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Support

The TubeClear team dedicates itself to the quality of our products and services. If you require support of any kind, we’re just a phone call or email away.
 

Need QUICK Help with your Clearing Stem???

The videos below give instruction for setting up the TubeClear System in 2 minutes or LESS!

Depth Limiter for GJ Model Clearing Stem

This video gives an explanation of placing the Depth Limiter for a GJ Model Clearing Stem.

TubeClear System Support Documentation

Operator’s Manual
TubeClear Value Analysis Packet
DFU – GJ-1422 Clearing Stem
DFU – TC-1018 Clearing Stems
DFU – TC-0608 Clearing Stems
DFU – TC-0812 Clearing Stems
DFU – NE Clearing Stems
DFU – G Clearing Stems
TubeClear System Data sheet
TubeClear Proactive Use Data Sheet
TubeClear Tubes Clog Data Sheet
Extended Care Data sheet
TubeClear During a Pandemic Data Sheet

Videos

TubeClear Introduction

   TubeClear Clearing Stem 

TC Clearing Stems

TubeClear Tips & Tricks

Overview

Sticky Clogs

Solid Clogs

Troubleshooting Tips

GJ Tube Clearing Tips & Tricks

TubeClear Used in G-JET®

TubeClear Used in MIC-KEY®

TubeClear Used in MIC®

FAQs

When should I use the TubeClear System?

The TubeClear System is effective against both partial and full occlusions. To improve efficiency, it is recommended to use the TubeClear System as soon as the flow inside the feeding tube becomes sluggish (e.g., it is difficult to flush or the pump alarms).

Can the same Clearing Stem Model be used for G, J, and GJ feeding tubes?
No, each Clearing Stem is indicated for a specific diameter (French Size), length and tube type. There are Clearing Stem models available for NE, NG, G, PEG, J, G-Get®, MIC®, and MIC-KEY® enteral access devices (e.g., feeding tubes). Click here to see all Clearing Stem models.
Does the Coconut Oil packet come with the GJ-1422 Clearing Stems?

Yes, each Box of GJ-1422 Clearing Stems comes with a Box of 10 Coconut Oil Packets.

The Coconut Oil packets shipped with my GJ-1422 Clearing Stems have expired, can I still use the Clearing Stems?

No, if Coconut Oil is expired but GJ-1422 Clearing Stem has not, please contact customer service to purchase a Box of 10 Coconut Oil packets.

 

Are there any technique differences when using the GJ-1422 Clearing Stem compared to the other Clearing Stem Models?

Three main differences are present: 1) GJ-1422 is supplied with Coconut Oil for lubrication during the clearing procedure. Coconut Oil lubrication is key to success in GJ tubes. Reapply prior to each Clearing Stem insertion. 2) When using GJ-1422 to clear a GJ tube, it’s important that your backward and forward motion is shorter – about 2 cm (1 in) from the tube’s port – to prevent kinking the Clearing Stem. 3) Given the complex nature of GJ tubes, it can take longer for GJ-1422 to work compared to other tubes – sometimes up to an hour. Don’t give up!

 

Can the TubeClear System be used proactively?

Absolutely! We recommend using the TubeClear System at least weekly or every 5 days to remove any material buildup along the inside walls of the feeding tube.

Does the TubeClear System work at bedside?

Yes, the Control Box can be placed on any level surface (e.g., table) or clamped to an IV pole and plugged into a wall outlet.

It operates at bedside; therefore, can be used in many patient settings (e.g., hospital, long-term care, and home).

What should I do if I kink the Clearing Stem and now it has a permanent bend?

Remove the Clearing Stem from the feeding tube. With the Control Box still running check to see if the tip of the Clearing Stem is still moving backward and forward (displacing). If it is still displacing then continue with the clearing procedure. If the tip has stopped displacing discard the Clearing Stem and continue the procedure with a new Clearing Stem.

What should I do if during a flush attempt I allow the Clearing Stem to come in contact with the floor?

Do NOT continue the procedure with the current Clearing Stem as it may have become contaminated. Discard the Clearing Stem that touched the floor and continue the procedure with a new Clearing Stem.

