Importance

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Abstract

A gastrostomy apparatus includes an elongated tube having an inflatable balloon at its distal end, the tube passing through a flexible hemisphere. A spacer, which can be another tube or sheath, surrounds the primary tube in the region between the hemisphere and the proximal end of the tube. When the tube has been inserted into the patient, the balloon is inflated, and the tube pulled back so that the balloon abuts the interior wall of the stomach. The hemisphere is positioned to abut the skin or the exterior of the abdominal wall, and the spacer is affixed to the tube so that the hemisphere cannot migrate towards the proximal end of the tube. The spring action of the hemisphere counteracts the peristaltic motions of the stomach, and tends to keep the apparatus in place. The apparatus thus reduces the likelihood of leakage of gastric contents, and thus minimizes the risk of infection at the gastrostomy site.

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First Claim