AN ENTERAL FEEDING DEVICE

Abstract

A portable enteral feeding apparatus includes a pouch which defines a reservoir for enteral fluid and having an outlet for delivery of enteral fluid from the pouch. An outlet spout has a pouch spigot connected to the pouch outlet and a connector spigot which is adapted for mounting of a connector shaft, in one case a cross fit shaft of an ENFit connector. A valve is mounted to the spout. The connector spigot has a mounting structure for mounting a connector shaft of a PEG feeding system to the connector spigot only when the connector shaft is extended through the valve. An interlock prevents fixing of a connector shaft to the connector spigot if the connector shaft is not extended through the valve.

Claims

1. A portable enteral feeding apparatus comprising:— a pouch which defines a reservoir for enteral fluid and having an outlet for delivery of enteral fluid from the pouch; an outlet spout having a pouch spigot connected to the pouch outlet and a connector spigot which is adapted for mounting of a connector shaft; a valve mounted to the spout; the connector spigot having mounting means for mounting a connector shaft of a PEG feeding system to the connector spigot when a connector shaft is extended through the valve; and an interlock to prevent fixing of a connector shaft to the connector spigot if a connector shaft is not extended through the valve.

2. The enteral feeding apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector spigot comprises a plurality of grooves and the interlock comprises an end stop in at least one of the grooves to prevent passage of a connector shaft formation.

3. The enteral feeding apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector spigot comprises a plurality of grooves and the interlock comprises an end stop in at least one of the grooves to prevent passage of a connector shaft formation; and wherein the connector spigot comprises four grooves, each groove being 90° circumferentially spaced-apart from an adjacent groove, two of the grooves which are spaced-apart by 180° having end stops.

4. The enteral feeding apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector spigot comprises a screw thread which is adapted for engagement with a connector cap.

5. The enteral feeding apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector spigot comprises a screw thread which is adapted for engagement with a connector cap; and wherein the screw thread is adapted to engage with a connector cap only when a connector shaft extends through the valve.

6. The enteral feeding apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spout comprises a receiver for the valve.

7. The enteral feeding apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spout comprises a receiver for the valve; and wherein the valve receiver comprises a ledge for engagement with the valve.

8. The enteral feeding apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spout comprises a receiver for the valve; and wherein the valve receiver comprises a ledge for engagement with the valve; and further comprising a retainer element for retaining the valve in position in the spout.

9. The enteral feeding apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve is a zero seal valve such as a slit valve.

10. The enteral feeding apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve is a slit valve; and wherein the valve comprises an elastomeric material such as silicone.

11. The enteral feeding apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first spigot comprises side wings for mounting the pouch to the first spigot.

12. The enteral feeding apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first spigot comprises side wings for mounting the pouch to the first spigot; and wherein at least one of the wings comprises an air vent for venting of air during filling of the pouch.

13. The enteral feeding apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first spigot is adapted for mounting the outlet of the expansile element to the first spigot, and wherein the first spigot comprises a mounting feature including a groove to which the expansile element is mounted; and further comprising a locking element for mounting the expansile element to the mounting feature of the housing.

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. The enteral feeding apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a connector having a distal shaft and proximal mounting features for connection to a feeding tube, the distal shaft having connector formations which are adapted to engage with the connector spigot, and wherein the distal shaft is a cross connector shaft.

17. (canceled)

18. The enteral feeding apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pouch outlet also provides an inlet for filling the enteral fluid into the pouch.

19. The enteral feeding apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pouch is formed from an expansile element having an expanded filled configuration and a collapsed configuration, and wherein expansion of the expansile element provides a sole force under which enteral fluid is delivered from the pouch.

20. (canceled)

21. The enteral feeding apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a substantially gas impermeable barrier surrounding the pouch; and wherein, when the pouch is filled with enteral fluid, the pouch substantially conforms to the shape of the inner surface of the surrounding barrier.

22. (canceled)

23. The enteral feeding apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a substantially gas impermeable barrier surrounding the pouch; and wherein, when the pouch is filled with enteral fluid, the pouch substantially conforms to the shape of the inner surface of the surrounding barrier; and wherein, as fluid is delivered from the pouch, a space is formed between the pouch and the barrier.

