Optically guided feeding tube, catheters and associated methods
US8361041B2 · kind B2 · utility
30Cited by
24References
53Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 7, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jan 29, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 15, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M25/0147
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides devices and methods for safe, easy and cost effective means of placing and verifying proper placement of nasogastric and nasoenteric feeding tubes. Specifically, an integrated feeding device including a tube operable to deliver a nutritional and/or medicinal substance to the gastrointestinal tract, an optical system including a light source, flexible optical fibers or a camera, and a lens, and a steering system is disclosed. The components of the system, namely the optical system and the steering system, may be integrated into the tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.