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The TubeClear System – Clinical Study of Mechanical Enteral Tube Declogging in a Skilled Nursing Facility

Jul 7, 2022 | News

Robert Buckley RN, CCM
Steve Heisa, RN

August 2021
NeuroRestorative, Riverton, Utah

Introduction

The use of enteral feeding tubes has greatly enhanced delivery of nutrition, fluids and medications in the clinical setting. Despite the benefits, some of these enteral feeding devices are prone to clogging. These clogs are often related to delivery of crushed medications as well as enteral feeding formulas. Regardless of the cause, clinicians have very limited options for declogging these enteral tubes. The main limitation is getting any form of solvent to the clog as many tubes are thin in diameter and long in length. Many forms of declogging techniques have been attempted with solvents such as warm water, cola, meat tenderizer, enzymes and high pressure flushing. Studies have found that solvent efforts provide little benefit mainly due to the inability to get a solvent to the clog. High pressure flushing has been successful in certain tubes that have the strength to sustain high pressure. However, many tubes, particularly those made of silicone material, cannot withstand high pressure and may burst with such attempts.

In our clinical setting we serve many individuals of all ages requiring enteral feeding support. The loss of feeding access, due to tube clogging, presents a serious interruption to care. In addition, there is the physical discomfort of tube replacement as well as the significant associated financial costs when replacement requires interventional radiology. The increasing occurrence of tube clogs caused us to investigate alternative methods and technologies that may be available to address this problem. This led to the discovery of the TubeClear System (TubeClear) A mechanical feeding tube clearing technology manufactured by Actuated Medical, Inc. (Bellefonte, PA). Our inquiry into the TubeClear technology resulted in the opportunity to participate in an evaluation of this technology application in our clinical setting. This evaluation allowed us to assess the prophylactic use of TubeClear as well as the interventional use when clogs occurred.

 

Product/Service/Methodology

The TubeClear System (TubeClear) comprises a reusable Control Box that provides the mechanical force action to a single-use Clearing Stem. The Clearing Stem contains an inner core that receives the mechanical force providing a forward and backward action to the exposed distal end of the Clearing Stem inner core. The Clearing Stems are indicated for specific feeding tube types and sizes. Actuated Medical provided the training videos, manuals and equipment that were utilized by our nursing managers in developing
their competency for use of TubeClear. Clearing Stems were provided by Actuated Medical based on the information we provided regarding the feeding tube types and sizes within our patients. The sizing of Clearing Stems was specific to feeding tube type,
diameter and length. Our study included standard gastrostomy, nasal gastrostomy, nasal jejunostomy, jejunal and gastro-jejunal (GJ) tubes. Each Clearing Stem is provided with an insertion depth limiter to prevent a Clearing Stem from passing through the distal end of a feeding tube and into the stomach or intestinal tissue. Therefore, all feeding tube lengths must be known in order to apply this service. Prophylactic use was applied one time weekly for a period of four weeks and interventional use was applied as needed over the same four-week period. Standard data regarding each participant such as gender, age, weight, time enteral support in use and enteral formula were recorded. In addition, each individual’s feeding tube data regarding tube manufacturer, model, French size,
length and tube time in service were recorded. The prophylactic use of TubeClear involved the utilization of a specified Clearing Stem inserted into the feeding tube to the depth limitation. Information regarding the ease or resistance of insertion as well as insertion technique, time and individual tolerance of the procedure were recorded. This data was compared to a similar study group of individuals receiving the customary standard of care service regarding clog prevention and declogging. Clog prophylaxis standard services included scheduled enzyme applications and water flushing frequency. Standard declogging included high pressure flushing/suction actions, extended time enzyme applications and other non-mechanical interventions. Each group, TubeClear and Standard of Care, consisted of 15 individuals.

Key Findings 

Key Findings #1
The two most common clogging causes, during this study, were insufficiently crushed or granular medication administrations and suspected enteral formula precipitates (lipids and protein) adhering to the distal inner lumen of tubes. The feeding tube types most prone to these clogs were small lumen, usually 8 to 10 French, and longer in length such as naso-gastric, nasojejunal. Gastro-Jejunal tubes in the 18 to 22 French sizes were also quite prone to the same types of clogs at or near the jejunal exit port(s). Staff gained experience sensing the difference in these types of clogs and the effects each had on the handling of the Clearing Stem. Medication clogs provided a hard stop feel and sudden release when cleared by mechanical
action. Precipitate clogs provided a soft or sluggish stop and slow sluggish clearing with additional flushing efforts during the clearing process.

