PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC GASTROSTOMY (PEG) TUBE HAVING AN IMPROVED INTERNAL BUMPER

摘要

A PEG tube having a new internal bumper design is provided that prevents, or at least reduces the chances of, unintended dislodgement of the PEG tube. The internal bumper is disposed on a proximal end of the tubing of the PEG tube and is in a first, placed state when the PEG tube is in a feeding position inside of a patient. In the first, placed state, the internal bumper is a substantially solid structure having a preselected shape and a preselected maximum outer diameter or width. Initiation of a removal process converts the internal bumper from the first, placed state to a second, removal state in which the internal bumper is a generally elongated structure that has an outer diameter or width that is smaller than the maximum outer diameter or width. The smaller diameter or width of the generally elongated structure facilitates withdrawal of the generally elongated structure through the tract in the patient's stomach.