 

What should I do with the red Magnet Covers and Tip Protectors when I remove them?

Place the Magnet Cover back into the packaging because you will need to put it on the magnet before discarding the Clearing Stem. This prevents the magnet from sticking to metal objects (e.g., waste container) upon disposal. The Tip Protector can be discarded immediately after use.

Why is it that sometimes I can insert the Clearing Stem up to the Collar, but I can't flush it right after?

Sometimes the Clearing Stem can tunnel a hole through the material clogging the tube. After flushing with water, the remaining clog materials may re-clog the tube. This occurs most often with softer materials (e.g., feeding formula) or larger diameter tubes. If the tube does not flush, repeat the TubeClear procedure until the tube is easily flushed.

Patience is key when dealing with these situations. The TubeClear System will still be able to clear the tube, but it may require a few Clearing Stem insertions to remove all the materials built up on the walls of the tube. 

Check out the instructional video for more information.

Why is the use of water essential with the TubeClear System?

Water helps to break up the contents of the clog. If water is inserted into a clogged tube without the use of the TubeClear System, water may only reach the top of the clog material. But the TubeClear System’s ability to penetrate the clog allows water to reach deeper into the clog, increasing its effectiveness.

Why can't I use the TubeClear System multiple times if it's with the same patient?

All TubeClear Clearing Stem models are indicated for single use only, meaning that each Clearing Stem should be used for a single patient, and for only one clearing event, and then must be discared. Therefore, it is contraindicated for multiple uses in one patient’s tube. During the clearing procedure, clog materials often begin to collect between the Sheath and Wire. Over time these materials can harden and stop the motion of the wire inside the sheath making it a stuff wire. Do not use the TubeClear System if the Wire is not moving backward and forward. Also over time the food-based materials that have collected between the Sheath and Wire may spoil.  

Should I flush or aspirate after using the TubeClear System?

Initially insert water and aspirate via a syringe. Then use the Clearing Stem as per the Operator’s Manual. After a short time, remove the Clearing Stem and try to aspirate the loosened materials. Then add water and try to flush and aspirate again. If the syringe meets resistance, hold that pressure for 10-15 seconds, then remove the syringe and reinsert the Clearing Stem. Repeat until the tube flushes with little force from the syringe. *For the GJ-1422 Clearing Stem, before reinsertion coat the Clearing Stem with Coconut Oil.

What types of materials does the TubeClear System clear?

The TubeClear System clears most medication, feeding formula, and ground food clogs.

When medication is left in the tube for a long time or it chemically reacts with the feeding formula, often the clog materials harden and it is difficult for the Clearing Stem to break up the clog. In these cases use lots of water and remove the Clearing Stem often and aspirate/flush with the syringe then reinsert the Clearing Stem and follow the Operator’s Manual.

It is recommended to use the Clearing Stem when the EAD is sluggish or as soon as the feeding pump alarms. This will enable the Clearing Stem and water to work on the clog more quickly before it fully hardens.

What types of feeding tubes does the TubeClear System work in?

Each Clearing Stem is indicated for specific  feeding tubes. There are Clearing Stem models available for NE, NG, G, PEG, and J, G-Jet®, MIC®, and MIC-KEY® feeding tubes.

  • For GJ-1422 Clearing Stem Model see Indications for Use, Operator’s Manual, page 1.
  • For TC Clearing Stem Models see Indications for Use, Operator’s Manual, page 14.
  • For NE or G Clearing Stem Models see Indications for Use, Operator’s Manual, page 28.

Click here to see all Clearing Stem models.

Does the TubeClear System work on G, J, GJ or PEG tubes?

Yes! Please see the Operator’s Manual for full indications.

Can this be used for home care patients?

Yes!

Please note that the TubeClear System is indicated for use by Certified and Licensed Healthcare Practitioners.

How much does it cost?

Please contact us to be connected with a team member for the most accurate pricing. If you are a Vizient GPO member facility, you can find the TubeClear System on the Innovative Contract #MS7210. If you are a Premier GPO member facility, you can find the TubeClear System on the Breakthrough Contract #PP-DI-1657.