24. The enteral feeding apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, as fluid is delivered from the pouch, a space is formed between the pouch and the barrier; and wherein the barrier comprises a membrane; and wherein the membrane comprises a laminate including a metallic layer.

25. (canceled)

26. The enteral feeding apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, as fluid is delivered from the pouch, a space is formed between the pouch and the barrier; and wherein the barrier comprises a membrane; and wherein the membrane comprises a laminate including a metallic layer; and wherein the membrane comprises a PET layer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0098] The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description thereof, given by way of example only, in which:—

[0099] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of an outlet port of an enteral feeding apparatus according to the invention;

[0100] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the outlet port of FIG. 1 with a spike extending through a valve;

[0101] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the outlet port;

[0102] FIGS. 4 to 6 are views of an enteral feeding pouch with the outlet port of FIGS. 1 to 3;

[0103] FIGS. 7 to 9 are cross sectional views of alternative outlet ports according to the invention;

[0104] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate one system for filling the expansile pouch with enteral fluid;

[0105] FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of a filling spike;

[0106] FIG. 13 shows the filling spike mounted to a syringe;

[0107] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate the filling spike system in use filling an expansile pouch;

[0108] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate conventional connectors for use with different spikes;

[0109] FIGS. 18 to 25 illustrate various valves;

[0110] FIG. 26 is a cross sectional view of another spout according to the invention;

[0111] FIG. 27 is an exploded view of the spout of FIG. 26;

[0112] FIG. 28 is an exploded cut section of the spout;

[0113] FIG. 29 is a cross sectional view of the spout with a connector shaft;

[0114] FIG. 30 is an isometric view of the spout and a connector shaft;

[0115] FIG. 31 is a cross sectional side view with the connector shaft in a correct alignment with the spout;

[0116] FIG. 32 is an enlarged view of a detail of the connector shaft tip and spout;

[0117] FIG. 33 is a cross sectional view of a connector shaft not correctly aligned with the spout;

[0118] FIG. 34 is an enlarged view of a detail of the connector shaft tip and spout in the configuration of FIG. 33;

[0119] FIG. 35 is an isometric view illustrating misalignment of the connector shaft and spout;

[0120] FIG. 36 is a partially cut-away view of a spout;

[0121] FIG. 37 is a view of the spout of FIG. 36 with a connector shaft correctly aligned with the valve;

[0122] FIGS. 38 and 39 are partially cut-away views of the spout with a connector shaft correctly aligned;

[0123] FIGS. 40 and 41 are views similar to FIGS. 38 and 39 but with the connector shaft not correctly aligned and prevented from passing through the valve;

[0124] FIG. 42 is an isometric view of the spout;

[0125] FIG. 43 is a top plan view of the spout of FIG. 42;

[0126] FIG. 44 is a bottom plan view of the spout of FIG. 42;

[0127] FIG. 45 is a view of the spout mounted to a pouch;

[0128] FIG. 46 is an enlarged cross sectional view of portion of the spout;

[0129] FIG. 47 is a cross sectional view of an alternative spout;

[0130] FIG. 48 is an isometric view of the spout of FIG. 47;

[0131] FIG. 49 is a cross sectional view of the spout of FIGS. 47 and 48 mounted to a pouch;

[0132] FIG. 50 is an exploded view of a spout and pouch;

[0133] FIG. 51 is a view of a giving set;

[0134] FIG. 52 is a view of a filling set for filling the pouch;

[0135] FIG. 53 is a view of a typical syringe; and

[0136] FIG. 54 is a view of an adaptor for correcting feed bottles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0137] Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated an outlet port for a portable enteral feeding apparatus. The outlet port comprises a valve 6 and a housing or spout 2 for the valve 6. In this case, the feeding apparatus comprises an expansile pouch 10 which has an expanded filled configuration and a collapsed configuration. In this case there is no mechanical means, such as a pump, to deliver the enteral feed from the pouch. The expansion of the expansile element, on filling, provides the sole force under which enteral fluid is delivered from the pouch.

