GB2404340A

GB2404340A - Nasogastric tube introducer

Info

Publication number: GB2404340A
Application number: GB0416051A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Lankshear
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-07-28
Filing date: 2004-07-13
Publication date: 2005-02-02
Also published as: GB0317610D0; GB0416051D0

Abstract

An introducer guide for assisting the passage of a nasogastric tube from the nose to the opening of the oesophagus comprises a flexible tube that has a flange to prevent complete insertion into the nasal cavity. The guide tube may have a line of weakness which allows it to be torn away from the nasogastric tube following insertion. The guide may have attachment means, e.g. a clamp or adhesive dressing, which allows the guide to be secured to the nose [see Figure 3(a-b)].

Description

Page 1 2404340 Nasozic tubeintrodur This is an aid to passing a nastric

tube in an intubated patient.

During a laparotomy it is often necessary to pass a tube through the nose into the stomach, to empty its contents. This can be frustratingly difficult as the tube tends not to slip into the oesophagus instead coiling up in the pharynx (see Fig 1 a). Forceps are inserted orally to assist the insertion but this is awkward as access is restricted by the endotracheal tube.

The Introducer This is a flexible tube as seen in Fig 2, made from latex rubber/silicone (or other similar material). The tube has a flange at the end to prevent its complete insertion. Once in place the tube will extend from the opening of the nasal passage to the opening of the oesophagus. This will keep the nasogastric tube from coiling up, keeping it aligned all the way to the oesophagus (fig 1 b).

The introducer could have a scored line or a manufactured weak point, so it can be torn away and removed after insertion.

Alternatively there could be an integral adhesive dressing which could fasten the introducer to the nose and hold the nasogastric tube in place, as shown in Fig 3.

This invention is similar in structure to a nasopharangeal airway.

However it is important to note that the difference in length, which means that the airway is too short to be used as an introducer, and the introducer is too long to be used as an airway.

Drawings Figures] a and b, show attempted insertion of a nasogastric tube and insertion with an introducer, respectively.

Figure 2 shows a sketch of the introducer.

Figure 3 a and b shows a possible design for an integral dressing and how it would be applied, respectively. Hi ^

Claims

Claims 1. A tube? which when inserted into the the nose has the sole

function of assisting passage of a nasogastric tube to the opening of the oesophagus.
2. A tube as claimed in claim 1 which has a scored line, or manufactured weak point, so as to allow it to be torn away and removed after insertion leaving the nasogastric tube in place.
3. A tube as claimed in claim 1 which could be fixed at the nose and hold the nasogastric tube in place by means of an integral adhesive dressing/clamp/stitch.
4. A tube as claimed in any proceeding claim that could be passed orally.