Devices, systems, and methods for inserting a medical device, such as a gastrostomy tube, are described. For example, a device includes a housing defining an outer surface, a first end, and a second end, the housing comprising an inner passage that extends from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing, wherein the outer surface defines an aperture in fluid communication with a portion of the inner passage, and a sensing device configured to cover the aperture, the sensing device configured to detect a property of fluid within the inner passage.

A tubing assembly includes a signal generating apparatus for a catheter placement system. The tubing assembly includes a catheter and a signal generating apparatus. The catheter includes an elongate shaft having a wall surrounding a lumen. The signal generating apparatus includes at least one electromagnetic coil and at least one electrically conductive polymer that is configured to electrically connect the at least one electromagnetic coil to a monitor unit.

The invention relates to a nasogastric tube (100) comprising a nasogastric tubing (102) having first and second ends (102a, 102b), a power supply part (106) located at or adjacent the first end, and a transducer part (104) located at or adjacent the second end for transmitting or receiving an ultrasound based signal. Also disclosed is a positioning system comprising the said nasogastric tube, and a control module comprising an at least one detection portion and a processor.

This disclosure includes intraluminal tubes comprising: an elongated tube (e.g., having a proximal portion, a distal portion configured to be disposed inside of an internal cavity of a patient, and a sidewall defining a lumen extending from the proximal portion to the distal portion, the distal portion defining one or more openings in fluid communication with the lumen) and a plurality of deployable tines, each coupled to the tube and disposed outside the sidewall of the distal portion, where each tine is movable from a collapsed state to a deployed state in which a portion of the tine extends laterally away from the distal portion of the tube. In some of the present intraluminal tubes, the sidewall of the distal portion defines a plurality of longitudinal grooves, and each tine is disposed in a different one of the grooves when the tines are in the collapsed state.

A system for feeding and evacuation has a feeding tube in place into a subject's stomach cavity, having a Luer-Lock compatible female connector on an outboard end, a feed source, a unique Lopez valve having a conventional connector on one end and a male Luer-Lock connector on the other end in place of the conventional tapered connector, a suction tube coupled to a suction source, the suction tube having a connector compatible with the conventional connector of the conventional Lopez valve on an end away from the suction source. With the feeding tube connected to the feed source, nutrients are supplied to the subject through the feeding tube, and with the feed source disconnected, the body of the unique Lopez valve connected to the feed tube by the male Luer-Lock extension and to the suction tube, the subject's stomach cavity is exposed to suction controlled by the conventional Lopez valve.

A securement device for a system for securing a nasal tube is provided. The securement device includes a bridle having a body extending between a first end and a second end. The body has a lobed or star shape. The securement device further includes a magnetic connection portion disposed at the first end of the bridle. A system for securing a nasal tube can include a securement device as described above, and a retrieval probe. The retrieval probe can include a catheter extending between a proximal end and a distal end; and a magnetic tip disposed at the proximal end. The magnetic connection portion of the bridle and the magnetic tip of the retrieval probe can be configured to magnetically couple during a procedure for inserting the bridle in a nasal passageway of a patient.

One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a gastrostomy tube having a proximal portion and a distal portion with at least one lumen extending therethrough. The proximal portion includes first, second, and third ports that are each operably coupled to the proximal portion with the first port configured to provide for suction of contents from a patient's stomach, and the third port configured to provide fluid to an inflatable balloon. The distal portion includes a plurality of first openings configured to transport contents to and from the patient's stomach, at least one second opening configured to cooperate with the second port to provide sump-type function, and a curved portion having a gradual bend of approximately 45°-135°. The curved portion directs a distal end of the tube radially outward and away from a longitudinal axis of the tube.

Nutritional formulas comprising long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) are provided, along with methods and devices for preparing and/or administering nutritional formulas. In some embodiments, a percentage of the LC-PUFAs in the nutritional formula are in the form of monoglycerides and/or free fatty acids. In some embodiments, the nutritional formulas do not comprise added lipase. Also provided are methods for providing nutrition to a subject, methods for improving fat absorption, methods for improving cognitive ability, methods for preventing chronic lung disease, and methods for reducing the length of time a patient requires total parenteral nutrition.

Methods and apparatus for detection of tissue damage in patients using a medical device for an extended period of time are disclosed.

Methods and apparatus for detection of tissue damage in patients using a medical device for an extended period of time are disclosed.