Continuous feeding and decompressing device and method
US7048727B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 18, 2003 |
| Grant date | May 23, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 19, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M31/00
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A decompressing and feeding device for safely feeding in the gastrointestinal tract of a recovering patient continuously aspirates and feeds at a rate commensurate with the ability of the intestines to absorb fluids including nutrient. Air is also aspirated in the process so that neither air nor excess fluids cause distension in the gastrointestinal tract. Digestive juices and nutrients that are aspirated are continuously refed together with unused feeding material into the gastrointestinal tract at a location that more efficiently moves and digests the food. The device may include two aspirate reservoirs to which and from which aspirate is alternatingly and continuously transferred. To provide the continuous and alternating flow, a solenoid valve and timer switch device is provided. Alternatively, a device is provided with a single aspirate reservoir to which and from which aspirate is continuously transferred.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.