Key Findings #2
Mechanical de-clogging was found to be far more effective than any other method of clearing a clog. During the four-week study period, all clogs (3) were able to be cleared with TubeClear. One clog, that occurred in the standard of care group, was unable to be cleared utilizing standard methods. That clog was later successfully cleared using TubeClear. During the study, no resident required a tube replacement due to an unresolved clog. This finding was especially important as two of the individuals, whose tubes were clogged, would most likely have required transfer to the hospital for interventional radiology placement of new tubes (GJ type tubes).

Key Findings #3
The type of tube and the material used in the construction of the tube play an important role in the declogging process. Naso-gastric and naso jejunal tubes are most often made from a vinyl plastic material. This allows a greater amount of pressure to be applied that can often clear medication clogs. Distal tube clogs from enteral formula precipitates are more difficult to clear without mechanical clearing. Gastro-jejunal (GJ) type tubes are most often made from silicone material and are quite prone to rupture if too much pressure is applied to clear a clog. Most clogs in these tubes occurred in the distal portion of the jejunal section of the tube near the exit port(s). The GJ Tube participants in this study received medications via the gastric port and no medication clogging occurred with these tubes. Long-term experience in utilizing silicone-type tubes has demonstrated that tubes are most often replaced due to a rupture caused by efforts to clear a clog with increased pressure. Silicone tubes have also ruptured from enteral pump pressure when clogs occurred unnoticed by staff. Enteral pumps are equipped with pressure sensors that suspend administration and activate an alarm. It is quite possible that silicone tubes weakened by previous pressure applications may be the cause of pump-related ruptures, where pressure did not rise to the point where sensors would activate a pause before the rupture occurred. Mechanical clog clearing, with TubeClear, proved to be the most effective and safest method for preventing or clearing clogs in silicone-type tubes.

Conclusion

Clogging of long term use enteral feeding tubes is almost inevitable even with the most effective management methods of non-mechanical prevention techniques. Enteral tubes most effected by clogging are narrow lumen i.e., 8-10 French and long length in nature i.e., 140 cm. (typical naso-gastric/jejunal tubes). Enteral tubes least likely to clog are of larger lumen i.e.,12 French and larger and short length in nature i.e., less than 25 cm. (typical gastrostomy or jejunostomy tubes). Silicone gastro-jejunal tubes are particularly difficult to de-clog by nonmechanical means due to the fragile nature of the tube to pressure. TubeClear is an effective and cost-efficient means of de-clogging enteral feeding tubes of all types.

The prophylactic use of TubeClear, as a clog prevention strategy, in cases of recurrent clogging and tube types that require interventional radiology for replacement, has proven to be cost effective as well. The residents we serve are mostly ventilator dependent. Therefore, they require ambulance transport when interventional radiology is needed for feeding tube replacement. That transportation cost alone is approximately $1,300. We often will provide a respiratory therapist to accompany a resident on the transport and during the procedure for feeding tube replacement, costing on average $250. The placement procedure has an average cost of $2,670.00, including professional fees. Our experience, during the course of the evaluation, likely resulted in the prevention of at least two GJ tube replacements at the costs noted above.

The highest benefit, with our experience, in utilizing TubeClear is the comfort it has provided to the residents we care for. Tube clogging is experienced as a complication of care progress. In addition, it is a stressful experience as it can bring the anticipation of discomfort and costs associated with possible enteral tube replacement. The several tubes we were able to de-clog with TubeClear provided our residents a great sense of relief and a greater sense of confidence in our care abilities.

Key Takeaways

1. Aquiring, training and applying the TubeClear System for feeding tube de-clogging is
simple and well within the skill capabilities of Licensed Nurses
2. The TubeClear System is a proven technology that is effective in clearing enteral feeding
tube clogs.
3. The TubeClear System has proven to be a cost effective technology to apply in a longterm care environment.
4. The TubeClear System provides greater resident comfort and confidence in a provider’s
care service.