[0138] The weldable spout has a self-sealing mechanism, used in filling and dispensing enteral feed from an elastomeric pouch. The valve seal mechanism is activated by pushing a spike through the valve seal. The spout comprises: [0139] spout main body 2; [0140] elastomeric valve 6; [0141] valve retainer ring 7; [0142] optional cap 5.

Materials

[0143] The spout main body 2 can be made from any weldable thermoplastic, but is primarily made from Polyolefins, Polyethylene or Polypropylene.

[0144] The elastomeric valve 6 can be made from any elastomeric material but is primarily made from silicone of the range 20-60 A durometer.

[0145] The valve retainer ring 7 can be made from any thermoplastic, but is primarily made from Polyolefins, Polyethylene or Polypropylene.

[0146] FIG. 1 shows a cut section of the valve housing or spout 2 and the spike connector 1 in the process of being connected to each other. The spike member 1 is entering the high tolerance region 50 of the spout main body in this figure. There is an interference fit as the spike and the body mates. This interference fit between the spike and the body is in the order of 0.1 mm and is used to seal and prevent egress of food from the system while the spout/spike connector threads are in engagement and the spike is being pierced through the valve. In the event that the valve slit does not fully seal around the spike, the interference fit between the neck ID of the spout and the spike OD seal the food in the pouch.

[0147] The interference fit between the spike and the ID of the spout main body is an integral part of connecting the spout a feed set or given set. This applies to both cross fit and round spike connectors. The interference fit should be in the order of ≤0.1 mm. In other words the ID of the spout main body should be −0.1 mm<the diameter of the connector spike. This provides both an interference fit and a wiper seal effect as both are fitted together.

[0148] FIG. 2 shows a cut section of the spout 2 and the spike connector 1 fully connected to each other. The spike connector comprises a spike 3 which is snap fitted to a cap 5 to allow the cap to be treaded on to the spout. When connected to the spout, a washer 4 is placed between the tip of the spout 2 and the spike 3. The spout is made up of 3 components the spout body 2, a silicone valve 6 and a valve retainer ring 7. The valve 6 is held in place by the valve retainer ring 7 that is held by a slight ledge or protrusions from the spout body ID (not visible in drawing).

[0149] FIG. 3 shows a cut section of the spout 2 and the spike connector 1 in an exploded view. The image shows the spike 1, the cap 5, the poly foam washer 4, the spout 2, a silicone valve 6 and a valve retainer ring 7.

[0150] FIG. 4 shows the food pod in its entirety when in use. The food pod has a surrounding membrane of foil 9, an elastomeric membrane 10 which is connected to the spout 2 via a cable tie 8. The arrows 12 show the direction of the fluid 11 which then passes through the spout 2 and the spike connector 1 and into the tubing 13 to be expelled to the patient.

[0151] The valve should withstand a pressure of ≥1 psi.

[0152] FIG. 5 shows the pressure of the elastomer pouch 10 being released and shrinking as enteral food is delivered.

[0153] FIG. 6 shows the pressure of the pouch 10 fully released and the elastomer pouch 10 has returned to its original shape.

[0154] FIG. 7 shows the pouch 10 being connected to the base of the spout 2 by a cable tie 8.

[0155] FIG. 8 shows the pouch 10 being connected to the spout 2 by a plastic fitment ring 14.

[0156] FIG. 9 shows the pouch 10 being connected to the spout 2 by an o-ring 15.

[0157] The spout main body has a fixation feature to aid attaching and securing the elastomeric pouch to the spout main body.

[0158] FIG. 10 shows one setup for closed filling of the pouch 10. The nutritional feed packaging 16 is connected to a filling set 18 via a crossfit spike 23. An ENFit Syringe 20 is connected to a stopcock 19. In this image the nutritional feed is shown being pulled from the feed packaging 16 via the syringe 20 as a force is being pulled by the syringe as indicated by the arrow 22. The stopcock 10 is set so that the flow only can enter the syringe 20.

[0159] FIG. 11 shows the second step in the closed filling process. The syringe 20 is forced forward via the user indicated by the arrow 31. The nutritional feed is then forced through the stopcock 19 and directly into the pouch 10 which then expands. The stopcock 19 has switched direction due to user interaction, directing the flow towards the pouch 10.

