Importance

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Abstract

A catheter and internal bolster for securing the catheter or other medical device within a body of a patient. In one embodiment, the catheter comprises an elongate catheter tube that defines at least one lumen and an internal bolster disposed proximate a distal end of the catheter tube. The internal bolster includes a plurality of hinged arms and is capable of an undeployed position wherein each arm is longitudinally extended substantially parallel to the catheter tube, and a deployed position wherein each arm is folded about its hinge so as to radially extend from the catheter tube and provide a bolster configuration. The internal bolster further includes a resilient portion included with the catheter tube and disposed centrally with respect to the internal bolster. The resilient portion provides a force urging the internal bolster to the deployed position. In one possible implementation, the catheter is configured as a feeding tube.

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First Claim