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TubeClear Receives FDA Clearance for New GJ-Specific Clearing Stem Model

TubeClear Receives FDA Clearance for New GJ-Specific Clearing Stem Model

Dec 4, 2020 | News, Press Releases

BELLEFONTE, PA – Actuated Medical, Inc. (AMI) recently received its sixth Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance for the TubeClear® system. Clearance number K200646 introduces a Clearing Stem model that is compatible with select gastro-jejunostomy (GJ) feeding tubes.

These complex dual lumen feeding tubes are often expensive and require surgery to place. When a clogged feeding tube of any type cannot be cleared, it requires replacement. The new TubeClear GJ-1422 Clearing Stem offers a mechanical option for clinicians to keep these expensive GJ tubes clear and avoid an unnecessary procedure to replace the tube. The GJ-1422 Clearing Stem is designed to work with MIC*, MIC-KEY* (Avanos Medical, Inc., Alpharetta, GA) and G-Jet® (Applied Medical Technology (AMT), Brecksville, OH) GJ feeding tubes that are 14-22 French diameter and have a jejunal length of 15-45 centimeters.

“Clogging in GJ tubes is one of the most common complaints we hear from clinicians and patients alike,” said AMI president and chief executive officer Maureen L. Mulvihill, PhD. “Being able to deliver a Clearing Stem that is compatible with our existing TubeClear system as well as GJ feeding tubes is an exciting opportunity for AMI to support vulnerable patients and improve their outcomes.”

The TubeClear system is an FDA cleared medical device that uses patented mechanical motion technology to maintain flow and clear clogs in most feeding and decompression tubes while the tube remains in the patient and works at bedside. Keeping these tubes clear prevents interruptions to feeding and medication delivery, allowing clinicians to maintain their focus on improving patient care and reducing healthcare cost associated with tube replacement. The system, which is comprised of reusable control boxes and single-use clearing stems, is designed, developed, and manufactured by AMI in Bellefonte, PA. The new GJ Clearing Stem is slated to be available for sale in clinical settings in early 2021.

 

***

About Actuated Medical, Inc.

Actuated Medical develops medical devices that integrate electronically controlled motion technologies that improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Their development process focuses on intellectual property, regulatory, and reimbursement strategies to decrease commercialization risk and attract medical device technology licensing partnerships. Their devices solve unmet clinical needs in target markets (e.g., GI, oncology, critical care and pediatrics). Actuated Medical a certified women-owned business located in Bellefonte, PA and is ISO 13485:2016 certified.

For more information, please visit http://www.actuatedmedical.com

 

Comparing Options for Clearing Clogged Feeding Tubes

Mar 2, 2020 | News

No one wants a clogged feeding tube.  They impact the patient’s ability to receive adequate nutrition and keep medication on schedule.[1]  If the clog cannot be cleared, the tube is replaced. Tube replacement can be a painful, risky, and costly procedure that can include x-rays, surgery, and emergency transportation.  Plus, it takes hours or even days before the patient receives a new tube. The lack of medication, nutrition, and hydration increases the patient’s cost of care.

Because of this, nurses and caregivers have tried several different strategies for clearing and preventing clogs.  From flushing with soda to using products designed for clogged feeding tubes, below are some of the most common solutions.

 

Water

The current standard practice, health care facilities and feeding tube manufacturers alike recommend flushing tubes with water regularly to treat and prevent clogs.  In spite of this, clogs still occur as often as 15% of the time.[2] An internal bench study at Actuated Medical, Inc. showed feeding formula still left on the interior tube walls after flushing with water.[4] Power flushing, a technique in which the syringe depressed with extra force, may cause the water to come back out of the entry port, or worse – rupture the tube.[2,3]

When clogged, water flushing restored feeding tube flow just 20% of the time and took nearly two hours.[5]

Soft Drinks

When water fails, clinicians and care givers turn to soda or juice to dissolve clogs.  This is a myth.[4] In fact, literature suggests that the opposite is true: soft drinks make existing clogs worse. The acidic fluid mixed with feeding formula causes a reaction that forms a new clog.[6] In addition, cola and orange juice can damage the interior lining of feeding tubes.[7] In general, studies suggest lack of efficacy with these remedies,[3,8] with more recent literature discouraging the practice altogether.[9]

Enzyme Mixtures

Another common solution involves crushing enzymes and mixing with baking soda to dissolve the clog.  Early studies showed this to be effective.[2] However, the compound used in these studies was discontinued when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) started regulating enzymes.[2] Some alternatives have enteric coating, making it difficult to crush and more likely to create clogs.  Other enzymes tested for removing clogs were less than 50% effective.[10]

