An orthodontic anchor, a removable feeding tube, and a simple adapter. Three components that solve a problem unchanged for decades — making enteral feeding invisible, removable, and non-surgical.
A dentist cements orthodontic-grade molar bands with a transpalatal arch (TPA) to the upper molars in a single office visit. No anesthesia. No incision. Takes approximately 30 minutes. The anchor is completely hidden inside the mouth.
The patient inserts a thin, flexible feeding tube through the mouth. The tube clicks into the anchor via the adapter, securing it in place. The tube passes to the jejunum for nutrient delivery. Patients learn to place the tube themselves at home.
When feeding is complete, the patient removes the tube entirely. Only the hidden anchor remains. No tape on the face. No nasal tube. No stoma. Nothing visible to anyone. The patient looks and feels completely normal.
The Alsteni System addresses the fundamental limitations of traditional feeding tubes that drive 80% of patients to refuse treatment.
| Feature | Nasogastric (NG) Tube | Gastrostomy (PEG) Tube | Alsteni System™ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Visible — taped to face | Visible — abdominal stoma | Invisible when tube removed |
| Removability | Not patient-removable | Not removable | Fully patient-removable |
| Surgical? | No | Yes — endoscopic procedure | No — dental placement only |
| Reversibility | Remove tube only | Stoma may not fully close | Fully reversible, no trace |
| Dislodgement Risk | High — common complication | Low | Anchored to dental arch |
| Infection Risk | Sinusitis, aspiration | Peristomal infection common | No surgical site |
| Patient Dignity | Visible marker of illness | Permanent body modification | Preserved — nothing visible |
A growing patent portfolio protects the core platform and next-generation improvements through 2039 and beyond.
Core platform patent covering the intraorally-anchored feeding tube system, anchor design, and tube routing method. Protection through 2039.
Expanded claims covering additional embodiments and design variations. Notice of Allowance received January 2026. Issuance imminent.
International patent protection establishing priority across key markets including Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Additional continuation filings planned.
Each generation expands the addressable market while building on established safety and efficacy data.
The current production design featuring the transpalatal arch anchor, birdie stop mechanism, and ENFit-compatible adapter. Prioritizes established components and clear regulatory predicates for efficient 510(k) clearance. Dental professional places the anchor; patient self-manages the tube.
Todd Oda's next-generation design featuring enhanced safety mechanisms and a flexible connector that eliminates the need for separators between teeth. Enables faster placement, accommodates greater variation in patient dentition. Patent continuation filings protect these improvements.
Long-term vision: a thermoplastic suction-based retention system that eliminates dental professional involvement entirely. Enables home-based initiation and dramatically expands the addressable market. Represents a fully patient-managed metabolic therapy system.
Whether you're a healthcare provider exploring clinical partnerships or an investor evaluating the opportunity, we'd like to hear from you.