NON-BALLOON IMPLANTABLE ANCHOR FOR GASTROSTOMY/ENTERAL FEEDING DEVICE

Abstract

Patients unable to orally ingest food or medications utilize g-tubes, in order to receive the necessary nutrients and medication to survive. In current models, a silicone balloon is used to secure the device in the stomach. Unfortunately, the balloon requires regular inflation checks for safety, due to the permeability of the material in an acidic environment. This redesigned g-tube anchor employs a hollow silicone disk, to prevent premature or undesired removal of the g-tube. The silicone disk is stretched out with the help of an insertion rod for easy insertion and removal. Once the tube is inserted, the rod is removed and the silicone anchor adopts its original disk shape. The disk anchor retains its integrity throughout its indicated time of use, without requiring adjustments or inflation checks like the balloon. This design ensures that the g-tubes stays in place and remains functional for its full indicated time of use.