Enzyme-Based Clog Removing Products

While a clogged feeding tube is a common problem, few products have been developed to treat them.  One such product, Clog Zapper (Avanos Medical, Inc., Alpharetta, GA), is a pre-mixed food-based enzyme that includes a stylet for improved access to the clog.  A recent bench study found limited effectiveness against clogs at just 33%. It also takes a long time – in the same study, Clog Zapper required two hours or more to work (if it did at all).[5] The product is designed for formula clogs and is ineffective in clogs containing medication.  In addition, Clog Zapper’s label states that it Contains Tree Nuts (Coconuts).  Therefore, clinicians must ensure that their patients do not have a food allergy to Coconuts prior to use.

A comparison of each solution’s effectiveness against clogs.[5]

Manual Clog Removing Devices

When fluids and enzymes don’t work, clinicians turn to mechanical tools designed for clogged feeding tubes. One advantage of these types of devices: the clog contents don’t matter.

Declogger (Bionix Development Corporation, Toledo, OH) is a plastic screw-like device for large-diameter feeding tubes. There is limited information available about its effectiveness. A few adverse events have been reported in which the tip of the device broke off inside the feeding tube.

Powered Clog Clearing Devices

Another mechanical product, the TubeClear system, uses a motor to move a flexible Clearing Stem backward and forward to break up clogs in most types and sizes of feeding tubes.[11] A recent study found the TubeClear system at least four times as effective as flushing with water, and 13 times faster.[11] In fact, clinical use found that the TubeClear system cleared clogs in an average of 14 minutes.[12] Designed specifically for feeding tubes, the TubeClear system did not cause damage during use in bench studies.

Download the White Paper

The downside? Limited published clinical data and minimal reimbursement. But that’s a defining characteristic of innovation; early adopters are beginning to see its benefits to patient care and nursing experience.

What are your experiences with clogged feeding tubes?  Have you used any of the solutions mentioned in this article, or perhaps something entirely different?

References:

  1. Bourgault AM, Heyland DK, Drover JW, Keefe L, Newman P, Day AG. Prophylactic pancreatic enzymes to reduce feeding tube occlusions. Nutr Clin Pract. 2003;18(5):398-401.
  2. Dandeles LM, Lodolce AE. Efficacy of agents to prevent and treat enteral feeding tube clogs. Ann Pharmacother. 2011;45(5):676-680.
  3. Fisher C, Blalock B. Clogged Feeding Tubes: A Clinician’s Thorn. Practical Gastroenterology. 2014:16-22.
  4. Hayes KD, Hayes DD. Best practices for unclogging feeding tubes in adults. Nursing2019. 2018;48:1.
  5. Garrison CM. Enteral Feeding Tube Clogging: What Are the Causes and What Are the Answers? A Bench Top Analysis. Nutr Clin Pract. 2018;33(1):147-150.
  6. Boullata JI, Carrera AL, Harvey L, et al. ASPEN Safe Practices for Enteral Nutrition Therapy. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2017;41(1):15-103.
  7. Rucart PA, Boyer-Grand A, Sautou-Miranda V, Bouteloup C, Chopineau J. Influence of unclogging agents on the surface state of enteral feeding tubes. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2011;35(2):255-263.
  8. Metheny N, Eisenberg P, McSweeney M. Effect of feeding tube properties and three irrigants on clogging rates. Nurs Res. 1988;37(3):165-169.
  9. Zoeller, S., Bechtold, M.L., Burns, B., Cattell, T., Grenda, B., Haffke, L., Larimer, C., Powers, J., Reuning, F., Tweel, L., Guenter, P. Dispelling Myths and Unfounded Practices About Enteral Nutrition. Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2020. 1-9.
  10. Stumpf JL, Kurian RM, Vuong J, Dang K, Kraft MD. Efficacy of a Creon delayed-release pancreatic enzyme protocol for clearing occluded enteral feeding tubes. Ann Pharmacother. 2014;48(4):483-487.
  11. TubeClear | Occlusion Clearing System. Actuated Medical Inc. https://www.tubeclear.com/. Published 2012. Accessed.
  12. Belcher, M. “An Active Device for Restoring Patency in Clogged Small Bore Feeding and Decompression Tubes, Case Report Series.” 2016. https://www.tubeclear.com/white-paper-download.