[0160] FIG. 12 shows a filling spike 23. The filling spike 23 is compatible with the tip of the syringe 20 tip. FIG. 13 shows the filling spike 23 connected to the syringe 20.

[0161] FIG. 14 shows the filling process using the filling spike 23. The user fills the syringe 20 with the filling spike 23 connected. The filling spike 23 is then inserted into a spout 33 (which is slightly modified to have a wider channel/ID). When connected, pressure 24 is then exerted in the syringe 20 which pushes the nutritional feed into the pouch 10, forcing it to expand. FIG. 15 shows the pouch 10 partially filled.

[0162] FIG. 16 shows another connector 55 intended to be used with a cut section of the spike 29.

[0163] FIG. 17 also shows another connector 56 intended to be used with a cut section of the spike 30.

[0164] The valve may or may not have an incision to aid the valve in entry. The incision can be made of a single or many incisions, it may be partially or fully pierced. The incision is not limited to straight line incisions, it maybe half moon shaped.

[0165] FIG. 18 shows single slit.

[0166] FIG. 19 shows a single slit with smaller length.

[0167] FIG. 20 shows a three way slit.

[0168] FIG. 21 shows a four way slit.

[0169] FIG. 22 shows a single dot punch.

[0170] FIG. 23 shows a six way slit.

[0171] FIG. 24 shows a five way slit.

[0172] FIG. 25 shows an eight way slit.

[0173] Referring to FIGS. 27 to 41, there is illustrated a portable enteral feeding apparatus 100 according to the invention. The apparatus 100 for PEG feeding comprise a pouch 101 which defines a reservoir for enteral feed. The pouch 101 has an outlet 102 for delivery of enteral feed from the pouch. An outlet spout 105 has a pouch spigot 106 for connection to the pouch outlet 102 and a connector spigot 107 which is adapted for mounting of a connector shaft. A valve 109 is mounted to the spout. The connector spigot 107 has mounting means for mounting a connector shaft 110 of a PEG feeding system. The spout is configured so that when the connector shaft 110 extends through the valve 109, the connector shaft 110 can be secured to the spout. However, there is an interlock to prevent fixing of the connector shaft 110 to the connector spigot 107 if the connector shaft is not extended through the valve 109. This ensures that there can be no flow from the pouch unless the connector is correctly connected to the spout.

[0174] In this case the connector spigot comprises a plurality of grooves and the interlock comprises an end stop in at least one of the grooves.

[0175] Referring in particular to FIGS. 36 to 41 the connector spigot 107 comprises four grooves, each groove being 90° circumferentially spaced-apart from an adjacent groove, two of the grooves which are spaced-apart by 180° have end stops. The two longer grooves are 120, 121 and the two shorter grooves are 122, 123. The shorter grooves 122, 123 have end stops 124, 125 respectively.

[0176] The connector shaft 110 in this case is an ENFit cross connector shaft having two long ribs 130, 131 and two shorter ribs 132, 133. The two longer ribs 130, 131 have leading edges which penetrate through a slit 108 in the valve 109. The shorter ribs 132, 133 engage against the end stops 124, 125 in this configuration as illustrated particularly in FIGS. 38 and 39. The connector shaft 110 has a channel 140 through which enteral fluid can flow when the connector shaft is in the correctly aligned configuration.

[0177] If the connector shaft 110 is turned though 90°, the longer ribs 130, 131 will be aligned with the short grooves 122, 123 and the leading edges of the long ribs 130, 131 will be prevented from advancing any further by the end stops 124, 125 as illustrated particularly in FIGS. 40 and 41. This interlock prevents fixing of the connector shaft 110 to the connector spigot 107 and thereby ensures that there can be no flow in this incorrect configuration.

[0178] The connector spigot 107 of the spout 105 has screw threads 145 which engage with corresponding screw threads on a cap 146 of the connector. The cap 146 is attached to the connector shaft 110 by snap fitting. The cap 146 is adapted to screw onto the connector spigot 107. However, the screw threads 145 are positioned so that the cap 146 will only engage when the connector shaft 110 has extended through the valve 109. In this way a further interlock is provided to prevent operation of the device if the connector shaft is not correctly inserted.

