Low profile combination device for gastrostomy or jejunostomy applications having anti-granuloma formation characteristics

Abstract

A removable anti-granuloma covering made from an anti-granuloma composition including at least one anti-granuloma agent, wherein the removable anti-granuloma covering is adapted to outfit a medical device for insertion in an artificial opening in a body of a being and wherein the removable covering is adapted to contact an area on a skin surface adjacent to the artificial opening. In certain embodiments, the removable anti-granuloma covering is in a shape of a sleeve, a disk, a sheet, or a layer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of the prior application Ser. No. 10 / 420,450 filed on Apr. 22, 2003 which claims priority from provisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60 / 374,537, filed on Apr. 22, 2002, and Ser. No. 60 / 374,401, filed on Apr. 22, 2002 which are incorporated herein in their entireties. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The invention relates generally to medical devices and more particularly to a low profile device including respective gastrostomy and jejunostomy lumens allowing both gastric and jejunal access. The invention further relates to compositions for coating such devices to prevent or treat granulomas. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] There are many patients who are unable to orally receive nutrition due to physical or physiologic conditions caused by diseases or other maladies. People suffering from stroke, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, inflammation, or other i...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

There are many patients who are unable to orally receive nutrition due to physical or physiologic conditions caused by diseases or other maladies.

Some patients for example, when fed directly to the stomach, encounter a problem with such delivery known as reflux.

Chronically ill or bed-ridden patients who are unable to swallow normally may inadvertently inhale the gastric reflux into the lungs resulting in asphyxiation or pneumonia.

Typical conventional gastrostomy and jejunostomy devices commercially available today extend about 6 to 8 inches from the patient's torso and are heavy.

Their relatively large size and weight renders them less than optimal insofar as comfort and concealability is concerned.

Moreover, such large and heavy devices are particularly unsuitable for pediatric usage.

Disadvantages of this device include uneven flow and possible clogging due to its geometry.

Another disadvantage of prior art gastrostomy and jejunostomy devices is their tendency to produce undesirable granuloma tissue at the stoma site, particularly under long-term use conditions.

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