation tube.