Health Economics
Hospital (Acute Care)
Extended Care
Just One Enteral Nutrition Interruption Has Major Impact
Technical issues (e.g., clogs) interrupt the delivery of a patient’s enteral nutrition. One interruption to a patient’s enteral nutrition (EN) can increase their median length of stay (LOS) by 1.5 days in the ICU, and 8 days in the hospital.
Increased hospital length of stay can cost $5,136 per day in the ICU and $1,699 per day in the hospital, for a total of more than $13,500.
Current Solutions Are Not As Effective
The TubeClear System cleared 93% of clogs, compared to 33% cleared by a commercial enzyme treatment and 20% cleared by water alone.
Other De-Clogging Methods Take More Time
In unpublished data by Garrison, C.M., the TubeClear system (Actuated Device) took a total average of 8.8 minutes to restore feeding tube patency across three (3) clog types (I=Easy, II=Medium, III=Hard). The enzyme treatment and water flushing took a total average of 121.9 and 110.3 minutes, respectively.
Replacement is Risky, Costly, and Painful
When a patient’s clogged feeding tube cannot be cleared, it requires replacement. Depending on the type of feeding tube and patient’s requirements, this can lead to an increase in cost, risk, and discomfort.
Misplacement of feeding tubes into the bronchial tree occurs in 2.4% to 3.2% of patients.
Only 80-85% of feeding tube insertions are successful on the first try, risking complications and multiple radiographs for re-insertion.
Patients experience pain and discomfort when replacing their feeding tube.