Technologies

Nasogastric stent dilator and drug delivery system for treating esophageal strictures from a variety of diseases

UConn researchers have developed a device that combines multiple uses/devices in one device. It serves as a stent in the esophagus where the balloon can be intermittently inflated to dilate the esophagus at a strictured area; it can direct drug delivery within the esophagus; and can deliver enteral feedings into the stomach. The design keeps drugs and food separate, with no mixing. The device can easily be modified using radio-opaque markers on the tube which allows for visualizing the device on non­invasive x-rays (instead of relying on invasive endoscopy). The ability to have a single tube that is able to stent, dilate and deliver food would revolutionize the care provided to patients.