Importance

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Abstract

Low profile adaptor for use with gastrostomy feeding tube. In a preferred embodiment, the adaptor comprises a disc-shaped housing, the housing being provided with a bottom opening and a side slot, the side slot having a uniform width, except for an enlarged area at one end thereof. A tube is disposed within the housing, the tube having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal bore. The first end is aligned with the bottom opening and is adapted to be inserted into the proximal end of a gastrostomy feeding tube. A ratchet-type clamp is disposed within the housing and is used to secure the gastrostomy feeding tube to the first end of the tube. A lateral slot is formed in the tube at its second end and is in fluid communication with the longitudinal bore. A dial is disposed within the housing and is rotatably mounted on the second end of the tube, the dial including a radial channel. When the outer end of the channel is aligned with the enlarged end of the side slot, the inner end of the channel is not in fluid communication with the lateral slot of the tube. When, however, the outer end of the channel is aligned with the opposite end of the slot, the inner end of the channel is in fluid communication with the lateral slot. Movement of the channel between these two positions is effected with an adaptor fitting. The adaptor fitting has a first end insertable into a food delivery tube and a second end insertable into and removable from the outer end of the channel only when the outer end of the channel is aligned with the enlarged end of the side slot.

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First Claim