Patent ID: 8057429
Filing Date: 2011-11-15
Classification: A61B,A61J

Abstract:
1. A feeding tube for insertion along a guide wire into a gastrointestinal tract of a patient, comprising: a gastric tube having a central channel and a feeding inlet at a first end of the gastric tube and a feeding outlet at the opposite end of the central channel; a balloon expansion inlet at the first end of the gastric tube; a balloon lumen in fluid communication with the gastric balloon expansion inlet and extending through the gastric tube; a balloon disposed at the opposite end of the central channel, annularly around the feeding tube, such that the central channel passes through the annular balloon and the balloon is in fluid communication with the balloon lumen and the balloon expansion inlet such that the balloon expands in volume when a volume of fluid is injected into the balloon expansion inlet; an insertion device extendable through the central channel of the gastric tube and having a protective collar extendable over the balloon such that the balloon is at least temporarily protected from damage during insertion of the feeding tube in the gastrointestinal tract, the insertion device including a hollow shaft into which the guide wire is capable of being fed during insertion of the insertion device, the insertion device and the protective collar providing a transition region for dilating the hole around the guide wire, allowing the gastric tube to be inserted into the patient, and the insertion device being retractable through the central channel of the gastric tube after the feeding tube is inserted into the patient.