AS THE aged population increases such conditions as basilar artery syndrome and frank cerebral vascular accident have shown a proportionate rise. One of the common complications of these vascular alterations is gross dysphagia with aspiration and pneumonitis. In patients suffering from a stroke, it may well be a continuous problem. These conditions frequently occur at an age when chronic pulmonary infection and dietary imbalance can be fatal. Temporary Tube Alimentation Patients requiring temporary tube feeding resulting from oral cutaneous fistulas, basilar artery syndrome, and similar conditions may be relieved of the cumbersome nasogastric tube by the insertion of a polyethylene tube into a pyriform sinus. When the tube is no longer required it may be easily withdrawn and the sinus can then be allowed to close secondarily. Permanent Tube Alimentation For the patient that will require more or less permanent means by which nutrition may be delivered by a nonoral