Importance

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Abstract

A catheter for intubating a stoma formed by a percutaneous endoscopic technique includes a multi-lumen tube and an inflatable cuff for retaining the catheter in place. The tube includes a fluid lumen for conveying fluid into a patient and an inflation lumen having a port in communication with the interior of the cuff to allow for the egress and ingress of fluid to the cuff. The cuff has contained therein a resilient sponge-like material which has the property that it will remain in its compressed state for an ascertainable period of time after having been maintained in the compressed state for a predetermined period of time, e.g., at least 24 hours. A period of time, not less than the predetermined period of time, prior to the intubation procedure, the cuff is compressed to expel air from the cuff through the inflation lumen and to compress the sponge-like material inside the cuff. A tubular sleeve is applied to the outside of the cuff to maintain the cuff and sponge-like material in its collapsed state. Prior to the intubation procedure, the sleeve is removed. Upon completion of intubation, when the cuff is positioned in a cavity, such as the stomach, internal to the patient, the sponge-like material is expanded by injecting a liquid such as distilled water into the cuff via the inflation lumen. The inflation lumen is then closed.

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First Claim