    Prophylactic use of the TubeClear system reduces feeding tube material buildup and enables optimal enteral nutrition delivery.

    Prophylactic use of the TubeClear system reduces feeding tube material buildup and enables optimal enteral nutrition delivery.

    Jan 9, 2020 | Bench Study, News

    Enteral nutrition (EN) is provided for patients that have a functioning lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract but are unable to orally ingest nutrients and medication and are at risk for malnutrition.[1] Feeding tubes (Tubes) provide these patients essential nutrition, life-sustaining medications and hydration. Numerous conditions may necessitate long-term EN, including GI dysfunction, cancer, cystic fibrosis, neurological disorders, burn patients, congenital heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and congenital metabolic abnormalities.[1,2] Maintaining Tube patency is critical for many, as EN interruptions are often associated with poor clinical outcomes. Tube clogging (see Figure 1) is the most frequently reported mechanical complication associated with feeding tubes, with reported clogging rates ranging from 9-35%.[3-5]  A recent survey of Oley Foundation members (180+ patients with feeding tubes and/or caretakers) indicated that up to 81% of non-acute Tubes become clogged, with 39.4% requiring a tube replacement due to clogs.[6]  Clogs result in the interruption of patient’s nutrition and medication regimens, representing a burden to both caregivers and patients.

    Figure 1: Images of actual clogged feeding tubes submitted by three (3) different hospitals to Actuated Medical, Inc.

    Common approaches to maintain Tube patency include regular flushing with water, carbonated sodas, and enzymatic solutions immediately after administering nutrition or medication. Some healthcare facilities add procedures for adequately crushing medications to prevent clogs. Current methods for unclogging Tubes are time-consuming and unreliable, often ending in patients having to undergo Tube replacements. Tube replacements are associated with their own set of risks, including the need for patient transport to the hospital, transfer to interventional radiology (IR) for radiological guidance or Tube placement confirmation following placement, exposing patients to radiation exposure, or surgical interventions which can expose patients to anesthesia.[7-10] Moreover, Tube misplacements into the bronchial tree reportedly occur in 2.4-3.2% of all nasogastric (NG) tube insertions,[11] a serious complication which, if unidentified, results in pneumonitis, pneumonia, and/or pneumothorax.[11]

    Actuated Medical, Inc. (AMI) aimed to directly compare the prophylactic use of the TubeClear system, an actuated mechanical clearing device, to standard practice water flushes at reducing inner wall Tube material buildup, as a means of reducing subsequent material adherence and Tube clogging in vitro. Establishing protocols that could minimize clog formation would be invaluable for maintaining Tube patency and allowing for nutrition and medication regimens to remain uninterrupted.

    Methods

    Nasogastric (NG) tubes (N=22, 10Fr, 42”) were partially clogged with feeding formula and fiber supplement mixture. Mixture was introduced and blown through with air, coating the Tube inner walls and dried (55°C for 3 hrs.). Tubes were placed in a 3D gastrointestinal model and pump fed (21 mL/hr.) until Tube length was entirely filled with formula (see Figure 2). Half of the Tubes (n=11) were subsequently flushed with 30 mL of water, as directed by clinical practice following feeding formula introduction. The other half of tubes (n=11) underwent a 30 mL water flush in coordination with use of the TubeClear system according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Following clearing procedures, Tubes were dried (55°C for 3 hrs.) to remove moisture introduced by water flushes. Tubes were weighed before and after mixture introduction to quantify the mass within Tubes. As such, the final recorded masses within Tubes were a combination of the initial introduced mixture and added pump fed formula. These mean values did not differ by clearing treatment (0.248 vs 0.250 g, Water vs TubeClear, unpaired T-test, p=0.76) prior to drying. Tubes were weighed following clearing and drying and percent mass increase or decrease from initial mixture mass were calculated (see Figure 3).

    Figure 2: Tube in GI model being pumped with formula.

    Figure 3: Percent change in mass of NG tubes flushed with with either water alone (Gray Bar) or in conjunction of the TubeClear system (Orange Bar) to  remove buildup residue within Tube inner walls. N=22, 11/treatment; Unpaired T-test for significance, Bars= standard error  of the mean. *p <0.0001.