[0179] The spout 105 comprises a receiver, in this case a ledge 150, against which the valve 109 is engaged. A retaining ring 151 is snap-fitted into the spout to retain the valve 109 position.

[0180] In this case the valve 109 is a single slit zero seal valve which may be of a suitable elastomeric material such as silicone with a durometer in the range of 20 to 60 A.

[0181] The mounting of the valve 109 allows the valve to flex during penetration and removal of the Crossfit spike. This ensures that a seal is maintained and that no leakage occurs.

[0182] FIGS. 26 to 28 are views of a cut-section of the spout 105 showing cap 108, weld spout 105, silicone valve 109 and retaining ring 151.

[0183] FIG. 29 is a cut section of the spout 105 connected to an ISO18250-3 Crossfit spike 110. This view shows the valve 109 being opened allowing fluid to pass through the tubing set.

[0184] FIGS. 30 and 31 are views of the assembled spout and the Crossfit spike 110 aligned correctly as per FIG. 29.

[0185] FIG. 32 is an enlarged view of part of FIG. 31. This shows the detail around the end stop/blockers 124, 125. The end stops 116 prevent the Crossfit spike 110 passing through the valve 109.

[0186] FIG. 33 also shows Crossfit spike 110 being inserted in the incorrect position. The end stops 124, 125 prevent the spike going any further and damaging the valve 109. The end stops 124, 125 are placed at a distance that does not allow the threads on the Crossfit spike to 110 connect with the threads on the spout. This ensures that no torque can be generated to break through the end stops 124, 125.

[0187] FIG. 34 is a detailed view of FIG. 33 on the spike 110 and the interaction with the end stops 124, 125.

[0188] FIG. 35 shows an isometric view of the assembled spout 105 and spike 110 being aligned incorrectly.

[0189] FIG. 42 shows an isometric view of the assembled spout 105.

[0190] FIGS. 43 and 44 are plan views from above and below of the assembled spout 105.

[0191] FIG. 45 illustrates the spout 105 sealed to a pouch laminate. The spout has side wings 155 to which the pouch laminate is welded. Air vents 156 are provided to evacuate the space between the expansile pouch and the foil during filling.

[0192] FIG. 46 is a cut section detail of the retaining ring 151 interacting with the snapfit of the spout 105. The guides 160 for placement of a securing mechanism such as cable ties 161 to retain the pouch are also shown.

[0193] The interlock arrangement ensures that the Crossfit spike can only penetrate the valve when the spike and the valve are correctly aligned. This is important as it ensures that a seal is maintained when the Crossfit spike is inserted through the single slit valve. Backflow is prevented. The valve seal also wipes feed from the spike as it is withdrawn.

[0194] An enteral feeding pouch is described in our WO2018/108337A, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. A docking station for use with an enteral feeding apparatus is described in our WO2017/140731A, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0195] FIG. 47 shows a cut-section of an assembled spout 170 with a shorter extrude below the wings 171. This spout does not have placement for a securing mechanism resulting in a shorter extrude.

[0196] FIG. 48 shows the same spout as pictured in FIG. 7 in an isometric view. An air vent is not used 25 in this particular spout.

[0197] FIG. 49 shows a cut-section of a spout sealed to a laminate packaging 1. This demonstrates that the spout 170 can be used with conventional packaging 172.

[0198] FIG. 50 shows an exploded view of the assembled spout, retaining ring 151, silicone valve 109, cable ties 161 (×2), elastomer 101 and foil pouch.

[0199] FIG. 51 shows a front view of a giving set (delivery tube) with ISO18250-3 Crossfit connector 110.

[0200] FIG. 52 shows the filling set with ISO18250-3 Crossfit spikes 110 on either end.

[0201] FIG. 53 shows an ISO80369-3 syringe 180.

[0202] FIG. 54 shows an image of a universal adapter 181 used to connect some feed bottle types to an ISO18250-3 system.

[0203] The invention is not limited to the embodiment hereinbefore described, which may be varied in construction and detail.