Disposable Tubing Set for an Enteral Feeding System

Abstract

The present specification is directed to systems, devices, and methods of portable enteral pump systems for feeding and/or flushing an ambulatory patient. Embodiments provide an enteral pumping device that may be loaded by a patient from a front and a top side of the pumping device and is therefore more convenient to use. Further, embodiments incorporate a single rotor pump for dual-use purposes of feeding nutrients and flushing fluids to the patient. A pinch valve is placed between the parallel sides of the two tubes to cut off fluid flow when required. At least one sensor is also placed between the rotor pump and an outlet. The sensors are used to detect occlusions and the type of disposables used, among other purposes.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A disposable, molded tubing set configured for use in an enteral feeding system, comprising:
 a first tube segment having a first inlet and a first outlet and a second tube segment having a second inlet and a second outlet, wherein the first tube segment and the second tube segment are configured to be parallel to each other and wherein the first inlet and the second inlet are connected to a first attachment component;   a Y connector having a first Y connector inlet, a second Y connector inlet and a Y connector outlet, wherein the first outlet is connected to the first Y connector inlet and the second outlet is connected to the second Y connector inlet; and   a third tube segment having a third inlet and a third outlet; wherein the third inlet is connected to the Y connector outlet and wherein the third outlet is connected to a second attachment component.   
     
     
         2 . The disposable, molded tubing set of  claim 1 , wherein the first tube segment and the second tube segment comprise material having a first durometer value. 
     
     
         3 . The disposable, molded tubing set of  claim 2 , wherein the third tube segment comprise material having a second durometer value, wherein the first durometer value is less than the second durometer value. 
     
     
         4 . The disposable, molded tubing set of  claim 2 , wherein the third tube segment comprise material having a second durometer value, and wherein the first durometer value is substantially equal to the second durometer value. 
     
     
         5 . The disposable, molded tubing set of  claim 1 , wherein the third tube segment is made of silicone. 
     
     
         6 . The disposable, molded tubing set of  claim 1 , wherein the third tube segment is made of polyorganosiloxane and amorphous silica having a specific gravity in a range of 1.05 g/cm 3  to 1.3 g/cm 3 . 
     
     
         7 . The disposable, molded tubing set of  claim 1 , wherein the third tube segment is made of polyorganosiloxane and amorphous silica having a specific gravity in a range of 1.11 g/cm 3  to 1.18 g/cm 3 . 
     
     
         8 . The disposable, molded tubing set of  claim 1 , further comprising a third attachment component in physical communication with the Y-connector, wherein the first attachment component, the second attachment component, and the third attachment component comprise material having a durometer value that is greater than the first durometer value or second durometer value. 
     
     
         9 . The disposable, molded tubing set of  claim 1 , wherein the first attachment component comprises two channels connected to each other by a bridge member. 
     
     
         10 . The disposable, molded tubing set of  claim 1 , wherein each of the first tube segment, the second tube segment, the Y connector, and the third tube segment comprise one or more plastic portions. 
     
     
         11 . The disposable, molded tubing set of  claim 1 , further comprising a pinch wall positioned between the first tube segment and the second tube segment. 
     
     
         12 . The disposable, molded tubing set of  claim 11 , wherein the pinch wall is moved closer to the first tube segment for stopping fluid flow in the first tube segment, and wherein the pinch wall is moved closer to the second tube segment for stopping fluid flow in the second tube segment. 
     
     
         13 . The disposable, molded tubing set of  claim 1 , wherein each of the first tube segment and the second tube segment have a greater degree of compliance compared to silicone and a lower degree of compliance compared to PVC tubing. 
     
     
         14 . The disposable, molded tubing set of  claim 1 , wherein each of the first tube segment, the second tube segment, the Y connector, and the third tube segment constitute a single molded, monolithic component. 
     
     
         15 . The disposable, molded tubing set of  claim 1 , further comprises a pair of protrusions extending outwards from the Y connector for attaching the first Y connector inlet with the first outlet of the first tube segment and the second Y connector inlet with the second outlet of the second tube segment. 
     
     
         16 . The disposable, molded tubing set of  claim 15 , wherein the pair of protrusions provide structural integrity to the first and the second tube segments when connected to the Y connector. 
     
     
         17 . The disposable, molded tubing set of  claim 15 , wherein the pair of protrusions are positioned at a center of a length of the Y connector. 
     
     
         18 . The disposable, molded tubing set of  claim 15 , wherein the pair of protrusions are positioned on an outer surface of the Y connector. 
     
     
         19 . The disposable, molded tubing set of  claim 15 , wherein the pair of protrusions are positioned within an outer surface of the Y connector. 
     
     
         20 . The disposable, molded tubing set of  claim 1 , being configured for use in a dual-use enteral feeding or flushing system.