Patent · US Expired

Method and means for esophageal feeding

US4384584A · kind A · utility

93Cited by
20References
11Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateOct 28, 1981
Grant dateMay 24, 1983
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 28, 2001

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61M2205/3317
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A naso-esophageal catheter is provided with an inflatable balloon at its distal end and a signal-emitting device is located within the balloon so that the location of the distal end of the catheter can be determined when it is advanced into the patient's esophagus. After the catheter has been advanced into the patient's esophagus, the balloon is inflated. Thereafter, a trans-cervical esophageal catheter is directed through the patient's neck towards the center of the inflated balloon. After the balloon has been punctured the naso-esophageal catheter is withdrawn and the patient can then be fed with liquid nutrients through the trans-cervical esophageal catheter.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.