Inventors:
Anthony Downing - Ayer MA, US
James Wilkie - Melrose MA, US
Ronald Court - Pelham NH, US
Steven Jacques - Westford MA, US
Michael Gauderer - Greenville SC, US
Assignee:
C. R. BARD, INC. - Murray Hill NJ
International Classification:
A61M 25/16
Abstract:
A low profile adaptor is disclosed to reduce the length of a gastrostomy tube that has been inserted by means of conventional endoscopic procedures or with a replacement feeding tube inserted into the patient's stomach. The gastrostomy tube is cut to the appropriate length by the physician. The adaptor comprises a stem which is inserted into the open end of the gastrostomy tube. The valve assembly contains a seal that functions as a one-way valve to prevent reflux of gastric contents but permits the introduction of feeding solution into the feeding tube. A lock and key mechanism is incorporated into the hub of the gastrostomy tube to prevent disconnection of the feeding tube. A cover is placed over the opening of the adapter to prevent contamination of the lumen of the gastrostomy tube.