A check-valve device for prevention of regurgitation after endoesophageal intubation

In pull-through endoesophageal intubation, the esophageal tube, which traverses the esophagogastric junction, may render the sphincter function incompetent and subsequently induce regurgitation of gastric contents conveyed to the esophagus, reflux esophagitis, and even aspiration pneumonia. An antireflux check-valve was developed and has been applied to the lower end of the inserted esophageal tube in 30 patients with malignant esophageal obstruction since September, 1982. The results have proven satisfactory.