Importance

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Abstract

Disclosed is an improved nasogastric tube having a coupled or integrally formed flexible tip which facilitates insertion and advancement of the tube through a nasopharynx and into a stomach of a patient while reducing the risk of trauma to the nasal cavity and perforation of the esophagus and other soft tissue. Geometry and material of the tip and tube body are selected so that the tip preferentially buckles before the tube body upon meeting body structure during advancement of the tube. Buckling of the tip passively steers the tip and tube body through the nasal cavity along the esophageal lumen, unlike conventional nasogastric tubes which tend to displace or perforate proximate body structure. Tip geometries include those which are cylindrical, frustoconical, tapered, bulbous, pleated and necked. Tips may be hollow or solid, symmetrical or asymmetrical, and may include a reinforcement member to modify the column strength thereof. One or more transition zones may be provided to transition between tube structures having differing column strengths.

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First Claim