Self-collapsing Feeding Tube with Cleaning Mechanism

Background & Unmet Need

• Jejunostomy feeding tubes (J-tubes) are often needed to support the enteral nutrition needs of a patient during both short and long-term illnesses
• Current catheters are typically simple tubes that are placed surgically through the abdominal wall and inserted into the proximal small intestine
• The only anchor is a simple suture in the skin wrapped around the tube externally, leading to risk of tube migration
• Additional potential adverse effects include skin excoriation and cellulitis of the abdominal wall due to leakage
• In addition, feeding tubes often become clogged, necessitating tube replacement if the obstruction cannot be cleared
• Unmet Need: Improved J-tube design that prevents tube migration and enables clearance of blockages

Technology Overview

• The Technology: J-tube that includes external and internal anchors to prevent migration and dislodgement, plus a cleaning mechanism to clear blockages
• The device includes a flexible intra-peritoneal “anchoring” bumper that lies between the small intestine and intra-abdominal wall
• This anchor prevents inadvertent retrograde displacement of the tube but is flexible enough so that the J-tube can be safely removed by a clinician
• In addition, the device is compatible with a fixed-length bristle brush that can be inserted into the lumen of the tube to clear obstructions
• Importantly, the cleaning brush is the same length as the J-tube, preventing accidental damage to the small intestine

Technology Applications

• Improved J-tube design for patients requiring enteral nutrition
• Applicable for both short- and long-term enteral nutrition

Technology Advantages

• Anchors prevent J-tube migration and dislodgement
• Includes cleaning brush to remove tube blockages
• Reduces risk of complications due to leakage