    Results

    The TubeClear system in conjunction with water flushes removed 77.1±2.4% of mass while Water flushing alone added 68.5±15.8% (see Figure 3, unpaired T-test p<0.0001).[12]  As added water was removed by post-clearing drying, the added mass, in Water group, was likely formula sticking to the pre-existing Tube material buildup. Images of the partially clogged feeding tubes treated with water or combined with the TubeClear system demonstrated visual differences (see Figure 4), confirmed with mass measurements.

    • All Tubes cleared by TubeClear decreased in mass, while nearly all the Tubes flushed with water alone, increased in mass.
    • The TubeClear system was 145.6% more effective than water alone at removing buildup.

    Figure 4: Representative examples of partially clogged feeding tubes treated with water alone (top) or in conjunction with the TubeClear system (Bottom) to  remove buildup residue within Tube inner walls.

    Conclusions

    This work demonstrates that compared to water flushes alone, proactive use of the TubeClear system prior to Tube occlusions can minimize added material buildup from adhering to Tube inner walls, maintaining full Tube diameter and reducing the risk of future clogging, enabling uninterrupted and optimal EN delivery.

    References:

    1. Ireton-Jones C, DeLegge M. Handbook of Home Nutrition Support. Sudburry, MA: Jones and Bartlett; 2007.
    2. Pederson A. Enteral Feeding (Tube Feeding). Gaining and Growing: Assuring Nutritional Care of Preterm Infants. http://depts.washington.edu/growing/Nourish/Tubes.htm. Accessed2000.
    3. Marcuard SP, Stegall KS. Unclogging feeding tubes with pancreatic enzyme. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 1990;14(2):198-200.
    4. Bourgault AM, Heyland DK, Drover JW, Keefe L, Newman P, Day AG. Prophylactic pancreatic enzymes to reduce feeding tube occlusions. Nutr Clin Pract. 2003;18(5):398-401.
    5. Shiram K, Jayanth, V., Lakshmi, R., George, V. Prophylactic Locking of Enteral Feeding Tubes With Pancreatic Enzymes. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. 2012;21(6):353-356.
    6. Oley Foundation Member Survey:  Enteral Feeding Tube Clogging and Resolution. In: Actuated Medical, Inc.; 2015.
    7. Mathus-Vliegen L, Koning H. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and gastrojejunostomy: a critical reappraisal of patient selection, tube function and the feasibility of nutritional support during extended follow-up. Gastrointest Endosc. 1999;50(6):746-754.
    8. Sy K, Dipchand A, Atenafu E, et al. Safety and effectiveness of radiologic percutaneous gastrostomy and gastro jejunostomy in children with cardiac disease. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2008;191(4):1169-1174.
    9. Towbin R, Ball WJ, Bissett Gr. Percutaneous gastrostomy and percutaneous gastrojejunostomy in children: antegrade approach. Radiology. 1988;168(2):473-476.
    10. Smith R-M, Myers S. 2 devices that unclog feeding tubes. RNWeb. http://rn.modernmedicine.com/rnweb/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=142656#intro. Published 2005. Accessed March 9, 2010.
    11. Stayner JL, Bhatnagar A, McGinn AN, Fang JC. Feeding tube placement: errors and complications. Nutr Clin Pract. 2012;27(6):738-748.
    12. Actuated Medical Inc. TubeClear Prophylactic Test Report: 1100791569, Rev002. 2019.

    TubeClear System More Effective at Clearing Clogged Feeding Tubes

    TubeClear System More Effective at Clearing Clogged Feeding Tubes

    Dec 4, 2019 | Bench Study, News

    In a recent study published in Nutrition in Clinical Practice by Christopher M. Garrison, Ph.D., RN, CNE, the TubeClear system was found to be significantly more effective at removing clogs from feeding tubes than water or enzyme-based clog-clearing treatments.[1] While water flushes and Clog Zapper seemed to work sometimes, the TubeClear system worked nearly every time regardless of clog type (see Figure 1). In addition, the TubeClear system required less Active Nursing Time and Total Nursing Time than the water or Clog Zapper.

    Based on this study, clinicians may save time by clearing clogs with the TubeClear system first.

    Figure 1: The TubeClear System restored patency to feeding tubes 93% of the time during the study, compared to 33% and 20% for Clog Zapper and water treatments, respectively.

    Read the Abstract

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    References:

    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.

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