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An Active Device for Restoring Patency in Clogged Small Bore Feeding and Decompression Tubes, Case Report Series

An Active Device for Restoring Patency in Clogged Small Bore Feeding and Decompression Tubes, Case Report Series

Mar 15, 2024 | Studies & Evaluations

Marcia Belcher, MSN, BBA, RN, CCRN-CSC, CCNS

Small bore feeding tubes, also known as enteral access devices, are used to provide essential nutrition and medication to patients at risk of malnutrition and dehydration due to an inability to ingest orally. An estimated 7M feeding tubes are placed each year in the U.S. alone. Clogging is one of the most frequent mechanical complications of feeding tubes. Tubes are more likely to become clogged when powdered, crushed, acidic, or alkaline medications or blenderized feeding formulas containing particulates are delivered through the small inner lumen, or when tubes are not routinely flushed following feedings. Reported clogging rates vary, ranging from 9 – 35%. Clogging of nasoenteral (NE) and nasogastric (NG) feeding tubes are considered to be underestimated and underreported, actual rates are likely much higher. Based on a 25% clogging rate, US medical facilities treat an estimated 1.75M clogged feeding tubes annually. 

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This is one of the best devices to come out in a long time to allow critical care nurses to do what they do best…care for their patients.

Marcia Belcher

MSN, BBA, RN

Clinical Study of Mechanical Enteral Tube Declogging

Clinical Study of Mechanical Enteral Tube Declogging

Mar 15, 2024 | Studies & Evaluations

Robert Buckley, RN, CCM & Steve Heisa, RN
NeuroRestorative, Riverton, Utah, August 2021

Key Takeaways

  • Acquiring, training and applying TubeClear for feeding tube de-clogging is simple and well within
    the skill capabilities of Licensed Nurses.
  • TubeClear is a proven technology that is effective in clearing enteral feeding tube clogs.
  • TubeClear has proven to be a cost effective technology to apply in a long-term care environment.
  • TubeClear provides greater resident comfort and confidence in a provider’s care service.
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TubeClear is very cost-effective when utilized at long-term care facilities as it decreases inconvenience and discomfort to patients and saves staff time in clearing a clogged feeding tube

Robert Buckley

RN, CCM, Bucklyn Rose Health

Actuated Mechanical Device for Restoring Patency in Clogged Small Bore Feeding Tubes, Clinical Case Report

Actuated Mechanical Device for Restoring Patency in Clogged Small Bore Feeding Tubes, Clinical Case Report

Mar 15, 2024 | Studies & Evaluations

Jesse C. James, CNSC, Williamson Medical Center, Franklin, TN 37067

Feeding tubes (Tubes) are used to deliver enteral nutrition to patients who are unable to safely ingest nutrients and medications orally, a population at elevated risk of malnutrition and dehydration. Unfortunately, these Tubes have a propensity for becoming clogged. Staff will attempt to unclog Tubes using standard bedside techniques including warm water flushes or chemical enzymes. However, not only are these practices time-consuming, often they are unsuccessful, and the Tube requires replacement. Our facility (Level
2, Williamson Medical Center, Franklin, TN) evaluated an alternative Tube declogging methodology from September 2021 – July 2023. The TubeClear® System
(TubeClear, Actuated Medical, Inc., Bellefonte, PA, see Figure 1) was developed to resolve clogs from various indwelling
Tubes. Study objectives were to explore TubeClear’s ability to unclog indwelling Tubes and monitor any potential safety issues.

The TubeClear System is a game changer for clearing blocked NG tubes. Its simple design and ease of use make it a musthave
tool for medical professionals involved with
feeding tubes.

Jesse C. James

CNSC, Williamson Medical Center

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QR Code Sources

Mar 23, 2023 | Uncategorized

1. Buckey, R. and Heisa, S. “The TubeClear Study: Clinical Study of Mechanical Enteral Tube Declogging.” Aug. 2021.
2. Blumenstein I, Shastri YM, Stein J. Gastroenteric tube feeding: techniques,problems and solutions. World J Gastroenterol. 2014;20:8505-8524.
3. Oley Foundation Member Survey: Enteral Feeding Tube Clogging and Resolution. In: Actuated Medical, Inc.; 2015.
4. Garrison, C. M., “Enteral Feeding Tube Clogging: What Are the Causes and What Are the Answers? A Bench Top Analysis.” Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2018; 33(1):147-150.
5. Actuated Medical, Inc. Internal Test Report Doc. No. 1100791569-002.

LISPEN 2023

Healthcare Practitioner Data Sheet Sources

1. Garrison, C. M., “Enteral Feeding Tube Clogging: What Are the Causes and What Are the Answers? A Bench Top Analysis.” Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2018; 33(1):147-150.

2. Garrison, C. M., “Enteral Feeding Tube Clogging: What Are the Causes and What Are the Answers? A Bench Top Analysis.” Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2018; 33(1):147-150.

3. Stewart, Melissa L. “Interruptions in Enteral Nutrition Delivery in Critically Ill Patients and Recommendations for Clinical Practice.” Critical Care Nurse. 2014; 34(4):14-22.

4. Actuated Medical, Inc. Internal Test Report Doc. No. 1100791569-002.

5. Actuated Medical, Inc. Internal Test Report Doc. No. 1100791569-000.

PAHC

Extended Care Practitioner Data Sheet Sources

  1. Actuated Medical, Inc. Internal Test Report Doc. No. 1100791569-000.
  2. Actuated Medical, Inc. Internal Test Report 1100791569-002.
  3. Buckley, Robert, and Steve Heisa. “Clinical Study of Mechanical Enteral Tube Declogging.” The TubeClear System , Aug. 2021.
  4. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. MAUDE – Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfmaude/search.cfm
  5. Farrington, M, Bruene, D., and Wagner, M. Pain Management Prior to Nasogastric Tube Placement: Atomized Lidocaine. ORL –Head and Neck Nursing. 2015. Winter; 33(1): 8-16.
  6. Stayner, J.L., Bhatnagar, A., McGinn, A.N, and Fang, J.C.  Feeding tube placement: errors and complications. Nutr Clin Pract. 2012. Dec; 27(6):738-48.
  7. Beyer, P.L. Complications of enteral nutrition. In: Matarese, L.E., Gotttschlich, M.M. (eds). Contemporary Nutrition Support Practice: A Clinical Guide. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 1998: 216-226.
  8. Stewart, M. L. Interruptions in enteral nutrition delivery in critically ill patients and recommendations for clinical practice. Crit Care Nurse. 2014. Aug; 34(4):14-21, quiz 22.
  9. Smith, A.L., Santa Ana, C.A., Fordtran, J.S., Guileyardo, J.M. Deaths associated with insertion of nasogastric tubes for enteral nutrition in the medical intensive care unit: Clinical and autopsy findings. Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings. 2018. 31(3):310-316.