Patent ID: 8473034

Claim:
A method for monitoring a placement of an end of a feeding tube in the jejunum of a patient, comprising: positioning an assembly for insertion through a body passage interiorly of said patient, said assembly comprising a feeding tube having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a passageway extending therethrough, and an open distal end, and a tubular member received in said feeding tube passageway, the tubular member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a closed distal end, the tubular member sized such that a length of said distal portion extends distal to said feeding tube open end, said distal portion length having an opening formed therethrough and having an echogenic portion; advancing said assembly through said passage such that said feeding tube distal portion extends into the small intestine of the patient; drawing a negative pressure in an interior space of said tubular member through said opening to draw said tubular member distal length into juxtaposition with a wall of the small intestine; and viewing a placement of said assembly via ultrasound visualization of said echogenic portion.