A device for creating a channel between the stomach lumen and the
abdominal surface of a patient. The device includes a tube and a first
bolster. The tube has a proximal end, a distal end, and a wall, the wall
having an inner surface and an outer surface, and each end having an
opening therein. The first bolster is attached to the distal end of the
tube and the tube is adapted to slidably receive a feeding device having
a shaft, wherein at least a portion of the outer diameter of the shaft of
the feeding device is substantially the same size as that of the inner
wall of the tube. The first bolster is adapted to sealingly engage with
the patient so as to minimize or avoid fluid leakage about the tube. The
present invention is also directed to a method of using an artificial
stoma.